Most
luxury ships are smaller and more intimate than average. The ratio of crew to
passengers is also higher on luxury ships: some sail with a crew member for
each guest, ensuring the most attentive and personalized service.
While
the luxury lines have much in common, each has its own identity and signature
amenities, too. The time-honored practices of traditional cruising, such as
pre-set seating in the dining room, are a hallmark of Crystal Cruises. This
line sails some of the larger ships in the luxury market, with outstanding
service that makes each guest feel like the most important person on board.
Crystal is also known for a unique pillow menu that guests can use to order
pillows exactly to their liking.
Paul
Gaugin Cruises takes luxury cruising to the South Pacific. The Paul Gaugin sails with “Les Gauguines,”
a group of young French Polynesian women who serve as social hostesses, give
language lessons, teach a bit of Polynesian dancing, perform blessing
ceremonies for newlywed couples and generally ensure that everyone is prepared
to have a wonderful time visiting the palm-fringed islands.
Regent
Seven Seas Cruises includes roundtrip airfare in many of its cruise fares, as
well as nearly all shore excursions, beverages, meals in alternate restaurants,
gratuities, and government taxes and fees. You can choose among terrific shore
excursions organized by the cruise line, or plan your own onshore experiences
with the assistance of a travel concierge.
Ocean-view
suites are the only type of stateroom on Seabourn Cruise Lines’ ships. Suites
on the cruise lines’ smaller ships have sliding glass doors and step-out
balconies, while the larger ships have full verandahs. While on board, be sure
to dine at Restaurant 2, which offers innovative tapas-style small plates that
are fun for those who like to share new tastes.
Silversea
Cruises has a one-to-one ratio of crew to passengers to ensure sublime service.
This line is also known for its “Silver Shore” programs that offer once-in-a-lifetime
shoreside experiences. For example, you might enjoy dinner under the stars,
prepared by a renowned chef; or, tour treasured artworks in a museum that is closed
to the public, but open to you.
Many
people automatically include Cunard Line in the luxury cruise realm – after
all, it is the cruise line of the Queen
Mary 2 and two other elegant ships. However, Cunard is really a hybrid that
can provide either a luxury or a premium cruise experience, depending on the
class of accommodations you choose.
For
more insight into luxury cruising, talk with Anita, your Cruise Holidays
personal cruise expert.
