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Allure-of-the-Seas-Royal-Loft-Suite - The Royal Loft Suite aboard Allure of the Seas offers guests a luxurious two-story stateroom with two-level panoramic views.

Cruiseable team

On a cruise ship, cruiseclout score: 95.0, 20 ultimate staterooms on a cruise ship.

Remember the days when cruise ship suites and staterooms were just cabins ? Modern cruise ships boast elegant, luxurious and sometimes over-the-top opulent suites that rival the rooms at a 5-star resort. 

As we continue with our luxury series on Cruiseable, we thought it would be fun to give readers a visual tour of the top-end suite experiences you’ll find on the major cruise lines.

Many of these rooms come with butler and concierge service, floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to a private veranda, private whirlpools, marble bathrooms and much more. These staterooms are ideal for an upscale multi-generational cruise vacation .

Click through the photo gallery at the top and, as always, click the bookmark icon to save to your personal My Planner. Here’s some information about our picks of 20 of the most eye-popping, luxurious staterooms on a cruise ship.

Royal Caribbean: Royal Loft Suite

Ships : Oasis of the Seas , Allure of the Seas 1,599 square feet | Two levels Highlights : Dedicated concierge service. Two bedrooms. Baby grand piano. Indoor and outdoor dining in rooms seating eight. 874-square-foot balcony with its own LCD TV, entertainment area and Jacuzzi. Library. Wet bar.

Norwegian Cruise Line: The Haven Deluxe Owner's Suite

Ships : Norwegian Escape , Norwegian Getaway , Norwegian Breakaway , Norwegian Epic , Norwegian Gem , Norwegian Jade , Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Pearl 1,307 square feet Highlights: Key-card access. Butler & concierge service. Private balcony. Specialty dining delivered to your suite from any restaurant. 24-hour room service. Sun deck with private pool, two whirlpools, sauna, fitness center, private spa entrance. Priority seating for theater shows. Square footage and features vary by ship. Some suites on Norwegian ships come in at more than 5,700 square feet.

Celebrity Cruises: Reflection Suite

Ship : Celebrity Reflection 1,636 square feet | Sleeps up to 6 guests Highlights : Located in a private area at the front of the ship, the suite is accessed with a special SeaPass. Butler service. An all-glass shower extending over the side of the ship (with a switch to block outside viewing). Guests receive exclusive access to private venues such as Michael’s Club and the restaurant Luminae.

Seabourn: Wintergarden Suite

Ships : Seabourn Odyssey , Seabourn Sojourn , Seabourn Quest , Seabourn Encore (debuting in December 2016), Seabourn Ovation (debuting in spring 2018) 1,052 square feet Highlights : Butler service. Two large bedrooms. Glass-enclosed solarium with whirlpool and lounging bed. Wet bar and a dining area for six. Complimentary w-fi. Flat screen televisions. Pantry with wet bar. Complimentary private car transfers between airport and ship. 

Crystal Cruises: Penthouse Suite

Ship : Crystal Serenity 1,345 square feet Highlights : Butler service, including course-by-course dinner service. Separate dining area with ocean view. Expansive teak veranda. High-end Duravit spa flotation tub. Italian marble master bathroom with a heated floor. Guest bathroom.

Oceania Cruises: Owner’s Suite

Ships : Marina , Riviera 2,000 square feet Highlights : 24-hour butler service. Dramatic foyer with grand piano. Spacious living with high-end Ralph Lauren Home furnishings. Separate dining room. Indoor and outdoor whirlpools on 626-square-foot private balcony. Exclusive access to Canyon Ranch SpaClub’s private Spa Terrace, priority reservations at restaurants, including world-renowned Jacques.

Regent Seven Seas: Master Suite

Ship : Seven Seas Mariner 2,002 total square feet Highlights : Personal butler, expansive living room, 2 private balconies, 2 spacious bedrooms with European king-size bed, 2 1/2 marble bathrooms, free wi-fi, free air fare. 

MSC Cruises: Yacht Club Royal Suite

Ships : MSC Divina ; other Yacht Club Suites on MSC Fantasia, MSC Splendida, MSC Preziosa 562 square feet Highlights: Prime location at top of ship. 24-hour butler service. Expansive floor-to-ceiling windows. Fine-wood touches and marbled bathrooms. Egyptian cotton sheets on European king-size bed and pillow menu. Spacious private veranda. Exclusive access to Top Sail Lounge and the pool deck, with private pool, whirlpools and bar.

Disney Cruise Line: Concierge Royal Suite with Veranda

Ships: Disney Dream , Disney Fantasy 1,781 square feet | Sleeps up to 5 Highlights: Family friendly. Personal veranda. Private master bedroom. Two bathrooms, with luxurious rain shower. Two whirlpools (one on the balcony). Concierge service. Floor-to-ceiling windows in the living area. Exclusive access to a dedicated Concierge Lounge and sun deck. Frette 100% Egyptian cotton linens & plush towels.

Silversea Cruises: Grand Suite

Ship : Silver Spirit 1,879 square feet | Two bedrooms Highlights : Butler service. A 702-square-foot wraparound veranda with floor-to-ceiling glass doors. Italian marble bathrooms with separate shower & whirlpool. Pratesi bed linens. Television with DVD and satellite reception.

Cunard Line: Queens Grill Suite

Ship : Queen Mary 2 506 to 2,249 square feet Highlights: Butler service, art deco decor, crisp, contemporary interiors, stylish appointments, private balcony. Choice of 9 pillow types. Access to the well-regarded Queens Grill restaurant. Queen Mary 2 is undergoing a refurbishment this month. 

Note : The Grand Duplex Suite on Queen Mary 2 is even more sumptuous: A two-level duplex of 2,249 square feet, it offers butler service, two marble bathrooms , a l arge balcony overlooking the pool deck, glass-enclosed solarium boasting a tub and a day bed, art deco décor, Biedermeier furniture, a frosted-glass staircase  and d ining for six.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent Suite

Ship: Seven Seas Explorer 3,875 square feet Highlights: When Explorer launches in July 2016, its Regent Suite will overlook the bow. Two grand bedrooms with floor-to-ceiling windows. Huge living room. 2 1/2 bathrooms. Lavish appointments featuring the finest marble, handcrafted furnishings and rich exotic woods. Custom-made Steinway Arabesque piano designed by Dakota Jackson. Private spa retreat with personal sauna, steam room and treatment area in the suite.

Holland America: Pinnacle Suite with Veranda 

Ship : Koningsdam 1,357 total square feet Highlights : Living room characterized by light, space and elegance. Bedroom with 1 king-size bed, oversize whirlpool bath & shower & additional shower stall, dining room, dressing room, private veranda with whirlpool, pantry, sofa, private stereo system, floor-to-ceiling windows.

Viking Ocean Cruises: Owner’s Suite

Ships : Viking Star , Viking Sea 1,448 square feet Highlights : Large veranda. Luxurious appointments. King-size bed with luxury linens & cashmere blanket. 24-hour room service. Large LCD TV. Complimentary mini-bar, replenished daily. Complimentary wi-fi. Access to high-end spas and fine cuisine.

Azamara Club Cruises: Club World Owner’s Suite

Ships : Azamara Quest , Azamara Journey 560 square feet | 2 bedrooms Highlights : Butler service. Huge private balconies. spacious living/dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows. Marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs. Complimentary dining at Aqualina and Prime C restaurants. It's all part of the new-look Azamara for 2016.

SeaDream: Owner's Suite

Ships : SeaDream I , SeaDream II 447 square feet Highlights : Comfortable rather than opulent, the Owner's Suite features a roomy living area with sofa, two armchairs. Master bath with a deep soaking tub. Two flat-screen TVs, iPod docking station, a Nespresso machine, fresh flowers.

Princess Cruises: Owner’s Suite

Ships : Royal Princess , Regal Princess 705 square feet Highlights : Separate living room. Luxurious appointments. Extra-wide balcony with high-end furnishings; the balcony wraps around two sides of the ship. Master bath boasts dual sinks and marble floors and countertops. Access to the dedicated Concierge Lounge. Note: Suites are available on other Princess ships, as depicted above.

Scenic: Royal Panorama Suite

Ship : Scenic Spirit 861 square feet Highlights : Scenic Spirit, which recently launched on the Mekong River, boasts the largest suite of any river cruise ship in the world. Butler service. Spacious main living room. Nearly a 1:1 passenger-crew ratio . 

Uniworld: Owner's Suite

Ship : River Beatrice 300 square feet Highlights : River Beatrice has the largest number of suites among Europe's riverboats. The Owner's Suite comes with a butler, tastefully decorated living area with armchairs, large French balcony windows, bathroom with soaking tub and shower, entertainment system, English Savoir bed, built-in closet, flat-screen TV and breakfast room service.

Royal Caribbean: Royal Suite

Ship : Adventure of the Seas 1,304 total square feet Highlights : Royal Suites on Adventure of the Seas have a separate bedroom with king-size bed, private balcony with hot tub, whirlpool bathtub, living room with queen-size sofa bed, baby grand piano, concierge service. Royal Caribbean is rolling out Royal Suites on many of its ships, with many of the same luxury amenities. 

Interested in an upscale cruise?

Interested in staying in any of these dreamy suites? Contact a travel advocate in Cruiseable’s Business Department via email or by phone: 1-877-322-3773.

Cruiseable team The Cruiseable editorial team consists of award-winning travel writers, cruise bloggers and journalists.

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cruise ships luxury cabins

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The best cruise ship balcony cabins for your vacation at sea

Fran Golden

Balcony cabins are popular accommodations on cruise ships, affording the luxury of an outdoor space where you can take in the sea breezes, read a book, have breakfast or a drink and stare at the waves without distraction.

These spaces vary widely in size, so it pays to study your ship's deck plan before booking. Affordable balcony cabins might come with a veranda so small your knees rub against the railing as you sit in one of two deck chairs flanking a small cocktail table. The most expensive suites, on the other hand, can have balconies as large as half a tennis court, equipped with cushy loungers, a big table for outdoor dining and even a private hot tub or plunge pool.

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

With all balcony cabins, you can just throw on your bathrobe to catch views of wildlife or of your ship pulling into port. Keep in mind when you step outside that your balcony might not be entirely private — your neighbors might be able to see you (as will the ship's security team via hidden cameras).

Here are our picks for the best balcony cabins at sea.

Cove balcony cabins on Carnival Cruise Line

cruise ships luxury cabins

On select Carnival Cruise Line ships, such as Carnival Vista and Carnival Magic, you'll find special Deck 2 Cove balcony cabins that are built into the steel hull of the ship, close to the waterline and near the ship's lifeboats.

These accommodations afford a unique view of the sea since you aren't on a typical balcony that hangs off the ship, but in a cutout in the ship's superstructure. You'll have more privacy than with typical balcony cabins, since no one can see you from above or the side — but that's not the main draw.

The thrill here is sitting in a deck chair and watching the waves and spray splashing up from only 20 to 25 feet below. Call it a free show. Just be aware that you can't use your balcony in rough seas when a watertight door seals off the space from the roiling water. Also, given the close-up view of rolling waves, these cabins are not appropriate for those who suffer from seasickness.

Cove cabins are limited in number and popular, so you'll need to snag one well in advance of your sailing.

Related: 6 reasons you'll want to book a balcony cabin on your next cruise

Infinite Veranda cabins on Celebrity Cruises

cruise ships luxury cabins

On its Edge-class ships, Celebrity Cruises sought to redefine the concept of a "balcony." Instead of creating private outdoor spaces that hang off the ship, the cruise line cleverly designed a way to bring the outside space in.

At the push of a button, the top half of a floor-to-ceiling wall of glass in your cabin slides down like a car window to let in the fresh ocean air. If you want, you can close off the section of your room closest to the window by sliding shut a pair of folding doors. Once that is done, you have a cozy spot with two chairs and a cocktail table where you can admire the sea or enjoy your morning coffee — even if your cabinmate is still sleeping.

If the weather turns rainy or chilly, roll that window back up, and you can still enjoy the sitting area as an indoor portion of your cabin.

