What is the difference between stateroom and suite?

When booking a cruise, choosing the right cabin is one of the most critical decisions that you will make. There is often confusion between the terms “stateroom” and "suite." Even though they refer to accommodations onboard, they're quite a bit different in terms of size, services, and price. Once you understand these differences, you will be in a better position to make the right choice depending on your needs, preferences, and budget. This blog dives deeper into the difference between a stateroom and a suite and how to decide which one is best for you.

What is a stateroom?

A stateroom is a kind of accommodation that is most frequently offered by cruise ships to their guests. The size, view, and facilities offered depend on the class of the stateroom a guest opts for. Here are the most common types of staterooms available on cruise ships:

Interior staterooms

Interior staterooms are the cheapest and usually the tiniest of all the available accommodations. These rooms are situated in the inner part of the cruise ship and, therefore, do not have a window or even a view. But they provide all the necessities, like beds, bathrooms, and some storage space. While interior staterooms are compact and small, they are perfect for the budget-conscious guest or someone who would not spend much time in their room.

Ocean view staterooms

Ocean-view rooms are somewhat larger than interior accommodations but include a window or a window through which a guest can see the ocean. In most cases, these windows are fixed and cannot be opened or tilted. Ocean-view staterooms offer slightly more light and view than interior cabins and are preferred by passengers who want to have a sea view without paying for a balcony.

Balcony staterooms

Balcony staterooms feature a balcony that opens to the sea, allowing you to breathe fresh air. These cabins are larger and provide more light than interior or ocean-view rooms. Staterooms with balconies are ideal for people who value privacy and would like to have a private terrace where he or she can admire the sea. However, they are generally costlier than inside or ocean-view cabins or other rooms on the cruise ship.

Mini-suites

Some cruise lines have mini-suites, which are a step up above the basic balcony cabins. These cabins are slightly larger and offer more space, greater balcony space, and amenities. They come with additional living space and improved toilet amenities. Mini-suites are perfect for the guest who needs just a little more privacy than a regular room but does not want to pay for a whole suite.

What is a suite?

A suite is the highest level of comfort that can be offered to a guest on a cruise ship. They are somehow bigger with better amenities than the normal cabins and come along with other services that add more value to the cruise. It can be spacious and opulent or compact and plain—the choice depends on the cruise line and the type of ship. Here’s a breakdown of what makes a suite different from a standard stateroom:

More space

The only major distinction between a suite and a stateroom is the size of the room. Generally speaking, suites are much larger in size; they may also have a living room, a dining space, and several bedrooms. Some of them are even two-story, which provides an actual apartment-like experience on the water. A suite is bigger than a standard room and can offer more space, which is beneficial for families, friends, or people who will be in the cabin for most of the time.

Upgraded amenities

These rooms have facilities not found in the normal rooms on the ship. There are different types of suites depending on the number of people that need to be accommodated. These can range from high-quality linens and towels, bigger bathrooms with Jacuzzi, bigger closets, and better amenities. A number of them also include the option of a private butler or concierge service, which implies that you will be attended to by your own personal attendant throughout. These additional services are aimed at making your stay on board as comfortable and as close to luxurious as possible.

Private outdoor spaces

While balcony staterooms are for individual use, some suites may also come with a balcony around the cabin or a terrace with a place to sit and dine. Many of the suites offer either a jetted tub or a plunge pool on the balcony to add that extra level of luxury. These large spaces are purposeful for the enjoyment of the view in the absence of any other means of entertainment.

Exclusive perks

Travelers who choose to book suites are normally allowed to access some areas of the ship that are normally closed for other ordinary passengers, such as lounging, dining, and sunbathing areas. Several cruising lines offer priority disembarkation and embarkation, priority service arrangements of meals and tours, and special invitations to certain events. These perks are considered an attempt to improve the suite guests’ cruise experience and make it more comfortable.

Family-friendly options

Suites are also convenient to families or a number of people because of their size and ability to accommodate additional numbers of people. Some suites have more than one bedroom, which means that everyone can have his or her own room. In addition to this, most of the suites also contain sitting areas as well as dining area facilities for in-suite catering services. In order to add more comfort to your cruise, you can take a suite if you are traveling with children or old-age elders.

Staterooms vs. suites: Which one to choose?

The difference between a stateroom and a suite depends on the preferences of a guest, which include price, type of vacation, and type of experience. Here are some things to consider:

• Budget: If you are cutting your costs and do not plan to spend much time in a cabin, then a stateroom, particularly the inside stateroom or an ocean view stateroom, should be the most suitable. But if you have the flexibility of the budget and are willing to spend a bit more and are looking for a quality experience, then a suite is advisable.
• Space: If you need more space and desire privacy, a suite provides a lot more space to move around. Suites are ideal for those who like more comfort and a space, like families, couples, or every person who wants to get a comfortable cabin.
• Amenities and perks: Consider how much importance you attach to special services and amenities on board. If you want to access the restricted areas, be treated by specially trained staff, or want to be accommodated in a better room, then a suite would be more desirable.
• Duration of the cruise: In case of short sailing, a stateroom may be adequate because you will be out of the cabin most of the time or engaged in various activities. In a long journey, a suite could be alluring due to the more space and amenities that are available in it, and it provides the feeling of being at home.

Conclusion

Staterooms and suites have their own advantages, and it depends on what the traveler wants, what he/she is ready to pay for, and what kind of cruise is required. Whether the passenger is a budget-conscious traveler or someone who wants luxury, cruising has it all, from the basic stateroom to the luxury suite. For more information on the various cabins and to book the best cabin for your next trip, visit CruiseBooking.com.