More Royal Caribbean ships are offering one of the best perks you can buy on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean tested out offering its Royal Genie service on two of its ships earlier this summer to determine the feasibility of giving such benefits on other ships.

Evidently the Royal Genie Package proved to be a good idea, because we're seeing it now on more ships.

Here's what you get for the hefty cost and if it's worth buying.

More ships offering a Genie

Initially, the Royal Genie Package was only available on Freedom of the Seas and Independence of the Seas.

We spot checked a number of upcoming sailings and it looks like more ships are offering it now:

• Freedom of the Seas
• Independence of the Seas
• Navigator of the Seas
• Liberty of the Seas
• Mariner of the Seas
• Explorer of the Seas

With this change, all of the Freedom Class ships offer a Royal Genie option. Plus, more than half of the Voyager Class ships.

What does a Genie get you?

Think of the Royal Genie Package as a way to get the absolute best perks on your ship for a price.

The starting price is $300 per adult, per day (kids are $200 per day), and it's an add-on you can buy for your sailing.

With your Genie, this person will personally take care of your needs around the ship. This includes getting you seats in any show wherever you want it, specialty dining reservations, food delivered to your cabin, and escorts on and off the ship.

Plus, it also gets you these added benefits:

• Deluxe Beverage Package (for all guests of legal drinking age)
• Refreshment Package (for all guests below legal drinking age)
• Unlimited Dining Package
• Complimentary Room Service
• 1 Device Internet package per guest in the reservation
• Complimentary Stateroom Mini Bar Beverages (Coca-Cola canned products)
• Still & Sparkling Water Bottle Delivery
• Complimentary Starbucks Beverages
• VIP Luggage Service (Arrival & Departure)
• VIP Welcome Food & Beverage Amenity
• Suite Lounge Access
• Complimentary Ice Cream at Sugar Beach
• Reserved Seating in the Main Theater
• Designated time to FlowRider, Rock Climbing Wall & Ice Skating
• Complimentary Stateroom Movies
• Malin+Goetz Bath Amenities

Each Genie will handle about 3 or 4 cabins per sailing.

Unlike the Royal Genie service on Royal Caribbean's bigger ships, you don't have to stay in a suite to get this package on its smaller ships.

That means you can be booked in an inside cabin and still get the Genie services.

Before you book, you should know you cannot cancel the Royal Genie Package once you buy it, either before the cruise begins or onboard.  It's completely non-refundable.

I tried the Royal Genie service and it was impressive

I've stayed in Star Class suites that comes with a Genie, but I was curious if this Genie package would be just as good without the mega cabin to go with it.

While on Independence of the Seas, I tried the Royal Genie Package for my family on a 7-night cruise to the Norwegian fjords.

The best thing about having a Genie is you get pretty much everything you want or need without much effort.  It's the easy way to cruise.

That isn't to say you can't have a good cruise without one, but a Genie takes care of every need.  

Our Genie decorated my kids' cabin with a sisters motif, and that was something I had never seen before.

She also ensured we had our Starbucks coffee order delivered to our room every morning.  When I mentioned the WiFi signal in my cabin wasn't great, she had a maintenance team in there in less than hour to install a repeater so it was better.

At $300 per adult, per day, it's pricey. 

You can justify some of that cost given it includes a Deluxe Beverage Package, which easily costs more than $100 per day onboard the ship.  And having unlimited access to specialty restaurants that have a cover charge $40 - $60 per person adds up quickly too.

Plus there's the free internet package too.

The only downside to my experience was because I was booked in an oceanview balcony cabin, we really couldn't take full advantage of the things the Genie can do in a smaller cabin.

When you're in a suite, the Genie can set up meals to enjoy in your living room or balcony, and it's just not the same in a regular cabin.

Ultimately, it's an expensive upgrade, but those that can afford it will find it an incredible way to splurge and enjoy cruises in an all new way.

A Grand Suite is one of Royal Caribbean's most popular suites because it's the entry point to having a full suite experience, complete with access to special areas of the ship and extra perks.

Junior Suites are technically the entry-level suite category, while Grand Suites are the first tier in the “full” suite program with elevated benefits.

However, despite the many extra benefits and larger room size, a Junior Suite is likely going to cost a lot less money and deliver enough added value to make it a more compelling option.

Both types of suites have much more living space than a standard balcony, and you'll earn the same amount of loyalty points too.

Read more: Royal Caribbean cabin guide

If you're debating between booking a Grand Suite or a Junior Suite, there are compelling reasons why you should stick with a Junior Suite. Let's dive into them.

Comparing Royal Caribbean's Junior Suite and Grand Suite

Here's an overview of the key differences between the two suites:

Suite layout and size differences

Think of the Junior Suite has being big, and a Grand Suite being bigger.

Both suites have much more living space than a balcony category. The Grand Suite feels much more spacious, as it often has separate seating areas

Using Icon of the Seas as an example, the balcony size between the two can be substantial.  Both offer larger balconies than a standard balcony, but a Grand Suite is giant.

• Standard ocean balcony: 50 square feet
• Junior Suite balcony: 80 square feet
• Grand Suite balcony: 108 square feet

Another key difference in terms of the room is the layout. 

Grand Suites have much more storage space, including closets and drawers. The room feels more like a suite, whereas a Junior Suite still resembles a balcony room.

Plus, there's extra furniture in a Grand Suite, such as a dining table and chairs.

