Trading Up To A Suite

Suites on cruise ships have a contrived intimacy that goes above and beyond what passengers have come to expect. There’s no disputing that the extra square footage, larger balcony and individual design set this rarefied world apart. But splashing out on a suite brings with it more than just a polished brass plaque on the door and space to entertain envious shipmates. The opulent lifestyle that was captured in Downton Abbey offered a glimpse into a privileged world of the aristocracy, but on ships it’s possible to rekindle an indulgent lifestyle – and it might cost a lot less than you may imagine.

Implicit with top-of-the-range accommodations are plush furnishings, colossal bathrooms as well as expansive balconies. Suites are generally situated high up on a ship – far from the madding crowd – where the ambiance is exclusive and the service discrete. Perks include priority embarkation and disembarkation; concierge services; a butler to take care of speciality dining reservations; laundry and unpacking, in addition to mixing drinks and serving meals – on your balcony if you want.

For guests seeking the ultimate luxury aboard Celebrity Eclipse there are two 1,291-sq ft Penthouse Suites; eight 590 sq ft Royal Suites; twelve 394 sq ft Celebrity Suites and 44 Sky Suites at 300 sq ft; plus four Family Ocean View Suites at 575 sq ft. Less an alternative universe, more an indulgent bolthole for guests occupying top-of-the range accommodation, ‘Suite Class’ comes with a host of benefits such as the private restaurant ‘Luminae’ with a team of expert chefs offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.

There are 11 different categories of suites on Norwegian Jade, many of them in ‘The Haven’. These include Garden Villas; Deluxe Owner’s Suites; Family Villas Suites and Courtyard Penthouses. In this two-deck private sanctum at the top of the ship passengers are cosseted within an inch of their lives. When they step outside their residence they enter a secluded Courtyard with small swimming pool, hot tub, and plush sun beds. Here they can escape the hoi polloi and relax, dine and enjoy privacy while being tended by a team of obliging butlers. Dedicated to passengers occupying these suites is a restaurant offering a distinguished menu and lounge for socialising with fellow lotus-eaters.

Other options to join the jet-set in a suite on ships sailing out of Southampton include Cunard’s Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria. There’s also an array of suites on P&O Cruises’ Britannia; Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s Independence of the Seas and Princess Cruises’ Crown Princess. For more details about the options to push the boat out as well as some attractive offers speak to our experienced team on 0800 484 0370 or click on www.cruisedirect.co.uk