Onboard Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, prospective guests will find 13 different suite categories to choose from, including the cruise line's first-ever Ultimate Family Townhome and Sky Junior Suite. 

While these rooms come with a premium price tag, you're guaranteed a more elevated cruising experience. 

Whether you choose to relax on the suite-only sun deck or enjoy meals in the exclusive Coastal Kitchen restaurant, you're sure to enjoy the perks that accompany Icon of the Seas' Royal Suite Class. 

Below is a look at five suites that you will find on Icon: the Sky Junior Suite, Grand Suite, Icon Loft, Accessible Icon Loft, Owner's Suite, and Royal Loft Suite. Note that only the latter two of the categories can be found on other Royal Caribbean ships. 

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

Sky Junior Suite (JY)

For the first time ever, you can book a Junior Suite onboard a Royal Caribbean ship and receive Sky Tier benefits. Typically, Junior Suites are only in the Sea Tier, which doesn't come with many perks. 

In fact, you are not able to access suite-only sun decks or dine at Coastal Kitchen for breakfast or lunch, which severely limits your "ship-within-a-ship" experience on vessels with dedicated Suite Neighborhoods. 

While these aren't the most opulent suites by any means, they are a more economical way to enjoy everything that accompanies booking a Sky Tier suite without completely breaking the bank. 

At just 322 square feet with an additional 80 square feet of living space on the balcony, you can comfortably fit up to four guests in a Sky Junior Suite, more so than a traditional cabin anyway. 

Grand Suite (GS)

Grand Suites are a staple suite found on Royal Caribbean ships. On Icon, they're part of the Sky Tier of the Royal Suite Class, meaning that you'll have access to The Grove Sun Deck, as well as Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

There are only 10 Grand Suites onboard, each with the ability to fit up to four passengers. 

These 1-bedroom suites measure 431 square feet, with an additional 108 square feet on the private balcony. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

In the living room, there's a soda bed that can be converted into a double bed. 

Icon Loft (IL)

Icon Lofts are a new category of suite onboard Icon Class ships that fall within the Star Tier of the Royal Suite Class.

Star guests have the most benefits available to them, including a Royal Caribbean drink package, VOOM Wi-Fi, Royal Genie, and more. 

The overall floor plan of the Icon Loft is reminiscent of Crown Loft Suites onboard Oasis Class ships. 

These spacious rooms measure 656 square feet, with a balcony that falls anywhere between 108 and 172 square feet.

In addition to panoramic ocean views from the two-story windows, guests staying in an Icon Loft will also enjoy a separate living and dining area, as the master bedroom is perched atop the second floor. 

Onboard Icon, there are only 7 Loft Suites, and like Grand Suites, they, too, can accommodate up to four guests. 

Upstairs, you will find a large master bathroom complete with a shower that's able to fit two people!

There's a second full bathroom downstairs, which is great if you're traveling with four people in the suite or plan on having frequent guests. 

Accessible Icon Loft (IL, ADA)

If you're someone with mobility issues, the idea of a two-story suite might not sound appealing. 

Thankfully, Icon of the Seas has a limited number of accessible Icon Lofts onboard, complete with an elevator to help you travel from floor to floor. 

At 807 square feet, the interior portion is larger than standard Icon Lofts. Balconies, however, don't have a set range; they are all 115 square feet. This brings the total amount of useable floor space, both indoor and outdoor, to 922 square feet. 

This two-level urban loft can accommodate up to four guests. 

Owner's Suite (OS)

While neither a new cabin category nor a multi-level suite, the Owner's Suite seems to get more luxurious with every new build from Royal Caribbean. 

This 658 square foot room comes with an expansive 190 square foot balcony. 

Compared to some other suites on Icon, the Owner's Suite has a larger capacity and can fit up to five passengers. 

You'll only find eight of these suites onboard. 

Royal Loft (RL)

The largest suite onboard Icon of the Seas is the Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

This massive, one-of-a-kind suite measures an astonishing 1,772 square feet and is outfitted with an in-suite slide, movie-viewing room, karaoke machine, and a "backyard" with a ping pong table, outdoor seating, and a fence leading directly to the brand-new Surfside Neighborhood. 

With an $80,000 per week price tag, however, it's not the most affordable suite onboard the ship. While not as expensive, the Royal Loft Suite is the third suite in the Star Tier onboard Icon of the Seas. 

Situated on Deck 17, this 1,482-square-foot suite features a balcony that overlooks Chill and Thrill Island. You'll get some mesmerizing ocean views, too. 

Read more: My family stayed in a $7,000 Royal Loft Suite on Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas

Your family of up to six will not have any trouble spreading out in the suite's two bedrooms and expansive living and dining areas, complete with a wet bar and piano!

On the second level, the master bathroom has an impressive vanity area that has more than enough storage for all of your clothing. 

The views don't end in the bedroom, either, as there's yet another floor-to-ceiling window. 

The master bathroom is one for the books. There's a chance you'll spend longer than you intend in the soaking tub, especially after spending all day exploring everything exciting onboard. 

If you booked a suite on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas, there's an entire section of the ship reserved just for you.

Among the eight neighborhoods on Icon, the exclusive Suite Neighborhood offers upscale amenities like a private two-story sun deck and restaurant. 

The Suite Neighborhood overlooks the vibrant pool deck below, including Swim & Tonic, the cruise line's first swim-up bar at sea. 

Throughout The Grove Suite Sun Deck, you'll find tons of plush seating with direct oceanfront views, as well as colorful tropical decor. 

Read more: How to beat the chair hogs on your cruise ship

During the day, Suite guests can grab a bite to eat at The Grove, a fast-casual Mediterranean venue located within the Suite Neighborhood that features al fresco seating. This surely will beat venturing to the Windjammer or El Loco Fresh!

This brand-new dining option is located steps away from the private pool. 

Read more: Everything you need to know about Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class

Of course, Suite guests may also take advantage of Coastal Kitchen, the elegant suite-only dining room that's open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. 

Non-suite passengers are unable to dine at Coastal Kitchen, even if they're willing to pay. 

They will have to choose from one of the numerous other specialty restaurants, such as Empire Supper Club, Izumi Sushi & Hibachi, Chops Grille, etc. These are open to suite guests, too. 

Read more: Royal Caribbean previews all the restaurant and dining choices coming to the world's largest cruise ship

Pinnacle Club members, or those who have reached the highest tier of Royal Caribbean's Crown & Anchor Society, have the opportunity to enjoy meals in Coastal Kitchen, subject to availability. 

Coastal Kitchen is located on Decks 16 and 17 with large windows overlooking the ship's indoor AquaTheater within the AquaDome Neighborhood. It's a great place to grab a pre-show cocktail! 

Being located so close to the AquaDome Neighborhood means that Suite guests are only steps away from the AquaDome Market, Overlook Pods, Hooked Seafood, and more. 

Read more: I walked through Royal Caribbean's new food hall concept and it could radically change casual dining onboard

Within the Suite Neighborhood, you will find numerous places to get a drink, which is great since some of the most exclusive (and expensive) suites onboard include a Royal Caribbean drink package! 

Those with children and/or teens will appreciate how close the suite-only spaces are to Thrill Island, which is home to the largest water park at sea: Category 6. 

Activities such as the Flowrider and the brand-new Crown's Edge can be found at the aft of the ship on Deck 16. 

