Say goodbye to the standard stateroom. Inside cabins now come with a view, bijou bedrooms welcome singles, clever design keeps families together, suites are larger than the average home and there are exclusive enclaves for a select few.
WINDOWS ON THE WORLD
The windowless interior cabin could soon be a thing of the past as cruise lines begin to develop digital technology to give passengers a virtual view of the outside. Essentially large TV screens, the virtual balconies and windows stream real-time footage from a series of cameras mounted around the ship.
WHO HAS IT? Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Lines.
ALL BY MYSELF
Solo cruisers have traditionally had to pay a large supplement or sleep in a broom cupboard, but new ships are finally beginning to cater to this growing sector of the market. The new crop of single cabins are stylish, well designed and affordable, and some even come with access to exclusive lounges just for solo travellers.
WHO HAS IT? P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Holland America, Cunard, Royal Caribbean.
FAMILY FIRST
At the other end of the spectrum, larger cabins will appeal to families cruising together. Clever sleeping arrangements, curtained-off living areas and multiple bathrooms (plus bathtubs) work well for intergenerational groups travelling together. For even more space, adjoining cabins can be connected to create one large suite.
WHO HAS IT? Holland America, Royal Caribbean, P&O Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises.
THE SUITE LIFE
The sky is the limit when it comes to top-of-the- line cabins, which are no longer just larger versions of the standard stateroom. Duplex suites are like loft apartments with a bedroom upstairs and living area below, while some suites have glass bathrooms cantilevered over the side of the ship. Ultra-luxe extras include private solariums and sun decks, hot tubs, designer furniture and linens, in-room spa facilities, personalised pyjamas and, of course, a grand piano.
WHO HAS IT? Royal Caribbean, Cunard, Seabourn, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises.
ACCESS ALL AREAS
As if suite passengers didn’t have enough luxury in their own cabin, some ships have begun to offer private “ship within a ship” areas to the highest-paying passengers. These exclusive enclaves can have additional pools, bars and restaurants, all available free of charge to a small number of passengers.
WHO HAS IT? MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line.
