Top 10 river cruise suites: Behold the best cabins afloat

Aqua Mekong takes its passengers on leisurely journeys through Cambodia and Vietnam on the Mekong River. The upmarket, 20-suite ship was designed and built in Saigon using local sustainable materials and its light-filled, 30-square-metre Design Suites feature lots of polished wood and cool natural textiles. Glass doors open to a balcony, which is set with a daybed and table for two.

See aquaexpeditions.com.

AVALON WATERWAYS ROYAL SUITES

Royal Suites on board Avalon Waterways' newest Suite Ships (two on each ship) are a generous 27.9 square metres and each has the line's enormous panoramic window that opens to transform the entire living space into an open-air balcony – when weather permits. The spacious marble bathroom is separate from the loo (always a bonus) and has a large shower and twin basins.

See avalonwaterways.com.au.

EVERGREEN/EMERALD OWNER'S SUITES

Emerald Waterways, Scenic's "less-inclusive" sister cruise line, launched its second pair of ultra-modern Star Ships in March. Each ship has four 29.2-square-metre Owner's Suites that are almost twice the size of a regular stateroom. But it's the inclusions that are a standout for this budget-friendly line: the in-suite coffee machine, complimentary mini-bar, pre-dinner canapes and continental breakfast served on your balcony.

See evergreentours.com.

SANCTUARY ANANDA OWNER'S SUITE

Launched in 2014 to cruise the less-travelled waterways of Myanmar, Sanctuary Ananda is seriously luxe. Its 21 suites feature a stylish combination of traditional Burmese decor with contemporary design and at 67 square metres the Owner's Suite is by far the biggest in our selection. You could happily spend most of the cruise on the vast Owner's Terrace but the bedroom, living area and bathroom are also pretty impressive.

See sanctuaryretreats.com.

SCENIC ROYAL PANORAMA SUITES

Scenic Jasper and Scenic Opal can lay claim to having the biggest suites on Europe's river ships. The 44-square-metre Royal Panorama Suites at the aft of the ships are incredibly spacious and fitted out in Scenic's characteristically understated style. You are welcomed to your suite with a bottle of Champagne and the butler is on hand to unpack your bags and deliver breakfast and pre-dinner canapes. The minibar is restocked daily.

See scenictours.com.au.

TAUCK CATEGORY 7 SUITES

Tauck's new MS Savor and MS Inspire each have 22 of the prosaically named but extremely well-appointed Category 7 suites; the ships accommodate a maximum of 130 passengers so can afford to have a larger number of bigger suites than most other cruise lines. Measuring 27.9 square metres they have two french balconies with floor-to-ceiling windows, spacious marble bathrooms and a pull-out sofa bed if you're travelling with an extra guest.

See tauck.com.au.

UNIWORLD ROYAL SUITE

Every Uniworld ship is an individual but each one boasts the most lavish decor on Europe's rivers. Antique furniture, magnificent chandeliers and plush furnishings are all standard but the newest Super Ship, SS Maria Theresa, is the most opulent so far. Its 38-square-metre Royal Suite is a melange of gilt, sumptuous fabrics and top-of-the range contemporary comforts; guests are looked after by two professional butlers.

See uniworldcruises.com.au.

VIKING LONGSHIPS EXPLORER SUITES

Viking says it is the only line to offer "real" suites, as defined by the hotel industry – that is, having a separate bedroom and living room. At 41 square metres, Viking's Explorer Suites are certainly enormous and stylishly Scandinavian. The living room has a spacious wraparound balcony while the bedroom has its own French balcony. Heated flooring in the bathroom is a boon on chilly mornings.

See vikingcruises.com.au.