How "suite" it is!

Cruise lines continue to one-up each other in offering the most opulent accommodations that ensure "suite" dreams at sea.

In fact, an elegant duplex apartment the size of a house, exclusive courtyards and verandahs with private pools, hot tubs and fitness areas, and private space large enough to entertain 100 friends can be found in suite accommodations.

Toss in 24-hour butler and concierge service and marble-appointed baths for every bedroom, today's cruise ships redefine luxury with over-the-top suite accommodations unimagined only a few years ago, says Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Hardly a porthole for a window (few can be found these days) or curtains as if to hide a window in an inside cabin, these grandest of suites on the high seas are often the first to sell out.

"On luxury yachts, globe-trotting ocean liners and every type of cruise ship in-between, guests in search of the ultimate in elegance, exclusivity or spacious privacy will be astonished by what they find," CLIA says.

Some ships offer "owner's suites" of more than 2,000 square feet (185 square metres), sometimes over two decks (storeys).

Service for the suite class is highly personalized and the accommodation includes only the latest innovations and finest furnishings, linens, toiletries and amenities.

Here's a look at some of the over-the-top suite accommodations:

- Crystal Cruises' four penthouse suites on Crystal Serenity feature 1,300 square feet (120 square metres) of space with a verandah, living room, dining area, luxurious bedroom, master bath with Jacuzzi, separate shower and ocean view, library, pantry, guest bathroom and private workout area with treadmill. There's also complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks, state-of-the-art sound system, flat screen TV and a personal butler.

- Cunard's newest liner, Queen Victoria, has four Grand Suites of up to 2,131 square feet (198 square metres). The Queen Mary 2's five duplex Queens Grill suites are up to 2,249 square feet (209 square metres). Passengers seeking even more space can combine all five to create a 9,000-square-foot (836-square-metre) home at sea. Four forward suites overlooking the ship's bow can also be connected for a suite about half that size.

- Disney Magic and Disney Wonder cater to royalty with two Royal Suites on each ship featuring two bedrooms, whirlpool tub, living room, dining room, media library and Disney-designed furnishings.

- Holland America Line has at least one penthouse suite on each of its ships and provides guests with exclusive access to the Neptune Lounge staffed by a 24-hour concierge. This is a private place to relax, socialize or work with refreshments and some food provided.

- Norwegian Cruise Line's Garden Villas, each spanning up to 5,750 square feet (534 square metres), have a spacious living room, dining room and three separate bedrooms, each with a private bathroom. Villa guests have sun beds, hot tub and steam room in a private garden, plus butler and concierge service.

- Princess Cruises heats things up at sea with a fireplace in the Grand Suite on the Grand Princess along with a hot tub and whirlpool tubs in the bathroom.

- Regent Seven Seas has all suite accommodations on Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager, some as large as 2,002 square feet (186 square metres). Rooms are all high tech, lavishly appointed including walk-in closets and butlers for the penthouses and above.

- Royal Caribbean International's Presidential Family Suites on Freedom Class ships have more than 2,000 square feet (185 square metres) of indoor and outdoor living space and accommodate up to 14 people. There's an extensive entertainment centre, including a 42-inch plasma TV while the balcony has a whirlpool and wet bar.

- Seabourn Odyssey will debut in June of 2009 with the Winter Garden Grand Suite with a dining table for six, butler pantry with wet bar, two private verandas, one with a solarium with bathtub, two walk-in closets and don't forget the fully stocked bar.

- Silversea Cruises' two Owner's Suites have two bedrooms on the Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper with about 1,200 square feet (185 square metres) of luxury. Light-filled, with views of the sea from two private teak verandahs, they accommodate six guests with a stocked private bar, Pommery champagne upon arrival and a butler.

- Windstar Cruises has two new suites perched on the Bridge Deck of the Windsurf providing "all the luxury expected from a private European villa." They are about 500 square feet (46 square metres) and amenities include chilled champagne on arrival, evening appetizers, high tea service and iPod Nanos.

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Cruise Lines International Association represents 24 lines and has a website filled with information, links to their sites and details about cruising in general. Go to: