7 of the Most Sensational Cruise Ship Suites at Sea
Wraparound balconies with whirlpool tubs. Baby grand pianos for entertaining. Spiral staircases for a dramatic entrance. Saunas and steam rooms.
You might be surprised to learn that those are some of the luxury features available in today’s cruise ship suites. Cruise lines are offering upscale travelers outstanding (and spacious) accommodations with elements and perks sure to delight.
Here are seven of the most exceptional cruise ship suites at sea.
At almost 3,000 square feet, the Regent Suite is incredibly spacious as well as glamorous
Regent Suite on board Seven Seas Explorer, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Debuting this summer, the sleekly modern décor of the Regent Suite hints at timeless Art Deco glamor. In its palatial 2,917 square feet, you’ll find a living room with a sitting area, dining space for six, bar area, two bedrooms and two and a half bathrooms (with marble and stone details). Its wraparound balcony, at 958 square feet, is the size of most master cabins. The suite also offers two separate balconies.
One of the suite’s show-stopping elements is the Vista Garden, a glass-enclosed sitting area. The private outdoor area boasts 270-degree views over the ship’s bow. Back inside, make a little music on the custom-made Steinway grand piano. Or lie in bed in the master bedroom and watch the sea sweep by through the floor-to-ceiling windows.
Wow feature: the first in-room spa retreat among cruise ship suites, complete with sauna, steam room and treatment area. It also comes with unlimited en suite spa services.
Insider tip: “The new, one-of-a-kind Regent Suite is breathtaking and larger than most homes, but what comes included – particularly the private car and driver in every port – is even more impressive and brings great value.” Lynda Turley, Virtuoso travel advisor, Saratoga, California
A jetted tub, designer linens and espresso machine are just a few of the luxuries in the Silver Spirit’s Owner’s Suite
Owner’s Suite on board Silver Spirit, Silversea Cruises
This suite features 1,292 square feet of luxurious space. It also features an English butler to cater to your every whim.
Sit on your private teak verandah and observe the scenery through ship-provided binoculars. Help yourself to an espresso from your Illy machine. Relax by listening to tunes on your Bang & Olufsen audio system or soaking in your jetted tub. You’ll sleep well in your bed with Pratesi linens and down duvet covers.
Wow feature: expand the already spacious suite by adjoining it with a Vista Suite. You’ll get two bedrooms and 1,668 square feet that way.
Insider tip: “Have your butler arrange for a bartender to serve drinks to invited guests on your private verandah, then enjoy dinner – course by course – at your own dining room table for six. Plus, you’ll receive complimentary laundry service throughout the cruise.” Gerry Koolhof, Virtuoso travel advisor, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Lots of luxurious details make a stay in the Crystal Penthouse memorable
Crystal Penthouse with Verandah on board Crystal Serenity, Crystal Cruises
The luxury is in the details in the 1,217-square-foot Crystal Penthouse. Modern Swarovski crystal sconces and handmade Italian tiles decorate its lobby. Distinctive artwork gives the suite its own personality. Impressive media offerings include a large Bose VideoWave III flat screen TV and surround sound audio system.
After a day ashore, enjoy yourself in the media room (which doubles as a second bedroom with its full-size sleeper sofa). Or work out in the private exercise area.
A butler is at your beck and call 24 hours a day. They’ll arrive through the pantry with its service entrance. Expect both afternoon tea and pre-dinner cocktails and canapes served to you in the comfort of your suite. Perhaps you’ll enjoy them on the 128-square-foot verandah? For a pick-me-up, brew a specialty coffee with the in-suite cappuccino maker.
Wow feature: the master bathroom. It features Italian marble mosaics, a heated floor, a shower with a heated marble bench, an embedded TV in the mirror, and a Duravit spa floatation tub with ocean views.
Insider tip: “If the social spirit moves you, the Crystal Penthouse is the perfect venue to host new cruise friends at a predinner cocktail party – attended by your personal butler in your contemporary Manhattan-style apartment – as the world sails by.” Leslie Fambrini, Virtuoso travel advisor, Los Altos, California
A unique glass shower extends over the ocean in Celebrity’s Reflection Suite
Reflection Suite on board Celebrity Reflection, Celebrity Cruises
The high ceilings add to the spaciousness you’ll experience in this suite’s 1,636 square feet. Its panoramic corner location and floor-to-ceiling windows provide splendid views.
It’s perfect for entertaining new or old friends. Seat 10 guests around the grand dining table. Or lounge on the verandah. It offers a whirlpool tub and soothing rain shower in its 193 square feet.
