My wife and I have sailed in an Owner’s Suite the previous three cruises. Once on Liberty and twice on Allure out of Galveston. Doing it again on Harmony next fall. No regrets at all. Double closets, double size balcony with two loungers and a table with two chairs. Bath has two sinks, Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, bidet, and toilet. And yes, it’s pricey but the perks are wonderful and many. Retired and spending our kid’s formerly anticipated inheritance. Go big or stay home.
Awesome! I’m crushing out of Galveston for the first time in January. I’ve heard it can be tricky getting there from hobby. Any tips you can recommend are truly appreciated! 😊
I always have to laugh when people insist on telling others how to spend their money on a cruise. 🙂 The only person who can decide if a splurge is *worth it* is the person booking it!
I did the junior suite. It was worth it for sure. It was around $800 more than a regular balcony. I kept checking for price drops once I booked the suite. I caught a $1200 price drop, so in that case it was worth checking every few days for price changes. This was a NYC/Bahamas cruise in November 2019.
Oh yeah, I totally agree about moving up from a balcony! Our next cruise will be a Jr. Suite. Our cruise that just ended last Friday Nov 3 was a LLLOOOONNNGGG balcony in the very front of the ship.
Decided to pony up 3k to upgrade my transpacific to a grand suite on Quantum a few weeks ago. That many sea days and the coastal kitchen made ALL of it worth it, even as a solo. 😁
I pray that you have a good time. However, quantum was beaten so poorly. I spent 3 1/2 months on it back in March April and May. Sadly, I was on the first cruise that ever did from Bruges to Southampton invitation only and then Southampton to Cape liberty triple pinnacle on Royal, but I no longer go on them after quitting the world cruise early and then having so many problems on quantum I tried silver sea, and that is a much superior experience, but you get what you pay for
Staying in a Jr suite in about a week. For me it was the only way on this cruise to get all 5 people in my family in the same room as the large family balcony cabins were already booked. The 2 bedroom suites might have worked but the cost was pretty silly. As my older kids get older it will work to get a balcony and interior room across the hall but for now this is what worked.
Hi Matt! I like the Jr. Suite, especially when we are chasing the next level...which we always are - since we are only at Diamond. $1,000.00 is perfect but it is harder to come by lately. We are now reassessing our dollar amount!
We did a Jr Suite with two of our kids on the Freedom. One of my best memories was spending one of the sea nights sleeping on the lounger on the balcony. The sounds of the sea below was Sooo relaxing.
I've been looking to book a suite as a sort of self-congrats for hitting diamond which I'll do in the first half of next year. You've cleared up the benefits of the Jr. Suite vs the others so maybe I spend a bit more for the full suite benefit. As a solo cruiser I do love those double or in the case of a suite triple points.
I love Jr Suites for the extra room and double points. We also have a little one so having a tub is very nice too. Super excited for our upcoming sailing on Brilliance this Sat. Managed to snag a Grand Suite for the price I usually pay for a Jr Suite. This will be our first time in a full suite and I can't wait to take advantage of the suite benefits like breakfast at chops and the behind the scenes tour and of course the free drinks in the lounge!
To me the best bang for the buck is a aft balcony cabin on a Radiance class ship. It’s not really wider, but much longer/deeper. Usually has two chairs, a table and 2 lounge chairs.
Royal Caribbean is my favorite cruise line. I usually get a balcony room. A few weeks ago I went on an Alaska cruise on Norwegian Encore. I upgraded to their Club Suite for $400 more. I was disappointed by the size. It seemed smaller than Royal Caribbean's balcony rooms. I use a walker with the seat. I couldn't get it in the door without closing it up and wasn't able to open it up inside the suite. It did have the large shower which was great. Royal Caribbean's junior suite is so much larger.
The split bathroom J4 junior suites on Quantum Class are a game changer. Having that split bathroom when you’re traveling with your partner is so nice!
We are going to be doing a junior suite on an upcoming harmony OTS cruise in April. Main reason for us honestly is that it will be cheaper with three young kids to get 1 junior suite than 2 balcony cabins. Excited to take advantage of some of the minor benefits though
Just got off the Liberty of the Seas from a deck 10 Junior Suite. It was well worth the money to us. Two parents and one 13 year old "child". A normal balcony room was great right up to last year. With a pre-teen, the room started to feel very tight. So we decided to try the JS this year. If you have older kids, I highly recommend it. The extra space and storage space is worth every penny. Also, to be fair, we are balcony people. We often come back to our room for some quiet time on the balcony, get away from the crowds, and enjoy the views. So the "your never in your room" argument does not apply to us.
We are currently trying to boost our point totals to hit diamond. so a $1000 difference but getting double points makes it worth it in our case. It really is a personal decision now that our Daughter is older , we may switch to adjoining balcony or Balcony/inside stateroom so then a Jr suite is not in the cards. my next Cruise is on Rhapsody in the Southern Caribbean next year and since we've never been to those ports and it's my wife and I we got the Jr Suite to splurge. As with everything, Your reasons may vary, but you'll still be on a ship cruising no matter what cabin you choose so that is always a positive. Happy Cruising Everyone
I upgraded to a Jr Suite on Harmony once for my wife and I for only $750 on a 7 night cruise and it was FABULOUS… the priority check in/boarding was worth it from the off… the bigger balcony had us out there everyday. The bigger bathroom and closets were also a bonus. Wish I had known about the costal kitchen!!
