Cruise Suites - A Review of the Best
By [http://ezinearticles.com/?expert=Genna_Roberts]Genna
Roberts
Many of us can only dream of spending a fortnight in a
top suite on our next cruise, but with the market becoming
increasingly price competitive, we thought now would be a
good time to compile a countdown of the ultimate luxury
accommodations at sea!
There are a few things you'd expect to come as standard
as a suite guest, such as a handy butler and pillow menu,
but we have hunted high and low for those that go a whole
lot further.
Our first entry comes from a P&O's Aurora. At 76,000 tons
she is no super liner, yet still manages to have one of the
most impressive suites to be found at sea. Situated at the
very front of the ship are two exclusive Penthouse Suites.
Spanning through two decks, the 937sqft suites comprise of
two balconies, a sweeping spiral staircase, dining room,
living area, Jacuzzi bath and a choice of a baby grand piano
or a library, but most striking of all, the area is
highlighted by floor to ceiling window and patio doors
providing fantastic sea views.
At a modest 360sqft including balcony, you may wonder how
Costas Samsara Suites made it into our top countdown. The
answer is; size isn't everything. These suites may not have
enough room to throw your own party, but they do have direct
access to the biggest wellness centre at sea, covering more
than 2000sq metres over two decks.
Suite guests receive a "welcome ritual" package which
includes daily entry to the Thermal baths and Thalasso Pool,
two spa treatments of their choice, two fitness or
meditation lessons, access to the relaxation area plus table
reservations at the exclusive Samsara Restaurant which
serves a range of wellness foods. A stay in a Samsara Suite
pretty much guarantees a truly relaxing cruising experience,
and uniquely, one where you may just go home a few pounds
lighter than you arrived!
Celebritys Millennium class ships have dominated the
prestigious Condé Nast readers' awards over the past four
years, achieving the top four ranked ships in the world.
With that in mind, you would expect a celebrity suite to
feature as one of our top spots. And it is well deserving of
its place with a suite that is over 1400sqft, impressive
enough, however, when this has a 1098sqft surrounding
balcony providing 180-degree ocean views attached to it,
makes this pretty outstanding!
The two suites, situated at the very back of the ship on
Penthouse Deck, feature separate living and dining areas,
baby grand piano, exercise equipment and a marbled bathroom
with whirlpool bath. The suite is well equipped with
entertainment facilities such as TVs, DVD player, music
centre, fax machine and internet station. Your suite
experience with Celebrity starts at boarding with priority
embarkation and welcome champagne.
Runners up in our countdown are Cunard. Awarding the
largest of the famous trio - the Queen Mary 2 -a liner
boasting the most lavish suites afloat. Lucky guests
accommodating either the Balmoral or Sandringham Duplex
Suites can enjoy no less than 2249sqft of luxury. Spread
across two floors, you can expect to find an oversized
balcony, marbled bathroom and expansive living area
downstairs. This truly is a home away from home.
Cunard have also reserved areas of the ship for suite
guest's access only, the Queens Grill for single seating
dining and the Queens Grill Lounge - thus preventing any
unpleasant encounters with lesser cabin accommodators! (Or
maybe just a nice quiet area for suite guests to enjoy)
We are near approaching the end of our countdown, and so
far we have seen some of the biggest, most luxurious and
innovative accommodation at sea. So, it has to be something
pretty spectacular to be awarded our top spot.
How about a 5750sqft three bedroom, three bathroom area
that can sleep up to six but entertain up to 100 people?
Announcing Norwegian Cruise Lines Garden Villas! A
collection of 10 unique suites situated up on their own
deck, each with private garden, sundeck and hot tub with
alfresco dining and exclusive access to a courtyard area
with private pool for you and your neighbours only.
Each contemporary, oversized villa has a lavishly
decorated living room, dining room and an incredible
bathroom, all framed with windowed walls for amazing sea
views.
So there is, in our opinion, the best accommodation
currently at available sea. And if your budget doesn't quite
stretch? Well, what harm is a little indulgent day dreaming?