Is it worth upgrading to a suite on a cruise?

Better room location Cruise ship suites aren't just bigger than regular cabins. They're better located, too. On many ships, you'll find some of the biggest suites at the very front or the very back of the vessel — the two places that offer the most stunning views.



People Also Ask

Bottom line In most cases, an upgraded cabin is always better than the most basic room on board. The only thing stopping you from splurging on a larger space, a private balcony and extra perks is your budget.

MORE DETAILS

Balcony cabins cost more than ocean-view cabins or windowless inside cabins. But they can be worth the splurge if you're the kind of person who likes a private place to be outdoors during a vacation.

MORE DETAILS

Staying in a suite can bring you all sorts of value-added perks on ships that normally would come with an extra charge, from complimentary Wi-Fi access to meals in extra-charge restaurants.

MORE DETAILS

Reserved exclusively for guests of Grand Suite-level accommodations and above, the Suite Lounge serves complimentary continental breakfast and evening drinks.

MORE DETAILS

The best location to book your cabin will be in the center of the cruise ship and on the lower deck. The lower you go down, the less rocking you will experience during your trip. If you suffer from any motion sickness, this area is ideal for you.

MORE DETAILS

Midship staterooms on the lowest passenger deck are the most excellent spot to be on a cruise ship in this instance because you don't feel the vessel sway as much.

MORE DETAILS

The best time for a Caribbean cruise is from December to April when the weather is dry, sunny, and clear skies on most days. The ideal cruising conditions of mild temperatures and calm waters typically last throughout winter and spring, making it the prime Caribbean sailing season and very traveler-friendly.

MORE DETAILS

Rear-facing balcony cabins are among the best balcony cabins on any ship. Often, their balconies are bigger than balconies on side-facing cabins and they also feel quiet. There are far fewer balcony cabins at the back of a ship than on the sides of a ship, so you don't hear a lot of noise from your neighbors.

MORE DETAILS

Eastbound cruises get the most sun on the port side; westbound on the starboard side. Watching a sunset over the ocean or seeing the sun slip behind distant islands can also be a reason for a side preference. To catch sunsets, you'll want to be on the port side on northbound cruises and starboard on southbound cruises.

MORE DETAILS

The best time to board a cruise ship is obviously when there are few lines and short waits. The trick is knowing when that will be. Unfortunately, it can vary from port to port and ship to ship, but I prefer arriving in the early afternoon, usually around 1 or 2 p.m.

MORE DETAILS

To reduce motion sickness, choose a stateroom in the middle of the ship on a lower deck. You will feel any sway of the ship less in this section. Although it may seem counterintuitive, if you're worried about seasickness on a cruise, book a stateroom with a window or a veranda.

MORE DETAILS

Cabins at the Front of the Ship This is because the front of the ship is more exposed to the movement of the water as they plough through the rough seas. If you're prone to seasickness, it's best to avoid cabins at the front of the ship.

MORE DETAILS

The most stable part of the ship is its lowest point of gravity, so on a lower deck, at the center. You'd feel a lot less motion here than, say, in a stateroom on the upper decks a long way forward or aft (towards the back of the ship).

MORE DETAILS

Lower Decks This is because this part of the ship, its lowest and most central area, is the most stable during rough sea conditions. A central cabin on one of the lower decks is the best place you can be when you're feeling nauseous. Note that these cabins can feel a bit claustrophobic, though.

MORE DETAILS

The Ultimate Family Suite can accommodate up to 8 passengers in a space that covers approximately 1,100 square feet, along with a private balcony adding an additional 200 square feet. So much space for all the family fun! Those sailing in the Ultimate Family Suite will also have access to Royal Caribbean's Royal Genie.

MORE DETAILS