Radiance class is my absolute favorite RC ship, with all the windows everywhere and smaller size vessel - been on Radiance, Serenade and Brilliance. By chance I happened to get booked in a wheelchair accessible balcony cabin on Brilliance for a 13 night Baltic cruise in 2018 and it was HUGE. I think any balcony is worthwhile on Radiance class, especially for some of the itineraries available.
Spending 40 weeks on Serenade starting next month. Going from a window to a balcony is $100k more for the trip. Packing to fit in storage space is our challenge. We have a plan. Usually book a balcony for 1 week or more. Have downgraded to add a third week to an interior which turned out fine. Since it covers so many ports, I am excited and will not get sick of it.
I stayed in the two bedroom one that you showed with the panoramic windows this summer and thought it was great. I liked it better then balcony because it was much more spacious, has two bathrooms, and you got the other suite perks. That's the great part about cruising though is there so many different rooms and things to do that everyone can be happy.
That junior suite looks lovely, it’s really plush and has the bigger balcony… plus if you were not already diamond/pinnacle you would be more motivated by the extra points! I think you made a great choice. Sometimes it’s nice to splurge a little!
We have loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers. Have always stayed in a balcony, Central Park balcony, Ultra Spacious Ocean View or Promenade cabin. So for or January 2024 Symphony of the Seas cruise we booked a Central Park balcony again, but bid on a Junior Suite. The difference for 2 people on the bid was $2080. I think it's totally worth it. The bath tub alone. LOL. We love to use the balcony for fresh air and reading, so that is definitely another plus. The walk in closet is a great upgrade. For my husband, having a coffee maker in the room sealed the bid. Cheer for us and hope we get it. Can't wait. Keep on cruising 🛳️🍹❤️
One suite perk, if you grabbed 900 board time, you have the option as a suite holder embarking upto one hour early. Our Panoramic Suite was huge, bath and a half.
Firstly, I was “noneyabizness” on one of your recent Q&A asking how to avoid taking a Carnival cruise ever again 🤪 I sail solo all the time and if the up charge isn’t too bad I’ll spring for a JS over a Balcony ($1000 or less for 7 night cruise, but honestly I never come close to using the extra room and storage. Love your videos and recommend all my cruise friends check out your channel. Thanks Mattt !
After going on a 7 night western Caribbean cruise with an interior room I would definitely do a jr suite. Having the larger room, bathroom, and balcony is nice.
You forgot to mention priority boarding! I felt that perk mattered. I got a jr suite for our family of 4 for $2,000 for a four night Mexico jaunt coming up in February.
We book suites because we love priority embarkation and disembarkation. Never having to wait makes the cruise so much more enjoyable and so much less stressful than the experience is for us otherwise. Also, I love soaking in a bathtub and I always spend a LOT of time lounging on the balcony. Additionally, I'm a lousy sleeper, so being able to separate myself and read or watch TV while my husband sleeps is a great thing. We love cruising, but because we strongly prefer suites, we only go once every three or four years since it is so much more expensive. But we like it that way. It's more special and we enjoy it much more.
I just RoyalUpped to a JS on Anthem for $650pp. Loved it. Saved over $1000pp vs a Suite GTY. One of us needed a mobility scooter, but we didnt need a fully accessible cabin. The extra width gave us space to move around the scooter without climbing over it. Would do again in a minute.
We thought about booking a Jr Suite on the Radiance for a chartered cruise. We were told that all the Jr Suites were on Deck 10 which is under a very busy (and thus noisey) Deck 11. 😢
My family bought my wife and I the Owner’s Suite on Mariner for my 50th birthday. It was nice. Don’t get me wrong, it was so nice to have all the extra space, etc. but we both just looked at one another and were like “this is a total waste of money.” I mean, to each their own, if someone wants to splurge - by all means, Royal Caribbean will be happy to take your money, but considering how much time you actually spend in your room (or at least us), I’d have rather been in a Jr. Suite and taken the additional funds to the casino. But, again, to each their own.
I’ve sailed in interior rooms in my initial cruising days but once I had our baby, I needed more room. I’ve never booked a junior suite because I was on quantum and oasis class ships and wanted the suite lounge and coastal kitchen access. I’ve booked grand suites (oasis class) and splurged big time for a star class loft (quantum class). I enjoyed the experience and have since booked another suite for January. Again the space and perks were drivers of my decision vs cost… no regrets
I've stayed in jurior suites on occasion and have really enjoyed the extra space and amenities. I've been somewhat strategic in upgrading after booking a balcony as the extra cost is dependent upon the availability of the room. It is best to book as close to the cruise offering so that more rooms are available. I've always enjoyed staying in one and they are a bit nicer than the balcony and the extra points are nice also.
Junior was nice only for the extra room. Grand suites have been nicer with all the amenities! Crown Loft Suites have been amazing!! (I have done regular balcony rooms for years and was very happy though! ) I have grown to really appreciate the extra amenities in grand suites and above! If it’s in your budget, I think it’s totally worth it! Like you said, if you are not going to be in your cabin all that much, it may not make sense to spend more on a larger cabin. Great vlog! Thank you!!
I always tell people that if you are typically a balcony cruiser and you move up to a jr suite you will not go back. I love Royal's jr suites and don't really need any more space and amenities than that. Now days I don't even look at the price difference I just look for a sailing that has a great jr suite priice. I booked a jr suite on a Princess ship a few years ago and was really disappointed as the cabin was not any larger than a balcony cabin. What I love about the jr suite, in addition to the space is the chair and otterman, the coffee/tea service (nothing like making your won early morning and watching the sun come up on the balcony), and the extra large balcony with chairs and loungers.