With no space wasted for a traditional balcony, the other benefit of this setup is expanded indoor space. These cabins are 23 percent larger than on the line's Solstice-class ships, including bigger bathrooms.

Sister cruise line Royal Caribbean has introduced these cabins on its newest cruise ship, Icon of the Seas , and other ocean lines such as Atlas Ocean Voyages have begun to copy the idea , too. The concept first began popping up about a decade ago on river cruise ships, where it was pioneered by Avalon Waterways.

Super Studio balcony cabins on Royal Caribbean

cruise ships luxury cabins

Single cruisers have a tough choice. They can choose an inside or windowed cabin designed and priced for solo guests — but to enjoy balcony accommodations, they typically must pay a supplement (as much as 100% of the cruise fare) to reserve a veranda cabin designed for two people to share.

Related: These 8 cabins are great for travelers cruising alone

Royal Caribbean sought to level the playing field on its Quantum Class ships by creating Super Studio balcony cabins. On Quantum, Anthem, Ovation, Spectrum and Odyssey of the Seas, these solo cabins are designed and priced for one, with up to 199 square feet of interior space and a 55-foot balcony that's large enough for two chairs and a small table.

There are only a dozen of these cabins per ship, so you'll want to book as early as possible to snag one.

Rear-facing cabins on any cruise line

cruise ships luxury cabins

On any ship, rear-facing balcony cabins are coveted spaces. They deliver mesmerizing views as your ship pulls out of ports of call, and their balconies tend to be larger than those on the sides of the ship. Many people book them for a feeling of privacy and to enjoy peaceful moments gazing out at the ship's wake. Corner cabins are a particular bonus, delivering long, wraparound outdoor spaces.

On the newest ships of lines such as MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line , you'll find suites occupying the corners, but other ships have more affordable balcony cabins in this location. Be aware when booking rear-facing balconies that your space might not have much shade and that you will feel more movement than you would in a cabin in the middle of the ship. These beloved cabins are not necessarily the best for those who get seasick.

Related: What not to do on a cruise balcony

AquaTheater Suites on Royal Caribbean

cruise ships luxury cabins

On Royal Caribbean's enormous Oasis Class ships , these one- and two-bedroom suites overlook the back of the ship with the bonus of views of the AquaTheater. You can sit in your lounge chair and privately watch thrilling high-diving shows, complete with dancers, acrobats, dancing fountains and performers jumping off 30-foot platforms into the deepest pools at sea. There are no tickets needed and no jockeying for seats with your shipmates.

The largest suites sleep up to eight and wrap around the side of the ship with 772 square feet of outdoor space. You can hold a party at your outdoor bar or sit down to an alfresco, room-service dinner.

Sky Suites on Princess Cruises

cruise ships luxury cabins

Princess Cruises ' latest ships — Sky Princess, Enchanted Princess and Discovery Princess — break the record for largest cruise ship balconies of any cabin on any cruise ship, according to the line.

The fancy Sky Suites, centrally located on a top deck, have huge, wraparound terraces that overlook the sea and the ship's sports deck. The 1,012-square-foot balcony features lounging areas, a dry bar, an alfresco dining setup and even a TV alcove.

The suites come with many perks, the coolest of which is a private viewing of what's playing on your ship's giant Movies Under the Stars screen. You even get to request a movie showing of your choice.

Sea Terraces on Virgin Voyages

cruise ships luxury cabins

Virgin Voyages likes to do things more playfully than other lines, and its balcony cabins are in keeping with that philosophy. Book a Sea Terrace on the line's Scarlet Lady , Resilient Lady or Valiant Lady and you'll get a balcony equipped with chairs and a small table plus a hammock swing attached to the ceiling. Embrace your inner kid and swing to your heart's content while you enjoy fresh air and sea views.

Other unique quirks of Virgin Voyages' Sea Terrace cabins are mood lighting and full-size beds that turn into sofas by day.

Related: First impressions of Scarlet Lady, the first-ever Virgin Voyages vessel

Excel Presidential Suites on Carnival Cruise Line

cruise ships luxury cabins

On Carnival's Mardi Gras , Carnival Celebration and Carnival Jubilee , these big suites for big spenders afford the same forward-facing views as the captain, with plenty of room to entertain your nearest and dearest both indoors and outside.

The largest balconies in the Carnival fleet at 645 square feet, these come with double sunbeds and loungers, a dining table for meals outdoors and a private soaking pool plus an outdoor shower.

Book one of these suites and you also have unlimited access to Loft 19, a lounging area equipped with cushy loungers and cabanas that is reserved for suite guests.

Slightly more affordable are the ships' 12 Carnival Excel Corner Suites, with the "wow" of private, open-air hot tubs on wraparound balconies.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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Luxurious Cabin

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What is the most luxurious cabin on a cruise ship?

Learn about the most luxurious cabins adorned on the world's finest cruise ships!

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The attraction of grandeur and splendor is inevitable regarding cruise vacations. Cruise lines provide exquisite stateroom options that redefine the concept of luxurious travel for the ones wanting ultimate enjoyment. As cruise lines compete to deliver unique experiences for their passengers, the most extraordinary accommodations on board are built to cater to the most discerning tastes. These cabins are often located in the upper echelons of the ship, offering breathtaking views and an unparalleled level of service.

The World's Most Luxurious Cabins on Cruise Ships

1. the royal suites.

The Royal Suites are among the most desirable rooms at sea. These lavish havens may usually be found on premium and luxury cruise lines . These spectacular suites feature beautiful living areas, private balconies, and unique amenities such as personal butler service, access to special lounges, and priority boarding and deboarding. Royal Suite guests can enjoy gourmet cuisine, a complimentary bar, and even a butler who can arrange shore excursions.

2. The Owner's Suites

The Owner's Suites provide a surprising level of indulgence for those seeking a completely immersed luxury experience. These suites are synonymous with luxury on cruise lines such as Regent Seven Seas . Owner's Suites are located in ideal locations on the ship and feature enormous living spaces, numerous bedrooms, and elegant bathrooms with whirlpool tubs and marble furnishings. These suites also include in-suite spa treatments, private dining with a personal chef, and access to a private sun deck.

3. The Penthouse Suites

Penthouse Suites aboard cruise ships are the pinnacle of luxury and comfort. Silversea Cruises , for example, has extraordinary Penthouse Suites that rival some of the world's finest hotels. These suites are elegant living spaces with separate living and dining spaces, exquisite furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows framing breathtaking ocean views. Guests staying in a Penthouse Suite receive a complimentary personalized minibar, butler service, and privileged access to specialty restaurants.

4. The Royal Loft Suites

Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class ships redefine luxury with their Royal Loft Suites. Floor-to-ceiling windows, a private balcony with a whirlpool, and a spacious living room distinguish these unique two-deck accommodations. The upper level includes a master bedroom with a luxurious bathroom with a double vanity, a full-size bathtub, and a spacious walk-in closet. Guests at the Royal Loft Suites are treated like VIPs, with access to coastal kitchens, a private sun deck, and butler service.

5. The Regent Suite

The Regent Suite on Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an outstanding choice for travelers who value luxury. The Regent Suite, located at the pinnacle of luxury, is a haven of splendor and exclusivity. This magnificent refuge is almost 4,000 square feet and has two bedrooms, a large living room, and a dining room with panoramic views. The suite features a personal butler, a private spa, and a dedicated car and driver in each port of call .

Also Read:  Luxury Cruising: An Experience Like No Other

The most luxurious amenities

Beyond the lavish accommodations themselves, the most luxurious cabins on cruise ships come with many amenities designed to pamper and delight passengers. These may include:

  • Exclusive dining : Guests in these cabins often enjoy access to specialty restaurants that serve gourmet cuisine prepared by world-known chefs.
  • Personalized service: Personal butlers and concierge services are provided, ensuring every guest's desires are met promptly and seamlessly.
  • In-suite spa treatments: Some cabins feature private spa facilities, allowing guests to indulge in massages, facials, and wellness treatments without leaving the comfort of their suite.
  • Private sun decks: These tranquil outdoor spaces provide the perfect setting for sunbathing and relaxation with unparalleled ocean views.
  • Priority embarkation and disembarkation: Guests in luxury cabins are often granted priority boarding and disembarkation, minimizing wait times and ensuring a smooth cruise experience.

Final Words

The most luxurious staterooms on cruise ships redefine what it means to travel in style. These accommodations, which range from Royal Suites to Owner's Suites, Penthouse Suites to Regent Suites, provide an incomparable level of comfort. Travelers seeking the peak of luxury on the high seas can enjoy stunning views, lavish living areas, and personalized service that meets their expectations. 

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Cruise cabins and suites

Cruise ship rooms, floor plans, photos.

CruiseMapper's cabin and suites section allows you to explore cruise staterooms by ship. Each page provides extensive information on all passengers accommodations on a particular vessel, including floor plans, room types and categories (grades used upon booking), cabin sizes, deck location. Also provided is an extensive review of all ticket price inclusive en-suite amenities, along with furniture details and additional / bonus perks (if available).  

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Here you will find brief descriptions by category of all stateroom types that can be found on cruise ship deck plans . You will find more information and many useful tips on staterooms at our best and worst cabins article. Here you can search for a particular ship (via the above search bar) or you can skip the introduction (explanations) and go down directly to our list of large passenger ships' cabin pages .

Cruise staterooms booking rates are usually based on deck location. Lower-deck accommodations are the cheapest. Midship rooms cost more. Balcony staterooms and Suites located aft or forward are the most expensive. Most cruise companies (especially those with large-sized vessels in the fleets) divide the main cabin types into subcategories. These grades are marked with numbers (like for balcony cabins - B1, B2, B3, B4) and are displayed on the deck layouts with different colors.

Cruise ship suites

Cruise suite accommodations are premium grades cabins. They are usually larger in comparison to balcony staterooms and feature more amenities. As a rule, suites have a full-size bathtub, larger shower, bigger closets and balcony (some have 2 private balconies). Amenities include coffee makers, premium sound systems, large-size TVs, complimentary butler service.

Loft Suites (aka Duplex Suites)

Loft Suites are "duplex suites" (on two levels) and available on the world's largest passenger ships of Royal Caribbean's Oasis-class and Quantum-class. The following layout is of Harmony of the Seas and its largest accommodation - the Royal Loft Suite.

Grand Suite

Twin beds in this type of cabin can be joined in a king bed. Grand Suites have also a double sofa bed and large private balcony, sitting area with 2-armchairs and a coffee table, desk, dressing area with vanity, walk-in closet, safe box, TV, phone, refrigerator, mini-bar, private bath with whirlpool tub and shower, patio chair and table, balcony lounge chair, pillow menu, bathrobes, hairdryer. See below the magnificent Oceania Marina ship's Owner Suite plan.

Captain Suite

Captains Suite accommodations have a huge 220 ft2 (20,5 m2) separate bedroom, while the living area is sized 290 ft2 (27 m2). There are 2 upper beds and a sofa bed, private bathroom with whirlpool hot tub and glass shower, safe, TV and phone, mini-bar, bathrobes, hairdryer.

A table and 3 patio chairs are on the balcony.

Owners Suite

Owner's Suites are some of the most luxurious accommodations at sea. They usually feature two separate bedrooms, private balcony (with luxury lounge furniture, even dining area and hot tub), living room (with sofa bed), luxury bathroom (with whirlpool bathtub and separate shower), second bathroom (WC), dining room, dressing area. Some Owner's Suites (like NCL's) can accommodate up to 10 passengers when connected to an adjacent Suite.

Ocean Suite

OS stands for "Ocean Suite" and category SS is "Spa Suite", recently changed to Junior Suite. These cabins have: twin beds that convert to king, sitting area with armchair and coffee table, sofa, dressing area with vanity, large balcony, wall safe, 2 big closets, mini-bar, refrigerator, private whirlpool bath with tub and shower, television and phone, balcony lounge chair, patio chair and table, pillow menu, bathrobes, hairdryer.

2-Bedroom Mozart Suite (largest stateroom on a riverboat)

World's largest accommodation found on a riverboat is Riverside Mozart 's French Balcony Suite. The vessel has two such accommodations, each sized 885 ft2 / 82 m2. Must be noted, that the stateroom is combined with an adjacent French Balcony cabin.