Icon of the Seas has eight new suite categories that cannot be found on other ships within the fleet, including the Sunset Junior Suite, Sunset Corner Suite, Icon Loft, and Ultimate Family Townhouse. 

Read more: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

The benefits that you will receive vary based on which tier the suite is in. Sunset Junior Suites and standard Junior Suites, for instance, won't have as many perks as the Ultimate Family Townhome. 

If you want to access The Grove, you'll want to book a suite that's located within the Sky or Star Class. Sea Class suites (i.e., Junior Suites and Sunset Junior Suites) do not have access to the private sun deck and can only eat at Coastal Kitchen for dinner, subject to availability. 

A suite on a cruise is expensive, but it's also one of the most sought-after types of cruise cabins because of how enjoyable the experience is.

The price of a suite will vary considerably, with the Ultimate Family Suite on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas costing $80,000 per week. That's at least ten times what a balcony cabin would likely cost, but it's also a microcosm of the demand suites get by cruise ship passengers.

The attraction to a book a suite is all about the service and benefits you get by staying in one.  There many types of cruise ship suites, but you can expect a bigger room than standard cabins on cruise vessels, better location onboard, and plenty of extra perks included for the price.

Free wifi, extra restaurants, added service, and less waiting in lines are just a few of the perks available with some suites.

Read more: Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

While a suite is likely not a dollar-for-dollar value, it is compelling enough a proposition that some cruisers jump at the chance to move up to a suite.

If you're debating if a suite is worth it, here are the best reasons to book one instead of a standard cabin.

Less waiting

My favorite benefit to staying in a suite is less lines to deal with during the cruise.

Staying in a suite is the closest thing cruise lines offer to an express line to bypass lines, or at least reduce them. By paying extra, you get added service and shortcuts along the way.

On embarkation day, there will be a special line in almost every port for those staying in a suite. This provides a shorter line to wait in to check-in, and when it's time to board the ship, suite guests get to go first.

Onboard the ship, there can be opportunities for suite guests to bypass lines.  There can be reserved seating in shows, and if you have a Royal Genie, you can forget about waiting in just about any line on the ship.

The saying, "time is money" applies to suite guests, and it's nice to have bypasses along the way.

Exclusive areas on the ship

If you're in a suite, there will be special areas of the ship reserved just for you.

Royal Caribbean does not have a "ship within a ship" concept that other lines have, but there's still a few spots reserved just for suite guests and these alone can be worth the price of a suite.

Every ship has a suite lounge, where you can go anytime to socialize and enjoy complimentary drinks and light snacks at certain times.

You'll also find reserved seating on the pool deck for suite guests, which is immensely beneficial on sea days when the pool is the busiest.

On Royal Caribbean's newest ships, there are entire neighborhoods for suite guests.  Wonder of the Seas and Icon of the Seas both have a section of the ship for the exclusive use of suite passengers.

Bigger cabin

If you think having more space in your room doesn't matter, wait until you see how much more space there is in a suite.

Cruise ship cabins are typically smaller than hotel rooms, but suites will make you feel like you're back at home with the square footage found in them.

Some suites have extra bedrooms, bathrooms, or even a dining room.  The really large suites are incredible to see, because it's hard to fathom just how large these cabins are compared to other rooms.

The Ultimate Family Townhouse measures 1,772 square feet and is three decks high.  Compare that to a balcony cabin on Icon of the Seas that comes in at 204 square feet.

More conventional suites are still quite large. A Grand Suite on Icon measures 431 square feet, which is more than double that of a balcony.

Read more: Icon of the Seas cabins and suites guide

Having that extra space is a major reason why a lot of people book a suite. They want to feel like they can spread out, and if they're sharing the room with others, every extra foot makes a difference.

Concierge services

It's amazing how much better your cruise can be with the help of the suite concierge.

The concierge is there to be a dedicated resource for suite guests. Think of them like Guest Service just for suite guests, but with less lines and more service.

They can assist in making reservations, including pre-cruise.  They can escort you off the ship, get you a tender ride without a wait, and be your aid should a problem arise.

Their job is to make your experience on the ship better, and it's a really nice way to solve problems or simply enhance it all.

Freebies

Depending on the ship you pick, staying in a suite can get you a lot of extras included in your cruise fare that you would otherwise have to pay extra for.

All suites across all ships include free alcoholic beverages in the Suite Lounge each evening, which means there's less of a need to purchase an unlimited drink package.

If you cruise on a Quantum, Oasis, or Icon Class cruise ship, the included perks drastically increase. For Sky Class passengers, you'll get complimentary Wi-Fi access, access to a special restaurant, and room service too.

Star Class guests get pretty much everything included, including any specialty restaurant, extra-cost beverage, and gratuities.

Read more: What is Star Class?

Twice a day cabin service

Royal Caribbean cut back housekeeping to once a day on its cruise ships, but suites still get service twice per day.

Having your cabin attendant service your cabin in the morning and evening is a pleasant benefit, and it means towels get replaced quicker, beds are made if you took a nap, and your room just feels tidier. 

I've grown accustomed to this change in standard cabins by now, but having that twice-a-day service is a really nice benefit.

More loyalty points

If you're looking to move up the ladder of Royal Caribbean's customer loyalty program faster, staying in a suite is the best strategy.

Royal Caribbean will give you an extra point per night for staying in a suite, so that means two points instead of one (or three, if you're staying solo in a suite).

This is important because the sooner you reach the higher tiers of Crown and Anchor Society, the sooner you'll get to enjoy the best benefits, such as free drinks every day.

Getting to Diamond, Diamond Plus, and Pinnacle Club really adds significant value to how you cruise, so booking a suite to get there faster might be a really good idea.

Read more: My top 5 favorite Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club perks

Better cabin location

Want to reduce your walking distance when getting around the ship? Stay somewhere with less movement? A suite is the easy button for that.

You'll typically find suites in the most desirable places on the ship so that you can have the best views, stability, and convenience.

To avoid getting seasick on a cruise, you'll want a cabin mid-ship (definitely not at the front), and it's no coincidence that you'll find suites in these areas.

Read more: The 5 best cabin locations on a cruise ship

Is a suite on a cruise worth it?

It won't be cheap, but a suite has a lot of nice perks that come with it, and it might make sense for you to spend extra to stay in one.

When you consider what you get for booking a suite instead of a regular cabin, the higher price might make sense if you can take advantage of the added value.

It will probably cost you more going forward to book a suite on a Royal Caribbean cruise.

Royal Caribbean announced a new deposit program for its largest and opulent cruise ship cabins. It applies to sister company Celebrity Cruises as well.

Beginning June 1, 2023, Royal Caribbean is adjusting the deposit requirement for new suite bookings confirmed on or after this date.

The new suite deposit requirement will be calculated as 10% of the cruise fare per guest and is applicable fleetwide.

If the 10% value is less than the standard deposit amount, the required deposit amount will then revert to the standard deposit amount.

Bookings made prior to June 1st, 2023, will not be changed, even if you change the booking to another ship or sail date.  The only reason your deposit amount will change is if you cancel a booking made before June 1st and make a new booking on or after June 1st.

This policy change will apply to all suite categories, including suite guarantees.  This change will apply to all markets and all sailings.

In addition, Junior Suites will be treated like other suites in terms of bookings and deposits.  

Junior Suites will be nonrefundable for new bookings created on or after June 1, 2023.

