Cruise Balcony Vs Suite: What’s The Difference?

When you're ready for your next well-deserved vacation, indulge by booking one of the best cruise ship accommodations at sea.

The question is, which should you go for: a balcony stateroom or a suite?

Both options offer exceptional views, cozy private outdoor spaces and a list of services that roll out the door (onto your balcony, of course). However, some key differentiators make each distinct, depending on the type of cruise experience you’re after. Read on for the scoop on the differences between cruise balcony vs. suite accommodations. 

Key Takeaways: Royal Caribbean Suite vs. Balcony Stateroom

● Space and layout: Suites offer roomy enclaves with multi-level layouts and specialized areas, contrasting with the tighter footprint of staterooms.

● Views and outdoor space: Suite outdoor spaces are dynamic, often featuring hot tubs or unique vantage points, while staterooms offer flexible classic views, including ocean and internal.

● Amenities: Suites are doused in amenities like luxury toiletries and complimentary VOOM® — powered by Starlink — while staterooms provide the essentials for a comfy stay.

● Perks: Suites roll out the red carpet with VIP service, priority boarding and exclusive lounge access. Staterooms offer flexible location choices.

● Services: In a suite, you can expect exceptional, highly personalized service (some even include a Royal Genie). Staterooms provide daily cleaning service and upgrade options.

● Dining and beverages: Suites include Coastal Kitchen dinner access, and in Star Class, you receive a complimentary beverages package. Stateroom guests still have access to complimentary and specialty restaurants.

● Privacy: Suites offer greater tranquility via spacious living areas and private hot tubs, while staterooms provide private outdoor access.

● Best for: Suites are ideal for groups needing room to entertain and spread out, while staterooms suit couples that prioritize exploring.

● Explore cruises and discover the best accommodation options for your cruise vacation.

What’s The Difference Between A Royal Caribbean Suite And A Balcony Stateroom?

When you’re cruising, one of the most important decisions to make is regarding your accommodation. If you’re seeking some private outdoor space for you and your companions to stretch out in the sea breeze, both the suite and a balcony stateroom are the way to go.

Here are the key differences, so you can determine which one is best for your vacation:

Typical Space Allocations And Layout

Suites

These roomy enclaves transform your cruise experience by giving you more space than a traditional stateroom. Take the Loft Suite with a balcony, for example: The first level has a bath and a bedroom with a door, and the primary bedroom in the upstairs loft is open to the living area, with thick drapes for privacy. A sitting area and a second bathroom add to the functionality.

After a bustling day in port, you might opt to relax in your luxe private retreat with a soak in your hot tub, savor dinner with family and friends on your private deck, catch a movie in your private theater or a frozen mojito brought to you by your Royal Genie — a wish-fulfiller who grants your special requests.

Staterooms

Balcony staterooms have a tighter footprint — and even then, it can change depending on which type of balcony stateroom you select, and the ship. The good news is that with an extended outdoor living space, you’ll never feel crammed. Standard balconies can hover at an average of 50 square feet, but you can also book an expansive balcony stateroom, which extends your private balcony to around 80 square feet. Of course, as with the staterooms, the precise size varies depending on the specific stateroom and ship you choose.

Views and Outdoor Space Considerations

Suites

The views and outdoor spaces in Royal Caribbean suites are as dynamic as the direction of the sea breeze. Really, your choice of cruise ship balcony suite comes down to the type of views and how much space you can use. Some of your options include:

Solarium Suites

Exclusive to Utopia of the Seas®, Solarium Suites are all about the sea views. Located near the navigation bridge, the 839-square-foot Star Class stateroom's floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area reveal stunning 280-degree vistas. Want fresh air? Push a button that opens a window, turning your sitting area into an Infinite Balcony. The bedroom's wall of glass also affords fabulous views.

AquaTheater Suites

If you're all about the entertainment on board, book the AquaTheater Suite. Available on Oasis Class, these spacious suites allow guests to watch synchronized ballet and breathtaking diving from their balcony overlooking the AquaTheater.

Ultimate Family Townhouse

In the Icon of the Seas® Ultimate Family Townhouse, a 251-square-foot "backyard" conveniently opens to Surfside®, a neighborhood geared toward young kids. The primary bedroom features a 90-square-foot private balcony, perfect for taking your morning coffee. Lounge chairs and a hot tub make the main level's 410-square-foot wraparound deck a relaxing space — and kids love the indoor netted nook suspended over the main level, perfect for "spying" on adults below.

Staterooms

Amenities And Features

Suites

For those who like to travel in style, Royal Caribbean suites are doused in amenities. If you’re traveling in Sea, Sky or Star Class, you’ll have luxury bathroom amenities to pamper yourself with during your getaway and personalized service in your cruise suite room. For the morning birds, there’s also a Lavazza espresso coffee machine. 

