The world’s most unusual cruise ship cabins

This article is part of Traveller’s Holiday Guide to ocean cruising.

Cruise lines offer everything from almost too-good-to-be-true bargain breaks to luxury every step of the way (often with a hefty price tag to match). Virtually every distraction is available onboard, from thrill rides and tattoo parlours to face lift services and art auctions.

Icon of the Seas’ family suite includes a cinema, karaoke and a spiral tube slide.Credit: Royal Caribbean

But what about the staterooms? While most feature more or less the same combination – bed, chair, somewhere to put your clothes, an en suite – some cruise companies like to do things a little differently. We’ve selected some of the wackiest rooms you’ll find at sea – from one that’s actually inside a ship’s funnel, to one dripping in gold, and another with computerised windows.

Funnel vision

The Four Seasons Hotel group’s inaugural yacht will feature a four-storey suite housed in a glass-enclosed funnel.

The Four Seasons Hotel group recently announced that its inaugural yacht will feature a four-storey suite housed in a glass-enclosed funnel. On completion, the three-bedroom 9975-square-feet suite will include a living room and dining area for six people as well as a sprawling terrace with an outdoor gym and plunge pool. Oh, and a fully operational kitchen, in case you fancy knocking up a Sunday roast.

Book it Four Seasons Yachts has a seven-night Grand Mediterranean voyage from $US29,000 ($44,885) for a Seaview suite (or about $US320,000 for up to five people for the Funnel suite). From Valletta, calling at stops in Italy, the French Riviera and Monaco. Departs August 2, 2026. See fourseasonsyachts.com

Magic porthole

Disney’s Magic Porthole inside staterooms have computerised windows that reflect the outside view.Credit: Disney

The Four Seasons isn’t the first cruise ship to offer a funnel suite. Disney Cruise Lines’ Concierge Tower Suite onboard Disney Wish and the Tomorrow Tower suite on Disney Treasure feature grand staircases, two-storey windows and all the top suite touches of a luxury cruise. For a lighter pocket, Disney’s Magic Porthole inside staterooms have computerised windows that reflect the outside view, with Disney characters popping up at random. Far more fun than your average porthole.

Book it A four-night Spain Cruise from Southampton to Bilbao from $8434 for a family of four, staying in a Magic Porthole stateroom on Disney Dream. Departs August 10, 2026. See disneycruise.disney.go.com/en-au

Bright sparks

Bold use of colour on the Costa Toscano.Credit: Costa Cruises

When Costa Cruises was deciding on a colour palette for their newest ship, Costa Toscano, they obviously donned sunglasses and said, “let’s make a statement!“. Bold primaries feature in the striped wallpaper and curtains, and there’s a bonkers tree mural and more orange than Jetstar.

Book it Costa Cruises has an eight-day Mediterranean cruise on-board Costa Toscana from €1169pp ($2070pp). Round-trip from Marseilles calling at Barcelona, Cagliari, Naples, Civitavecchia/Rome and Genoa. Departs July 25, 2026. See costacruises.eu

Family fun

Icon of the Seas’ Ultimate Family Suite looks to keep children entertained.Credit: Royal Caribbean

Famous for its family-friendly facilities, Royal Caribbean really pushes the boat out when it comes to its family suites. On Icon of the Seas, the Ultimate Family Suite does exactly what it says on the tin. The suite includes a cinema, karaoke, a spiral tube slide, and direct entrance to the stay-all-day family neighbourhood, Surfside. Returning home may be something of a disappointment.

Book it Royal Caribbean has the seven-night Western Caribbean and Perfect Day cruise from $15,862, for a family of four staying in the Ultimate Family Suite. From Florida, calling at Puerto Costa Maya, Roatan, Cozumel and Perfect Day at CocoCay. Departs April 11, 2027. See royalcaribbean.com/aus/en

Worlds apart

Grand suite … decor aboard the SS Sphinx is informed by ancient Egyptian heritage.Credit: Uniworld

Uniworld always goes the extra mile with their destination-inspired interiors, so visually they are completely unique to other river ships. We particularly like the interiors on the SS Sphinx, which purrs along the Nile. The carpets are inspired by the geometric shapes of the pyramids and all the ceilings were hand-carved in locally sourced blond wood. Elsewhere, the sun is shaded by tented drapes inspired by those on ancient Egyptian barges.

Book it Uniworld has the 12-day Splendours of Egypt and the Nile cruise which includes four nights in Cairo and a seven-night cruise along the Nile on the SS Sphinx. From $16,079pp (early-bird pricing). Departs May 23, 2026. See uniworld.com/au

Rewriting the rules

Aqua Mare’s suites channel Italian megayacht design.Credit: Aqua Expeditions

The Aqua Expeditions website describes its staterooms on the Aqua Mare ship as “a tale of subtle opulence” – though “serious over-the-top bling” might be more accurate. “Conceptualised” by Italian megayacht designers, the suites reflect the Wallace and Darwin (as opposed to Wallace and Gromit) era of exploration, with heavy wood panelling, rich wall coverings and gold trimmings.

Book it Aqua Expeditions has the seven-night East or West Galapagos Cruise onboard Aqua Mare from $15,890pp in Category II suite, including all excursions and food and drinks. Departure dates throughout January to December 2026, and explores the Galapagos Archipelago. See aquaexpeditions.com

Unique cheek

A ‘Cheeky Corner’ suite on a Virgin Voyages cruise stateroom.Credit: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages have always tried to do cruising a little differently, and all their staterooms include touches to set them apart from those of traditional lines. Their selection of “Rockstar Quarters” includes the “Cheeky Corner” suite, which offers wraparound panoramic views, woven hammocks on the terrace, a curated in-room bar and a record player.

Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter

Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now.

Most viewed on Traveller

Loading