Understanding Luxury in Cruising: Insights from All Things Cruise

The term “luxury” is often misused. In daily life, you may come across luxury linens and luxurious chocolates. Car rental agencies might advertise luxury vehicles. The cruise industry, in particular, throws around the word frequently. But what does luxury really signify in the context of cruising?

Having sailed with Cunard approximately 22 times over the years, we have also cruised with various other lines such as Holland America, Swan Hellenic, and the original Crystal Line, among others. Our experience suggests that most cruise lines provide quality bedding, plush robes, and cozy slippers, but what truly characterizes luxury?

Let’s consider cruising as existing on multiple tiers while excluding discounts from the discussion. Some cruise lines offer fares beginning at around $200 per person per night, while others may start at $500 or even $1,000 for certain ships. So, what sets luxury apart?

1. Smaller is better. Many luxury cruise lines prefer smaller vessels. The term “mass market cruising” is often mentioned with disdain, akin to “big box stores.” The thought is that a limited number of passengers leads to a sense of exclusivity. This suggests that ships accommodating 5,000 or more passengers may be at a disadvantage. Some luxury lines adopt the “ship within a ship” concept, offering private decks and exclusive dining to high-paying guests, allowing them to avoid mingling with the general crowd onboard. The luxury lies in the exclusivity that comes with smaller ships.
2. Exotic itineraries. Smaller ships can access ports and destinations that larger vessels cannot. For instance, last year we cruised through the Corinth Canal on the Swan Hellenic ship Diana, which is only about 12,000 tons and carries 192 passengers. At just over 79 feet wide, it barely squeezed through the canal—an experience unattainable by larger ships. Destinations like Venice, Italy, and Hamilton, Bermuda, only permit small ships to dock in their prime central areas. The luxury is that your small ship can take you to places that larger ships cannot reach.
3. Spacious cabins. Typically, the average balcony cabin on a standard cruise ship measures between 175 to 220 square feet. Luxury cruise vessels are often all-suite ships, indicating larger accommodations where there’s enough room to host guests. Most ships feature an Owner’s Suite or something comparable, which is usually quite expansive.
4. All-inclusive offerings. Many cruise lines provide good wine selections, internet access, beverage packages, and shore excursions. Years ago, airlines unraveled their pricing structures to remain competitive with budget carriers. While most cruise lines cover room and board, the added costs of beverages, Wi-Fi, and excursions can substantially increase your fare. In contrast, luxury cruises typically include virtually everything in the cruise price. Ed. Note: refer to All-Inclusive – All Things Cruise.
5. Exceptional personalized service. Those who cruised 20 or 30 years ago may recall cabin stewards who catered to their every wish. Nowadays, service on larger ships resembles that of a big hotel’s housekeeping. An added layer of luxury comes with butler service, where these attendants act as intermediaries between you and the ship staff, assisting with organizing events and delivering invitations. Butler service epitomizes luxury.
6. Importance of privacy. Wealthy individuals often prefer a low-profile lifestyle, mixing with others only on their own terms. On some ships, the largest suites come equipped with private dining rooms and kitchens. Many suites provide spacious outdoor decks, and some exclusive bars and restaurants cater solely to suite guests. This allows for a more private experience, enabling you to enjoy the cruise without unnecessary social interaction if that is your preference. Luxury allows you to maintain privacy or engage with other suite passengers as you wish.
7. Smooth embarkation and disembarkation. Nobody enjoys standing in lines, especially when there is a lot of pushing and shoving involved. In airports, passengers can choose between priority and general lines. Similarly, luxury cruises minimize waiting times by accommodating fewer guests. Even on larger ships, there are often discreet priority areas that facilitate an effortless boarding and disembarking process, allowing guests to leave at their convenience or before the larger crowd.
8. Preferred seating arrangements. On large cruise ships, securing a seat for popular shows can be quite a challenge. Luxury often translates to reserved seating, potentially with your name on it, and early entry options that let you select any seat you prefer.
9. Quality of tours. There have been instances where we disembarked near a mega ship only to see hundreds of tourists following a single tour guide, where staying with the group was essential. Sometimes, tours are outsourced to local providers, lacking the personalized touch that comes with on-board excursions. Luxury can involve the cruise line supplying their own tour guides, providing tours in multiple ports, and knowing passengers individually due to smaller group sizes. Ship personnel may accompany the tour to assist those who need a slower pace, enhancing the experience, as we found with Swan Hellenic cruises around the Greek Islands. Ed. Note: see Shore Excursions – Port, Day & Weekend Trips.

Delivering luxury is a costly endeavor, which is why such cruises come with a higher price tag. Ultimately, it is about touring on your own terms.

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Ed. Notes: CruiseCompete and its member travel advisors offer a variety of curated cruise and land deals, amenities, and offers across over 50 cruise lines and more than 500 ships worldwide.

Shore Excursions – Ports, Day & Weekend Trips

Cover photo ©Dennis Cox/WorldViews Windstar Wind Surf in the port of Kotor, Montenegro