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By Melissa Alvarado Sierra | Published on April 30 2024
Cruising offers a wealth of options, spanning from entertainment to dining to adventure, and when it comes to choosing the perfect suite for an upgraded experience, your room can be more than just a relaxing place to unwind after a day of activities. Picking the perfect suite will allow you and your travel companions to get even more out of your vacation. You can customize your experience onboard, from lounging on your own balcony with an ocean view, savoring delicious hors d'oeuvres in a club exclusively for suite guests or asking your personal butler for a bottle of champagne. As you choose from the cruise suites available, here are some tips to help you plan your upcoming adventure. Check this infographic for ideas.
How To Choose
The Right Stateroom
You figured out which itinerary would make your vacation dreams come true, and determined the exact right ship for you. Now you’re looking at dozens of room categories and wondering, where do I even start? The answer: Right here.
If You Chose Mostly A's, You Want To Book:
An Interior Stateroom
Interior staterooms are the most budget-friendly. And while some are windowless spaces that are ideal for using your stateroom as a crash pad, Royal Caribbean® offers a variety of innovative interior options. Look for staterooms with built-in video screens that show you the view from the bridge and ‘Promenade-view interior staterooms,’ which have a bay-style window that looks out over shops and restaurants — and a weekly parade.
If You Chose Mostly B's, You Want To Book:
An Ocean View Stateroom
Staterooms with ocean-facing windows provide ocean vistas, and are still a good value. If you’re picking an exterior stateroom because you value specific views, location plays a vital role. Consider whether you prefer a portside (left) or starboard-side (right) stateroom, depending on the direction of your travel — if you're traveling south for the majority of your trip and prefer to see sunrises, you want to choose a stateroom on the portside.
If You Chose Mostly C's, You Want To Book:
A Balcony Stateroom
Balcony staterooms are a popular choice, allowing for not only the sound of the sea but fresh air and private outdoor space to boot. If you’re at all worried about getting seasick, midship suites are centrally located, minimizing motion from the ship's movement and offering easy access to many onboard amenities by being closer to elevators and staircases.
If You Chose Mostly D's, You Want To Book:
A Suite
With Sea-tier suites, you get perks like priority boarding, a dedicated check-in line as well as upgraded pillows, mattresses, bathrobes and luxury bath products. The next group of suites, Sky tier, includes everything in Sea, plus priority reservations and reserved seating at select entertainment venues, and a complimentary internet package. The smallest, the one-bedroom Grand Suites, come with a bathroom with two sinks and a tub. Another cool option to consider: The one-bedroom AquaTheater Suites, where the balcony offers private box-seat style views of the aerial acrobatics.
Royal Suite Class is only available on Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships.
If You Chose Mostly E's, You Want To Book:
A Luxury Suite
Travelers splurging on exclusive Star tier suites enjoy everything in the Sky tier, plus cool amenities like the best seats in the house for select entertainment onboard, laundry and pressing service and Royal Genie butler service. Lucky travelers have some fun options at this price point, including the Ultimate Family Suite (which features a slide, table tennis and air hockey table) and the Royal Loft Suite (which has an outdoor wet bar and Jacuzzi tub). Now that is traveling in style.
Royal Suite Class is only available on Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships.
Before Setting Sail
When booking a cruise suite, define your preferences before diving into the selection process. First, consider your vacation style and what you enjoy most when it comes to your suite. Also, consider what you need in terms of living area and the number of bedrooms. If outdoor space is top of your list, look at balcony cruise ship rooms. Next, think about access and socializing. Some travelers prefer a secluded retreat while others enjoy being at the center of the ship's activities. Also consider your budget. It'll be easier to pick your suite once you know what you want and need.
Pick the Right Location
Typically, cruise suites are found on the highest decks with many located on the front and back corners. Higher decks and corner suites often offer better views and a more serene atmosphere away from the bustling areas of the ship.
Beyond deck levels, consider how the cruise is divided: forward (front), midship (middle), and aft (rear). Each area offers advantages depending on your preferences. Forward suites are quieter and can be ideal for those seeking a peaceful retreat. Midship suites are centrally located, minimizing motion felt from the ship's movement and giving easy access to many onboard amenities by being closer to elevators and staircases. Finally, aft suites often offer the most panoramic views and are perfect if you want to catch the ship's wake.
