How to pick your stateroom and suites on Spectrum of the Seas?
Stressing over which stateroom to pick onboard Spectrum of the Seas?
We have compiled a list to break down the important categories you need to take note of on Spectrum of the Seas.
Sky Balcony on Spectrum of the Seas PHOTO: ROYAL CARIBBEAN INTERNATIONAL
EDIT: For sailings departing after April 6, 2023, Royal Caribbean International will be changing certain stateroom categories for Spectrum of the Seas.
With Royal Caribbean bringing the Spectrum of the Seas into Singapore, we thought it might be helpful to come up with some advice/booking tips for you to get the best experience on the new ship.
Spectrum of the Seas is the first Quantum Ultra Class vessel in the fleet, hence there are some slight differences than what you may be used to on Quantum. We are going to be covering the following topics:
Royal Suite Class
Suite Enclave
Best Suite Locations
Balcony Concerns
Royal Suite Class on Spectrum of the Seas
Spectrum of the Seas operates the Royal Suite Class programme, comprising of Star Class, Sky Class & Sea Class suites that some may be familiar with on Quantum of the Seas, or other Quantum and Oasis Class ships.
The Spectrum of the Seas introduces new suite categories. These are the Ultimate Family Suite, Golden/Sky Junior Suite and Golden/Sky Balcony Stateroom. The table down below will help explain the changes and additions.
Changes as of September 2022
Rebranding of Silver Junior Suites
At the time of writing, Junior Suites onboard Spectrum of the Seas were designated as Silver Junior Suites. As of September 14, 2022, the Silver Junior Suite designation is no longer in use. All Silver Junior Suites (J1 & J4) will henceforth be known as Junior Suites.
Introduction of Sky Balcony staterooms and Sky Junior Suites
In line with the Royal Suite Class programme, for sailings departing after April 6, 2023, all Golden Balcony staterooms (BG) and Golden Junior Suites (JG) will be renamed Sky Balcony staterooms (BY) and Sky Junior Suites (JY) respectively, to better reflect their status within the Royal Suite Class programme. The benefits are not expected to change.
Summary of suites onboard Spectrum of the Seas, for sailings after April 6, 2023. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
Here are the benefits that you will get by booking a suite onboard Spectrum of the Seas. Do note that there are some differences between Quantum’s and Spectrum’s benefits, particularly on the dining aspects.
Suite Enclave (Suite Neighbourhood)
The Suite Enclave (a.k.a Suite Neighborhood) is an exclusive area at the forward section of the ship reserved for Suite guests. Crown And Anchor Society members of Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle Club status are also able to use some of the facilities within the Suite Enclave, depending on their status.
The concept of the Suite Enclave is similar to Resorts World Cruises’ Palace, and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven concept. Within the Suite Enclave are where the Sky and Star Class suites are situated, as well as the new Silver & Gold Dining and Lounge, The Boutique and The Balcony (the observation deck).
Here is a simple summary of who can access these facilities within the enclave.
Summary of access to Suite Enclave facilities. PHOTO: SINGAPORE CRUISE SOCIETY
Silver Dining offers an ‘upscale’ buffet for breakfast and lunch, while providing both buffet and a made-to-order menu for dinner. While Gold Dining offers a familiar Coastal Kitchen-like premium menu throughout the day.
Silver Dining PHOTO: BRANDIS, CRUISE CRITIC FORUMS
What are Golden/Sky Balcony Staterooms and Golden/Sky Junior Suites?
Sky Junior Suite on Spectrum of the Seas. PHOTO: HONG KONG CRUISE SOCIETY
In general, these rooms are the size of a standard balcony stateroom or junior suite found on Quantum-class ships, but these rooms come with Sky Class privileges, allowing guests access to the Gold Lounge, Gold Dining, a Royal Concierge to serve your needs, as well as a multitude of other amenities for you to enjoy during your cruise.
And as mentioned earlier, Golden Balcony staterooms (BG) and Golden Junior Suites (JG) will be known as Sky Balcony staterooms (BY) and Sky Junior Suites (JY) for sailings departing after April 6, 2023, in line with the Royal Suite Class programme.
These are all located close to or within the Suite Enclave, allowing easy access to the facilities it offers. If you are planning on booking these suites, choose those on Deck 15 and 16 - it is located right within the heart of the enclave and is only a few steps away from the restaurant!
Junior Suites get an upgrade
A few factors to account for when booking your Junior Suite:
Junior Suite (Sea Class) guests now get all-day access to Silver Dining and the Silver Lounge.
Junior Suites are located outside the Suite Enclave, all around the ship.
The biggest change would be Junior Suite guests having all-day access to the Silver Lounge and Silver Dining, instead of only dinner at Coastal Kitchen on Quantum.
There are also more Junior Suites to opt for, and they are located all around the ship. Depending on your needs, there are suites located right next to the lift lobby, or if you prefer a great view from the balcony, the Aft-facing Junior Suites would provide a quiet escape during your cruise.
Balconies with the Best Views
With the relocation of the loft suites, the Aft of the ship is now replaced with Aft Facing balconies. These are sometimes considered prime ‘real estate’ on a cruise ship as it’s quiet and away, providing an amazing view of the ship’s wake as it sails into the sunset. Though, it comes at a cost that you have to walk quite a bit to get to the lift lobby.
These aft-facing balcony cabins are categorised as Ocean View with Large Balcony cabins (3C, 4C), and you can find them on Decks 8 to 13.
Balconies to avoid
With the help of the Hong Kong Cruise Society, we were advised to avoid these connecting cabins located right next to the lift lobby from Deck 6-13.
These balcony staterooms used to be “Studio Balconies”, designed and meant for 1 guest, though the cruise line has changed their designations and now accommodate up to 4 guests in these staterooms.
From the pictures, it’s honestly quite a squeeze if you were to have 4 full-grown adults in the room. For a family with 2 young kids, it should still be ‘okay’. However, we recommend looking at other balcony staterooms that provide much more space than this, while still a short walk to the lifts.
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