Exploring the Benefits and Considerations
When it comes to accommodations, cruise lines often provide a range of options, from standard cabins to extravagant suites. In this blog post, I will delve into the question of whether booking a suite is worth it, based on personal experiences and insights from different cruise ships.
The topics you’ll find in this blog:
My personal cruise experience from Celebrity Cruises and MSC
As an avid cruiser, I have typically opted for balcony cabins on my voyages. First, because I can not imagine, not being able to step outside in the morning and feel the temperature. Furthermore, I love the sea too much, and will always be able to enjoy the fresh air. But a suite was – most of the time – too expensive for me. However, my husband and I recently booked a suite on the Celebrity Edge because we celebrated his 60th birthday and wanted to indulge a bit. Last February, I decided on a itinerary, which was not offered by either Celebrity cruises or Royalcaribbean – to Saudi Arabia – and therefore went with the MSC World Europa. Because I was a bit afraid of the number of people on the ship, I booked a suite in the MSC Yacht Club.
The cabin sizes – I booked the cheapest suite – were similar on both ships. The bathrooms were great on both ships too. However, the balcony on MSC was a bit small…
Enhanced Privacy and Exclusivity
One of the primary advantages of booking a suite is the ability to enjoy a more serene and exclusive experience. If you prefer to avoid crowded pool areas or dining venues, a suite can offer respite from the bustling atmosphere found elsewhere on the ship. That is especially the case either on larger ships, or on ships that have not the ideal design of certain areas.
On Celebrity Edge, the Retreat pool area for suite guests was amazing. A lot of space, enough shadow and sun (whatever you prefer) and perfect service. However, on the MSC World Europa, the pool area was not as impressive. The sunbeds were just placed in big rows, the same as in all other areas (sorry, no such photo). And the pool was just small. So I often went to the Aurea Spa area, where the pools were bigger and quite nice (the Aurea Spa is a category below Yacht Club on MSC).
However, having eaten once in the buffet restaurant on MSC World Europa, which was just owercrowded and kind of a mess, we were glad to get to the Yacht Club restaurant even for breakfast – and naturally dinner – always.
Dedicated Facilities and Services: in a suite stateroom
Suites often come with a host of additional perks. Access to a separate restaurant is a common feature, allowing for a more intimate dining experience away from the main dining areas. Moreover, having a personal butler attending to your needs within the cabin adds a touch of luxury and convenience. Let’s delve deeper into my personal experiences with the butler service on both the Celebrity Edge and MSC World Europa.
On both ships, I had the opportunity to test the capabilities of the butler service with a few specific requests. Firstly, on both the Celebrity Edge and MSC World Europa, I requested an additional blanket for my cabin, and both butlers promptly fulfilled this request, ensuring my comfort. (I am always freezing at night 😉)
My second request was a yoga mat, because I like to do yoga. On Celebrity Edge, it was no problem. But the butler on MSC World Europa did not find one…
In addition to general requests, there are times when specialized needs arise. For instance, I wanted a special closure for my champagne bottle, as I preferred to savor it over two days. The butler on the Celebrity Edge was quick to understand my request and provided a suitable solution, ensuring that my bubbly stayed fresh and preserved. Their attention to detail and willingness to accommodate my specific preferences were commendable. However, on the MSC World Europa, the butler seemed unfamiliar with this particular request and was unable to assist. As a result, I had to accept that my champagne lost its sparkle by the second day.
I think, those three requests are not far-fetched when on a cruise. Therefore, MSC was a bit disappointing, whereas Celebrity was just great. This discrepancy highlighted the importance of the butler’s expertise and ability to handle unique demands.
Where are you cruising to?
A really important question to consider when deciding whether or not to book a suite is the itinerary of the cruise! How many days at sea are there? Is it cold outside or not? I mean, if there are a lot of days at sea, I spend a lot more time in my cabin because I want some privacy, to take a nap in the middle of the afternoon 😉 etc. And when it is cold, I spend more time indoors and in my room than in warmer weather, where I prefer the pool area…
Take these things into account when making your decision.
I cruised once to Iceland on Celebrity Eclipse and choose a Aqua Class Cabin, which had free access to the steam room. A steam room with a view outside. It was really worth the extra money, because I spent quite some time sitting there in the warmth and watch the scenery…
Varying Suite Experiences
It’s important to note that the value of booking a suite can vary depending on the cruise line and (!) on the ship too. Some older ships might not have a designated suite area or offer the same level of amenities found on newer vessels. For example, on Explorer of the Seas, which we just sailed, there’s no separate pool area for suite guests.
Therefore, it’s crucial to research in advance and understand what additional features and services are included with a suite booking, and what you want or need.
Final Thoughts and Recommendations
In my experience, I have found that the suite experience on the Celebrity Edge surpassed expectations, with a well-designed suite area and excellent amenities. However, on the MSC World Europa, the yacht club pool area fell slightly short of expectations. But it was well worth booking it regarding to restaurants (otherwise overcrowded).
In conclusion, I would love to stay in a suite again on Celebrity, because it was just fantastic and the service was more than perfect. However, as the standard of the ship is – in my opinion – much higher on Celebrity, I would also be happy with a balcony cabin again. On MSC, however, I would only book a suite. Call me spoilt…
I am really looking forward to my second next cruise on Norwegian Prima in December. Because it is a new ship, the price for the cruise is much higher, than on an older ship. That is why I would not afford to stay in a very expensive suite.
In Addition, I thought, it might be space enough on the ship, that I am happy with a balcony stateroom as well. I am excited, to find out, if I am right…
What is your experience with suites on cruises?
Regards Yvonne
Leave a Reply