With a new generation of cruise ships finally comes a new generation of cabin bathrooms.
There still are some exceptions, unfortunately, but most new vessels are touting much more luxurious bathrooms across the full spectrum of cruise lifestyles and price point (i.e. postage stamp-sized showers are finally out of fashion).
Breakaway-class: Norwegian Cruise Line
For the most part, standard mainstream lines feature similarly scaled bathrooms with comparable showers. On its newest ships, only Carnival Cruise Line and Princess Cruises still utilize curtains while MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean international use better solid enclosures.
For just a small upgrade, Norwegian's Breakaway- and Breakaway Plus-class Mini-Suites impressively double the size of the bathroom and shower with body sprays plus his and hers sinks.
Crystal Serenity: Crystal Cruises
Having launched in 2003, Crystal Cruises' Crystal Serenity is the oldest ship on the list, but it still has some very nice bathrooms. Its standard stateroom ones are a bit smaller, but Penthouses with Verandah are well balanced with a tub and shower spaced out by dual sinks.
Most importantly, the shower is not reduced in size because of the presence of the tub as can be the case on other ships. Plus, even more penthouses are on their way to the Serenity once it is remodeled in 2018.
Magic-class and Dream-class: Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruise Line broke the mold with cruise ship bathrooms when it introduced split varieties.
A sink and toilet in one compartment and another sink and tub/shower combo in a second afford greater privacy when getting ready. On the Disney Dream, Disney Fantasy, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, upgraded Deluxe Family Oceanview Staterooms include an even larger cylindrical shower with a tub basin below, adding to the already great split feature.
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Explorer-class: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Like the Crystal Serenity, Regent Seven Seas Cruises' new Seven Seas Explorer did not skimp on its Superior Suite showers when including an adjacent bathtub. Its luxurious L'Occitane Mer & Mistral line of toiletries are added perks to revive your senses each day.
Even entry-level Veranda Suite accommodations feature well-sized showers that are larger than on standard cruise ships.
Europa 2: Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises may be lesser known in the US, but it probably offers the best luxury cruise experience for English and German speaking families thanks to not only split baths but entire family apartments with dual connecting bedrooms and bathrooms. Individual Veranda Suite bathrooms also feature their own spacious showers complete with a luxurious rain shower head and ample seat, plus a tub to spare.
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Pinnacle-class: Holland America Line
Holland America Line's first Pinnacle-class Koningsdam is remarkable for its large standard showers, beginning with Interior Staterooms. What's more, Koningsdam has taken Disney's split bathroom concept and improved it for its own Family Ocean-View Staterooms.
One section includes a shower and sink as before, but the second adds a tub/shower combo to the sink and toilet for even greater configurability.
Venice-class: Viking Ocean Cruises
Starting with the Viking Star, Viking Ocean Cruises' Venice-class of ships struck gold by offering probably the largest-ever entry-level shower.
Veranda Staterooms feature showers, "you can actually turn around in," according to Viking Cruises founder and chairman, Torstein Hagen. They also include a helpful ledge for leg shaving, and they only go up in size from there. The nearly doubled one available in Penthouse Junior Suites has his and hers sinks, plus a lovely towel warmer.
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