Cruise ships are outdoing each other with fun, unique suites

The fun doesn’t have to stop once you get back to the cabin thanks to these extravagant, family-friendly suites.

Cruise ships offer endless entertainment from water slides and racetracks to Broadway-style shows and theatrical-themed meals but the fun doesn’t have to stop once you get back to the cabin.

Some cruise lines are dazzling in their stateroom designs, going way beyond a mere bed, bathroom, cupboard and balcony. Case in point: the three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse on board Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas, which has a red slide from one level to the next. To get back upstairs to go down said slide again there’s a rainbow staircase that plays music with each step. Imagine the hours of fun.

The townhouse, which sleeps up to eight, also has a dedicated cinema space, karaoke, two balconies, a private patio with table tennis table and direct access to the family neighbourhood, Surfside. This means guests can be first in line for the splash parks, dining options and classic carousel just beyond the Townhouse’s white picket fence.

Each funnel on Disney Wish and Disney Treasure hosts a Concierge Suite. The latter’s is a futuristic space which sleeps eight, has a private elevator and overlooks the top deck offering a vista through a two-storey window. The suite was inspired by the Epcot theme park at Walt Disney World and is adorned with art pieces as well as space-age metal and glass accents. There’s also a full kitchen.

The three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse on board Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas has a red slide from one level to the next. Picture:  Supplied.

Disney Wish’s Concierge Suite features decor inspired by the movie Moana and has a double-height living room with a spectacular chandelier and floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

Unique suites are not just geared for family fun. Norwegian Cruise Line was on to a brilliant idea with interior solo staterooms, solo ocean views and solo balconies on their Prima Class ships. The staterooms all offer private access to NCL’s Studio Lounge – available on select ships – which is a dedicated social space designed for solo travellers to meet for coffee, or just to hang out when looking for company.

Disney Wish’s Concierge Suite features decor inspired by the movie Moana and has a double-height living room with a spectacular chandelier and floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Picture: Supplied.

Carnival has gone for a Cuban vibe on select ships with its Havana Club Cabins which offer exclusive access to the Havana Bar & Pool for guests aged 12 and over. The staterooms feature fun pops of orange, blue and green, and include their own private patio with a hammock.

And then there’s the next-level array of one-of-a-kind suites on Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships designed by Studio Dado. Top of the range on Regent Seven Seas Grandeur is the two-bedroom Regent Suite which is perfect for the spa-lover who likes their privacy and space. The bathroom features a personal sauna, steam room and treatment area where residents will be pampered with unlimited complimentary spa services. There are choices of luxury toiletries, including Guerlain, L’Occitane and Hermès, and in the primary bathroom there are nine different types of Italian marble. The suite also offers an unobstructed 270-degree view from the wraparound veranda overlooking the bow of the ship. On this veranda is a private hot tub – if only it had a slide to enter.

Originally published as Cruise ships are outdoing each other with fun, unique suites