Penthouse Suite

Penthouse Suites have a twin beds configuration (beds can convert to queen). The other features are a large balcony, dressing area with vanity, sitting area with armchair and coffee table, wall safe, mini bar, private bath with whirlpool tub and shower, television and phone, refrigerator, bathrobes and hairdryer. Some cabins are without whirlpool tub, sofa or coffee table.

Balcony staterooms

Most balcony cruise ship cabins feature floor-ceiling sliding glass doors leading to a private step-out veranda. The balcony also is furnished with a table and pair of chairs/loungers. Standard balconies are separated by dividers. As sizes, balcony cabins on cruise ships vary, with those on Princess and NCl ships being among the smallest compared to other big-ship lines. In our cruise deck plans, we also list room sizes and the size of the balcony. Balcony – Apart from the balcony they can offer You twin beds that can be converted to King-size bed. Balconies also provide sitting area with chair and coffee table and private bath with shower, as well as closet/wardrobe, electronic safe box, mini bar, television and phone, sofa, bathrobes, hairdryer. Most verandas are between 30-60 ft2 ( approx 3-6 m2). Below are shown the layouts of the Anthem ship's Deluxe and Accessible balcony cabins.

Premium Balcony

Premium Balcony cabins also have twin beds that convert to King-size, their wraparound balcony enfolds the stateroom. Balcony's windows are often floor-ceiling and wall-to-wall.

Cove Balcony Staterooms

Cove balconies, unlike Balconies, have two patio chairs and a table. The rest of the stuff is identical. First of all-balcony, and again twin beds that convert to king, sofa, private bath with shower, safe, closet, mini bar, television and phone, sitting area with chair and coffee table, bathrobes and hairdryer.

Cove Balcony rooms are CCL-Carnival's specialty, available on some of the "Fun Ships", and are interesting because they are located on lower decks (thus closer to waterline).

Oceanview staterooms

Oceanview cabins: as sizes are similar to Interior staterooms on cruise ships, but each of them has a Porthole or normal window (both types do not open). Their window sizes also vary by line and ship. On some ocean ships and some luxury river ships, such staterooms feature floor-ceiling windows. Oceanview rooms' window sizes are usually 4x3 ft (1,2x0,9 m). As furniture, Oceanview cruise cabins have twin beds that convert to King-size, sofa, TV and phone, sitting area, safe, mini bar, private bath with shower, and also a washroom with sink and a junior tub, bathrobes and a hairdryer and of course a picture window. You should take a look at the cruise ship deck plans again as Cabins of 5A category have two porthole windows. Unlike deluxe, there is no washroom with sink and junior tub. Below are the layouts of Ovation of the Seas Oceanview cabins (categories standard, large, and superior).

Deluxe Oceanview

These cabins have no balconies but still can offer a marvelous view through their picture window as well as twin beds that convert to King-size. However, beds in Category 6N can't be joined (to King) and sleeps max 5 people.

Other amenities include sofabed, TV, phone, seating, safe, mini-bar, a bathroom with shower, a washroom (with junior tub), bathrobes, hairdryer.

Scenic Oceanview

The interior is the same - twin beds convertible to King-size, picture window, sofa, TV, phone, seating, safe, mini-bar, bath with shower, washroom with sink and junior tub, bathrobes, hairdryer.

The difference is that Scenic Oceanviews are larger.

Inside staterooms

Inside cruise ship cabins' best feature is their price - you book them with the line's cheapest rates available. These cruise accommodations don't offer window views. Still, on some of the newest cruise ships of Royal Caribbean and Disney, there are categories Interior staterooms with a "virtual window", which is a large LED screen displaying outside cam views. The screen doesn't have TV functions.

On some Carnival ships, there are Inside cabins with a "French Balcony" (with opening glass doors). Also, some "interior staterooms" are actually Oceanview (with a non-opening window), but since their views are obstructed, they are booked as Interior. On Royal Caribbean ships, some Inside cabins have a window looking out to the ship's interior promenade (street)

Inside cruise cabins are fitted with twin beds (convertible to King or Queen), private bathroom (shower), sitting area. Next are shown the layouts of Interior rooms on Harmony OTS .

Small Interior Stateroom (as the name implies) is the least spacious standard cabin category on cruise ships. These cabins have two beds – (upper and lower), private bath (WC/shower), a small sitting area.

Single cabins (Studios)

Single occupancy staterooms could be either Inside or Balcony. Some river cruise lines even offer single suites (booking with single occupancy rates). The most famous liner having plenty of single cabins (designed specifically for solo travelers) is Norwegian Epic .

This huge vessel has a total of 128 "Studios".

Next are shown layouts of Quantum OTS single-occupancy cabins (balcony and interior).

Connecting cabins (for large families)

The next layout shows RCI's "Family Connected Junior Suite" plan ( Quantum OTS ). Ship's main cabin grades (Balcony, Oceanview, Inside) are all combined here into a 10-person "Family Suite". The layout also shows the exact positioning of furniture, 3 baths (1 with hot tub), large seating area, 2 double-sofabeds, 2 connecting balconies.

How to choose cabins on cruise ships?

If you are planning a cruise, booking a cabin is certainly as important as picking up the cruise line (brand) or the boat. Before you take that decision, consider some issues related to your own personality and the other people traveling with you.

  • The first important thing you have to be honest with your conscious is whether you can get seasick .
  • Secondly, what type of person you are and what exactly do you intend to do onboard? Are you a party type or you just would like to spend several calm days at sea, away from the office jungle on land. Would you enjoy the pool with its all opportunities for contacts or you would rather have a rest lying at a balcony?
  • No matter the stateroom type, it could still be noisy or make you seasick. The more central and lower position your cabin has, the more stable it is.
  • In case you and the rest of the family members / friends are thin or you just don't intend to spend too much time in the cabin, you can pick a small one. Usually, staterooms are able to house no more than 4 people. Two passengers pay full fares and the other receive discounted rates.
  • If you need stateroom for 4+ passengers, connecting cabins are the best option, and it will cost you less than a suite. Bathtub-fitted cabins are not so many per vessel. All cruise deck plans show such information (bathtub, sofabed, double bed, bunk beds, etc).

Noise issues - which cabins on the ship to avoid?

If you are a party type and louder sounds are not bothering, everything would be OK. If you organize a family voyage, however, you should look for a cabin away from the noisiest areas in the cruise ship deck plans. The first thing to look for in the cruise ship plan is the engine room location. Along with the noises, there are also vibrations.

Staterooms under discos, sport playgrounds, gym centers are usually very noisy. Cabins under Lido Deck (aka Pool Deck) are also among those to avoid. The buffet restaurant on this deck generates noises from moving tables and chairs and tableware. Staircases are also very noisy.

Take a good look at the cruise ship deck plan - room location is crucial!

Cabin's deck location is of great importance. Lower and more central-positioned accommodations are more stable. However, "cool cabins" are usually on higher decks, which means spending more money won't necessarily save you from seasickness.

Stern cabins (aft) have the largest balconies. Forward suites provide the same view as from the Navigation Bridge (wheelhouse). Some cabins are with limited / obstructed seaview due to lifeboats or other equipment.

Guarantee staterooms - take your chance!

If you are not set on selecting something particular and location is not a priority, you should not investigate the cruise ship deck plan so cautiously. The so-called ''guarantee'' cabin grades can turn to be among the best booking options. The "guarantee stateroom" booking allows you to pick up a category, not a cabin. In case the category is sold out you'll be proposed a higher category lodging. The first cabins to be booked are both the cheapest and the most expensive ones, be aware when you choose to test your luck. However, it could be a bit risky so it's more reasonable to get back to the cruise ship deck plans.

Shipboard facilities

If want to cruise with your children you'd better book a stateroom close to kids entertainment facilities. Cruise ship deck plans can once again help you to choose from the many opportunities created to meet passengers' requirements. Spa cabins are recently available for instance. Passengers get free access to the steam room and other connected facilities. These cabins are of course close to the SPA and you can move between in your bathrobe only.

NCL's The Haven and MSC's Yacht Club accommodations are located within an exclusive complex and offer ''ship within ship'' amenities and services. Passengers (who can afford them) enjoy private sundecks with swimming pools and jacuzzis and exclusive facilities like restaurants, bar lounges, gyms and spas.

Prefabricated cruise ship cabin

On May 24, 2016, a new "Lightweight Composite Cabin" design was unveiled in Southampton, England. The innovation was funded by the UK Government. Involved in the cabin's designing, engineering, manufacturing and furbishing were the companies Carnival UK ( Carnival Corporation 's subsidiary), Gurit Ltd (global composite materials supplier), Lloyd's Register Group Ltd (technical / business services, maritime classification company), PE Composites Ltd (composite designer / manufacturer), Trimline Ltd (marine interior refurbishment specialist) and the University of Southampton.

The new modular cabin prototype is half the weight of a typical cruise room. It also fully complies with the FTP Code's requirements (International Code for the Application of Fire Test Procedures). Reducing the ship's topdecks weight is an important issue for naval architects as the trend for building large-capacity cruise vessels continues. The new (prefabricated) module's halved weight opens up opportunities for adding more passenger rooms to newbuild ships, without adding to the ship's DWT weight.

Note: The following list of cruise lines cabins (per ship) includes only CruiseMapper's largest companies' fleets and only ocean-going vessels. For all other vessels (including small-fleet shipping companies , cruiseferries and riverboats ) use the search box at page top .

List of cruise ships with deck plans

Carnival cruise line.

  • Carnival Breeze
  • Carnival Celebration
  • Carnival Conquest
  • Carnival Dream
  • Carnival Elation
  • Carnival Firenze
  • Carnival Freedom
  • Carnival Glory
  • Carnival Horizon
  • Carnival Jubilee
  • Carnival Legend
  • Carnival Liberty
  • Carnival Luminosa
  • Carnival Magic
  • Carnival Mardi Gras
  • Carnival Miracle
  • Carnival Panorama
  • Carnival Paradise
  • Carnival Pride
  • Carnival Radiance
  • Carnival Spirit
  • Carnival Splendor
  • Carnival Sunrise
  • Carnival Sunshine
  • Carnival Valor
  • Carnival Venezia
  • Carnival Vista

Princess Cruises

  • Caribbean Princess
  • Coral Princess
  • Crown Princess
  • Diamond Princess
  • Discovery Princess
  • Emerald Princess
  • Enchanted Princess
  • Grand Princess
  • Island Princess
  • Majestic Princess
  • Regal Princess
  • Royal Princess
  • Ruby Princess
  • Sapphire Princess
  • Sky Princess
  • Star Princess
  • Sun Princess

Disney Cruise Line

  • Disney Destiny
  • Disney Dream
  • Disney Fantasy
  • Disney Magic
  • Disney Treasure
  • Disney Wish
  • Disney Wonder
  • Queen Elizabeth
  • Queen Mary 2
  • Queen Victoria

AIDA Cruises

Viking cruises.