A Junior Suite bathroom is going to be a single bathroom with tub, whereas a Grand Suite has a larger bathroom, with possibly double sinks.

Perks offered by both suites

These are the main benefits of each suite type. Keep in mind the benefits are greater on an Oasis, Quantum, or Icon Class ship because of the extra perks that come with the Royal Suite Class.

Junior Suite:

• Crown & Anchor Society points: 2 per night instead of 1
• Dinner access only for Coastal Kitchen
• No access to Suite Lounge
• No concierge service
• Priority boarding and disembarkation

Grand Suite:

• Full Suite Class benefits (Sky Class on Icon, Oasis and Quantum Class ships)
• Concierge service
• Coastal Kitchen access for all meals
• Priority boarding and tendering
• Reserved seating for shows
• Reserved seating on the pool deck
• Complimentary Wi-Fi (on Icon, Oasis and Quantum Class ships)

Price difference

Another key differentiator is the price for each suite.

Depending on the ship, itinerary, and time of year, the prices can vary considerably.

Here are some example prices of a Junior Suite vs a Grand Suite for Oasis of the Seas in May 2026 for two passengers:

May 8, 2026

• Junior Suite: $2,713.82
• Grand Suite: $3,515.32
• Suite Guarantee: $2,414.32

May 15, 2026

• Junior Suite: $2,893.82
• Grand Suite: $3,960.82
• Suite Guarantee: $2,494.32

May 22, 2026

• Junior Suite: $3,004.32
• Grand Suite: $3,903.82
• Suite Guarantee: $2,433.82

May 29, 2026

• Junior Suite: $3,014.32
• Grand Suite: $4,234.82
• Suite Guarantee: $2,433.82

Keep in mind pricing fluctuates based on how many cabins are sold for that specific sailing, ship class, and sail date.

Reasons to choose a Junior Suite over a Grand Suite

Now that their similarities are out of the way, let's focus on their differences and how those might sway you to choose the Junior Suite instead of a Grand Suite.

You just want the extra space, but not the price

I find many cruisers that love a Junior Suite prefer it because it's a bigger room, and that's really all they need.

Suites come with lots of lovely benefits, but it may be overkill if you won't take advantage of them.

By not splurging for a full suite, you still get a few important amenities: full size tub, priority embarkation, bigger room, an extra loyalty point per night, and a closet.

Essentially, if you're considering a Junior Suite or a Grand Suite and feel a Junior Suite is "good enough", that's the rationale for going with it.

If you mainly want space, a Junior Suite is the better value.

You'll spend more time exploring the ship than in your room

If you're going on one of Royal Caribbean's new and impressive ships, how much time will you really spend in your cabin?

By picking a Junior Suite, you get to enjoy a plush home base without paying for benefits you may simply never use.

This rationale could be applied to justify almost any lower room category, but some cruisers want to have enough room in their cabin for the time they're there.  Or they prefer having a bathtub, extra point, or access to dinner in Coastal Kitchen.

Crown & Anchor members looking to move up the loyalty ladder quicker

If you're chasing Crown and Anchor Society points, booking a Junior Suite is a strategy I've seen others use effectively.

Because you get an extra point per night, booking a Junior Suite will catapult you up the tiers faster than regular cabins. Heck, book yourself solo in one and you'll get three points per night.

Anyone that's chasing the highest tiers, such as Diamond Plus or Pinnacle, will find a Junior Suite more cost effective over the long haul than a Grand Suite.

Cabin location

In many cases, you may find a Junior Suite in a desirable location.

Royal Caribbean has Junior Suites on the aft of its ships, offering peaceful views of the ship's wake.  The cruise line reclassified these as "Sunset Junior Suites", but they're effectively the same room with a better view.

On the Icon Class suites, the Sunset Junior Suite has panoramic views and a corner balcony. At over seven feet tall, the ceiling is the tallest of all the Junior Suites. Plus, it's balcony is larger too, with 115-130 square feet of size compared to 80 in a regular JS.

You want to take advantage of a suite guarantee offer

When booking a cruise, there could be a suite guarantee option that would save a lot of money compared to picking a specific cabin.

The reality is with a suite guarantee, it's almost always going to be a Junior Suite.  That's because there are more Junior Suites than any other suite type, and they're more likely to remain unsold than the full suites.

The cost savings are worthwhile, so if you're trying to save money, a suite guarantee will likely be a Junior Suite.

Royal Caribbean's mid-tier suite offering is known as Sky Class, but what is it exactly? And what does it get you?

On the newer and bigger ships, you'll find the cruise line's upgraded suite program that is known as the Royal Suite Class. Royal Caribbean updated its suite offerings years ago, and it uses this moniker to differentiate suites on new ships versus old ships.

A majority of the suites you can book within the Royal Suite Class are Sky Class suites, and they offer the Goldilocks amenities and value: not too cheap, and not too expensive.

Before you spend extra to book a Sky Class suite, here's what you can expect from it.

What is Sky Class on Royal Caribbean?

On Royal Caribbean's newer ships, it has three tiers of suite offerings: Sea, Sky, and Star Class.

They're available on the Oasis, Icon, and Quantum Class ships only. This includes Star of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, Utopia of the Seas, and Odyssey of the Seas.

Older and smaller Royal Caribbean ships do not offer Sky Class suites.

