Equivalent of Royal Cariibean Grand Suite on Princess

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

New to Princess. Considering a future 2021 Caribbean cruise  on Enchanted Princess. What would be the equivalent of Royal Caribbean's Grand Suite on Princess?  Looking for a suite that would be comfortable for three adults. Also what are the benefits such as priority boarding that go with such a suite?

[voljeep]

18 minutes ago, Silvery Seas Cruiser said:

New to Princess. Considering a future 2021 Caribbean cruise  on Enchanted Princess. What would be the equivalent of Royal Caribbean's Grand Suite on Princess?  Looking for a suite that would be comfortable for three adults. Also what are the benefits such as priority boarding that go with such a suite?

check out the Princess website and various threads here for suite benefits ' such as priority boarding ' and  others

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Yes, thank you. I had done that before I posted, but still wasn't exactly sure. Was kind of hoping someone here who had sailed both in a Royal Caribbean Grand Suite and the Princess equivalent could give me some specifics. For example, when Princess says "complementary laundry" what do they actually mean? On Royal only Diamond Plus in the loyalty program get a free wash and fold bag regardless of cabin class. 

Perhaps it would be best to just speak by phone with a representative of Princess.

[flutprop]

16 minutes ago, Silvery Seas Cruiser said:

Yes, thank you. I had done that before I posted, but still wasn't exactly sure. Was kind of hoping someone here who had sailed both in a Royal Caribbean Grand Suite and the Princess equivalent could give me some specifics. For example, when Princess says "complementary laundry" what do they actually mean? On Royal only Diamond Plus in the loyalty program get a free wash and fold bag regardless of cabin class. 

Perhaps it would be best to just speak by phone with a representative of Princess.

I have not sailed RC, but can comment on laundry and a bit about Suites. The free laundry is as much as you want, and same day service if your Steward collects it by 8am, you get it back after dinner. The provide a bag to fill, but  you can request more bags and laundry forms from the Room Steward. We did 2 weeks last summer, and sent out laundry about every 3rd day. They misplaced an expensive bra, but found it quickly when I questioned.

 

[reedprincess]

1 hour ago, Silvery Seas Cruiser said:

Yes, thank you. I had done that before I posted, but still wasn't exactly sure. Was kind of hoping someone here who had sailed both in a Royal Caribbean Grand Suite and the Princess equivalent could give me some specifics. For example, when Princess says "complementary laundry" what do they actually mean? On Royal only Diamond Plus in the loyalty program get a free wash and fold bag regardless of cabin class. 

Perhaps it would be best to just speak by phone with a representative of Princess.

Complimentary laundry means just that - you can send out as much laundry as you like, daily or whenever, and it will be washed, pressed, folded/hung up for return, or just pressing, or professional cleaning (akin to dry cleaning). It's same day for suites, if in to the steward before 8 or 9 am, it comes back that evening. If you get it in later, it comes back the next day  (fwiw all Princess ships have self service laundry also, $6 total to wash/dry. Bug difference from RCI brands) 

There's afternoon tea available in suite - you have to give them 6 hours notice, it's a lot of food but lovely for an afternoon treat.

You get a minibar set-up - 8 mini bottles of booze, some water, sodas, 2 beers, etc. You can make trades of like for like, of for a bottle of wine or for coffee packages There's hundreds of posts about the swaps available 

Suite breakfast in specialty restaurant - excellent perks includes specialty coffees, mimosas, expanded menu, etc 

Club Class dining for all three meals - section of MDR with anytime dining, extra dish, etc 

Depending on the ship, Thermal Suite access if free (steam and sauna, heated tile loungers, etc) not available on Royal class ships.

Order room service from regular menu or from MDR anytime their open.

Enhanced in suite toiletries/amenities.

Shoe shine.

Priority embarkation and disembarkation (not for ports).

And so on.  I'm missing some, but you get the idea.

Enjoy 

 

As for an equivalent room, you'd need a full suite - so the suite perks would apply. Any of the full suites are relatively equivalent. Seating area divided from bed area - usually by a curtain, some ships by doors, large bathroom with bathtub, standup shower, separate toilet area, etc. 

 

 

Edited July 16, 2019 by reedprincess

[AF-1]

Let me comment on this.   I have stayed in Grand Suite with Royal Caribbean and have stayed in Penthouse Suite with Princess.  These two suites are a good match.  I have stayed in Royals owner suite; but have not stayed in Princess Owners Suite.  Back to comparison. If you want to book a penthouse suite; book an aft penthouse suite.  The balcony is huge; way bigger than same suite on side of ship.  There is a couch in living room that makes into bed.  You have the large bedroom with queen bed. Bathroom has shower and tub. You will have perks mentioned above; free laundry.  Your cabin steward will send it in; and you will have it back by days end. You get a mini bar setup; booze, sodas, water. You will get flowers and fruit basket on departure; plus you will receive hors d'overes pretty much every afternoon. On departure night you will receive free dining in one of the specialty restaurants.  There is no reserved seating at the pool or theater. You will have priority boarding on departure. Someone from Princess will escort you to the vip lounge in the terminal; where you will board the ship. I will enclose some pics of my aft penthouse suite. 

