Luxury cruise ships are stunning and built to a higher standard that the premium lines. Luxury cruises are a very popular way to explore and see the exotic cruise ports of call that you have only dreamed of. Many small barges have been converted to luxury cruise ships. Unique to smaller luxury cruise ships, passengers can enjoy water sports like water-skiing, snorkeling, sailing, kayaking and windsurfing – even swimming in the ocean in a steel mesh pool – thanks to a retractable platform. Because these luxury cruise ships are smaller, they have the ability to sail to ports that are inaccessible by their “bigger cousins”.
Cruise
Along the lines of unique destinations and itineraries, it should be noted that many luxury ships are relatively small; some of them practically yacht-like. Many of the traditions honored on luxury ships today were started on those old liners for the pleasure of the upper crust, including classical music recitals, smoking rooms with cigars and cognac, chimes at dinner, high tea, and formal dinners featuring Beef Wellington and Baked Alaska. The Cunard Cruise Line evokes the nostalgia of glamorous transatlantic crossings, the most famous luxury cruise ships of their time: Queen Elizabeth and the new ships Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria. T
These luxury cruise ships were specifically designed for fewer guests, and more space providing high levels of personalized service, from Italian officers and a European staff. There are no dedicated children’s facilities on board these luxury cruise ships. Most luxury cruise ships insure that crewmembers address customers by name from day one on board the vessel. Additionally, luxury cruise ships generally have fewer passengers on board than do regular on-luxury cruise vessels. “In addition, the staff to passenger ratio is exceptionally high on luxury cruise ships.
Luxury
Luxury ships carry far fewer passengers than mainstream lines, and there is more space on the ship per passenger (called the passenger to space ratio). Luxury Cruises also operate an open dining arrangement, giving guests the freedom to choose when, where and with whom they eat. The little charges on a premium line compared to all-inclusive on the luxury lines can add up fast. Compare premium to luxury and be surprised, the true value is in luxury cruising.
When you compare a luxury cruise with a similar land based vacation product, the pricing will be equal or could favor the cruise holiday. Most luxury ships carry a small enough passenger load that you will be greeted by name on several occasions — in the dining room by the maitre d’; the sommelier and your waiters; by the guest relations desk; and of course by your room steward.
All of the luxury cruise ships display expensive works of art, rare and exotic woods, fine fabrics and china and have expansive wine cellars. Luxury cruises will offer a personal service that is unmatched. Luxury cruise ships usually have plenty of space per passenger and many spacious common areas. Luxury ships are generally renowned for their food, and several have won prestigious awards.