Sky Class is the middle tier, and it's where most of the suite rooms are included in, such as:

• Crown Loft Suite
• Owner’s Suite
• Family Suite
• Grand Suite
• 1 Bedroom AquaTheater Suite
• Sunset Junior Suites
• Sky Class Junior Suites
• Surfside Family Suites

Sky Class benefits at a glance

The key difference between any of the suite classes are the perks included with the room.  Sky Class benefits are:

• Concierge service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen and The Grove (The Grove is on Icon Class ships only)
• Specialty bottled water upon arrival
• Complimentary internet
• Priority boarding and departure
• Priority dining reservations
• Suite Lounge access
• Access to Suite Sun Deck
• Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

What you can expect from Sky Class

When you book a Sky Class suite, the basics of it are added benefits and service throughout your cruise.

Before you board

A few days prior to your cruise, the suite concierge will email you to introduce themself and to welcome you onboard.  

The email has a reminder of all of your benefits, and it also explains Sky Class passengers have flexible arrival times.

The flexible arrival time means you can arrive an hour earlier or later than your cruise check-in time that you chose in the app. I love this benefit because it means you can get onboard even earlier.

Once you arrive to the cruise terminal, look for a special line exclusive to suite guests.

This line offers priority check-in and an expedited boarding process.

Inside your suite

Most Sky Class suites feature a good mix of space, upgraded facilities, and large balconies.

The difference between suite types is primarily how large the suite is, with the more expensive Sky Class suites offering more square footage.

A 1-Bedroom Grand Suite on Oasis of the Seas will measure 371 square feet of living space and a 105 square foot balcony. A Crown Loft Suite will have 545 square feet of space, and a 114 square foot balcony.

The configuration of the suites can also vary, with larger ones having separate bedrooms and additional bathrooms.

Dining Perks

Arguably one of the best benefits of being in Sky Class is you get access to Coastal Kitchen, which is a suites only restaurant.

Coastal Kitchen is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day of your cruise and you have to be in a Sky or Star Class room to get in.  Sea Class suites only have access for dinner.

Speaking of eating, you can also enjoy complimentary room service in your suite. 

Sky Class guests can order off the standard room service menu without a surcharge. In addition, they can order food from the Main Dining Room to be delivered whenever the Main Dining Room is open.

Entertainment

Royal Caribbean reserves seats in the theaters onboard the ship for suite guests (the same seating is also available to loyalty members).

It does not guarantee admission into the show, but the advantage is once you get in, there's a row other guests cannot sit in before you have a chance.

While the reserved seating is nice, it's often in strange locations and may not be where you want to sit.  

Of course, you don't have to sit in the reserved section, but it's available if you prefer.

Concierge and Lounge Access

One of the top suite perks is access to the Suite Concierge and Lounge.

The Suite Concierge is there to help you with anything you may need assistance with.  Think of them like a suites-only Guest Services.

It's a good idea to meet the Concierge on the first day of your cruise to introduce yourself to them and get anything you need take care of.  In fact, you can email the concierge before the cruise begins with any special requests.

The Suite Lounge is an exclusive enclave for suite guests that offers seating, drinks, and snacks throughout the day.

Access to the suite lounge is only for those that booked a Grand Suite or higher cabin, as well as Pinnacle Club members on sailings where there are not too many Pinnacle members.

Each suite lounge has a self-service coffee and espresso maker that you can use 24 hours per day.

In addition, there are snacks offered during select hours.

Sky Class passengers can enjoy complimentary beer and wine from 11am to 11pm in the lounge, and then a full bar happy hour in the evening.  It's a fantastic benefit because you can enjoy many drinks in the lounge (or even take them out back to your cabin or elsewhere).

Disembarkation and Port Days

One other notable perk of being a Sky Class guest is being able to get on and of the ship easier.

If your ship tenders, you'll have priority with them.   The Icon and Oasis Class ships are too large to offer tenders, but the Quantum Class ships occasionally will offer it.

A personal favorite benefit of mine is the escort off the ship by the Suite Concierge.

Speak to the Concierge before the final morning, and they can walk you off the ship and bypass the line of passengers trying to do the same.

Usually you meet the Concierge in the Suite Lounge at a specific time, and they will escort you off the ship and beat the crowds.

How Sky Class compares to Sea and Star Class

Because Sky Class is the middle tier of suite benefits, it can be a nice step up from Sea Class, but nearly as encompassing as Star Class.

I look at Sea Class suites as being essentially "extra large balcony rooms".  They don't have many benefits at all, and don't have access to the Suite Lounge or the Concierge. Booking a Sky Class suite instead would provide far more perks.

Star Class has the best benefits of any suite, including the services of the Royal Genie, unlimited specialty dining, gratuities included and much more.

Price is usually the driving factor as to why to book one class over another.

Sea Class is great if you just want a larger room with the benefit of having additional Crown and Anchor Society points.

Star Class is truly for the passenger that wants to have everything included and one done for them.  It's the cruise "easy button", but will cost two or three times what a Sky Class suite is listed for.

I find the Sky Class suites are great for someone that wants a traditional suite experience onboard with more living space in their stateroom, added service from the Concierge, and access to certain suite-only amenities, such as the lounge and Coastal Kitchen.

Tips for maximizing your Sky Class perks

If you book a Sky Class suite, I'd recommend taking advantage of it in a few ways.

When the Suite Concierge emails you a few days before the cruise, don't be shy.  Respond with any requests you may have, such as dining requests, stateroom configurations, or alerting them to special events.

When in doubt, head to the Suite Sun Deck instead of the regular pool deck for seats.  

Not only are there seats reserved for you on the sun deck, but they're usually plusher and have waiters come by more often.

