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Is it worth it to upgrade from JR Suite to Grand Suite

lcat02143
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lcat02143

lcat02143

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I am taking a cruise with my mother on the Serenade of the Seas out of Boston to Bermuda(in October). My mother is not very mobile so this cruise will be a very lazy one for both of us. I got a great rate on a Jr. Suite but am tempted to upgrade to a Grand Suite. My mother has never cruised in a suite we usually do balconies. Her favorite part of a cruise is to sit on a balcony with her coffee and book. I would love to surprise with her with a better cabin but am not sure if it is worth it

 

I have done some reading but am confused about the suite perks. I know that the Jr. Suite is basically a bigger room, but on the Serenade other than the suite lounge and bigger balcony is there any benefit to upgrading. I am currently paying 1500. total (including insurance, taxes and tips), it would cost an additional 1300 to upgrade. It almost doubles my costs. I am torn does anyone have some advice.

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marci22

marci22

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I think a JS is a perfect amount of space for two people. GS are nice, but doubling your cost is a lot. I might consider it for a special occasion, but you could do other things with the money: specialty restaurants, drinks, etc. and probably still come out ahead.

 

Are there a lot of GS left? I know that suites tend to be popular on those longer NE cruises, so this may be the best price you see. On the other hand, if there are a lot left, maybe they will go down in price as the cruise gets closer. You have to decide how much it is worth to you.

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maria1122

maria1122

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The grand suite has a bathtub with the shower combined. I have mobility problems and cannot climb into the bath tub. We always get the spa jr. Suite which has a large full wall walk in shower with a hand held and overhead shower. You will still get access to the coastal kitchen for dinner and the Conciege.

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marci22

marci22

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The grand suite has a bathtub with the shower combined. I have mobility problems and cannot climb into the bath tub. We always get the spa jr. Suite which has a large full wall walk in shower with a hand held and overhead shower. You will still get access to the coastal kitchen for dinner and the Conciege.

 

OP is on Serenade. I don't think they have a Coastal Kitchen or SJS.

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Husky1987

Husky1987

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My $.02, having done both....

 

GS is worth some extra cost if you spend a lot of time INSIDE the cabin and like the space. I liked the MDR room service and suite sun deck where I didn't have to worry about chair hogs as well. Of course, you're in a suite on a cruise so it's nice...but most of the time I figure I'd rather spend the extra $$$ on other things during the week. It's a totally arbitrary number, but for me finding a deal at about $300pp/per week is the line where I'd consider it. Anything more and I'd just stick with the JS.

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MikeBTN

MikeBTN

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If this was Oasis or Quantum class, I might consider the upgrade as you get access to Coastal Kitchen, Suite Lounge, free beer/wine/cocktails during certain hours, etc. For your ship I probably wouldn't pay that much. If the price drops in half or so, I might consider for the extra space and larger balcony. However the JS has a nice balcony as-is, and the room is very spacious for two.

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lcat02143

lcat02143

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Thank you for all the replies. There are still quite a few grand suites and higher available on this cruise. I think right now I might hold tight and see if the price improves. We probably would not use the concierge lounge so the only benefit would be the bigger balcony. Part or me thinks mom would rather have the money for casino spending.

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MikeBTN

MikeBTN

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Thank you for all the replies. There are still quite a few grand suites and higher available on this cruise. I think right now I might hold tight and see if the price improves. We probably would not use the concierge lounge so the only benefit would be the bigger balcony. Part or me thinks mom would rather have the money for casino spending.

 

My favorite suite perk is the ability to order dinner off the Main Dining Room menu into the suite. Avoid all the lines and enjoy a good meal in the suite or on your large balcony. Again, not really worth $1,300, IMO.

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Merion_Mom

Merion_Mom

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Thank you for all the replies. There are still quite a few grand suites and higher available on this cruise. I think right now I might hold tight and see if the price improves. We probably would not use the concierge lounge so the only benefit would be the bigger balcony. Part or me thinks mom would rather have the money for casino spending.

The Junior Suite is really laid out very nicely and feels quite roomy. I would not double my costs for a Grand Suite. (JS closet is better, too :D )

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SG65CB

SG65CB

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I have stayed in both, the junior suite is plenty of space for two people. As mentioned above, the JS has a pretty nice walk-in closet, and the balcony is almost as big as the GS.

 

An issue you will have with limited mobility in both the JS and GS is that they have a bathtub instead of a shower stall, and it is a pretty big step up into the tub. It is also difficult to get back out of the tub with the step down. Not only does the tub have a high side, but the entire tub is elevated above the floor. There are grab bars in the tub, but your mother might still need assistance in and out.

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aknursemom

aknursemom

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If this was Oasis or Quantum class, I might consider the upgrade as you get access to Coastal Kitchen, Suite Lounge, free beer/wine/cocktails during certain hours, etc. For your ship I probably wouldn't pay that much. If the price drops in half or so, I might consider for the extra space and larger balcony. However the JS has a nice balcony as-is, and the room is very spacious for two.

What about on Explorer? Worth it to upgrade? Planning my first RCI cruise!

 

Sent from my SM-G935U using Forums mobile app

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lcat02143

lcat02143

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I think you have made me comfortable with the decision to stay in the JR Suite. I was concerned with the bathtub situation, but my mothers bathroom is very old fashioned and she has a pretty high step up at home. I can bring her portable grab bar and help her in and out of the tub if need be. Her issue is more difficulty walking any kind of distance or standing a long time. When she gets tired she enjoys sitting on the balcony with a coffee.

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Jimbo

Jimbo

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After looking into it a little further i think i figured out you are on the October 21st sailing.

 

This is what I would do, you say your Mother is not very mobile. This being the case I would rent wheel chair if you don't all ready have one and board the ship with your Mother with her in a wheel chair. It will be great to to have on the ship so she won't have to do to much walking.

Now here is what you can do to make it easier for your Mother..............change your Category J3 Cabin that you have now to either #1028 or #1528 which are handicap accessible cabins. You can switch to them at NO additional cost , Just either call RCCL or whoever you booked through and change your cabin number.

The handi cap cabin will be much larger then a regular Junior Suite and the Bathroom has a walk-in shower with grab bars.

The extra Bonus is the Balcony is much larger also which your mother will really enjoy.

Jimbo:):)

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