The world’s most spectacular cruise cabins
Cruise lines offer everything from almost too-good-to-be-true bargain breaks to luxury every step of the way (often with a hefty price tag to match). Virtually every distraction is available onboard, from thrill rides and tattoo parlours to face lift services and art auctions.
But what about the staterooms? While most feature more or less the same combination – bed, chair, somewhere to put your clothes, an en suite – some cruise companies like to do things a little differently. We’ve selected some of the wackiest rooms you’ll find at sea – from one that’s actually inside a ship’s funnel, to one dripping in gold, and another with computerised windows.
Funnel vision
The Four Seasons Hotel group recently announced that its inaugural yacht will feature a four-storey suite housed in a glass-enclosed funnel. On completion, the three-bedroomed 9,975 square feet suite will include a living room and dining area for six people as well as a sprawling terrace with an outdoor gym and plunge pool. Oh, and a fully operational kitchen, in case you fancy knocking up a Sunday roast.
Book it
Four Seasons Yachts (0208 068 1268) has a seven-night Grand Caribbean festive season voyage from £277,000 (for up to five people for the Funnel Suite). Round-trip from Miami, calling at British Virgin Islands, St Barths, Bahamas and Guadeloupe. Departs December 20 2025.
Magic porthole
The Four Seasons isn’t the first cruise ship to offer a funnel suite. Disney Cruise Lines’ Concierge Tower Suite onboard Disney Wish and the Tomorrow Tower suite on Disney Treasure feature grand staircases, two-storey windows and all the top suite touches of a luxury cruise. For a lighter pocket, Disney’s Magic Porthole inside staterooms have computerised windows that reflect the outside view, with Disney characters popping up at random. Far more fun than your average porthole.
Book it
Iglu Cruise (0203 7335 557) has the four-night Ultimate Family Spain Cruise from Southampton to Bilbao from £3,907 for a family of four, staying in a Magic Porthole stateroom on Disney Dream. Departs August 25 2025.
Bright sparks
When Costa Cruises was deciding on a colour palette for their newest ship, Costa Toscano, they obviously donned sunglasses and said, “let’s make a statement!”. Bold primaries feature in the striped wallpaper and curtains, and there’s a bonkers tree mural and more orange than EasyJet.
Book it
Costa Cruises (0800 389 0622) has the eight-day Mediterranean cruise onboard Costa Toscana from £769pp (not including flights). Round-trip from Civitavecchia calling at Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Ibiza and Palermo. Departs July 6 2025.
Family fun
Famous for its family-friendly facilities, Royal Caribbean really pushes the boat out when it comes to its family suites. On Symphony of the Seas, the Ultimate Family Suite does exactly what it says on the tin. The suite includes a Lego wall, gaming station, air hockey table, movie screen, giant Connect Four, a spiral tube slide that leads from the two upstairs bedrooms to the family room, a private jacuzzi on the terrace and a kids’ climbing frame. Returning home may be something of a disappointment.
Book it
Royal Caribbean (0344 493 4005) has the six-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise from £81,815, for a family of four staying in the Ultimate Family Suite (not including flights). From Florida, calling at Bahamas, Jamaica and Haiti. Departs April 11 2027.
Worlds apart
Uniworld always goes the extra mile with their destination-inspired interiors, so visually they are completely unique to other river ships. We particularly like the interiors on the SS Sphinx, which purrs along the Nile. The carpets are inspired by the geometric shapes of the pyramids and all the ceilings were hand-carved in locally sourced blond wood. Elsewhere, the sun is shaded by tented drapes inspired by those on ancient Egyptian barges.
Book it
Uniworld (0808 168 9231) has the 12-day Splendours of Egypt and the Nile cruise which includes four nights in Luxor and a seven-night cruise along the Nile. From £6,599pp, including flights. Departs May 3 2025.
Rewriting the rules
The Aqua Expeditions website describes its staterooms on the Aqua Mare ship as “a tale of subtle opulence” – though “serious over-the-top bling” might be more accurate. “Conceptualised” by Italian megayacht designers, the suites reflect the Wallace and Darwin (as opposed to Wallace and Gromit) era of exploration, with heavy wood panelling, rich wall coverings and gold trimmings.
Book it
Aqua Expeditions (01223 609669) has the seven-night East or West Galapagos Cruise onboard Aqua Mare from £10,349pp, including all excursions and food and drinks. Departure dates throughout January to December 2026, and explores the Galapagos Archipelago.
Unique cheek
Virgin Voyages have always tried to do cruising a little differently, and all their staterooms include touches to set them apart from those of traditional lines. Their selection of “Rockstar Quarters” includes the “Cheeky Corner” suite, which offers wraparound panoramic views, woven hammocks on the terrace, a curated in-room bar and a record player.
Book it
Virgin Voyages (020 3003 4919) has the five-night Dominican Daze cruise from Miami, from £6,376pp for a Cheeky Corner suite. Calling at Puerto Plata and the exclusive Beach Club at Bimini. Departs July 4 2025.