Experience European-style butler service 24/7. Butlers can help with unpacking, in-suite dining, afternoon tea and evening hors d’oeuvres. And they’ll also bring espressos and cappuccinos whenever you like.
The suite features two bedrooms and bathrooms. You’ll rest like a baby on a mattress with a ground-breaking sleep system. An iPad acts as a remote control to adjust the bed’s elevation and massage features. It also controls the lights and TV.
Wow feature: like the verandah, the master bathroom features a whirlpool tub. But you’ll want to spend more time in the rain shower – unique among cruise ship suites. The glass-walled shower is actually cantilevered over the sea. If you’re feeling shy, a flip of a switch will tint the windows.
Insider tip: “Celebrity Reflection features more common areas than most Celebrity ships. The Lawn Club is an excellent place to enjoy outdoor activities, read a book, or even take a painting class in the Art Studio. The Reflection Suite’s sexy bathroom is an over-the-top experience – literally!” Jessica Griscavage, Virtuoso travel advisor, McLean, Virginia.
The dramatic Royal Loft Suite on three Royal Caribbean ships features dramatic views from inside and outside
Royal Loft Suite on board Oasis, Allure and Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International
This 1,524-square-foot suite will delight upscale travelers once it debuts this spring. They’ll find walls of floor-to-ceiling windows in the two-level suite. There’s room for six people in two bedrooms, styled with clean, contemporary lines. There’s also a baby grand piano, wet bar and library area.
A Royal Genie personal assistant is available around the clock. Be sure to take advantage of the en suite handcrafted cocktail service.
Wow feature: the wraparound balcony, large even among cruise ship suites. It offers 843 square feet of outdoor space as well as an LCD television, bar, dining area for eight and Jacuzzi.
Insider tip: “If you were to imagine a beautiful villa with sweeping sea views, just steps away from vibrant nightlife with top entertainment or a magnificent spa, you would only just begin to describe Royal Caribbean’s bilevel Oasis-class suites. No detail was left to chance, so they’re sure to captivate and delight.” Linda Allen, Virtuoso travel advisor, Harrison, Arkansas.
Relax around the piano while enjoying a drink and ocean views in the Owner’s Suite on board two Oceania ships
Owner’s Suite on board Rivera and Marina, Oceania Cruises
The 2,000 square feet of this suite stretch out over the entire width of the ship. The sophisticated décor is from designer Ralph Lauren’s home collection. That includes everything from furniture and fabrics to lighting and bedding.
The suite features luxury amenities including round-the-clock butler service, indoor and outdoor whirlpool tubs (the latter with a flat-screen TV), a private fitness room and even cashmere lap blankets for keeping warm while enjoying the verandah.
Wow feature: the entertainment offerings, extensive among cruise ship suites. The living room offers a flat-screen LCD TV – one of three in the suite. It also has a CD/DVD player with an extensive media library and a 3D movie system. For music, there’s a Bose sound system. Or go old-school and enjoy the baby grand piano in the dramatic ivory marble music room. Your audience can take in the views while sipping a drink at the room’s bar.
Insider tip: “Book early – the Owner’s Suites, which offer unsurpassed vistas of the world from their verandahs, are coveted real estate. (There are only three on each ship.) While on board, make sure to dine at Red Ginger; its miso-marinated cod is not to be missed!” Marni Becker, Virtuoso travel advisor, New York City
The two levels of the Grand Duplex Suite on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 are joined by a circular staircase
Grand Duplex Suite on board Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line
A sweeping circular staircase provides an elegant entrance into the two-level Grand Duplex Suite. Its decor makes it a worthy heir to cruising’s golden age. The 2,249-square-foot suite offers an upstairs bedroom; dressing room; private workout area; and downstairs living, dining and bar areas. Two of the three elegant marble bathrooms feature whirlpool tubs.
You’ll find appealing touches including Waterford crystal glassware, exclusive art, and a DVD player and Xbox. Adding to the elegance: a personal butler, who among other services will deliver pre-dinner canapes.
Wow feature: the views. You’ll see them through two-story glass walls facing the ship’s stern. And from the large verandah overlooking the pool deck and dining area. For better vistas, you’ll find binoculars thoughtfully provided by the ship.
Tempted by one of these incredible cruise ship suites?
Want to sail away on a dream cruise? One of Virtuoso’s cruise experts is a great place to start. These seasoned travel advisors can recommend the best cruise ship suites for your preferences. You can also browse Virtuoso’s online cruise catalog for more ideas.
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