The Coolest Suites on the High Seas
Cruises
Suites are the standard on luxury cruises, no question about it. But there are big differences in size, furnishings, and style. LuxuryWise takes a closer look at a few of the new luxury ships and dissects their most impressive suites. Which ones have you already booked for your clients?
The Coolest Suites on the High Seas
Cruises
Suites are the standard on luxury cruises, no question about it. But there are big differences in size, furnishings, and style. LuxuryWise takes a closer look at a few of the new luxury ships and dissects their most impressive suites. Which ones have you already booked for your clients?
Explora II, Explora Journeys
It's not surprising that the highest suite categories are booked up the fastest on board even on the youngest cruise brand. This makes it all the more annoying that there is only one of the really chic Owner's Residence (OR) on board the Explora I and on the Explora II, which is currently under construction. When she sets off on her maiden voyage from Barcelona on August 11th, there will be two of these suites at sea. Each is designed for three adults, or two adults and one child under the age of 18. It can also be combined with an Ocean Terrace Suite (OT2). The Owner's Residence offers an impressive 155 square meters (1,668sq. ft.) of space inside, divided into a large living and dining area, a bedroom with dressing room, and a large bathroom. In addition to two marble washbasins, it also has its own steamroom. After working up a sweat you can slip into cozy bathrobes from Frette. There's an office area, as well as a small workout area with Techno Gym equipment. However, the real star of the accommodation is the 125 square meter (1,345sq. ft.) terrace, which like the suite stretches across the entire width of the ship. An infinity whirlpool and plenty of seating ensure that guests always have a place in the sun. According to Explora Journeys, the furnishing style in both Owner's Residences will most likely be the same – stylish with a modern touch. Muted colors and lots of windows draw the eye to the essentials: the sea! Various extra services are available to guests of the Owner's Residence, including a residence manager, transfers to and from the airport, a spa treatment, and an overnight hotel stay before and after the cruise.
Trade Contact: Francisco Sanchez, Head of Sales Central Europe
Oceania Vista, Oceania Cruises
It's a design lovers heaven: the Owner's Suite on board the Oceania Vista, which launched last spring, bears the signature of Ralph Lauren. Furniture and decorative pieces from the Ralph Lauren Home Collection have been used to furnish the 223 square meter (2,400sq. ft.) suite. The stylish accommodation has white ceilings and traditional white wooden panels on the walls, while many of the lounge seating pieces are in the Ralph Lauren brand color palette of blue and red, serving plenty of maritime vibes with a fresh feel. It's the perfect place to toast with a cocktail, which of course comes from the suite's own cocktail bar made of fine rosewood. Naturally, butler service is part of the Owner's Suite. Eye-catchers in the dining room include the Brook Street salon dining table and the Holbrook Director's Chairs. Guests sleep on a king-size bed from the luxury brand Côte d'Azur, and have a generously spacious dressing room, where even the jewelry has a chic glass cabinet. The sizeable bathroom is not only suitable for showering, styling, and bathing with a panoramic view, but it's so private honeymooners can even risk a little tomfoolery without any problems. The Owner's Suite also includes two separate teak terraces, which like the suite itself extend across the entire width of the ship. The chances of booking an Owner's Suite on the Oceania Vista are better than on many other ships, since there are three. Located on the stern on decks 8, 9, and 10, they feature a sofa bed in addition to the master bedroom. The Owner's Suites on decks 8 and 10 can be connected to other suites for an additional bedroom.
Trade Contact: The Reservations Team at Oceania Cruises
ANZEIGE – Anknüpfend an den glänzenden Erfolg der Silver Nova im Jahr 2023 ist unser zweites Schiff der Nova-Klasse, die Silver Ray, ein Wegweiser für die Zukunft des Luxusreisens. Ihr asymmetrisches Design schafft weite, offene Räume und atemberaubende Ausblicke auf Ihr Reiseziel. Innovative und verwöhnende Luxuserlebnisse an Bord machen Ihre Reise unvergesslich, während modernste Technologie und ein völlig neuer Ansatz in Sachen Nachhaltigkeit dafür sorgen, dass wir die Umwelt respektieren – und das jederzeit und überall. Willkommen zu einer neuen Art, die Welt zu sehen, zu bereisen und zu erleben. Willkommen an Bord der Silver Ray. Auslieferung Juni 2024. Jetzt entdecken
Queen Anne, Cunard
The newest member of the Carnival fleet, the Queen Anne, will be christened in Liverpool on June 3rd, with its most luxurious suites located on deck 6. This is where the two Queens Grill Grand Suites are located – the Mersey Suite #6.154 and the Solent Suite #6.155. Each measure 134 square meters (1,442sq. ft.), and are rather elegant apartments at sea. Cunard has given these two gems a modern touch, making them attractive to many guests. There is a particularly large amount of space in the living area, which has an integrated bar cabinet that can be stocked as desired, as well as another separate room that can be used for dinners, for example. A butler is available around the clock to cater to your clients' every wish. There's room for up to four people, with sleeping arrangements in the master bedroom and on a sofa bed. From the bedroom clients can enter the spacious bathroom, which has a walk-in shower, a bathtub, and of course a dressing room nearby. Visitors have the guest toilet, of course. Since the Queens Grill Grand Suites are located in the middle of the ship there's no room for a large terrace, but they do have their own balconies with various seating areas. Pro tip: there's always a reserved table in the Queens Grill restaurant for guests of the Queens Grill Suites, which can be exclusively used by guests in this cabin category. On top of that, the world atlas and binoculars available in the Queens Grill Grand Suites are intended to make it easier for passengers to follow their route. It's a bit authentically old school, but also very charmingly British!