If you value scenic views, the location of your suite plays a vital role. Cruise suites with ocean-facing balconies provide breathtaking vistas and the soothing sounds of the sea. Consider whether you prefer a portside (left) or starboard-side (right) suite, depending on the direction of your travel — if you're traveling south for the majority of your trip and prefer to see sunrises, you might want to choose a suite on the portside. If you're visiting picturesque destinations with glaciers, islands or iconic landmarks, picking a suite with a view can enhance your overall experience.
Find the Size That Fits Your Needs
There are many options for suites. Royal Suite Class is divided into three cruise ship suites tiers: Sea, Sky and Star. Each tier offers different configurations, but all feature spacious accommodations and premium amenities.
The Junior Suite, which falls under Sea tier, is an entry-level suite, perfect for those seeking the elegance and comfort of a suite without breaking the bank. With luxury bedding and other amenities, these sleep two to four travelers and are usually around 290 square feet and include a private balcony and a living room with a sofa bed. If you want to expand a Junior Suite, you can choose the Family Connected Junior Suite, which sleeps up to 12 people by interconnecting a Junior Suite and two regular cruise staterooms with a shared balcony.
The next group of suites are in the Sky tier. Suites like the one- and two-bedroom Grand Suites, one-bedroom AquaTheater Suites with views of the AquaTheater from a private balcony and one-bedroom Owner's Suite range from around 400 square feet to 600 square feet. The smallest is the one-bedroom Grand Suite; it has a living room with a sofa bed, a private balcony, and the bathroom has a tub and two sinks. The largest suite in this tier is the Owner's Suite at about 600 square feet, featuring a bar area, living room, balcony, large flat-screen TV and an upscale bathroom with a whirlpool tub.
Finally, the most exclusive suites are in Star tier, offering up to 1,700 square feet and a lot of luxuries. Suites in this category include the two-bedroom Ultimate Family Suite (1,134 square feet with a capacity for 11 travelers) which features a slide that brings you from the top floor to the bottom and other bonuses, including top video games, table tennis and air hockey tables, the two-bedroom Royal Loft Suite (around 1,700 square feet with a capacity for six), the four-bedroom Villa Suite (1,142 square feet), and the two-bedroom AquaTheater Suite (739 square feet). Some of these suites include perks such as a jacuzzi, an in-suite cinema, a piano, a mezzanine or a playroom. All of these suites are found on the highest decks of the ship, closer to the bow.
Soak In the Amenities
Depending on the Royal Suite Class, the Royal Caribbean cruise room amenities vary, so pick the one that fits your budget and needs. With Sea tier you'll enjoy priority boarding, a dedicated check-in line, access to the exclusive suite restaurant Coastal Kitchen, luxury pillows and pillow-top mattresses, bathrobes and luxury bath products.
Sky tier amenities include everything in the Sea tier, plus all-day access to Coastal Kitchen and the Suite Sun Deck, priority reservations, a reserved seating section in select entertainment venues, flexible arrivals (an hour earlier or later than your check-in time) and a Surf + Stream VOOM internet package.
The last tier, Star, has the most amenities. Travelers booking these suites enjoy everything in the Sky tier, plus Gold and Silver dining privileges (offering exclusive dining room access and hours), access to specialty restaurants (including the famous Chef's Table), deluxe beverage and refreshment packages, a minibar stocked with water and soda, laundry and pressing services, the best seats in the house for all entertainment productions and 24/7 access to the Royal Genie service.
The Royal Genie is a personal butler who will escort you on and off the ship, coordinate private shopping sprees, plan a celebration, customize shore experiences, confirm dinner plans and more. The Royal Genie stays in touch with you, offering expert assistance before, during and after your cruise vacation.
The Royal Suite Class experience offers a world of luxury. Once you've identified what you need, you can choose the perfect suite. So go ahead and enjoy the best seats in the house and eat at an exclusive restaurant, all while you stay in the perfect room.
