Sail into luxury in these ultra-glamorous cruise suites

There’s nothing quite like an ocean cruise. From wildlife spotting in the Antarctic to ancient cities in the Mediterranean, every day leads to a new discovery beyond the horizon. And sometimes the ships are a destination in themselves.

From floating apartments with private wine cellars to an exclusive in-room spa retreat, no expense has been spared in creating the most unforgettable experiences. These features are just the tip of the iceberg too. 

Ready for a taste of the ‘suite life’? In no particular order, these are some of the most luxurious cabins at sea.

Grand Wintergarden Suite – Seabourn Pursuit

Setting sail on Seabourn Pursuit, the Grand Wintergarden is a perfect meeting of opulence and space. On the ground level you’ll find a comfy semi-circular lounge, dining table and fully-stocked bar, leading out to a lengthy verandah.

The suite spans two levels of the Polar explorer.

Moving upstairs, the queen-size bedroom enjoys an enviable outlook to the ever-changing vista outside (a big win in the Polar regions the ship’s designed for), together with separate shower and circular tub plus walk-in wardrobe. There’s also a roll-up TV to preserve the view when not in use. 

The suite also includes Swarovski binoculars and a writing desk with personalised stationery.

Beyond the suite, guests have access to an array of bar and dining options, like the 270-degree view Constellation Lounge bar and Expedition Lounge, plus the Discovery Centre. The latter is your go-to for learning about the fascinating areas the ship visits.

When the dining is done, Constellation Lounge is the social heart of the ship.

However, given the opulence on offer within the Grand Wintergarden Suite, not to mention that incredible wildlife documentary unfolding outside your very window, there’s a fair chance you’ll rarely want to leave when at sail. 

Regent Suite – Seven Seas Grandeur

Though well known for its opulence, Regent Seven Seas takes that reputation to the next level in its meticulously-styled Regent Suites – each one so opulent you’d think you were on land.

Seven Seas Grandeur's exquisite Regent Suite.

Found onboard the Seven Seas Grandeur, Explorer, and Splendor ships, the lavish suites include marble and stone bathrooms, two bedrooms and a separate dining and lounge area, an in-suite spa with sauna and jacuzzi, plus a balcony with mini spa pool.

Decor looks more high end hotel than suite at sea.

Spanning 412sqm, the Regent Suite onboard the new Seven Seas Grandeur dials everything that’s great about Regent Suites up to 11, with designers envisioning the space as a live-in gallery, with every artwork and finish curated to create an inviting retreat. 

The sitting room is bathed in sunshine.

More than just the onboard experience though, the opulence continues on land, where you can enjoy unlimited shore excursions plus a private car and guide in every port. 

Owner’s Residence – Explora I

One of the latest premium ships to set out in search of maritime adventure is the Explora I – the first of six vessels from MSC Group’s new luxury lifestyle brand Explora Journeys. You’ll find it alternating between Europe and the azure waters of the Caribbean.

The residence also comes with a Technogym bench and case for those who like to be active.

The accommodation pièce de résistance of Explora I is the 280 sqm Owner’s Residence, primed for both relaxation and entertaining with an eight-seater dining table, separate living area and butler’s pantry. A dedicated butler ensures all your needs are met.

The residence is the most spacious suite onboard.

Just off the king-size bedroom is a marble-clad bathroom with double vanity and heated floors, along with a steam room, walk-in shower and deep bathtub to soak and enjoy a drink from your private bar (stocked according to your tastes, of course).

A butler is on hand for packing/unpacking, laundry, pressing and in-suite dining.

Things remain equally impressive outside, where there’s a panoramic terrace spanning the ship’s full width, complete with a whirlpool, day beds and yet another dining setting.

Royal Loft Suite – Ovation of the Seas

Straddling two levels, Royal Caribbean’s Royal Loft Suite – available on Oasis and Quantum class ships – is a sanctuary for both relaxation and entertaining, featuring two bedrooms and bathrooms plus a vast living and dining area. 

The two-bedroom Royal Loft Suite has a variety of seating to suit your mood.

Within you’ll find an eight-person dining setting, cosy L-shaped lounge, and velvet armchairs, alongside a grand piano for those keen to tickle the ivories. Outside, it comes with a private bar and outdoor entertaining area, replete with recliners to appreciate the view.

In addition, guests checked into the suite enjoy the services of the Royal Genie.

The exact decor differs from ship to ship.

Think of them as your personal butler: an expert at hand to organise exclusive experiences while onbaord, from planning the perfect date to arranging front row theatre seats.

Owner’s Suite – Le Commandant Charcot

‘The world’s most luxurious ice breaker’. Those six words instantly set a tone of what awaits on Le Commandant Charcot – Ponant’s cutting-edge polar expedition ship, fuelled by LNG and capable of sailing completely silent by switching to its large battery bank.

The 115 sqm suite also comes with perks including butler service and priority boarding.
Gilles Trillard

As for its 123 staterooms and suites, they certainly live up to the hype with curvaceous timber detailing, textured finishes and private balconies from which to soak in the everchanging view outside. However, not all are created equal.

