Luxury Cruise Basics: The 6 Types of Upscale Sailings

 

The line between luxury and mainstream cruises might once have been distinct, but that's no longer the case. Cruise lines began to discover travelers didn't always fit squarely into one camp or another. Successful professionals were looking for upscale vacations combined with adventure or active pursuits. And hard-working individuals were saving their money for the trip of a lifetime but might feel uncomfortable cruising with a lot of formality. The same operators -- Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises, for example -- that introduced the world to the affordable inside cabin, silly pool games, buffet lines and kids clubs now offer luxury elements, such as enormous suites, splashy spa facilities, gourmet specialty restaurants and exclusive lounges for VIP passengers in an effort to lure high rollers to their ships. The luxury stalwarts -- Silversea, Seabourn, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas -- that staunchly maintained their moneyed ambience and pricy fares, are diversifying and trying to create more casual onboard vibes. And other types of at-sea experiences -- on yachts, riverboats and expedition vessels -- are competing for the vacation time and budget of cruisers looking for something a bit different, but still high end. Confused by the sheer volume of luxury cruise options? Here's your cheat sheet to six different types of luxury cruises to start you daydreaming of your next upscale voyage. And if you want to know which of these lines will cater to your personal interests -- whether that's superior wine and food or destination immersion, read our companion piece on finding a luxury cruise that fits.

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                            Hallmarks of Luxury:

 

These lines have always focused on the traditional elements of luxury: personalized pampering, the finest appointments onboard, gourmet cuisine and a world-class selection of wine and spirits. While all traditional luxury cruise ships can be considered small, they range in size from Crystal's 1,080-passenger Crystal Serenity down to Silversea's 296-passenger Silver Wind. Passengers tend to be on the older side, though you will find wealthy young couples and families, especially during school breaks.

On these lines, spacious cabins are a must; for example, Regent Seven Seas operates three all-suite, all-balcony ships (a fourth does have some cabins sans verandas), where even the lowest-category cabins are roomy and airy. Dining choices are varied, gourmet and only on rare occasions incur extra fees. In fact, you'll find minimal nickel-and-diming throughout your luxury sailing, as most of these lines include alcohol, gratuities and meals at alternative restaurants in their cruise fares; some also include flights, shore excursions, self-service laundry, shuttles into town, pre-cruise hotels and water sports from the ship.

Just because they're traditional, don't think these ships are stuck in the past. Modern-day upgrades include a focus on enrichment programs; Crystal excels with language and music courses, while Regent Seven Seas has built a state-of-the-art show kitchen on its newest ship. Spa and fitness centers have been expanded, and Seabourn's Odyssey-class ships sport two-deck spa complexes with Kinesis Walls and hydrotherapy pools, as well as watersports marinas built into the back of the ships. Silversea now offers butler service in every suite. Hapag-Lloyd's Europa 2 aims for a younger traveler with family suites and babysitting service, as well as a gin bar, huge spa and multiple upscale dining venues to appeal to the adults.

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