Independence of the Seas - Your FAVORITE Junior Suite or Grand Suite?

[Houlagan]

Hi everyone! 

I am looking for some input on your FAVORITE Junior Suites or Grand Suites on Independence of the Seas? 

My BF (C&A Diamond status) and I are looking to plan a short 4 night cruise (destination TBD) in late 2020 or early 2021.  Balcony is really what is most important to us as we enjoy spending out there relaxing, reading, drinking our morning coffee or pre-dinner cocktails.  Trying to decide on which Junior Suite or Grand Suite might work best for us.  We plan on booking pretty far out and from what I am seeing, the cost difference between the JS and GS isn't that obscene on some of the itineraries.  For a 4 night cruise, some of the perks of the GS (cocktail hour) may help minimize our bar tab -vs- if we chose going the JS route.  We don't do a drink package, but do enjoy our cocktails!

Our preferences:

Cabin location; AFT/MID/FWD are all up for consideration
Balcony SIZE & some SUN is priority
Unobstructed view is preferred
We typically take the STAIRS to move between floors (our rationalization for dessert!)
No physical limitations, so proximity to elevators is NOT a concern

I've seen other threads for other ships with folks weighing in on their favorite JS and GS suites, so I am looking for help here narrowing down room selections.  Would appreciate any insight and also any photos of your balconies on Independence to help with our booking decisions!

 

Thanks in advance 🙂

[Clarea]

Deck 9, center hump JS.

[Houlagan]

3 minutes ago, Host Clarea said:

Deck 9, center hump JS.

Thanks, Clarea!

We saw some JS AFT rooms Deck 11 that looked interesting too from Rick's post.

Do you have any idea on how the balconies on JS Deck 9 Center Hump  -vs- JS AFT on Deck 11 vary?

[jrljel]

You can't possibly go wrong with the grand suite, hands down!  I always go for the best that I can afford. I've never ever regretted it. The perkd make it worthwhile even on a short four nighter.

[Clarea]

7 minutes ago, Houlagan said:

Thanks, Clarea!

We saw some JS AFT rooms Deck 11 that looked interesting too from Rick's post.

Do you have any idea on how the balconies on JS Deck 9 Center Hump  -vs- JS AFT on Deck 11 vary?

 

I don't know of any aft staterooms on deck 11.

 

I do know that the aft balconies are generally much larger than those on side-facing staterooms in the same category.  However, on Voyager/Freedom class ships, the aft balconies have a view somewhat obscured by ship superstructure, and you cannot look straight down into the water.

[vickiw0318]

9338.  Center hump, Deck 9 and not under the Royal Suite.  However, for my next cruise on the Indy, I am booked in 7714 which is an aft junior suite.   I am headed to uncertain weather and like that it's a covered balcony with a lounger.  I can wrap up and still enjoy the aft views (even I have to look through the superstructure). 

 

If an outstanding balcony is really what you are looking for, go for 7708 or 7408.  Small cabin, but amazing balcony.  Some obstruction, but since they are on the corners, there's not as much.  Just search Youtube for pictures.  

 

(I am not a grand suite fan since I don't being under the pool deck.)

Edited March 17, 2019 by vickiw0318
adding info

[mac_tlc]

1 hour ago, vickiw0318 said:

9338.  Center hump, Deck 9 and not under the Royal Suite.  However, for my next cruise on the Indy, I am booked in 7714 which is an aft junior suite.   I am headed to uncertain weather and like that it's a covered balcony with a lounger.  I can wrap up and still enjoy the aft views (even I have to look through the superstructure). 

 

If an outstanding balcony is really what you are looking for, go for 7708 or 7408.  Small cabin, but amazing balcony.  Some obstruction, but since they are on the corners, there's not as much.  Just search Youtube for pictures.  

 

(I am not a grand suite fan since I don't being under the pool deck.)

I just booked 9338 for a B2B2B starting January 21, 2021. 

 

mac_tlc

[Houlagan]

4 hours ago, Host Clarea said:

 

I don't know of any aft staterooms on deck 11.

 

I do know that the aft balconies are generally much larger than those on side-facing staterooms in the same category.  However, on Voyager/Freedom class ships, the aft balconies have a view somewhat obscured by ship superstructure, and you cannot look straight down into the water.

Oops, Clarea! 

 

So many searches and I got mistaken.  I guess what I saw were the JS on Deck 11 (Rm#1102/1104/1106) located at the front of the ship.  Any ideas how those balconies compare to the JS room you recommended? 

 

Thanks 🙂

[scottraveller]

If you’re going for a grand suite remember the jacuzzis overhang the side of the ship above some of the grand suites. I think if you go for around 1282/1582 it should get the sun depending which direction the ship is sailing. 

[Clarea]

10 hours ago, Houlagan said:

Oops, Clarea! 

 

So many searches and I got mistaken.  I guess what I saw were the JS on Deck 11 (Rm#1102/1104/1106) located at the front of the ship.  Any ideas how those balconies compare to the JS room you recommended? 

 

Thanks 🙂

 

Sorry, I don't know those balconies compare in size.

[John&LaLa]

14 hours ago, Houlagan said:

Oops, Clarea! 

 

So many searches and I got mistaken.  I guess what I saw were the JS on Deck 11 (Rm#1102/1104/1106) located at the front of the ship.  Any ideas how those balconies compare to the JS room you recommended? 

 

Thanks 🙂

 

Very large balconies on those JS's on Adventure. Easy walk to Solarium and very unused hallway 

 

Edited March 18, 2019 by John&LaLa

[ShillyShally]

Thanks OP for asking this!  We're closing in on Diamond and just got off the Indy and loved her so much we want to try her again but in a JS for the double points and to finally try one 🙂  I appreciate everyone's insights!

[topanga49er]

Know this is a while ago, but the new amped JS 1106 was great w huge balcony