Choosing between a Princess Cruises' mini suite and a balcony? Here are the differences

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Depending on your party make up, you may have stronger preferences with which room type is better suited to you. If you’re a couple or a solo traveller, or even just have a short itinerary, then a Balcony will be ideal for you. Whereas if you’re looking to celebrate a little bit, are travelling as a family unit or are journeying on a longer voyage, then a Mini Suite will be more appropriate.

Please note that with the following information it may vary slightly from ship to ship. It’s best to always check the configuration of the stateroom and ship you’ll be cruising on, with your Cruise Specialist.

*Will vary by ship and room.

What type of cruises can you book with Princess Cruises?

Princess Cruises are best known for their ocean voyages, which cover much of the world. Whether you’re looking to do one of their incredible world tours that will see you on board for several months, experiencing dozens of different ports across the globe, or seek to just explore one destination in greater depth, you’re in safe hands. Princess Cruises’ ships are grand, larger than life and boast all the modern comforts and amenities you need for an unforgettable holiday.

They also provide the option to book ‘Cruisetours’ which blend cruise and land tours together across Alaska, Australia & New Zealand, Canada & New England, Europe, Japan, South America & Antarctica and Trans-Atlantics. Undertake a 20-Day Southern Australia Cruisetour that will see you journeying through the great and wonderful sights of south Australia for 7 days, before taking a 13-day cruise that will explore between Sydney, Adelaide and Melbourne, and even pop over to New Zealand for a few nights. 

Pricing differences

By all accounts, the Balcony Stateroom is going to be the most cost effective option, however it does come with some trade offs. If you’re travelling as part of a larger group, then you’re going to find the Balcony Stateroom less spacious (even though some Balcony rooms can accommodate up to 4 people!). This also means less storage and bathroom space than a Mini Suite. However, if you’re only on board for 7 nights or less, then a Balcony Stateroom, for the price, is more than sufficient.

Using a 3-night Australia cruise, at time of writing, you’d be looking at, from $840 per person for a Balcony, versus from $1,038 per person for the Mini-Suite. On one hand, that’s only an extra $200 per person or so, but this could also equate to funds you’d have to spend on other amenities around the ship or to use off the ship at the various harbours. It comes down to what your priorities are! We recommend chatting this through with your Cruise Specialist, to get some insight into amenities and benefits available on board.

Room Size and Layout

How much space you require in your room will be the largest determining factor here. If you’re set on spending as little time as possible in your room, then something more compact will suit you better. A Balcony Cabin typically consists of a more compact layout with a queen-sized bed (that can usually be split into two singles if needed), as well as a small sitting area with a chair or loveseat, a desk and a small closet.

A Mini Suite on the other hand is typically more spacious, offering a separate sitting area with a sofa bed, a larger desk, more storage and an extended open-plan layout. Usually this comes with the same combination of a queen bed that can be split out into two singles, however with the addition of the sofa bed in the separate sitting area, you’re more readily able to accommodate kids, the grandparents or friends. Both rooms guarantee you striking ocean views and, depending on the voyage, gorgeous views of each port as you approach. Just imagine falling asleep with the twinkling night sky out your balcony door and awakening to the famous walls of Dubrovnik. 

Bathroom

Whilst every room will have a bathroom, they will vary in form and function. A Balcony room will offer you a modest counter and some storage space, in a rather compact bathroom. In most cases, this is fairly comparable to a standard hotel bathroom, with all the basic necessities needed to support you on your cruise.

The Mini Suite on the other hand offers you a much larger bathroom, complete with a bath tub and a larger vanity. If you’re the sort of person who values space to get ready in the bathroom, as well as a bath to unwind in at the end (or start) of each day, then you’ll definitely find this preferable.

Amenities and luxuries

When it comes to the differences between the in-room amenities and luxuries, there is some variation. A Balcony room will offer you a mini-fridge, basic storage options and a flat-screen TV - all the basics you’d need for a comfortable stay. In most cases, this is perfect for people who prefer to be out exploring the breadth and depth of the ship or venturing onshore. On, and the evening bed turn-down and chocolates on your pillow is a super sweet addition that makes this a great choice.

