Updated: August 2023
While cruise ship suites often come as standard onboard luxury cruise ships, mainstream cruise lines also offer this enhanced accommodation option for those wanting to make their voyage even more exclusive. From luxurious in-suite amenities to other perks including exclusive restaurants, priority boarding and even butler service, keep reading to find out why you should book a suite for your next cruise.
Why book a cruise ship suite
When it comes to reasons why you should book a suite on your cruise, there's plenty to talk about. While regular cruise ship staterooms are still a great place to relax, refresh and enjoy a great night's sleep after a busy day with many perks of the high life as standard, spending your time in a suite is a sure way to elevate your luxury cruise experience. Depending on which cruise line you're travelling with, you'll find a choice of different suites to fit your needs, including family suites for those with kids, mini suites- all the luxuries of a suite but in a smaller package- and owner's suites for the most palatial accommodation onboard.
What to expect in your cruise line's suite
While the exact layout and details of your suite will depend on the cruise line you're sailing with, here are some of the most common luxuries you can expect to find:
- Separate spaces for living and sleeping with a luxurious bed and sofas
- Private balcony or terrace
- High-end branded toiletries
- Pillow menu
- In suite treats such as flowers, fresh fruit or a fully-stocked minibar
- Butler and Concierge services
In the most luxurious suites, you may even find unforgettable extras such as split level living, exercise equipment or a hot tub on your balcony.
Cruise Line Suite Perks
However, the perks of a cruise ship suite don't stop there, as throughout your cruise you can enjoy being treated like a VIP courtesy of exclusive benefits. Just as with the layout of the suite, these will vary depending on your cruise line, but common perks include:
- Priority embarkation and disembarkation
- Cruise ship concierge who will help with restaurant, entertainment and shore
- excursion reservations
- Concierge lounges, often with complimentary drinks
- Access to exclusive restaurants, venues and events
On some cruise lines, you'll even find that you'll have your own personal butler, on hand to help with packing and unpacking, laundry services, bring you canapes and even arrange exclusive cocktail parties in your suite.
Best cruise ship suites
While you'll find suites on most cruise lines, we've put together a list of some of the best ones out there:
Royal Caribbean suites
Boasting three different suite classes- Sea, Sky and Star- Royal Caribbean offer some of the most impressive accommodation at sea, with perks including priority boarding, concierge service, speciality dining and, of course, a stunning room in which to spend your downtime. Find out more by visiting our Royal Caribbean page or our recent blog - Top Royal Caribbean Suites.
P&O Cruises Britannia suites
P&O's Britannia suites are some of the fleet's most luxurious. Complete with spacious sleeping and living areas, as well as butler service, champagne on arrival and a private balcony, there's no better way to enjoy your cruise. Find out more by visiting our P&O Cruises page or dedicated P&O Britannia page.
Celebrity suites
One of the most desirable suites at sea, Celebrity Cruises' Sky suite offers breathtakingly contemporary living and sleeping areas, as well as a private balcony for front row seats to some of the best views during your cruise. Find out more by visiting our Celebrity Cruises page or our recent blog - Top Celebrity Cruises Suites.
Cunard suites
In Cunard's famous Grill suites, available onboard all ships, not only will guests be able to enjoy their plush accommodation, but they will also have access to exclusive areas including restaurants, lounges and terraces. Find out more by visiting our Cunard page or our recent blog - Top Cunard Suites.
Marella suites
Already popular for their all-inclusive cruise experience, Marella's Executive suite will elevate your holiday to the next level. Alongside the exceptional accommodation and spacious balcony, guests can enjoy other perks including express check-in and a free pressing service. Find out more by visiting our Marella Cruises page.
Norwegian Cruise Line Suites
NCL suites are found in The Haven, an exclusive retreat which adds a touch of luxury to American-style cruising onboard select Norwegian ships, including the brand-new Norwegian Prima and Norwegian Jade. When you're not exploring fantastic destinations, you'll be able to truly relax in your spacious suite. Plus, with extra amenities including butler service and private venues at your fingertips, you'll be treated like a VIP from the moment you step onboard.
Despite their higher price, there's a limited number of suites onboard each cruise line, meaning you'll have to book quickly to avoid being disappointed. If you want to find out where else you can stay during your cruise, we've also put together a list of different cruise ship rooms that you'll find on most ships.
All-suite Cruise Lines
As well as cruise lines which host a variety of rooms, with suites being the most luxurious, there are also several cruise lines who offer all-suite accommodation, meaning that separate sleeping and living areas and breathtaking ocean vistas come as standard.
- Regent Seven Seas- with a range of different sized suites, all with stunning marble appointments in the bathrooms, exceptional views and most with private balconies, Regent Seven Seas won't disappoint when it comes to relaxing in your own luxury accommodation, especially on latest ship Seven Seas Grandeur
- Seabourn- all-suite living with Seabourn Cruises means ocean views, spacious sitting and sleeping areas and luxurious touches including a marble bath and in-suite bar.
- Silversea- with a suite to suit all budgets, Silversea guests will find themselves being pampered from beginning to end thanks to an attentive butler, personalised stationery, pillow menu and more, especially onboard Silver Origin.
- Scenic- onboard Scenic's six-star yachts, guests can enjoy their own private verandah and extra features including round the clock in-suite dining and a personal butler.
- Explora Journeys- boasting all oceanfront, suite accommodation, there's no where more relaxing to wind down after a busy day on Explora I.
