Newest Trends in Cruise Ship Suites and Cabins

Latest Features and Amenities in Accommodations at Sea

Mar 21, 2009
Renee Ruggero

Royal Loft Suite - Royal Caribbean International

The latest in cruise ship suites offer excessive square footage and staterooms with access to spa facilities, exclusive lounges and private decks.

Some of the newest suites on cruise ships have square footage that exceeds most homes, staterooms with complimentary spa access, and amenities that are worthy of VIP status. Here is the latest in cruise ship suites.

Spa Staterooms Offer Unlimited Spa Access

Carnival Cruise Lines - The Carnival Splendor and the Carnival Dream (September 2009) have spa staterooms that are adjacent to the Cloud 9 Spa. These balcony cabins enjoy privileges such as complimentary fitness classes and unlimited access to the spa’s thermal suite and Thalassotherapy pool.

Celebrity Cruises - On the Solstice-class vessels, the Aqua Class stateroom is a contemporary class of veranda staterooms. Guests enjoy unlimited access to the Aqua Spa Persian Garden steam room and Blu – the exclusive specialty restaurant.

Costa Cruises - The Samsara Spa Suites are exclusive to the Costa Selena and the Costa Concordia. Guests have unlimited access to the Samsara Spa’s Thalassotherapy pool, sauna and thermal bath.

Biggest Suites with a Private Veranda and Hot Tub

Celebrity Cruises - The Royal Suites on the Millennium-class ships and the new Solstice-class ships have a veranda with hot tub. The Penthouse Suites are even larger with up to 2,530 square feet of living space including a 1,098 square feet veranda.

Holland America Line - The Penthouse Veranda Suites on the Eurodam and the Vista-class ships are one-bedroom suites that feature a veranda with a hot tub and outdoor banquette for al fresco dining.

Norwegian Cruise Line - The Garden Villa Suites are some of the largest suites at sea with around 5,750 square feet. These three bedroom / three bathroom suites feature a private terrace with a six-person hot tub.

Royal Caribbean International - The Presidential Family Suites are four-bedroom family suites that can accommodate up to 14 guests within its 2,025 square feet of space. The 810 square foot veranda includes a hot tub, wet bar, lounge chairs and an al fresco dining area. These suites are available on the Freedom-class vessels and the Oasis of the Seas (December 2009).

Suites with Exclusive Access to Lounges and Decks

Cunard Line - Cunard has always maintained its tradition of class separation. Guests staying in the Queens Grill Suites and the Princess Grill Suites have their own restaurants and lounges exclusive to these suites.

Holland America Line - Guests staying in the Deluxe Verandah Suites and other higher suite categories enjoy exclusive access to the Neptune Lounge. The Neptune Lounge offers a daily breakfast service, evening hors d’oeuvres and concierge services.

Norwegian Cruise Line - The guests of the Courtyard Villas and Garden Villas have exclusive access to a private outdoor deck area complete with a pool, hot tub, steam room, and a separate sun deck.

Royal Caribbean International - Guests booked in the Grand Suites or above can take advantage of the Concierge Club Lounge 24 hours a day, available on select ships. This lounge offers a continental breakfast every morning and hors d’oeuvres every evening.

Balcony Staterooms at Sea Level

Carnival Cruise Lines - Cove Balconies on the Main Deck are available on the Carnival Dream (September 2009). These staterooms have a balcony that is close to sea level and are one of the best cabin choices for passengers that are prone to seasickness.

The choices of staterooms and suites when cruising is unlimited, with the latest features and amenities providing an experience that is superior to a standard stateroom. From hot tubs on private balconies to exclusive access to lounges and decks, the new trends in suites are beyond just a bed and bathroom.