Benefits of Grand Suite over Junior Suite on Serenade of the Seas

[LEMJMcC]

Considering an Alaskan cruise on Serenade for our 30th wedding anniversary.  We've always had Junior Suites on Brilliance, Freedom, Oasis, and Mariner.  What would make the extra cost of a Grand Suite (~$2,400 adder) worthwhile?  Is there a Coastal Kitchen on Serenade?  An exclusive sun deck for Grand Suites?  Are the balconies that much larger?  We spend a LOT of time on our balcony when we've cruised before.

 

Thanks much.

[DCPIV]

There's no Coastal Kitchen, but you will have access to the Suite/Concierge Lounge (whichever it's called these days on there).  You'll also have access to the Concierge, which can be very nice when you have a problem or need something.  There may be a reserved area at the pool for GS and above, but there's no separate, exclusive sundeck.  Alaskan weather can be all over the place, even in the Summer, but it's often not the wort of cruise where the pool gets as much use or as crowded as you'd see in the Caribbean.

 

The balcony is more than twice the size of a JS.  We sailed in GS on Radiance (sister ship) for an Alaskan cruise, and it was awesome.  Alaskan cruises are fantastic for balconies because you have such gorgeous views (from both sides when you're sailing the Inside Passage).

 

You can check out the deck plans for more information.  https://www.royalcaribbean.com/cruise-ships/serenade-of-the-seas/deck-plans/2041/10

 

Edited March 14, 2022 by DCPIV

[RFerrington]

You do not get complimentary internet on Serenade so keep that in mind. 

 

Even though there is no suite restaurant per se, you will have an exclusive suites breakfast every morning in one of the specialty restaurants (most likely Chops but it could be any of the specialties). This is one of our very favorite suite perks on the smaller ships. 

 

Also, with the full suites, you are able to get room service from the MDR menu.  Having your dinner out on the balcony (assuming the table outside is big enough...they usually are) is a very special treat.

[John&LaLa]

There should be a private suite deck on deck 10 forward. That might be nice to watch Alaska scenery

[reallyitsmema]

2 hours ago, LEMJMcC said:

Considering an Alaskan cruise on Serenade for our 30th wedding anniversary.  We've always had Junior Suites on Brilliance, Freedom, Oasis, and Mariner.  What would make the extra cost of a Grand Suite (~$2,400 adder) worthwhile?  Is there a Coastal Kitchen on Serenade?  An exclusive sun deck for Grand Suites?  Are the balconies that much larger?  We spend a LOT of time on our balcony when we've cruised before.

 

Thanks much.

 

We do not feel the benefits on Radiance class are worth $2,400 more than a balcony and typically, book a JS.  There are some JS that have really large balconies and aren't too much more than a balcony cabin.  We have had 1100 in Alaska and that was wonderful for glacier viewing.  We have also had 1598, that is listed as obstructed, but it is an oversized balcony with a ladder for the window washing apparatus in front of part of the balcony.  Never bothered us at all.

[Seville2Cabo]

42 minutes ago, reallyitsmema said:

 

We do not feel the benefits on Radiance class are worth $2,400 more than a balcony and typically, book a JS.  There are some JS that have really large balconies and aren't too much more than a balcony cabin.  We have had 1100 in Alaska and that was wonderful for glacier viewing.  We have also had 1598, that is listed as obstructed, but it is an oversized balcony with a ladder for the window washing apparatus in front of part of the balcony.  Never bothered us at all.

We have 1100 on our Radiance to Alaska in August.  Even with normal JR suite, can't justify that much for a GS - especially with the C&A drinks.  

[Ashland]

Love the #1100 on the Radiance class have had it several times on various itineraries !!

[George C]

My favorite grand suite is on radiance class #1600, they had a fantastic concierge lounge with a bar and outside area not sure if that was converted to a suite lounge. 1600 is a corner aft grand suite.