If you’d prefer to watch the video, click here: My Top 4 Reasons to Choose the Suite Life
Choosing a Suite is about more than just extra space. Here are my top 4 reasons to enjoy the suite life, as well as a few things to look out for to make sure you get what you pay for.
ROOM TO MOVE
As you might have guessed, suites are the largest and most luxurious cabins available on a ship. From expansive balconies with lounge chairs and jacuzzis, to separate bedrooms, multiple bathrooms, even multiple levels, there are a huge range of suites available on all cruise lines.
Traditional cabins and staterooms are generally on the compact side and whilst comfortable, there’s never really such a thing as too much space. With separate living and bedroom zones, most suites offer extra room to really spread out. This can come in handy particularly if you’re sharing with family and friends, or sailing with a group and want to host pre dinner drinks or even have a sail away party. Both things by the way, that can be organised by the cruise line at your request.
One of the biggest perks of the extra room afforded by a suite, is the bathroom. Most avid cruisers know that cruise ship bathrooms are definitely on the smaller side, but in a suite, the bathroom is generally the most luxurious part. From whirlpool tubs, to freestanding showers, multiple vanities and separate powder rooms, the bathroom is logistically one of the main reasons you’d probably want to sail in a suite.
PRIORITY
Living that suite life comes with priority access to many things onboard a ship. Although suite programmes do vary from cruise line to cruise line, in general you can expect to receive, priority boarding at the terminal, priority tendering when in port, as well as access to priority customer service onboard. You may also have access to priority dining reservations and reserved seating in the theatre or on deck.
INCLUDED LUXURY
Many cruise line suite programmes include onboard amenities in the cost of your fare. In many cases, these inclusions cover the majority of what you would ordinarily spend extra for onboard. From an included mini bar in your suite, to drinks packages and speciality dining, you’ll find that in many cases, you won’t actually have much of a bill come the end of your cruise.
Included internet is another perk of some cruise line suite programs, particularly useful if you enjoy staying connected during your cruise holiday.
Taking advantage of that extra space in your suite, in some cases you can order from the full restaurant menu for lunch and dinner. This suite-only room service option is a fantastic way to enjoy sail-away, taking in the passing sights over dinner, all from the privacy of your balcony.
In-suite afternoon tea is one of the more indulgent perks, with an array of sweet and savoury treats, tea, and coffee to enjoy in your room.
Especially useful on longer cruises or when your cruise is only one part of an extended trip, suites usually include free laundering and pressing services.
Concierge and butler services are a much touted perk of suites across many cruise lines, and you’ll find that they can assist you with organising dining reservations, tours, connections, business services and more.
Private bridge and galley tours are often available for suite guests, as well as invitations to special events like brunches and cocktail parties onboard.
SHIP WITHIN A SHIP
The concept of a ship within a ship basically surmises many of the latest suite programmes. The idea is that although you are onboard a large ship and have access to all of the usual amenities, you also have access to special suite only sections of the ship. These include suite lounges with open bars, exclusive restaurants for main meals, private pool decks and more.
Mass market cruise lines have responded to ultra luxury lines by providing their highest spending passengers with this new onboard concept designed to mimic the guest experience offered by their smaller counterparts.
SUITE BY NAME
Not all suites are made equal, and likewise, not all suite programmes are made equal either. In fact, between different ships within the same cruise lines, the experience can differ. Of course, doing your research and speaking to a knowledgeable agent is all part of ensuring you have the experience you want.
Many cruise lines are guilty of throwing the S word around, and in doing so can cause confusion as to what passengers are actually booking. The perfect example of this is a mini suite or junior suite, where in most cases, you don’t get any additional perks over and above a standard stateroom. Many mini and junior suites are basically deluxe balcony staterooms, with extra space to move around and not much else. It’s important to know this going in, as it’s not always easy to spot the difference when you’re looking to book a cruise.
I hope you enjoyed learning all about suites, and why choosing one can really make your next cruise extra special! Get in touch with me if you’re interested in booking your own cruise. Thanks for reading!