Cabin Review

CABIN: Penthouse Suite R412 (Aruba Suite, Riviera Deck 14). We had a good idea of what to expect when we arrived at our Suite. However, it was better than expected. The Penthouse Suite is huge in size, over 500 square feet. The sleeping area and living area can be separated by a heavy curtain partition. A very large walk-in closet is just off the sleeping area. The bath is a 3 foot deep whirlpool Jacuzzi! Large glass shower is separate from the bath but next to the bath. The lavatory and sink is separate from the bath area and is well stocked with upgraded amenities. There is a huge dressing vanity in the sleeping area separate from the vanity in the bathroom. All of the walls and ceilings are very posh and nicely lit. I believe there are about 10 different lighting accents. The balcony is very wide and adequately deep, enough for the 2 lay-down wood lounge chairs and a cafe type table and chairs. Riviera is also the highest cabin deck, you can see down into the other balconies but they cannot see up into yours. The sides are partitioned off and locked.

This Suite has so many amenities to list. You can get a basic list from the Princess website but here are the ones we really enjoyed.

• Free access to the Thermal Suite in the Lotus Spa (~$200 pp value). This is absolutely the best kept secret on the entire ship. The Thermal Suite is a secluded, quiet, & very private area with 2 wet saunas, 2 rainforest showers, dry spa, & 5 hot beds. You get to go anytime to just relax. They will put a star sticker on your Ships ID card when you visit the spa the first time. We visited on a daily basis and really became spoiled.

• Free access to the Captains Circle Elite Events held everyday. Numerous events are held just for Elite and Suite Members which you get special treatment such as gifts, food, drinks, etc.

• Free access to VIP Port events. All of the ports have special events for VIP members from the ship which you get special treatment such as gifts, food, drinks, etc.

• Upgraded Room Service menu. Suite owners get the entire kitchen at your "beck and call". Seriously, you get whatever you want just ask for it.

• Free internet and laptop use. Not many know this but you can have a ship provided laptop in your room. Go down to the internet cafe and just ask for one. If they have one, which they will because nobody knows about them, you can have it for the entire cruise. When you sign up for internet access, sign up for the max price plan and you will be charged at first then credited later that night.

• Free laundry service. No need to bring a lot of extra clothes with use of the laundry service. Put your clothes in the laundry bags and they will be returned the next day cleaned, pressed, and on hangers.

• Afternoon tea available everyday. This isn't your typical "tea party". You get many different teas, sandwiches, & pastries. One order is enough for 6 people. We hosted a "tea party" on the last day with a few of our fellow shipmates and had a great time.

• Free breakfast each morning at Sabatini's. Suite owners get free access to Sabatini's for made-to-order breakfasts which are much higher quality than anywhere on the ship.

• Priority Tender processing for Princess Cays. You get to go on the tender when you want and they will bump everyone else for you to have your spot. While we didn't get to go to Princess Cays, due to weather, this would have been nice as there were hundreds of people waiting in line.

• Anytime disembarkation at the end of the cruise. Want to sleep in on the last day? Go ahead; you get to leave the ship when you feel like it. You will have to depart the ship eventually but at least won't be rushed off the ship. Plus you get a Continental Breakfast while waiting.