Window Suite vs Mini Suite. What would you do?

[Bemidji Ty]

Cruising to Alaska June 5 for 14 days on the Grand.  We've booked a mini-suite with a bid to get Reserve Dining.  Today we got an email saying the Reserve Dining offer wasn't accepted but they could offer us a Window Suite for a very low fee.  This will be our 5th time to Alaska.  I read the many reviews of the WS's and am leaning toward keeping the MS.  The balcony is great to have, we are Elite and have many of the suite perks (minus Sabatini's breakfast) and have a large OBC.  What would you do?  Thanks and Cheers.

[burnabyjean]

We had a window suite for two cooler weather cruises: East Coast fall colours (October) and British Isles (early May). We really loved the extra space and the expansive windows, but you are giving up the balcony, so it really is a personal choice. We would do it again in a heartbeat (they were both upsells from lower categories).

[cr8tiv1]

I love "my" window suites.  I am not a balcony person.  Location, Reserved Collection Dining, Location, Suite Perks (Sabatini's/Crown Grill), Location, Size of cabin....etc.

 

Edited May 16 by cr8tiv1

[PacnGoNow]

If it’s a very low fee, I’d probably go for the WS.  You can always go out on the decks for viewing.  

But, the WS would give you the suite amenities, much more than a MS.  Sabatini’s for bkfst, Reserve dining, etc.  
 

At least try it this time, something different.  JMO.

[cr8tiv1]

I'd be interested in knowing which WS you are assigned.  F301 is slightly smaller with a different configuration, but ample space for 2 people.  

[Wishing on a star]

These are on a lower deck, side-facing...  

Have you looked at videos and photos?  I could post some links....

I would be tempted, for the space and the benefits...  But, these suites on the Grand are not the most amazing.

How about the location close to the Theater and the Cigar Lounge????

 

We had a large picture window balcony on the Starboard side of Coral Princess, similar to these larger suites.  I have to say, with the chilly and wet weather we had, A balcony might not have gotten a lot of use.

[Ellipooh]

We took the in-laws to Alaska on Grand a few years back (September), both couples in adjacent WS, and did not miss the balcony AT ALL. 

And we loved the central location, dining privileges, laundry, Sabatini's Breakfast, tender priority, etc.

But it sounds like you get more use from your balcony than I usually end up with (ie, just occasionally) so yes check the weather and know that YMMV.  Enjoy your trip!

[leck57]

Mini suite with balcony every time for me. During our Alaskan cruise I spent a lot of time on the balcony, but for me having a balcony is a non negotiable. 

[CruzeQueen2]

I also like the idea of window suites ...suites in general, yes!

That said, I am not seeing the standard suite perks listed on the amenities page for the most current Window Suite cabins, particularly on the Grand. I am looking at sailings for fall 2024.

 

Has anyone noticed if Window suites will continue to get the standard "suite" benefits as in the past? I would hate to book one of these cabins and NOT get the breakfast in the specialty dining room and the Reserve class dining.

TIA

[jmelnick]

Love the Window Suites. Full suite benefits at a cost less than Reserve Collection mini-suites.

Never bothered by smoke when in these cabins on the Grand.

I haven't been in the newer ones at the front of the ship.  I'd probably would pass on those - too much movement.

[memoak]

Suites perks are much more than elite benefits.  You automatically get Reserve dining, free specialty dining embarkation night, you will get double the mini bars, your laundry will get priority over elite. Those are are great benefits it really comes down to location (in the corridor next to the casino and lack of balcony. Your call really

[startedwithamouse]

Window Suite has full suite privileges.

[Wishing on a star]

We had one of the added Ocean View cabins, similarly located, on CORAL...  The location was great.  It's own hallway, just off the main lobby/Piazza...    No problem with that!!!   

But, the lower deck, and windows that are not anywhere near floor-to-ceiling, and blocked by the counter/etc.  The windows can also have the sea/salt residue, etc.... Not ideal in that respect.

Tough personal call, for sure!!!

[eclue]

Take the mini with the balcony - we must have our balcony.

 

[Wishing on a star]

Okay,  I am looking at this, and when booking these Window Suites show up under the Mini-Suite category, not the full suite.  The information does not mention any Suite benefits.

I don't know if we can make any assumptions here.

[cr8tiv1]

Last cruise in a Window Suite was November 2023.  Full Suite benefits.

[memoak]

5 minutes ago, Wishing on a star said:

Okay,  I am looking at this, and when booking these Window Suites show up under the Mini-Suite category, not the full suite.  The information does not mention any Suite benefits.

I don't know if we can make any assumptions here.

They have always had full suite benefits 

[Outerdog]

For me, mini suite over window suite. Preferably a reserve collection MS.

 

I need to be able to slip out onto a balcony at a moments notice without the production of getting ready to go out to public areas. Sometimes you just want a quiet moment to yourself with the sea at 3AM and the schlepping out to a public area is no substitute for that -- for me.

 

[NavyVeteran]

1 hour ago, Wishing on a star said:

Okay,  I am looking at this, and when booking these Window Suites show up under the Mini-Suite category, not the full suite.  The information does not mention any Suite benefits.

I don't know if we can make any assumptions here.

When you look at the description of Window Suite under Mini-suite, it says: Premium accommodations and luxurious appointments are the signature of our Window Suite, along with special suite-only benefits." That seems pretty clear to me.

Alternatively, if you select "On Board Our Ships", then "Ships" under Ship Information, then "Grand Princess", then "Suite", you will see a description of suite amenities including the note "*Some suites have windows rather than balconies and are labeled as Window Suites."

I don't think anyone is making assumptions.

[Outerdog]

1 hour ago, Wishing on a star said:

 

I don't know if we can make any assumptions here.

 

It's an S category cabin. It's a suite. No assumptions.

 

 

[greenbeanie]

For me, the balcony and the two TV's would keep me in a mini-suite.  DH likes to watch TV at the end of a day, and I prefer to have quiet and not see the light changes a TV show creates.  As another poster said, the balcony is essential for quick access.

[Kineticoh20]

Not even close Window suite if only for Sabatini's breakfast!

 

[tetleytea]

On any itinerary but Alaska, I would have said Window Suite.  But it's Alaska, and for Alaska, the balcony matters.

 

[jennybenny]

Window suite for the suite perks! You can view from your cabin or go to another deck to view from outside. We've had friends in a window suite and we loved it!! It didn't work for us because our kids were little and 4 in that space meant adding a rollaway. Today, I would jump on a window suite over a mini suite

[rodndonna]

Great thread - we're leaning to Window suite for 2026 from San Juan but as another poster commented, I don't see Window Suite describing any further perks over min-suite for that cruise.

 

Not sure that matters to us anyway, but will like to get to the bottom of it before we make a decision.

 

Edit: OK - I think I see it now... there is the WIndow Suite and then there us "Reserve Collection" Window Suite which has the perks (for an additional $97/day)

Edited May 18 by rodndonna