Suite’ dreams at sea getting larger and larger

Cruise lines continue to out-do each other in opulent accommodations.

An elegant duplex apartment the size of a house, exclusive courtyards and verandahs with private pools, hot tubs and fitness areas, and private space large enough to entertain 100 friends can be found in suite accommodations.

Toss in 24-hour butler and concierge service and marble-appointed baths for every bedroom, today’s cruise ships redefine luxury with over-the-top suite accommodations unimagined only a few years ago, says Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Hardly a porthole for a window (few can be found these days) or curtains as if to hide a window in an inside cabin, these grandest of suites on the high seas are often the first to sell out.

“On luxury yachts, globe-trotting ocean liners and every type of cruise ship in-between, guests in search of the ultimate in elegance, exclusivity or spacious privacy will be astonished by what they find,” CLIA says.

Some ships offer “owner’s suites” of more than 2,000 square feet.

Service for the suite class is highly personalized and the accommodation includes only the latest innovations and finest furnishings, linens, toiletries and amenities.

Canoe.ca travel offered a look at some of the over-the-top suite accommodations:

v     Crystal Cruises’ four penthouse suites on Crystal Serenity feature 1,300 square feet of space with a verandah, living room, dining area, luxurious bedroom, master bath with Jacuzzi, separate shower and ocean view, library, pantry, guest bathroom and private workout area with treadmill. There’s also complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, state-of-the-art sound system, flat screen TV and a personal butler.

v     Cunard’s newest liner, Queen Victoria, has four Grand Suites of up to 2,131 square feet. The Queen Mary 2’s five duplex Queens Grill suites are up to 2,249 square feet. Passengers seeking even more space can combine all five to create a 9,000-square-foot (836-square-metre) home at sea. Four forward suites overlooking the ship’s bow can also be connected for a suite about half that size.

v     Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cater to royalty with two Royal Suites on each ship featuring two bedrooms, whirlpool tub, living room, dining room, media library and Disney-designed furnishings.

v     Holland America Line has at least one penthouse suite on each of its ships and provides guests with exclusive access to the Neptune Lounge staffed by a 24-hour concierge. This is a private place to relax, socialize or work with refreshments and some food provided.

v     Princess Cruises heats things up at sea with a fireplace in the Grand Suite on the Grand Princess along with a hot tub and whirlpool tubs in the bathroom.

Report by David Wilkening