Many of us can only dream of spending a fortnight in a superior suite on our next cruise, but with the market becoming increasingly price competitive, we thought now would be a good time to compile a countdown of best luxury accommodations on the sea!
There are a few things you’d expect to come standard as a suite guest, like a handy butler and pillow menu, but we’ve searched high and low for those that go above and beyond.
Our first entry comes from Aurora from P&O. At 76,000 tons, she’s not a huge ocean liner, but she still manages to have one of the most impressive suites to be found at sea. Located at the front of the ship are two exclusive Penthouse Suites. Spanning across two decks, the 937-square-foot suites feature two balconies, a sweeping spiral staircase, dining room, living room, Jacuzzi, and the option of a baby grand piano or library, but most surprising of all is that the area is highlighted by the floor. floor to ceiling windows and patio doors providing fantastic sea views.
With a modest 360-square-foot balcony, you may wonder how Costas Samsara Suites made it to our main countdown. The answer is; The size is not everything. These suites may not have enough space to host your own party, but they do have direct access to the largest wellness center at sea, covering over 2,000 square meters across two decks.
Suite guests receive a “Welcome Ritual” package that includes daily entrance to the thermal baths and thalassotherapy pool, two spa treatments of your choice, two fitness or meditation classes, access to the relaxation area and table reservation at the exclusive Samsara restaurant that serves a range of healthy foods. A stay in a Samsara Suite virtually guarantees a truly relaxing cruise.
An experience, and unique, in which you can return home with a few kilos less than what you arrived!
The Celebritys Millennium Class ships have dominated Condé Nast’s prestigious Readers’ Choice Awards for the past four years, ranking among the top four ranked ships in the world.
With that in mind, you’d expect a celebrity suite to come up as one of our top spots.
And it takes its place well with a 1400+ square foot suite, impressive enough, however, when it has a wrap around 1098 square foot balcony that provides 180 degree ocean views, it makes it quite exceptional!
Located aft of the ship on the Penthouse Deck, the two suites feature separate living and dining areas, baby grand piano, exercise equipment, and a marble bathroom with a whirlpool tub. The suite is well equipped with entertainment facilities such as televisions, DVD player, music center, fax machine and internet station. Your suite experience with Celebrity begins at boarding with priority boarding and welcome champagne.
The runners-up on our countdown are Cunard. Awarding the largest of the famous trio, the Queen Mary 2, an ocean liner boasting the most luxurious suites afloat. Those lucky guests staying in the Balmoral or Sandringham duplex suites can enjoy no less than 2,249 square feet of luxury. Spread over two floors, you can expect to find an oversized balcony, marble bathroom, and spacious living room downstairs. This is truly a home away from home.
Cunard has also reserved areas of the ship for exclusive access to suite guests, the Queens Grill for one-seat dining and the Queens Grill Lounge, which prevents unpleasant encounters with lower cabin passengers. (Or maybe just a nice quiet area for suite guests to enjoy)
We’re nearing the end of our countdown, and so far we’ve seen some of the largest, most luxurious and innovative accommodations at sea. So, it has to be something pretty spectacular to receive our top spot.
How about a 5,750-square-foot three-bedroom, three-bathroom area that can sleep up to six people but entertain up to 100 people? Announcing Norwegian Cruise Lines Garden Villas!
A collection of 10 unique suites situated on their own terrace, each with a private garden, terrace and hot tub with outdoor dining and exclusive access to a private pool patio area just for you and your neighbors.
Each oversized contemporary villa has a lavishly appointed living room, dining room and bathroom, all framed with windowed walls for stunning ocean views.
Therefore, in our opinion, it is the best accommodation currently available at sea. What if your budget doesn’t stretch all the way? Well, what harm is a little indulgent daydream?