  • Viking Jupiter
  • Viking Mars
  • Viking Neptune
  • Viking Octantis
  • Viking Orion
  • Viking Polaris
  • Viking Saturn
  • Viking Star
  • Viking Vela
  • Viking Venus
  • Viking Vesta
  • Zhao Shang Yi Dun-Viking Sun

Royal Caribbean

  • Adventure Of The Seas
  • Allure Of The Seas
  • Anthem of the Seas
  • Brilliance Of The Seas
  • Enchantment Of The Seas
  • Explorer Of The Seas
  • Freedom Of The Seas
  • Grandeur Of The Seas
  • Harmony Of The Seas
  • Icon Of The Seas
  • Independence Of The Seas
  • Jewel Of The Seas
  • Liberty Of The Seas
  • Mariner Of The Seas
  • Navigator Of The Seas
  • Oasis Of The Seas
  • Odyssey Of The Seas
  • Ovation Of The Seas
  • Quantum Of The Seas
  • Radiance Of The Seas
  • Rhapsody Of The Seas
  • Serenade Of The Seas
  • Spectrum Of The Seas
  • Star Of The Seas
  • Symphony Of The Seas
  • Utopia Of The Seas
  • Vision Of The Seas
  • Voyager Of The Seas
  • Wonder Of The Seas

Holland America

  • ms Koningsdam
  • ms Nieuw Amsterdam
  • ms Nieuw Statendam
  • ms Oosterdam
  • ms Rotterdam
  • ms Volendam
  • ms Westerdam
  • ms Zuiderdam

P&O Cruises

  • Pacific Adventure
  • Pacific Encounter
  • Pacific Explorer

Costa Cruises

  • Costa Deliziosa
  • Costa Diadema
  • Costa Fascinosa
  • Costa Favolosa
  • Costa Fortuna
  • Costa Pacifica
  • Costa Serena
  • Costa Smeralda
  • Costa Toscana

Azamara Cruises

  • Azamara Journey
  • Azamara Onward
  • Azamara Pursuit
  • Azamara Quest

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

  • Seven Seas Explorer
  • Seven Seas Grandeur
  • Seven Seas Mariner
  • Seven Seas Navigator
  • Seven Seas Splendor
  • Seven Seas Voyager

Norwegian Cruise Line

  • Norwegian Bliss
  • Norwegian Breakaway
  • Norwegian Dawn
  • Norwegian Encore
  • Norwegian Epic
  • Norwegian Escape
  • Norwegian Gem
  • Norwegian Getaway
  • Norwegian Jade
  • Norwegian Jewel
  • Norwegian Joy
  • Norwegian Pearl
  • Norwegian Prima
  • Norwegian Sky
  • Norwegian Spirit
  • Norwegian Star
  • Norwegian Sun
  • Norwegian Viva
  • Pride of America

Celebrity Cruises

  • Celebrity Apex
  • Celebrity Ascent
  • Celebrity Beyond
  • Celebrity Constellation
  • Celebrity Eclipse
  • Celebrity Edge
  • Celebrity Equinox
  • Celebrity Flora
  • Celebrity Infinity
  • Celebrity Millennium
  • Celebrity Reflection
  • Celebrity Silhouette
  • Celebrity Solstice
  • Celebrity Summit
  • Celebrity Xcel
  • Celebrity Xpedition
  • Celebrity Xploration

Marella Cruises

  • Marella Discovery
  • Marella Discovery 2
  • Marella Explorer
  • Marella Explorer 2
  • Marella Voyager

MSC Cruises

  • MSC Armonia
  • MSC Bellissima
  • MSC Euribia
  • MSC Fantasia
  • MSC Grandiosa
  • MSC Magnifica
  • MSC Meraviglia
  • MSC Orchestra
  • MSC Preziosa
  • MSC Seascape
  • MSC Seashore
  • MSC Seaside
  • MSC Seaview
  • MSC Sinfonia
  • MSC Splendida
  • MSC Virtuosa
  • MSC World America
  • MSC World Europa

Oceania Cruises

  • Oceania Allura
  • Oceania Insignia
  • Oceania Marina
  • Oceania Nautica
  • Oceania Regatta
  • Oceania Riviera
  • Oceania Sirena
  • Oceania Vista

Silversea Cruises

  • Silver Cloud
  • Silver Dawn
  • Silver Endeavour
  • Silver Galapagos
  • Silver Moon
  • Silver Muse
  • Silver Nova
  • Silver Origin
  • Silver Shadow
  • Silver Spirit
  • Silver Whisper
  • Silver Wind

Seabourn Cruises

  • Seabourn Encore
  • Seabourn Odyssey
  • Seabourn Ovation
  • Seabourn Pursuit
  • Seabourn Quest
  • Seabourn Sojourn
  • Seabourn Venture

cruise ships luxury cabins

12 of the Most Luxurious Cruise Ship Cabins

27th October 2015

Thought cruise ship cabins were nothing special? Well we’re about to change your mind…

When you consider that cruise ships are moving vessels, it can be easy to think that the accommodation onboard is simple and understated in order to provide simple efficiency. However that couldn’t be further from the truth. Cruise ships are like floating holiday resorts but better. Cruise ships offer more choice than a resort and that rings true across the entertainment packages, dining options and accommodation too. But you don’t need to take our word for it, just take a look at these luxurious cruise ships cabins to get just a hint of what life on a cruise ship can be like.

Oceanview Verandah Cabin on Azamara Club Cruises

1. Azamara Club Veranda Stateroom Azamara is all about timeless elegance and you can see this reflected in the tasteful decor of their staterooms.

Ocean Suite on Azamara Club

2. Azamara Club Ocean Suite Choose an Ocean Suite for your Azamara cruise and you’ll get all this cushty space to yourself!

Penthouse Suite Bathroom on Celebrity Silhouette

3. Celebrity Silhouette Penthouse You’re probably wondering if it would be wrong to spend your entire cruise just kicking back in this bathtub… and no it wouldn’t, it would be so, so right!

Penthouse Suite on Celebrity Solstice

4. Celebrity Solstice Penthouse Suite Yep, your Penthouse suite comes with its very own piano on the Celebrity Solstice.

Royal Loft Suite Quantum of the Seas

5. Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas Royal Loft Suites The Loft Suites on the Royal Caribbean Quantum Class ships are the epitome of how cruise ship design is changing. These split level lofts feature spacious seating and dining areas, tasteful modern decor and a private balcony with a whirlpool bath.

Carnival Vista Havana Cabana Suite

6. Carnival Vista Havana Cabana Suite Carnival Vista is a brand new ship for 2016 and many of the cabins, lounges and restaurants have been given a whole new look. These Havana Cabana cabins have a cuban influence and feature a verandah style outdoor area complete with a hammock and separate seating to lounge and enjoy the sunshine on.

Carnival Sunshine Cloud9 Suite

7. Carnival Sunshine Cloud9 Spa Suite Bright and spacious, the Cloud9 Spa Suites on the Carnival Sunshine are designed to compliment your spa experience by giving you a light and ambient living space with refreshing colour schemes.

Carnival Vista Family Harbour Suite

8. Carnival Vista Family Harbour Suite Just like the Havana Cabana cabins above, the family suite staterooms on the Carnival Vista also have a totally new look from the rest of the fleet. Featuring a colourful and fun design representing countries from around the world, the family cabins have a definitive international, nautical appeal that cruisers of all ages will appreciate.

Costa neoRomantica Samsara Suite

9. Costa neoRomantica Samsara Suite These Samsara Suites on the Costa neoRomantica have an opulent decor with a hint of Asian influence. We love the layout of the seating area, perfectly positioned for gazing out over the ocean whilst enjoying your morning cup of coffee.

Holland America MS Rotterdam Pinnacle Suite

10. Holland America Oosterdam and Rotterdam Pinnacle Suites Everything about the Holland America Pinnacle suites denotes luxury. From the gold finish on the sinks in the bathroom to the ambient lighting, incredible open view and plush soft furnishings. We don’t think we’d ever want to leave after a stay in one of these suites!

Penthouse Suite on Norwegian Epic

11. Norwegian Epic Penthouse Suite Possibly one of the most unique cruise ship cabin designs, the Penthouse Suite on the Norwegian Epic features a plush, curved bed in the centre of the room, perfectly positioned to take advantage of the sea view.

Delux Owner's Suite on Norwegian Epic

12. Norwegian Epic Delux Owner’s Suite Wake up to an incredible new view every day in this beautiful suite on the Norwegian Epic . With floor to ceiling views and a big, cosy bed – there’s nothing more you could want for.

Royal Suite MSC Preziosa

13. The Royal Suite on MSC Preziosa S leek and modern, the Royal Suite aboard MSC Preziosa is perfect for those who love their space! With a separate seating area and large balcony, you can sprawl out and enjoy your own peaceful and private surroundings.

Which suite would you most like to stay in? Let us know in the comments below or over on Twitter with @CruiseNation .

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The 11 Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According to T+L's Experts

These luxury cruise lines offer stunning suites, fine dining, and exceptional itineraries.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Cruising is back — and you might even say it's better than ever. "Vacations at sea are suddenly one of the biggest things in travel," Travel + Leisure cruise expert Paul Brady reported recently, as summer air travel is looking progressively messier but the cruise industry continues to stabilize post-pandemic. For those looking to plan a cruise, whether it's a last-minute trip for the summer or a 2024 around-the-world cruise, we've narrowed down the best luxury cruise lines to ferry you to some of the world's most mesmerizing destinations in comfort. Here, our favorite luxury cruise lines in the world.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

When this luxury cruise line says it's all-inclusive, it's not overstating. Everything from shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and laundry to gratuities, top-shelf liquor, and business-class international flights are included with Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' fares. While each luxurious suite features ocean views, nothing beats the view from the epic 4,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Regent Suite, which has two wraparound balconies, three walk-in closets, two Picasso lithographs, and a grand piano.

For the best in-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship, Kelly Cochrane, executive chef of Regent Seven Seas Cruises tells T+L.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises has just seven ships, but the debut of the brand-new Oceania Vista catapults this cruise line into the luxury division. The cruise line's relatively new Go Local shore excursions for small groups bring travelers to under-the-radar destinations, T+L contributing editor and long-time cruiser Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon reported recently. Her 2022 cruise on Riviera included 70 excursions "from canoeing Croatia’s Cetina River to cooking classes in Athens."

If you've ever dreamed of having your own butler, Silversea is the luxury cruise line for you. In fact, Silversea's butlers take white-glove service to a whole new level — they'll handle your laundry with more care than you do, scour port towns to find your favorite tastes of home, and even help you pack and unpack your suitcase. Further, Silversea's new culinary program, nicknamed S.A.L.T. (for Sea and Land Taste), brings the taste of destinations on board through cooking classes. Of course, there's no need to cook for yourself aboard a Silversea ship, as each one features several restaurants with multi-course menus to whet your appetite every night.

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year. Viking came in at No. 1 in T+L's best mid-size ship category and river cruise category. Golden said the WBA Hall of Fame honoree's 50 river "longships" are "light-filled floating boutique hotels."

Laureen Robert / Courtesy of Ponant

French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Guests enjoy Ladurée macarons, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and luxurious Hermès bath products on board. Each of the company's ships features an onboard spa with massage cabins and either a Turkish bath or sauna. Ponant's luxurious small ships sail to remote destinations like Antarctica, incorporating once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as eclipse spotting from the edge of the earth. The company also partners with Smithsonian and Disney on certain sailings.

Seabourn cruises to all seven continents, and most recently launched Seabourn Venture , "marking the first time the Carnival Corporation–owned luxury cruise line will offer adventurous sailings on an expedition ship built for extreme environments," Brady reported. (The sibling ship to Venture , Seabourn Pursuit arrives later this year.) The World's Best Award-winning cruise line has all-suite ships and "is known for its onboard service and over-the-top food including complimentary caviar and Thomas Keller steakhouses on ships such as the  Seabourn Ovation, " Brady said.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises ' luxury small ships call on 150 ports throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific, and there's no way you'll go hungry on the journey. Exquisite onboard menus have been designed by acclaimed chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. (You'll have to pay extra for alcohol, but all meals and a Windstar signature onboard barbecue — a feast of whole suckling pig, shrimp brochette, and more — are included.) The cruise line is not only a T+L World's Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree, it has a "long-standing partnership with the James Beard Foundation ," Brady reported, and regularly brings chefs on board for culinary-focused sailings. Yes, chef.

Courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. The luxury cruise line operates river cruises in Europe and Asia, while ocean cruises on Scenic Eclipse (and the forthcoming Scenic Eclipse II ) can take guests to Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia, South America, and Greenland, among other coveted destinations. On board, you'll find fine dining, expansive spas and fitness facilities, and butler service.

Cunard Line

Jonathan Atkin / Courtesy of Cunard Line

This British luxury cruise line is known for its transatlantic service, which also transports pets between its headquarters in Southampton, England, and New York City. Cunard operates three ships with a fourth in the works, though only the Queen Mary 2 sails the transatlantic route. It's a cruise line that takes formality seriously; white-gloved waiters serve afternoon tea each day at 3:30 p.m. State rooms include 24-hour room service and evening turndown service with chocolates. Don't forget your tux, the gala nights are black tie.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Roger Paperno / Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates just one ship, but it is exquisite, hosting 330 guests and sailing only in the South Pacific to destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. The ship is small enough to access private ports at remote beaches and take travelers well off the beaten path. Named the best small-ship ocean cruise line in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards, Golden said the line is known for Tahitian-inspired massage techniques in the onboard spa and noted that cruisers particularly love the wonderful staff.

