LUXURY ON THE HIGH SEAS

Luxury accommodations at sea run the gamut from “mini-suites” to “oh my goodness” palaces fit for a king. Suites come in all shapes, sizes and prices. While never considered cheap, suites can represent exceptional value in terms of comparable shore side accommodations.

Most cruise ships offer suites of varying quantity and styles. A fairly recent innovation from luxury cruise operators such as Regent Seven Seas are “All Suite” ships meaning 100% of the staterooms qualify as suites. Many of the contemporary “mass market” cruise lines are incorporating unique suites into their new builds. For example Norwegian Cruise Line created a new class of accommodations called Garden Villa Suites that feature 3 bedrooms and up to 5,000 feet or living space that includes a private garden area. NCL also features its Courtyard Villa suites on their newer ships that include exclusive access private pool and sun deck areas and a suite-guest only concierge lounge. These accommodations are extremely popular with families and multi generational groups.

Just like luxury automobiles can run the gamut from sporty 2 seaters to plush sedans the same is true for suites. On the lower end a mini-suite might offer a separate sitting area that is incorporated into the sleeping area of the stateroom. Virtually all suites have balconies commensurate with their size and price. Full and grand class suites usually have a separate living and dining area and up to 3 bedrooms. Some have guest bathrooms off the living room. All of them come equipped with lots of gadgets ranging from plasma TV’s to a private hot tub on the balcony.

Top of the line luxury suites usually include the crème de la crème of personal attention – butler service. Usually an experience reserved for the rich and famous, now it only takes booking a suite to experience this ultimate indulgence. From having the butler pack and unpack for you to serving dinner en suite course by course there is literally no limit to the services your butler can provide. About the only thing you can’t do is pack him in your suitcase and bring him home – although you may be sorely tempted to do so once you have experienced butler service on a ship!

No butler? Don’t fret, because most cruise ships also offer Concierge service for their deluxe stateroom passengers. While not quite as personal as a butler, your concierge will perform many of the same services for you as part of their duties. If you have access to a concierge make sure you introduce yourself to him or her early in the cruise and find out what services they can provide. Because cruise ship concierges tend to serve more total passengers than butlers, they may be more reactive than proactive to requests and are usually accessible via voice mail or in person during their hours of service.

Even though the very name of the industry – cruise lines - might imply waiting in lines, there is no such thing for suite passengers. From special check in areas on the pier and first choice for alternate dining reservations to priority tender boarding tickets, your special privileges are abundant.


Your cruise specialist can provide you with complete information on touches of luxury on the high seas. And if you don’t deserve it, who does?