At this time, deposit requirements for balcony, oceanview, AquaClass, Concierge Class, Veranda, and interior accommodations will remain unchanged.

How the 10% deposit is calculated

The 10% deposit is calculated based on cruise fare after all applicable discounts and promotions have been applied.

In doing some "back of the napkin" math, this appears to affect someone booking a suite over $2,500 per person because the deposit reverts to the $250 if the 10% is less than $250.

Kids Sail Free

If you're taking advantage of the popular Kids Sail Free promotion, the 10% deposit is calculated off the full booking’s cruise fare split amongst the number of guest in the booking.

If the deposit, on a per person basis, is lower than the per person standard deposit, standard deposit will be collected per person.

For any fifth or more guest that are eligible for Kids Sail Free will be charged the standard deposit amount.

Suite deposit cancellation policy

As of June 1st, 2023, all suite bookings, including Junior Suites, have non-refundable deposits.

As such, the full 10% deposit per person will be withheld upon cancellation. If your clients downgrade from a suite category to a lower category which has a lower cruise fare, the higher deposit will still be held.

What if you upgrade your cabin?

You might be wondering what happens if you book an interior/ocean view/balcony stateroom and later upgrade into a suite.

After June 1st, 2023, your deposit amount will be changed from the standard deposit to 10% of their new cruise fare and they will need to pay any difference at the time of upgrade.

NextCruise bookings

All NextCruise Suite bookings made on or after June 1st, 2023, will require 10% of cruise fare, per-person deposit.

Deposits for Junior Suites will now be nonrefundable deposits only, will no longer be reduced and will be calculated on the new percentage rules.

Why is Royal Caribbean making this change?

In the announcement to travel agents, Royal Caribbean did not explain why it is making this policy change but it almost certainly has to do with demand for suites.

Historically, suite cabins are the most sought-after type of staterooms on any Royal Caribbean cruise ship.

Earlier this month, Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty, mentioned the fact suites always sell out first on most sailings, "We used to kind of put everything out there and all the suites would be sold basically right off the bat. And then you would kind of work your way down to the inside cabins."

Over the last few years, Royal Caribbean has updated the suite booking policy to ensure suites booked were going to people that actually wanted them, rather than people that booked them on speculation and subsequently cancelled them later.

Royal Caribbean made suites non-refundable only a few years ago because of the high demand for them, especially when new sailings were announced.

Prior to the non-refundable fares, suites would be booked up early by cruise fans and later decide if they would sail or not. To deter the practice of dumping suites closer to sailing, Royal Caribbean changed suite fares to non-refundable.

This new change is likely partially aimed at ensuring a likely higher deposit amount dissuades someone from booking up a suite unless they know they really want it.

The other very likely reason for this change is because demand for cruises is so high, they can get more money up front now.

Royal Caribbean is seeing record-breaking demand for cruises right now, and the forecast for the rest of the year appears equally positive.

It caught the company off guard, as Royal Caribbean Group CEO Jason Liberty noted they had expected a slower first quarter, "The fact that demand for the coming nine months is so much stronger than our already robust expectations says a lot about the strength of the consumer and the strength of our brands."

How strong were these bookings? The company says bookings in the first quarter of 2023 outpaced 2019 levels "by a very wide margin" throughout the entire first quarter and into April.

By increasing the suite deposit amounts, Royal Caribbean can get more money up front and potentially more money if someone cancels later.  For a company swimming in billions of debt while enjoying unparalleled demand, you can see why they may have gone in this direction.

Refundable vs non-refundable cruise fares

Just like non-refundable fares found with airfare, rental cars, and hotels, these rates come at a reduced rate as an incentive to lock in plans.

With a non-refundable fare, guests get a lower price while the cruise line gets more protection against a last-minute cancellation.

Refundable cruise fares cost more than non-refundable, but allow more flexibility when cancelling a cruise.

The exact price difference between a refundable and non-refundable fare can vary depending on the sailing.

Read more: Royal Caribbean refundable versus non-refundable cruise fares

Those looking to book their next cruise in a suite onboard a Royal Caribbean ship might be wondering about the differences between a Junior Suite and higher tiered suites. 

A Junior Suite is the entry-level suite on all Royal Caribbean vessels, meaning that you will not be able to enjoy the full suite experience. Even though these staterooms have a few additional perks than standard cabins, they can be thought of like larger balcony cabins. 

Here's everything you need to know about staying in a Junior Suite and the associated perks. 

What ships have Junior Suites onboard?

Junior Suites can be found on all Royal Caribbean ships; it does not matter if you are sailing on a Vision Class ship or the world's largest cruise ship, Wonder of the Seas. Since it is the lowest tier of suite available, there are more onboard than say, for instance, Grand Suites or Owner's Suites. That being said, the number of available Junior Suites will be fewer on older ships.

Vision of the Seas, for instance, has 77 Junior Suites. In comparison, Wonder of the Seas has over 100! 

How big are Junior Suites?

The exact size and layout of Junior Suites varies between classes of ships. In essence, though, they are large cabins that offer more square footage, both inside and on the balcony, than standard balcony cabins.

Most fall somewhere between 240 and 300 square feet with balconies ranging from 50 to 80 square feet. The best way to tell how large the Junior Suite you are looking at will be is to check out the ship's deck plan. 

In most cases, Junior Suites come equipped with a Royal King bed than can be covered into two twin beds that covert upon request, a sitting area with sofa bed, private balcony, larger closet, and en-suite bathroom with a bathtub and larger vanity area. 

What perks come with staying in a Junior Suite?

Unfortunately, staying in a Junior Suite does not grant you access to the full list of suite amenities. 

If you want to utilize the concierge, have priority access to dining reservations and spa bookings, access the suite lounge, or enjoy a private breakfast in a specialty restaurant (or Coastal Kitchen), you will need to consider booking a Grand Suite or above. 

In terms of what comes with a Junior Suite, the primary benefits that you will get are Royal Caribbean bathrobes for onboard use only, a Lavazza espresso machine in your stateroom, luxury bathroom amenities, and priority boarding.

Colored SeaPass card

If you stay in a Junior Suite, your SeaPass will be a different color than the standard blue SeaPass for regular cabins. 

It will be silver for those staying in Junior Suites onboard Vision, Radiance, Voyager, and Freedom Class ships. Since Oasis and Quantum Ships have the Royal Suite Class onboard, SeaPasses on these ships are determined by what category of suite you are in: Sea, Sky, or Star. 

Junior Suites are the only suites that are part of the Sea Class, which comes with a blue-green SeaPass card. 

Note that colors can vary based on ship and sailing!

Coastal Kitchen

If you are sailing on an Oasis or Quantum Class ship, you will find that there is a dedicated suites-only restaurant called Coastal Kitchen. While those staying in Grand Suites and above can access it for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, Junior Suite guests can only eat here for dinner based on availability.  

You will want to make sure that you head to Coastal Kitchen on embarkation day to make any reservations. A good tip is to be flexible with your dining times. If you are set on eating at 7:00pm everyday, for instance, you may be disappointed if they say they can only seat you early or late. 

Extra Crown & Anchor loyalty points

Those staying in standard staterooms will get one Crown & Anchor loyalty point for each night of the cruise. For a 4-night vacation, for example, you would earn 4 points, and for a 7-night cruise, you would earn 7. 