Celebrity Cruises

Steve Dunlop / Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises ' new Edge Series ships are taking things up a notch. Celebrity's signature Iconic Suites on board the Celebrity Edge and Apex offer panoramic views from above the ship's bridge; each suite boasts more than 2,500 square feet of space, including expansive 690-square-foot terraces, and comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Celebrity Beyond , which debuted in 2022, accommodates 3,260 guests has 32 bars and restaurants, like Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud, and two-story villas on board. Beyond 's sibling ship, Ascent , will be delivered later this year.

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royal suite harmony suite sky loft stateroom cropped

10 BEST LUXURY AND STANDARD CRUISE SHIP ACCOMMODATIONS

Published on September 24, 2019

Royal Caribbean's Instagram for Live Updates

TOP 5 LUXURY ACCOMMODATIONS

1. ultimate family suite and villa suite (the biggest, best suites available).

Spectrum of the Seas Ultimate Family Suite Living Room Slide

Impress your kids with the  Ultimate Family Suite  aboard the  Symphony of the Seas . The two-story room is perfect for the whole family and packs incredible thrills into your very own space. Headed downstairs? Hop on your in-suite slide. Looking for some healthy competition? Try your hand at table tennis or air hockey, or head to the private game room and power up your video game system.

Take a dip in your private jacuzzi on your balcony and enjoy the stunning ocean views while at sea. And if you're interested in creating another one-of-a-kind experience, just ask your Royal Genie to set something up for you (including your own private karaoke spot).

For another unforgettable cruising experience, book the Villa Suite, the second of the biggest and best suites available on board the  Oasis  and Quantum Class Fleets. The four-bedroom suite features two master bedrooms, two master bathrooms, two bedrooms with twin beds and two pullman beds. The stateroom can sleep up to 14 people, as it also has a living room with a sofa that converts to a bed. Enjoy dinner in your own private dining area and bar, or relax after a long day in your whirlpool on your balcony. The Villa Suite is the perfect place to unwind while at sea and bask in luxury.

2. LOFT SUITES

Harmony of the Seas Royal Loft Suite Purple Living Room

Set over two levels, these gorgeous loft rooms are perfect if you're looking for some extra space during your cruise. After a long day of fun in the sun, rest your head on your comfy king bed on your mezzanine level, or take a load off on your couch in your living area. Complete with a private balcony, which is perfect for watching the sun set over the sea, this suite will be your own personal oasis. Enjoy priority check-in and complimentary valet service to make your adventure the best you've ever had.

Offering one bedroom, two bedroom or Royal lofts options, these suites are perfect whether you're having a romantic getaway with a partner or a full-family adventure.

3. SUITES FOR COUPLES (1 BEDROOM)

Allure of the Seas Suite Living Room

Palm Beach is perhaps the most famous beach in Aruba as well as one of the best. The reasons for If you're traveling with your partner, why not add some luxury by booking a romantic suite for just the two of you? Whether it's a special occasion or just a quick getaway, you deserve to have the best vacation possible, and staying in a suite is a great way to make that happen. Check into the Owners Suite for separated sleeping and living quarters. Or level up even more and enjoy the most amazing views you've ever seen when you stay in a Panoramic Stateroom.

If you're looking for even more space and some extra perks, booking into the Grand Suite will turn your ordinary holiday into an extraordinary one. If all of that isn't enough, choose to rest your head in one of the Royal Suites, which comes with exclusive invites to special on-board events, priority bookings and more. You and your partner will never forget this vacation.

4. SUITES FOR FAMILIES (2+ BEDROOMS)

Harmony of the Seas Suite Living Room

Your adventure begins the second you check into your stateroom, and with incredible suites for families available on each ship, your kids might never want to leave their cabin. Experience your cruise like you never thought you could by booking into a two-bedroom suite. With two rooms, parents can enjoy a treat in luxury after their kids have gone to bed.

In an Ocean View suite, you can watch the sunset from your own couch. And when you book into a Grand Suite, you'll get reserved seating for dinners and shows for the entire family. Between the personalized service and the all-ages activities, family suites are perfect for each traveler in the group.

5. JUNIOR SUITES (LUXURY ON A BUDGET)

Junior Class Suite with Ocean View

After a long day learning how to surf on the on-board surf simulator and getting your adrenaline pumping while sliding down the craziest water slides, it's time to rest up on your comfy pillow-top mattress in your roomy suite or on your sun lounger on your private balcony. Afterwards, hop in the shower or bath and enjoy amenities by L'Occitane and relax before dinner, where you can get complimentary evening meals at Coastal Kitchen.

While you'll find different staterooms on different ships, you can choose from a Family Junior Suite, Junior Suite or Junior Suite with a Large Balcony. It's luxury with a budget, and the options are endless.

TOP 5 BUDGET ACCOMMODATIONS

1. spacious rooms – family and groups of friends (up to 6 people).

Freedom of the Seas Ocean View Living Room

2. OCEAN VIEW STATEROOMS

Allure of the Seas Oceanview

3. INTERIOR VIEW STATEROOMS

Explorer of the Seas Interior Living

4. BALCONY STATEROOMS

Balcony Living Room

5. STUDIO STATEROOMS

Anthem of the Seas Studio Interior

If your main priority is adventuring through tropical paradise, grab a Studio stateroom for a place to get some shuteye and take a clean shower before you head out on your next excursion. It's the cheapest option on board, leaving room for big experiences outside of your room, like on-deck rock climbing or strolling down the cobblestone streets of South America's colonial-era capitals. Spend your days exploring the ship, snorkeling in the sea or running around the port city you're docked at for the day. Then, head back to your accommodation at the end of the night and spend the night dreaming about all of the fun you had. Save some money and have the vacation of a lifetime.

On a Royal Caribbean cruise, there really is no bad way to cruise. From budget-friendly interior rooms to luxurious suites for the whole family, Royal Caribbean has it all. No matter how you travel, though, you'll have access to incredible amenities, on-board activities and in-room splendor, all designed to make this vacation the best you've ever had. So pack up your bags and pick a room. The sea is calling.

Barbados, Bottom Bay Beach

SOUTHERN CARIBBEAN

STARTING FROM 

Seaside Fort in the Caribbean

FROM FT. LAUDERDAL

Allure of the Seas Sunset Sailing

ALLURE OF THE SEAS

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Best Things To Do On Oasis Class Ships

Find yourself suffering from motion sickness? Book an interior room with no windows.

Show your kids just how fun you are with an amazing suite designed just for them. Book a room the Symphony of the Seas for the best cruise ship suites for families, and take the fun straight to your door.

Interested in an upgrade? Ask for one after leaving your first port. Some rooms become available last minute, so you might get lucky.

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Cruisability

Suite Life: Luxury Cabins on Cruise Ships

Cruise Admin is a team of experienced writers passionate about cruising. They provide comprehensive and honest information to fellow cruise enthusiasts, sharing insider tips and practical advice to help readers plan and enjoy their cruise vacations to the fullest. When not writing, the Cruise Admin team loves exploring new destinations and seeking out unique cultural experiences.

Suite Life: Luxury Cabins on Cruise Ships

Are you looking to elevate your cruise experience to new heights of luxury and comfort? Look no further than booking a suite cabin on a cruise ship. Suite cabins provide passengers with a unique and exclusive experience, featuring personalized service, spacious accommodations, and exclusive amenities. In this article, we will explore the world of suite cabins on cruise ships and highlight the benefits of booking one for your next vacation. From the generous size of the cabins to the dedicated staff and butler service, we will provide a comprehensive guide on everything you need to know about luxury cabins on cruise ships.

Why Book a Suite Cabin?

Booking a suite cabin on a cruise ship comes with a range of benefits and perks that are not available to passengers in other cabin categories. Here are some of the reasons why you should consider a suite cabin for your next cruise:

Exclusivity and Luxury

Suite cabins provide passengers with a luxurious and exclusive experience that is unparalleled in other cabin categories. From the high-end furnishings and décor to the premium amenities and services, suite cabins are designed to provide passengers with the ultimate cruise experience .

Additional Amenities and Services

Suite cabin passengers can enjoy a range of additional amenities and services that are not available to other passengers. These can include private dining rooms, exclusive lounges, and priority access to onboard activities and events. In addition, suite cabin passengers can enjoy personalized service from a dedicated staff, including a butler who is available to attend to their every need.

Spacious Accommodations

One of the biggest advantages of booking a suite cabin is the generous size of the accommodations. Suite cabins are typically much larger than other cabin categories, providing passengers with ample space to relax and unwind. Here are some of the types of suite cabins that are available on different cruise ships:

  • Standard Suites
  • Balcony Suites
  • Mini-Suites
  • Penthouse Suites
  • Royal Suites

Each of these suite cabin categories offers different levels of luxury and amenities, ranging from basic accommodations to over-the-top luxury.

Can I upgrade my cabin category after booking a cruise?

What are the cruise cabin options for passengers with allergies?

Personalized Service

Suite cabin passengers can expect personalized service that is tailored to their individual needs and preferences. A dedicated staff, including a personal butler, is available to provide passengers with top-notch service and attention to detail. Whether it’s arranging a private dinner or providing turn-down service, the staff is there to ensure that your cruise experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

Exclusive Amenities

Suite cabin passengers can enjoy a range of exclusive amenities that are not available to other passengers. These can include private balconies, in-room Jacuzzis, and priority boarding. In addition, suite cabin passengers may have access to private lounges and dining rooms, as well as other exclusive onboard activities and events.

Can I choose a specific cabin number when booking a cruise?

What are the considerations for selecting a cabin location?

How to Book a Suite Cabin

If you’re interested in booking a suite cabin for your next cruise, there are a few things you should keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you book your next luxury cabin:

  • Book Early: Suite cabins are in high demand and tend to sell out quickly, so it’s important to book early to ensure availability.
  • Check for Discounts: Many cruise lines offer discounts on suite cabins, so be sure to check for any promotions or deals before booking.
  • Work with a Travel Agent: A travel agent can help you find the best deals and offers on suite cabins, as well as provide advice and guidance on the booking process.

Booking a suite cabin on a cruise ship is an excellent way to elevate your vacation experience to new heights of luxury and comfort. From the spacious accommodations to the personalized service and exclusive amenities, there are many reasons to consider upgrading to a suite cabin for your next cruise. We hope that this guide has provided you with the information you need to make an informed decision about your next cruise vacation.

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Our luxury yachts

Discover our pair of award-winning luxury yachts, Emerald Azzurra & Emerald Sakara.

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A new way to cruise

Join us on board our brand-new luxury yachts, as we explore everything that they have to offer. Get some sun on the Pool Deck or even go for a dip. Enjoy a bite in one of our eateries, and experience complete relaxation in the Elements Spa^. ^At additional cost

cruise ships luxury cabins

Introducing our groundbreaking yachts.

Why sail on an Emerald Cruises luxury yacht?

At Emerald Cruises, your enjoyment comes first. Every aspect of our superb yachts is designed around you, from the contemporary accommodation and social spaces to our crew’s attentive level of service. Sail with small cruise ship experts.

Award-winning luxury

Our fleet of yachts are boutique floating hotels that provide guests with luxurious surroundings, a wealth of amenities, and unique innovations such as the spectacular Marina Platform and state-of-the-art infrared sauna.

An Emerald Cruises yacht sailing in the blue waters of Calvi, Corsica, France

Small ship yacht cruising expertise

Emerald Cruises specializes in providing a small cruise ship experience. You’ll notice how a limited number of guests, an excellent staff-to-guest ratio, and the purpose-driven design and layout of our yachts offer you a comfortable and luxurious yacht cruise experience.

Two plush chairs and a footstool sit in a lounge with large windows in front of them. A TV and bookshelves sit behind them.

