It was a bold statement from the proud new owner of one of the world’s most expensive expedition yachts.
When Crystal Cruises launched the new Crystal Endeavor in a glittering ceremony attended by top German policitians, Tan Sri Kok Thay Lim, Chair of Genting Hong Kong, said: “The most luxurious and expensive ship ever built at $20,000 per gross tons, she sets a new high standard in luxury cruising including the largest space ratio, at over 100 gross tons per guest, and most importantly, the highest staff to guest ratio in the industry at one-to-one.”
Starting at an eye-watering $2396 per night, Mr Tan’s claim seemed to ring true. A quick search by Cruise Passenger online showed a voyage next month in Iceland costs from $23,962 or $2,396 a night. Twelve nights in the Arctic aboard the luxury discovery yacht Scenic Eclipse comes in at $15,400. At a mere $1,283 a night it’s sounding like a steal.
We know that, like sex, luxury sells. Cruise specialist and travel agent Kathy Pavlidis told Cruise Passenger people are looking to return to cruise in style with longer and more luxurious voyages.
“Luxury is selling fast. People do want to cruise, they have a lot of future cruise credits around but they’re looking for longer Mediterranean-type itineraries, repositioning cruising, expedition type cruising.”
This demand is coinciding with luxury cruise lines upgrading their fleets, with Regent Seven Seas and Crystal revealing new vessels.
Regent Seven Seas gave the first details of the stunning Seven Seas Grandeur recently. And talking of Regent Seven Seas, doesn’t chairman Frank Del Rio take credit for the line: “The most luxurious ship ever built?” And isn’t the 412 sq metre Regent Suite US $10,000 a night?
So who does have the most expensive suite?
The Owner’s Suite on Silver Origin
Described as “truly the apex of luxury,” The Owner’s Suite packs in a whirlpool bath that gazes over the ocean, a vast veranda where the wind can give your hair a private massage and beautiful modern decor throughout the suite.
Silversea voyages are all-inclusive, so you’ll also be enjoying butler service, in-suite beverages, gourmet dining and shore excursions.
However, particularly for the owner’s suite you’ll be wrapped in plush robes and slippers, have a walk-in wardrobe, two large flat screen TVs, complimentary laundry service, complimentary expedition gear and sparkling wine on arrival.
Price: On a World Cruise Expedition, the owner’s suite starts from $147,100 per person for 167 nights
The Regent Suite
At the top of Regent ships, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer lies the 412 square-metre paradise, The Regent Suite.
The Regent Suite has been meticulously crafted to allow guests to lay their heads while surrounded by lavish design, world-class amenities and unparalleled design and craftsmanship.
You’ll be having sweet dreams in a $267,000 Vividus bed on Splendor or maybe have to settle for the $200,000 Savoir bed on Explorer.
You’ll have three walk-in closets, an in-suite spa with a sauna, steam room and jacuzzi, a private solarium, guaranteed dining reservations, priority boarding, the services of a personal butler, a complimentary cocktail party and countless more amenities.
Not to mention the suites decor included original Pablo Picasso lithographs, a custom Steinway grand piano by Dakota Jackson and a Cristina Azario Designer Throw.
You can even take an online virtual tour of the two suites here.
Price: For a 14-night Miami to Miami round trip, the Regent Suite costs $103,660 per person
Crystal Penthouse
Get aboard the Crystal Serenity and you could find yourself in the glamour-packed Crystal Penthouse.
You’ll have complimentary in-suite dining, a luxurious master bedroom, an ocean view bathroom with a Jacuzzi Tub, a refrigerator stocked with complimentary beverages, and you’ll be sleeping wrapped in Egyptian cotton and Italian linens.
Should you need anything you’ll have attentive butler service, a complimentary pressing service and unlimited complimentary specialty dining.
Maybe the most impressive feature is the incredibly spacious veranda which runs the entire length of the room, leaving plenty of outdoor space for arm chairs, an accompanying ottoman and an outdoor table.
Take a 360 tour of the suite here.
Price: For a 116-night Miami roundtrip, The Crystal Penthouse will cost you $324,588
Grand Wintergarden Suite
If you splash some big cash and climb onto the Seabourn Ovation or Seabourn Encore, you could be enjoying the Grand Wintergarden Suite and its more than 1300 square feet of pure perfection.
You’ll have three flat-screen TVs, a whirlpool spa tub, wet bar, Nespresso machine, designer binoculars and a complimentary private transfer.
Beyond that you’ll also have a heated jacket wardrobe, designer furniture and a luxurious bronze bathtub.
On arrival you’ll be greeted by a bottle of Shackleton Blended Malt Scotch Whiskey before a sculptural staircase guides you to the master bedroom.
Here you’ll meet the LG OLD roll out TV that moves away on command to gift you with ocean views and an elegantly crafted five-piece bathroom.
Price: A 24-night voyage to Antarctica and Patagonia will set you back around $53,000
Owner’s Suite on Le Commandant-Charcot
Le Commandant-Charcot is not only one of the first ships of its kind to be powered by environmentally liquefied natural gas, but it’s also a luxury-lover’s dream. Especially its glamorous Owner’s Suite.
The Owner’s Suite is packed out with an expansive private terrace, complete with a jacuzzi and sunbeds. This 180 square metre terrace offers panoramic ocean views for your own escape within the ship.
All the other expected luxuries of a flat screen TV, 24 hour service minibar, butler service and video on demand are of course included.
This will give you a decadent base to explore the rest of the vessel including its indoor swimming pool, conservatory, panoramic restaurant, observation lounge and more.
Price: A 14-night stay in the Owner’s Suite on Antarctica expedition sets you back $104,830.
