Suites are the best cabins you can get on a cruise ship.
They are spacious, bright, cozy, and have several additional amenities that you won’t find in any other cabin.
But what makes suites so special (and also so expensive)?
In this article, we will explore the features that make these cabins so special and that will definitely blow your mind!
1. They can be double-decker
Double-decker suites are the real luxury on a cruise ship.
As you can imagine, the space on a ship is very limited. That’s why many cabins are really small, starting from 140 square feet (ca. 13 m²).
However, the best suites span two levels. The lower one has a spacious living room, a dining area, and sometimes a study room.
The upper is usually dedicated to the master bedroom and bathroom with a stunning ocean view.
As you can see from the photo below, one of the most loved features of these cabins is the floor-to-ceiling windows, which let you enjoy very panoramic ocean views.
Of course, these suites also have a huge private balcony with one special thing that we will see later on the list.
2. Welcome Gifts
When you enter your cruise suite, you are greeted with a selection of welcome gifts that set the tone for a luxurious vacation.
Often these gifts include a bottle of champagne, chocolates, fresh flowers, pastries and canapés, and a basket of seasonal fruits.
I personally find it a very nice thing. It’s beautiful, right after you arrive, to sip a glass of champagne with that beautiful view, along with the people you love.
3. Private Whirlpool
If there’s a sunny day, all passengers crowd to the pool deck and line up to get into a jacuzzi.
Well, you won’t need to do that because you will have a private whirlpool right on your balcony.
Imagine soaking in warm, bubbling water while looking out at the endless ocean. It makes me relax just thinking about it.
4. Personal Butler
I’m not gonna lie, a butler is one of the most luxurious services you can enjoy on a cruise, it really takes your experience to the next level.
They usually handle everything: they unpack your luggage, make dinner and spa reservations, bring your morning coffee and newspaper, and can even arrange private parties in your suite.
Cruise butlers are also trained to anticipate your needs, take care of all the little details, and provide a very personalized service.
I really think it’s something that anyone should experience, at least once in their life.
5. Large Dining Table
As I was saying at the beginning of the article, standard cruise cabins are very small, and they don’t have a real table if you wanna eat in your room.
On the contrary, suites have a large dining table that is perfect for hosting meals and gatherings.
Usually, these tables can seat up to six or eight guests, so you can enjoy your meal in the privacy of your own suite.
Room service is free for suites on many cruise lines. For other cabins, there’s often an additional charge.
6. Bidet
I don’t know if it might interest you, but it is certainly important to me since I am Italian.
Some suites have a bidet in the bathroom. It was a real surprise when I saw it since it’s very difficult to find it outside some countries.
A funny thing is that once an American passenger asked me what it was, as he thought it was a small urinal.
Another interesting thing is that some bathrooms in the suites have both showers and bathtubs. Just pick your favorite one!
7. Company-branded Gadgets
I love gadgets, and as a cruise lover, I love cruise lines branded ones.
Usually, if you travel in a suite you get some of them, but it is difficult to make predictions.
The types of things you get for free change by company, ship, and type of itinerary.
You can usually get bags, lanyards, lip balm, beauty kits, pillow spray, eye masks, or slippers.
If you find them in the cabin, just ask for confirmation that you can take them home. If you don’t want to make any mistakes also check the things you can take from a cruise cabin.
8. Free Drinks and Snacks
This thing can change by cruise line, but generally, the drinks and snacks you find in the suites are included in the price of the suite.
Many high-end cruise lines provide a well-stocked minibar with a variety of beverages, including soft drinks, bottled water, juices, and alcoholic beverages.
Additionally, guests can often find a selection of gourmet snacks and canapés or can request to have them delivered for free throughout the day.
9. Bathrobe and Slippers
I love to find bathrobes and slippers when I go on vacation.
Unfortunately, in many standard cabins, they are not included, and you can only find them in suites.
They are often branded with the cruise line’s logo and are perfect if you’re lounging on your private balcony, enjoying an in-suite breakfast, or using your private whirlpool.
10. Grand Piano
A grand piano in your cruise suite is the ultimate luxury.
Some top-tier suites, such as the Royal Suite on Vision of the Seas have it (as you can see from the pic above).
It is used both as a piece of decor and also to offer guests the opportunity to play and enjoy music in their private space.
As far as I know, you can ask for a private concert by one of the pianists onboard.
However, the model you see in the picture above is also a self-playing piano, so you can enjoy music at any time during the cruise.
BONUS BENEFIT
A very important advantage that I want to include in this list, even though it’s not something you find in the cabin, is having access to exclusive areas of the ship.
When you book a suite, you can enjoy a separate restaurant from other guests, a dedicated pool and solarium, and access to other exclusive areas.
Always remember to check these details before you book, and if a suite is too expensive for you, check which cabins are cheaper on cruise ships.