Trade Contact: Requests answered by the Cunard Agency Service
Scenic Eclipse II, Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Talk about proportion!! If you compare the size of the Owner's Penthouse Suite (195 square meters/2,099sq. ft.) with the relatively small footprint of the expedition yacht (168 meters/551 ft. long, 21.5 meters/71ft. wide, 228 passengers), it can undoubtedly be described as massive. There are two of these elegant, dark-colored accommodations on board the Scenic Eclipse II on deck 9, and they have a few surprises in store. Thanks to their location at the bow, there's space for a private outdoor area, complete with a jacuzzi and even a lounge. One bedroom is standard, but the Owner's Penthouse Suite can be combined with an adjoining Spa Suite. Speaking of which, the upscale suite has its own mini-spa that comes with a therapeutic bath, a vitality shower with colored light therapy, and a daybed for private treatments in the suite, and one complimentary treatment per guest per trip is included. The living area is also quite remarkable: floor-to-ceiling windows provide fantastic vistas, and comfortable seating, a huge TV, and a dining table for eight round out the entertainment space. The bathroom impresses with its own cozy seating area by the window so when you get out of the bath, you can enjoy the view wrapped up in a fluffy bathrobe. As might be expected for a top category, guests in the Owner's Penthouse Suite have guaranteed reservations for the restaurants. The butler takes care of the dining arrangements, as well as the unpacking of suitcases, or the stocking of the minibar. All according to your clients' wishes of course.
Trade Contact: Achim Weber, Head of Sales
Kreuzfahrten rund ums Land der aufgehenden Sonne
ANZEIGE – Japan hat allen Kreuzfahrt-Begeisterten viel zu bieten – vor allem im Luxus-Bereich! Überraschen Sie Ihre anspruchsvollen Kundinnen und Kunden und schlagen ihnen eine fantastische Reise mit vielen einzigartigen Sehenswürdigkeiten rund um die Kultur und Natur Japans vor – etwa mit den bewährten Partnern Hapag Lloyd Cruises, Ponant, Scenic Cruises oder Silversea. Alle haben Routen rund um Japan im Angebot, die die ganze Vielfalt des Inselstaates zeigen. Und für alle, die noch mehr Luxus-Inspirationen für Japan-Kunden suchen, haben wir hier noch ein paar Anregungen.
Seven Seas Grandeur, Regent Seven Seas
The cruise brand must have thought they could take things even further when they designed the Grandeur Regent Suite to be even more luxurious than its predecessors. The only similarity it seems is that it can be found on deck 14 just like its counterpart on the sister ship Seven Seas Splendor. At 293 square meters (3,154sq. ft.), the indoor area is enormous for a cruise ship. If that doesn't sound like much, the outdoor area adds another 120 square meters (1,292sq. ft.)! Pools (plural) and seating areas are available to enjoy the view of the world's oceans, with space for six people. Even if the elegant, cream-colored living room and bedrooms are luxury gems in their own right with a bar for small parties, the master bathroom really takes the cake. At its center guests will find the Jewel Box, which houses a shower, heated spa loungers, a sauna, a steam room, and a jacuzzi. Spa treatments are carried out directly in the suite and are – drum roll please – unlimited inclusive! BAM! This also applies to the brand new Tahitian Hydration Ritual treatment, which is offered exclusively to Regent Suite guests. In addition to a butler and various other services, Regent Seven Seas has included a lot more for the luxury suite category. Domestic flights in first class and international flights in business class are included, as is an overnight stay in a hotel before the trip, transfers, and a private vehicle with a guide in every port. Foodies will be delighted with the guaranteed reservations in the specialty restaurants and the caviar service in the suite. By the way: Regent has entered into a partnership with Formula 1 team Aston Martin and will soon be offering its guests special horsepower experiences. Whew, hot ticket!