We recently “Royal Upped” to a Jr suite on Explorer in the Adriatic. It was not our first time in a Jr suite, but the first time it was just my husband and me. We really enjoyed the extra space, but probably wouldn’t bother when it’s just the two of us in the future. We didn’t need all that space.
My son and I had a junior suite on Mariner back in July. Got a great deal on it and it was a fantastic experience. We really appreciated the extra room to move around in, and the walk-in closet was a huge bonus. Double points didn't hurt, either. The negative: we've stayed in Sky Suites on Celebrity ( their version of a junior suite), and Sky Suite guests get all of the same benefits that guests in bigger suites get. Rather chintzy of Royal that they lock junior suites guests out of some of the suites amenities.
I noticed that the balcony room that my employer booked for my wife and I on our annual company cruise was a wheelchair accessible room and it was just like your junior suite. Our sailing was on Independence of the seas, so this may be a cheaper alternative to the junior suite but you won’t get all the perks though.
We have a family of 4 and the junior suite is perfect size for us with 2 big teenagers. It gives us those 2 bathrooms and a little extra room for the boys in terms of sleeping arrangements. We got an "aft balcony" junior suite on the odyssey last april. It was twice the size of this one in the video but it was missing the 2nd bathroom. It was enormous and the balcony fit 4 loungers! We did the junior suite on the ovation to alaska in august and it was identical to this one. The 2 bathrooms were so clutch.
I'm so close to Diamond Plus, my next four solo cruises I've booked at least a Junior Suite. I've told myself once I hit Diamond Plus, I'll start considering cabins below a balcony, but so far, I've loved the Junior Suites, even though they don't have all of the perks of a Suite, I don't tend to use all of the perks anyways.
I've scored a Jr. Suite a few times and always enjoyed them. They're worth an upcharge, but usually they are priced higher than I think it is worth to me. On a 7 night cruise, I'd pay an extra $200-300 more. It's worth noting that I have seen cruises, especially on Vision class ships, where the Jr. Suite is actually cheaper than a balcony. That's a no brainer. Jr. Suite all the way.
My husband and I is sailing on Independence of the Seas in February. We booked a junior suite as this is the second cruise for my husband. The first one we had a balcony and he's in love with a balcony. There's no way I could convince him to have in inside cabin! We have a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas and Jamaica, our cabin we booked May of this year. I would pay $1200 over. My husband and I haven't travel together due to our jobs and family obligations. But now, we're mske travel plans together. If we pay more for the experience and being together, I'll pay it!
My first 2 cruises were in Jr Suites. Loved them and it was worth it because I love the balcony size and my husband doesn’t like cramped cabins. However, my next cruise next year is only in a balcony. I know we won’t like the cabin much at all, but it’s an Alaskan cruise and the Jr Suite was beyond my financial capacity. If I get it paid off early and see that there may be an available Jr Suite left and I can swing the extra money, I may rebook. I need the points and I need the space. I just wish I understood why Alaskan cruises were so high.
I considered it for my family of 4 - 1 adult and 3 teenagers - but the cost was significantly better to get 1 ocean balcony and 1 Central Park balcony across the hall. Given that 2 of my teens will be 19 and almost 18 when we sail, this works out well and cheaper. But if my kids were younger, I could see the jr suite being worth it for the extra space and bathroom.
I like a jr. suite but it may be best utilized when you have a few sea days. You end up hanging out on the balcony during the day more whereas you're off the boat a lot when you have many ports. Also, when you're with your wife only, sometimes it's nice to splurge since you probably don't do too much of that when you're home (happy wife, happy life). On this point, I think you chose wisely.
Did you have an issues getting reservations at Coastal Kitchen? For junior suites, there is no guarantee that you can use the Coastal Kitchen. Only if there is space available, not taken by guests in suites and above.
I would consider paying $500 extra in total to upgrade to a Jr Suite for a 7+ day cruise. $1200 is just far too much money for a room you don’t spend a lot of time in.
Thing is, we'll never do regular cabin again. We were grabbing our first drinks before the regular line even started moving. And explored a good portion of the ship, with a slice of pizza
We booked a balcony back in Jan and opted for the royal up. We ended up with a Grand Suite. Now this next cruise in Dec we booked an owners suite. Hard to go back. Icon next year we booked a Grand for 10500k. Now they are 24k. Book early!!
Nice work. The wife and have booked a grand suite for our upcoming cruise. Got in plenty early and the price is already 3k more with plenty of time to keep rising. Early birds get the worm
I just got a email for the Royal Up. I'm surprised at the prices this time. I'm in an interior and the lowest bidding for a junior was $90. I might bid just to see if I'd be lucky enough to get it
I just had a Jr Suite on Voyager 3 weeks ago. It was complimentary... Gamble people 😅 join us on the comp side. My utopia and icon sailings are complimentary ✊🏽
A major problem for us in RCCL suites, Id like to get one for our anniversary at least once, but they don't have an accessible suite, the remove the showers for a tub, My wife need a roll in shower she can't step over the tub sides to get in and out, she also needs shower seat and those don't fit in the tubs.
I personally like the junior suite. I like the extra space, the bathtub, the coffee maker, lounger on the bigger deck and Coastal kitchen. $1200 is a bit high but I would pay more because getting the extra points. 😊
I’m currently booked on the Harmony of the Seas for the December 31st trip, since it’s 5 of us we are staying in a junior suite. I wanted a two bedroom grand suite, unfortunately none were available.
