Top-shelf wines, white-gloved service, and amazingly opulent suites – this is what you can expect as a luxury cruiser. Yes, it might sound contrite, but this is what it’s like on a luxury cruise ship.
So, what defines a luxury cruise? All luxury ships have lower capacity, meaning a higher crew-to-guest ratio. What does this mean? Well, for starters, it means you’ll have your dedicated butler at all times, who is responsible for unpacking your bags, organising your shore excursions, booking restaurants onboard, and of course, filling your bar fridge to exactly your specifications.
But what else sets apart a luxury cruise from any other line? For one, most luxury ships, especially the newer vessels, have all balconies, and all-suite accommodation. In comparison to larger vessels, which have a range of accommodations like interior cabins, you’ll find little difference between the size of luxury suites. Often, there will be high-end linens and bath products, elegant fabrics, and bottles of champagne on arrival as well as fresh bouquets every day.
For luxury cruisers, you may not find a wide array of dining options like you would on a big ship, but you won’t have to pay extra for lobster or caviar. Often, cruise lines will partner with Michelin-starred chefs. Silversea, for instance, is working in collaboration with Mauro Colagreco, the celebrated founder of Mirazur (ranked as the world’s best restaurant in 2019). As part of the line’s S.A.L.T. program, Colagreco curated a program that included shopping at the market in the Old Town of Menton along the French Riviera, a visit to his sustainable bakery, and finally, a nine-course tasting menu at his private kitchen.
Shore excursions also define a completely different experience for luxury cruisers. Because you’ll be sailing with fewer people, it means fewer people on your shore excursions. Often, luxury cruise lines will take their guests further, and deeper into regions where guests can meet local families, and even dine with them, exclusive concerts in private castles or you can even curate your private tour through the cruise lines.
Regent Seven Seas has put a big focus on overnight stays where luxury cruisers can experience the nightlife of a destination. You can watch opera in some of the most amazing ancient Roman settings, experience the night markets in the depths of Southeast Asia with local chefs, or even go on a private shopping tour in the heart of Paris.
Luxury Cruisers Tips
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Silver Explorer
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1488495168447{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”]Silver Explorer was launched as an expedition cruise ship in 1989 by the ultra-luxury line Silversea Cruises”. The 6,072 tonne ship was refurbished in 2009. It carries 130 guests and 117 crew and is best suited to mature, adventure seeking travellers who enjoy luxury service and good food.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width=”stretch_row_content” css=”.vc_custom_1475210268281{background-image: url(https://stg-cruisepassengercomau-cpstaging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/silversea-cruises/silver-explorer/silver-explorer-room.jpeg) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat:…
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Seabourn Quest
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1488586115572{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”]Launched in 2011, Seabourn Quest is a relatively small ship, but has one of the highest passenger/space ratios at sea. It has four restaurants providing international cuisine, plus six lounges and bars. The atmosphere on board is one of casual luxury and while the dress codes are not overly strict, jeans are not…
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Seabourn Sojourn
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1488588256304{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”]A small luxury ship, Seabourn Sojourn was launched in 2010 with one of the highest passenger/space ratios in the cruise industry. It offers a high level of service in elegant surrounds, reminiscent of a luxury yacht. Sojourn has a spacious public area on deck 7 with a library, shops, coffee shop, internet cafe and guest services. The 32,000 tonne ship…
