Your
home away from home
Home Suite Home—these are the most lavish
accommodations afloat!
Suites are sweet
indeed, but not all are created equal. Some luxury ships term all
accommodations as "suites" and they generally range in
size from about 250 to 1500 square feet.
While even smaller suites (often termed mini-suites)
and penthouses are generous in size, the largest suites are more
like apartments at sea. For example, the Garden Villas on Norwegian
Cruise Line's Dawn-class ships measure in at an extraordinary 5,350
square feet. Not only do they have a large living room and three
penthouse bedrooms, they also feature huge private outdoor sun decks
equipped with hot tubs, changing rooms, and dining areas.
In addition to the usual amenities, your suite will
have a small refrigerator or mini-bar. Depending on the cruise line,
it may be stocked with complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, and
the alcoholic beverages of your choice. You can be assured that a
bottle of champagne on ice will await your arrival. Little extras
might include afternoon tea and evening canapés served by a
white-gloved butler.
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|
Garden
Villa bathroom with a view (and a television) on Norwegian
Cruise Line's Norwegian Star
|
The beds in most
suites are two twin-sized that can be joined together to create the
equivalent of a queen- or king-size bed. Expect roomy closets,
abundant storage, and deluxe imported soaps and toiletries in the
bathroom. And the bathroom may even be outfitted with a jacuzzi-style
tub and separate shower.
Penthouse suites and
mini-suites on modern ships have intimate sitting areas with a sofa,
chair, and a cocktail table. Some of the tables can be raised to
dining height.
Suites and mini-suites in the smaller size ranges may
only have floor to ceiling, wall to wall curtains that separate
sitting areas from the sleeping space. For suite accommodations with
a completely separate living room and bedroom, look for those with
approximately 400 square feet and larger.
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A
mini-suite on Norwegian Cruise Line's
Norwegian Star
|
Suite balconies are
usually furnished with two chairs and a small table for outdoor
lounging. Depending on the ship and balcony size, you may also find
a table and chairs for al fresco dining. Be aware that
balconies are not always 100% private--dividers might be opaque
and may not extend all the way from ceiling to floor or from the
ships hull to the railing. On Princess Cruise Line's Grand-class
ships, the balconies are "stepped" like a layer cake. The
result is that certain categories, even some mini-suites, have
balconies which are visible from above.
The top drawer suites
on some ships even include the luxurious touch of complimentary
laundry service. How SUITE it is!
Take a look at:
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Cabin
Selection Tips
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© Author's Collection
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