Get two balcony or suites with a connecting door when 2 bedroom grand suites aren’t available The 2 bedroom suites are in horrible locations like the front of the ship anyways.
I know this is a stretch on the topic but I will ask anyways. If you do the royal up for a suite and get it, do you still qualify for the double points for that cruise. Asking for a friend.
I'm afraid I would feel obligated to spend more time in the cabin to justify the cost. Maybe they need a bigger TV for folks that are hanging in the suite. My wife and I book a balcony every cruise. We have coffee or breakfast on the balcony then hit the activities on board or on shore. Several times during the day we may briefly hit the balcony for views, That $1200 could have been better spent (in my opinion) on excursions or specialty dining or drink packages or upgraded WIFI or souvenirs or gifts to take home. We just don't spend that much time in the cabin. It's just the two of us. If we has a kid with us, I'd probably opt for the suite.
I booked a guaranteed suite next December for 4 days cost $1600 total for us 2. The 8 points I get will put me to diamond. How bad could it really be?! Navigator of the Seas
one thing that annoys me about cruises in general is that you still gotta pay the upgrade fee if you're moving rooms for medical accomidations. I broke my back a few weeks ago and need handicap access for my upcoming cruise but RC wants 1600 on top of the 500+ i've already paid. now i'm debating if it's even worth going on this cruise or just cancelling all together.
I feel for your injury and I’m sure it can’t be easy living with however they can’t just give away everything for free. Would be nice to see them drop it a bit in cases of medical issues but free is a huge stretch. They didn’t cause the injury
Personally we only book a Jr suite or higher because we cruise with our daughter. The extra space makes the cruise much more enjoyable. However it is more money so I do understand people’s rationale of not to do it
I see nothing wrong with it. Personally I don’t think there is anything wrong with the full on suite either. It just depends on what you plan to get from your cruise. Everyone is different. Me, I like to get out and then go back from time to time to get a break and then go back. A super huge suite would not be for me but a junior suite or a sky class right above it is fine.
Here's the way I see it, if it's just two people in the cabin then a regular balcony is just fine however if there are going to be three people in the cabin & you really want a balcony then the money is well worth it to upgrade to a Jr. Suite. I also don't really think it's worth the money to book anything larger unless you are having a bunch of people, like 5 or more and even then price wise you might do better booking two or three cabins depending on category.
Tangent comment: If a cruise ship were to be assaulted by speedboat pirates, would a balcony be a point of worry? Would pirates try to enter the ship that way?
Buyer Beware!! I have a cruise booked on RCL which is over 500 days away. I booked, non-refundable, for $900. I just tried to cancel the cruise, because of immigration issues which were not foreseeable and out of my control. RCL refuses to even give me a partial refund
If it’s not going to break your bank to get a suite then why not book one? It’s not for everyone but that’s why they have so many different types of rooms to choose from. You do you and be happy! #yolo
My dad had a accessible room and it looks as big as this, without the tub, bigger shower, and more room. Next time , I'm bunking with him lol kidding but still, look up accessible rooms. They're on they're own level of size
No way would I spend that personally. I've always cruised interior rooms (typically with 4 of us) and its totally fine. I personally like spending less. I stay around $100 per day or less. Just went on a14 night earlier this year and only spent $900 all in on room and gratuities.... No internet, no drink package, no dining package. Spent on excursions for 3 of 6 ports.
They should make the pillows in the cabin a different color, call them premium and charge $1000/week more for them and RCI diehards will say they won't sail without them.
My wife and I have sailed in an Owner’s Suite the previous three cruises. Once on Liberty and twice on Allure out of Galveston. Doing it again on Harmony next fall.
No regrets at all.
Double closets, double size balcony with two loungers and a table with two chairs.
Bath has two sinks, Jacuzzi tub, separate shower, bidet, and toilet.
And yes, it’s pricey but the perks are wonderful and many.
Retired and spending our kid’s formerly anticipated inheritance.
Go big or stay home.
Awesome! I’m crushing out of Galveston for the first time in January. I’ve heard it can be tricky getting there from hobby. Any tips you can recommend are truly appreciated! 😊
I always have to laugh when people insist on telling others how to spend their money on a cruise. 🙂 The only person who can decide if a splurge is *worth it* is the person booking it!
It's amazing how angry people get about that!
Totally. I wouldn't spend that.
I only stay in Junior Suites. Perfect size and comfort. I did stay in an Aqua Suite for our 30th Anniversary, but Junior Suites is our go to.
I did the junior suite. It was worth it for sure. It was around $800 more than a regular balcony. I kept checking for price drops once I booked the suite. I caught a $1200 price drop, so in that case it was worth checking every few days for price changes. This was a NYC/Bahamas cruise in November 2019.
Oh yeah, I totally agree about moving up from a balcony! Our next cruise will be a Jr. Suite. Our cruise that just ended last Friday Nov 3 was a LLLOOOONNNGGG balcony in the very front of the ship.
Decided to pony up 3k to upgrade my transpacific to a grand suite on Quantum a few weeks ago. That many sea days and the coastal kitchen made ALL of it worth it, even as a solo. 😁
Very nice!
I pray that you have a good time. However, quantum was beaten so poorly. I spent 3 1/2 months on it back in March April and May. Sadly, I was on the first cruise that ever did from Bruges to Southampton invitation only and then Southampton to Cape liberty triple pinnacle on Royal, but I no longer go on them after quitting the world cruise early and then having so many problems on quantum I tried silver sea, and that is a much superior experience, but you get what you pay for
Staying in a Jr suite in about a week. For me it was the only way on this cruise to get all 5 people in my family in the same room as the large family balcony cabins were already booked. The 2 bedroom suites might have worked but the cost was pretty silly. As my older kids get older it will work to get a balcony and interior room across the hall but for now this is what worked.
