Luxury Cruises and Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury Cruises and Luxury Cruise Lines

Every cruise line offers a great experience to its passengers, but the best luxury cruise experience is head and shoulders above the rest of the cruise industry. These cruises appeal to the traveler who demands the finest quality available and luxury cruise ships offer services and amenities that rival the best resorts worldwide.

Luxury cruises are characterized by a refined onboard atmosphere, a wide variety of exotic destinations, spacious accommodations and the highest level of personalized service. In other words, the finest of everything. Luxury cruise ships have opulent public areas and offer fabulous art collections, gourmet cuisine, fine wine, fresh flowers and attention to detail. Although the style differs from conventional ships to yachts to sailing vessels, the common denominator is quality.

Is a Luxury Cruise Right for You?

If you are an experienced cruiser and you typically like to book a higher category suite on cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Holland America or Princess; or enjoy deluxe travel or tours to Europe, the Mediterranean or Asia, then you may want to consider trying a luxury cruise. Even the lower category suites on a luxury cruise ship will be comparable in size and amenities to the higher category suites you may have experienced on other ships. Considering the all-inclusive nature and personalized service, you may find that for the same investment, you may get more than anticipated.

Luxury Cruise Differences

Service

Passenger expectations on the best luxury cruise lines can be very high. One way in which stellar service is accomplished is through a 2 to 1 staff to passenger ratio. For every two passengers on board, there is one highly trained crew member ready to provide friendly, prompt and unobtrusive service. Butlers are a common amenity in suite accommodations and concierge-style services are usually available to all guests. Staff are expected to remember not only your name, but an entire array of personal preferences. On the most luxurious cruise ship, you shouldn't have to ask for anything twice. There is also little regimentation and few rules. For example, dining is usually handled in an open seating manner, whereby guests enter the dining room when they please and sit wherever and with whomever they choose.

Ships

Among the luxury cruise lines, you'll find a host of prestigious and extraordinary ships. Spacious and un-crowded, you may feel as though you're on your own private yacht as you'll sail with as few as 100 other passengers, while the larger luxury cruise ships can hold as many as 900. This is significantly less than can be found on contemporary and premium ships, where 1,500 - 3,000 other passengers may be on board. Cabin accommodations are much larger than in the contemporary market, with the smallest rooms usually being twice as large as standard accommodations on other ships and most with private balconies.

Spacious Accommodations and Suites

One of the major differences on the most luxurious cruise ships are the stateroom accommodations. Many luxury cruises are all-suite vessels, many with private balconies. In addition to more square footage, suites can have sleek and elegant interiors, large walk-in closets, marble bathrooms with twin sinks and bathtubs with Jacuzzis, and large sitting areas with coffee tables that convert to a dining table for intimate meals served course by course by room service. You may also find upgraded mattresses, high quality sheets and bedding with down duvets; frette bathrobes; in-room internet access; complimentary mini-bar; personalized stationery; and same day laundry and dry-cleaning. Some suites, depending on the category may also have butler service.

Atmosphere

The atmosphere aboard a luxury cruise ship ranges from ultra-casual to formal. But either way, passengers feel like invited guests and enjoy a cultured and refined social environment full of comfort, pampering and choice. Luxury cruises appeal to epicureans, connoisseurs and intellectuals. Other passengers are often wealthy, well-educated and well-traveled, all looking for relaxation, adventure and exploration. As a result, you find a variety of age groups, including young professionals and executives seeking a casual, private yacht experience and high adventure activities, and seasoned travelers who enjoy the formal, pampering atmosphere of some luxury cruise lines.

Destinations & Itineraries

Luxury cruise itineraries travel off the beaten path with lengthy itineraries from 14-30 nights visiting the most exotic ports on earth. Of course, luxury travelers can take a luxury Caribbean cruise or visit Alaska and Europe where many other cruises go, but you shouldn't be surprised by sold-out sailings to the Orient, Africa, South America and the South Pacific. Luxury cruise lines even offer around-the-world cruises.

Luxury travelers spend a lot of money for their vacation, but value is one of the most important parts of the experience. Luxury cruises provide the most inclusive cruise prices and often include air travel, wine with dinner, gratuities, professionally facilitated onboard enrichment programs, shore tours and pre- and post-cruise hotel packages. Prices for luxury cruises vary by cruise line, season and destination and can range anywhere from $400 to $1000 per person per day for a seven night voyage.

What are the Luxury Cruise Lines?

These cruise lines offer the ultimate in luxury cruising. From resort-casual to formal, each line caters to the most discerning guests.

What is the Most Luxurious Cruise Ship?

Finding the most luxurious cruise ship depends on what matters the most to you when you travel - whether it's the size of the ship, the destinations the ship travels to, the staterooms, the dining available, or the staff onboard. Each cruise line is known for being the "most luxurious" in at least one of these categories, so we recommend choosing your luxury cruise ship based on what you consider the most important aspect of luxury.

What is the Best Luxury Cruise Line for Couples?

The best luxury cruise line for couples also depends on what you are looking to get out of your cruise, but some honeymoon favorites include Paul Gauguin, Sea Dream Yacht Club and Silversea.