A Samsung tablet, Swarovski binoculars and a Swarovski telescope are at your disposal too.
Gilles Trillard

Le Commandant Charcot’s Owner’s Suite is an ultra-fashionable cut above the rest. Think a private apartment with a six-seater dining table and lounges angled to a mesmerising fireplace, leading through to a sweeping deck with its own hot tub.

Champagne and a fruit basket are delivered upon arrival.
Gilles Trillard

As for the bedroom, that’s stunning too – wrapped in blonde timber finishes, ocean blue carpets and light grey upholstery, offset by cool artworks referencing the frozen world outside.

Iconic Suite and Edge Villa – Celebrity Edge

Sometimes it’s hard to settle on one option. Take the Celebrity Edge, for example. Squirrelled away in The Retreat – an exclusive ‘ship within a ship’ with its own restaurant, pool and sundeck – are not one but two divine suites: the Edge Villa and Iconic Suite.

The Iconic Suite is the largest in the Celebrity fleet at almost 240sqm.

Edge Villas are found on all Edge Series ships. Opening its door, guests discover modern decor and stellar views from a private terrace with 3ft deep plunge pool (enough to lean back and soak in the view) in addition to direct access to The Retreat Sundeck.

The Edge Villa is home to one bedroom and two full bathrooms.

The Iconic, on the other hand, is the largest suite in the Celebrity fleet and offers panoramic views from atop the captain’s bridge. 

As Retreat guests, passengers also enjoy premium drinks, free WiFi and more.

Home to two bedrooms and two bathrooms, a sprawling terrace with hot tub and double day bed and even its own butler’s pantry, the cabin certainly fits the brief in both luxury and space.

Queens Grill Suite – Queen Victoria

A select few hotels can be described as ‘grand dames’. They’re the kind dripping in refinement inside and out, transporting you to another place and time – and there are equivalents at sea, too. Take the ‘Queens’ from Cunard Line for example.

A render of all four Cunard Queens.

Each one – Queen Elizabeth, Victoria and Mary 2 plus the upcoming Queen Anne – is designed to turn heads wherever they sail. Onboard, every inch of their public areas, restaurants, bars and staterooms is divine. There are plenty of modern enhancements too.

Each suite has the feel of a stately hotel room.

Queens Grill Suites are the flagship accommodations. Found on all ships, the vast suites come with included extras such as personalised gifts, an exclusive restaurant and attentive butler service, plus a bottle of Champagne to celebrate your arrival.

Every inch is styled to perfection.

A complimentary mini-bar, stocked with two bottles of wine or spirits of your choice, and soft drinks, along with pre-dinner capapés delivered daily, are also part of the deal.

Owner’s Suite – Viking Orion

Coming in at a lofty 135 sqm, the Owner’s Suite aboard Viking Orion is up there with the best of them. Within you’ll find a spacious living room adorned in rich textiles, with a well-stocked library and cosy lounge to sink into, plus a private verandah to enter the sea air.

The 12-seater boardroom with the world's first 'fireplace' at sea.

Love to entertain? There’s a six-person dining table and curated wine collection in arm’s reach, plus a boardroom with a ‘fireplace’ and seating for 12.

Relax in your very own glass-encased dry sauna.

If you’ve enjoyed cruise ship life a little too much, there’s also a glass-walled dry sauna for you to detox while admiring the view. 

Pinnacle Suite – MS Rotterdam

As its name suggests, the Pinnacle Suite really is the peak of Holland America Lines’ luxury offering. It’s a destination cabin – one that travellers often dream of checking into.

Holland America Line is renowned for its exceptional collection of rare artworks.

Every ship has one. And though the layout and design varies slightly, they all share the same DNA, with generously-oversized living and dining areas, butler’s pantry, two whirlpools (one on the verandah, one in the bathroom) and a beautifully curated art collection.

Holland America Line is bringing two of its majestic ships Down Under this cruise season.

Guests checking into this top-tier cabin enjoy use of the exclusive Neptune Lounge, together with access to a private concierge and an array of complimentary services.

Owner’s Suite – Silver Dawn

Silversea is one of the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise lines. As you’d imagine from such a lofty reputation, they have some top-tier cabins to match. Like the gleaming Owner’s Suite aboard Silver Dawn, which is designed as much for socialising as it is solitude.

Enjoy a taste of the suite life in the Silver Dawn's glamorous Owner's Suite.

Available in one and two bedroom configurations, the cabin comes equipped with a Bose sound system and 55” television (though it likely won’t get a run with the view outside), plus a grand, marble-clad bathroom plucked straight from a five star hotel.

Owner’s Suite – Oceania Riviera

Although many ships wash over their maritime setting, the Owner’s Suite aboard Oceania Riviera embraces it unashamedly. Designed by Ralph Lauren Home, it features extensive timber and brass, rich Wenge walnut panelling, and artworks dedicated to yacht design.

The decor is a love letter to maritime style.

Entered via a dramatic foyer with music room, it also boasts a large living area, full size bar, two walk-in wardrobes, and indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas.

Every element of the suite is meticulously designed.

The suite also includes exclusive card-only access to the Executive Lounge, featuring a private library.

Looking for a more intimate experience instead? These are the perfect small ship cruises for every taste.