Some of the most competitive cruise ship real estate is within the suite category. Marketed by the line to embody luxury, these opulent staterooms ooze desirability and exclusivity. In recent years this has been taken even further with stand-alone areas on ships dedicated to the lines most luxurious suites, including for example The Haven by Norwegian or the MSC Yacht Club. Whilst other lines such as Regent market themselves as a suite only product (of course of varying budgets).
When booking a suite the physical stateroom is arguably the biggest selling point, but lines are keen to ensure additional perks and services – this includes priority services and embarkation, exclusive specialist restaurants, free wifi, Butler Service as well as many other perks. Some lines even include free air fare and excursions within the cruise booking.
Depending on the line you choose there’s almost certainly suite for every taste, but not all suites are created equal. If money weren’t a factor there are some very unique and special suites to cruise from, so here are a few of the top examples:
The Iconic Suite, Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Apex, Celebrity Cruises
The Celebrity Edge class has taken the world by storm since they debuted in 2018. Edge has broadly been hailed as a great success for the line and the cruise industry as a whole. When building Celebrity Edge Celebrity Cruises decided to push new boundaries and create a series of new upmarket contemporary suites at the top of the ship. Of this one stands out as perhaps one of the most luxurious spaces at sea – The Iconic Suite.
Facing out over the bow of the ship the Iconic Suite oozes desirability and embodies the line’s catch-phrase of modern luxury.
Balmoral and Sandringham Suites, Queen Mary 2, Cunard
These two duplex suites looking out over the aft of the Queen Mary have hosted some of the biggest celebrities and dignitaries in the world and you can see why. These enormous spaces include sweeping living quarters and an expansive balcony, together with a luxurious master bedroom, marble baths and gym facilities.
Owners Suite, Marina/Riviera, Oceania Cruises
The Owners Suites on Marina and Riviera span the entire beam of the ship and are decked out head-to-toe by the Ralph Lauren Home Collection. A self-contained complex in its own right, the suites boast a large living room, walk-in closets, indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas, together with a dramatic entry foyer with a music room
Royal Loft Suite, Quantum Class/Oasis Class, Royal Caribbean International
The Royal Caribbean Loft Suites first debuted on Oasis and Allure of the Seas a few years ago and quickly became a success for the line. This concept has been taken further for the line’s newest class of smart ships, the Quantum Class. These two-storey loft suites feature an expansive view from the ship, two bedrooms and large dining and living areas. Furthermore the interiors of the suites have been designed by American interior designer Genevieve Gorder, with the aim to provide a more cohesive look and feel to the suites and lofts on the ships.
Crystal Penthouse, Crystal Serenity, Crystal Cruises
Celebrated as one of the finest luxury ships in the world, Crystal Serenity has some of the most luxurious real estate on the high seas. Of this, the pinnacle of luxury is the Crystal Penthouse. Of the numerous features it boasts a spacious living room, separate den area and dining room, large verandah, stone foyer, butler’s pantry and state of the art bathrooms.
Regent Suite, Seven Seas Explorer, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Boasting marble bathrooms, two spacious bedrooms, it’s own spa area expansive living room, a solarium and views across the bow of the ship this is a very special space, to say the least! It is arguably the most lavish suite at sea.