Speaking of exclusive areas, use the Suite Lounge as a quiet escape. 

During the day, the lounge is usually empty, and it's a great spot to read, play a card game, or chat with friends.

Be sure to take advantage of the priority disembarkation to save time.

Lines to get off the cruise ship on the final morning can be long, and no matter how much time it saves you, it all adds up.

Is Sky Class worth it?

Booking a Sky Class suite is a lot like booking a first class airplane ticket in that it's a nicer way to travel.

I think the people that will benefit the most from trying Sky Class would be folks that want added service and are more likely to spend time in their stateroom.

Having a plush cabin with lots of space is great for those that want to spend more time in their room than perhaps being out and about elsewhere.

While booking a suite will never save you money overall, those that take full advantage of the included benefits could see another reason to book it.

Having complimentary internet access for everyone booked in the suite, access to Coastal Kitchen, and no room service fees are added value.

Having stayed in many Sky Class suites, it's a lovely way to cruise. Having all the extra space in the stateroom, along with access to certain areas makes it all far more enjoyable.

However, it all comes at a cost.  Sky Class suites aren't inexpensive, and there's always a compelling argument whether you should book a suite or balcony room instead.

A Sky Class suite might be the perfect room for a special occasion or longer sailing because you can justify the included perks as being a good rationale for moving up to these types of rooms.

Splurging on a spacious suite for your Royal Caribbean cruise is a great idea for an over-the-top and lavish vacation, but I'd hate for you to squander it.

I've booked suites over the years on different ships, but I've seen cruisers occasionally missing out on the best things about these rooms.

The value of a suite goes well beyond the actual cabin itself, and if you're in a suite, I'd recommend doing six things so you can fully enjoy what it offers.

Considering how pricey suites are, every advantage you can get from the cruise fare is going to make it all worth it.

Not taking advantage of early entry

When you book a suite, Royal Caribbean offers flexible arrival times on embarkation day.

As part of the check-in process, you pick a check-in time for the cruise terminal.  This is a 30 minute window of when you plan to arrive to start the check-in.

Suite guests have a special function that goes beyond that.

In the email the concierge will send you about a week before the cruise begins, there's a provision for flexible arrival time.  This gives you an additional hour before or after whatever time you selected in the check-in process.

In my opinion, the earlier you can get in and checked-in, the better. I'm so excited to start my vacation that I want to get on the ship as fast as possible.

When you arrive at the cruise terminal, be sure to look for the suites entrance.  Sometimes it's a dedicated door at the cruise terminal, and other times it's a different line.  

In either case, let the staff know you're in a suite and take advantage of the earlier time and dedicated entrance.

Not meeting Concierge on first day

The suite concierge is one of the best perks of staying in a suite.

Think of the concierge as your helper in any issues you run into, and there's far less people vying for them than at Guest Services.

You'll find the suite concierge in the suite lounge, and it's a good idea to head up there on the first day of the cruise to meet them.

On Oasis and Icon Class ships, there are two suite concierge members.

In addition to problem solving, the suite concierge is also a friendly face. They will regularly strike up conversations with suite guests in the lounge, and love getting to know their guests.

During the evening cocktail hours, the concierge acts as a kind of emcee, helping people find seats, directing waiters to get drink orders, and ensure the hors d'oeuvres are replenished regularly.

While they can sometimes be busy with their clerical duties, they make an effort to get to know their guests.

Skipping Coastal Kitchen

I admit I made this mistake for years before realizing I was making a mistake of not dining at Coastal Kitchen.

On Royal Caribbean's biggest ships, there's an included restaurant just for suite guests and it's really good.

Coastal Kitchen is like a Main Dining Room exclusively available for suite guests, and it's really darn good.

I think it's best for breakfast and dinner, although they serve lunch here too.

Early on I skipped Coastal Kitchen because I was enamored with specialty dining.  Even when I booked a suite, I'd still book specialty restaurants. 

Later, I realized the food quality and service is excellent in Coastal Kitchen, and I could save money on specialty dining by opting to eat in Coastal Kitchen instead.

If you happen to be in a smaller ship that doesn't have Coastal Kitchen, I'll extend this tip to remind you about the free breakfast in Chops.

Since those ships don't have Coastal Kitchen, a private breakfast is offered each morning at Chops Grille on smaller ships.

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.

Not taking advantage of room service

One of the lesser known perks of staying in a Royal Caribbean suite is you get room service included.

Ordinarily room service has a $7.95 service fee, but that's waived in a suite.

Moreover, you can order food from the Main Dining Room when it's open and have it delivered to your cabin.  I love that perk, and it's great for kids if they want to eat in while parents go to dinner.

Or you might simply want to have breakfast on your balcony, which is usually quite large.  Nearly all suites have massive balconies and there could even be a dining table out there.

At the very least, have breakfast brought to your balcony each morning so you can enjoy coffee, eggs, and fruit with a view each day.

And if you have a late port day or are just feeling like hanging out in your suite, order dinner to be delivered.

Forgetting to send clothes out for pressing

Did you know Royal Caribbean includes complimentary pressing for the first formal night?

Buried in the many suite perks is a provision that you can get "Complimentary Pressing on First Formal Night".

No matter how good of a packer you are, your clothes are probably going to be a little wrinkly, folded, or have creases in them. 

The key is to ask your stateroom attendant for this service on embarkation day so it can be ready for the first "Dress your best"/formal night, which is usually the next day.

