Grand Suite on Independence of the Seas

[texturk]

We just splurged and booked the Grand Suite for a 3 night trip on Independence.  I want to make sure and make the most of it.  How does the priority boarding work?  Will they send us an email giving us a designated time or is their a time we are supposed to show up at the port?  Also, if I understand correctly you have chair saved for you at or near the pool. Does anyone know if these are tucked away in a private quiet area or if they are in the middle of the action.  Any overall experiences and advice about the Grand Suite would be appreciated.

[topnole]

27 minutes ago, texturk said:

We just splurged and booked the Grand Suite for a 3 night trip on Independence.  I want to make sure and make the most of it.  How does the priority boarding work?  Will they send us an email giving us a designated time or is their a time we are supposed to show up at the port?  Also, if I understand correctly you have chair saved for you at or near the pool. Does anyone know if these are tucked away in a private quiet area or if they are in the middle of the action.  Any overall experiences and advice about the Grand Suite would be appreciated.

They don’t have a specific chair for

you.  Been a while since we’ve been on that ship, but it used to be an area near the pool for suite guests and pinnacles.  It was first come first serve and as I recall it would definitely fill up on sea days with chair hogs in force.  So it wasn’t that easy to get a chair.  Not sure where it is now, but it’s possible it has moved further from the pool as I recall they did that on another freedom class ship.   

[George C]

1 hour ago, texturk said:

We just splurged and booked the Grand Suite for a 3 night trip on Independence.  I want to make sure and make the most of it.  How does the priority boarding work?  Will they send us an email giving us a designated time or is their a time we are supposed to show up at the port?  Also, if I understand correctly you have chair saved for you at or near the pool. Does anyone know if these are tucked away in a private quiet area or if they are in the middle of the action.  Any overall experiences and advice about the Grand Suite would be appreciated.

There should be a suite line when boarding , we normally still do checkin and get the time that you desire but suites can board when they like although I have also heard it should be within a hour of checkin time. I haven’t sailed independence but did sister ship Liberty a couple of times . I like the pool seating it is close to the pool on both sides of pool bar there will be a sign saying suites only , I had to complain once to concierge when passengers without gold suite cards were there, normally someone checks every once in a while. Love the breakfast in specialty restaurant and free 3 hour happy hour, concierge can help with any issues plus will escort you off at disembarkation. Normally reserved seats for ice show also .

[SG65CB]

For priority boarding you still need to reserve a time to arrive just like any cruise. They will tell you it's OK to arrive up to an hour before that time. The priority occurs at the terminal where there will be a separate line to get into the terminal and a separate check-in area. Also, if you are checked in before boarding starts, you will have a separate place to wait and be among the first to board. 

 

At the pool there is a separate area of chairs for suite guests. You will need a suite SeaPass card to use this area. Make sure everyone in your party brings their card, I have seen crew go through and make sure everyone sitting in this area is in a suite. I have also seen the suite concierge do this. The specific chairs are not reserved, they are available on a first-come first-served basis. 

 

[SherriZ366]

2 hours ago, texturk said:

We just splurged and booked the Grand Suite for a 3 night trip on Independence.  I want to make sure and make the most of it.  How does the priority boarding work?  Will they send us an email giving us a designated time or is their a time we are supposed to show up at the port?  Also, if I understand correctly you have chair saved for you at or near the pool. Does anyone know if these are tucked away in a private quiet area or if they are in the middle of the action.  Any overall experiences and advice about the Grand Suite would be appreciated.

There is a special line for Suites and Pinnacles in front of the door into the terminal.  It usually forms about an 1/2 hour to an hour before the doors open.  You get priority check-in and then if the ship is not ready, there is a special waiting area for suites and Pinnacles that they should direct you too.  I think they reinstated cookies and water now that Covid retractions have been lifted.  Suites and Pinnacles check in and board before "The Key" that is a program that cruisers purchase to get priority check-in and departure other perks.  

 

You will also have priority disembarkation with the Concierge leading you off of the ship.  Your luggage will be in a special Suite/Pinnacle section.  

[topanga49er]

Hi Just got off Freedom in GS.  GS are great; not as many perks as on Oasis class, but you will have a great balcony, 2x room cleaning and access to the suite lounge.  

 

There is outside seating in suite lounge, not really lounge chairs but nice to sit outside and not crowded.  Also, there are "tiered" areas that are supposed to be for GS and above on deck 12, but not sure if enforced.  Really did not have a problem finding a lounge chair after first day, which is always nuts.  

 

You can board as soon as you like in a suite.  We had a noon boarding but boarded at 10:00 am to get most out of first day on ship.  First thing I would do is go up to the suite lounge; think it is on 14? and book any dining and shows, and even flowrider times if you want lessons.  That is one of the best perks: not having to deal w guest services and running around first day.

 

Have a great time!

[SherriZ366]

On 7/6/2023 at 10:36 AM, topanga49er said:

Hi Just got off Freedom in GS.  GS are great; not as many perks as on Oasis class, but you will have a great balcony, 2x room cleaning and access to the suite lounge.  

 

There is outside seating in suite lounge, not really lounge chairs but nice to sit outside and not crowded.  Also, there are "tiered" areas that are supposed to be for GS and above on deck 12, but not sure if enforced.  Really did not have a problem finding a lounge chair after first day, which is always nuts.  

 

You can board as soon as you like in a suite.  We had a noon boarding but boarded at 10:00 am to get most out of first day on ship.  First thing I would do is go up to the suite lounge; think it is on 14? and book any dining and shows, and even flowrider times if you want lessons.  That is one of the best perks: not having to deal w guest services and running around first day.

 

Have a great time!

Loved Indy -- Sister to Freedom -- we cruised on her at the end of May.  We were in a JS but have been in a GS on Freedom.  We're Pinnacle so we were able to use the Suite Lounge -- only 9 Pinnacles onboard (there is a cutoff) The fabulous Suite Concierge, Carl Flores, visited Chops where we had breakfast and invited us to the SL.  We did Happy Hour and the Continental Breakfast.  We also booked Unlimited Dining and really enjoyed it.  

[whoshwhosh]

Will be on Radiance in December in Owners Suite. Since this is a huge splurge want to take advantage of all the perks. Does anyone know what area the reserved loungers are in the pool area? How early would I need to claim a seat?

[George C]

1 hour ago, whoshwhosh said:

Will be on Radiance in December in Owners Suite. Since this is a huge splurge want to take advantage of all the perks. Does anyone know what area the reserved loungers are in the pool area? How early would I need to claim a seat?

Unfortunately there is no reserved pool seats in this class 

Edited July 10, 2023 by George C

[SATaxman]

On 7/9/2023 at 6:38 PM, SherriZ366 said:

Loved Indy -- Sister to Freedom -- we cruised on her at the end of May.  We were in a JS but have been in a GS on Freedom.  We're Pinnacle so we were able to use the Suite Lounge -- only 9 Pinnacles onboard (there is a cutoff) The fabulous Suite Concierge, Carl Flores, visited Chops where we had breakfast and invited us to the SL.  We did Happy Hour and the Continental Breakfast.  We also booked Unlimited Dining and really enjoyed it.  

How much is the Unlimited Dining? We have not been on RCCL for 5 years.