If you have always wanted to live the suite life but your budget hasn’t been quite sweet enough, Princess Cruises might just have the answer for you. Some of the hidden gems of the line’s ships Grand Princess, Golden Princess & Caribbean Princess include seven Window Suites, hidden away in a private corridor on Deck 6, or as Princess calls it, Fiesta Deck.
Ranging between 30 and 35 square metres in size, these deluxe rooms sit just above the largest Mini Suites while are a touch smaller than the standard entry-level suites offered elsewhere on the vessel. Despite being classified as suites, the most notable thing about them however, is the lack of balcony – which can actually be a plus on voyages in colder climates – such as early in the season Tasmania and New Zealand itineraries or for those who have little use for or interest in having their own balcony.
These suites offer a full sitting area in addition to bathrooms larger than you’ll find in the standard staterooms. They feature marble floors and bench-tops, double sinks, and a separate bath and shower. A walk in wardrobe provides sufficient storage for even the longest of voyages while two flat-panel TV’s will ensure you are suitably entertained.
Price-wise, Window Suites generally run for a few hundred dollars more than a mini suite, however it is worth noting that it is normal to see the price difference between a mini suite and a standard suite running into the thousands. For example, on a 14-night sailing to the South Pacific next year from Melbourne, Category MA Mini Suites (the highest type of Mini Suite aboard Golden Princess) are currently on offer for $3,929 per person twin share, while a window suite is only an additional $170 per person!
We think this is great value for money considering the additional suite grade amenities on offer including: in-suite afternoon tea, priority boarding, champagne on arrival, complimentary laundry services and full use of the mini bar, amongst many others. (For a full list of benefits suites receive on Princess Cruises, CLICK HERE)
Window Suite guests are also granted access to the exclusive ‘Suite Only’ breakfast seating in Princess’ famed onboard Italian eatery Sabitini’s, featuring free flowing complimentary mimosas and an expanded menu other guests don’t receive. In the afternoon, Window Suite guests can join Elite Members from Princess’ Captains Circle loyalty program in the exclusive use of Skywalkers Nightclub for evening canapés and drinks. Captain’s Circle members will also receive two cruise credits towards their loyalty status when booking a Window Suite, which can expedite the ascension to higher tiers in the loyalty program.
If this all sounds appealing and you would like to book a Window Suite, many travel agents and even some Princess Reservations Agents aren’t aware they even exist. The trick here is to ask for a “Category S7 Window Suite” – Category S7 being the code agents use to establish what type of room they are looking for.
Have you had the chance to cruise in a Window Suite aboard Golden Princess or one of her sister ships? Let us know in the comments below!
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