It's so easy to overlook this perk, but it's a cost you'd otherwise incur.

Not asking their Genie for more

If you happen to be staying in a Star Class suite, I think those new to it often don't leverage their Genie enough.

I think the best benefit of Star Class is the Royal Genie, and they're there to make your cruise amazing.  But you've got to ask the right questions too.

What I mean is the Genie is very personalized, and they don't always volunteer ideas for what they can offer you.

I think those new to Star Class are both timid to "bother" the Genie while also unaware of what others have gotten.

As an example, the Genie can arrange to have Starbucks drinks delivered each morning, or they can have an ice cream social set up in your suite.  They can arrange for you to meet Rover the dog, or even the ship's Captain.

It can feel strange and almost awkward to make requests of the Genie, but they've seen it all and the worst they'll tell you is it's not possible.

I'd recommend asking your Genie for what sort of things other guests have asked, or ideas for fun things only Star Class guests can get.  They're very creative and it's the key to unlocking the best value of these expensive suites.

Royal Caribbean's suite lounge is a reserved area of the ship exclusively for passengers that booked a suite, and it's one of the best perks you get with your stateroom.

I love to spend time in the suite lounge to take advantage of the comfortable seating, snacks throughout the day, and complimentary drinks each day.

Access to the suite lounge is only for those that booked a Grand Suite or higher cabin, as well as Pinnacle Club members on sailings where there are not too many Pinnacle members.

With so much happening on your Royal Caribbean ship, it's easy to overlook the suite lounge, especially given it's usually located away from many of the activities and things happening around the ship.

If you happen to be in a suite that has access to the suite lounge, there are five good reasons to stop in each day.

There are three servings of snacks per day

You won't run out of food on a cruise ship, and there's even more waiting for you in the lounge.

Each day there's an assortment of quick bits offered during select hours.  Essentially, there's a breakfast, lunch, and dinner offering.

You won't get a meal, but it's usually something quick and easy for something to tide you over.  It's great for when you get back on the ship or are about to leave and need something quick.

I think the evening hor d'oeuvres are the best option, with various hot items along with fruits, salad, and desserts.

In the morning, there's a few pastries to choose from.  If your cabin is nearby, it might be easier to pop in for something here than going down to Cafe Promenade.

The coffee machine

Speaking of food, I love the complimentary coffee machine they have in the suite lounge.

Each suite lounge has a self-service coffee and espresso maker that you can use 24 hours per day.

Just like the snacks, it's so convenient to have this. Plus, it might save you money as you won't have to pay for an espresso at one of the coffee shops around the ship.

And because it's available 24 hours, you're never too early or too late to get a cup.

The suite concierge offers personalized assistance

Probably my favorite benefit of the suite lounge is the suite concierge, and so few people take advantage of what they offer.

Think of the concierge like your own version of Guest Services, but without the long lines.

Even before your cruise begins, the concierge will email you to welcome you onboard and you can send them any pre-cruise requests you might have.  Dining reservations, cabana location requests, or bedding changes are all things they can assist with.

If you're trying to get into something sold out, they can be a great resource in assisting as well.

I recommend going to the suite lounge on the first day and introducing yourself to them so you can put a face to the name and let them know of any requests you have.

Even if you have nothing special to ask for, they're a friendly face and I've had really interesting conversations about the ship, ports, and fun stories.

During your cruise if you run into any issue, including billing problems, the concierge can help fix all of it for you.

The suite lounge has a full-service bar

Perhaps the top value you can get from booking a suite are the free drinks in the lounge each night.

Depending on the ship you're sailing on, there are select hours when you can order complimentary sodas, beers, wine, and alcoholic cocktails.

The Oasis, Quantum, and Icon Class ships have beer and wine from 11am to 11pm, and then a full bar happy hour in the evening. Other ships just have a happy hour between 5-8pm (or around those times).

Given that the drinks in the lounge are complimentary and there's no limit, for a lot of people it can work in lieu of a drink package purchase.

Some suite lounges have an actual bar, while all of them have waiter service too.

A beautiful view

Even when there's no food or drinks to enjoy, I love going up to the suite lounge for the views.

Because chairs with a view can get quite crowded (especially around the pool), it's nice to grab a book, iPhone, or magazine and head up to the suite lounge to take in the views around you.

Every lounge has large windows, and you can pull the comfortable chairs right up to them and enjoy a great view with plenty of air conditioning.

I love a good cruise deal, but sometimes splurging and staying in a suite is the way to go while on a cruise.

Royal Caribbean has many kinds of suites, but the ones that always capture people's attention are their signature Star Class suites on its biggest ships.

In 2024, I had the chance to review three giant cruise ship suites: Royal Loft Suite, Aquatheater Suite, and the Ultimate Family Suite.

I paid an average of around $4,000 - $5,000 per night for these suites, making them far from a cheap deal.

Each suite was indeed massive, but I think everyone expects that.  What truly stood out about these rooms were some of the surprises I didn't expect with these sort of suites. They may not be the top reasons to book them, but I think they make a difference.

Being escorted through check-in made me feel like a VIP

All suite guests have their own line for check-in at a cruise terminal, but when you book a Star Class room, you get escorted inside.

There's a special meet area for Star Class guests, where you drop off your luggage. You don't need to print out the regular luggage tags, because Star Class guests get their own luggage tags added on the spot.  In fact, your luggage is taken onboard the ship by a specific porter just for Star Class guests, so that means no waiting around for your bags to arrive.

