Alex O'Brien
Cruising

7 of the most luxurious cruise ship suites

Betsy Goldberg writes for Virtuoso Luxury Traveller, the blog of a global luxury travel network, and she enjoys nothing more than taking a holiday.

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 travellers outstanding (and spacious) accommodations with elements and perks sure to delight.

Here are seven of the most exceptional cruise ship suites at sea.

To see images of the suites, scroll through the gallery above.

1. 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.

2. 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 veranda 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.

3. Crystal Penthouse with Veranda 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 Video Wave 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 veranda? For a pick-me-up, brew a specialty coffee with the in-suite cappuccino maker.

4. 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 veranda. 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.

5. Royal Loft Suite on board Oasis, Allure and Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean International

This 1,524-square-foot suite will delight upscale travellers 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.

6. 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 veranda.

7. 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.

These cruise ship suites look incredible, even if they are a little out of our price range! Which cruise ship suite do you think is your favourite one?

Please let us know in the comments below.

First appeared on Virtuoso. Click here to visit their website for more information.

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Tags:
travel, cruising, Cruise ships, Luxury, Suites