The world's most unusual cruise ship cabins
Bright sparks
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
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
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
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
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.
Book it Virgin Voyages has a five-night Dominican Daze cruise, from $US6150pp ($9528pp) for two people in a Cheeky Corner suite on the ship Scarlet Lady. Round-trip from Miami, calling at Puerto Plata and the exclusive Beach Club at Bimini. Departs January 30, 2026. See
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