Suite Secrets: How to Book the Best Cruise Ship Suite

Choosing to cruise is a huge step for anyone looking to take their great adventure out to sea. Luckily, travelers looking for luxury cruise vacations have options when it comes to booking a cruise ship suite. These luxurious spaces can indulge you in top-tier amenities while giving you a spacious stateroom you won't find in a single-room cabin.

Everything you need to know about booking the perfect suite on a cruise ship for your next sea-faring journey is at your fingertips. Basically, you’ll choose a cabin, its size and location; then consider the benefits and best bets before you finish with some top picks from Regent Seven Seas to Cunard Line and Oceania Cruises. To make the most of your time and gain exclusive savings, customize your trip on AAA Vacations or work with a AAA Travel Agent for the smoothest travel-planning journey.

CRUISE SHIP CABINS 101

What kind of cabins do you find on a cruise ship?

If this is your first time considering a cruise ship suite, it's helpful to understand the different types of cabins. Inside cabins run the cruise ship's interior, while outside cabins are on the exterior and usually have slightly larger rooms and an ocean view.

Suites are top-of-the-line extra-large outside rooms with a balcony. True suites have separate living and sleeping quarters, but on newer cruise lines, suites can come in all shapes and sizes. If you're looking for distinct living and bedroom quarters, make sure you look over the listing for the specific number of bedrooms. You can book mini or junior suites, or if the sea's the limit — you can book a suite with two or more bedrooms and even include a dining room, a bar, a bathtub and a walk-in closet.

How big are the different cabins?

Most single cabins or staterooms are tiny. The smallest stateroom measures roughly 100 square feet for an inside cabin with no windows, while the average American interior cabin can fall between 150 and 185 square feet. This is much smaller than an average hotel room. Because these cabins have no windows, they also have no natural light.

You may have a small porthole or balcony if you opt for an outside cabin, but space is still limited to around 220 square feet maximum for the largest single cabin.

These days suites vary greatly in size, meaning you can choose a stateroom that's only slightly larger than a standard cabin or book something the size of a small house that includes multiple rooms and even multiple levels. The choices are as endless as the horizon.

Where on the cruise ship are suites located?

Suites are typically located on the top level of the passenger decks at both the back and front corners. While these suite locations provide beautiful scenery, they can also be the areas of greatest motion. If you're prone to seasickness, you may want to opt for a suite nearer the middle of the cabin or one that's surrounded by other staterooms. Further, note that suites on the rear deck are typically quieter than those in the front of the ship, but some of the most stunning views on the boat will be in those forward-facing suites. If you're looking for a secluded sea experience, you'll want to avoid areas of the ship that are close to elevators, laundry facilities, nightclubs and the pool.

The Benefits of Booking a Suite

Booking a suite isn't just about getting extra space. Would you like your own butler? What about having VIP access to exclusive spas, restaurants and lounges? The benefits of booking a suite extend far beyond a larger room.

Like first class passengers on an airplane, passengers with suites are allowed to embark and disembark first. This priority embarkation may also include a welcoming reception, reserved seating by the pool, and access to a private concierge.

Most suites have added room perks that aren't included in standard staterooms, like robes, specialty bath products, umbrellas, minibars, complimentary champagne and fresh-cut flowers. You'll also get access to VIP areas like exclusive restaurants and spas. Some cruise lines include airfare or private ship tours for their suite travelers.

Make sure you book your suite early. Cruise ship suites sell out fast — some up to years in advance — so if you wait, you may miss the boat. If you're looking for more luxury but are on a bit of a budget, you can always book in the fall or winter months. The off-season is when you'll get special pricing and added amenities at discounted rates. Or you could consider a mini or junior suite instead of one of the premium staterooms.

THREE FEATURED CRUISE SHIP SUITES

For the ultimate in opulence, book any of these featured cruise ship suites and get all the included suite amenities along with additional AAA Travel benefits.

Regent Seven Seas Grandeur Suites

TO experience one of the most luxurious cruising experiences of a lifetime, choose an all-inclusive suite onboard the Seven Seas Grandeur. These top-tier suites range from over 300 square feet to 3,000 square feet of grandiosity, including roundtrip airfare, unlimited shore excursions, pre-cruise hotel packages, king-sized beds, private balconies, and even your own mini pool.

The Queens Grill Suites on Cunard Line

The Queens Grill Suites are staterooms fit for royalty. From 484 square feet to 2249 square feet, these suites include champagne and chocolates upon arrival, a complimentary bar, fresh fruit daily, marble bathrooms, luxury branded products such as Penhaligon's toiletries, exclusive access to Grills Lounge and Terrace and a personal butler.

Oceania Cruises Suites

The suites on Oceania Cruises are the crème de la crème of accommodations. This small ship luxury includes 24- hour butler service, unlimited access to Aquamar Spa Terrace, complimentary iPad upon request, cashmere lap blanket and card-only access to a private executive lounge staffed by a dedicated concierge.

AAA Travel has teamed up with some of the industry's best cruise lines to provide you with added amenities, AAA Vacations® 24/7 Member Care, and the Best Price Guarantee. Your next cruise vacation starts with AAA — your complete travel solution. Visit your local AAA Travel Agent or book at https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/category/cruises.