Cabins in two categories are the first to go whenever a cruise itinerary goes on sale: the most inexpensive staterooms and the top-of-the-line suites. It may surprise you that the priciest accommodations are snapped up first, but consider this: There are far fewer suites than regular cabins, so competition is fierce for these options that offer extra space and exclusive perks. If you're sailing with a posse, that elbow room will definitely come in handy.
One popular aspect of suite living, beyond lush furnishings, is the extra services most ships offer. You can expect concierge service, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and assistance when making reservations for alternative restaurants, spas and sold-out shore excursions. Butler service is offered by the most luxe brands; butlers handle everything from dry-cleaning and unpacking to daily delivery of canapes and making reservations for the spa.
There's a larger variety of cruise suites than ever before, but some still absolutely stand out from the competition. Here, we offer our favourites among the industry's most drop-dead gorgeous, pampering and elegant accommodations at sea. (Please note: Fares vary by itinerary and date. The average starting prices listed are approximate and are subject to change; you might find higher nightly fares on your preferred sailing.)
Best Cruise Ship Suites
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Cruise Line
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Starting From (per person, per night)
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|---|---|---|
Crystal Cruises
|
£1,417
| |
Viking Ocean Cruises
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£1,141
| |
Oceania Cruises
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$1,700
| |
Royal Caribbean
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£1,326
| |
Cunard
|
£1,265
| |
Norwegian Cruise Line
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$2,000
| |
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
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£4,045
| |
Silversea Cruises
|
£1,061
| |
Seabourn Cruises
|
£1,499
| |
Disney Cruise Line
|
$710
|
Crystal Cruises' Crystal Serenity
Best Cruise Suite: Crystal Penthouse
Why? One of the most beautifully decorated suites at sea -- the Crystal Penthouse -- can be found on Crystal Cruises' Crystal Serenity. Spend just one night in this 1,345-square-foot suite, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that afford sweeping views of the ocean, and you'll wish this was your very own apartment. Swarovski crystal sconces light the living space, which has natural wood floors and Italian mosaic tile accents. Neutral colours blend seamlessly with the high-quality wood and marble finishes throughout. If you love the outdoors, you'll enjoy the private deck that was designed for lounging.
But first you'll have to tear yourself away from the exceedingly comfortable living and dining areas. The master bedroom has a spacious walk-in wardrobe, and the TV room (separate from the formal living area) can double as a second bedroom thanks to the sofa bed and guest powder room that is outfitted with a shower. If you entertain often while at sea, you'll love the fact that this suite has a private butler entrance.
Plan to Pay: Fares start at £1,417 per person, per night.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Best Cruise Suite: Owner's Suite
Why? Every Viking Ocean cruise ship has one Owner's Suite, which actually reflects the taste and interests of cruise line Chairman Torstein Hagen. Not only do the suites include family photos, paintings by Hagen's favorite artists, a stereo playing ABBA and other Scandinavian artists, and shelves lined with the owner's favourite books and knick knacks, but the living areas of the suite adjoin a 12-person boardroom -- should Hagen or you need to host a business meeting at sea.
The 1,319-square-foot suite features a separate master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe, double-vanity bathroom and private sauna with ocean views; a living room complete with dining area for six, wet bar, wine cooler, kitchenette and guest bathroom. The 156-square-foot balcony is furnished with wooden lounge chairs plus an alfresco conversation nook with a sofa and two chairs around a small table.
Plan to Pay: Fares start at £1,141 per person, per night.
Oceania Cruises' Marina and Riviera
Best Cruise Suite: Owner's Suite
Why? There are three Owner's Suites onboard Oceania Cruises' Marina and Riviera, and the accommodations are among the most superb at sea. Size counts, for sure, and these measure 2,000 square feet apiece. Ralph Lauren Home furnishings are featured throughout the large living and dining room as well as the bedroom, which comes with king-sized bed. You'll also find his-and-her walk-in closets, a grand entryway with an ebony grand piano, and even a media nook with a professional entertainment system. There's one whirlpool tub in the bathroom, outfitted with Bulgari bath products, and another on the veranda, which also has an outdoor flat-screen television.
What else do we love about Oceania's Owner's Suites? Their location. Each suite spans the width of the ship, facing aft, looking over the wake. Perks for Owner's Suite residents include access to the private Executive Lounge -- staffed by a dedicated concierge and featuring complimentary soft drinks, coffees and snacks throughout the day -- plus 24-hour butler service and course-by-course, in-suite meal delivery from any onboard restaurant. The biggest downside of a cruise in an Oceania Owner's Suite is that you'll feel so pampered and cosseted indoors, you might well be tempted to miss ports of call and stay onboard.
Plan to Pay: Fares start at $1,700 per person, per night.
Source:/www.cruisecritic.co.uk/
