In contemplating the ideal accommodations for a world cruise, I knew how subjective such amenities would be.
Therefore, I asked a number of colleagues which they would select. In doing so, I also advised them that they could choose any stateroom or suite from any ship regardless if it actually sails on such itineraries, as the exercise was intended to be a hypothetical best case scenario.
Here are our top picks:
Chris Owen (Chris Cruises): Penthouse Junior Suite - Viking Ocean Cruises
"It's not so much the complimentary unlimited laundry which comes standard with those accommodations, or the fact that Viking throws in medical care on a world cruise.
The superior location of those exclusive staterooms on the highest deck of the ship make for a great place from which to see the planet. Add in a secret entrance to the Explorers' observation lounge for good measure, and the roomy 405 square feet space has a bit of a ship-within-a-ship feel.
The big difference here? We would probably never feel the need to be isolated from other passengers. Viking sources like-minded, culturally curious passengers with uncanny accuracy."
Doug Parker (Cruise Radio): Havana Suite - Carnival Cruise Line'sCarnival Vista (soon to be Carnival Horizon)
"These cabins have a sitting area so there is plenty of space for walking around the cabin and you're not trampling over each other trying to get to the bathroom. The bathroom isn't confined to a small rectangle but has two sinks and a generously sized rainfall shower with a bench.
While the patio on the outside isn't a balcony, it does has a connection to the water through a glass wall and offers you privacy with a locked door. The door can only be accessed by Havana guests through a keycard.
Guests also have access to the Havana Retreat during the daytime hours (at night it's open to the general public). The Retreat has a full-service bar, two hot tubs and an infinity pool looking over the back end of the ship.
If you're looking for cabin space, a view of the sunrise and a secluded poolside experience, the Havana cabins are what you're looking for."
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John Roberts (In the Loop Travel): MSC Yacht Club - MSC Divina
"To sail the world in comfort, you want special views, serene space and superior service. What if you could get all that at a price that wouldn't deplete the kids' inheritance? MSC Yacht Club staterooms on MSC Cruises' MSC Divina provide just the right mix of affordability and opulence to make for one happy cruiser.
Yacht Club suites come with a butler who is at your service (they'll even unpack and repack your luggage, if you'd like) and an array of perks. The cabin is large if not as spacious as suites on luxury ships. But it's plenty big enough so two can travel in great comfort. The décor employs an attractive combination of soft pinks and shades of brown, along with dark wood and gray marble. You get a separate seating area with a desk, mini-bar, good drawer space and a walk-in closet.
Sliding glass doors give you access to a balcony area that offers two chairs and unobstructed views. Bathrooms feature tub-and-shower combinations, a sink and marble countertop and finishes.
About those extras: MSC Yacht Club passengers get the ship's delicious wood-fired pizza (other cruisers pay a fee for the treat). They also have exclusive access to Le Muse, a French restaurant, as well as the Top Sail Lounge and a private pool deck with a small swimming area, two hot tubs and a bar/restaurant that serves a daily lunch buffet. Drinks are included in your fare when you order at the private lounge and pool areas."
Aaron Saunders (From the Deck Chair): Silver Suite - Silversea Cruises
"On a world cruise, you'd be hard-pressed to go wrong with one of Silversea Cruises' Silver Suites. They're not as palatial as the line's Grand and Owner's Suites but give that nice bit of extra living room that you'll need on a long voyage, with separate living and sleeping areas, walk-in closets (on Silver Spirit), and oversized balconies.
Depending on the ship, you might also have two bathrooms, or a segmented bathroom, which you'll need by the time you've hit Day 90 and you both want to get dressed at the same time. Of course, butler service, Bulgari toiletries and a pillow menu don't hurt, either."
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Yours Truly
I must admit I agree entirely with Chris Owen. Most of my colleagues above mention a ship-within-a-ship concept as desirable, but I'll take Viking Ocean Cruises' makeshift equivalent any day.
I also love the fleet's larger Explorer Suites, particularly for their prime corner locations and wraparound balconies overlooking either the bow or the stern. However, there's something just right about the smaller Penthouse Junior Suites with their abundant USB charging outlets and continuous bedroom and living rooms.
I too love those located right off the Explorers' Lounge adjacent to the also-palatial Owner's Suite, which would be more like having an entire 1,448-square-foot private apartment for a world cruise.
So, actually, I'll revise my selection and go with that one, provided money is no object, of course. It's still a great value for what it is after all.
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