There are times when vacation calls for an especially exceptional experience—when more space, intuitive service, exclusive access and luxurious amenities are the order of the day. When that happens, look beyond a traditional resort or first-class flight: Today, cruising can exceed all your five-star needs, and Royal Caribbean has shaken up the meaning of upscale, making it all about having fun and filling the trip with one-of-a-kind experiences you can’t get anywhere else.

One of the many benefits of cruising is the wealth of options available when it comes to accommodations; there are a wide range of stateroom types that suit many needs and budgets, and can rival the most in-demand suites on land. Yet it’s not just about the swank factor of where you sleep: did you know that when you cruise with Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class you can have your very own Royal Genie—a cruise expert who acts as your modern-day personal butler and concierge, ready to customize experiences from your dinners to adventures in port, and provide a host of complimentary services you may not have thought about? Read on for the top reasons why cruising is catching the eye of the most discerning of travelers.

Hotel-Style Stays

The Royal Suite Class has the Sea Class, Sky Class and Star Class categories, and they deliver luxurious suites, as well as additional exclusive services and amenities, depending on the class you book. On the whole, Royal Suite Class accommodations are among the most spacious at sea, and one of the claims to fame are the two-story Royal Loft Suites—they’re the crown jewels of the Star Class.

Though there are a variety of layouts to choose from, you can expect plenty of space, approximately more than 1,600 square feet, with nearly 600 square feet of private outdoor space—larger than most of the suites found in luxury hotels around the world. And inside, Royal Loft Suites can feature a baby grand piano, indoor and outdoor dining rooms that seat eight, a private wet bar, a library and Jacuzzi.

Beds That Guarantee Sweet Dreams

The “bed wars” may have started on land, but those offerings have nothing on today’s lavish cruise ships. In Star Class suites, you’ll find Duxiana mattresses—widely considered one of the most technologically advanced in the luxury mattress market (should you want to purchase one for home, you can expect to spend up to $13,000). Sky Class and Sea Class suites offer you dream-inducing beds with pillowtop mattresses.

Also in Star Class, you’ll see Frette sheets, the Italian brand known for using the finest fibers and most skilled artisans to craft its covetable linens. Splurging for them while on your vacation may even be a steal, since a set of sheets would be at least $1,200 if you bought them outright.

Exclusive Perks And Salon-Quality Amenities

All Royal Suite Class guests enjoy L’Occitane natural bath products developed in Provence, as well as access to a private, suites-only restaurant, Coastal Kitchen, as part of their VIP treatment. Vacationers in Sky Class suites also can count on concierge services to score dining reservations and prime show seats, along with access to a private lounge with complimentary cocktails, and added indulgences like unlimited access to VOOM, the fastest internet at sea, to stay up to date and share your memories with friends and family on land.

Star Class touts all of this, too, along with inclusive dining and drinks for the length of your cruise, as well as daily gratuities. Try getting all of this included in your standard rate at a luxury hotel.

All-Access Experiences

When you stay in Star Class suites, you’ll have access to a Royal Genie, an uber-concierge and ultimate travel insider who caters to your every whim, granting one-of-a-kind experiences like behind-the-scenes tours, exclusive shopping, personalized shore excursions and private FlowRider surfing lessons. Your Royal Genie can arrange parties and other special celebrations, and also can procure favorite bottles of wine or sweets waiting for you when you return to your room. Many of these exclusive experiences can only be had at sea, making them unparalleled to a stay on land anywhere.

Today’s cruise ships go toe-to-toe with upscale hotel brands, and often deliver even more, without the stuffiness. For your next vacation, you can find additional information about Royal Caribbean’s Royal Suite Class here.