Ever wondered how the other half live? We’ve sussed out the top-of-the-range rooms on a range of vessels which are cruising from Sydney in 2018/19.
Royal Caribbean’s Ovation of the Seas – Royal Loft Suite with Balcony
The Royal Loft Suite with Balcony is spread across two levels in a loft-style layout. The stateroom boasts a main-level balcony more than double the size of some of the lower deck and equipped with a whirlpool and dining area. RCI also threw in another 13m² main-level side balcony and 8.27m² balcony on the upper-level. The main level has an open living/dining area with a dry bar and a sofa. There is a separate media room with a sofa, along with a full bathroom. Upstairs, the master bedroom has two twin beds, a private bathroom with a soaking tub, shower, two sinks and bidet and a separate dressing area. The bedroom links to a private balcony with yet another whirlpool tub.
Loft Suite guests receive their own personal Royal Genie to help craft experiences from a date night to an on-land adventure. After a day in port, guests can return to their suite to cocktails made in-suite. The Royal Genies also will assist with making reservations, in-room dining requests, and any other needs – from laundry, pressing and shoe-shining, to luggage handling and unpacking. Guests also receive complimentary internet; specialty dining in all of the cruise lines signature venues; an ultimate beverage package and preferred seating at select on board venues.
Vital statistics – Size: 209.31m² or 13.6 Interior Staterooms; Bedrooms: One ; Sleeps: Six
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Solstice – Penthouse Suite
Celebrity Solstice’s Penthouse Suite offers a 36.14m² veranda with a whirlpool and lounge seating. Aspiring pianists have a baby grand piano in their suite placed between the living and dining room. The master bedroom is fitted with a king bed, a marble bath with a whirlpool tub and separate shower. The suite also includes a dressing room with a vanity, butler’s pantry, foyer, two audio/visual entertainment systems with the televisions and a powder room with an extra shower.
Penthouse suite guests will receive their own personal butler and access to suite class restaurant, Luminae and private lounge, Michael’s Club. A bottle of Perrier-Jouët champagne will be waiting on embarkation day and “Delectable Delights” will be delivered daily. All guests will receive a Premium Beverage Package, while minors will receive a Premium Non-Alcoholic Beverage Package. Unlimited specialty dining is also on offer, along with unlimited internet and laundry service twice per cruise.
Vital statistics – Size: 156.08m² or 9.5 Ocean View Staterooms; Bedrooms: One; Sleeps: Four
Norwegian Cruise Lines’ Norwegian Jewel – Three-Bedroom Garden Villas
Norwegian Jewel’s three-bedroom Garden Villas are located in The Haven, where the most luxurious, accommodations are located. These multi-room villas offer panoramic views of the ocean, each with a massive roof terrace and private garden with open-air dining, a whirlpool and relaxation areas. The villas feature a living room with a piano and an entertainment centre with multiple TVs throughout the suite.
Guests staying in The Haven have a 24-hour butler and concierge, along with access to a private concierge lounge and The Haven Courtyard, featuring a private pool, hot tub and sundeck.
Vital statistics – Size: 454.39m² or: 35.44 inside staterooms; Bedrooms: Three; Sleeps: Eight
Princess Cruises’ Emerald Princess – Owner’s Suite
Emerald Princess’ Owner’s Suite offers up to 86.59m² of space and a large balcony furnished with two loungers, a table and two chairs. The room has a separate seating area with a sofa bed and two floor-to-ceiling sliding glass windows. There’s two 42” flat-panel satellite TVs, a private bathroom with a tub and a separate shower and a walk-in closet.
Suite passengers receive a range of VIP perks, including priority embarkation and disembarkation at the beginning and end of a cruise and at tender ports. The VIP experience extends to on board shore excursion reservations, the guest services desk, specialty dining reservations and access to the Exclusive Elite Lounge with complimentary hors d’oeuvres. A private portrait sitting with the on board photographer is included, along with same-day laundry, shoe polishing and Lotus Spa Thermal Suite access. Suite-stayers will be greeted with “welcome goodies” on their embarkation day and a specialty dining dinner in the evening. A complimentary specialty dining mimosa breakfast is served daily, or there’s Exclusive Club Class Dining in the main dining room for dinner every day as well as breakfast and lunch on sea days. In-suite afternoon tea service is also offered, and guests can choose from an upgraded room service menu.
Vital statistics – Size: 86.59m² or 5.8 Interior Staterooms; Bedrooms: one; Sleeps: Four (two on a rollaway bed)
Carnival Cruise Line’s Carnival Spirit – Vista Suite
Vista Suites are located at the back of Carnival Spirit, offering great views from the room’s wrap-around balcony. There are separate bedroom and lounge areas equipped with two flat-screen TVs, a sofa, armchair and coffee table. Guests can get ready for the day at their light up vanity area and walk-in closet, or relax in the whirlpool bath or shower. The suites can be available as a triple share or with interconnecting cabins for children. Vista Suite guests are given priority when it comes to getting on and off the ship and exclusive amenities.
Vital statistics – Size: 43.20m² or 2.5 Interior rooms; Bedrooms: One; Sleeps: Four (two on rollaway bedding)
P&O Cruises’ Pacific Aria/Eden – The Penthouse
Sister ships Pacific Aria and Pacific Aria are the only P&O vessels currently offering the Penthouse. The room features a private balcony, living area, dining area and kitchenette, all looking out through floor-to-ceiling windows. The bathroom has a large spa bath and shower and there’s a walk-in wardrobe and dressing area.
Guests will receive priority embarkation and disembarkation and when they arrive in their room and will be greeted by a welcome aboard letter from the Hotel Director and a glass of sparkling wine. The VIP experience extends to priority tenders, dining and spa reservations, bookings for shore tours turndown and shoe shine services. There is also complimentary afternoon tea and optional breakfast served in suite. On cruises over five-nights, guests will receive an invitation to the senior officer’s private cocktail party.
Vital statistics – Size: 100m² or 7.7 Interior rooms; Bedrooms: One; Sleeps: Four (two on rollaway bedding)
