PHOTO: The private pool in the Haven on Norwegian Jewel- and Breakaway-class ships, plus the Epic, is one of the sunning amenities available to the discerning few. (Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
Those who love cruising on mega-ships but have a taste for luxury are in luck. Many contemporary and premium lines have been splurging in recent years on lavish suites in private ship-within-a-ship enclaves.
Far beyond cramped cabins, these suites are aimed at loyal customers looking to splurge for a 50th birthday or a 25th wedding anniversary, the grandparents taking the extended family on a multi-generational trip, or perhaps the Pied Piper of a major group. These behind-locked-doors enclaves offer a respite from the busy, noisy or crowded areas of the ship.
In addition to the spacious accommodations, guests also get extra perks such as butler or concierge service, free drinks, and private restaurants and pools.
Here are four luxury suite complexes available on contemporary and premium cruise ships.
The MSC Yacht Club includes a private pool, lounge and sun deck. (Courtesy of MSC Cruises)
MSC Cruises offers the private and lavish MSC Yacht Club on the Miami-based MSC Divina as well as MSC Preziosa, MSC Splendida and MSC Fantasia. Guests get a key card to enter the Yacht Club and its Top Sail Lounge (serving complimentary drinks and snacks) and swimming pool surrounded by a café and bar. The curved main staircase sparkles with Swarovski crystals. There's also a private restaurant called Le Muse on the other side of the ship.
The Celebrity Reflection's top suite includes an airy bathroom with an all-glass shower. (Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises)
Celebrity Cruises' most lavish accommodation is the two-bedroom Reflection Suite on the Celebrity Reflection. Located in a private area accessible by key card, the suite measures a whopping 1,636 square feet and has a private, 194-square-foot veranda - and has a bathroom with an all-glass shower cantilevered over the side of the ship.
There's more to come: Starting in April, those who book high-end Royal, Penthouse and Reflection suites will be able to dine in a private restaurant as well as all the ship's specialty restaurants at no additional cost. The new "Suite Class" experience also will include a VIP lounge, complimentary premium beverages, unlimited Internet access, priority check-in and embarkation, and more.
The Haven by Norwegian includes a private pool. (Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line)
Norwegian Cruise Line offers a private enclave of luxury suites called The Haven by Norwegian on all Jewel- and Breakaway-class ships, as well as Norwegian Epic. The Haven, which can only be entered by key card, has a private restaurant, 24-hour butler service, a private pool, hot tub, fitness area, a concierge, dining areas and service from the Courtyard Valet. Other perks for Haven guests: preferred seating at the live shows, priority embarkation and disembarkation, and priority boarding on tenders to shore.
The Queens Grill Master Suite on the Queen Elizabeth offers plenty of space for entertaining. (Courtesy of Cunard)
Cunard Line has long offered its upscale Queens and Princess Grill-class accommodations and restaurants. Those who book the suites also can dine in the single-seating Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants. Other perks include butler or concierge service, priority embarkation, pre-dinner canapés and in-suite dining from Queens Grill menu.
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