New to RC - Suite questions

[AndyT3]

Hi everyone! I'm a new "face" on the RC boards, as I was previously over on the NCL board. We were booked on the Dawn in an aft facing penthouse for Oct '16. I decided yesterday to cancel that cruise, after doing some research on the Anthem. We decided that the AoTS offered us much more for our money.

 

However, I'm looking at the suite offerings with RC, and have some questions. I'm looking at the junior suite w/ balcony because of the square footage of the balcony itself. What perks do we get with RC when booking a suite? Anything that would justify the extra cash? If we don't end up with a suite, we would most likely be going for the deluxe oceanview w/ balcony (again, this seems to have the largest balcony in the balcony cabin category).

 

Or, if anyone has suggestions to what you would think would be a good cabin choice, I'm open to hearing what you have to say!

 

Thanks,

Andy

[Retired LEO]

Hi everyone! I'm a new "face" on the RC boards, as I was previously over on the NCL board. We were booked on the Dawn in an aft facing penthouse for Oct '16. I decided yesterday to cancel that cruise, after doing some research on the Anthem. We decided that the AoTS offered us much more for our money.

 

However, I'm looking at the suite offerings with RC, and have some questions. I'm looking at the junior suite w/ balcony because of the square footage of the balcony itself. What perks do we get with RC when booking a suite? Anything that would justify the extra cash? If we don't end up with a suite, we would most likely be going for the deluxe oceanview w/ balcony (again, this seems to have the largest balcony in the balcony cabin category).

 

Or, if anyone has suggestions to what you would think would be a good cabin choice, I'm open to hearing what you have to say!

 

Thanks,

Andy

 

A JS will basically get you a larger room. The suite perks start with GS and up.

[spookwife]

Hi everyone! I'm a new "face" on the RC boards, as I was previously over on the NCL board. We were booked on the Dawn in an aft facing penthouse for Oct '16. I decided yesterday to cancel that cruise, after doing some research on the Anthem. We decided that the AoTS offered us much more for our money.

 

However, I'm looking at the suite offerings with RC, and have some questions. I'm looking at the junior suite w/ balcony because of the square footage of the balcony itself. What perks do we get with RC when booking a suite? Anything that would justify the extra cash? If we don't end up with a suite, we would most likely be going for the deluxe oceanview w/ balcony (again, this seems to have the largest balcony in the balcony cabin category).

 

Or, if anyone has suggestions to what you would think would be a good cabin choice, I'm open to hearing what you have to say!

 

Thanks,

Andy

 

a junior suite is not a real suite to Royal. that being said, they are rolling out a new suite program and JS are included in that to some extent.

 

under the current programs all a JS gets is double points and the tub.

 

but of you are wanting access to the new Suites only lounges( or Concierge lounge on some ships) or the reserved seating or any of the other perks, you need to start at a GS. we only sail GS and are very happy with the prices we have been able to get.

[AndyT3]

A JS will basically get you a larger room. The suite perks start with GS and up.

 

Thanks Ray! You seem to be the perfect person to ask, do you personally think it's worth the extra cash to stay in a suite? For me, now that I know the suite perks don't apply until GS and up, I think I may just go with a regular balcony cabin. However, I'm still curious of your opinion.

[AndyT3]

a junior suite is not a real suite to Royal. that being said, they are rolling out a new suite program and JS are included in that to some extent.

 

under the current programs all a JS gets is double points and the tub.

 

but of you are wanting access to the new Suites only lounges( or Concierge lounge on some ships) or the reserved seating or any of the other perks, you need to start at a GS. we only sail GS and are very happy with the prices we have been able to get.

 

Thanks for your reply. Now, I'm really torn with what to do here. We will most likely spend a decent amount of time in our cabin, and on our balcony, which is why balcony square footage is an important factor.

[Retired LEO]

Thanks Ray! You seem to be the perfect person to ask, do you personally think it's worth the extra cash to stay in a suite? For me, now that I know the suite perks don't apply until GS and up, I think I may just go with a regular balcony cabin. However, I'm still curious of your opinion.

 

To me it depends on the ship and the price of course. I've stayed in JS's, GS's, OS's and RS's. I basically stay in JS's now which allows me to cruise more often. The suite perks are quite nice but it's really a decision you have to make depending on your situation. Somebody will be by I'm sure with a link to the suite perks.

