World’s Most Luxurious Cruise Cabins
Luxury Cruise Cabins
By its very nature, cruising is a luxurious affair. Ships big and small offer an idyllic existence at sea, punctuated now and then by visits ashore at places often referred to as “paradise.” And while there are no class distinctions aboard today’s cruise vessels, all offer certain cabins that are better, more spacious (and more expensive) than others. Butlers, private restaurants, in-room spas, priority access throughout the ship—these are just a few of the upscale amenities and perks enjoyed by passengers lucky enough to occupy these truly outstanding accommodations. Some can be found aboard all-suite luxury vessels, others on the latest expedition ships, and still others on the biggest mega-ships. What they all share in common is that they are the best of the best. Click through to see some of our favorites.
(Note: All sample fares are brochure rates for selected sailings and do not include any early booking discounts. The price listed is for the first person, double; there may be a substantial discount for the second and any additional passengers occupying the same suite.)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Billed as “the most exclusive addresses at sea,” the Regent Suites found aboard the Regent Seven Seas Splendor and Regent Seven Seas Explorer were created by Tillberg Design of Sweden to exceed every suite that came before them. Measuring more than 4,000 square feet and set high above the bridge with 270-degree views said to be better than the captain’s, the Regent Suites offer every cabin amenity imaginable from wraparound balconies to walk-in closets and in-suite spas. Living space includes two bedrooms, living room, dining room plus 2.5 marble-and-stone baths. Every detail has been carefully considered right down to the artwork, which boasts rare original lithographs from Pablo Picasso, hand-blown Lalique Art vases and a custom Steinway grand piano by Dakota Jackson. Sample fare: $78,598 per person (double), for a 7-day Caribbean cruise departing February 28, 2022, roundtrip from Miami.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania’s newest ships, the Marina and Riviera, feature many categories of suite accommodations, none more luxurious than the 2,000 square feet Owner’s Suites that span the entire beam of the ship. There are three of these cabins on each vessel, appointed in furnishings, fabrics and artwork from the Ralph Lauren Home collection for a rich yet warm ambiance. Guests occupying these cabins enjoy many privileges, including priority specialty restaurant reservations, unlimited spa access and card-key-only access to the Executive Lounge staffed by a dedicated concierge plus 24-hour butler service. Sample fare: $30,398 per person (double) for a 10-day Caribbean cruise departing February 26, 2022, roundtrip from Miami.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Ritz-Carlton’s first ship hasn’t even set sail yet (its inaugural is now scheduled for May 2022 from Lisbon), but the vessel’s Owner’s Suites promise to be among the swankiest at sea. Measuring over 1,700 square feet, the best accommodations on the Evrima include a spacious outside terrace with a private Jacuzzi separated by a sliding glass wall from the indoor bedroom, living room and dining area, appointed in a cool modern decor. In-suite meals, 24-hour concierge service, espresso machine, walk-in closet, king-size custom sleep system, specialty bed and bath linens, two baths (one with tub), luxury bath amenities and robes and a personally provisioned minibar are among the many amenities that will be offered. Sample fare: $27,200 per person (double), for a 7-day Caribbean cruise departing December 11, 2022, from Phillipsburg to San Juan.
Seabourn Cruise Line
Two Grand Wintergarden Suites created by famed cruise designer Adam Tihany are the top accommodations on Seabourn’s forthcoming Seabourn Venture expedition ship, now scheduled to make its debut in April 2022. Measuring 1,399-square feet and rising two decks high, these dramatic cabins certainly raise the bar on suite accommodations aboard expedition ships. A sculpted staircase leads from the lower-level living/dining area to the upper-level master bedroom, outfitted with a queen-size Duxiana Axion sleep system facing picture windows for expansive wilderness views. Other impressive amenities include 2.5 baths, an LG OLED television, Swarovski tripod-mounted spotting scope and a high-end Bang & Olufsen sound system. Sample fare: $50,999 per person (double) for a 12-day Arctic cruise departing May 4, 2022, from Tromso to Oslo.
Scenic
Yet another newly built expedition ship with over-the-top high-end accommodations is the Scenic Eclipse, described by the line as the “world’s first discovery yacht,” replete with two helicopters and a submarine. Set high atop the ship facing forward, two Owner’s Penthouse Suites offer wraparound private verandas, private Jacuzzis, and—of course—commanding views of some of the world’s most remote destinations from the Arctic to Antarctica. For even more living space, the Penthouse Suite can be combined with a Spa Suite to create a two-bedroom apartment measuring 2,660 square feet in total. Sample itinerary: $46,345 per person (double) for a 13-day Antarctica cruise departing February 5, 2022, roundtrip from Buenos Aires.
Crystal Cruises
Everybody’s list of most luxurious cruise cabins invariably includes the Crystal Penthouses found aboard the Crystal Serenity (1,368 square feet) and Crystal Symphony (1,019 square feet) encompassing a master bedroom with his and her walk-in closets, expansive living room and separate dining area. Both are elegantly appointed with teak-decked balconies, a built-in bar, Swarovski chandelier, Frette linens and marble baths with Jacuzzi and HD TV. Services include complimentary packing and unpacking, free pressing and laundry, in-suite meals, priority reservations for shore excursions, spa and specialty restaurants, and your own personal butler on call 24/7. Sample fare: $22,399 per person (double), for a 10-day Mediterranean & Greek Islands cruise departing April 6, 2022, from Lisbon to Athens.
