Features · In depth
The great suites at sea
The back story
About The great suites at sea
The finest suites at sea now rival a penthouse ashore, with terraces, private pools and staff of their own. Here are the signature suites of the lines we cover, with the sizes each line gives. We never print a price unless the line does.
The yachts
Four Seasons I’s Funnel Suite spreads over four levels with three bedrooms; Four Seasons gives it 501 m² (5,393 sq ft) indoors and a 421 m² (4,532 sq ft) terrace. Aman at Sea gives the Aman Suite on Amangati 354 m² (3,810 sq ft). Explora Journeys’ Owner’s Residence measures 280 m², and the two-bedroom Penthouse Suite on Scenic Eclipse II 247 m².
The ultra-luxury ships
Silversea’s Otium Suite on Silver Nova and Silver Ray totals 123 m² (1,324 sq ft), with a 270-degree view. Seabourn’s Wintergarden Suite has 92 m² inside and an 18 m² veranda. Crystal’s Owner’s Suite on Crystal Grace reaches up to 1,986 sq ft, and on Hapag-Lloyd’s EUROPA 2 the two Owner’s Suites measure 114 m² (1,227 sq ft) each.
The finest suites at sea now rival a penthouse ashore.
Suites on the big ships
The largest ships have some of the biggest suites of all. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Haven 3-Bedroom Garden Villas reach up to 454 m² and sleep eight; MSC’s Grand Hamptons Villa, exclusive to MSC World America, spans 230 m² over two decks. Celebrity gives its Iconic Suite 1,892 sq ft inside and a 689 sq ft terrace, Virgin Voyages its two Massive Suites 2,147 sq ft each, and Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate Family Townhouse on the Icon class 1,772 sq ft over three levels.
On the rivers
River suites are smaller by necessity, but some are beautifully planned: Viking’s Explorer Suite on its Mekong ships measures 735 sq ft, AmaWaterways’ Owner’s Suite on AmaMagna 710 sq ft, and Riverside’s largest suites 70 and 82 m².
Our advice: look beyond the square metres. Ask what comes with the suite (a butler, a private restaurant or sun deck, priority tender tickets) and where it sits on the ship. A forward suite with a wraparound view and a quiet aft terrace are very different experiences.
Why it's on our list
- Sizes as each line publishes them
- Yachts lead on space per guest
- Big ships have suite enclaves
- River suites are smaller but beautifully planned
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The great suites at sea before you go.