Window Suite vs Mini Suite. What would you do?

[Cruise Raider]

My DH was rather disappointed when he heard I booked a Window Suite over a balcony cabin for the first time on the Grand.  Lo and behold .. he absolutely loved it and so did I.  We are just sorry to see more ships don’t have this type of cabin in the same location as on the Grand.  
We loved the extra room in the cabin, we were never bothered by noise or smoke from the casino and we just went one deck up for the suite breakfast (at that time, it was in the Crown Grill), one deck down for Vines or the IC and just short walk to the Reserve Collection dining room (formerly known as Club Class).  It’s also just one deck up if you want to spend some time outside on the promenade deck.  
Honestly, while I’m not a huge fan of the Grand, I would book one of those WS cabins in a heartbeat!  The room in the bathroom and closets / drawer space, the 3 large picture windows, the perfect location on the ship and the full suite benefits make it so worth it.  
The only drawback is that when others discover that private hallway to or from the theater without having to go through the smoky casino, they sometimes can be noisy .. but that exists in any hallway onboard.  
My vote is for the window suite!  

[Ellipooh]

1 hour ago, rodndonna said:

Edit: OK - I think I see it now... there is the WIndow Suite and then there us "Reserve Collection" Window Suite which has the perks (for an additional $97/day)

That doesn’t sound right. 
You’re looking on Grand Princess?

[Paula_MacFan]

2 hours ago, rodndonna said:

OK - I think I see it now... there is the WIndow Suite and then there us "Reserve Collection" Window Suite which has the perks (for an additional $97/day)

I've never heard of a 'Reserve Collection Window Suite'.  Are you sure you aren't looking at the Reserve Collection Mini-suite?  We have a Window Suite booked for January 2026 on the Caribbean Princess and it's listed as a full suite.  I just did a mock booking on the Grand for the same period, January 2026, and get the same results -- either Window Suite or Reserve Collection Mini-suite.  I thought I'd double check just in case Princess was making changes to future bookings.  

[rodndonna]

3 hours ago, Paula_MacFan said:

I've never heard of a 'Reserve Collection Window Suite'.  Are you sure you aren't looking at the Reserve Collection Mini-suite?  We have a Window Suite booked for January 2026 on the Caribbean Princess and it's listed as a full suite.  I just did a mock booking on the Grand for the same period, January 2026, and get the same results -- either Window Suite or Reserve Collection Mini-suite.  I thought I'd double check just in case Princess was making changes to future bookings.  

 

Yes - you're right (I was/am confused)

 

When you say "full suite" I assume that means the additional suite perks that are mentioned in a window suite and that a "mini-suite"  itself is not considered a "suite" with those perks? And then Reserve collection Mini-suire is a level above that - is that correct?

 

Edited May 18 by rodndonna

[Paula_MacFan]

5 minutes ago, rodndonna said:

 

Yes - you're right (I was/am confused)

 

When you say "full suite" I assume that means the additional suite perks that are mentioned in a window suite and that a "mini-suite"  itself is not considered a "suite" with those perks? And then Reserve collection Mini-suire is a level above that - is that correct?

 

Full suites have these amenities (with the exception of Window Suites which don't have the balconies, but have the other perks):

 

https://www.princess.com/en-us/ships-and-experience/ships/staterooms/suites

 

Mini-suite and Reserve Collection mini-suite perk descriptions:

 

https://www.princess.com/en-us/ships-and-experience/ships/staterooms/reserve-collection

[memoak]

44 minutes ago, rodndonna said:

 

Yes - you're right (I was/am confused)

 

When you say "full suite" I assume that means the additional suite perks that are mentioned in a window suite and that a "mini-suite"  itself is not considered a "suite" with those perks? And then Reserve collection Mini-suire is a level above that - is that correct?

 

The Reserve class mini suites have mid ship locations and reserve class dining but no full suite perks like laundry, mini bar, Sabatini’s breakfast etc

[rodndonna]

Well - you're a convincing crowd - we're booked March 29 2026 in a Window Suite 😄

[Cruise Raider]

48 minutes ago, rodndonna said:

Well - you're a convincing crowd - we're booked March 29 2026 in a Window Suite 😄

Most of the people who comment on here just want you to have the best time ever!  I think you made a wise decision, one you won’t regret!  Enjoy 

[Bemidji Ty]

OP here.  Thanks to all for your responses.  We appreciate it.  We've decided to stay in the mini-suite and have increased our bid for the Reserve Collection.  The clincher for us is that we really enjoy what a private balcony adds to the cruising experience - especially in Alaska.  Whatever happens, we are looking forward to another cruise.  As our daughter stated, "First world problem."

