Rare Ukigirl Posted September 24, 2018 #1 Share Posted September 24, 2018 Every time I book a cruise, I always look at suite price vs balcony, my finger is so close to that suite button but so far, noooo. I don’t get it, we can afford it , kids are grown and on their own but but but but why can’t I convince myself? What is truly the difference between balcony and suite life? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted September 24, 2018 #2 Share Posted September 24, 2018 Highly dependent on the ship. What ship? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUEST71919 Posted September 24, 2018 #3 Share Posted September 24, 2018 (edited) @Ukigirl I think it is mostly determined by what matters to you. My parents cruised from the very early 1970’s until my father died in 1995. They were never in the cabin and never cared much what kind of cabin they booked. But I’m what I call “a nester” (meaning I like a place that I can return to in order to rejuvenate and so it does matter to me that it’s a bit nicer). Plus, my husband loves a nice balcony (and a big one he likes even better). There are prices that I would never pay on some ships, I would feel like an idiot for spending some of those sums - but if you are careful you can get some fantastic bargains on even the nicest suites (including Owner’s suites, Aqua Theater suites, and Loft suites in RC and the Haven suites on the NCL line). I hope you will maybe find one of those and try it once to see :) Happy sailing - Lynn Edited September 24, 2018 by 2Beeze Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Ukigirl Posted September 24, 2018 Author #4 Share Posted September 24, 2018 Radiance, Freedom, Oasis... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
klfrodo Posted September 24, 2018 #5 Share Posted September 24, 2018 I would answer but if more people start booking suites, the price will only go up. Basic supply and demand. I do enjoy the extra space though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Ukigirl Posted September 24, 2018 Author #6 Share Posted September 24, 2018 How do you find deals Lynn? I think of myself as a savvy shopper but still get overwhelmed and mostly second guess myself. I research quite a bit and book myself versus a TA, I’ve gotten many discounts as I check on a weekly basis for price drops, mostly thanks to this board. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Ukigirl Posted September 24, 2018 Author #7 Share Posted September 24, 2018 I would answer but if more people start booking suites, the price will only go up.Basic supply and demand. I do enjoy the extra space though. Please answer , I won’t tell anyone Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Clarea Posted September 24, 2018 #8 Share Posted September 24, 2018 Radiance, Freedom, Oasis... Radiance & Freedom: https://www.royalcaribbean.com/faq/questions/what-are-the-benefits-of-the-suites-program Oasis: http://www.royalcaribbean.com/RoyalSuiteClass Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyNameIsGermy Posted September 24, 2018 #9 Share Posted September 24, 2018 Every time I book a cruise, I always look at suite price vs balcony, my finger is so close to that suite button but so far, noooo. I don’t get it, we can afford it , kids are grown and on their own but but but but why can’t I convince myself? What is truly the difference between balcony and suite life? The only way I could ever get my husband to go on a cruise was to convince him the rooms were the size of a normal hotel room. Our first cruise, I had to quietly get the Owners Suite on the Sovereign of the Seas. Since then, we've only booked suites because we like having the space and the additional perks, based on the ship. Going to the suite life is based purely on your preferences. If you tend to book the fancier hotel rooms and chains, you may appreciate the suites more. If you're more interested in saving money and getting a good deal, the balcony room is going to suit you just fine. At the end of the day, it's about what your expectations are. -germ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nectarologist Posted September 24, 2018 #10 Share Posted September 24, 2018 (edited) I agree w Germ 100%. I've never sailed a suite on RC but have on DCL and NCL. And I've stayed in inside rooms after staying in suites...I've loved them all (just need to know what to expect). For me, no one beats The Haven on NCL. But check to see what you get. The room of course needs to be nice (& it will be) but some lines offer more than others. For example, NCL you have a butler & concierge and on DCL you only have concierge attendant. But definitely do it! You'll love it even if it's just once...you deserve it! Sorry I didn't exactly answer your question but it can really vary depending on the line so check the services you get besides the bigger room. Edited September 24, 2018 by Nectarologist Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted September 24, 2018 #11 Share Posted September 24, 2018 Our last six cruises on rccl were all in grand suites , first the suite is great approx 400 sq ft , nice balcony and large bathroom with double sink. Perks change from ship to ship , one was on brilliance all others navigator or liberty. All had concierge or suite lounge. All has breakfast in a specialty restaurant, navigator and liberty has reserved pool seating and also reserved ice show seating which we enjoyed. Priority tenders and disembarkation on all ships. Also free luggage valet. Next cruise is oasis which has suite restaurant. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
