mcchane1 Posted February 7, 2016 #1 Share Posted February 7, 2016 We are cruising on the Independence of the Seas April 2017 with our family of 5 (myself and hubby and 3 adult children) I have 2 junior suites booked but now I am wondering about a Royal family suite. Anyone have a guess on the price difference and reasons why it would or wouldn't be a good idea? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted February 7, 2016 #2 Share Posted February 7, 2016 We are cruising on the Independence of the Seas April 2017 with our family of 5 (myself and hubby and 3 adult children) I have 2 junior suites booked but now I am wondering about a Royal family suite. Anyone have a guess on the price difference and reasons why it would or wouldn't be a good idea? You would have to call Royal or a travel agent to get the price on the RFS. One advantage of the RFS is that it's a full suite, so you will get the full suite perks: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/contentWithHero.do?pagename=enhanced_program_for_suite_guests Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panger Posted February 7, 2016 #3 Share Posted February 7, 2016 We stayed in a Royal Family Suite on Adventure of the Seas, there were 2 of us (we had a junior suite and received a call to offer an upsell to RFS; which we accepted largely because of the double points. We are cruising this year with our adult children and their partners and often asked ourselves your very question when we were in the RFS. These were our thoughts: The space in the RFS is a big wow factor; separate bedroom, two bathrooms, roomy lounge and nice balcony (albeit aft). It probably depends on how old your adult children are and how well you can all live together. We felt that the second bedroom (which has no window) was fantastic for under 18s and we would have loved this arrangement with our family. Our adult children with spouses are now in their 30s, therefore we felt that a RFS would be too intimate for us. Very much a personal decision at the end of the day; if you like being together an RFS suite is amazing; if you think a bit more privacy is needed then 2 junior suites might be better. Probably worth comparing the costs and looking at some pictures on line; there are lots of videos and pictures available of RFS. Good luck. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcchane1 Posted February 7, 2016 Author #4 Share Posted February 7, 2016 This cruise is to celebrate DH and my 25th anniversary. The "kids" are hubby's oldest 2 from his first marriage (34 & 31 yrs old) and our son (25). The older 2 were the typical "every other weekend kids" and we have never traveled together since they became adults. All 3 kids are single and get along well. I guess I need to call get check price and availability to see if the makes the decision easier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcchane1 Posted February 7, 2016 Author #5 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Just called and prices for the 2 junior suites or 1 royal family suite are about exactly bthe same. Hard decision Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted February 7, 2016 #6 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Just called and prices for the 2 junior suites or 1 royal family suite are about exactly bthe same. Hard decision If you are OK with the reduced privacy, then I'd go with the RFS. You may enjoy the suite perks. On Indy, suite guests get a reserved area for pool loungers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Babe Posted February 7, 2016 #7 Share Posted February 7, 2016 I would definitely go with RFS Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted February 7, 2016 #8 Share Posted February 7, 2016 We stayed in a Royal Family Suite on Adventure of the Seas, there were 2 of us (we had a junior suite and received a call to offer an upsell to RFS; which we accepted largely because of the double points. We are cruising this year with our adult children and their partners and often asked ourselves your very question when we were in the RFS. These were our thoughts: The space in the RFS is a big wow factor; separate bedroom, two bathrooms, roomy lounge and nice balcony (albeit aft). It probably depends on how old your adult children are and how well you can all live together. We felt that the second bedroom (which has no window) was fantastic for under 18s and we would have loved this arrangement with our family. Our adult children with spouses are now in their 30s, therefore we felt that a RFS would be too intimate for us. Very much a personal decision at the end of the day; if you like being together an RFS suite is amazing; if you think a bit more privacy is needed then 2 junior suites might be better. Probably worth comparing the costs and looking at some pictures on line; there are lots of videos and pictures available of RFS. Good luck. Note to other people reading this response: Panger would have received double points in the JS anyway; RFS gives the same double points; no difference there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