Those staying in a Junior Suite, however, will be awarded two points per night, so a 3-night cruise would get you 6 points, while a 7-night would get you 14. 

Staying in a Junior Suite is one way to climb the Crown & Anchor loyalty ladder faster to get rewarded with additional perks, such as daily drink vouchers, free laundry, welcome waters in your cabin, and more. 

What do Junior Suites not include?

Guests staying in Junior Suites will not get the majority of suite benefits that are available to those staying in Grand Suites and above. Here are the benefits those guests receive from staying in a regular suite:

• Pillowtop mattress
• Priority departure 
• Concierge service
• Suite Lounge/Concierge Club access with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails every evening)
• Priority dining, spa, and shore excursion bookings
• Bridge, galley, and backstage tours
• VIP pool deck seating (not available on Vision or Radiance Class)
• Priority tendering 

• Welcome Evian water & fruit 
• Ability to order from the Main Dining Room for in-suite dining (during operating hours)
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Private breakfast and lunch seating (location varies by ship and sailing)
• Departure breakfast 
• Reserved seating for shows 
• Complimentary pressing on first formal night

And, of course, since Junior Suites are in the Sea Class on Oasis and Quantum ships, they will not be eligible for any Star or Sky Class perks. 

The main perk is the additional space. For a family of four staying in one cabin, this would be much more comfortable than one standard balcony!

How much does it cost to stay in a Junior Suite? 

Since Junior Suites are the lowest tier of suite available on Royal Caribbean cruises, they are also the cheapest. If, however, you are trying to cruise on a budget, you may find that they are still relatively expensive compared to other cabin options. 

The cost depends on the ship, time of year, and length of itinerary, and as with most cruises, the newer the ship, the most the suite will cost. 

A Junior Suite on a 7-night Greek Isles cruise on Odyssey of the Seas departing in August 2024 starts at $2,423 per person, based on double occupancy. In comparison, an obstructed ocean view balcony is currently being advertised for $1,763 per person.   

A 7-night Southern Caribbean cruise onboard Rhapsody of the Seas that also departs in August 2024 starts at $1,393 per person, based on double occupancy, for a Junior Suite. In this case, a balcony is not too much less, as they begin at $1,238 per person! 

There is no set price for a Junior Suite, so if staying in one on your upcoming cruise interests you, take the time to do some research or reach out to a travel agent who can assist you with the booking process.

Sometimes, getting a Junior Suite is worth the cost because the price difference between it and a standard balcony stateroom is minimal.

And while it may not include as many benefits as other higher tiered suites, there are enough perks to (often) justify the up charge, with one of the most important being the double Crown & Anchor points. An extra couple of hundred dollars to help you upgrade to the next tier may well be worth it.

If you are wanting an elevated cruising experience, you might be considering booking a suite on your next Royal Caribbean cruise. 

Royal Caribbean suites provide more than extra living space. They come with a wide range of perks that are meant to maximize the value of your vacation through special privileges and upgraded amenities.

What exactly are the perks of a Royal Caribbean suite? Those in Junior Suites will find that they are not eligible for the full onboard suite experience, which may be why you are considering a Grand Suite. They are the lowest category of suite available that can experience the full list of perks. 

Here’s everything you need to know about the perks you can receive when staying in a Grand Suite. 

What ships have Grand Suites onboard?

First and foremost, can you book a Grand Suite on any cruise? It is a good question to ask, especially since some of Royal Caribbean's newest suites are only available on certain classes and/or ships. 

You will be happy to know that you can find Grand Suites on any ship, whether it is Grandeur of the Seas or the highly anticipated Icon of the Seas. That being said, the number of available suites will be fewer on older ships.

Grandeur, for instance, only has sixteen Grand Suites, two of which are the larger 2-bedroom option. In comparison, Wonder of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, has 28. Wonder, however, does not have any 2-bedroom Grand Suites onboard. 

What perks come with staying in a Grand Suite?

Grand Suites on Vision, Voyager, Radiance, and Freedom Class ships come with fewer perks than those on Oasis and Quantum ships. 

On the latter two classes, Royal Caribbean introduced what is known as the Royal Suite Class. Suites onboard these ships are broken up into three different categories -- Sea, Sky, and Star -- that all come with different benefits. 

First, we will go over the benefits available for all guests in Grand Suites, then we will go into the specifics of the perks on Oasis and Quantum ships:

• Royal Caribbean bathrobes (for onboard use only)
• Luxury bathroom amenities 
• Lavazza espresso machine 
• Pillowtop mattress
• Priority boarding and departure 
• Concierge service
• Suite Lounge/Concierge Club access with hors d’oeuvres and cocktails every evening)
• Priority dining, spa, and shore excursion bookings
• Bridge, galley, and backstage tours

• VIP pool deck seating (not available on Vision or Radiance Class)
• Priority tendering 
• Welcome Evian water & fruit 
• Ability to order from the Main Dining Room for in-suite dining (during operating hours)
• Complimentary 24-hour room service
• Private breakfast and lunch seating (location varies by ship and sailing)
• Departure breakfast 
• Reserved seating for shows 
• Complimentary pressing on first formal night
• Extra Crown & Anchor loyalty points

Priority boarding and departure 

Embarkation and disembarkation is already hectic enough. When staying in a Grand Suite, however, you will be eligible for priority boarding and departure.

Since you will be one of the first people onboard, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch in the buffet and have shorter lines for any amenities that are open, like the FlowRider, water slides, etc. 

Concierge service

Even if you have cruised before, never underestimate the benefits of a concierge. It is their job to help make your cruise and suite experience as enjoyable as possible. 

They will help with anything from booking shore excursions and dining reservations at specialty restaurants, to settling billing discrepancies, checking in for your return flight, and escorting you off the ship on disembarkation day. 

Suite Lounge/Concierge Club

In addition to being able to utilize the concierge, you will also have access to a private onboard lounge. Each everything, they will serve cocktails and a selection of hors d’oeuvres for you to enjoy with other suite guests. 

Since the Suite Lounge/Concierge Club is open during the day, it is a great place to escape for a little bit to recharge without returning to your stateroom. 

Priority dining, spa, and shore excursion bookings

If your cruise vacation snuck up on you and you forgot to make reservations in advance, do not worry! Your concierge will be able to assist. 

Is there a specialty restaurant that you would like to eat at? What about an afternoon at the spa on a sea day? Be prepared with this information when your concierge reaches out to you, which will be about a week or so before departure. 

Priority tendering

Is your cruise visiting ports of call that must be accessed via a tender boat? 

Staying in a Grand Suite means that you can bypass the tender line and be one of the first guests off! This will help you make the most out of your day in port. 

Behind-the-scenes tours

Have you ever wanted to get a behind-the-scenes look of a cruise ship?

One perk of staying in a Grand Suite is that you will have access to complimentary backstage tours. While the exact tour will vary, you will most likely be taken to see the bridge, galley, and/or theatre. 

If you have any interest in this, it is worth reaching out to your concierge to see what is available on your sailing. 

VIP pool deck seating

If you are on a Voyager, Freedom, Oasis, or Quantum Class ship, you will have a reserved section of the pool deck that is saved for suite guests. Note, though, that seating is still first-come, first-served.

Reserved seating for shows 

The entertainment offerings onboard Royal Caribbean ships are some of the best at sea. It makes sense that you would want to see as many shows as possible!

