Boasting butler service, crystal chandeliers, marble bathrooms and grand pianos, these cruise ship cabins have been chosen by a cruise ship critic as the most luxurious on the high seas.
Adam Coulter, the managing editor of Cruise Critic, has revealed to MailOnline Travel the most lavish cabins available to humanity, with one costing an eye-watering £4,600 a night. Surprised? Well, it does come with a £200,000 Steinway.
He says these swanky suites are often the first to go when cruise ship itineraries are released, as not only are they ultra-luxurious, but they ‘offer exclusive perks such as priority embarkation and a daily delivery of canapes’. Scroll down to read Coulter’s pick of the most salubrious cruise ship cabins around the world.
Crystal Cruises Crystal Serenity – Crystal Penthouse
The Crystal Penthouse, on Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity, boasts 1,345 square feet of space, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that afford sweeping views of the ocean
The bathroom in the Crystal Penthouse features lengths of marble, a deep tub and a large window looking out to the blue beyond
One of the most beautifully decorated suites at sea – the Crystal Penthouse – can be found on Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity. The suite boasts 1,345 square feet of space, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows that afford sweeping views of the ocean.
Swarovski crystal sconces light the living space, which has natural wood floors and Italian mosaic tile accents. Neutral colours blend seamlessly with the high-quality wood and marble finishes throughout. If you love the outdoors, you’ll enjoy the private deck that was designed for lounging.
The master bedroom, meanwhile, has a spacious walk-in closet, and the TV room (separate from the formal living area) can double as a second bedroom thanks to the sofa bed and guest powder room that is outfitted with a shower. If you entertain often while at sea, you’ll love the fact that this suite has a private butler entrance.
Plan to pay: Fares start at £1,371 per person, per night.
Viking Ocean Cruises – Owner’s Suite
Every Viking Ocean cruise ship has one Owner’s Suite, which reflects the specific taste and interests of cruise line chairman Torstein Hagen
Every Viking Ocean cruise ship has one Owner’s Suite, which reflects the specific taste and interests of cruise line chairman Torstein Hagen.
Not only do the suites include family photos, paintings by Hagen’s favourite artists, a stereo playing ABBA and other Scandinavian artists, and shelves lined with the owner’s favourite books and knick-knacks, but the living areas of the suite adjoins a 12-person boardroom – should Hagen or you need to host a business meeting at sea.
The 1,319-square-foot suite features a separate master bedroom with walk-in closet, double-vanity bathroom and private sauna with ocean views, a living room complete with dining area for six, wet bar, wine cooler, kitchenette and guest bathroom. The 156-square-foot balcony is furnished with wooden lounge chairs plus an alfresco conversation nook with a sofa and two chairs around a small table.
Plan to pay: Fares start at £1,000 per person, per night.
Royal Caribbean’s Royal Loft Suite
Those accustomed to luxury will feel right at home in the lush Royal Loft Suites that can be found on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum and Oasis-class ships
The suite is stunning, with a two-storey wall of windows affording panoramic views. The bedroom is upstairs in the loft, with a glass-wall partition and blackout curtains
Those accustomed to luxury will feel right at home in the lush Royal Loft Suites that can be found on Royal Caribbean’s Quantum and Oasis-class ships. At approximately 1,599 square feet (not counting the massive 874-square-foot balcony with a whirlpool and dining area that wraps around this fabulous suite), these two-storey dwellings accommodate up to six passengers and are larger than many city apartments.
The suite is stunning, with a two-storey wall of windows affording panoramic views. The bedroom is upstairs in the loft, with a glass-wall partition and blackout curtains.
An adjoining bathroom features a tub, shower, dual sinks and a bidet. A second bath with a shower is found on the main level. It’s easy to picture James Bond nursing a martini as he reposes on the living room sofa – which converts to a double bed.
Plan to pay: Fares start, on average, at £1,351 per person.
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 – The Balmoral and Sandringham Duplexes
The grandiose two-story suites on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 each have a curved, sweeping staircase to the bedrooms on the second floor
Along with very plush bedrooms, the bathrooms include two marble baths, plus there’s a whirlpool tub and a separate shower
The grandiose two-story suites on Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 each have a curved, sweeping staircase to the bedrooms on the second floor. Other highlights include two marble baths, a whirlpool tub, private exercise equipment and 2,249 square feet of living space.
The terrace of each of these suites is unique in that it is visible from the public decks below – such as the aft pool area.
All of the amenities of the private Queens Grill are yours to enjoy, including the dining room, a special lounge and a dedicated sunning deck.
Plan to Pay: Fares start at £2,179 per person, per night, based on a seven-night transatlantic cruise.
P&O Cruises Aurora – Piano Suite and Library Suite
The Piano and Library Suites on the P&O Cruises Aurora feature an upper level with two single beds that electronically adjust to form a king-size bed
Although an older vessel in today’s world of cruise ships brimming with hi-tech gadgetry and cool modern design, Aurora’s two penthouses are real gems. Distinguished by the fact that they are duplexes, spanning A and B decks with the entrance on the lower level, the roomy Piano Suite (starboard side) and Library Suite (port side) have panoramic views similar to those enjoyed by the captain on the bridge directly above. As their names imply, one of these suites has a baby grand piano, the other a library with audio equipment.
Connected by a gently curving wooden staircase, in both suites the 575-square-foot lower level has an L-shaped sofa and armchairs in the lounge, a dining table seating six and separate bar area. This leads to a 72-square-foot side balcony with reclining chairs and floor-to-ceiling doors.