The agent then escorts your group into the cruise terminal and through security and check-in.  They find the shortest lines and get you moving as quickly as possible.

Royal Caribbean's check-in process is already very fast, but as you whizz past everyone, it's a surreal feeling getting the most exclusive service even before the cruise begins

I loved being able to my suite as soon as I boarded the ship

No matter which cruise I go on, I always want to board the ship as quickly as possible.

A loyal Royal Caribbean Blog reader, (and long-time suffering Vols fan) Michael Poole, once reminded me you can either wait at the hotel room or the cruise terminal, so may as well get there early.  With Star Class, this even more important.

Your Royal Genie will take you right to your suite as soon as you board the ship.

This means you can not only drop off your things in the room, but get to start enjoying the suite you paid a lot of money for in the first place.

Having early access to your suite before other cabins are ready is a treat, and it's great for entertaining friends.  I invited friends up to the suite immediately to hang out and get the cruise fun started.

Even if you're not looking to invite anyone, being in the room early means you could nap, enjoy the amenities within the cabin, or just have a quieter start to your cruise.

The special SeaPass card got attention of crew members

When you go around the ship and flash your Star Class card, crew members take notice.

Like all things with being in Star Class, it's easier, and when you show your SeaPass card at the theater, order a drink at a bar, or borrow towels at the pool deck, you're almost always just waived through.

It's not only easier, but it speeds things up.

I didn't expect the exclusive suite entrance to be quieter

In the case of the Royal Loft Suite on Wonder of the Seas and Ultimate Family Suite on Utopia of the Seas, there is a dedicated entrance.

At first, I thought having these special glass doors to get to my suite was more of a vanity thing.  I joked it was a way to keep my friends' kids out.

As it turned out, the real benefit of not having a suite on a shared hallway is you hear no noise at all from outside your suite.

I don't think hallway noise is a big deal to begin with (especially on the suite deck), but after a day or so I really started to notice I heard nothing from outside our room.  In other cabins, you'll occasionally hear someone talking loudly, running, or some sort of commotion.  

The exclusivity of being in one of these giant suites really stands out.

I didn't think I'd use the hot tub more than the kids did

Two of the suites I stayed in had their own hot tub, but I probably spent more time in there than my kids.

Like many children, my kids like to do something to say they've done and then move onto the next thing.  This was the case with the hot tub too.

The best times to enjoy the hot tub are when the ship is sailing in or out of a port, at night, or if there's a sunset in view.

I don't usually hit the pools and hot tubs on the cruise ship's main deck because of how crowded they can be, so it was nice having my own and it's definitely an added bonus.

One of the biggest surprises was how much time the kids preferred to be in the suite

Royal Caribbean is known for offering so much to do on its ships, but my kids tended to hang out in the suite more than when we are in other kinds of cabins.

I certainly don't blame them for wanting to enjoy what the suite offered, but many times they just wanted to have dinner delivered to the suite and watch TV, call their friends, or enjoy the entertainment in the suite.

The kids were glued to the game table in the Ultimate Family Suite, which has all sorts of multi-player games to try.

Plus, they liked being able to stay in the PJs and not bother getting dressed up for dinner and have their meal brought to the suite.  One of the best benefits of being in Star Class is you can have room service deliver food from the Main Dining Room or Specialty Restaurants to your suite.

As a parent, I liked knowing they weren't roaming the ship, and I didn't mind being able to go to dinner with just my wife.  Date nights are a rare commodity when you have kids, so it was a nice benefit I didn't count on.

Royal Caribbean announced changes to some of its suite cabins, slashing benefits in some cases.

The changes relate to the benefits and amenities that come with suites, and the cruise line intends to change what is included with select cabins in the future.

Travel agents were sent an update by Royal Caribbean to inform them of the change.

All of these changes are effective for sailings on or after May 2, 2026, regardless of the booking creation date.

The first change is to drop Surfside Family Suites from Sky Class to Sea Class.  

Surfside Family Suites are a new suite category that were first added on Icon of the Seas. The Surfside Family Suite overlooks the Surfside neighborhood. Like its namesake, this suite is meant to be a great choice for those with young kids.

This suite overlooks the Surfside Family Neighborhood and features a king size bed, and a cozy kids sleeping nook, and can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children.

As a result of the change, these cabins will no longer have access to the Suite Lounge, Suite Concierge services, complimentary internet access, complimentary beverages in the Suite Lounge, and can only dine at Coastal Kitchen restaurant for dinner only (instead of breakfast and lunch).

Meanwhile, Sunset Junior Suites will get a bump up to Sky Class.

Sunset Junior Suites are essentially what used to be Junior Suites on the back of cruise ships, and was a change in name and category made when Royal Caribbean reclassified many of its cabins.

Another big change is on three ships - Icon of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Utopia of the Seas - Sky Junior Suites will no longer have complimentary Wi-Fi as an amenity.

Royal Caribbean says they are making this change is to align these ships with the rest of the fleet where Sky Junior suites do not include Wi-Fi. 

The cruise line explained to travel agents why it was making all of these changes, "we continuously strive to enhance guest experience onboard and reach alignment of our product offerings across the fleet."

Sea Class vs Sky Class

To illustrate the changes better, it's important to understand what's included with each tier of Royal Caribbean's suite benefits.

On the cruise line's newest ships (Oasis, Icon, and Quantum Class ships), the suite program is divided up into three levels based on the suite category, Star, Sky, and Sea.