[Gig103]

Andy, a new suite program is being rolled out next year and its perks may help you decide.

 

Edit - my URL was filtered out. Google for "New royal Caribbean suite program"

Edited October 12, 2015 by Gig103

[wolfganghowell]

JS has a decent sized balcony - not huge but very comfortable for 2 people. As already mentioned, 2x points and a bathtub are JS perks. JS also has a great walk in closet. You do get priority check in for suites but NOT priority disembarkation.

[AndyT3]

So, with the new suite program, in a Grand Suite, we would fall under Sky class. My only question, is if we booked now, would we be eligible for the new suite perks, or would they keep us grandfathered into the older program?

[Retired LEO]

So, with the new suite program, in a Grand Suite, we would fall under Sky class. My only question, is if we booked now, would we be eligible for the new suite perks, or would they keep us grandfathered into the older program?

 

If you're booked on a sailing after the start of the program It will apply to your sailing.

[AndyT3]

Well, I think that has made the decision right there. I think we'll go for a GS. The only thing I'm concerned about now, is if we start sailing in a suite, I don't think there will ever be any turning back!

[cruisenfever]

So, with the new suite program, in a Grand Suite, we would fall under Sky class. My only question, is if we booked now, would we be eligible for the new suite perks, or would they keep us grandfathered into the older program?

Guests may begin making reservations for the new Royal Suite Class starting on September 8, 2015, with sailings beginning May 2016. With each class you will earn double points per night.

 

Star Class ( Royal Loft, Owners Loft, Presidential Family, Grand Loft, Sky Loft, 2 bedroom Aqua Suite).

 

Indulge in our most expansive, richly appointed environments and the ultimate complement of inclusive amenities. You’ll feel like nothing less than royalty in these palatial suites.

 

Suite benefits include

• Daily gratuities covered
  
• Ultimate beverage package
  
• Specialty restaurants
  
• Mini-bar
  
• Unlimited Voom high speed-internet
  
• Spa Thermal Room Access
  
• Complimentary in-suite movies
  
• Fitness classes
  
• Specialty bottled water
  
• Upgraded Bathroom Amenities by Hermes, Ferragamo and L'OCCITANE
  
• Linens, towels and bath robes by Frette
  
• Duxlana mattress
  
• Luxury pillowtop mattress
  
• Nespresso coffee machine
  
• In-suite handcrafted cocktail service
  
• Personalized welcome gift
  
• Specialty in-suite dining
  
• Welcome amenity
  
• Suite Restaurant
  
• Suite Lounge
  
• The Star Class also has Royal Genie Services, which include
  
• 24/7 personal assistant
  
• Individualized guest preferences
  
• Dining & beverage requests
  
• In-suite dining requests
  
• Shoe shine service
  
• Laundry service
  

Concierge services

• Personal guest introduction
  
• Priority restaurant reservations
  
• VIP Theater seating and reservations
  
• Access to signature activities
  
• Access to Suite Sun Deck
  
• Handle special requests
  
• Pre-cruise communication
  
• Escort guests on and off ship
  

Sky Class (Aqua theater suite 1 bedroom, crown loft suite, Owners suite, Royal Family Suite, superior Grand Suite, Grand suite)

 

Elevate your perspective with beautifully furnished spaces, a generous selection of inclusive amenities and one-touch personal service that all together feel like a breath of fresh air.

Suite benefits include

• Unlimited Voom high speed-internet
  
• Spa Thermal Room Access
  
• Specialty bottled water
  
• Upgraded Bathroom Amenities by Hermes, Ferragamo and L'OCCITANE
  
• Luxury pillowtop mattress
  
• Specialty in-suite dining
  
• Welcome amenity
  
• Suite Restaurant
  
• Suite Lounge
  

Concierge services

• Priority restaurant reservations
  
• VIP Theater seating and reservations
  
• Access to signature activities
  
• Access to Suite Sun Deck
  
• Handle special requests
  
• Pre-cruise communication
  

Sea Class (Family connected junior suite, family suite, Jr. Suite, Spa Junior Suite)

 

Find in these spacious suites premium touches like upgraded linens and specialty in-room amenities, and enjoy exclusive dining privileges at Coastal Kitchen

 

Suite benefits include

• Specialty Bottled Water
  
• Upgraded Bathroom Amenities by Hermes, Ferragamo and L'OCCITANE
  
• Luxury pillowtop mattress
  
• Suite restaurant (dinner only)
  

[AndyT3]

Perfect, thanks for that!

