Best suites at sea……

Are you looking for something that offers ultra luxury, ultra space but most of all that ultra experience, or are you just interested in what these top suites offer on ships.  All ships will offer you the standard cabins from inside to balconies, then Junior Suites and Suites, but then there are the super large suites, maybe the penthouse or Grand Suite.  Of course these rooms do not come cheap,  but if you have the money and want to splash out then you will not be disappointed. Expect spacious accommodation with separate bedrooms and living areas, a Butler, multiple TVs and DVDs, personalised stationary and usually a free mini bar stocked with your favourite tipple.  The marble furnished bathrooms, invariably with twin sinks and separate bath and shower, are stocked with toiletries from the likes of Bulgari and Molton Brown.

Below are what I think offer some of the best suites at sea……

Celebrity Cruises – The 1830 sq ft Reflection Suite on the Celebrity Reflection has an all glass shower that extends over the side of the ship (bathers must flick a switch to avoid being seen), floor to ceiling windows in the dining/living room and an iPad remote control that controls the TV, lights, and even a massage function in the Reverie Dream Sleep System mattresses.

Oceania Cruises  – The Owners suites on the Marina and Riviera span the width of the ship, giving 1400 sq ft of living space with another 626 sq ft of balcony.  Furnished by Ralph Lauren Home, they have a foyer with a grand piano, a living and dining room and master bedroom.  All come with a 24/7 butler service access to a private executive lounge, free loan of a lap top computer, iPad, and spirits, wine and a bottle of champagne to welcome you on board.

Seabourn – The Wintergarden Suite on Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest has 914 sq ft of living space, plus 183 sq ft of balcony, a living area, separate bedroom,  but if you book the suite next door then the room becomes the Grand Wintergarden Suite with a second bedroom and 1189 sq ft of inside space.  The suite has a glassed enclosed solarium with tub and day bed, free wi fi internet, a complimentary bar and a personal stewardess to draw the bath and sprinkle rose petals on the bed at night.

Silversea – The Owners Suite on the Silver Spirit is a stylish one-bedroom suite with 1102 sq ft of living space, plus 190 sq ft of balcony, again you can also book the suite next door so make it a 2 bedroom suite. The living room has separate sitting and dining areas, a guest bathroom and complimentary bar.  The Suite comes with free laundry, dry cleaning and pressing, fours hours of internet, two hours of phone use, a daily newspaper and one complimentary dinner for two in Le Champagne.

Cunard – The Balmoral and Sandringham Queens Grill Grand Duplex suites on Queen Mary 2 habe 2249 sq ft of living space, and 300 sq ft of balcony, split over 2 levels.  There is a bedroom and marble bathroom with whirlpool tub upstairs, a living/dining area downstairs and an exercise bike on the landing.  Suites come with complimentary wine, spirits and canapes throughout the cruise.  You can also take advantage of the private lounge and restaurant with single-seating dining, iPad with daily paper downloads, and priority embarkation, disembarkation and luggage delivery.

Regent Seven Seas – The Master Suite on deck 11 on Seven Seas Voyager is a spacious 1216 sq ft living area with 187 sq ft balcony, has a living/dining room with free bar, guest bathroom and two double bedrooms, each with ensuite marble bathroom.  You will automatically be upgraded to business-class flights and will get up to 500 minutes free internet access.  You will also have a Butler who will deliver a daily newspaper in the morning and canapes in the evening.

Crystal Cruises – The Crystal Penthouse on the Serenity provides 1345 sq ft of living space (including balcony), and have just undergone a transformation to make them more contemporary in look and feel.  Among the changes the dining area has moved to the living room, and the former dining room has become a library/media room with a sleeper sofa and closet so it can also function as a second bedroom.  You will receive an invitation from the Captain for a private tour of the bridge as well as free dry cleaning and laundry, two hours of internet time and an hour on the ship-to-shore phone at no charge.

I have to say my favourite is the glass shower that extends over the ship on the Celebrity Reflection.  Would love to hear off anyone that has…