F1 Suites Near the Stern on Grandeur, Explorer and Splendor

[jeb_bud]

I am planning a cruise on Grandeur in 2025. I think I'm going to book a F1 or F2 for this cruise.  Looking at the deck plan I see four F1 suites at the stern on Decks 7 and 8.  The equivalent suites on Deck 9 are Concierge.  I'm attracted to these suites because they appear to have the large balcony of a Concierge suite. Suite Guru does not have any reviews of these suites. 

 

I'm curious if anyone has stayed in one of these suites, or the Cat E suites at the back of Deck 9?  How was the experience?  Also, aside from the longer walk to the elevator why are these suites a lower category than the ones just in front of them?

 

Thanks for any input.

[Chateaunole-du-pape]

We were in 957 on Splendor this summer, just three forward of the ones you are looking at on Deck 7 and 8. Great layout, huge balcony, no motion issues. I can't imagine that being three suites farther aft would make much of a difference.

[briar14]

We were in 780, an F1, on Grandeur for the last 21 days. Yes, it has a larger balcony. The ship sailed through 3 storms on the cruise. We were very comfortable the entire time. I would recommend.

Edited December 10, 2023 by briar14

[DaveFr]

We were in 877 on the Explorer last March and April. It was a good suite with no issues. I would book it again.

 

Dave

[jeb_bud]

Thanks for the helpful replies. I just booked 875 for a Grandeur Southampton to Southampton cruise in June, 2025. We'll find out just how important the coffee maker and cashmere blankets are to us in Concierge.