Hi Matt! I like the Jr. Suite, especially when we are chasing the next level...which we always are - since we are only at Diamond. $1,000.00 is perfect but it is harder to come by lately. We are now reassessing our dollar amount!
We did a Jr Suite with two of our kids on the Freedom. One of my best memories was spending one of the sea nights sleeping on the lounger on the balcony. The sounds of the sea below was Sooo relaxing.
I've been looking to book a suite as a sort of self-congrats for hitting diamond which I'll do in the first half of next year. You've cleared up the benefits of the Jr. Suite vs the others so maybe I spend a bit more for the full suite benefit. As a solo cruiser I do love those double or in the case of a suite triple points.
I love Jr Suites for the extra room and double points. We also have a little one so having a tub is very nice too. Super excited for our upcoming sailing on Brilliance this Sat. Managed to snag a Grand Suite for the price I usually pay for a Jr Suite. This will be our first time in a full suite and I can't wait to take advantage of the suite benefits like breakfast at chops and the behind the scenes tour and of course the free drinks in the lounge!
To me the best bang for the buck is a aft balcony cabin on a Radiance class ship. It’s not really wider, but much longer/deeper. Usually has two chairs, a table and 2 lounge chairs.
Royal Caribbean is my favorite cruise line. I usually get a balcony room. A few weeks ago I went on an Alaska cruise on Norwegian Encore. I upgraded to their Club Suite for $400 more. I was disappointed by the size. It seemed smaller than Royal Caribbean's balcony rooms. I use a walker with the seat. I couldn't get it in the door without closing it up and wasn't able to open it up inside the suite. It did have the large shower which was great. Royal Caribbean's junior suite is so much larger.
The split bathroom J4 junior suites on Quantum Class are a game changer. Having that split bathroom when you’re traveling with your partner is so nice!
We are going to be doing a junior suite on an upcoming harmony OTS cruise in April. Main reason for us honestly is that it will be cheaper with three young kids to get 1 junior suite than 2 balcony cabins. Excited to take advantage of some of the minor benefits though
Just got off the Liberty of the Seas from a deck 10 Junior Suite. It was well worth the money to us. Two parents and one 13 year old "child". A normal balcony room was great right up to last year. With a pre-teen, the room started to feel very tight. So we decided to try the JS this year. If you have older kids, I highly recommend it. The extra space and storage space is worth every penny. Also, to be fair, we are balcony people. We often come back to our room for some quiet time on the balcony, get away from the crowds, and enjoy the views. So the "your never in your room" argument does not apply to us.
We are currently trying to boost our point totals to hit diamond. so a $1000 difference but getting double points makes it worth it in our case. It really is a personal decision now that our Daughter is older , we may switch to adjoining balcony or Balcony/inside stateroom so then a Jr suite is not in the cards.
my next Cruise is on Rhapsody in the Southern Caribbean next year and since we've never been to those ports and it's my wife and I we got the Jr Suite to splurge.
As with everything, Your reasons may vary, but you'll still be on a ship cruising no matter what cabin you choose so that is always a positive. Happy Cruising Everyone
I upgraded to a Jr Suite on Harmony once for my wife and I for only $750 on a 7 night cruise and it was FABULOUS… the priority check in/boarding was worth it from the off… the bigger balcony had us out there everyday. The bigger bathroom and closets were also a bonus. Wish I had known about the costal kitchen!!
Radiance class is my absolute favorite RC ship, with all the windows everywhere and smaller size vessel - been on Radiance, Serenade and Brilliance. By chance I happened to get booked in a wheelchair accessible balcony cabin on Brilliance for a 13 night Baltic cruise in 2018 and it was HUGE. I think any balcony is worthwhile on Radiance class, especially for some of the itineraries available.
Spending 40 weeks on Serenade starting next month. Going from a window to a balcony is $100k more for the trip. Packing to fit in storage space is our challenge. We have a plan.
Usually book a balcony for 1 week or more. Have downgraded to add a third week to an interior which turned out fine. Since it covers so many ports, I am excited and will not get sick of it.
I stayed in the two bedroom one that you showed with the panoramic windows this summer and thought it was great. I liked it better then balcony because it was much more spacious, has two bathrooms, and you got the other suite perks. That's the great part about cruising though is there so many different rooms and things to do that everyone can be happy.
That junior suite looks lovely, it’s really plush and has the bigger balcony… plus if you were not already diamond/pinnacle you would be more motivated by the extra points! I think you made a great choice. Sometimes it’s nice to splurge a little!
We have loyal Royal Caribbean cruisers. Have always stayed in a balcony, Central Park balcony, Ultra Spacious Ocean View or Promenade cabin. So for or January 2024 Symphony of the Seas cruise we booked a Central Park balcony again, but bid on a Junior Suite. The difference for 2 people on the bid was $2080. I think it's totally worth it. The bath tub alone. LOL. We love to use the balcony for fresh air and reading, so that is definitely another plus. The walk in closet is a great upgrade. For my husband, having a coffee maker in the room sealed the bid. Cheer for us and hope we get it. Can't wait. Keep on cruising 🛳️🍹❤️
One suite perk, if you grabbed 900 board time, you have the option as a suite holder embarking upto one hour early. Our Panoramic Suite was huge, bath and a half.
