Suite Sailing

Live the high life on the high seas
in these fabulous cruise accommodations

By Madison G. Welch

(Scroll down to see a slide show.)

Modern cruise ships cater to a wide variety of interests, with such features as onboard water parks, gigantic movie screens, specialty restaurants and full-service spas. The same goes for at-sea lodgings, which can accommodate almost all travelers' tastes and budgets and range from snug studios to spacious quarters with high ceilings and private balconies. Boasting the most square footage, the top-of-the-line staterooms typically come with perks like priority embarkation, reserved seats at shows, 24-hour butler service and even exclusive onboard hangouts.

Here is a look at some of the most luxurious suites at sea from six popular cruise lines. Follow the links for details or consult the travel experts at Vacations To Go, (800) 338-4962.

Royal Caribbean
Enormous windows adorn the double-deck Royal Loft Suite on the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas, dazzling guests with a private bar, baby grand piano and library. The 874-square-foot wraparound balcony boasts a flat-screen TV and whirlpool spa. Both 5,400-passenger megaships, part of Royal Caribbean International, sail the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, FL, until April, when the Allure of the Seas repositions to the Mediterranean.

Celebrity
On the Celebrity Reflection, a glass-encased shower -- complete with reflective coating to protect privacy -- is an ideal perch for staring out to sea. In fact, the Reflection Suite's bathroom has an entire wall of windows providing uninterrupted views. The spacious stateroom sits in an exclusive section of the upper decks. The Celebrity Cruises ship sails from Miami to Caribbean ports until April, then moves to Mediterranean locales.

Carnival
Situated above the bridge, or navigation area, the Captain's Suite on the Carnival Valor features a private balcony and forward-facing windows in the living room -- perfect for sighting an approaching port of call. The suite has two TVs and is positioned near pools and restaurants. Part of the Carnival Cruise Lines fleet, Carnival Valor offers Caribbean itineraries from its home ports of Barbados; San Juan, Puerto Rico; and Port Canaveral, FL.

Seabourn
The 1,097-square-foot Wintergarden Suite can be booked on Seabourn's three 450-guest vessels: Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest. Guests savor ocean vistas from the balcony and glass-walled solarium, which contains a freestanding tub and complimentary bath oils for a relaxing soak. These sleek, yachtlike ships travel the globe from places like Singapore, New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina.

Norwegian
It's a ship within a ship: The Aft-Facing Penthouse and Two-Bedroom Family Villa belong to The Haven, an exclusive section of the Norwegian Getaway. Guests of this enclave have a private pool, hot tub, fitness area and lounge. The fleet's newest vessel makes Caribbean sailings year-round from Miami, and The Haven also is available on several other Norwegian Cruise Line vessels, though accommodations vary.

Crystal
During a recent $52 million makeover, the Crystal Serenity received an elegant redesign and updated amenities. The revamped Crystal Penthouse features surround sound, an iPod docking station, heated floors in the marbled master bath and a new sitting area in the master bedroom. The 1,070-passenger Crystal Cruises vessel sails the Caribbean and Panama Canal through mid-January before embarking on a 108-day world cruise.

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