Sky Class Benefits

• Concierge service
• All-day access to Coastal Kitchen and The Grove (The Grove is on Icon Class ships only)
• Specialty bottled water upon arrival
• Complimentary internet 
• Priority boarding and departure
• Priority dining reservations
• Suite Lounge access
• Access to Suite Sun Deck
• Royal Caribbean plush bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Sea Class Benefits

• Dinner at Coastal Kitchen
• Royal Caribbean bathrobes for use onboard
• Luxury pillow top mattress
• Luxury bathroom amenities
• Lavazza Espresso coffee maker

Reaction to the changes

The most notable change is the change in benefits for the Surfside Family Suites on the Icon Class ships.

Jenn Greene is a Travel Planner affiliated with MEI Travel, and thinks this change will hurt sales of these cabins, "The Surfside Family Suites sold not only to families, but also couples looking for Sky Class perks without the large price tag."

"This change may not be a good one for keeping that stateroom category full."

Ms. Greene is referring to the fact the room's location far away from the suite neighborhood and view of the kids area (rather than the ocean) were reasons a lot of people might have overlooked the cabin, if not for the suite benefits.

One of the top perks of booking a suite on a cruise ship is access to the concierge, but what can you expect from them?

The suite concierge serves as guest services, customer advocate, and problem solver rolled into one.

Every Royal Caribbean ship has a subset of benefits reserved exclusively for passengers that are booked in a suite, including reserved pool seating, a private lounge, and added services.

Part of the justification for the higher price tag a suite comes with is the convenience factor that gets added in, and the suite concierge is a major component of that.

As long as you're in a full suite (Grand Suite or higher category cabins), then you get to take advantage of the concierge services. On the biggest Royal Caribbean ships, there are actually two concierges onboard to help split the work load.

If you're booked in a suite, here's what you can expect from the concierge onboard and even before the cruise.

What the suite conceierge does

The suite concierge is always located in the suite lounge, where they work during the day and early evening to assist guests. They're there to make your cruise better in any way they possibly can.

A few days before your cruise begins (usually 4 to 7 days before embarkation), you can expect an email from the concierge introducing themselves to you, and outlining the benefits they can provide.

This email is a good primer for expectations, and how to easily take advantage of your suite benefits.

Before the cruise begins, the concierge can assist you with making specialty dining reservations, show reservations, or clarifying any questions you might have.

Tip: If you purchased a specialty dining package, you should email the concierge with a list of restaurants and times to book to save you the time of making the reservations once onboard.

Speaking of dining, you can ask to the concierge to make a Coastal Kitchen reservation too.

While the concierge can book show times for you, I'd advise you to book show reservations as soon as they become available to book 30 days before the cruise sails, because show tickets usually sell out quickly.

Some other common requests to make of the concierge include:

• Note dietary restrictions on the dining profile
• Request a Main Dining Room table for just our family, not a shared table
• Ask to have beds separated in the suite
• Request corkscrew in cabin for wine
• Request extra hangers
• Request extension cord and distilled water for CPAP machine

The concierge can also book shore excursions or family photo reservations.

You should get an email back confirming any requests you made, or advising you of other options if they cannot assist.

What to expect on the ship

When you board your ship, you can go up to the suite lounge to meet the concierge. This is a good idea to not only put a face to the name, but confirm any of the requests you made pre-cruise or get clarification on any questions.

During your sailing, the concierge is there to make your cruise better.  

There are posted hours the concierge is available at their desk. You can either visit them in person or give them a call. You should go to them for any issues you have that you might otherwise go to Guest Services for.

In addition to problem solving, the suite concierge is also a friendly face. They will regularly strike up conversations with suite guests in the lounge, and love getting to know their guests.

During the evening cocktail hours, the concierge acts as a kind of emcee, helping people find seats, directing waiters to get drink orders, and ensure the hors d'oeuvres are replenished regularly.

While they can sometimes be busy with their clerical duties, they make an effort to get to know their guests.

Making disembarkation easier

Perhaps my favorite suite concierge benefit is their assistance getting off the cruise ship on the final morning.

There can be very long lines disembarking the ship on the final morning, but the suite concierge will be happy to get you through the lines.

Prior to the end of the cruise, you can arrange to meet the concierge at a designated location and they will walk your family off the ship.  This means they will cut the line and bypass most, if not all, of it.

This is a tremendous time saver, as well as sanity saver.  When I cruise with kids, it's such a relief to not have to stand in line.

Is concierge access worth it?

The only way to get access to the a cruise concierge is to pay more for a suite (or become a Pinnacle Club member, but likely not practical for most readers), and that is all but certainly a higher cost than a lower category room.

Aside from the inherit benefits of booking a suite, the suite concierge access is a lovely touch, but I'd hesitate to go as far as to say it's worth it every time.

Having access to the cruise concierge is more akin to the "icing on top" of having suite access.  You should book a suite because you value the extra space the room provides, bonus Crown and Anchor points, and the extras cruise guests get included with their fare.

How helpful the concierge is depends on you and how much interaction you have with them.  If you're going to spend a lot of time in the suite lounge and make many requests of the concierge, they are absolutely worth it.  But every cruiser handles the access differently.

On shorter cruises, the value is likely less since there's less time to take advantage of their services. 

I've always enjoyed the assistance provided by the concierge, and I'm grateful for even the smallest of assistance.  The escort off the ship at the end of the cruise is probably the single best service they provided and it made a big difference when my kids were younger.