Firstly, I was “noneyabizness” on one of your recent Q&A asking how to avoid taking a Carnival cruise ever again 🤪
I sail solo all the time and if the up charge isn’t too bad I’ll spring for a JS over a Balcony ($1000 or less for 7 night cruise, but honestly I never come close to using the extra room and storage. Love your videos and recommend all my cruise friends check out your channel. Thanks Mattt !
After going on a 7 night western Caribbean cruise with an interior room I would definitely do a jr suite. Having the larger room, bathroom, and balcony is nice.
You forgot to mention priority boarding! I felt that perk mattered. I got a jr suite for our family of 4 for $2,000 for a four night Mexico jaunt coming up in February.
He mentions 3:20
We book suites because we love priority embarkation and disembarkation. Never having to wait makes the cruise so much more enjoyable and so much less stressful than the experience is for us otherwise. Also, I love soaking in a bathtub and I always spend a LOT of time lounging on the balcony. Additionally, I'm a lousy sleeper, so being able to separate myself and read or watch TV while my husband sleeps is a great thing. We love cruising, but because we strongly prefer suites, we only go once every three or four years since it is so much more expensive. But we like it that way. It's more special and we enjoy it much more.
I just RoyalUpped to a JS on Anthem for $650pp. Loved it. Saved over $1000pp vs a Suite GTY. One of us needed a mobility scooter, but we didnt need a fully accessible cabin. The extra width gave us space to move around the scooter without climbing over it. Would do again in a minute.
We thought about booking a Jr Suite on the Radiance for a chartered cruise. We were told that all the Jr Suites were on Deck 10 which is under a very busy (and thus noisey) Deck 11. 😢
I spent $1,000 more (lottery) for the Grand Suite. Loved it! 2 people. Really enjoyed the extended balcony in Italy.
My family bought my wife and I the Owner’s Suite on Mariner for my 50th birthday. It was nice. Don’t get me wrong, it was so nice to have all the extra space, etc. but we both just looked at one another and were like “this is a total waste of money.” I mean, to each their own, if someone wants to splurge - by all means, Royal Caribbean will be happy to take your money, but considering how much time you actually spend in your room (or at least us), I’d have rather been in a Jr. Suite and taken the additional funds to the casino. But, again, to each their own.
I’ve sailed in interior rooms in my initial cruising days but once I had our baby, I needed more room. I’ve never booked a junior suite because I was on quantum and oasis class ships and wanted the suite lounge and coastal kitchen access. I’ve booked grand suites (oasis class) and splurged big time for a star class loft (quantum class). I enjoyed the experience and have since booked another suite for January. Again the space and perks were drivers of my decision vs cost… no regrets
My sister and I enjoyed a JR suite on our first cruise 7night Mexico. We spent time in our room/balcony and enjoyed it!
I've stayed in jurior suites on occasion and have really enjoyed the extra space and amenities. I've been somewhat strategic in upgrading after booking a balcony as the extra cost is dependent upon the availability of the room. It is best to book as close to the cruise offering so that more rooms are available. I've always enjoyed staying in one and they are a bit nicer than the balcony and the extra points are nice also.
We have a Jr. suite coming up on Serenade of the Seas. Just wanted to try a larger room. The walk in closet did it for us.
Junior was nice only for the extra room. Grand suites have been nicer with all the amenities! Crown Loft Suites have been amazing!! (I have done regular balcony rooms for years and was very happy though! ) I have grown to really appreciate the extra amenities in grand suites and above! If it’s in your budget, I think it’s totally worth it! Like you said, if you are not going to be in your cabin all that much, it may not make sense to spend more on a larger cabin. Great vlog! Thank you!!
I always tell people that if you are typically a balcony cruiser and you move up to a jr suite you will not go back. I love Royal's jr suites and don't really need any more space and amenities than that. Now days I don't even look at the price difference I just look for a sailing that has a great jr suite priice. I booked a jr suite on a Princess ship a few years ago and was really disappointed as the cabin was not any larger than a balcony cabin. What I love about the jr suite, in addition to the space is the chair and otterman, the coffee/tea service (nothing like making your won early morning and watching the sun come up on the balcony), and the extra large balcony with chairs and loungers.
We recently “Royal Upped” to a Jr suite on Explorer in the Adriatic. It was not our first time in a Jr suite, but the first time it was just my husband and me. We really enjoyed the extra space, but probably wouldn’t bother when it’s just the two of us in the future. We didn’t need all that space.
Was checking out the Royal up and noticed the Jr Suite, isn't really a suite, in that you don't get all the suite amenities.
My son and I had a junior suite on Mariner back in July. Got a great deal on it and it was a fantastic experience. We really appreciated the extra room to move around in, and the walk-in closet was a huge bonus. Double points didn't hurt, either. The negative: we've stayed in Sky Suites on Celebrity ( their version of a junior suite), and Sky Suite guests get all of the same benefits that guests in bigger suites get. Rather chintzy of Royal that they lock junior suites guests out of some of the suites amenities.
I noticed that the balcony room that my employer booked for my wife and I on our annual company cruise was a wheelchair accessible room and it was just like your junior suite. Our sailing was on Independence of the seas, so this may be a cheaper alternative to the junior suite but you won’t get all the perks though.
We have a family of 4 and the junior suite is perfect size for us with 2 big teenagers. It gives us those 2 bathrooms and a little extra room for the boys in terms of sleeping arrangements. We got an "aft balcony" junior suite on the odyssey last april. It was twice the size of this one in the video but it was missing the 2nd bathroom. It was enormous and the balcony fit 4 loungers! We did the junior suite on the ovation to alaska in august and it was identical to this one. The 2 bathrooms were so clutch.