14Terry Posted September 24, 2018 #12 Share Posted September 24, 2018 The suite life is fantastic! It’s not just about the room, but all the other perks that come along with it. A word of caution though, once you cruise with a suite you may never want to go book another other type room! Happy cruising! Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SRF Posted September 24, 2018 #13 Share Posted September 24, 2018 I got spoiled on my first cruise. We had booked a Jr Suite for us and a Balcony for my parents (no more JR Suites available). About a month before, I was looking and a Royal Family Suite (now 2 br GS) opened up, and the price was lower than our two. So we switched. Now, I just book a GS. :D So basically, it is very nice. You have enough room that you might find you spend more time there. Plenty of closet space and space in the bathroom. A tub. Balcony with table and chairs and loungers. The Concierge Lounge is very nice perk. Along with the priority disembarkation at ports and when returning. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MyNameIsGermy Posted September 24, 2018 #14 Share Posted September 24, 2018 A word of caution though, once you cruise with a suite you may never want to go book another other type room! Happy cruising! So true! I think I've told this story before but we once got a check in upgrade from a grand suite to a crown loft suite. RCI knew what the heck they were doing!!! -germ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Big_G Posted September 24, 2018 #15 Share Posted September 24, 2018 If I were recommending an entry level suite, it would be Celebrity. Their suite package is all inclusive. The cabin itself is more the size of Royal's junior suite but you get a WIFI, beverage package, gratuities, butler, concierge, suite lounge, and private dining room. The suite lounge serves most cocktails most of the day and Luminae blows away CK. Celebrity's sidewalks don't roll up at 10pm any more but it's not exactly up to Royal's speed yet either. I think it's a better value overall. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suesnake2002 Posted September 24, 2018 #16 Share Posted September 24, 2018 It is true, once you go suite it's hard to go back. I had a grand suite in harmony. That's entry level for the suites, and perks. It definately depends on the ship. On smaller ships a junior suite is fine. Thats because of less perks. From what i read on these boards, if you go oasis class, allure seems cheaper. Go for the oldest class of ship to get the best suite price with perks. How would you like a private cocktail party every evening. A quite breakfast place without the masses. A seperate deck with hot tubs and bar. No lines. For the most perks oasis class is it. Next quantum class. Some of the smaller ships do not have a coastal kitchen. You need to do a little homework. And for those who say you are never in your room( i used to say that), when you have a suite, you do utilize the space cause it is so inviting, relaxing Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jandj1224 Posted September 24, 2018 #17 Share Posted September 24, 2018 For me I think if you are going to do a suite you have to go all the way and do star class. Then for the crazy prices at least you are getting all inclusive experience, with the royal genie taking care of every detail for you. We've sailed in Haven on NCL and star class once. They were both amazing experiences. We had star class booked for an upcoming cruise but after considering the vast difference in price between booking 2 balcony cabins vs. what we were paying for suite it was just too much to justify it. We actually did a long weekend with our kids in Europe with the savings. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted September 24, 2018 #18 Share Posted September 24, 2018 If I were recommending an entry level suite, it would be Celebrity. Their suite package is all inclusive. The cabin itself is more the size of Royal's junior suite but you get a WIFI, beverage package, gratuities, butler, concierge, suite lounge, and private dining room. The suite lounge serves most cocktails most of the day and Luminae blows away CK. Celebrity's sidewalks don't roll up at 10pm any more but it's not exactly up to Royal's speed yet either. I think it's a better value overall. Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk Agree we were totally impressed by celebrity suite perks micheals and luminae were both great, suite was small though . We also have msc yacht club booked for next year which appears even better, worst suite perks was hal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted September 24, 2018 #19 Share Posted September 24, 2018 here is letter showing perks from navigator last November As a Suite guest, you are offered exclusive amenities and services not available to other guests onboard Navigator of the Seas. For your convenience, here is a brief summary of those services: · Use of the Concierge Lounge, Deck 9 aft · Spa Bathrobes for use onboard. · Upgraded amenities for the bathroom. · Complimentary pressing service for the first Formal night. · Continental Breakfast served daily in the Concierge Lounge, From 7:30 am to 10:00 am · Hors d’oeuvres, petit fours and complimentary bar setup served in the lounge every evening before and after dinner from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. · A la Carte Breakfast served daily in Chop’s Restaurant on Sea Days from 8:00 am to 10:00 am. and in Port days from 7:00 am to 9:00 am. A la Carte Lunch served only in Sea days from 12:00 noon to 1:30 pm (limited options served). · Daily menus displayed and pre-ordering for your dinner wine. · Limited VIP lounge chair set-up near the Pool Bar area between Decks 11 and 12 ( no chairs reservation ). Priority tendering escort upon request to the Concierge. · Full Dining Room room-service privilege (available when Dining Room is open). Reservations for any of our specialty restaurants, sports activities, Shore excursions! Salon and Spa services, etc. · Our new additions i.e. Sabor, Giovanni’s Table, Izumi Restaurant ,Chops Grille ,get booked early, to avoid disappointment we suggest you make your reservations early. · Arrangements for private parties. · Business services such as copies, etc. · Cocktail party hosted by the Captain (invitations will be sent). · Reserved VIP seats for production shows the suite area will be open 5 minutes prior to show time (please show Cruise Director’s staffs your Gold Sea Pass card at the entrance). · Reserved private seating during breakfast and lunch in Chop’s Grill restaurant (please see your service personnel for directions). · Access to the special VIP Barefoot Beach area in our private port of call of Labadee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GUEST71919 Posted September 24, 2018 #20 Share Posted September 24, 2018 How do you find deals Lynn? I think of myself as a savvy shopper but still get overwhelmed and mostly second guess myself. I research quite a bit and book myself versus a TA, I’ve gotten many discounts as I check on a weekly basis for price drops, mostly thanks to this board. After I read the post by klfrodo, I thought that maybe I should go with the old line “ I’d tell you but then I’d have to ... “ :') Seriously, I just love a deal so I search various sites looking at suites - you pretty quickly realize when you are seeing lower prices. It takes a lot of searching and comparing, but deals are out there. I usually look at cruises 4-9 mo out. Some great deals are offered in the fall on some cruises, also the first two weeks in Dec. some of the highest prices are holidays and also when children are out of school, but for the latter I’m trying to avoid that anyway ! Good luck! And do try it, But as other people have suggested, it’s hard going back once you have gone “suite” :D Lynn Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ptf2009 Posted September 24, 2018 #21 Share Posted September 24, 2018 Every time I book a cruise, I always look at suite price vs balcony, my finger is so close to that suite button but so far, noooo. I don’t get it, we can afford it , kids are grown and on their own but but but but why can’t I convince myself? What is truly the difference between balcony and suite life? You sound just like us! My DH keeps saying he wants to book a suite (other than JS, which we have had some really good deals), but when I tell him that he has to hit the button, he can’t either! We just can’t justify the cost when we don’t spend that much time in our cabin because there is so much to do on the ships and in the ports. I guess we’d rather go on 2 cruises for the price of a suite:) We feel so fortunate to be in the situation we are in at this time in our lives, but we are just tooooo practical...which is probably why we are in the financial position we are in now:) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
1992cruiser Posted September 24, 2018 #22 Share Posted September 24, 2018 We did our first grand suite on Allure and I don’t think we can ever go back to a standard balcony cabin. We have 2 young kids and when we walked past a thousand people in line waiting to get luggage and get through customs, my wife and I basically looked at each other and said there’s no going back. We skipped the entire line and were off the ship and in our car service in 5 minutes. Standing in line with 2 young kids for an hour (and not getting to go on a ride) is not fun for anyone. It’s suite, no kids or nothing for us now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
George C Posted September 24, 2018 #23 Share Posted September 24, 2018 Suite beach and buffet at ladabee is really nice also, will be back there in two moths on oasis Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tulsacoker Posted September 24, 2018 #24 Share Posted September 24, 2018 Like the grand suit room but love the suite lounge and all the perks. That alone is worth the money Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MadamG2U Posted September 25, 2018 #25 Share Posted September 25, 2018 I am doing my very first suite in November. We are staying Star Class and I can't wait. MadamG2U Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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