Welcome back to Ports and Pensions! We're always looking for ways to enhance our travel experiences, and on a recent sailing, we had the pleasure of staying in a Grand Suite on Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas. If you've ever wondered if booking a suite is worth the splurge, this post—and our accompanying video walkthrough—will give you a taste of the "suite life" and the special touches that come with it.

For many, a suite isn't just about extra space; it's about an elevated experience with exclusive benefits. While the specific perks can vary slightly depending on the ship, the class of your suite, and even the itinerary, there's a common thread of enhanced service and amenities that generally comes with Royal Caribbean's suite categories.

The Grand Suite Experience: What We Loved

Our video takes you inside a beautiful Grand Suite, offering a spacious and comfortable retreat. Here are some of the features that immediately stood out:

• Generous Space: The living area is expansive, featuring a full-size couch and a large entertainment center with a big screen TV. There's even a separate coffee table, perfect for an in-room meal.

• Luxurious Bedroom: The bedroom area is a sanctuary, with a plush king-size bed and plenty of room to move around.

• Ample Storage: For those who pack a lot, the full wall of closet space was a dream, offering extensive hanging space and shelves.

• Spa-like Bathroom: The bathroom is a true upgrade, featuring dual sinks and a full bathtub/shower combo. This is a major plus for families or anyone who enjoys a relaxing soak.

• The Balcony: The large balcony provides a wonderful private outdoor space, complete with comfortable loungers for enjoying the ocean breeze.

Morning Espresso on the Balcony

While the Grand Suite itself is impressive, the best part lies in the perks that come with it. Here's a general overview of what you can typically expect as a suite guest on Royal Caribbean, keeping in mind that the highest-tier suites (like Star Class) offer the most extensive benefits.  In our cabin on the first day we had a letter which explained all of the perks that came with our suite.

• Dedicated Concierge Service: Suite guests often have access to a dedicated concierge who can assist with dining reservations, shore excursions, spa appointments, and any other special requests. This personalized service can be invaluable for a stress-free vacation.

• Exclusive Lounges and Deck Areas: Depending on the ship and suite class, you might gain access to private lounges (like the Coastal Kitchen or the Suite Lounge) offering complimentary drinks and appetizers during certain hours. Some ships also feature exclusive suite sun decks.

• Priority Boarding and Disembarkation: Skip the lines! Suite guests enjoy priority embarkation and disembarkation, getting you on and off the ship more smoothly and quickly.

• Priority Dining and Show Seating: Getting a table at popular specialty restaurants or securing prime seats for those must-see shows can be challenging. Suite guests often receive priority reservations, making your planning much easier. 

• Complimentary Dining and Beverages: Many suites come with complimentary access to specialty restaurants (often for dinner) and sometimes even a beverage package or included drinks in suite lounges.

• Enhanced In-Room Amenities: Beyond the spacious layout, you might find upgraded toiletries, plush bathrobes, a Lavazza coffee maker, and even a pillow menu in your suite.

• Private Breakfast and Lunch Venues: For some suite guests, exclusive breakfast and lunch venues offer a quieter, more upscale dining experience away from the main dining rooms or buffets.

Ready to see our Grand Suite up close? Watch our full walkthrough video below!

Link to our YouTube Video: Royal Caribbean Grand Suite Walkthru Freedom of the Seas