In the heart of the action

Our luxury yachts are custom-designed to sail into smaller ports and harbors. This allows our fleet to dock in the heart of fascinating port towns, meaning you’ll enjoy a more in-depth cruise that takes you closer to the action.

An aerial shot of an Emerald Cruises yacht docked in the heart of Bonifacio, Corsica, France

Contemporary suites & staterooms

Escape to your private sanctuary of serenity. With our range of suites and staterooms, there’s a cabin option to suit all preferences and budgets, whether you need plenty of space to stretch out or you’re longing for a cozier accommodation.

A large and spacious cabin on board an Emerald Cruises yacht cruise with double aspect sliding doors leading to a balcony and terrace

A wealth of generous inclusions

Your yacht cruise should also provide complete peace of mind. This is why we cover port charges, all meals on board with accompanying beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi, and cover all gratuities on board and onshore. You’ll also benefit from a first-class English-speaking crew, and enjoy excursions led by knowledgeable, local guides.

Flatbread loaded with toppings on a table next to a glass of white wine, with the bottle of wine just to the side

Our yacht fleet

Emerald azzurra, emerald sakara.

Red sky with an Emerald Cruises yacht sailing in Calvi, Corsica, France

Discover fine dining on board

Enjoy the most delectable dishes in the opulent surrounds of the La Cucina Dining. Let the tastes of freshly sourced ingredients on your palate, and enjoy complimentary beverages with each meal.

Unwind or catch up with friends in our onboard social spaces

From the chilled and relaxed vibe of the Amici Bar & Lounge to the open-air surrounds of the Pool Deck and the serene Observation Lounge, you’ll find plenty of spaces on board to enjoy the company of new-found friends or to take a moment for yourself.

Explore our innovative yachts

Take in stunning vistas from the Observation Deck. Swim under the sun in the infinity-style Aqua Pool or take a leisurely dip in the Spa Pool. Unwind in the innovative infrared sauna and, on selected days, enjoy swim stops off the Marina Platform.

Find your sanctuary of serenity

The suites and staterooms on board our yachts are modern sanctuaries with inspired décor and contemporary designs. Enjoy all the amenities you’d expect from a world-class hotel including luxury ESPA toiletries, Wi-Fi, and a queen or twin-sized bed.

Discover exciting destinations across the world

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Best Cruises from San Francisco

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cruise ships luxury cabins

Seven Seas Mariner

Similar to its sister ships,  Seven Seas Navigator  and  Seven Seas Voyager , the 696-passenger Seven Seas Mariner makes service a top priority with 459 crew members on board.

Refurbished in 2018 (and debuted in 2001), the Mariner features neutral decor and finishings throughout, a remodeled library in a new location and a revamped pool deck with an open layout and new tile and teak surfaces. The Serene Spa & Wellness center received a new design with light wood accents and pebble-stone tiles, while the fitness and aerobics center offers modern equipment. Onboard activities include theatrical productions, casino games and sipping cocktails in one of five lounge areas.

Across the ship, there are seven eateries in total. All are stylishly designed, including the Prime 7 steakhouse and the flagship Compass Rose restaurant. Chartreuse, a guest favorite, highlights modern French cuisine. During the day, guests can enjoy the expanded lunch offerings at the outdoor Pool Grill or snack at the informal Coffee Connection. As with all Regent Seven Seas ships, specialty dining and shore excursions are included in the cruise fare.

Best of all, the all-suite accommodations offer beds with plush leather headboards, cozy sitting areas and artwork. All cabins are outfitted with welcome bottles of Champagne, private balconies, walk-in closets and marble bathrooms.

Seven Seas Mariner sails through much of the world, including ports in the Caribbean, Canada, Africa, Asia, Australia and more.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Grand Princess

First launched in 1998, the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess underwent a renovation in March 2019 that added new top-deck dining venues like Alfredo's Pizzeria, Salty Dog Grill and Coffee & Cones. The Princess Theater was also refreshed to provide a more immersive audio experience. Other onboard amenities include the adults-only Sanctuary, duty-free boutiques and educational programs through the Discovery of SEA program.

The ship houses numerous dining venues, including one main dining room, two specialty venues and a variety of casual eateries serving classics like burgers and pizza. Come nightfall, passengers can enjoy cocktails at their pick of lounges.

The recently refurbished accommodations are outfitted with amenities like flat-screen TVs and minifridges. Though only 76% of exterior cabins offer private balconies – a lower percentage than other ships in the fleet – guests describe cabins as comfortable and spacious. Plus, thanks to a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio (the ship features 1,150 crew members), past cruisers describe the onboard service as attentive and friendly. What's more, each guest aboard Grand Princess receives an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

Grand Princess sails to destinations worldwide, including Alaska, Hawaii , Australia, the California coast and the South Pacific.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Carnival Miracle

Like other Carnival ships, the 2,124-passenger Carnival Miracle boasts activities and entertainment geared toward travelers of all ages. Thanks to a renovation in 2020, the ship features upgrades like Guy's Burger Joint, WaterWorks, RedFrog Rum Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and more. The ship also received a minor refresh to interior and exterior spaces in 2022. 

Even with the added venues, a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio ensures service is a priority. And compared to other Carnival ships, Miracle offers a higher percentage of cabins with ocean views. While Interior staterooms provide more wallet-friendly digs, Ocean View, Balcony and Suite category cabins offer more space and scenery. All cabins come equipped with flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

During days at sea, grown-ups can enjoy poolside lounging or the adults-only Serenity Retreat, while kids ages 2 to 17 can play at age-specific programs.  There are also entertainment options like the Punchliner Comedy Club, the SkyBox Sports Bar and the Seuss at Sea program. Once the family works up an appetite, they'll have their pick of the main dining room, the Lido buffet, a specialty steakhouse (for an extra fee) and more.

Carnival Miracle departs from Galveston, Texas ;  Los Angeles  and  San Francisco  to destinations in the Caribbean, the Panama Canal,  Hawaii , Mexico , and Alaska . 

cruise ships luxury cabins

Queen Mary 2

Originally launched in 2004, the Queen Mary 2 underwent a major update in 2016 to introduce redesigned public spaces and restaurants, renovated staterooms and suites, additional spaces and kennels for transatlantic passengers traveling with dogs (the only pet facility of its kind at sea). The ship also received a complete exterior facelift. The ship has seen minor updates in the years since, including a rebranded spa and Champagne bar. 

The 2,691-passenger Queen Mary 2 is Cunard’s flagship, and it is known for its frequent transatlantic crossings and luxury cruising experience. Recent passengers rave about the upscale cabins, which range from Single staterooms designed for solo passengers to Princess Grill and Queens Grill cabins that offer extra perks, such as exclusive dining venues and butler service.

When travelers aren't in their cabins, they can participate in enrichment programming, visit the ship's planetarium, read in the largest library at sea and more. In the evenings, cruisers can enjoy shows at the Royal Court Theatre or musical acts in various venues across the ship.

Queen Mary 2 offers six dining venues, including two specialty restaurants, as well as six bars and lounges. Overall, past cruisers were impressed with the specialty restaurants, while the main dining rooms received mixed reviews. 

Queen Mary 2 completes transatlantic crossings and sails to a variety of destinations in the U.S., Caribbean, Europe, Asia and more.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Ruby Princess

With offerings like movie screenings beneath the stars and massages at the adults-only Sanctuary, Ruby Princess is a good choice for couples. Debuted in 2008, the ship was most recently refurbished in October 2018 to add top-deck dining options like Slice Pizzeria and Coffee & Cones. Ruby Princess holds 1,200 crew members and 3,080 guests.

In terms of lodging, 80% of exterior cabins are appointed with balconies, and all rooms come equipped with flat-screen TVs and minifridges. While Interior cabins range from 158 to 162 square feet, Balcony category cabins offer more space and Pullman beds to accommodate extra guests. Each guest aboard Ruby Princess will receive an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

Reviewers are complimentary of the ship's onboard programming and amenities. Activities include a nine-hole putting course, duty-free shopping boutiques and enrichment opportunities through the Discovery at SEA program. Dining is just as diverse, with a total of eight venues to choose from. Come nightfall, travelers can try their luck at the casino, see a show in the theater or dance until the wee hours at the top-deck nightclub.

Ruby Princess offers itineraries in California, Alaska, Hawaii, Mexico and more.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Queen Elizabeth

Launched in 2010, Queen Elizabeth can carry up to 2,081 passengers. With 911 crew members on board, the ship puts an emphasis on personalized attention. Past cruisers said everyone from the wait staff to the room stewards provides five-star service.

Guests can choose from a number of lodging options, including unique single staterooms for solo travelers, special Queens and Princess Grill suites, Britannia Club and Britannia cabins. Some room categories offer extra space and access to exclusive dining venues. All cabins are outfitted with standard amenities such as room service, flat-screen TVs and minifridges.

Daytime activities include watercolor painting classes, dance lessons, fencing classes, afternoon tea and outdoor garden parties. While children's programming is provided, recent cruisers note that entertainment is decidedly adult, with evening galas and chic lounges.

Queen Elizabeth offers four main dining rooms that vary by cabin type, as well as a specialty restaurant and alternative dining at the Lido buffet. In the evenings, passengers can grab a nightcap at one of multiple lounges, including the stylish Gin & Fizz bar.

Queen Elizabeth makes a variety of sailings throughout the U.S., Canada, the Mediterranean, Central America, Australia and Asia from ports in Vancouver , Sydney , Tokyo , Fort Lauderdale and more. 

cruise ships luxury cabins

Crown Princess

Debuted in 2006 and last refurbished in April 2018, the 3,080-passenger Crown Princess features some megaship amenities like a casino, a kids clubs and a 300-square-foot poolside theater. The ship also features quiet nooks, like a library and the Sanctuary (an adults-only area that requires an extra fee). Updates for 2018 included new luxury beds in every room, new dining venues and an upgraded spa. 

Past cruisers were satisfied with the ship's relaxing atmosphere, describing public areas as pleasant and rarely overcrowded. Another main selling point for previous guests is the ship's versatile dining choices. Cruisers can choose from seven eateries, including the main dining room and three informal restaurants. For specialty dining, guests can choose between Italian at Sabatini's, or steak at Crown Grill or burgers at The Salty Dog Gastropub.

In terms of lodging, 80% of Crown Princess' exterior cabins feature private balconies. All staterooms are appointed with minifridges and satellite TVs, but guests who opt for Mini-Suite and Suite cabins can enjoy extra amenities like bathtubs, multiple TVs and 57-square-foot balconies. The Reserve Collection cabins feature all the amenities of Mini-Suites, plus access to an exclusive dining venue with expanded menu options, priority boarding and a complimentary one-time wine setup. What's more, each guest aboard Crown Princess now receives an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

Crown Princess cruises through Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, Australia, Mexico and the California coast.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Silver Shadow

Silver Shadow is slightly larger than the older Silversea ships, but not as big as the  Silver Spirit . Last refurbished in 2019 (and debuted in 2000), the 392-passenger ship maintains a nearly 1-to-1 staff-to-guest ratio, with 302 crew members. For past cruisers, it was the friendly crew's attention to detail that helped set Silver Shadow apart from its competitors.

Recent passengers praise the all-suite accommodations, which range from the Vista Suite (287 square feet) to the two-bedroom Grand Suite (1,435 square feet). All cabins offer ocean views and more than 80% include private balconies. Standard amenities include butler service, minifridges and full baths with separate showers.

When guests aren't in their rooms, they can utilize the ship's facilities, which include shopping boutiques, a casino, a beauty salon and an expansive pool deck. The ship also offers four dining venues, including La Dame, a specialty French restaurant with an additional reservation fee. As for nighttime entertainment, passengers have their pick between several cocktail lounges and the ship's performance venue.

Silver Shadow sails throughout North America, South America, Australia, Asia and more. It also completes some transoceanic voyages.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Coral Princess

Designed to navigate smaller ports of call, the Coral Princess travels to remote destinations around the world. Although it debuted in 2003, the ship's most recent refurbishment in January 2019 helps it stay on par with mainstream competitors.

With 895 crew members and 2,000 passengers, the ship offers a more intimate setting than its larger siblings. Standout amenities include the Lotus Spa, a poolside theater for Movies Under the Stars and a sports court.