Norwegian Cruise Line
The three-bedroom Garden Villas in NCL’s The Haven private ship-within-a-ship area of exclusive accommodations are among the largest cabins at sea, sleeping up to eight in an oversized seagoing apartment measuring up to 6,694 square feet. Besides three bedrooms, the villas offer a living room, three full baths plus a half-bath, walls of windows and outdoor terraces with a hot tub and private dining area. Passengers staying in The Haven also have the use of a private lounge, restaurant, sundeck and pool. Six of the line’s ships offer these Garden Villas, specifically the Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Jewel. Sample fare: $13,229 per person (double) for a 7-day Bahamas cruise departing January 2, 2022, roundtrip from New York.
MSC Cruises
Much like The Haven from NCL, the MSC Yacht Club offers private top-of-the-line accommodations for those looking for luxury combined with a megaship experience. The Yacht Club on the line’s newest ship, the Miami-based MSC Seashore, is the biggest yet, encompassing approximately 32,000 square feet of private space spread over four decks. Within this lie two Owner’s Suites, the largest accommodations in the MSC fleet offering 1,054 square feet of space. Inside are separate dining, living and sleeping areas with a panoramic glass wall for sweeping sea views; outside is an extended private balcony, hot tub, and more outdoor living space. Guests staying in the MSC Yacht Club also enjoy butler service, a concierge and a private pool, lounge, sun deck and restaurant reserved exclusively for their use. Sample fare: $8,619 per person (double) for a 7-day Caribbean cruise departing May 14, 2022, roundtrip from Miami.
Silversea Cruises
The four Owner’s Suites on Silversea Cruises’ newest ship—the ultra-luxury, all-suite Silver Moon—come in a variety of sizes and configurations measuring from approximately 1,000 to 1,400 square feet. All are graced with marble bathrooms, handmade Savoir mattresses, Illy espresso machines and Bose sound systems—just to name a few of the sparkling amenities. Butler service is included, as is dinner at the ship’s La Dame French specialty restaurant and dinner on another night at an officer’s table, one of the most coveted perks at sea! Sample fare: $25,600 per person (double) for a 16-day South America cruise departing January 3, 2022, from Fort Lauderdale to Lima.
Holland America Line
Known for its Old-World charm and ambiance, Holland America Line’s best accommodation on its latest vessel and newest flagship, the Rotterdam (the seventh ship in the company’s history to bear that name), is the lone Pinnacle Suite. Measuring 1,290 square feet, this deck 7 cabin offers floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking a private teak verandah and whirlpool. Interior space includes a living room, dining room, pantry with refrigerator and microwave, and bedroom appointed with a plush, king-size Euro-Top mattress. A sofa bed sleeps two more. Bath facilities include a separate dressing room, whirlpool tub and shower, plus an additional shower stall. Pinnacle Suite guests enjoy the exclusive use of the Neptune Lounge, a personal concierge service, private meals in the Club Orange alternative dining venue, and priority access for embarkation/debarkation, other dining, and tendering. Sample fare: $7,579 per person (double) for a 7-day Northern Europe cruise departing May 29, 2022, roundtrip from Amsterdam.
Royal Caribbean International – Royal Loft Suite
As it operates some of the biggest cruise ships in the world, Royal Caribbean offers a wide variety of cabin accommodations. At the top of the range is the Royal Loft Suite that offers up to 1,800-square-feet of bi-level living on the line’s Quantum- and Oasis-class ships. As the name would suggest, this two-story cabin features a main living and dining level with dramatic 17-foot windows and a baby grand piano, connected by a stairway to an overlooking bedroom area with a king-size bed. Each level has its own bathroom. The Royal Loft Suite experience includes priority boarding and departure—a real plus on a ship that carries thousands—and continues throughout the cruise with complimentary gratuities, specialty dining, beverage package, free internet, and more. Butler and concierge services are also included. Sample fare: $26,603 per person (double) for a 7-day Eastern Caribbean cruise departing November 12, 2022, roundtrip from Miami.
Royal Caribbean International – Ultimate Family Suite
Cruising with the kids? Or maybe you’re a kid at heart? Then the Ultimate Family Suite—which sleeps eight in a two-level apartment measuring 1,346 square feet—may be for you. Designed for fun as much as for luxury and appointed in bright hues of orange, yellow and blue, the Ultimate Family Suite offers a private cinema and fully stocked game room, multi-story in-suite slide, LEGO wall, air-hockey table, table tennis, and—well, you get the idea! Family togetherness is further enhanced with in-room dining and priority access to entertainment and activities throughout the ship. The one-of-a-kind Ultimate Family Suite is available only on the Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, and Wonder of the Seas. Sample fare: Agents should call for fares on the Ultimate Family Suite, which start at $19,000 per person.