Royal Caribbean Suites: Which One Should You Book?
Spa Suite, Royal Suite, Junior Suite, Grand, AquaTheater, Owner's Suite… the list of the Royal Caribbean suites available these days goes on and on. With more than 20 types of luxury cabins on offer, we can see how making the right Royal Caribbean suite choice can be bewildering.
While some of these staterooms offer just a handful of perks and are best for families and groups that simply require a bit more space, others are massive two-story units with decadent bathrooms, humongous living spaces, and a long list of luxurious extras.
Please be aware that suites of the same name/category do vary by ship in size, layout, decor and even amenities. For example, the 287-square-foot Royal Caribbean Junior Suite on Allure of the Seas sleeps up to five guests, while the same suite on Navigator of the Seas sleeps only four passengers and is a bit smaller.
To help make your decision easier, we've created this cheat sheet to the most common Royal Caribbean suite types and their associated perks.
Royal Caribbean Suite Perks Vary by Category and Ship Class
Regardless of the small variations in size and sleeping configurations, every Royal Caribbean suite will provide additional perks. However, how many and which ones will depend on suite category and ship class.
Extras such as bathrobes, upgraded toiletries, espresso machines and priority boarding are available in all Royal Caribbean suites. More luxurious (i.e., more expensive) suites offer a wider array of perks, including concierge services, priority spa bookings, welcome snacks and drinks and free 24-hour room service.
What Is the Royal Suite Class?
Only available on Oasis-, Quantum-, and Quantum Ultra-class ships, the Royal Suite Class program offers a host of luxe extras. Divided into three tiers -- Star, Sky and Sea -- the experience varies depending on which suite you choose.
Sea Tier: Sea includes all configurations of Royal Caribbean Junior Suites. Passengers are treated to dinner at the Coastal Kitchen (an exclusive restaurant for suite passengers), a dedicated check-in line for express embarkation, and high-end amenities such as L'Occitane bath products.
Sky Tier: Sky passengers are booked in either the Crown or Sky Loft Suite, Owner's Suite, Grand Suite, Ocean View Panoramic Suite or AquaTheater Suite.
Passengers in these suites receive concierge service, all-day access to Coastal Kitchen; welcome treats; complimentary internet access; priority boarding and departure, and priority dining reservations. Additionally, these passengers get reserved seating in select entertainment venues and access to the private suite lounge.
Star Tier: The highest tier, Star, includes the Ultimate Family Suite, Royal Loft Suite, Owner’s Loft Suite, Grand Loft Suite, Owner’s Panoramic Suite and Star Loft Suite.
Star features all the amenities of Sky, plus Royal Genie service and complimentary dinners at specialty restaurants. A complimentary deluxe beverage package for passengers 21 and over and refreshment package (which includes soda, juice and nonalcoholic cocktails) for those under 21 are also included in the rate. Other perks include complimentary gratuities, and priority access to onboard spaces such as the FlowRider and spa.
Royal Caribbean Junior Suite: For Couples and Families on a Budget
The Junior Suite is the line's intro-level suite; in other words, it will be the smallest but also the cheapest suite choice. Junior Suites range from 250 to 300 square feet, and are a more spacious version of a standard balcony cabin. They feature a sleeping area adjacent to but not really separate from a living area. Bathrooms generally have full-sized tubs in this suite category.
Royal Caribbean Junior Suites in all ship classes come with extras such as bathrobes and espresso machines.
The Royal Caribbean Family Suite: A Category that Encompasses Several Suite Types
The cruise line is in the process of revamping its family suite experience in new ships, with new categories and perks for families looking to sail together. Icon of the Seas is the first ship to feature a kid-friendly neighborhood offering regular staterooms and suites. This area will feature slides, pools and play areas for families with children aged 6 and under.
Family Junior Suites Are Cozy but a Good Deal
On Quantum-class ships, Family Junior Suites sleep up to five passengers via a master bed and a combination of a double sofa bed and a Pullman bed in a single bedroom. At 301 square feet, they can be a tight squeeze at maximum capacity, but they are a good deal for families on a budget.
Ocean View Panoramic Suites Offer More Space and Perks
The 406-square-foot Ocean View Panoramic Suite can sleep up to six guests and offers a dedicated bunk bed area in addition to a double sofa bed in the living room and a separate bedroom. This suite does not have a balcony.
For smaller families that want more space, the 914-square-foot Ultimate Panoramic Suites on Quantum-class ships sleep up to four guests. The highlight of these suites are the 200-degree views, which are similar to the captain’s from the bridge. Balconies are not available in these cabins.