Sky and Star class take things up a notch with complimentary VOOM, the fastest internet at sea, and a concierge service for when you need a cocktail (or three) delivered to your balcony or assistance with dinner reservations. Star Class guests receive all of the above, plus in-suite complimentary gratuities.

Staterooms

Stateroom accommodation provides everything you need for a comfy cruise: deluxe toiletries, soft exclusive bedding, plenty of wardrobe space and storage, climate control and the Royal King bed that converts to twins if needed. A daily cleaning service will keep your space fresh, while complimentary deluxe toiletries keep you feeling fresh during your vacation.

Suite Vs. Balcony Stateroom Perks

Suites

Royal Caribbean rolls out the red carpet for suite guests, offering VIP service before you’ve even boarded the ship. It starts with simplified check-in lines and priority boarding, and moves to exclusive access to the private dining space, Coastal Kitchen, reserved especially for suite guests. 

Sky Class passengers have exclusive signature activities, access to the Suite Lounge, priority departure and premium entertainment seating. Plus, Star Class status gets you all that, as well as the best-reserved seats for entertainment and a Royal Genie. Your Royal Genie is here to offer a completely customized experience and help you orchestrate your day.

Staterooms

Balcony stateroom guests enjoy the flexibility of choosing a room that fits their priorities. Want to wake up at the doorstep of your favorite restaurant? You (almost) can. Have a favorite deck in mind, or plan to become semi-attached to the sun deck loungers during your cruise? Balcony staterooms give you plenty of control and choice over location as you’re booking.

Onboard Service And Signature Experiences

Suites

However you play it, all suites come with an exceptional level of service and care. In Sea Class, a dedicated attendant can assist with any requests or questions you may have, while Sky and Star Class add concierge service — and Star Class elevates it up a notch with the Royal Genie. 

If you’re seeking a highly personalized cruise vacation that’s attuned to you, a Royal Genie will make it happen. From expediting luggage handling and arranging prime seating at entertainment and dining venues to organizing private celebrations and special requests, they’re there to help.

Staterooms

In a Royal Caribbean balcony stateroom, guests receive daily service at their choice of morning or evening, and can also order room service. There’s also an option to upgrade your room service if you’d like a few extra touches in your room.

Dining And Beverages

Suites

All Royal Suite Class accommodations — Sea, Sky or Star — include dinner access to Coastal Kitchen, a restaurant serving delectable Mediterranean and Pacific Coast cuisine. Beyond dinner, Sky Class passengers have all-day Coastal Kitchen access (feta frittata for breakfast and herb-crusted chicken for lunch, anyone?), and Star Class status gets you all of the above plus a deluxe beverage package and complimentary specialty dining.

Staterooms

If you’re in a stateroom suite, you can visit any complementary or specialty restaurant on board — and you have the option to purchase specialty dining and deluxe drinks packages. You also have more leeway to select a stateroom located closer to your favorite restaurant or bar!

Privacy And Tranquility

Suites

Suites tend to offer more spacious indoor and outdoor living spaces — some of which include a private hot tub — as well as exclusive entry to sundecks and the Suite Lounge. If you’re traveling with family or a significant other, the suite life can offer greater access to quiet, private spaces.

Staterooms

Even in a balcony stateroom, you’ve got greater access to a private outdoor space than most! As you select your stateroom, you’ can choose whether you want to be right in the center of the action or on a more relaxed, quiet deck. The deck plans come in handy when you’re booking.

Who Is The Cruise Balcony Stateroom Vs. Suite Best For?

Overall, there’s no particular group that should (or should not) book a suite or a balcony stateroom — it really comes down to the type of experience you want to have. For instance, families traveling with kids may prefer the extra space — but connecting outdoor staterooms work just as well. Similarly, suites lend themselves well to special occasions; then again, the entire cruise experience caters to those magical moments you’re guaranteed on board.

A few key considerations can help make the choice that much easier:

● Think about how much space you actually want: Suites give you room to spread out, lounge and entertain, while balconies offer comfort and privacy without the extra footprint.

● Consider how much time you’ll spend in your cabin: If your heart’s set on slow mornings, private dining or quiet cocktails at sunset, a suite certainly delivers. On the other hand, if you plan to be out exploring all day, a balcony stateroom might be your sweet spot.

● Weigh the perks you’ll actually use: Suites often come with a lot of perks and exclusive spaces, which are worth it — if you take advantage of them.

● Think about who you’re cruising with: Suites provide a comfy space for groups, families or anyone needing privacy and extra storage. Meanwhile, balconies work beautifully for couples or solo travellers who want views but don’t need the bells and whistles.

Find Your Suite Spot With Royal Caribbean