If you are more of a homebody who prefers to lounge around your room, then the Mini Suite might serve you better. With two TV’s - one each in the sitting room and by the bedroom - larger closet and storage space, and a larger desk, it’s a superior choice if you’re more sensitive to space and storage. 

Or, you can take things up a notch with the new Reserve Collection Mini-Suites. Boasting premium services and amenities, this new class of mini suite (formerly part of the Club Class) gives you a premium location on the ship, in-room wine set-up and exclusive reserve dining. 

Balcony and Views

From your Balcony Stateroom you’ll have access to a roughly 45 square foot balcony complete with comfortable patio furniture enabling you to relax in the sun and watch the ocean glisten on the horizon. It’s the perfect spot to start your day, order some breakfast to your room and pair the calming sounds of the ocean with a glass of orange juice and some fresh fruit!

The Mini-Suites offer the same experience as a Balcony Stateroom, however give a larger balcony, as well as better views and patio furniture that you can recline into. In some instances, if you have booked side-by-side suites, then the wall between your patios can be removed to create an extra long space. Ideal for some solo morning yoga, or for fitting larger groups outside at once.

Other, unexpected benefits with a Mini-Suite

It’s only natural that people will ask you what benefits come with your room when you mention you’re staying in a suite. Fortunately, on top of the amazing inclusions mentioned above, the mini-suite also presents some other benefits you may not expect. These include:

• Complimentary 750ml bottle of wine on embarkation day to celebrate your voyage.
• Evening canapes, upon request.
• Priority embarkation and disembarkation at the beginning and end of your cruise.
• Exclusive use of a private area in the Main Dining Room, including expedited seating with no wait, expanded menu options, dedicated wait staff and table-side preparations.
• Plus, if you like to sleep-in but your partner doesn’t, then having the division between the main bed and the sitting area, and then the balcony beyond this, will make a world of difference.

Onboard amenities available with Princess Cruises

Sometimes knowing what else is available on a ship, can help with deciding what sort of stateroom to book. If you’re the sort of person who prefers to be out and about, rather than relaxing in your room, then you’ll be thrilled to learn that there’s a plethora of great options onboard. Note that these will vary by cruise ship so check with your Cruise Specialist regarding which ship you’re booking and what amenities it will offer.

• All ships come with numerous restaurants and dining rooms offering different cuisines, serving styles and experiences that are tailored to different groups. You can rest assured that you’ll eat exceptionally well on your cruise, regardless of ship, and there’s a real excitement in experiencing so many amazing flavours night after night.
• Pools, hot tubs and recreational areas (such as gyms and spas) are available on most ships and are perfect for soaking in the sun, a romantic late night dip or a way to workout after overindulging at breakfast!
• On some ships, such as the Royal Princess, you’ll find experiences like The Piazza which is a hub of activity inspired by the vibrant boulevards of Europe. You may spot roving street performers, numerous quaint boutiques and elegant lifts that give you panoramic views.
• Take a day off and wander through the various onboard shops that are available. Explore signature brands like Swarovski, Chanel, and even Calvin Klein, as you sip on your flat white from one of the many on board cafes and coffee spots.
• Have an exciting night out with a visit to specialty cocktail bars and speakeasies, a live broadway-style theatre performance and then a stop at the casino, all within easy walking distance of your stateroom. The theatre performances will vary by ship, however are definitely worth seeing!
• On select cruise ships, you can also experience things like a striking Fine Arts Gallery which not only features phenomenal artworks from world acclaimed artists, but gives you the opportunity to bid on them.

So, what’s our final verdict? If you value extra space, additional comforts, a separate sitting area and having a bathtub then the Mini Suite is an excellent choice that caters to a higher level of luxury and refinement. This holds especially true for longer cruises, and if you’re the sort of person who plans on spending downtime relaxing in your cabin. If your preference is more to port days or exploring what’s available onboard, then you’ll find that the Balcony is a solid and stylish choice that gives you the best of both worlds.

If you’re after more inspiration, then you’re in the right place! Check out our amazing cruise deals on offer here. Chat to a Cruise Specialist to get things underway.