Australia has become a top market for luxury cruise lines, thanks to our high incomes and long holidays.  We’re renting suites that are up to five times bigger than the average Sydney two-bedroom apartment.

So what do you get if you booked the best room on the ship? Here’s how to live the suite life…

Regent Seven Seas: The Regent Suite

When RSS Splendor launches next year, her top accommodation will be the super spacious 412-square-metre Regent Suite (pictured, top) with two bedrooms, separate living and dining rooms, two and a half marble bathrooms, two separate balconies with a custom-made Tresse Minipool Spa overlooking the bow of the ship and a glass-enclosed sun room. The in-suite spa retreat has a sauna, steam room and jetted tub where you can sip a glass of Veuve Clicquot. A Steinway Grand piano by Dakota Jackson sits on the lounge, two rare original lithographs by Picasso are on the walls, there’s a hand blown Lalique vases and a personal butler. Bathrooms offer a choice of Guerlain, Bottega Veneta and L’Occitane toiletries.

Silversea Silver Spirit: Owner’s Suite

The stylish, two-bedroom Owner’s Suite with large teak balcony exudes classic elegance. It measures 150 square metres in size and has separate living and dining areas with Illy coffee machine and writing desk with personalised stationery, plus a bar stocked with beverages of your choice and a dedicated butler. Both bedrooms have handmade Savoir mattresses, down duvets and pillow menus, as well as ensuites with full-sized tubs and separate showers, Bulgari bath amenities and Etro bathrobes.

Silversea Owner's Suite
Silversea Owner’s Suite

Seabourn Odyssey Sojourn and Quest: Grand Wintergarden Suite

The 120-square-metre Wintergarden Suite is described as a gracious home away from home. It has two bedrooms, with two marble bathrooms with Molton Brown toiletries (one with a whirlpool bathtub), convertible sofa bed for one, glass-enclosed solarium with tub and day bed, two flat-screen TV sets, and two 17-square-metre balconies. If you’re the hostess with the mostest, there is a guest bath, a fully stocked wet bar with beverages of your choice and dining space for six.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XcDE6DM1sns

Crystal Cruises: Crystal Penthouse with Veranda

This stylish, 125-square-metre suite has a luxurious living room and separate dining area with a built-in bar, Swarovski chandelier and custom-built entertainment centre with flat screen TV. The queen-sized bed has Frette linens, his and hers walk-in closet and an expansive teak balcony. The marble master bathroom with Jacuzzi has stunning ocean views, separate shower and bidet, heated floor and bench, while the separate guest bathroom includes a shower.

Crystal Cruises Penthouse with Veranda
Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Penthouse with Veranda

Hapag Lloyd Europa 2: Owner’s Suite

Described as an exquisite home on the oceans of the world, it has a living space of 99 square metres and a balcony of 15 square metres with loungers and seats. As well as separate living and dining areas, there is a sunroom with a whirlpool and a day bed, tucked in behind the bathroom with double vanities, shower with steam sauna, and separate toilet. The spacious bedroom has a walk-in wardrobe, study desk and entertainment system. The complimentary minibar has a selection of soft drinks, beer and top shelf liquor.

Hapag Lloyd's Owner's Suite
Hapag Lloyd’s Owner’s Suite

Virgin Voyages: Mega RockStar Suites

Richard Branson’s Scarlet Lady will have a rock and roll theme for its two top suites, which will sit atop the Captain’s bridge and measure a massive 199.5 square metres. The glamorous suites will have a second bedroom slash music room stocked with guitars, an amplifier and a gold plated vinyl turntable with a collection of classic R&R records – a nod to the rock and roll heritage of Branson’s Virgin Group. There is a circular, oversized couch for cocktails adjacent to the suite’s in-room bar, an expansive balcony with private hot tubs, outdoor showers, hammocks and circular conversation pits. Guests will have access to Richard’s Rooftop, a private members club and a bar at the top deck of the ship.

Virgin Voyages' RockStar Suite
Virgin Voyages’ RockStar Suite