In terms of lodging, 80% of outside staterooms are equipped with balconies. You'll find flat-screen TVs and minifridges in all staterooms, while those in Mini-Suites and Suites are granted more space and larger balconies. What's more, each guest aboard Coral Princess receives an OceanMedallion wearable device to unlock his or her stateroom, make onboard payments, track down friends and family and more.

When it comes to dining, guests can choose from six venues, including the main dining room, three informal eateries and two specialty dining restaurants. Guests can also splurge for a private four-course meal on their balconies (for an extra fee). Princess Cruises now offers a Dine My Way experience. It allows passengers to customize their dining times for each day on board as well ordering and delivery food and beverages to your room. 

Coral Princess departs from ports around the world for sailings in Australia, Hawaii, Canada, the Panama Canal and more. The ship also has several world cruise itineraries.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Carnival Legend

First introduced in 2002, the 2,124-passenger, 930-crew member Carnival Legend last received routine cosmetic updates in 2022. It is home to traveler favorites like the Alchemy Bar, BlueIguana Cantina and Tequila Bar, Guy's Burger Joint and the RedFrog Pub. The ship provides a wide array of entertainment and activities to satisfy multigenerational crowds.

Young cruisers (ages 2 to 17) can play at organized, age-appropriate clubs while adults attend a show at the comedy club or hit the casino. The ship was also one of the first to include the Build-A-Bear Workshop at Sea.

When it comes to lodging, about 80% of the ship’s staterooms offer ocean views, and a large number of those cabins feature balconies. While Interior staterooms are more budget-friendly, Balcony and Suite category rooms are worth the splurge, according to recent passengers. All staterooms include flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service.

The ship's food options include two main dining rooms, a steakhouse, a sushi restaurant, a buffet with everything from pizza to Chinese fare and more.  

Carnival Legend departs from Baltimore , Tampa , Rome , Barcelona and London  for sailings in the Bahamas , the Caribbean, Bermuda , Canada, the Panama Canal and more. 

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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See inside a new ultra-luxury river cruise line that's charging up to $59,520 per person

  • Newcomer Riverside Luxury Cruises wants to break into the growing river cruise market.
  • The ultra-luxury cruise line  operates former Crystal ships in popular European rivers like the Danube.
  • Riverside's 2024 cruises start at $1,055 per person for four days.

Insider Today

A new ultra-luxury cruise line wants to be the swankiest travel-by-river vacation option.

To do so, it's enticing cruisers with truffle-infused butter, $320-per-person dinners, and butlers that can be beckoned with a simple WhatsApp message.

Affluent travelers , meet Riverside Luxury Cruises.

The budding company first set sail in March 2023. With a year of service under its belt, its three ships are now sailing some of Europe's most popular rivers — starting at more than $260 per person per day.

Riverside is operated by Seaside Collection, a European hotelier.

cruise ships luxury cabins

The firm had its sights set on a river cruise venture since 2018, Jen Halboth, CEO of Riverside Luxury Cruises, told Business Insider.

Ironically, COVID-19 was the reason it got into the business.

Crystal Cruises declared bankruptcy in early 2022 amid the pandemic. Shortly after, Seaside purchased and updated five of the then-defunct cruise line's ships.

Three of these vessels now make up Riverside's fleet. The other two are being leased to competitor Uniworld River Cruises.

River cruising has become increasingly popular as wealthy travelers gravitate to ultra-luxury small-ship vacations.

cruise ships luxury cabins

River cruise ships are much smaller than their behemoth ocean-based counterparts, allowing Riverside to sail in waterways like Europe's Rhine, Rhone, Danube, Main, Moselle, and Saône rivers.

Along the way, guests can explore destinations many giant ships can't easily access — like Budapest, Hungary; Frankfurt, Germany; and Amsterdam — sometimes visiting more than one port in a day.

One of Riverside's shortest and cheapest 2024 voyages starts at $1,055 per person for a four-day Danube River cruise from Passau, Germany, to Vienna.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Alcohol and excursion packages can tack on an extra $75 to $175 per person per night.

Looking to ball out? The most expensive and longest itinerary is $59,521 per person for a three-river, 22-day cruise from Amsterdam to Budapest, Hungary, in the most expensive suite with the most inclusive package.

To compare, the cheapest 2024 voyage with all-inclusive luxury competitor Uniworld River Cruises starts at $2,000 per person for an eight-day Danube River sailing.

River cruisers tend to be over the age of 55.

cruise ships luxury cabins

But the new company is targeting guests 45 years old and older, specifically those who frequent luxury vacations but have yet to try a river cruise.

"New luxury travelers want to be pampered, get off and have an adventure, and come back and be taken care of," the cruise line's CEO said.

"Pampering” they will get.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Of Riverside's three ships, the 394-foot-long, 74-foot-wide Mozart can accommodate the most guests — up to 162, not including the 82 crew.

Yes, it's larger than Uniworld's ships, which range from 32 to 159 guests. But it's also significantly smaller than Royal Caribbean's new 9,950-person Icon of the Seas ocean vessel.

Like most cruise liners, Riverside's three ships have spas, buffets, and plush lounges and bars.

cruise ships luxury cabins

During the day, travelers can enjoy lunch at the open-air grill and relax to live music courtesy of Steinway and Bösendorfer pianos, no less.

At night, they can dine on a seven-course meal at the 295 euros ($320) per-person Vintage Room.

Riverside’s ships have up to 5 restaurants. Vintage Room is the only specialty option.

cruise ships luxury cabins

The cost to dine includes a wine pairing and plates like veal with truffle and chanterelle mushrooms and "surf and turf" with beef sirloin and scallops.

But don't expect a lackluster, rushed meal at the other complimentary options: "This is not a churn-and-burn," the company's CEO said of the ships' Waterside restaurants. "You come in for fine dining."

Infused, whipped butter is apparently one of Riverside's hottest commodities.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Sometimes, it has chiles. Other times, it's infused with citrus. If you're lucky, you'll get one with truffles.

"People were raving about our butter," Halboth said. "Everyone's waiting to see what butter they'll get at dinner each night."

Need to sleep off all that dairy? You're in luck. Every cabin has a king bed.

cruise ships luxury cabins

Riverside's suites range from 194 to 883 square-feet. These high-end cabins include butler service, stocked mini-bars, and espresso machines.

Some suites also have double-sink vanities and walk-in closets, a hallmark of an ultra-luxury cruise vessel .

Does Riverside’s more than $260 per person, per day fare seem reasonable now?

cruise ships luxury cabins

If yes, book soon. It'll only get more expensive from here.

These fares don't offset the amount Riverside is spending on amenities like the upscale food, according to Halboth. To make up for these expenditures, the cruise line plans to raise its prices gradually over the next two years.

The company's CEO said bookings have been 'a little lighter' since the start of 2024.

cruise ships luxury cabins

But the back half of the year is "filling up" thanks to Americans: About 70 to 80% of its guests are from North America, the company said.

Riverside will operate its Mozart, Ravel, and Debussy ships for three years as it 'hones the brand,' Halboth said.

cruise ships luxury cabins

The cruise line's two additional vessels would join its fleet in the next few years.

Given the growing popularity of river cruises , it's a good time for companies like Riverside to start expanding.

However, it could face plenty of incoming competition.

Jamie Loizou, the UK managing director of luxury river cruise line AmaWaterways, is forecasting 2024 as a "pivotal" year for the river cruise industry, noting that 15 new river-based vessels are expected to launch this year, Cruise Critic reported .

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Cabo Cruises – Cabo San Lucas Getaway

Beaches by day and celebrations by night on cruises to cabo.

Say hello to sunny beaches and adventure-filled exploration on a Cabo cruise with Princess®. Dive below the water’s surface to see colorful marine life, or zipline through the canyons to take in the views from above. During an overnight stay in Cabo, shop for artisan crafts by day, then dine beachside by night. With convenient roundtrip travel from Los Angeles, relaxation and adventure is never too far away.

Cruise to Cabo San Lucas port

Located at the tip of the Baja Peninsula, Cabo is surrounded by clear waters, sun-kissed beaches and the majestic rock formation, El Arco. While it’s one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, El Arco is also a haven for sea lions. On a Cabo cruise, sail by catamaran under the famous arch to see these wildlife, and enjoy an afternoon relaxing on the secluded shores of Lover’s Beach.

What to Do on a Cruise to Cabo

On a Cabo cruise with Princess, bring your wildest vacation dreams to life.

Medano Beach

Deep sea fishing, san jose del cabo.

No cruise to Cabo is complete without a trip to El Arco. Separating the Pacific Ocean from the Sea of Cortez, this landmark is more than just a rock formation, it’s an emblem of the Baja Peninsula. Travel past El Arco on board a catamaran and look for the sea lions that play nearby. Then make your way to Lover’s Beach and relish in relaxation as you unwind shoreside.

As one of the most popular beaches in Cabo, Medano Beach is an adventurer’s playground. Relax on the golden shores, kayak with loved ones or set out on a parasailing expedition, where you can enjoy views of the shore from above. With plenty of restaurants and shops nearby, Medano Beach is the perfect outing for the entire family during your Cabo cruise.

Reel in endless treasures and memories during your Mexico cruise to Cabo. From marlin and swordfish to tuna and grouper, these waters are home to a wide variety of marine life, making it one of the finest sportfishing destinations in the world. With a local fisherman as your guide, embark on a deep-sea exploration and cast your rod into adventure.

Teeming with charm and character, San Jose del Cabo invites you to step back in time as you tour its colorful streets. With preserved 18th-century architecture, the city still holds true to its Spanish colonial personality. On a Mexico cruise to Cabo, enjoy a scenic car ride from the port to this historical town. Wander along La Plaza, stroll through art galleries and visit the San Jose del Cabo Church.

Cabo excursions

Our shore excursions redefine cruise vacations. Board a pirate ship and sail along the coast to learn about the Riviera’s rich history. Snorkel through the turquoise waters alongside your guide, who can bring you up close to coral reefs and colorful marine life. Or horseback ride along the sun-kissed shores while admiring the beauty and wildlife around you. See the city by land and sea on a cruise to Cabo with Princess.

More ashore

Enjoy every second in Cabo with More Ashore overnight stays. On our 5-day Cabo San Lucas cruise getaways, enjoy two full days in Mexico’s resort city. Sip on a cocktail while watching the sun set over the ocean. Dance the night away in one of the bustling bars. Or taste Mexican street-food — including smoked fish, tacos and chicken tamales — at any of the city’s restaurants.

Ships on this itinerary

Our Princess fleet includes ships that offer a multitude of amenities and feature the innovative MedallionClass™ experience. From a balcony stateroom, take in the sights and sounds of the colorful cultures ashore before enjoying the “sabor” of local cuisine in one of our many eateries during your Cabo San Lucas cruise.

#PrincessCruises Mexico Connections

See Mexico through our guests' eyes.

Mexico Cruises Onboard Experience

Experience the country’s unique character the second you step on the ship with traditional Mexican cuisine, events and activities.

Mariachi and margaritas

Sip, savor and sway to the music with onboard activities that give you a taste of Mexican tradition. Sample tequila while learning about the drink’s history from a local expert, and indulge your taste buds with tacos and fajitas. Or let loose with your loved ones during a mariachi performance, and dance to the lively tune of violins and guitars. On a cruise to Mexico with Princess, activities lie around every corner.

Every reason to celebrate

On select sailings in October and November, discover the region’s heritage with our Mexican Fiesta. Celebrate the Day of the Dead, a holiday to commemorate loved ones who have passed. From face-painting to Aztec flower-making, there are activities for the whole family on a cruise to Mexico. Learn a traditional dance, decorate marzipan skulls and make a skeleton out of pasta. Or watch dancers perform ‘The Procession of the Dead.’

Mexican and Spanish Cuisine

Famous for a reason

Recognized by UNESCO for its cultural heritage and preservation of culinary technique, Mexican and Spanish cuisine is a big part of the region’s culture. Sample the bold flavors and creative combinations for yourself on a cruise to Mexico with Princess. In many of our dining rooms, enjoy Mexican-themed dishes — like ceviche, fajitas and coconut cocadas — for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Mexico Cruise Articles & Videos

Learn more about Mexico before you set sail.