 

Cheers

[Mississippian]

On 5/16/2024 at 3:20 PM, Bemidji Ty said:

Cruising to Alaska June 5 for 14 days on the Grand.  We've booked a mini-suite with a bid to get Reserve Dining.  Today we got an email saying the Reserve Dining offer wasn't accepted but they could offer us a Window Suite for a very low fee.  This will be our 5th time to Alaska.  I read the many reviews of the WS's and am leaning toward keeping the MS.  The balcony is great to have, we are Elite and have many of the suite perks (minus Sabatini's breakfast) and have a large OBC.  What would you do?  Thanks and Cheers.

You should refuse the Window Suite if they pay you enough money.

[FancyPants21]

We have sailed in both but on Sky Princess so a bit different but even so, we loved the space of the Window Suite (and the suite benefits) but for Alaska I'd be tempted to want a balcony so I'd stick with the MS.

[Bemidji Ty]

Just got our cabin assignment today.  We leave next Wednesday.  Since we'd booked a guaranteed cabin (it was all that was available in the mini-suite category), we had to abide by the guidelines.  We've been assigned a window suite (#311).  And that's just fine.  Thanks for all your comments.  I appreciate it.

 

Cheers

[cr8tiv1]

19 minutes ago, Bemidji Ty said:

Just got our cabin assignment today.  We leave next Wednesday.  Since we'd booked a guaranteed cabin (it was all that was available in the mini-suite category), we had to abide by the guidelines.  We've been assigned a window suite (#311).  And that's just fine.  Thanks for all your comments.  I appreciate it.

 

Cheers

 

Lucky you!  Enjoy.  Hard to go back to other staterooms after you have been spoiled.  

[Ellipooh]

Amazing, you’re very lucky. 
Upgraded to a full suite at a guarantee price!

[Coral]

I recently booked a Window Suite for an upcoming cruise. I don't use the balcony that much though I think I would want one if I was sick and confined to my room. 

 

It has been a long time since I have been with out a balcony - we will see how it goes.

[paddingtonbear]

On 5/19/2024 at 6:38 AM, Bemidji Ty said:

OP here.  Thanks to all for your responses.  We appreciate it.  We've decided to stay in the mini-suite and have increased our bid for the Reserve Collection.  The clincher for us is that we really enjoy what a private balcony adds to the cruising experience - especially in Alaska.  Whatever happens, we are looking forward to another cruise.  As our daughter stated, "First world problem."

 

Cheers

Personally, I think you made the right decision (such a difficult one!).

We had a balcony in Alaska and it was fabulous.  We went in early July and the weather was great.  We spent so much time on the balcony eating and drinking and watching the scenery and taking photos.  Especially in Glacier Bay. 

I love the balcony for the quick and easy access to the outdoors and would never sail without one.  You can take fabulous photos without the obstruction of the glass too. 

[oregonN]

Window Suite? 

Avoid all all cost.

[cr8tiv1]

20 minutes ago, oregonN said:

Window Suite? 

Avoid all all cost.

Glad you don’t want them. More for others.  Are you referring to WS on the Grand/Caribbean?  Definitely would stay away from them on the Royal class ships. 
 

Just curious.  Why? 

[Coral]

7 hours ago, oregonN said:

Window Suite? 

Avoid all all cost.

This isn't helpful unless you provide more information on why you don't like them.

[startedwithamouse]

17 hours ago, Bemidji Ty said:

Just got our cabin assignment today.  We leave next Wednesday.  Since we'd booked a guaranteed cabin (it was all that was available in the mini-suite category), we had to abide by the guidelines.  We've been assigned a window suite (#311).  And that's just fine.  Thanks for all your comments.  I appreciate it.

 

Cheers

With full suite privileges! Nice!

[memoak]

10 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Glad you don’t want them. More for others.  Are you referring to WS on the Grand/Caribbean?  Definitely would stay away from them on the Royal class ships. 
 

Just curious.  Why? 

Hardly any ships have the window suites so this is only applicable on some cruises 

[cr8tiv1]

14 minutes ago, memoak said:

Hardly any ships have the window suites so this is only applicable on some cruises 

Correct, I would stay away from the Window Suites on the Royal class ships that have them.   I don’t remember which ones since I’ve avoided these ships.  They are too forward and too high.  

[oregonN]

11 hours ago, cr8tiv1 said:

Glad you don’t want them. More for others.  Are you referring to WS on the Grand/Caribbean?  Definitely would stay away from them on the Royal class ships. 
 

Just curious.  Why? 

So I can book one every time I cruise!

[cr8tiv1]

1 minute ago, oregonN said:

So I can book one every time I cruise!

Totally agree 😉

Edited Friday at 03:26 PM by cr8tiv1

[cruzsnooze]

The decision is about how much a balcony is desired. If you want a balcony then I would take a club class/reserve mini suite. If a balcony doesn't matter then the window suite would be a better choice. If for any reason you got sick or quarantined I would need a balcony.

  I am currently on the Diamond Princess and the two cabins next door have the little tables outside their door and all meals room service (covid I suspect). I'm glad to be in a mini suite with a balcony and keep my door open for fresh air most of the time.

Edited Friday at 09:50 PM by cruzsnooze