Trade Contact: Gabriella Fonzo, Senior Director of Sales
Silver Ray, Silversea
The relatively new Otium concept has been available as a suite product since the launch of the Silver Nova, the Silver Ray's sister ship. The two Otium suites are the largest on board the Silver Ray, which will embark on its first voyage from Lisbon in June. Because of its location on the side of the stern there are many windows and therefore plenty of natural light. Design-wise, Silversea simply doesn't do half measures, opting for unobtrusive elegance in warm, earthy tones that radiate a welcome-home feeling, and the Silver Ray is no different. The two Otium suites are designed for two people and have one bedroom, but an additional guest can be accommodated on a sofa bed. The living space of 123 square meters (1,324sq. ft.) is divided into a large living area, a walk-in closet, a bedroom, and a bathroom with a jacuzzi and a walk-in shower. The veranda adds another 40 square meters (431sq. ft.) to it. The suite's floor-to-ceiling windows provide first class views from the living area, and the views from the jacuzzi on the private veranda are even better! Chic daybeds and additional seating round out the laid back vibe. Another cool extra is that each Otium Suite guest receives one Otium spa treatment per trip. One culinary offer to highlight is that Otium Suite guests are allowed to dine in the otherwise chargeable La Dame restaurant on one evening per trip. But be sure to warn your clients that they'll likely have to release their belt buckles, since only the finest French cuisine is served here. Naturally, Silversea's trademark butler service is included in this cabin category. Pro tip: the Otium Suites are located on decks 6 and 7, but if they're booked out you can alternatively combine the Owner's Suite with a Veranda Suite to give your clients a similarly-sized accommodation.
Trade Contact: The International Sales Team of Silversea Cruises
Four Seasons Yacht – The Suite of the Future
First comes big, then comes gigantic. Not to be outdone by Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons is chasing its rival into the cruise game to bring another luxury yacht to the world's oceans. The launch is planned for 2025, and Four Seasons has a suite revolution up its sleeve. The Funnel Suite will extend over four floors and clocks in at an incredible 892 square meters (9,601sq. ft.). This home away from home offers guests a fully panoramic front with an unmatched view in the direction of travel. Privacy is a top priority, and nothing here is visible. It's indoor-outdoor living at its best!
Four Seasons Yacht – The Suite of the Future
First comes big, then comes gigantic. Not to be outdone by Ritz-Carlton, Four Seasons is chasing its rival into the cruise game to bring another luxury yacht to the world's oceans. The launch is planned for 2025, and Four Seasons has a suite revolution up its sleeve. The Funnel Suite will extend over four floors and clocks in at an incredible 892 square meters (9,601sq. ft.). This home away from home offers guests a fully panoramic front with an unmatched view in the direction of travel. Privacy is a top priority, and nothing here is visible. It's indoor-outdoor living at its best!
Let's Ask the Industry:
Do luxury suites play a leading role in cruise sales?
"This is a key topic, as it depends on the ship and the route. For transatlantic guests on board the new Queen Anne, a Grill Suite or Princess Suite is a must-have, as the selection of special extras makes the journey a real experience. Booking these categories also varies greatly depending on the ship, the route, and the cruise company and is not always easy. If necessary, we check online waiting lists created for a particular suite category by the cruise companies themselves, which has worked quite well for us. However, the added value of the top suites on the high seas is very clear for our clients. They look for a new sense of space, a tasteful ambience, a light-flooded and unobstructed view of the sea, and of course a lot of privacy. These elements create the feeling of being on your own yacht. However, it's also important to them that everything is coherent, that function and form are harmonious. This includes well-conceived elements such as a large walk-in closet and a spacious bathroom. Personally, I particularly like the interior design of the Scenic Eclipse suites, as you can feel that the furnishings have been meticulously chosen by Karen, the owner. Depending on the size of the ship, it can sometimes be a challenge to sort through the many suite categories. The Silver Nova, for example, boasts seven new categories, with a total of 13 suite categories to choose from. The Otium Suites, which face aft, are particularly exciting. The huge glass facades extend from floor to ceiling and offer a 270-degree view. The Master or Signature Suites also have a large living area and generous window fronts as a selling point. The four suite categories on Explora Journeys, on the other hand, are much more manageable and easier to handle, just like on the Scenic Eclipse, where there are seven categories. "
Gabriele Reminder-Schray, Regional Director, Euro Lloyd Travel Agency