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We won’t lie: there’s a certain element of luxury to every cruise that sets sail. But then there are those that go a little bit further than the rest – the ones that take your journey to a whole new level.
A luxury cruise does just that, letting guests go all out at sea. Think of it as cruising evolved. The service more attentive. The food more gourmet. The wines even finer.
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Just about everything, from cabins to entertainment, is a higher calibre, making them a true treat for anyone who’s looking to splash out when it’s time to set sail.
But what else can you expect from a luxury cruise, and which lines are the experts when it comes to offering these incredible experiences? We’ll take at everything you need to know below…
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There’s no doubt that a luxury cruise optimises everything you’d expect from a mainstream cruise – and we’ll get to those later. But there are other traits that separate them from the cruises you might be used to travelling on.
For starters, luxury cruise ships tend to be on the smaller side, with a capacity of fewer than 1,000 people. Not only does this mean that their itineraries plot a course to more off-the-beaten-track destinations – the kind of places that larger ships simply can't reach – but it also adds a sense of exclusivity and intimacy you won't enjoy with other cruise lines.
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The service is another stand-out feature of luxury cruises. Although service on mainstream cruises is of a high standard, the 2:1 staff-to-passenger ratio of luxury cruises raises the bar to new heights. Expect butlers, concierge services and staff to remember everything from your name to the way you like your drink orders. Basically, you’ll be waited on hand and foot.
With that said, there’s a reason for all of this opulence. Luxury cruises, compared to regular ones, don’t come cheap. So if you’re looking to push the boat out, it does mean you’ll have to fork out too.
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One of the best things about luxury cruise cabins? They’re not cabins at all! The vast majority of luxury cruise cabins offer all-suite accommodation, either with ocean views or your very own balcony. That means more square footage, sleeker and more luxuriant interiors, walk-in closets, marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, and the softest, comfiest mattresses for you to melt into. Basically, there’s not a single part of your luxury cruise accommodation that won’t have been upgraded in some way.
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The smaller ships we talked about earlier allow luxury cruises to weave into unexplored fjords, drop their anchor on hidden tropical havens, and make way for parts of the Mediterranean that other ships can only dream of. Better still, luxury cruise destinations are often so exclusive that ports and cities will be refreshingly free of other tourists too.
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By teaming up with world-renowned chefs, luxury cruise lines are able to bring their guests dining experiences unlike anywhere else at sea. And believe us when we say: it’s the finest of fine dining – gourmet just about cuts it. Along with menus created by the crème de la crème of chefs from across the globe, you’ll be waited on by highly attentive staff and maître ds. This crack team of experts will be on hand to cater to any requests that come their way – even if you’re hankering for something that isn’t on the menu at all!
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When you’re sailing with up to 6,000 other passengers, things could start to feel a little, well, cramped. The smaller size of luxury cruise ships, on the other hand, means that you’ll generally be sailing with around 500-1,000 other passengers. And that smaller footfall translates to fewer queues, delays, and waiting around to make the most of your ship – along with plenty of space to enjoy yourself in too.
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Although the up-front cost of a luxury cruise is definitely on the pricey side, you’ll breathe a sigh of relief to hear that luxury cruising is all-inclusive. Whether it’s for drinks, speciality dining, excursions or even tips, you won’t have to reach for your wallet or purse – everything’s been taken care of for you ahead of time. A guilt-free treat that keeps cruisers coming back to luxury lines year after year!
Regent Seven Seas
Even amongst other luxury cruise lines, some say that Regent Seven Seas stands out as the most luxurious of them all. Its ships, which are more like floating grand hotels, are furnished with lavish décor, elegant cocktail lounges, and restaurants that treat the eyes just as much as they do the tastebuds.
It’s also one of the most inclusive too, with very few optional extras that will sting your purse.
Seabourn
Seabourn dial down the grandeur in favour of something a little more relaxed – but it’s no less luxe, of course! Think chic superyacht instead, complete with some big-name co-signs from chef Thomas Keller, Sir Tim Rice and Dr Andrew Weil (for a bit of added wellness to all that relaxation).
Silversea Cruises
La dolce vita is all over Silversea’s fleet of Italian-inspired ships; marble is very much the go-to for décor. Butler service also comes as standard, with a highly personalised service afforded to every suite for that VIP touch.
A special mention needs to go to the 200-guest Silver Endeavour, a ship which seems dedicated to all things exploration. Seriously: it has two helicopters and a six-passenger submarine, so if you like your luxury with a touch of plucky expedition thrown in for good measure, this is the line for you.
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