2024-2025 Mexico Cruises

Sailing the Mexican Riviera for more than 50 years.

6 Things to Buy in Mexico Cruise Ports

From coffee and salsa to spirits and artisan goods, discover the best things to buy in Mexico cruise ports when you sail with Princess.

Explore Puerto Vallarta's Hidden Beach: Playa del Amor

Swim your way to seclusion at Puerto Vallarta's hidden beach, Playa del Amor. A romantic, awe-inspiring lagoon awaits after navigating a natural rock cavern.

5 Things to Do in Cabo San Lucas

Discover 5 things to do in Cabo San Lucas while on a Princess Cruise. Make the most of Cabo San Lucas' pristine landscapes and natural wonders.

See the La Quebrada Cliff Divers

See the La Quebrada cliff divers with Princess Cruises. One of our unique Panama Canal excursions, the Acapulco cliff divers are a famous sight.

Things to Do in Manzanillo, Mexico

Explore things to do in Manzanillo, Mexico with Princess Cruises. The Mexican Riviera has many beauties including Manzanillo, a historic city center.

Travel, Airfare, & Hotels: Let Princess Get You There

Princess EZair® Flights

Stress-free airfare

Remove the hassle from air travel and give yourself the gift of flexibility, time and a thicker wallet with Princess EZair flights. We negotiate lower rates with the airlines, allow you to modify your flight up to 45 days prior with no penalty and protect you if your flight is late or canceled.

EZair flight quotes are available on our cruise search result details pages.

Airplane to Ship Transfer

We get you where you need to go

Let Princess pick you up from the airport and take you directly to your ship or hotel when you arrive, even if you didn't book your airfare through us. A uniformed Princess representative meets you at the airport after you've retrieved your luggage and transports you directly to your ship or hotel without you having to worry about the logistics of navigating a new city.

Cruise Plus Hotel Packages

Stay longer and relax

Extend your cruise vacation, and simplify your travel plans with a hotel stay at the beginning or end of your cruise. With a Cruise Plus Hotel Package, a Princess representative meets you at the airport and pier, transporting you to and from your hotel. The package includes the cost of your hotel stay, transportation, luggage handling and the services of the representative.

Need help planning?

Princess Cruise Vacation Planners are a dedicated resource to help you every step of the way through the planning process of your cruise vacation. And the best part is, they are absolutely FREE!

Cruise deals & promotions

Find our top sales, deals, partnerships and promotions for our destinations all in one place. We run promotions throughout the year and sometimes run sweepstakes where you could win prizes!

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cruise ships luxury cabins

5 secrets to getting a luxury cruise for less

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Luxury cruises range in price from expensive to outrageously expensive. But the value of high-end ships is clear: For the money, you get more fare inclusions, nicer accommodations, upscale dining and higher space-to-passenger and crew-to-passenger ratios than on big, mass-market ships.

Still, sometimes you want the luxe for less.

You’ll never find a cheap luxury cruise, but you can find sailings that are less expensive than others (either when sorting by the total cost or the per-night rate). You might have to compromise on sail dates or take a risk with the weather, but you can get great value by choosing the cruise less traveled.

Here are the five most affordable luxury cruises we could find, so you can save a little bit when you sail in style.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG’s cruise newsletter .

Fall Caribbean cruises

Caribbean cruises might be the bread and butter of mass-market cruise lines, but they don’t have the same prominence among the itineraries of the luxury lines. Tropical cruises on luxury lines tend to be shorter sailings, taking place in the fall and winter (rather than year-round) and often targeting younger professionals who might not have the time to take two-week vacations.

Combine those factors with a shoulder-season fall travel date (between mid-September and the week before Christmas) and you’ve got yourself a more affordable luxury cruise.

For example, Regent Seven Seas Cruises ‘ 2024-2025 Caribbean season runs from November through March. The least expensive sailing for the season takes place in early December in the travel lull between Thanksgiving and Christmas. Fares start at $3,899 per person for a weeklong round-trip cruise from Miami. A similar seven-night sailing costs $4,799 ($900 more) in February.

Shoulder-season Alaska cruises

No matter which cruise line you sail, it’s a truth universally acknowledged that the first and last Alaska sailings of the season are the most affordable. Why? Timing and weather.

The Alaska cruise season begins in late April or May and runs through September and occasionally October. These travel dates are often nonstarters for families, who wait for the summer school break to take their vacations. Even travelers not bound by school schedules sometimes shy away from these cruises because of the imperfect weather conditions.

In May, temperatures can still be chilly in Alaska, waterways in glacier areas can be clogged with ice, Alaska’s famous salmon haven’t started to run and bus service at Alaska’s famed Denali National Park hasn’t yet begun. In September and October, the temperatures start dropping — and the rain keeps falling — and attractions such as Denali begin to close.

All that said, if you’re willing to take a risk on the weather and aren’t planning a land tour up to Denali, you can score a deal on a high-end Alaska sailing during these off-peak times.

In 2025, a mid-May Alaska cruise on Silversea starts at $2,950 per person on Silver Moon (for port-to-port service — door-to-door is $4,900). The same cruise in July is priced from $4,550 for the cruise-only (or $6,400 door-to-door with transfers), making the shoulder-season cruise $1,600 less expensive. Even better, May is not as rainy as July, so you could experience sunnier days on the more affordable sailing.

Transatlantic crossings

Many travelers choose their cruise for the ports of call. Cruisers are drawn to the destinations, whether they’re checking exotic ports off their bucket list or love spending time on the beach. It’s no surprise then that longer-than-average itineraries with few to no port calls are not warmly embraced by many cruise fans (except for devoted sea-day lovers).

Because many cruise ships regularly reposition between Europe (where they spend the summer) and the Caribbean (where they spend the winter), transatlantic crossings are inevitable. To attract guests, the cruise lines add interesting onboard activities and guest lecturers to the voyage, and they lower prices. If you love relaxing sea days and would revel in spending day after day in the middle of the ocean, an ocean crossing is a surefire way to get a luxury cruise experience for less.

Small, all-inclusive line SeaDream is a solid example of how affordable transatlantic sailings can get. In 2025, SeaDream 1 will sail its last Mediterranean cruise of the season from Barcelona to Malaga, Spain, with cruise prices starting at $6,499 for an eight-night cruise. The ship then sails from Malaga across the Atlantic to San Juan, Puerto Rico. That 13-night sailing is five nights longer than the preceding cruise, but its starting price is $3,799 — a $2,700 difference.

Entry-level cabins

As a traveler chasing luxury, you’re all about the upgrade. But to get a great price on a high-end cruise ship, you might want to reconsider your aversion to booking the cheapest rooms.

Entry-level suites on the nicest ships are not the windowless closets you’ll find on some of the mass-market ships. They’re spacious cabins with either windows or private balconies and separate sleeping and sitting areas, as well as nicely appointed, reasonably sized bathrooms and often walk-in or large closets. You’ll get the same personal service, have access to the same gourmet dining and can enjoy the same ship amenities (a spa, a serene pool deck, social lounges and more) as folks in the top suites.

And you’ll pay less. For example, an entry-level suite on luxury line Seabourn ‘s Seabourn Encore is a veranda suite, measuring 246 to 302 square feet with a 68- to 83-square-foot private balcony. On a seven-night Greece and Turkey cruise departing in June 2025, prices for these rooms start at $4,299 per person. Opt for the next suite level up — a 450-square-foot penthouse suite with a 93- to 103-square-foot balcony — and you’ll pay from $7,999. That’s an increase of $3,700, all for a suite you won’t be spending much time in on this port-intensive itinerary.

Suite enclaves on big ships

Several big-ship cruise lines have entered the luxury travel space with suite enclaves that come with extra amenities, and the options can be affordable by luxury standards. These cruises are ideal for families looking for upscale accommodations combined with robust children’s programming or luxury travelers who prefer a more casual vibe or a wealth of entertainment and activity options on board.

Options include Norwegian Cruise Line ‘s The Haven, Royal Caribbean ‘s Royal Suite Class and MSC Cruises ‘ Yacht Club. Travelers who book these suites get VIP treatment compared to their shipmates. They have access to exclusive restaurants, lounges and sun decks; get priority boarding and theater seating; and might even receive more fare inclusions such as drink packages, internet access, gratuities and butler service (depending on the category booked).

Cruise fares in these top suites aren’t cheap, but they can be comparatively affordable in two ways. First, Royal Caribbean, MSC and Norwegian cruise ships typically sail shorter itineraries than true luxury lines, so you could book a short cruise to spend less on your total vacation cost. Second, while prices are comparable to the luxury lines and can skyrocket when ships start to sell out, you can sail in the ship’s top suites for what you’d pay for mid-level on a luxury ship.

For example, you can book an aft-facing penthouse (619 to 668 square feet with a 199- to 248-square-foot balcony) on a seven-night Caribbean cruise on Norwegian Encore for $4,149 per person on a Feb. 2, 2025, sailing. It comes with all of NCL’s Free at Sea inclusions (drinks, dining, Wi-Fi and shore excursion credit), as well as the services of a butler and concierge, and access to The Haven’s private lounge, restaurant and sun deck.

A weeklong Regent Seven Seas cruise to the Caribbean also in early February costs $14,049 per person for a 655-square-foot Grandeur Suite (with a 166- to 263-square-foot balcony). The cheapest veranda suite on that sailing starts at $6,599 per person — more than $2,000 over the price for a suite in Norwegian’s The Haven.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

  • The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
  • The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
  • The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
  • A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
  • 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
  • 15 ways cruisers waste money
  • The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

SPONSORED:  With states reopening, enjoying a meal from a restaurant no longer just means curbside pickup.

And when you do spend on dining, you should use a credit card that will maximize your rewards and potentially even score special discounts. Thanks to temporary card bonuses and changes due to coronavirus, you may even be able to score a meal at your favorite restaurant for free. 

These are the best credit cards for dining out, taking out, and ordering in to maximize every meal purchase.

Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

5 secrets to getting a luxury cruise for less

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Cruise ship passengers left terrified after fire breaks out on £850million Queen Mary 2

  • Stephen Moyes , Associate News Editor
  • Published : 16:00 ET, Apr 5 2024
  • Published : Invalid Date,

PANIC-struck cruise ship passengers were confined to their cabins when a fire broke out on the £850million Queen Mary 2.

They were woken by alarms at 6am as crew tackled the blaze below their accommodation.

Panic-struck cruise ship passengers were confined to their cabins when a fire broke out on the £850million Queen Mary 2

Travellers were ordered to stay in their cabins but could still smell smoke — sparking fears of an inferno at sea.

Although crew dealt with the blaze quickly, a source said: “Fire at sea is about the worst scenario for holidaymakers. It has left everyone freaked out.

“Passengers could smell smoke in their cabins so the panic felt by some was totally understandable.”

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 — the world’s longest, tallest and most expensive cruise ship — was heading to Mauritius when the fire broke out on Thursday morning.

It had been at sea for four days since leaving Colombo in Sri Lanka on April 1.

The Sun understands the fire started when a compressor overheated in an area containing the ship’s engines, pumps, compressors, sewage and electrical tanks.

Our source said: “At first, everyone thought it was a practice drill. But it was far from that. The blaze was beneath the accommodation areas and the alarm was raised at 6am. It was chaos.”

But they added: “Emergency protocol kicked in and worked a treat with the crew behaving calmly and professionally.”

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Queen Mary 2, which can take up to 2,600 passengers, docked in Port Louis, Mauritius, yesterday ahead of its voyage to Southampton on April 28 via South Africa, Spain and Portugal .

 It is mandatory for staff to contact the authorities about such incidents on board.

Cunard yesterday confirmed to The Sun that there was a small fire that was extinguished immediately.

It insisted no guest services on board were affected.

The 150,000-tonne, 1,132ft ship was built in 2004.

Two nights in its luxury suites cost £549 a person.

  • The Sun Newspaper

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  31. 5 secrets to getting a luxury cruise for less

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  32. Cruise ship passengers left terrified after fire breaks out on £

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