Which prefer? Do you like larger cruise ships with a capacity for more than 4,000 passengers or smaller ships with capacity for less than 1,000? Some ports do not handle the largest ships and passenger service is better on the smaller ships. So check out the possibilities with these luxury cruise lines.
Some of the luxury cruise lines have smaller ships. I’m talking about Azamara Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, and Seabourn Cruises. This means you get more port options. Yes, they may cost more, but the benefits may make it worth it. These luxury cruise lines give you the best in travel, most are even all-inclusive. That means no additional drink packages, and no unexpected extras.
Azamara Cruises
Azamara Cruises focuses on Destination Immersion where longer stays, more overnight stays and overnight sailings are included on 100% of their voyages. You can explore everything from nightlife in Stockholm and morning walks on the French Riviera to all-day adventures in the Costa Rican rainforests. You’ll experience boutique-style ships with a maximum of 686 guests, staff and crew can quickly learn your name, tastes and preferences. All of this with a host of included services, such as standard spirits, international beers and wines, gratuities and an AzAmazing Evenings event (on most voyages), all with your amenities. Also included for all guests are bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas, English butler service for suite guests, self-service laundry, shuttle service to and from port communities (where available), and concierge services. for personal guidance and reservations.
Visit ports such as Marseille, Amalfi, Crete or even the gates of Bangkok (while other major cruise lines dock within a few hours), the heart of Seville and the city center of Bordeaux. Experience the culture, cuisine, landscape, and people of your destinations. The crew like to mingle with the guests and are happy to point out special things at sea and on land and exceed your expectations.
Crystal Cruises/Crystal River Cruises/Crystal Yachts
Another all-inclusive cruise line. this includes complimentary gratuities, unparalleled dining options including specialty restaurants, complimentary fine wines and premium spirits, open bar service in all lounges, and all non-alcoholic beverages. Plus, you get 24-hour room service, tea, golf lessons, computer/technology classes and a technology concierge, Crystal Visions enrichment program, entertainment, and complimentary laundry facilities. A shore excursion is included on each voyage as part of your “We Care/You Care” program. And you can bring your own wine/liquor with no corkage fees!
Predominantly non-smoking inside (except for the Connoisseur Club cigar bar), this is a great, stylish alternative to the big ships. They now offer river cruises, yacht cruises, luxury flights, and residences. Booking is open for 2017 and 2018. The yacht is an all-inclusive superyacht with 31 luxury suites and two complimentary Shore Excursions from Crystal Adventures in most ports, depending on destination. Water sports from the yacht’s marina deck are also available and don’t forget the state-of-the-art deep-sea submersible with seating for two passengers and a certified pilot. The river cruises will be based in Paris and will have cruises of various lengths, all suites and will have its first sailing in July 2016 with a 2 for 1 rate and overnight stays in popular ports.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises allows you to view a spectacular selection of diverse and exotic destinations in style. They are unique itineraries specifically designed to show the most fascinating destinations. They are intimate and luxurious, visiting historic cities, modern meccas, and charming seaside towns located along sparkling shorelines. Every day offers exciting opportunities to experience the history, art and cuisine of a wonderful new destination. Enjoy a dinner inspired by master chef Jacques Pepin. Luxurious complimentary amenities abound, and there are never any extra charges at any of the onboard restaurants. Value packs ensure that drinking vintage wine, surfing the Internet, or enjoying a shore excursion is convenient and affordable.
Oceania offers catering to its passengers, having between 684 and 1,250 guests, depending on the ship. It’s a casual country club atmosphere with personalized service. Offers intensive port voyages with overnight visits and extended overnight port stays. Experience epicurean enrichment programs, including immersive culinary discovery tours in the world’s most exciting destinations. The spa is an acclaimed Canyon Ranch SpaClub.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas offers a truly sumptuous and highly personal experience. You can anticipate an unforgettable trip to the best destinations in the world where everything is included, without exception and without compromise. Regent rates include 2-for-1 all-inclusive rates, early bird savings, free unlimited shore excursions, free luxury hotel package on Concierge suites and above, free specialty dining, free unlimited beverages including fine wines and premium spirits, open bars and in-suite lounges PLUS daily restocked mini bar, free prepaid gratuities, free 24 hour room service, free airport/ship transfers and many other services. The dress code is smart casual dress. An enriching onboard experience comes to life through The Smithsonian Collection by Smithsonian Journeys. There are Broadway shows, virtuoso performances, cooking demonstrations and wine tastings, and the spectacular Canyon Ranch SpaClub wellness programs.
There are tempting voyages to more than 250 ports around the world in the comfort of a smoke-free environment on almost all of their ships. These ports are some of the most intimate ports that larger ships cannot reach on a ship that is all suites, 97% with a private balcony. There are only 490 or 700 guests, resulting in stellar service, with no lines or waiting.
Seabourn Cruises
With Seabourn you sail with your own private club, where members share wide open decks, inviting social spaces and personalized attention from an exceptional crew. There are unique itineraries to must-see cities and hidden gems where the biggest ships can’t go. These are intimate ships with no more than 300 spacious suites with expansive ocean views, most with terraces. The intuitive staff is passionate about pleasing their guests. Gourmet dining experiences that rival the world’s finest restaurants, complimentary welcome champagne and in-suite bar stocked to your preferences, complimentary dining venues where you dine where you want, when you want, with whom you want. This is an all-inclusive experience with open bars throughout the ship and excellent wines served at lunch and dinner. Tipping is not required or expected.
Seabourn visits desired destinations and small ports such as Saint-Tropez, France and Palarmo, Spain. Visit the less traveled Caribbean islands of Grenada, Trinidad and Tobago, the Grenadines, Guadeloupe, and St. Barthelemy and St. Kitts. Shore excursions with plenty of time to explore each port of call can be purchased.