You will not have to worry about arriving early and locating a seat, as the main theatre, Studio B, AquaTheatre, and Two70 all have reserved seating for suite guests. 

Ordering from the Main Dining Room menu for in-suite dining

Perhaps you had a long day ashore or you are just wanting a lazy evening in your suite.

You will not have to worry about missing out on the delicious offering in the Main Dining Room since you have the ability to order straight from the menu and have it delivered! 

Complimentary 24-hour room service

Since you can only order from the Main Dining Room menu when it is open, it is likely that you might find yourself caving an in-suite snack outside of their operational hours.

With 24/7 complimentary room service, you can order salads, pasta, quesadillas, burgers, and more whenever you would like without incurring the $7.95 delivery fee and 18% service charge. 

Private breakfast and lunch seating

Start each morning off right with a relaxing breakfast in a specialty restaurant.

Note that the menu is similar to those of the Main Dining Room; however, you will not have to wait for a table or fight the crowds in the Windjammer!

In addition to breakfast, Grand Suite (and above) guests are also offered private seating for lunch. 

Departure breakfast 

While nobody is ever truly ready to leave the ship and return to everyday life, Grand Suite guests are able to transition with a little bit more ease thanks to the private departure breakfast. 

Complimentary pressing on first formal night

If your clothing got wrinkled in your suitcase, you have the chance to get a complimentary pressing on your itinerary's first formal night. 

If you are wanting to maximize your suite benefits, this is a great way to do so, as evening gowns and suits usually cost between $7.50 and $15.00 per item for everyone else on the ship. 

Extra Crown & Anchor loyalty points

Normally, you get one Crown & Anchor loyalty point for each night of the cruise. For a 3-night vacation, you would earn 3 points, for a 7-night cruise, you would earn 7, and so on. 

Those staying in a Grand Suite, however, will get two points per night. A 3-night cruise would get you 6 points, while a 7-night would get you 14. 

If you are hoping to climb the Crown & Anchor loyalty ladder faster, this is one way to do it!

Barefoot Beach

This benefit will only be applicable to those whose itinerary includes a stop in Labadee, Haiti. Here, suite guests can relax on the suites-only Barefoot Beach. 

In addition to having a private beach away from the crowds, you will also have upgraded lunch offerings compared to the other buffets. 

To enhance your experience even more, you could rent one of the cabanas at Barefoot Beach for an extra cost. 

What perks do Grand Suite guests on Oasis and Quantum Class ships receive? 

Onboard Oasis and Quantum Class ships, Grand Suites are considered to be part of the Sky Class tier of the Royal Suite Class. 

They have some of the same benefits as those staying in Grand Suites on other ships, such as the concierge service, priority boarding and departure, reserved seating for shows (although reservations are required), Suite Lounge access with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and cocktails each evening, dedicated suites-only sun deck, bathrobes for onboard use, luxury mattress and bathroom amenities, and a Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine.

Note that some benefits that Grand Suite guests have on other ships are not available to those on Quantum and Oasis Class. You cannot, for instance, order from the Main Dining Room menu to enjoy a private in-suite meal. 

Coastal Kitchen

Rather than have private dining in a specialty restaurant, Oasis and Quantum Class ships have an entire restaurant that is only available to suite guests: Coastal Kitchen.

Dining here offers a more intimate experience than elsewhere on the ship. Plus, Grand Suite guests are able to eat here for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. In theory, they never have to step foot in the Main Dining Room or Windjammer! 

Complimentary internet

You will also get complimentary VOOM, so you do not have to worry about being disconnected or paying extra for a Wi-Fi package!

How much does staying in a Grand Suite cost?

If you are trying to cruise on a budget, staying in a Grand Suite is probably not the most economical choice, as you could devote that money to other experiences, such as shore excursions, specialty dining, etc. 

If, however, you are curious to see how much a Grand Suite costs, it depends on the ship, time of year, and length of itinerary.

As with most cruises, the newer the ship, the most the suite will cost. 

A Grand Suite on a 7-night Western Caribbean cruise on Wonder of the Seas departing in June 2024 starts at $7,145 per person, based on double occupancy. In comparison, a standard ocean view balcony is currently going for $1,988 per person.  

As of April 2023, Wonder of the Seas is Royal Caribbean's newest ship and holds the title for the largest cruise ship in the world. Grand Suites on older ships often do not cost as much. In fact, balconies on older ships are far less, too.

Looking at a 7-night Alaska cruise onboard Brilliance of the Seas that also departs in June 2024, an obstructed balcony cabin starts at $1,058, while a one-bedroom Grand Suite starts at $2,646 per person, based on double occupancy. 

Suffice to say, the pricing of a Grand Suite can vary. If booking one interests you, it is best to conduct your own research or reach out to a travel agent who can assist you with the booking process. 

I recently stayed in one of Royal Caribbean’s most opulent cabins–an $870 per night Owner’s Suite. Usually a budget traveler, I had no idea what to expect and whether the spacious cabin would be worth the hefty price tag.

As someone who typically books the cheapest cabin on a cruise ship, I suddenly felt like royalty when skipping lines, hosting in-suite parties, and ordering free room service to our cabin’s sparkly dining room.

Like anything new in life, though, my first time in a cruise ship suite was nothing short of a learning experience, and I certainly made a few mistakes along the way.

Here are 5 things I learned from my first suite experience and 3 I’d do differently next time.

1. The suite concierge is super beneficial

One perk of staying in a suite on Royal Caribbean is access to the suite concierge, a crew member who acts as a suite guest’s own personal Guest Services during the sailing.

The suite concierge can go above and beyond what a regular Guest Services crew member can do. They can book shore excursions, make dining reservations, handle billing discrepancies, and answer any questions you have.

Before my cruise, I heard from other cruisers that the suite concierge would be extremely helpful during my cruise. I have to say, however, that I was skeptical. I rarely need any questions answered onboard, and I'm comfortable handling dining reservations and travel logistics on my own.

Related: What is the difference between suite concierge and a Royal Genie?

Yet in spite of my skepticism, I found myself feeling grateful for our suite concierge every day of the cruise.

As this was my first-ever suite experience, I had more questions than normal:

• How do I get my formal wear pressed for free on formal night?
• Which specialty restaurants are open on embarkation day?
• How do we arrange to be escorted off the ship on disembarkation day?

Because a suite experience is so different from staying in a standard cabin, at times I felt as if I were a first time cruiser, so having concierge service was extra convenient. Plus, our concierge sent an introduction email the week before our cruise, allowing me to take advantage of these services before I even got onboard.

2. The exclusive breakfast at Chops Grille was a huge perk

Prior to my Liberty of the Seas cruise, I was bummed I would not be able to experience Coastal Kitchen, Royal Caribbean’s suites-only restaurant.

This exclusive restaurant is only available to suite guests on Oasis and Quantum Class ships. It has a breakfast, lunch, and dinner menu that changes daily, and offers a more upscale dining experience than busier venues onboard.

As a Freedom Class ship, Liberty of the Seas does not have a Coastal Kitchen location. Instead, a private breakfast is offered each morning at Chops Grille, and this ended up being one of my favorite parts of the suite experience.

Each morning of our cruise, complimentary breakfast was offered in Chops Grille exclusively for suite guests. This menu featured an enhanced menu compared to breakfast in the Main Dining Room or Windjammer buffet, with both sweet and savory dishes.

