What could be better than relaxing on a private balcony with a complimentary cocktail in hand while a personal Butler unpacks your suitcase and organises the logistics of tonight’s dinner in an exclusive restaurant? Suites are the pinnacle of luxury. But are they worth the extra cost? We certainly think so! Here’s why:
You’ll be given priority embarkation
The perks of staying in a suite begin from the very first moment you lay eyes on your chosen ship. Usually, the arrival terminal of your cruise port will have a special check-in area for suite guests (and a private lounge area with drinks and snacks in some cases). This means you’ll be among the first passengers to board the ship and your holiday can start even earlier!
Your suite will be bigger than a standard cabin
Suites are among some of the biggest cabins at sea. Take the Regent Suite on Regent Seven Seas CruisesSeven Seas Splendor, for example, it is more than 4,000 square feet and has its own wrap-around balcony, two spacious bedrooms, a living room and dining room, an in-suite spa, private solarium and three walk-in wardrobes - the list is endless!
The location of your suite will be better
Not only are suites bigger than standard cabins, but they also have better locations too. On many cruise ships, suites are positioned at the very front and very back of the vessel - the two areas that offer the most impressive views. Interestingly, suites are also often located at the equilibrium point, which is the most stable point of a ship during rough seas. A fantastic spot if you’re prone to seasickness!
You’ll receive better room perks
From higher thread count sheets to upgraded toiletries, you can expect lots of upgrades to your overall room experience when you choose suite accommodation. On a Cunard ship, for example, guests staying in a Queens Grill Suite can enjoy Butler service, Champagne and chocolates on arrival, pre-dinner canapes, in-suite dining from the Queens Grill menu, a complimentary bar, an iPad and Playstation 4 (select categories on select ships) books and an atlas, priority disembarkation and priority tender services. Items those in a balcony cabin do not have access to.
You’ll receive a more pampered service
It goes without saying, the service one receives on a cruise ship is impeccable, no matter which cabin category one stays in. However, suite guests often have the added luxury of a private Butler who is available to help any time, day or night. They will be on hand to assist you with everything from packing and unpacking to handling reservations for speciality restaurants and booking appointments. They can even take care of the little details like shining your shoes and managing dry cleaning/pressing requests.
You’ll have access to exclusive areas onboard
On a growing number of cruise ships, suite guests have access to exclusive areas on board. On Celebrity Cruises, guests staying in The Retreat® have access to a private restaurant, an exclusive lounge as well as a sundeck. A dedicated team of attendants, concierges and Personal Retreat Hosts do everything to ensure guests never have to lift a finger during their cruise.
You can enjoy lots of included freebies
Often, suites include perks that would come with an extra charge. For example; complimentary Wi-Fi, dining in speciality restaurants, Champagne on arrival, daily canapes and even dinner with the Captain. On a cruise with Princess Cruises, guests staying in a suite can dine for free on embarkation day at a speciality restaurant while Royal Caribbean Star Class Suite guests receive complimentary gratuities for the duration of their voyage.
