Why you should consider upgrading to the Owner’s Suite on a river boat cruise
Now this is the life! Imagine going on vacation to leave the stresses of every day life behind. No telemarketer phone calls in the middle of dinner. No “honey-do” lists. No cleaning the cat litter box. Can’t you just imagine a vacation where you are staying in a room that feels like a luxurious hotel room, someone else is doing all the cooking and cleaning, and your personal butler is there to handle everything else? Wait, what? Is having a personal butler pushing this dream a bit too far? Actually no…
On several river cruise lines, a personal butler may be an extra perk with your room. Similar to upgrading your hotel room to a suite or upgrading to first class when flying, upgrading your room on a river cruise can make your vacation extra special.
Being pampered on a vacation is not a dream. It can be real. You can make it happen. Choosing a vacation that is all-inclusive has always been a popular choice. Resort vacations have long offered a vacation where food, entertainment, and drinks are all included – but you are confined to one location. On a river cruise, you can have the same all-inclusive vacation, but have a constantly changing view. Whether you choose the waterfalls of the Pacific Northwest or the everglades of Florida, snorkeling in California or antiquing in New England, you still only have to unpack once – or have the butler do that for you!
River cruise ships offer a variety of cabins at different price points. Whether it is called the Owner’s Suite” or something different, consider upgrading your cabin to their best suite for the ultimate relaxing cruise experience. Often these larger suites are still available when the standard cabins are already booked solid. Different cruise lines offer different perks that come with these luxury cabins. Most offer larger, private balconies. Most layouts are suites with separate living areas just in case you like to stay up later than your spouse or traveling companion. Here are some of our favorites to inspire you to consider upgrading your vacation experience to the Owner’s Suite:
The Paul Gauguin Grand Suite
457 sq ft room + a 77 sq ft veranda
The Paul Gauguin Owner’s Suite
332 sq ft room + a 197 sq ft veranda
With a Paul Gauguin cruise suite cabin, you have a choice between several style suites including the Grand Suite – with a larger veranda or an Owner’s Suite with a larger room. Both include:
- Complimentary newspapers,
- Complimentary beverages and bar snacks,
- You can arrange to have your favorite fruits waiting for you in your room before embarkation
- iPod music system
- Complimentary Butler Service
- Unpack luggage
- Can make reservations at the spa or in La Veranda or Le Grill
- Can arrange for a private car or make lunch reservations in town for you
- Can deliver petit fours and canapes to your stateroom daily
- Can arrange a private cocktail party if you’re celebrating a special occasion
The American Queen Owner’s Suite
- 348 sq ft with 670 sq ft balcony
- 11 foot vaulted ceilings
- Dressing area with granite vanity and mirror
- French doors open to an exclusive veranda
- Furnished patio with sofa, two chairs, and coffee table
- Pre-boarding privileges one hour prior to standard boarding
- Complimentary bottle of wine on embarkation day
- Fresh fruit in your room daily
- Preferred dining arrangements
- Reserved seating in the Grand Saloon balcony
- Private reception with senior officers
- Speciality afternoon snack menu
- Commodore Services including a River Butler which includes laundry and pressing services, shoe shine, afternoon tea in your suite, breakfast or dinner served on your veranda if desired, pre-dinner canapes and post dinner sweets served in your suite, and unpack/pack luggage for you
The American Duchess Owner’s Suite
- 630 sq ft with 325 sq ft private balcony
- Two-room suite
- Full bath + a separate powder room
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Preboarding privileges one hour earlier than standard
- Complimentary bottle of wine on embarkation day
- Fresh fruit in your room daily
- Reserved seating in the Show Lounge
- Dinner with senior officers
- Speciality afternoon snack menu