I like them when they are well priced and the double points, helped me get Diamond Plus.
I think I would pay $500 extra to upgrade to a Jr. Suite. We normally get a balcony. That was a nice suite you were in
I'm so close to Diamond Plus, my next four solo cruises I've booked at least a Junior Suite. I've told myself once I hit Diamond Plus, I'll start considering cabins below a balcony, but so far, I've loved the Junior Suites, even though they don't have all of the perks of a Suite, I don't tend to use all of the perks anyways.
I've scored a Jr. Suite a few times and always enjoyed them. They're worth an upcharge, but usually they are priced higher than I think it is worth to me. On a 7 night cruise, I'd pay an extra $200-300 more.
It's worth noting that I have seen cruises, especially on Vision class ships, where the Jr. Suite is actually cheaper than a balcony. That's a no brainer. Jr. Suite all the way.
My husband and I is sailing on Independence of the Seas in February. We booked a junior suite as this is the second cruise for my husband. The first one we had a balcony and he's in love with a balcony. There's no way I could convince him to have in inside cabin! We have a 5 day cruise to the Bahamas and Jamaica, our cabin we booked May of this year. I would pay $1200 over. My husband and I haven't travel together due to our jobs and family obligations. But now, we're mske travel plans together. If we pay more for the experience and being together, I'll pay it!
Try the Royal Up to an Grand. It is totally worth it.
@kirkleetzow4561 Thank you! On the next RC cruise definitely will!
With royal up you don’t get double points
My first 2 cruises were in Jr Suites. Loved them and it was worth it because I love the balcony size and my husband doesn’t like cramped cabins. However, my next cruise next year is only in a balcony. I know we won’t like the cabin much at all, but it’s an Alaskan cruise and the Jr Suite was beyond my financial capacity. If I get it paid off early and see that there may be an available Jr Suite left and I can swing the extra money, I may rebook. I need the points and I need the space. I just wish I understood why Alaskan cruises were so high.
Booked an aft facing junior on grandeur next December and I can't wait
On Vision Class ships that I have been on the Jr. Suites did not have a sun lounger on the balcony.
I stayed in a Jr suite once. Its the new standard for me. My next cruise is a jr suite or better, or nothing at all lol
I considered it for my family of 4 - 1 adult and 3 teenagers - but the cost was significantly better to get 1 ocean balcony and 1 Central Park balcony across the hall. Given that 2 of my teens will be 19 and almost 18 when we sail, this works out well and cheaper. But if my kids were younger, I could see the jr suite being worth it for the extra space and bathroom.
I like a jr. suite but it may be best utilized when you have a few sea days. You end up hanging out on the balcony during the day more whereas you're off the boat a lot when you have many ports. Also, when you're with your wife only, sometimes it's nice to splurge since you probably don't do too much of that when you're home (happy wife, happy life). On this point, I think you chose wisely.
Did you have an issues getting reservations at Coastal Kitchen? For junior suites, there is no guarantee that you can use the Coastal Kitchen. Only if there is space available, not taken by guests in suites and above.
I would consider paying $500 extra in total to upgrade to a Jr Suite for a 7+ day cruise. $1200 is just far too much money for a room you don’t spend a lot of time in.
You can do what I do and have Guest Services remove the gratuities. It's cheaper and you can use that money elsewhere.
Thing is, we'll never do regular cabin again. We were grabbing our first drinks before the regular line even started moving. And explored a good portion of the ship, with a slice of pizza
A Jr SPA Suite on Quantum Class with split bath room and Costal Kitchen is the best deal.
I always book a junior suite i love them and yes i love the bathroom and have the whole place to myself
We got a Junior Suite on our Mediterranean cruise last year on a Royal Up. It was very nice but I’m not sure it’s worth a big difference in price.
We booked a balcony back in Jan and opted for the royal up. We ended up with a Grand Suite. Now this next cruise in Dec we booked an owners suite. Hard to go back. Icon next year we booked a Grand for 10500k. Now they are 24k. Book early!!
Whoa baby. That's crazy high...I just took a 14 day cruise on an interior for $900. I'm cool with smaller rooms!
Nice work. The wife and have booked a grand suite for our upcoming cruise. Got in plenty early and the price is already 3k more with plenty of time to keep rising. Early birds get the worm
I just got a email for the Royal Up. I'm surprised at the prices this time. I'm in an interior and the lowest bidding for a junior was $90. I might bid just to see if I'd be lucky enough to get it
I just had a Jr Suite on Voyager 3 weeks ago. It was complimentary... Gamble people 😅 join us on the comp side. My utopia and icon sailings are complimentary ✊🏽
It was NOT complimentary.... You had to spend money to get that....
@@tduck828 captain obvious 🤣 a 14k balcony for $326 is a no brainer... I didn't gamble $14k 🤫
@hereyago guarantee you spent more than you think. But again not complimentary...
@@tduck828 don't be jealous 😊
A major problem for us in RCCL suites, Id like to get one for our anniversary at least once, but they don't have an accessible suite, the remove the showers for a tub, My wife need a roll in shower she can't step over the tub sides to get in and out, she also needs shower seat and those don't fit in the tubs.
I personally like the junior suite. I like the extra space, the bathtub, the coffee maker, lounger on the bigger deck and Coastal kitchen.
