Luxury Cruising
Take the experience of a 5 star hotel, transfer it to a ship and what do you get? Real luxury cruising.
Newcomers to the concept of holidays at sea can be forgiven for imagining every cruise ship is a “luxury” vessel. The reality is, however, that cruise ships, like hotels, come in all sizes and standards, and are designed to appeal to a wide range of budgets and tastes.
Most ships will offer an element of luxury, in the shape of state-of-the-art facilities, nicely cooked meals, attentive waiter service, cosy bars and well stocked libraries.
But – and it’s a big but – there’s a world of difference between the little luxuries of ordinary cruising and true luxury cruising. If it’s the real McCoy millionaire-on-sea treatment you’re after, there are only a handful of cruise lines which really come up with the goods.
Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, Crystal, Seabourn, Hapag-Lloyd and Ponant come to mind. And the price will usually be the giveaway. The entry level cost will run to thousands rather than hundreds.
Award-winning ships will be small to medium in size, offering first-class personalised service and, for the most expensive suites, butlers who attend to every whim. Accommodation will usually be ultra-comfortable and spacious, with bath and balcony, especially on the newer vessels.
There are exceptions, of course. Staterooms on the 108-guest Seadream I and II are compact but beautiful, and what they lack in size, and balcony, they compensate for with ambience. The vessels are more akin to private yachts.
Another big difference offered by luxury lines comes when you step ashore. Land tours will usually be exclusive, upmarket, and often included in the price.
Each luxury line has its own unique fingerprint. Hapag-Lloyd is very German, Ponant is very French.
But they all have one thing in common. Pursuit of excellence is all things, especially at the dinner table.
Just be sure to do your homework to avoid disappointment.