[rudeney]

Well, I think that has made the decision right there. I think we'll go for a GS. The only thing I'm concerned about now, is if we start sailing in a suite, I don't think there will ever be any turning back!

 

No kidding! Our first cruise was in a Suite on the DCL Wonder, and we can never go backward to a non-suite stateroom. We are totally spoiled!

[Debde]

Hi Andy!!! Told you we'd bump into each other on the boards again!!!

Still sorry you are not on the cruise from the original thread I met you on!!!

 

Yes, if you want the suite perks, gotta bump up to the GS-that IS the way to go!! :) The ships that have the suite lounge and coastal Kitchen will really spoil you I'm thinking!!

[cb at sea]

A JS is a great space...you don't get all the suite perks, but then, you aren't paying the "suite" price! The only monetary perk for a GS and up is the cocktail time in the concierge lounge....the rest are simply convenience items.

Edited October 12, 2015 by cb at sea

[AndyT3]

Hi Andy!!! Told you we'd bump into each other on the boards again!!!

Still sorry you are not on the cruise from the original thread I met you on!!!

 

Yes, if you want the suite perks, gotta bump up to the GS-that IS the way to go!! :) The ships that have the suite lounge and coastal Kitchen will really spoil you I'm thinking!!

 

Hi there! Trust me, I'm still sad about not being able to make that cruise this year, but family must come first.

 

I was talking with TJ about the GS, and of course, he wants to just do a regular balcony for our first RC cruise. Thereafter, if we like it, we can book a GS. That makes sense I guess, and I have to keep him happy. :rolleyes:

[Debde]

Hi there! Trust me, I'm still sad about not being able to make that cruise this year, but family must come first.

 

I was talking with TJ about the GS, and of course, he wants to just do a regular balcony for our first RC cruise. Thereafter, if we like it, we can book a GS. That makes sense I guess, and I have to keep him happy. :rolleyes:

 

I think you both are going to have a great time no matter what ship and what kind of stateroom!! Either room, it's better then being home working!! I have not been on that ship yet but it sure does have all the bells and whistles so how can it be anything but a good time!!

[AndyT3]

I think you both are going to have a great time no matter what ship and what kind of stateroom!! Either room, it's better then being home working!! I have not been on that ship yet but it sure does have all the bells and whistles so how can it be anything but a good time!!

 

My thoughts exactly! Well, hopefully we end up on the same sailing sometime in the future! Thanks for your input on the topic as well. ;)

[boxermom711]

If you can get a balcony or a JS aft (very back) the balconies are huge. Big enough for 2 loungers & small table & couple of chairs

[AndyT3]

I would love to find an aft cabin. The large balcony is what initially drew us to the aft facing suite on NCL.

[Gig103]

Guests may begin making reservations for the new Royal Suite Class starting on September 8, 2015, with sailings beginning May 2016. With each class you will earn double points per night.

 

 

Figures I'd be in a Crown Loft in April. Why didn't I get married in the summer? [emoji6]

[SailyaCruise]

well, i think that has made the decision right there. I think we'll go for a gs. The only thing i'm concerned about now, is if we start sailing in a suite, i don't think there will ever be any turning back!

yes!!!!!!!:):d:d

[LilBlackDress]

Well, I think that has made the decision right there. I think we'll go for a GS. The only thing I'm concerned about now, is if we start sailing in a suite, I don't think there will ever be any turning back!

 

I was warned when I booked our first GS that I wouldn't be happy booking just a balcony in the future. I kinda chuckled and said they don't know my DH. He is far from cheap, he just doesn't see the need to pay for the "extras" in a lot of the things we do... When we were planning our next cruise, I selected a balcony and his reply was, I'd rather have a suite....

 

I was OK with a balcony, He is the one that got the Suite Bug! I can't say I am too disappointed :D

 

I was talking with TJ about the GS, and of course, he wants to just do a regular balcony for our first RC cruise. Thereafter, if we like it, we can book a GS. That makes sense I guess, and I have to keep him happy. :rolleyes:

 

Join your Roll Call, if they don't do a cabin crawl, maybe some people on your roll call would be willing to let you check out their suites.

[AndyT3]

Good idea! Thanks.