The Ultimate Family Suite Packs in Amazing Family-Fun Features
The Ultimate Family Suite was introduced on Symphony of the Seas and is not only one of the best Royal Caribbean suites but also one of the best suites you can get on any cruise ship if you’re traveling with family. Though huge, the suite is more about shared family fun rather than hiding away in different rooms. There are just two bedrooms, plus a sofa bed in the living room which sleeps two, so the max family size here is eight.
The centerpiece is a huge living room space which features a twisty slide that connects the kids' bedroom to the living room. The living room features a huge TV, a suspended basket-chair, funky lighting, air hockey table and stairs to the master bedroom.
There is a separate, smaller room that is more for the kids to hang out in: a small sofa, another huge TV, a tiny kitchen area with a soda cooler and a LEGO wall.
The kids' bedroom is decorated in lime green, with three pull out beds and a small sofa bed. There is a bathroom attached. Note the master bedroom is open plan and looks out over the main living room; privacy is provided by thick curtains. The master bathroom is attached.
Outside you'll find a large balcony complete with a climbing wall, a hot tub, and space for a dining table and loungers.
An AquaTheater Suite Puts You Right in the Heart of the Action
While not technically designated as family suites, AquaTheater Suites sleep eight with two bedrooms, two baths and a living area with comfy seating and a dining table. Though the suites are pretty big, their selling point is the huge wraparound balcony. It provides 180-degree views of the AquaTheater, a pool/performance venue for acrobatic diving shows.
The Royal Suite: For Those Seeking Extra Luxury, Space and Comfort
Royal Caribbean Royal Suites range in size from 950 to almost 1,400 square feet, and feel like a luxury apartment, rather than a cruise ship cabin. Expect impressive entryways with baby grand pianos, full wet bars with barstool seating area, dining table for four and full-sized living areas with multiple couches, love seats and/or easy chairs.
The master bedroom is completely separated with walls and doors that close, and connects to a walk-in closet. The humongous master bathroom has a toilet in a room separate from the fancy vanity, as well as a jetted tub and an enormous separate shower. There is a second bathroom off the living space. Large balconies include dining tables, loungers, and an additional whirlpool tub.
Royal Suites on Royal Caribbean ships are best for cruisers requiring the utmost in luxury accommodations, who plan on spending a lot of time in their suite dining, socializing and relaxing on the balcony. They are also good for families who need to sleep extra passengers in a separate room or need a large central spot for gathering.
The Grand Suite on Royal Caribbean Ships: Up to Two Bedrooms
There are three types of Grand Suites on Royal Caribbean ships: One-bedroom, Two-bedroom, and One-bedroom Panoramic configurations. Two-Bedroom Grand Suites and Grand Panoramic Suites have true separation between the living and sleeping areas; regular One-Bedroom Grand Suites have a curtain for privacy but no door.
All Grand Suites have spacious living areas, wet bars, and at least one full bathroom and a half-bath. At 914 square feet, Grand Panoramic Suites are the largest of all three types and feature outdoor hot tubs.
Royal Caribbean Owner's Suites: A Large Balcony with Expansive Views
Owner's Suites are laid out similar to Grand Suites but are larger than most and more luxurious. At an average 565 square feet, these suites offer plenty of space for a family or small group. The sleeping area has a door separating it from the living space, and there’s an additional half-bath for those sleeping on the sofa bed.
The living space in Royal Caribbean’s Owner’s Suites is ample and light, with floor-to-ceiling windows opening onto a large balcony with loungers. The dining area offers enough space for four guests, and there’s a small bar area with an espresso machine and a minibar.
Loft Suites: Striking Open Living Spaces with Massive Windows
Quantum- and Oasis-class ships feature the gorgeous, light-filled Loft Suites, two-story cabins with living areas, second-story master bedrooms and baths, expansive and/or multiple balconies, and double-height floor-to-ceiling windows.
You'll find different types of Loft Suites: Oasis-class ships have Crown, Star and Royal Loft Suites (in order from smallest to largest), while Quantum-class ships have Sky, Grand, Owner's and Royal Loft Suites (again in size order).
The 1,524- to 1,640-square-foot Royal Loft Suites are the most opulent suites onboard. Think enormous bathrooms with ocean views, walk-in closets, pianos, private libraries and balconies with dining tables, bars and hot tubs. On Quantum-class ships, this suite also has a second bedroom and two additional balconies.