If you have money to burn and you live for luxury, then a lavish, luxury cruise is for you. A luxury cruise if not just an expensive cruise – this type of cruise is literally in a class all by itself. Luxury cruises have several distinct differences from other cruises. The clientele is different, the destinations and ports of call are different, the excursions are different, and even the ships are different. You won’t feel like you’re just a face among many — on a luxury cruise you’ll feel like you’re being pampered by a staff that’s focused on you and only you.
While this highly desirable area of cruise travel is distinctly different from other areas of cruise travel, the amenities among luxury lines are very similar. Most luxury cruises will accommodate smaller numbers of passengers, which makes it easier to offer personalized service, privacy, and a more intimate environment. However, there are several lines that cater to bigger crowds of luxury seekers, but they are far and few between. Crystal Cruises, for example, features larger ships for its luxury cruises, but they still manage to offer stellar service to satisfied customers. Cunard Cruise Line is another example of the large ship/luxury cruise. They have larger crowds, but the luxury service and feel doesn’t suffer.
Some of the top luxury lines in the business today include: Seabourn Cruises, Sea Dream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, Crystal Cruises, and Radisson Seven Seas. The majority of the luxury ships will accommodate anywhere from 200-300 passengers — 110 for Sea Dream Yacht Club.
Here’s what you can expect on a luxury cruise:
Exotic Destinations and Unique Ports of Call. Africa, Asia, New Zealand, Northern Europe, and South America with places like Athens, Copenhagen, Dubai, Lisbon, Tahiti, and Mumbai on the menu.
Elaborate Spa Services
Butler Service
World Class Cuisine Served in a Formal Setting
Formal Nights
Over the Top Excursions
Designer and Name Brand Products in your Suite
Sophisticated Entertainment
Lots of Leisure Time — Meaning No Schedules
Guest Lectures
Privacy
All-Inclusive or Included-Amenities such as Alcohol, Excursions, etc.
What you won’t find on a luxury cruise is crowds, large families with kids, planned or scheduled “family reunion� type activities, tacky entertainment, bustling casinos, noisy nightclubs and discos, common ports of call, and tasteless comedy acts.
If you’re interested in booking a luxury cruise contact the cruise line directly or contact a cruise travel specialist. Additionally, if you want to take a luxury cruise, but you can’t afford a full blown luxury cruise, there are several options available to you. Princess Cruises and Holland America Line both have luxury cruise offerings, but prices are far less than a regular luxury cruise. Meaning, these lines do offer some luxury amenities on certain cruises. Contact the cruise line directly for details.