Many passengers might not pay much attention to their cruise ship bathroom, but if you’re fortunate enough to travel in one of the extravagant suites below - the palatial bathroom would be hard to miss, or ever come out of, really.

But, here are some of my favorite, or rather, surprising bathrooms at sea.

Celebrity Reflection Suite | 1,636 square feet

The Reflection Suite is Celebrity’s first two-bedroom suite, accessible only to guests carrying a special cardkey. Its ocean view bathroom (probably the coolest at sea) is stunning with an all-glass, cantilever shower that extends out over the edge of the ship. This corner shower undoubtedly offers the best views from the Celebrity Reflection!

This remarkably engineered shower is an industry first. It features see-through glass on its floor, sides and ceilings that is tinted so you are able to look out without enabling anyone to look in. At night, shower users can flip a switch to trigger a fogging function that further obscures the view.

In addition to this luxurious bathroom, you’ll be completely and utterly pampered by round-the-clock butler and concierge services, the Premium Reverie Dream Sleep System, plus the complimentary use of an iPad with the Reverie Remote app that acts as a remote control allowing you to easily operate the lights and TV in the stateroom, massage features, and elevation of the mattress.

Celebrity’s Suite Staterooms receive a comprehensive list of additional services and amenities.

The Haven - Deluxe Owner’s Suite | 1,022 square feet

Each Norwegian Cruise Line Deluxe Owner’s Suite is an individual, uniquely designed with modern and luxurious finishes in the private bathroom with separate shower, over-sized soaking tub and two vanity sinks.

These suites also include a king-size bed with pillow-top mattress and fine linens, extra bedding that accommodates two, and one and a half bathrooms. There is a separate living room and dining room, with a wet bar, as well as an extra-spacious wrap-around balcony.

Deluxe Owner’s Suites are located in The Haven - a ship-within-a-ship reserved exclusively for Norwegian’s special guests.

Amenities include the expert services of a concierge and 24-hour butlers, and a secluded Courtyard where you can spend your sea days relaxing, dining and enjoying exquisite privacy.

Seabourn Cruises’ Wintergarden Suites | 1,097 square feet

Available on the Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Sojourn and Seabourn Quest, these suites provide guests with not one, but two luxurious tubs - a jetted whirlpool bathtub for two in the marble-clad bathroom as well as a glass-enclosed solarium with soaking tub.

Wintergarden Suites feature large windows with ocean views, dining for six, guest bath, enclosed solarium with soaking tub and day bed, pantry with wet bar, complimentary Wi-Fi and two flat-screen TVs. Special suite amenities include fine French champagne upon arrival, 24-hour suite service, personalized stationery, electronic safe, flowers and fresh fruit replenished daily, 100% Egyptian cotton linens and duvet, plush cotton robes, towels and slippers, designer soaps and toiletries, hair dryer, umbrella, and world atlas.

Crystal Penthouse | 982 square feet

An indulgent home away from home, Crystal Penthouses are the largest suites available on a Crystal Cruises ship. Its spacious master bath features a Jacuzzi tub with ocean view, separate shower, bidet and flat-screen television.

In addition to the extraordinary facilities, enjoy the comfortable living room, separate dining area with formal seating for six, large private verandah, walk-in closet, private workout area, library and pantry.

Enjoy a wealth of amenities such as plush down comforters, 100% Egyptian cotton linens, wireless in-room Internet access, private car transfers, complimentary laundry pressing and shoeshine, in-suite massage, fresh flowers, Frette robes, Aveda bath amenities, a pillow menu, 24-hour complimentary in-room dining service, twice-daily housekeeping including nightly turndown service, and so much more.

Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Grand Duplexes (Q1) | 2,249 square feet

Just as the name suggests these two-story cabins, or more appropriately, apartments are grand. Among the most extravagant accommodations at sea, these suites house two marble baths with separate whirlpool tub and shower in addition to a guest bathroom with shower.

Downstairs offers sweeping views from the large balcony, and expansive living quarters. Upstairs, the luxurious master bedroom upstairs includes walk-in closet space and private exercise equipment.

Cunard has included thoughtful amenities include priority embarkation, bottle of champagne and strawberries at embarkation, daily fruit basket, complementary bottled water, flower arrangement, personalized stationary, Xbox and DVD player, 24 hour room service, butler service, daily newspaper, shoe shine service, evening canapes, pillow menu, nightly turndown service, bathrobes and slippers, and priority disembarkation. Guests in Queens Grill accommodations dine in the renowned Queens Grill.

Oceania Mariner Owner’s Suite | 2,000 square feet

Three Owner’s Suites on the Oceania Marina boast lavish interior design, marvelous views and opulent master bathrooms. Each includes an oversized soaking tub, separate shower, mahogany double vanity and finishes of marble and granite. If you require an outdoor soak, do not fret, an outdoor whirlpool spa complete with flat-screen television is waiting for you.

These suites also feature a large living room and dining room, spacious bedroom with a king-size Prestige Tranquility Bed, private fitness room, his and hers walk-in closets, and a dramatic entry foyer and music room with baby grand piano overlooking the sea.

A professional entertainment system with flat-screen televisions, 3D movies, and media library is provided as well as a laptop and iPad® with wireless access. Enjoy en-suite gourmet dining from any of the six restaurants, served course-by-course by your Butler.

Norwegian Epic - Public Restrooms | Pool Deck 15

The Norwegian Epic (2010) was full of new and innovative design efforts, some of which worked and others that unfortunately didn’t, such as the controversial Miami-esque style of separate toilet and shower in the new ‘wave’ staterooms.

Attempting-to-be-chic-but-failing in the cabins aside, for me personally, the Norwegian Epic offers one of my favorite restrooms at sea. And guess what? It is not in a penthouse or owner’s suite, gasp, but a public restroom on the pool deck.

Walking in for the first time, and I can only attest for the women’s restroom as I did not have a chance to sneak into the men’s room, was a very nice surprise. The walls are floor-to-ceiling glass with spectacular views of the ocean or port of call. Many cruisers felt somewhat exposed, especially while docked as those on land could technically see in. However, the actual facilities were private and if anyone was nosy enough or somehow close enough to get a look they would only get a peek of you washing your hands or fixing your lipstick.

Notable Mentions

• Disney Fantasy and Disney Dream Signature Royal Suites - luxurious master bath designed with opulent granite and marble finishes features a whirlpool tub, rain shower, double sink and a walk-in closet and ensures comfort with superior amenities including plush Frette bath towels, sublimely soft bathrobes and slippers, and Elemis toiletries.
• Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas Royal Loft Suites - the bathroom on the upper loft features a tub, shower, dual sinks and a bidet. A second bath with a shower is found on the main level. Two contemporary floors, separate bedrooms, private balcony with Jacuzzi, flat screen tvs, wet bar, two dining areas, and Baby Grand piano.

About Alara Shannon, Cruise & Travel Writer

Alara has traveled extensively since an early age. After the birth of her daughter, when an opportunity for a career in cruise travel presented itself, Alara decided to re-enter the workforce. She hopped on board with one of the largest cruise agencies and excelled in both cruise sales and customer service. This led to the chance to dive headfirst into the Internet Marketing world; taking on the roles of resident Bloggess, custom content creator and social media expert. Beyond a love of anything travel related, her life revolves around her family of four (husband + 2 little ones), writing, playing piano, coffee, recycling, and crafting (well, attempting to craft). Her dream destination? New Zealand!