For those used to sailing with mainstream cruise lines, taking the step up to a luxury cruise can seem daunting.
It’s not just the weightier price tag which can have people questioning whether a luxury cruise is right for them, travellers are sometimes unsure about what the atmosphere is like on-board, and whether they’ll fit in.
Just as each of the mainstream cruise lines differs in terms of what’s included in your cruise fare, on-board activities and the levels of service provided, so do the luxury cruise lines.
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There’s a continuum of luxury – ranging from premium five-star cruise lines, all the way up the ultra-luxury voyages on-board the world’s most luxurious ships.
With a myriad of luxury cruises available, most cruisers who frequent mainstream cruise lines will be pleasantly surprised to discover that there is a luxury cruise which suits them perfectly.
Oceania Cruises
If you’re dipping your toe into the world of luxury cruising for the first time, then a voyage with Oceania Cruises would be a great place to start.
This upper-premium cruise line is part of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings and offers a luxury experience at a mid-market price.
You’ll find the atmosphere on board to be wonderfully relaxed and the ‘country club casual’ dress code is popular with Brits.
Oceania Cruises is particularly attractive for foodies – The attention to detail which goes into crafting each dish is phenomenal, and, unlike the mainstream cruise lines, there’s no charge for dining in any of the speciality restaurants.
Seabourn
If you’d like to take the next step up in the luxury cruising arena, Seabourn is a luxury cruise line which comes under the umbrella of the Carnival Corporation – although its vessels are a world apart from the colourful mega-ships of Carnival Cruise Line.
Seabourn ships are small, intimate and deliciously luxurious.
Aside from the fact that so much is included, from drinks at the bar to dining in a choice of speciality venues, it’s the service which sets Seabourn aside from other cruise lines.
With a staff to guest ration of almost 1:1, staff on board take the time to learn your name, and your favourite drink.
Your mini bar will always be stocked with your preferences, your sunglasses always polished and ready for you, in fact, you’ll never have to lift a finger, unless you want to.
Regent Seven Seas
For the most luxurious cruising experience possible, Regent Seven Seas Cruises stand out from the rest.
A truly indulgent experience, this cruise line prides themselves on offering the most luxurious ships in the world.
Every accommodation is a suite, with the top suites having extra staff such as a personal butler to cater to your every whim and a private car and driver available in every port.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises come with so much included which you would otherwise expect to pay for – unlimited shore excursions, drinks, speciality restaurants, wi-fi and airport transfers. And tips are neither required nor expected.
Choosing a luxury cruise
If you’d like to try a luxury cruise for the first time, perhaps for a special birthday or anniversary, then you’ll find a wide range of ships and destinations to choose from.
As with any cruise holiday, it can certainly be worthwhile to enlist the help of a travel agent to help plan your cruise.
A specialist luxury cruise travel agent such as Six Star Cruises can make sure that you find the right ship to suit your needs, take care of all the details, as well as letting your know about the latest promotions to make sure that you don’t overpay for your cruise.
This was a sponsored collaboration with Six Star Cruises.
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Happy Cruising!