nik23 Posted February 7, 2016 #9 Share Posted February 7, 2016 (edited) Look at the suite benefits and see if any of those perks interest you. This may help make your decision Edited February 7, 2016 by nik23 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panger Posted February 7, 2016 #10 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Hi everyone, my husband thinks the RFS has more privacy btw (contrary to my thoughts), this is because the master bedroom does have a door to the hallway, and the living room area is a very private area compared to three sharing in a JS. It certainly does have the wow factor. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panger Posted February 7, 2016 #11 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Just a thought and worth checking, but pretty sure there are no double points in JS (think it has to be higher suite than a JS). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted February 7, 2016 #12 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Just a thought and worth checking, but pretty sure there are no double points in JS (think it has to be higher suite than a JS). Extra points are for a JS and better. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panger Posted February 7, 2016 #13 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Another amazing thing though was the priority seats for the ice show! (didn't get those with JS). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Merion_Mom Posted February 7, 2016 #14 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Hi everyone, my husband thinks the RFS has more privacy btw (contrary to my thoughts), this is because the master bedroom does have a door to the hallway, and the living room area is a very private area compared to three sharing in a JS. It certainly does have the wow factor. And that balcony is HUGE - and in two separate sections - for additional private spaces to share or not to share. ;) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcchane1 Posted February 7, 2016 Author #15 Share Posted February 7, 2016 I am so torn between the two options......this is a tough one. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Babe Posted February 7, 2016 #16 Share Posted February 7, 2016 A few years ago we took our daughter and niece on the Liberty with us. We were booked in a GS but got a free upgrade to the RFS. The girls room was in the front by the door and ours was in the back by the living room. We never heard the girls at night. The only time we saw the girls were when they came in the CL for happy hour and at dinner. It was a win-win for all of us. I think it is a no brainer -- everyone gets the suite benefits and you may save money in the end with free drinks and the perks of being in a suite. Oh how much joy I get with a gold card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SailingSal Posted February 7, 2016 #17 Share Posted February 7, 2016 We did a Royal family suite on Voyager with 6 of our children ages 13 to 23(oldest was married and didn't go). There were 2 bunk beds in the 1 room where our 4 daughters slept. Our sons were on the pull-out couch in our large sitting area and not comfortable at all. My husband and I had the very large master bedroom and bath. We laughed a lot - it was crazy! The previous cruise we took with the kids - we were spread out over 4 rooms. So I was convinced that this would be so much better - NOT!:eek: Now - with you and your husband and 3 adult children- I would go for it. You will have more amenities to enjoy than in the junior suites. The Royal family suite is beautiful and has a huge balcony that you will enjoy. Though the suite sleeps 8 people, it was crowded. I felt like we were still at home as I was always picking up after everyone - LOL Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vickiw0318 Posted February 7, 2016 #18 Share Posted February 7, 2016 The only downside I see is less sleeping room for the boys and a shower instead of a tub. But, I think they would cope with that in exchange for the large living space, big balcony and free drinks in the concierge lounge. I have stayed in a RFS four times and would definitely pick it over the two JSs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NanciRDH Posted February 7, 2016 #19 Share Posted February 7, 2016 We've done both, and my 23 yo said choose the RFS...it gives you free booze and that's all you need to know lol. The master bath has a tub, the other one just a shower, but a nice one, not the skinny tube. My DH is tall, he doesn't like the tub showers anyway, so he preferred the RFS to have that shower. Also, with the full menu available for room service, we enjoyed nice breakfasts on the balcony...it had a regular sized table and chairs out there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Powersboyee2 Posted February 7, 2016 #20 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Note to other people reading this response: Panger would have received double points in the JS anyway; RFS gives the same double points; no difference there. Was thinking the same thing. Thanks for saying something. Sent from my iPhone using Forums mobile app Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mcchane1 Posted February 7, 2016 Author #21 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Just made the change....we are now in the Royal family suite. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted February 7, 2016 #22 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Just made the change....we are now in the Royal family suite. Good choice, now you have to worry that you won't be able to go back to anything less than a full suite.:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Colorado Babe Posted February 7, 2016 #23 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Congratulations! Enjoy your RFS and the concierge lounge and all the amentities Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Panger Posted February 7, 2016 #24 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Fantastic!!!! You will love it. Have a great time!! :):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drarill Posted February 7, 2016 #25 Share Posted February 7, 2016 Just made the change....we are now in the Royal family suite. Great choice!! the only problem is that once you get a taste of the suite life is really hard to go back to a regular room... enjoy it!!:):) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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