$1200 is a bit high but I would pay more because getting the extra points. 😊
I’m currently booked on the Harmony of the Seas for the December 31st trip, since it’s 5 of us we are staying in a junior suite. I wanted a two bedroom grand suite, unfortunately none were available.
Get two balcony or suites with a connecting door when 2 bedroom grand suites aren’t available
The 2 bedroom suites are in horrible locations like the front of the ship anyways.
@@MoombaMakai that’s sounds great, if I can find any that connect that’s probably what we’ll do on our next trip
YOU FORGOT A MAJOR THING: Depending on the suite, you can order room service WITHOUT any service fees :-)
Lastly, you simply feel like a boss too!
Booked on one of those on that ship in a few months.
I know this is a stretch on the topic but I will ask anyways. If you do the royal up for a suite and get it, do you still qualify for the double points for that cruise. Asking for a friend.
Nope
@@RoyalCaribbeanBlog Didn’t think so. Thank you for the quick reply.
Did this sailing go to Corner Brook? That's my home town. We had the largest number of cruise ships come in this season. Also, love your content!!
I'm afraid I would feel obligated to spend more time in the cabin to justify the cost. Maybe they need a bigger TV for folks that are hanging in the suite. My wife and I book a balcony every cruise. We have coffee or breakfast on the balcony then hit the activities on board or on shore. Several times during the day we may briefly hit the balcony for views, That $1200 could have been better spent (in my opinion) on excursions or specialty dining or drink packages or upgraded WIFI or souvenirs or gifts to take home. We just don't spend that much time in the cabin. It's just the two of us. If we has a kid with us, I'd probably opt for the suite.
I would definitely go for the junior suite!!
Junior suite perks kinda suck on RCI for the cost. For me it’s a sky class suite or bust.
I booked a guaranteed suite next December for 4 days cost $1600 total for us 2. The 8 points I get will put me to diamond. How bad could it really be?! Navigator of the Seas
one thing that annoys me about cruises in general is that you still gotta pay the upgrade fee if you're moving rooms for medical accomidations. I broke my back a few weeks ago and need handicap access for my upcoming cruise but RC wants 1600 on top of the 500+ i've already paid. now i'm debating if it's even worth going on this cruise or just cancelling all together.
I feel for your injury and I’m sure it can’t be easy living with however they can’t just give away everything for free. Would be nice to see them drop it a bit in cases of medical issues but free is a huge stretch. They didn’t cause the injury
@@matthewrowell8518 I would be fine with paying a little extra but 1600 per person is a little much.
I just booked a jr suite and got it for 30 dollars more than my balcony
Great video ❤❤❤❤
Thank you!!
As I have extreme claustrophobia, the more room the better
Everyone is different but for us, a Junior Suite is worth it.
Personally we only book a Jr suite or higher because we cruise with our daughter. The extra space makes the cruise much more enjoyable. However it is more money so I do understand people’s rationale of not to do it
Jr suites on older ships you can get great deals
Spaaaace Tuuuube! 🤣 Yep.
I see nothing wrong with it. Personally I don’t think there is anything wrong with the full on suite either. It just depends on what you plan to get from your cruise. Everyone is different. Me, I like to get out and then go back from time to time to get a break and then go back. A super huge suite would not be for me but a junior suite or a sky class right above it is fine.
As long as you enjoyed yourself. I do love concierge on Celebrity.
Here's the way I see it, if it's just two people in the cabin then a regular balcony is just fine however if there are going to be three people in the cabin & you really want a balcony then the money is well worth it to upgrade to a Jr. Suite. I also don't really think it's worth the money to book anything larger unless you are having a bunch of people, like 5 or more and even then price wise you might do better booking two or three cabins depending on category.
Tangent comment: If a cruise ship were to be assaulted by speedboat pirates, would a balcony be a point of worry? Would pirates try to enter the ship that way?
Buyer Beware!! I have a cruise booked on RCL which is over 500 days away. I booked, non-refundable, for $900. I just tried to cancel the cruise, because of immigration issues which were not foreseeable and out of my control. RCL refuses to even give me a partial refund
7 day trip from Athen on Voyager of the sea
4 people in a baclony: 3800
4 people on a junior suite: 13 020
Doesn't sound lika a good deal...
We only stay in Suites. Period.
I feel like this should be a standard size balcony cabin.
If it’s not going to break your bank to get a suite then why not book one? It’s not for everyone but that’s why they have so many different types of rooms to choose from. You do you and be happy! #yolo
Hmm
What has happened to Royal Caribbean No bedspreads !looks ok but not worth the money!😢
I booked the royal loft suite... we'll see how that one goes 😂
Ok, based on your logic, I upgraded my Grand Suite to an Owner's Suite on Brilliance for $1300. I think it's worth the extra square footage ;-)
Every square foot helps!
UP NEXT!
Hi
My dad had a accessible room and it looks as big as this, without the tub, bigger shower, and more room. Next time , I'm bunking with him lol kidding but still, look up accessible rooms. They're on they're own level of size
No way would I spend that personally. I've always cruised interior rooms (typically with 4 of us) and its totally fine. I personally like spending less. I stay around $100 per day or less. Just went on a14 night earlier this year and only spent $900 all in on room and gratuities.... No internet, no drink package, no dining package. Spent on excursions for 3 of 6 ports.
They should make the pillows in the cabin a different color, call them premium and charge $1000/week more for them and RCI diehards will say they won't sail without them.
Setting up the ‘right package’ sounds like way too much work. Cruising is far more complicated than it used to be.
We Sleep , Wash and Changed in the Cabin and a Cocktail on the
Baloney so anything more is waster on Us ...