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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Navigator
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1488519607776{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”]Seven Seas Navigator is the oldest and smallest of the Regent Seven Seas fleet, which also includes Seven Seas Voyager, Explorer and Mariner. It was launched in 1999Â and underwent refurbishing in April 2016. It is favoured by well-travelled couples and solo travellers over the age of 50, who enjoy fine food, good…
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Seven Seas Explorer
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1488499567985{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”]Seven Seas Explorer, dubbed by Regent Seven Seas Cruises as the “worldÂ’’s most luxurious cruise ship,” launched in July 2016 in Monte Carlo. Its opulent Regent Suite is said to cost US$10,000 a night. The ship has luxury to the tiniest details, including crystal chandeliers, custom-made Bernardaud and Versace china, and artworks by masters…
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Silver Wind
[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=”.vc_custom_1488438030726{padding-bottom: 5% !important;}”]Silver Wind was launched in 1995 and refurbished in 2008. It is popular with well-travelled couples over the age of 50 who expect good service and fine food. Silver Wind sails Mediterranean itineraries, which includes departure from Venice, Rome and Barcelona, and Caribbean cruises from Barbados, Fort Lauderdale and Puerto Rico. The Silversea Cruises ship is 17,235…