Related: Food on a Royal Caribbean cruise

My favorite breakfast was a half grapefruit followed by French toast with caramelized bananas, although every dish I tried for breakfast was excellent.

The biggest perk of breakfast at Chops Grille wasn’t necessarily the food, though. The best benefit was, by far, having a quieter, calmer dining experience than everywhere else onboard.

Mornings on a cruise ship–especially on port days–can be hectic as thousands of guests rush to eat before disembarking the ship. Just walking into the buffet each morning was chaotic, and seeking refuge at the suites-only breakfast in Chops Grille was a lifesaver.

3. Embarkation is so much easier

Nothing puts a damper on embarkation day quite like long lines in the cruise terminal, so I was extra grateful to be a suite guest while boarding Liberty of the Seas.

As a suite guest, I received priority embarkation in the cruise terminal. When I arrived at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale, I entered through a separate line and breezed through security and check-in in only five minutes.

I then waited in a separate, suites-only waiting area until we could board the ship. I was surprised to see complimentary beverages and pastries available in the waiting room, which was an additional nice touch on the embarkation experience.

As suite guests, we were the first to board Liberty of the Seas, too, and were onboard much quicker than those staying in standard cabins. Starting off my vacation in a more comfortable, relaxed way was a wonderful perk of staying in a suite!

4. Despite initial skepticism, a suite can totally be worth the cost

Ever since my first international trip in 2014, I’ve always been a budget traveler. I prefer stretching my vacation budget as far as possible, whether it means taking a bus instead of a train, booking a flight with a layover instead of a direct route, or reserving a hotel further from the city center.

My budget travel style transferred over to cruising, and I regularly book the cheapest cabins, avoid booking shore excursions, and dine primarily at complimentary restaurants.

So when I booked an Owner’s Suite, I was skeptical it would be worth the cost. In fact, my initial article pitches involved titles such as “Why I didn’t think my suite was worth the cost” and “10 reasons I’ll probably never book a suite again”.

Let’s just say my initial judgment was quickly deemed incorrect, and by the first few hours onboard, I finally understood why booking suites is so popular.

Having a suite enhances your cruise experience in a way you can’t achieve in a lower category cabin. Even if you buy a dining package, book the most sought after shore excursions, and reserve a spa treatment, it won’t come close to the level of luxury you’ll find in a suite.

With a suite, you have an ultra spacious, private getaway from the busy activity found elsewhere onboard. You receive top-notch service and benefits, whether it’s the free drinks in the Suite Lounge, concierge service, or free room service.

If you can stretch your vacation budget far enough to book a suite, it can be well worth the cost, particularly if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

5. But… I also learned that I am 100% okay with booking cheaper cabins

As much as I loved my suite experience on Royal Caribbean, the final thing I learned from my time onboard was that I am perfectly okay booking standard cruise ship cabins.

Don’t get me wrong, I appreciated every aspect of my Owner’s Suite experience, but I definitely would not book a suite every time I cruise. Spending $3000 on one 3-night cruise in a suite is not nearly as appealing as spending the same amount of money for three separate sailings.

Whether in a suite or interior room, much of the Royal Caribbean experience remains the same. You can see the same shows, dine at the same restaurants, and visit the same destinations.

Although I might consider a suite if I find a great deal, I’m unlikely to book any $10,000 suites any time soon.

What I’d do differently next time I’m in a suite

1. Take better advantage of the Suite Lounge

Suite guests on Liberty of the Seas have access to the Suite Lounge, a private space with comfy seating, an outdoor patio, private concierge, and complimentary food and drinks.

One of my biggest regrets from my suite experience is that I didn’t spend nearly enough time in the Suite Lounge, especially during the evenings.

Each evening from 5-8PM, hors d'oeuvres and alcoholic beverages are provided in the lounge free of charge. Having access to free drinks onboard is a huge benefit, especially considering individual cocktails cost $14 each!

Plus, the lounge offers a quieter atmosphere than other bars onboard and–given its top deck location–has excellent views of the ocean.

Although I initially planned to spend time in the Suite Lounge each day of my cruise, I found myself too busy to take full advantage of this perk. Returning from port at 4PM each day and getting ready for dinner reservations at 6PM meant I had little time to enjoy the lounge in the evenings.

If I book another suite in the future, I’ll reserve later dinner times so I’m not as rushed after port days and can enjoy the Suite Lounge to the fullest.

2. Order Main Dining Room meals to the cabin

Free room service is an awesome perk to staying in a suite, and what makes this benefit extra special is having access to not only Royal Caribbean’s standard room service menu, but the Main Dining Room menu.

Related: Royal Caribbean room service guide & tips

Suite guests on Liberty of the Seas can order food from the Main Dining Room menu during the restaurant’s operating hours. You can order breakfast, lunch, and dinner from the Main Dining Room and have the meals delivered directly to your cabin.

Lunch and dinner menus from the Main Dining Room change daily. You can have French onion soup and pesto tagliatelle delivered one night and lobster delivered the next.

Because ordering from the Main Dining Room menu is only available for suite guests, it provides a more special dining experience compared to what you’ll experience in a regular cabin.

Our Owner’s Suite had a dining room table both inside and outside on the balcony, and I wish I had taken advantage of having Main Dining Room menu items delivered to our suite.

We were cruising with a large group, so we enjoyed dinner in the dining room each evening. If we were cruising by ourselves, though, I would have ordered dinner directly to the suite for a more intimate dining experience.

3. Book a cruise with a sea day

I booked this suite on a 3-night cruise that included port stops in Nassau and Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bahamas. Due to the cruise’s short length, there were no sea days on the itinerary.

Due to the port-intensive itinerary, I found myself with limited time onboard–let alone in my suite. Sure, I could have skipped a port day, but then I would be missing out on the beautiful beaches of the Bahamas.

By the time I got back onboard after a port day, I quickly showered, changed, and headed to dinner. This left very little time to relax in our suite and take full advantage of Royal Caribbean’s fantastic suite benefits.

Next time I book a suite, I’ll choose an itinerary with more sea days so I can fully enjoy the suite experience.

Planning a Royal Caribbean cruise in a suite? Here are our best tips:

• 5 best cruise ship suites on Royal Caribbean
• Royal Caribbean suites guide & review
• What are the Royal Caribbean suite perks?
• A beginner's guide to sailing in Star Class

After 10 cruises in interior cabins, I spent three nights in the opulent Owner’s Suite on Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas.

This cabin is one of the most spacious on the entire ship and comes with its own name: the Adagio Suite. At 624 square feet, the room’s size is nearly four times as big as the interior staterooms I typically book.

For 2 guests, the total price of our suite came out to $2,612 for a 3-night cruise, or right around $870 per night. This price includes taxes, fees, and gratuities, and we also received $100 onboard credit.

We originally booked the suite for $2,934, but our travel agent repriced the sailing a few months after booking and found a cheaper deal, saving us $322.

Let’s take a tour of my spacious cabin at sea complete with a bedroom, living room, dining room, and extra large balcony.

My suite was located on deck 10, right outside of the ship’s aft elevator lobby. The suite’s convenient location was one of the best perks of the cabin, as we never had to walk far to get from our cabin to anywhere onboard.

When I opened the door to my suite for the first time, I was immediately blown away by the cabin’s size and amenities.

The suite has one bedroom, where you’ll find a king bed, television, side tables, and storage space.

