These are the most luxurious cruise suites at sea

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.

Floating apartments with private wine cellars, plunge pools inviting you to sit back and enjoy the view, a two-storey suite inside the funnel… no expense has been spared in creating the most opulent and exclusive 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.

The Haven Premier Owner’s Suite – Norwegian Viva

The luxury of space cannot be denied; room to move and stretch is always preferable to a Harry Potter-esque hole in the wall. The Haven Owner’s Suite on the newly-debuted Norwegian Viva delivers on that spacious brief. Plus, it looks gorgeous too.

Created by Italian architect and designer Piero Lissoni, known for his work in premium hotels and superyachts, the 195 sqm suite spans two king bedrooms and bathrooms, linked by a separate living and dining area leading to a wrap-around balcony with hot tub.

Elegance in simplicity.

As if the suite wasn’t special enough, it’s located within The Haven: an exclusive area of the ship where guests can enjoy 24 hour butler service, relax by the cocktail bar, and float their ails away in the generous infinity pool.

The balcony is a perfect spot to soak up the Mediterranean views.

Viva is the second Prima Class ship from Norwegian Cruise Line – a sister to the Norwegian Prima (read our review here). Both ships feature a three-storey speedway and open-air food hall with 11 venues, while Viva also boasts a new sustainable cocktail bar.

Royal Loft Suite – Ovation of the Seas

Split across 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.

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.

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. 

Grand Wintergarden Suite – Seabourn Pursuit

Setting sail on the all-new 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 impressive 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 Explorer

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.

The 371sqm Regent Suite sleeps up to six guests in superior comfort.

Found onboard the Seven Seas Explorer, Grandeur 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, and two balconies with a mini spa pool.

Guests can enjoy added perks including specialty dining and a personal fitness session.

As an added treat, guests checked into this cabin can also access ‘The Study’, an exclusive 12-person dining room filled with rare artworks, hidden between two specialty restaurants.

Massive Suite – Scarlet Lady

There’s no hyperbole here. Virgin Voyages’ Massive Suite really lives up to its name, with almost 200 sqm of vintage style. And it’s making its way Down Under very soon. 

Unleash your inner rock star in your own personal music room.

The suite boasts its own music room with guitars you can actually play (if so inclined), plus a cosy circular lounge for late night chats and a bathroom filled with multi-coloured dichroic glass.

Dichroic glass adds a splash of personality and colour to the suite.

As a RockStar tier guest, the highest category on the ship, you also get access to a member’s only sundeck designed for lavish cocktail hours and dancing under the stars.

After that, you can retire to your own private terrace, equipped with a bubbling hot tub and hammocks.

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.

Reflection Suite - Celebrity Reflection

Accessible by a private corridor, the Reflection Suite is like a multi-faceted diamond, complete with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious living areas, and a unique cantilevered glass shower that juts out over the water. Don’t worry though, no one can see you!

The Reflection Suites' shower is its signature feature, but the rest of the suite is luxe too.

Cosy vintage-style armchairs, a 10-person dining setting, and a verandah with rain shower and tub round out the experience.

Room to stretch out and to entertain, if you so desire.

An added bonus, guests also enjoy VIP canapes, plus unlimited lunch and dinner in all specialty restaurants as guests within The Retreat.

Wish Tower Suite – Disney Wish

When you wish upon a star, there’s a good chance it will come true aboard the Disney Wish. And the accommodation option of choice? The Wish Tower Suite: a multi-level jewel inside the ship’s funnel and enjoying a rather unique view towards the horizon.

The enchanting Wish Suite is hidden within the funnel of the Disney Wish.

A private elevator whisks guests up to the suite, where a glittering chandelier and floor-to-ceiling windows set the scene and beckon you to explore deeper. 

The unique suite is hidden within the ship's funnel.

The two main bedrooms and children’s bunk room each have a soothing palette of blues, whites and coral, with unique artworks evoking the style of the film Moana. 

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.