- Commodore services, including a River Butler which includes laundry and pressing services, shoe shine, afternoon tea in your suite, breakfast or dinner served on your veranda if desired, pre-dinner canapes and post dinner sweets served in your suite, and unpack/pack luggage for you
The American Duchess Loft Suite
- 630 sq ft room
- Private balcony
- Two full bathrooms
- Two flat-screen TVs
- Commodore services, including a River Butler which includes laundry and pressing services, shoe shine, afternoon tea in your suite, breakfast or dinner served on your veranda if desired, pre-dinner canapes and post dinner sweets served in your suite, and unpack/pack luggage for you
The American Empress Luxury Suite
- 428 sq ft room
- Private veranda
- Complimentary bottle of wine on embarkation day
- Fresh fruit in your room daily
- Preferred dining arrangements
- Reserved seating in the Show Lounge
- Dinner with senior officers
- Speciality afternoon snack menu
- Commodore Services including a River Butler which includes laundry and pressing services, shoe shine, afternoon tea in your suite, breakfast or dinner served on your veranda if desired, pre-dinner canapes and post dinner sweets served in your suite, and unpack/pack luggage for you
The Star Breeze Owner’s Suite
- 575 sq ft
- Separate living room and dining area
- Two flat screen TVs and DVD players
- Full bath and separate powder room
- Fruit basket with berries
- Upgraded high end quality bath robes
- Free internet service
- Invitation to Captain or Senior officer table
- Preferred speciality restaurant dining
- Preferred on-board check in
- Personalized wake up call service
- Preferred canapes service
The American West Owner’s Suite
- 280 sq ft
- Private balcony
- Full size bathroom
- Will be undergoing renovations in 2021/22
The Roald Amundsen XL Expedition Corner Suite
- 495-517 sq ft room
- Private balcony
- Extra large corner suite
- Fireplace
- Bathrobes
- Espresso maker
- Full bath with double sinks
- Separate living and sleeping areas
- Welcome gifts await you on day of arrival
- A corner suite with balcony includes a personal outdoor hot tub
The Ocean Voyager and Ocean Navigator Owner’s Suites
Formerly named the Victory I and Victory II
- 335 sq ft with a semi-private terrace
- Complimentary mini bar restocked daily
- In-room safe
- Evening canapes
- Complimentary laundry services
- Fresh fruit daily
The Viking Mississippi Explorer Suite
- Size including private veranda: 657–1,024 sq ft
- Early boarding privilege
- Two 42″ flat-screen TVs with complimentary Movies On Demand
- Large private bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, heated bathroom floor & anti-fog mirror
- Complimentary Silver Spirits Beverage Package, a selection of premium local wines by the glass, cocktails, beers, specialty coffee drinks, soft drinks and juices throughout the day; plus an open bar (during operating hours).
- Complimentary laundry, pressing & shoe shine services
- Welcome bottle of Champagne
- Separate living, sleeping, and dining areas
The Viking Octantis Owner’s Suite
- Stateroom size: 1,223 sq ft (includes private lounge area)
- Panoramic ocean-view, multi-room suite with private balcony, private garden lounge area, separate dining area/boardroom seating six, and private library, with a curated wine and music collection
- Priority stateroom access
- Priority reservations on expeditions, at the spa, and restaurant
- Three flat-screen TVs with complimentary Movies on Demand
- Large master bathroom with spacious glass-enclosed shower, double-sink vanity, heated floor, anti-fog mirror & hair dryer, plus guest bathroom
- Plush robes & slippers
- Welcome bottle of Veuve Clicquot Champagne
- Daily personalized tea or pre-dinner cocktail & canapés on request
- Dinner & guided tour with ship officers (subject to availability)
- Complimentary laundry, dry cleaning, pressing & shoe shine services
- Silver Spirits beverage package included
The American Melody Grand Suite
- 650 sq ft
- Private balcony
- Separate bedroom and living area
The American Harmony Grand Suite
- 800 sq ft room
- Expansive wrap-around private balcony
- Separate living and sleeping areas
Note: the perks and descriptions listed are current as of this writing, but cruise line perks offered are subject to change. Check with your travel agent for details.
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