OverSixty January 2023 Issue

ISSUE 3 | JANUARY 2023 | OVERSIXTY.COM.AU 40 TRAVEL 6 of the best new ‘rooms with a sea view’ From boutique styling to in-room perks, cruise ship accommodation has reached new levels of luxury and style JOANNA HALL CRUISING W hen it comes to cruise holidays, time hasn’t stood still when it comes to the design and innovation of today’s cruise ships and accommodations. Gone are the days of tropical decor and limited categories; today’s staterooms and suites are chic, high- tech spaces with colour palettes and design features resembling a land-based boutique hotel. Here are six of the latest to consider. Infinite Veranda Stateroom On Celebrity Beyond These popular staterooms have had a major makeover for Celebrity Beyond which launched in 2022, including a new colour scheme and decor selected by world-class designer Kelly H. Part of the appeal is that instead of a step-out balcony, with the touch of a button your living space becomes a veranda as the upper half of a windowed wall opens. Larger than Celebrity’s Solstice Series veranda staterooms, they come with a king-size bed topped with Celebrity’s comfy Cashmere mattress. Club Balcony Suite On Norwegian Prima NCL’s newest ship has chic Club Balcony Suites in several categories, larger than standard staterooms. Their sleek decor features a neutral colour palette with touches of blue, a vibrant art display above the bed, beachy wood tones, and a balcony with two comfy chairs. Another plus with this suite is a lineup of amenities and privileges at no additional cost, such as the option to pre-book onboard entertainment and dining well in advance of your sail date, complimentary treats, and a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine. Concierge Level Solo Veranda Stateroom On Oceania Vista Oceania Cruise’s newest ship debuts in April 2023, and besides all-veranda accommodations, in a first for the cruise line Vista offers a new category of Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms for solo travellers. Spacious yet cosy, they come with a seating area overlooking a private veranda and a separate sleeping area with a Tranquility Bed. Solo guests travelling at Concierge Level also benefit from amenities including free laundry service and access to the exclusive Concierge Lounge. Nordic Balcony Stateroom On Viking Polaris/Viking Octantis In a first for polar expedition vessels, all staterooms on board Viking’s newest expedition ships feature an innovative Nordic Balcony. Its floor-to-ceiling glass allows you to take in the views while keeping the elements out. When you want to get closer to nature, however, the top half lowers to transform your stateroom into an al fresco platform, complete with an “observation shelf” at elbow level to stabilise binoculars or a camera. They also come with a king-size Viking Explorer Bed, and a bathroom with a heated floor. Byron Bay Beach Club Suites On Pacific Adventure/Pacific Encounter The Byron Bay Beach Club is a new offering, bringing P&O into line with other cruise lines offering luxury retreats or “ship within a ship” areas. This private retreat, which has features including a private outdoor pool, spas, and comfy seating with live entertainment, is available to people in Byron Suites or Mini-Suites. Located on the forward section of Deck 16, these stylish accommodations come with additional perks including complimentary snacks and two pairs of Byron Beach Club flip-flops to wear onboard and take home. Reserve Collection Cabana Rooms On Sun Princess Debuting in 2024 and accommodating 4,300 guests, Sun Princess will not only be Princess Cruises’ largest ship but also its most innovative. Among its lineup of dazzling attractions is a new category of accommodation, the Reserve Collection Cabana Room, a resort-style stateroom that combines a balcony and cabana to create an extra-large private outdoor space. These premium accommodations also include access to the Reserve Collection Restaurant. Clockwise from top: Norwegian Prima has chic Club Balcony suites; Rseserve Collection Cabana Rooms; Nordic Balcony Stateroom, Infinite Veranda Stateroom CRUISING