So should you book a suite just for the concierge? Probably not, but I think you'll enjoy the value they add to your cruise. Just remember to take advantage of what they offer.

There's nothing quite like an impressive super suite found on a giant cruise ship. These suites are enormous, opulent, and surprising just how massive these cabins can be.

Royal Caribbean is famous for building megaships that capture the imagination, especially the ones that continuously reclaim the title of biggest cruise ship in the world.

Having gone on almost 100 Royal Caribbean cruise ships, I've been able to stay in and tour many of these cruise ship suites.  It's an incredible experience, albeit expensive too.

As a cruise line with the best suites, Royal Caribbean seems to always be looking for ways to add new ways to wow its passengers with what they offer onboard. This includes suites just as much as water slides, zip lines, and other thrills.

Among all the suites I've toured, I handpicked the five that are so over the top you can't help but marvel at it. 

I also included a practical suite in my list, because it's the entry level suite many more people are likely to actually afford.

Ultimate Family Townhouse

Royal Caribbean first made news when it build the Ultimate Family Suite, which was an over the top family suite.  Then they upped the ante with an even crazier suite on Icon of the Seas, the Ultimate Family Townhouse.

This 1,772-square-foot suite is as big as many people's homes, and it lives up to the name of being a townhouse at sea.

It's available on the Icon of the Seas and Star of the Seas and it costs at least $80,000 for a week!

What do you get for that price? Enough room for up to 8 people and an in-suite slide, movie room, karaoke machine and a "backyard" with a ping pong table, outdoor seating and a white picket fence.

It's three decks high, and it has a special entrance to the Surfside neighborhood from your suite. There's even a mailbox that you can use to pick up notes.

If you have young kids, there is no other suite that can top this experience for a family.

AquaTheater Suite

I'm not sure you can beat the view that Royal Caribbean's Aquatheater suites offer.

Available in one and two bedroom configurations, these are massive suites located at the very back of Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class ships.

I love these suites for two reasons. First, the amount of living space is incredible. You not only get a really big living area, but an even bigger balcony.

The balcony on the back wraps around the suite and offers the best views I've ever had on a cruise ship. Truly incredible, and the perfect place to catch a sunset.

Plus, your balcony doubles as a viewing box for the Aquatheater below, which is where you can watch one of the signature shows on a Royal Caribbean ship.

Second, the two bedroom suite has two full bathrooms, making it one of the best suites for a large family to share.

If there's a downside to this suite, it's that it's located at the very back of the ship, and that means a longer walk back to the elevators, as well as not being near the Suite Lounge.

I've stayed in Aquatheater suites numerous times while sailing on Wonder of the Seas, and it sold our family on the suite life because of the equally impressive Star Class amenities you get with the two bedroom suite. 

With Star Class, you get pretty much everything included in your cruise fare, along with the services of the Royal Genie.  It's an game-changing way to cruise.

Royal Loft Suite

While the Ultimate Family Townhouse might capture most of the attention for being a giant suite, I think the Royal Loft Suite is actually the best suite layout I've seen.

The Royal Loft Suite is available on Quantum, Oasis, and Icon Class ships, although the suite’s layout and features can differ from ship to ship. In fact, I've stayed in the Royal Loft Suite on Icon of the Seas, Wonder of the Seas, and Allure of the Seas, and the Oasis Class ships have the best setup.

It's located on Deck 17 or 18 (depending on which Oasis Class ship you're on), it has its own glass door that stops anyone from even reaching the actual door to the cabin. It's like its own mini-hallway.

You'll find a baby grand piano, wet bar, hot tub, two floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows. It's the kind of suite you can't help but say "wow" when you walk in.

This suite can handle up to 8 people, and we loved the living room. It has a giant couch, lazy boy-style chair, and a pair of hanging rocking chairs.

The upper level is the master suite, with great views of the ocean.  Plus, the master bathroom is sprawling and probably nicer than any bathroom I've seen on land.

On the balcony, there's a private hot tub just for your use next to a bar and more seating.  The balcony may not be massive, but the amenities are second-to-none.

Solarium Suite

When Royal Caribbean launched Utopia of the Seas, they once again moved the bar forward with a massive suite that has no balcony.

The Solarium Suites located above the bridge wings and offer sweeping 280 degree views of the ocean from the large living space.

They feature panoramic views that open up to the ocean breeze at the push of a button.

There's a ton of living space here, and just like the Aquatheater suite, you cannot beat the views.  This time, it's at the very front of the ship and you basically see everything the ship's Captain can.

Junior Suite

While a Junior Suite isn't a true suite because it doesn't all the full suite amenities, I think it's an affordable splurge to get a preview of what the suite life is like on a cruise ship.

To be fair, I think a Junior Suite is more akin to a "really large balcony room", but it does come with extra benefits that are great to have.

In addition to a larger living area and balcony, junior suite guests receive a variety of benefits including double C&A Society points, luxury bathroom amenities, an in-suite Lavazza Espresso Coffee Machine, and priority boarding. 

Those staying in a Junior Suite on Oasis or Quantum Class ships also have access to Coastal Kitchen, the suites-only restaurant, for dinner only.

The reason why we’ve included a Junior Suite in this list is because of its position as an entry-level way to experience what a Royal Caribbean suite experience can offer. A Junior Suite is far less expensive than booking, say, a Loft Suite, so it can be a nice way to “treat yourself” without breaking the bank.

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.