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

Thank you all for your detailed responses, exactly what I was hoping for. Impressed with the liberal laundry policy that certainly puts Celebrity and Royal Caribbean to shame. Really like that shower and tub are separate, because the Grand Suite tub on Allure scared me to death. Was scared I'd break my neck getting in or out. That corner aft looks so attractive. I bet it is competitive to book. I really appreciate all your help in deciding what to book.

Edited July 16, 2019 by Silvery Seas Cruiser

[Jeter02]

8 minutes ago, Silvery Seas Cruiser said:

Thank you all for your detailed responses, exactly what I was hoping for. Impressed with the liberal laundry policy that certainly puts Celebrity and Royal Caribbean to shame. Really like that shower and tub are separate, because the Grand Suite tub on Allure scared me to death. Was scared I'd break my neck getting in or out. That corner aft looks so attractive. I bet it is competitive to book. I really appreciate all your help in deciding what to book.

I may not stay in suits, but as elite I get that free laundry and it's amazing! Send a few loads out through the week. Get home. Unpack. No laundry needed to be done.

[Silvery Seas Cruiser]

2 hours ago, Jeter02 said:

I may not stay in suits, but as elite I get that free laundry and it's amazing! Send a few loads out through the week. Get home. Unpack. No laundry needed to be done.

If you are referring to Elite in the Celebrity Captain's Club, yes, that is super cool, especially on longer cruises. But because we have never sailed on Princess before I doubted we would get that nice wash and fold service. Thanks to the folks who answered here, I have learned that in a suite the laundry service is even better, but one must be in a suite. On Celebrity those with Elite status or higher, it doesn't matter what class of cabin one occupies. 

We've sailed Royal and Celebrity exclusively for many years, but my sister is doing her level best to get us to try Princess, her favorite cruise line.

[AF-1]

I do have to say I am impressed with Princess. i have sailed with NCL and RCCL.  Both of those lines have added so many extras that I personally don’t use anymore. I’ve done the flow rider, zip line, ice skating.  Now I enjoy good service with a good staff, without the rock climbing.  Have fun with your Princess Cruise 

[Jeter02]

7 hours ago, AF-1 said:

I do have to say I am impressed with Princess. i have sailed with NCL and RCCL.  Both of those lines have added so many extras that I personally don’t use anymore. I’ve done the flow rider, zip line, ice skating.  Now I enjoy good service with a good staff, without the rock climbing.  Have fun with your Princess Cruise 

I agree. I too enjoy good service, good staff along with good food. When people tease me and tell me I should be going on cruise lines that have all these fun exciting activities I tell him I go on board for pure relaxation no need for all that other stuff.

[skynight]

I want to mention something about final disembarkation. Although suite benefits mention priority disembarkation this is not really what you may envision. During the cruise you, and all others regardless of cabin, will receive a questionnaire where you select your preferred disembarkation time. Everyone has the same options. All passengers basically receive what they request or something close to it. If you don't receive what you want just visit passenger services. All passengers must disembark by around 9:30 or 10:00, no exceptions. Passengers wait in designated DR's or lounges until their color group is called. There is a special lounge for full suite passengers, but that lounge also has other Captain's Circle members and can be crowded. Passengers are requested to be out of their cabins by around 8:00am. There are no ship wide announcements until the end. Sometimes announcements are made indicating disembarkation is ahead or behind schedule. There is an early walk off option where you wheel all your own luggage, if you want that. With later times you pick up your luggage in the terminal. Later times also allow time for breakfast in the DR or any other location. 

[reedprincess]

15 hours ago, Silvery Seas Cruiser said:

If you are referring to Elite in the Celebrity Captain's Club, yes, that is super cool, especially on longer cruises. But because we have never sailed on Princess before I doubted we would get that nice wash and fold service. Thanks to the folks who answered here, I have learned that in a suite the laundry service is even better, but one must be in a suite. On Celebrity those with Elite status or higher, it doesn't matter what class of cabin one occupies. 

We've sailed Royal and Celebrity exclusively for many years, but my sister is doing her level best to get us to try Princess, her favorite cruise line.

Nope, Jeter is referencing being Elite on Princess, where unlimited free laundry service (same as suites by without same day service) is a perk, regardless of what cabin type you're in.

Not like RCI brands that include a bag or two of laundry for Elite and above, but unlimited, whether pressing, wash and food or cleaning. 

[AF-1]

We were in a suite in Feb;  when we arrived back in FLL, like mentioned above you will be assigned somewhere on the ship to before they call your number.   My wife and I were assigned to go to the suite waiting area;  we decided to just walk off.   A Princess rep stopped and asked what area were were assigned to; I said we are in a suite; and he said back;  oh then you are cleared to go.  Bottom line; Suite guests can pretty  much leave the ship and don't have to wait around if they don't want to.