The bedroom is not separated from the rest of the suite by a wall, but you can close a curtain for more privacy.

There is a vanity and desk area in the bedroom which includes several outlets to charge your devices.

Like all cabins, you’ll find a safe in the Owner’s Suite in the drawers above the vanity.

Now let’s move to the living room.

The living room has a sectional couch, plush chair, coffee table, and end table. This space is great for entertaining or winding down after a busy day in port.

To watch television in the living room, you can simply swivel around the TV from the bedroom to the living room.

The living room is connected to a dining room.

This area features floor-to-ceiling closets, which are perfect for hanging dresses and suits for formal night. You’ll also find Royal Caribbean bathrobes inside the closet.

Next to the closet are additional drawers where you can store clothes, shoes, and other personal items. Like all Royal Caribbean cabins, there is a mini fridge available here as well.

Above the mini fridge is a Lavazza Espresso coffee maker and ice bucket. You’ll also receive a few complimentary water bottles in the suite, which will be placed near the coffee maker.

There is also a dining table perfect for enjoying in-suite meals. As a suite guest, room service is complimentary, including meals from the Main Dining Room menu.

Across from the dining room is a bathroom, and the Owner’s Suite bathroom is unlike any bathroom I’ve experienced in a cruise ship cabin before.

The bathroom has dual sinks, which is optimal for two guests getting ready at the same time.

It also features a standalone bathtub with jacuzzi controls.  Like all suites, the bathroom comes with upgraded Malin + Goetz shampoo, conditioner, and body wash.

In addition to the bathtub is a separate shower with a detachable shower head.

There is both a toilet and bidet in the Owner’s Suite bathroom.

Next let's head outside to the suite's balcony.

One of the best benefits of the Owner’s Suite is the large balcony. At 160 square feet, the balcony is three times larger than those in standard balcony cabins.

There are two balcony doors, one in the bedroom and the other in the living room.

The balcony offers unobstructed views of the outdoors. It’s located on the ship’s hump, meaning that the balcony sticks out further than other balconies onboard.

On the balcony is a dining table with two chairs, a perfect spot to enjoy breakfast and coffee in the mornings.

There are also two padded, reclinable lounge chairs, a notable upgrade from the standard chairs found on regular balconies.

While not cheap, the Owner’s Suite is nothing short of a spectacular cabin on Liberty of the Seas. For those looking for extra living space, upgraded amenities, and a more luxurious experience onboard, it is certainly worth the splurge.

Debuting on Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas is the new Sky Junior Suite, the fleet’s first Junior Suite to offer exclusive benefits usually found only in higher category staterooms.

Sky Junior Suite benefits include Suite Neighborhood access, all-day dining at two suites-only restaurants, free wifi, and concierge service. While these benefits will surely enhance your cruise vacation, are they worth the extra cost?

Let’s take an in-depth look at the new Sky Junior Suite to help you decide if it’s the right fit or if you’re better off sticking to a regular Junior Suite.

Sky Junior Suite details and benefits

The Sky Junior Suite will only be available on Icon of the Seas, which is set to launch in January 2024. There are eight Sky Junior Suites available on the ship.

The suite has occupancy for four guests and comes at 322 square feet with an 80 square foot balcony. Although the suite does not have a separate bedroom, it does have a separate dressing area in the room and a full bathroom with a tub.

While guests in regular Junior Suites still receive double Crown & Anchor Society points each night of the sailing and enjoy more living space, additional benefits are slim. Because of this, many cruisers prefer to classify Junior Suites as a large balcony room compared to a suite.

Related: Royal Caribbean's Junior Suites: What you need to know

The Sky Junior Suite, however, takes Junior Suite benefits to the next level by offering Sky Class benefits.

What are Royal Caribbean’s Sky Class benefits?

Sky Class is the second tier in Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class, a suite program available on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class cruise ships.

Sky Class benefits:

• Dedicated Check In Line
• Priority Boarding
• Coastal Kitchen Dinner
• Royal Caribbean Bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities
• In Room Lavazza Espresso Coffee Maker/Tea Service
• VOOM Internet
• Concierge Service
• Exclusive Signature Activities
• Suite Lounge/Concierge Club Access
• Priority Departure

Related: What are the Royal Caribbean suite perks?

Onboard experience

While the list of Sky Class benefits available in a Sky Junior Suite provides a peek into what you’ll experience on Icon of the Seas, let’s dig deeper into these benefits to see just how much they can impact your onboard experience.

Suite Neighborhood access

One of the best benefits of staying in a Sky Junior Suite is access to the Suite Neighborhood, a private enclave reserved exclusively for suite guests on Icon of the Seas. Sky Junior Suites are the only Junior Suite category to have access to the Suite Neighborhood.

Located in the Suite Neighborhood is a suite sun deck, private pool, Coastal Kitchen restaurant, and Mediterranean-style casual eatery. It’s an enclave away from the hustle and bustle found elsewhere onboard, and offers a more upscale experience than the ship’s other pool and dining areas.

Related: Icon of the Seas: itinerary, features, and more

Plus, the Sky Junior Suite is located within the Suite Neighborhood, providing easy access to the neighborhood’s amenities.

Coastal Kitchen

Coastal Kitchen, Royal Caribbean’s suites-only restaurant, is another benefit of staying in a suite. For guests in most Junior Suites, however, dining at Coastal Kitchen is only available for dinner (subject to availability).

Guests in Sky Junior Suites, on the other hand, can dine at Coastal Kitchen for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Suite Lounge cocktails and hors d’oeuvres

Complimentary cocktails and hors d’oeuvres are available each evening in the Suite Lounge on Royal Caribbean ships. This is another benefit of staying in a Sky Junior Suite as opposed to a regular Junior Suite.

In a Sky Junior Suite, you can enjoy alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages each evening without spending hundreds of dollars extra on a drink package.

Concierge Service

Sky Junior Suite guests have access to the Suite Concierge, who acts as a personal Guest Services member for suite guests. The Suite Concierge can help guests with billing discrepancies, dining reservations, priority disembarkation, etc.

Related: 10 Surprising things you didn’t know the Royal Caribbean concierge can do for you

VOOM Internet

Another great benefit of staying in a Sky Class suite as opposed to a regular Junior Suite is the VOOM internet included in your cruise fare.

If you stay in a regular Junior Suite and plan to purchase an internet package for 2 guests in the room, this can easily cost $140 per person on a 7-night cruise. By staying in the Sky Junior Suite instead, you’ll save $280 on internet packages.

Price difference: Junior Suite versus Sky Junior Suite

With the added benefits and enhanced onboard experience of a Sky Junior Suite comes higher cruise fares. Just how much can you expect the price difference to be between a Junior Suite and Sky Junior Suite?

You can expect a Junior Suite to run anywhere from $5800 to $6800 total for two guests on a 7-night cruise. Sky Junior Suites range from around $9200 to over $11,000.

Related: Is a suite on Royal Caribbean worth it?

Therefore, compared to a regular Junior Suite, a Sky Junior Suite can cost anywhere from $3000-$4000 more total for 2 guests on a 7-night cruise.

Sky Junior Suite vs larger Sky Class suites

If you’re interested in receiving Sky Class benefits on Icon of the Seas, should you reserve the Sky Junior Suite or spend more for a larger, more opulent suite?

