Is a suite on Royal Caribbean worth it?

In:
19 Jun 2019
By: 
Matt Hochberg

Staying in a suite will get you the most expansive and luxurious accommodations Royal Caribbean, but it also comes with the highest price tag.  With that in mind, we present the important information you should know about what a suite gets you, and if it is a good investment.

Benefits

Without a doubt, the most compelling reason to get a suite is all the extras that come with the room. 

Unlike other stateroom categories, suites come with their own batch of services, amenities and options that are part of the price you pay. This includes a full size bath tub, upgraded bedding, reserved areas of the ship, personalized service and more.

The exact benefits will depend on the stateroom category you pick, along with the ship you sail on.  The most notable set of benefits are found on Oasis or Quantum Class ships, which feature the Royal Suite Class. The Royal Suite Class represents the very best suite benefits across the fleet, and if you want to get the most out of your suite experience, you would be best served to try one on an Oasis or Quantum Class ship.

All suites have access to a dedicated check-in line for boarding, in-suite Mr. Coffee/Tea service, personalized service from a suite attendant, and a pillow top mattress. Junior Suites, Grand Suites, Ocean View/ Panoramic (No Balcony) Suites, and Owner’s Suites all receive priority boarding, and Royal Suite and Villa Suite guests are escorted onboard by an officer.

Traditional Suites

 Junior SuiteGrand Suite, Ocean View/Panoramic Suite & Owner's SuiteRoyal Suite & Villa Suite
Royal Caribbean Classic Bathrobe  
BioEnergy 50 ml Bathroom Amenities  
Royal Caribbean Luxury Bathrobe 
Pillow Menu 
Complimentary Pressing on First Formal Night 
Access to Barefoot Beach (Cabana Reservations are Available at an Extra Charge, First Come, First Served) 
Gilchrist & Soames Bathroom Amenities 
Priority Departure 
Concierge Service 
Priority Dining Reservations 
Priority Spa Bookings 
Priority Shore Excursion Ticketing 
Suite Party Invitation (On Itineraries of 5+ Nights) 
Bridge, Galley & Backstage Tours 
Suite Lounge/Concierge Club Access (Hors d’oeuvres and Cocktails Each Evening) 
VIP Pool Deck Seating (Voyager Class and Above, First Come, First Seated) 
Priority Tendering (Where Applicable) 
Welcome Fruit Amenity 
Welcome Evian Water 
Main Dining Menu Available for In Suite Dining (During Operating Hours) 
Complimentary 24-Hour Room Service 
Private Lunch Seating Available on Ships without Coastal Kitchen (Location Varies by Ship and Sailing) 
Private Breakfast Seating Available on Ships without Coastal Kitchen (Location Varies by Ship and Sailing) 
Departure Breakfast 
In Room Mr. Coffee/Tea Service (kettle) 
Reserved Section in Theater - Main, Studio B, AquaTheater, 270 (Where Applicable) 
Complimentary Pressing on First Formal Night 
Sign-up Fee Waived for Luggage Valet Service (Where Applicable) 
Welcome Moet & Chandon  

Royal Suite Class

 SEA
CLASS
SKY
CLASS
STAR
CLASS
Dedicated Check In Line
Priority Boarding
Coastal Kitchen Dinner
Royal Caribbean Classic Bathrobe
L'Occitane 50 ml Bathroom Amenities
In Room Mr. Coffee/Tea Service (kettle)
VOOM 
Concierge Service 
Exclusive Signature Activities 
Suite Lounge/Concierge Club Access 
Priority Departure 
Royal Genie  
Complimentary Gratuities  
Complimentary Specialty Dining  
Complimentary Deluxe Beverage Package  

Budget

With all those benefits comes a price, and suites are the most expensive stateroom category you will find on a Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Just because the room has a higher price tag than other staterooms, does not mean it has to break the bank. Depending on a variety of factors, the price for a suite will vary.  These factors include, but not limited to:

  • Ship class
  • Time of year
  • How many other suites are booked/available
  • Type of suite

When it comes to price, it will be a personal decision because one person's expensive price tag, is another person's reasonable price tag.  In almost every instance, while a suite offers some lovely benefits, it will likely come with a premium price overhead. Just like flying first class, it is a splurge to treat yourself.

Living space

One of the top reasons someone will book a suite stateroom is for the extra living space. Sometimes families opt for a suite to provide enough room for everyone to stay in the same room, while other times it is just about having extra space to sprawl out.

Suites will offer the most square footage of stateroom and private balcony space of any stateroom.  You will also find multiple bathrooms and/or bedrooms in a suite. In short, suites are the largest staterooms available on a Royal Caribbean ship.

The higher suite categories will even offer more opulent amenities, such as pianos, Jacuzzis, multiple stories and more. 

Bottom line: Is a suite worth it?

When staying in a suite, so many little things are just a little better, nicer, or easier. The bedding is plusher. The bathrobes and slippers are more plentiful. There is not a singular thing or list of things I could put together to say if you should book a suite.

Staying in a suite is about rewarding yourself and treating your family to a delightful experience.

Is the price for a suite likely more than other rooms? Yes. Is the added service and amenities nice to have? Yes. It boils down to being comfortable with the inflated price tag, and taking advantage of the bonus options that come with a suite.


Matt started Royal Caribbean Blog in 2010 as a place to share his passion for all things Royal Caribbean with readers. He oversees all the writers at Royal Caribbean Blog, and writes a great deal of content on a daily basis.  He has become one of the foremost experts on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Over the years, he has reached Pinnacle Club status with Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program.

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