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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Le Soleal
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1488504951975{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”]Le Soleal was custom-built by French line Ponant (along with sister ships Le Boreal, Le Lyrial and L’Austral) and launched in 2013. The small ship has a relaxed, yacth-like feel and attracts couples and solo travellers. The 10,944 tonnes ship carries 264 passengers and 140 crew.[/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/ponant/le-soleal/le-soleal-dining.jpg) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1475211157500{padding-bottom:…
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L’Austral
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1488607474327{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”] L’Astral was launched in 2011 by French line Ponant. The elegant, yacht-like atmosphere suits couples and solo cruisers who enjoy good food and service. The 10,944 tonne ship carries 264 passengers and 140 crew. [/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/ponant/laustral/laustral-room.jpg) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}”][vc_column][vc_empty_space height=”450px”][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_row_inner css=”.vc_custom_1475211157500{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”][vc_column_inner width=”1/2″][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1488608053016{padding-right:…
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Seven Seas Voyager
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1488502080716{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”]Seven Seas Voyager was launched in 2003 as the third ship in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ fleet. The vessel underwent extensive refurbishing in 2016, adding luxurious new decor. Voyager is popular with couples and solo travellers over the age of 50 who like to cruise in comfort and enjoy good food and service. The 42,363 tonne ship carries…