Let’s take a look at the price difference between the Sky Junior Suite and other large suites on Icon of the Seas. These prices are for two guests on a 7-night sailing in February 2025:

• Sky Junior Suite: $9,235
• Grand Suite: $13,003
• Sunset Suite: $14,963
• Owner’s Suite: $24,523

Booking a Sky Junior Suite can save you $5000 or more while still receiving the same benefits as other Sky Class suites. Because of this, the Sky Junior Suite can be an attractive option for any Icon of the Seas cruise.

Average or Epic? Our thoughts on the new Sky Junior Suite

The Sky Junior Suite may cost more than a traditional Junior Suite–and significantly more than a standard balcony stateroom–but you’ll receive Sky Class benefits at a fraction of the cost of other Sky Class cabins.

There’s no concrete answer when it comes to deciding if a Royal Caribbean suite is worth the cost. Depending on your budget and vacation style, a suite could be a necessity or an out-of-the-question upgrade.

Related: Guide to Icon of the Seas cabins and suites

All things considered, the Sky Junior Suite is much more lucrative than a regular Junior Suite. Regular Junior Suites are more similar to standard cabin categories than a suite; if you’re looking for a ship-within-a-ship concept on Royal Caribbean, a regular Junior Suite might be a disappointment.

Therefore, if you’re already spending, say, $6800 on a Junior Suite and see a Sky Junior Suite for $3000 more, it’s not too big of a price difference to receive the added Sky Class benefits.

Access to the Suite Neighborhood, all-day Coastal Kitchen access, and Suite Lounge benefits will certainly add to the enjoyment of your cruise vacation, making a Sky Class Junior Suite an enticing cabin option.

More Royal Caribbean suite tips & tricks:

• 5 signs you’re ready to move up to a suite on a cruise ship
• 5 best cruise ship suites on Royal Caribbean
• A beginner’s guide to sailing in Star Class
• What is the most expensive suite on Royal Caribbean?
• Royal Caribbean suites guide & review

Think you're ready to make the change to a suite cabin on your next Royal Caribbean cruise?

The idea of booking a suite comes with nearly as many opulent images to ones mind as it does fear of the larger price tag, but depending on how you like to vacation, trying a suite might not be a bad idea.

Royal Caribbean suites offer more living space, better amenities, and a more inclusive cruise experience.  You'll definitely pay more for it, but the old saying, "you get what you pay for" certainly holds true.

For years, I never booked any suites out of concern the price was too high and the notion I didn't need to stay in a suite. As our family grew and our needs and tastes evolved, so did my attitudes towards staying in a suite.

And to be clear, staying in a suite doesn't always mean you have a giant price tag either. There are lots of cruise fans that will attest to the fact there are plenty of deals out there for a suite.

Depending on how flexible and resourceful you are, not only could you begin to live the suite life as a choice, but you might even get a great price on it too.

In my experience, I've found a lot of cruisers start off in smaller cabins and then graduate to suites over the years. Like me, they find themselves at a crossroad of "should I try a suite?"

The choice to book any cruise ship cabin always comes down to weighing the costs of the room versus how much time you'll actually spend in the cabin enjoying the benefits. Certainly a large suite would provide lovely accommodations, but if you're going to be at the pool deck all day, how much benefit will it provide you?

For anyone on the fence about booking a suite, I've come up with five signs it might be time to give a suite a try.

You might just find this the starting point of a wonderful new way to cruise.

You drink cocktails everyday but a drink package is expensive

Booking a suite won't save you money overall, but it might include something that does help out your bottom line.

It's no secret that Royal Caribbean's drink packages are more expensive today than they were just last year. With the rising cost of drink packages, you might be tempted to book a suite so that you can still indulge but with a fixed cost.

When you stay in a suite, you can enjoy complimentary alcoholic beverages in the suite lounge during select hours.

Guests in a Sky Class suite or higher (Oasis or Quantum Class ships) can enjoy complimentary beer and wine between 11am and 11pm while in the suite lounge. From 5pm to 8pm, there's a greater assortment of cocktails and alcoholic beverages available.

On other ships, there is a happy hour in the evening where guests can enjoy the same assortment of cocktails and beers in the evening, usually between 5pm and 8pm.

While not as flexible as a drink package, free drinks in the suite lounge can be just enough for some guests to take advantage of and get their bar bill under control without the need for a pricier package.

In fact, the suite lounge experience is a very compelling argument for booking a suite. Guests that stay in suites a lot will tell you they spend a lot of time in the suite lounge for the many amenities you get, including the free drinks.

Paying to get faster service is worth it to you

If you're the type of person who is willing to pay more to get faster results, then a suite might be up your alley.

When it comes to lines, waiting, or simply your time, there are some people who don't mind throwing money at a problem to make it better.

Suite guests pay more, but they'll often have a dedicated and shorter line at the cruise terminal during the check-in process. When it's time to board the ship, they get onboard first.

The suite concierge also makes it easier on suite guests and can book shows and specialty restaurants before anyone boards the ship.

One of my favorite perks of staying in a suite is the suite concierge will walk you off the ship when the cruise is over, saving a great deal of time waiting in line. This perk alone has been a life saver with my kids.

The debate of time vs money is something everyone will have differing opinions on, but if you are the sort of person that values your time more than your money, then a suite might be the perfect choice.

You've tried a junior suite and want more

Often a cruiser will dip their toe into the waters of suite life by booking a junior suite.

Despite the name, junior suite cabins aren't actually suites and closer to balcony rooms than anything else.  They offer more space and a few perks, but lack the true suite experience.

However, if the limited benefits a junior suite provides is a good first taste of the suite experience, then you might be ready to jump up a full suite.

The price of a junior suite is usually reasonable compared to a balcony, and many people will spot reasonable prices here and there between a balcony vs a junior suite.

So if you sailed in a junior suite and loved it, then you might be ready to level up again and try a suite.

You like feeling special

To be fair, everyone likes feeling special, but some people relish in this feeling more than others.

Between the suite concierge, priority experiences getting on and off the ship, and even just a different color SeaPass card, you're going to quickly feel different when staying in a suite.

Suites offer a lot of benefits that have a singular goal: make you feel extra important on the cruise. Some are for comfort, and some are to save you time, but they all work towards separating you a bit from other guests onboard.

You'll find reserved seating on the pool deck just for suite guests. The suite concierge will know your family's name fairly quickly once you get to the suite lounge. Other guests will ask why your SeaPass card is a different color from theirs when you're at a bar. These are all simple things that will make you feel noticed.

Being in a suite isn't an elitist thing, rather, it's a way to splurge and treat yourself to the finer things in life.

Vacation is an escape from the ordinary, and it's nice now and again to step up to a finer holiday.

You fly first class

Forget how you cruise, if you generally opt for first class seats on an airplane, then a suite might be right for you.

Whether you go for first class or just comfort plus, you're paying a premium to get a better experience on an airplane and that sounds like it could be a sign you're ready for a suite.

A first class airplane ticket won't get you to your destination any faster, but you'll enjoy the trip a heck of a lot more than in coach.  Similarly, a suite on a cruise ship will get you luxurious accommodations that you will enjoy in between port stops, shows onboard, and various activities around the ship.

First class airfare usually includes priority boarding, complimentary beverages once on the aircraft, and a deluxe seating experience. It's easy to draw a lot of parallels to staying in a suite on your cruise.