If you consider your lifestyle a luxury lifestyle, then luxurious vacations are most likely a common event for you.  You may have even tried all types of destinations and styles, but have you ever thought about cruising? Before you toss the idea of cruising out because you think it’s too boring or lacks the amenities you are looking for, dig a little deeper and I’m sure you will find that cruising is exactly what you are looking for. Here I’ve revealed some of the main draws of luxury cruising, so read on and start getting excited about the prospect of a luxury cruise!

A True All-Inclusive Experience

Looking back on past vacations, you’ll recall that the cost of your trips were very misleading because of all the added costs such as dining, activities, transfers, and so on.  Luxury cruising offers you all the amenities at a set price.  These cruises are true all-inclusive vacations, meaning you will not be paying extra for additional dining and services on the ship.  Most include shore excursions, beverages (including wine and spirits),  in-suite dining, 24-hour room service, and more.

Air & Transfer:

Nothing is worse than hiked up airfares, botched transfers, and the fees and costs associated with both. Luxury cruising really takes away these worries, because, the air fare and transfers can be included, which means the cruise line is responsible for making sure everything runs smoothly. Crystal Cruises or Regent Seven Seas, for example, offers round-trip air and transfers for free. Or, if you’re looking for that romantic Tahiti vacation, Paul Gauguin offers free airfare from Los Angeles.  All the while you are guaranteed to get to the ship on time.

Activities:

The excursions offered by luxury  lines are completely  exclusive and intimate as well as unique, and can be informative or active, depending on what you are looking for.  You may find yourself visiting the ancient religious site Angkor Wat while in the Far East,  hiking around the rim of an active volcano in Hawaii, or enjoying wine testing in Provence when on a boutique river cruise through Europe.  No matter what your ship offers, you can be sure it will be a spectacular time!

While onboard you will have lots to do and see, from attending Broadway-style productions and hilarious comedy shows to enriching yourself by watching exciting cooking demonstrations or attending an onboard class.  Crystal Cruises offers their Crystal Creative Learning Institute, which includes a number of  innovative, and relevant classes and programs to join in on while at sea, such as Computer University@Sea, Yoga and Pilates, and you can even get golf lessons from PGA Professionals. Silversea Cruises offers Silver Perspectives, which is a selection of enrichment programs that are included with your cruise fare and feature everything from destination experts to world-class chefs. Throw in the alternative activity options on all luxury cruises such as the casinos and spa treatments, and you’ve got yourself a fun and exciting journey.

Amenities:

If you’re used to the “ask and you shall receive” lifestyle, you may be wondering, will the same be available onboard a ship in the middle of the ocean? Of course! The amenities are spectacular.  They truly know how to make you feel at home as well.  Champagne welcomes, beautiful suites with verandas, plush linens, pillows, and couches, flat-screen TVs, and gorgeous marble-floored bathrooms are all to be expected. Other all-inclusive perks include: butler service, pre-paid gratuities, hotel stays, transportation into town for certain previously-mentioned excursions, and enrichment programs.

Ship Size

Less Crowds, More Space

Another preconceived notion people have about cruising is that ships are too crowded. People expect to be on gargantuan, packed ships like they see in commercials. Luxury  lines offer more intimate ships  than the behemoths you see on TV.  For example, Seabourn  offers three splendid vessels, with only 104 suites, compared to contemporary ships with the capacity for thousands of staterooms.  This means that you won’t be canned up in a tiny room, standing in lines for dinner, or waiting to disembark for a shore excursion.  You will find that there are virtually no lines or waits for anything onboard, and the shore excursion process is very smooth.  Also, because of size, these smaller ships can visit some of the most unique and hidden gem ports in addition to the larger, more popular ones.

A Personal Experience

When it comes down to it, vacation is all about service and the level and quality of service can make or break your vacation experience.  This is one of the main reasons cruisers choose luxury, because the service is stupendous.  Seabourn Cruise Line is frequently ranked the best when it comes to service, with their hand-picked staff (recruited from excellent hospitality schools and programs), who truly cater to your every need and have a passion to give you the best experience you can imagine.  Many stewards will help you unpack your clothes, find somewhere to eat onshore, or serve you food in your own suite.  This low staff-to-guest ratio is one of the unique benefits that luxury cruises can offer.

Now that you know what’s possible, has your view of luxury cruising changed?  If you’ve been on one already, what’s your favorite luxury line?  Sound off in the comments below!

Author: Karolina Shenton