The world’s 7 best cruise ship suites
From personal butlers to private saunas, take a peek inside the most extravagant rooms at sea.
We’re entering a new era of luxury cruising. During the Covid-induced travel interruptions of 2020-21, many of the world’s top lines earnestly worked on adding more five-star floating experiences to cater for the world’s increasing appetite for premium cruising.
For ships which offer guests the most luxurious on-board experience, it’s not simply about the size and aesthetics of their suites, but the overall passenger experience, explains Steve Odell, Senior VP of Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
“It’s all about the attention to detail, and trying to anticipate what people want rather than having them ask,” he explains. “There’s also a very high level of service when it comes to training.
For those after the most luxurious digs at sea, owner’s suites and penthouses are usually the go-to option, offering luxe décor, expansive views and in some cases personal staff to cater for guests’ every whim.
“In the luxury sector there’s a very high standard to start with,” Mr Odell says, “but as you move higher up the ship you get more space.”
Mr Odell says boutique ships such as the Seven Seas Grandeur, which will accommodate 750 guests when it embarks on its maiden voyage in November 2023, take a more individual-focused approach than its larger cruising counterparts.
One of the outcomes of the pandemic is that we’ve got a lot of new guests, more than half of those coming to us in 22-23 are new to brand, so I think there is this trend of (people) transferring to smaller ships.”
With some voyages costing upwards of $30,000 for those who desire a top suite, it’s no small investment, but Odell notes that this cost is usually inclusive.
For those who are after a top tier experience, we’ve rounded up the most opulent new to market offerings at sea.
Owner’s Suite, Ponant Le Commandant Charcot
Intrepid cruising was once a no-frills affair, with guests sacrificing comfort and luxury for the thrills and adventure offered by repurposed research vessels strong enough to withstand the most brutal icy seas. These days, no sacrifice is necessary for those willing to pay a premium.
After a long day exploring the icy wilderness of The Antarctic, the Owner’s Suite on Ponant’s icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, which set sail in 2020, is the cosiest and most lavish spot to relax. You can warm up by the living room’s steam fireplace with a glass of vintage shiraz, or watch the sun set over the icy expanse from the suite’s outdoor hot tub.
10 nights Reykjavík return (5 May 2023) from AUD$84,160 per person. au.ponant.com
Iconic Suite, Celebrity Beyond
Bigger really is better aboard Celebrity Cruises’ newest ship, a billion-dollar vessel designed by interior A-listers Kelly Hoppen and Nate Berkus. The two-bedroom, two-bathroom Iconic Suite is the largest in the fleet, with 175 square meters of interior space and a sprawling outdoor terrace complete with a hot tub and plush daybeds.
Hoppen took full advantage of the suite’s location above the bridge when designing the space. Guests are greeted with uninterrupted water views thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows in the master bedroom. You can even break a sweat while enjoying the scenery, courtesy of an in-room Peloton that boasts some of the best views on the ship. Those who prefer to sightsee in a robe can curl up on the velvet hanging chair that gently rocks to the waves, or retreat to the outdoor double daybed with a champagne in hand.
10 nights in Italy, Croatia and Montenegro (September 2023) from AUD $49,999 per person.
Regent Suite, Seven Seas Grandeur
The Regent Suite on the brand new Seven Seas Grandeur, which sets sail in November 2023, has been designed for those who want the most exclusive and opulent floating experience on offer.
A grand entryway leads into an expansive living room, complete with fireplace and marble bar, which will of course, be stocked with your favourite tipples.
“Size-wise its around 412 sqm,” Mr Odell says. “Within this you have a huge living space, two bedrooms. The suite is situated at the bow of the ship, so it has a 270 degree view of the ocean looking forward, and outside there is 120 sqm of veranda as well.”
The suite’s bathroom is also a major drawcard, featuring with thermal heated loungers, a sauna, jacuzzi, steam room and unlimited in-suite spa treatments. Not to mention the daily canapes, caviar service and complimentary laundry and dry cleaning.
If you’d like to visit anywhere special during port visits, just ask your butler who can arrange your private car and a personal itinerary.
And if the gentle rocking of the ship doesn’t send you to sleep after a big day sightseeing, the suites’ handcrafted Vividus bed should do the trick.
10 nights, from Athens (Pireaus) to Barcelona: AUD$73,100 per person all inclusive.
Owner’s Suite, Ritz Carlton Evrima
True to its heritage, Ritz Carlton’s latest at-sea offering the Evrima, is as luxe as it gets.
The 149-room ship set sail in October and features five restaurants, two pools and a contemporary design.
For those with ample budget, The Owner’s Suite offers another level of extravagance.
Within its 160 sqm space, you’ll find a double vanity bathroom, walk-in wardrobe, outdoor whirlpool spa and a 59 sqm terrace.
Fancy afternoon drinks with some fellow passengers on your private deck? Your personal concierge is happy to arrange. Feel like enjoying a tasting menu designed by three star Michelin chef Sven Elverfeld in your personal dining room? That can be arranged too.
While every room on board this vessel is of the highest standard as you’d expect from a Ritz Carlton property, this spacious suite is the jewel in its crown.
Seven night Puerto Rico return (Mar 16 2024): US$29,990 per person. ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com
Owner’s Residence, Explora I
The first of six luxury ships MSC Cruises is set to launch in the coming four years under its Explora Journeys banner, the Explora I Owners Suite is incomparable.
While each of the ship’s 461 rooms and suites offer ocean views and have been designed to the highest standard, the Owner’s Suite is one of the most spacious you’ll find at sea.
Spanning the full width of the ship, the outdoor terrace boasts its own pool, and once you’ve enjoyed a dip, you can rinse off in the outdoor shower and continue the relaxation in the suite’s steam room. With an internal space of 155 sqm, the suite is larger than the average city apartment and includes a beautifully appointed bedroom, separate dining and lounge areas and a personal bar area.
A private butler is also on call, who can arrange in-suite dinner catered by one of the six restaurants on board and cater to guests’ whims.
Premier Owner’s Suite, Norwegian Prima
Set within the ultra-plush confines of The Haven, an area exclusively for guests staying in the most opulent Piero Lissoni designed rooms of the ship, lies the Norwegian Prima’s Premier Owner’s Suite.
Three bedrooms with king sized beds, separate living and dining quarters and a balcony hot tub are among the biggest drawcards of this 195 sqm suite, which also – as you’d expect – includes a personal butler and concierge to make sure guests have everything the need during their stay.
10 nights Iceland - England (Sep 5 2024): From AUD$25,671 per person. ncl.com
Wintergarden Suite, Seabourn Venture
No expense has been spared for guests of the Wintergarden Suite, the most premium accommodation on Seabourn’s brand-new purpose-built expedition ship, Venture.
The 109 sqm two-storey suite includes an enclosed solarium with tub and day bed, a marble double vanity bathroom stocked with full sized Molton Brown toiletries and fully stocked bar.
The suite’s personal attendant is also ready to serve up canapes and Champagne at a moment’s notice, or even run a luxurious bath.
There’s also no need to worry about transfers to the ship – a private car will be arranged.
Seven day Caribbean itinerary, from $14,699 per person.
Owner’s Suite, Viking Neptune
A 12-seater boardroom, private sauna with ocean views and personalised cocktail hour await guests staying in the sumptuous Owner’s Suite on board Viking Neptune.
A private car is also on hand to tour your port of choice, and the ship’s officers will also give you a personal tour of the 930-passenger capacity luxury liner.
The 135sqm suite also includes a walk-in wardrobe, fireplace and a welcome bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne.
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