A luxury cruise offers more than extra space and high-thread-count linens in your cabin. It is a full-on vacation experience that elevates your trip to the next level with top-notch service and exceptional food. Whether you eat in the main dining room, enjoy a private table for two, or stay in a suite with a butler and concierge on hand, a luxury cruise is a great way to unwind without all the stress of schedules, assigned seating and standardized menus.
Luxury Lines
On ultra-luxury lines, gratuities, and Wi-Fi are typically included in the cruise fare. On other luxury lines, like Seabourn and Regent Seven Seas, you can also opt for unlimited specialty dining, including a selection of meals and drinks at no additional cost. These lines are known for their impeccable service standards, and the staff-to-passenger ratio is typically 1:1 or higher.
While luxury cruises have a range of included amenities, many also require a small fee, such as fitness classes and spa treatments. Some cruise line-specific programs are free, but others require advance sign-up and $15 or more per class or activity.
Most luxury cruise ships offer complimentary enrichment activities daily, such as language and dance lessons and wellness seminars. Check the daily chronicle to see what’s available, and note that some activities require advance registration.
Combine Adventure with Luxury
Some best-known luxury cruise lines specialize in voyages to faraway locales, such as the Arctic, the Galapagos Islands, Antarctica, Australia and the South Pacific, and the Amazon River. Some of these trips, such as those offered by Atlas Ocean Voyages, combine adventure with luxury. These cruises feature expeditions, a high staff-to-guest ratio, and private tours of off-the-beaten-track locations.
Other luxury cruise lines offer itineraries to more traditional destinations, such as the Mediterranean and Caribbean, focusing on high-end amenities and five-star cuisine. These vessels, such as Crystal and Silversea, feature spacious staterooms, exceptional services, and a large selection of gourmet wines and spirits. Their smaller size enables them to reach ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships.
