Top-shelf wines, white-gloved service, and amazingly opulent suites – this is what you can expect as a luxury cruiser. Yes, it might sound contrite, but this is what it’s like on a luxury cruise ship.
So, what defines a luxury cruise? All luxury ships have lower capacity, meaning a higher crew-to-guest ratio. What does this mean? Well, for starters, it means you’ll have your dedicated butler at all times, who is responsible for unpacking your bags, organising your shore excursions, booking restaurants onboard, and of course, filling your bar fridge to exactly your specifications.
But what else sets apart a luxury cruise from any other line? For one, most luxury ships, especially the newer vessels, have all balconies, and all-suite accommodation. In comparison to larger vessels, which have a range of accommodations like interior cabins, you’ll find little difference between the size of luxury suites. Often, there will be high-end linens and bath products, elegant fabrics, and bottles of champagne on arrival as well as fresh bouquets every day.
For luxury cruisers, you may not find a wide array of dining options like you would on a big ship, but you won’t have to pay extra for lobster or caviar. Often, cruise lines will partner with Michelin-starred chefs. Silversea, for instance, is working in collaboration with Mauro Colagreco, the celebrated founder of Mirazur (ranked as the world’s best restaurant in 2019). As part of the line’s S.A.L.T. program, Colagreco curated a program that included shopping at the market in the Old Town of Menton along the French Riviera, a visit to his sustainable bakery, and finally, a nine-course tasting menu at his private kitchen.
Shore excursions also define a completely different experience for luxury cruisers. Because you’ll be sailing with fewer people, it means fewer people on your shore excursions. Often, luxury cruise lines will take their guests further, and deeper into regions where guests can meet local families, and even dine with them, exclusive concerts in private castles or you can even curate your private tour through the cruise lines.
Regent Seven Seas has put a big focus on overnight stays where luxury cruisers can experience the nightlife of a destination. You can watch opera in some of the most amazing ancient Roman settings, experience the night markets in the depths of Southeast Asia with local chefs, or even go on a private shopping tour in the heart of Paris.
Luxury Cruisers Tips
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Cruise Passenger Ultimate Guide: Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Eclipse continues to set the bar as a 6-star ultra-luxury yacht by unveiling 76 sailings from December 2023 through February 2026.Â
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Dare to Compare: Seabourn Pursuit and Silver Nova
For many cruising is synonymous with luxury, having every need catered to and every delicacy met. For other cruising conjures images of adventure, seeing what was once the unseen. For many it’s both.Â
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The amazing rise of luxury yachts means you’ll be spoilt for choice
Luxury yachts used to be exclusive holiday vessels of billionaires. But as more cruise lines are launching their own, cruisers can take their pick from the line up for their next luxury holiday. Big lines like Celebrity Cruises and Scenic have both launched their luxury expedition yachts this year, and Crystal is due to follow…
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Destination: Antarctica
Antarctica has long been considered the last frontier of exploration and, when it comes to cruising, represents the ultimate adventure at sea. While an Antarctic cruise remains an exclusive experience – only about 40 ships visit and just 40,000 cruise passengers set eyes on the great white continent each year, some just from passing ships…
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Ultimate Guide to Silversea
Tagged as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea stands as the pinnacle of ultra-luxury cruising.Â
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Ultimate guide to Cunard
With its rich maritime history and tradition, a Cunard Line cruise is perfect for those seeking a luxurious and iconic vacation at sea. Additionally, the line has been setting the bar for ocean cruising since 1840 which means that Cunard has been in the cruising industry for more than 180 years.Â
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Ultimate guide to Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Experience the grandest vacation at sea with the world’s most luxurious fleet. Onboard Regent Seven Seas cruise ships, guests will enjoy the freedom offered by its ‘Unrivaled Space at Sea’.
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Cruise Passenger Ultimate Guide: Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Eclipse continues to set the bar as a 6-star ultra-luxury yacht by unveiling 76 sailings from December 2023 through February 2026.Â