On the 363-square-foot upper level there are two single beds that electronically adjust to form a king-size bed, a walk-in wardrobe, marble bathroom with whirlpool bath, dressing room, and a 72-square-foot side balcony accessed by patio doors. Both suites have butler service.
Plan to pay: Fares start, on average, at £2,180 per person, based on a seven-night cruise to Iberia, in June 2019.
Norwegian Cruises Gem – Haven Three-Bedroom Garden Villa
The Haven Three-Bedroom Garden Villa found on Norwegian Cruises are the big daddies of all the suites at sea, at up to 5,750 square feet. The size varies by ship. If you’re planning a family get-together, this is the suite for you
Features include a vast living area, bar with seating for four, dining table that seats eight, three bedrooms with king or queen beds, and a private garden terrace with an outdoor dining area and raised hot tub with a thatched roof to provide shade
The Haven Three-Bedroom Garden Villa found on Norwegian Cruises are the big daddies of all the suites at sea, at up to 5,750 square feet. The size varies by ship. If you’re planning a family get-together, this is the suite for you.
Features include a vast living area, bar with seating for four, dining table that seats eight, three bedrooms with king or queen beds, and a private garden terrace with an outdoor dining area and raised hot tub with a thatched roof to provide shade.
Add a butler, concierge team and stunning views from the windowed walls that surround the suite from its perch atop the ship, and you have a ‘wow’ factor that’s beyond compare. Garden Villas guests also have access to all Haven amenities including a private pool, sun deck and fitness room.
Plan to pay: Fares start at £1,557 per person, per night.
Regent Seven Seas Explorer – Regent Suite
There is only one Regent Suite in the entire Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet. It was designed to be the most luxurious suite at sea, with the interiors spanning 2,917 square feet and a balcony measuring 958 square feet
The suite comes complete with a private spa, including treatment area, sauna, ceramic heated relaxation loungers and multi-jet shower, and residents are entitled to unlimited – and complimentary – in-suite spa treatments
There is only one Regent Suite in the entire Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet. It was designed to be the most luxurious suite at sea, with the interiors spanning 2,917 square feet and a balcony measuring 958 square feet. But it’s not just the size that impresses: The suite comes complete with a private spa, including treatment area, sauna, ceramic heated relaxation loungers and multi-jet shower, and residents are entitled to unlimited – and complimentary – in-suite spa treatments.
Other perks include sedan transfers to and from the airport; a private car with driver and guide in every port; and free unlimited laundry and pressing. The location of the suite on Deck 14 is stunning, with 270-degree views over the bow. Throughout the two-bedroom suite, you’ll find high-end touches in marble and exotic wood.
The lounge features beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows and a custom £200,000 Steinway Arabesque piano. The suite offers not one but two 4K ultra-high-definition televisions, and each room is accented with limited-edition art books, Murano glass bowls and other handcrafted elements.
Plan to pay: Fares start at £4,671 per person, per night.
Silversea Cruises Silver Spirit – Owner’s Suite
Walk into one of the two Owner’s Suites aboard Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit and you’ll likely hear soft music playing – compliments of the Bang & Olufsen stereo system in the living room – and sheer curtains lazily catching the breeze by the glass doors, which open onto the 190-square-foot teak veranda
The master bathroom has marble throughout, plus a double vanity, shower and separate, full-size whirlpool tub
Walk into one of the two Owner’s Suites aboard Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit and you’ll likely hear soft music playing – compliments of the Bang & Olufsen stereo system in the living room – and sheer curtains lazily catching the breeze by the glass doors, which open onto the 190-square-foot teak veranda.
At 1,292 square feet (including the balcony), each of these suites is sophisticated, sexy and spacious. You can even expand to two bedrooms and 1,668 square feet by booking the adjoining Vista Suite. Tucked amidships on deck eight, these stylish apartments at sea – designed with sleek blond wood, wide striped wallpaper and modern furniture – have the vibe of a swanky penthouse in London or Copenhagen.
Your butler will make you feel right at home as you settle into the living room, which features subtle recessed lighting and a flat-screen TV as well as a work area with writing desk. You’ll enjoy meals in the separate dining room – there’s an Illy espresso machine for caffeine-packed pick-me-ups – and get a good night’s sleep in the master bedroom, home to a comfortable queen-size bed dressed with Pratesi bed linens, down duvet and a selection of pillows. The master bathroom has marble throughout, plus a double vanity, shower and separate, full-size whirlpool tub. There’s also a powder room for guests.
Plan to pay: Fares start at £1,400 per person, per night.
Seabourn Encore and Ovation – Wintergarden Suites
Seabourn’s 1,186-square-foot Wintergarden Suites feature a living room providing plenty of seating to host a gathering, a dining room with a table that accommodates six, a pantry with full wet bar, a comfortable master bedroom and a master bath with separate whirlpool tub and shower
The signature feature of the Wintergarden Suites, found on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation, is the glass-enclosed solarium with a daybed and tub
The signature feature of Seabourn’s 1,186-square-foot Wintergarden Suites, found on Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation, is the glass-enclosed solarium with a daybed and tub. The light-filled space is adjacent to the outdoor balcony, furnished with lounge chairs and an outdoor dining table.
The interior is no less impressive with a living room providing plenty of seating to host a gathering, a dining room with a table that accommodates six, a pantry with full wet bar, a comfortable master bedroom and a master bath with separate whirlpool tub and shower.
Seabourn’s trio of slightly smaller ships also have noteworthy Wintergarden Suites, but they are slightly smaller and lack an alfresco dining option.
Plan to pay: Fares start at £1,557 per person, per night.