The largest of the "small luxury" category are Silversea Cruises' 296-passenger ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, and Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' 354-passenger luxury twin-hulled Radisson Diamond.
Luxury Cruising
Newcomers to the concept of holidays at sea can be forgiven for imagining every cruise ship is a "luxury" vessel, given that today's cruise ships are the descendants of the grand ocean liners. But the reality is that cruise ships, like hotels, come in all sizes and standards, and are designed to appeal to a wide range of budgets and tastes.
The Right Ship
Some ships are perfect for honeymoon couples and youngsters in search of a lively holiday; others are better suited to travellers with children, or for the more elderly. With their fantastic range of "floating resort" facilities, the Caribbean's collection of 2,500 passenger mega-ships provide the ultimate all-action arena for young, and young at heart, party animals. But those who like to take life a little more gently may find a Mediterranean cruise aboard an older, more traditional ship more to their taste. Prefer a taste of adventure? Try a sailing ship, or an ice-hardened adventure vessel. or a cruise to the glaciers of Alaska, America's "last wilderness".
Most of these ships will offer an element of luxury, in the shape of state-of-the-art facilities, nicely cooked meals, attentive waiter service, cosy bars and well-stocked libraries.
True Luxury
But - there's a world of difference between these little luxuries and those of the true luxury cruise. If it's the real millionaire treatment you're after, there are only a handful of cruise lines which really come up with the goods.
The essence of real luxury cruising is that it provides four essential qualities; space, exclusivity, top class service and absolutely no problems
What to expect
Passengers booking a luxury cruise can expect to be greeted on arrival with a complimentary bottle of champagne; to have a spacious cabin with a walk-in wardrobe, and elegant bathroom; a well-stocked mini-bar and 24-hour room service; and full in-suite dining available during restaurant hours.
They should never have to queue to get food or drink, and never have to wait to use equipment in the gym, or be seated in the dining room. They should be able to dine when and with whom they please, and they can look forward to travelling in small groups on shore excursions, which usually feature the most exclusive hotels. Above all, passengers paying luxury ship prices can expect excellent, unobtrusive service and a cash-free environment, with some top luxury ships offering complimentary drinks and wine at dinner.
The Ships
The small luxury ships owned by Silversea Cruises, Seabourn Cruise Line, Radisson Seven Seas Cruises and Cunard Sea Goddess Cruises are the most exclusive in the world. The 115-passenger Seabourn Goddess I and II - prototypes of millionaire's yacht-type vessels - are the smallest. Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' exquisite 180-passenger vessel Song of Flower and Seabourn Cruise Line's Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend at 200 passengers each, are next largest.
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The largest of the "small luxury" category are Silversea Cruises' 296-passenger ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, and Radisson Seven Seas Cruises' 354-passenger luxury twin-hulled Radisson Diamond. |
At the other end of the size scale, three larger ships have been granted six-star status: Crystal Cruises 960-passenger vessels Crystal Symphony and Crystal Harmony, and Seabourn Cruise Line's 740-passenger Seabourn Sun.
What to See, Where to Go
Luxury ships offer worldwide itineraries, often with the emphasis on offbeat. Crystal harmony, for example, has a new cruise of Japan and China among her latest itineraries, while the Seabourn Pride now visits the Chilean Fjords.
Such ships are aimed at people who seek not only an interesting travel itinerary, but also a genuine insight into the places they are visiting. Expert lecturers in the fields of history, geography, and archaeology are often invited on board to give talks to guests, and lead them on walks ashore. Silversea, for example, is working in close association with both the National Geographic Society and Cordon Bleu to offer a range of specialist cruises.
Some of the world's greatest stars and performing artists have been spotted on cruise ships - either talking about their profession or simply enjoying a few days away from the pressures of stardom. In fact, it is quite possible to rub shoulders with the rich and famous amongst your fellow guests. Bill Gates favours Seabourn cruises and the likes of Charlton Heston and Richard Dreyfuss have been known to choose Silversea.
Other Options
If the small luxury ships are above your budget, you can always book a top cabin on one of the big ships. Celebrity Cruises' five star Galaxy and Mercury have beautifully designed top suites with large balconies and butler service, as do the state-of-the-art Grand Class vessels of Princess Cruises. Holland America Line also has some top suites, and an old-fashioned charm to its ships featuring lovely flower arrangements and priceless museum displays.
Big ship cruising won't give you the exclusivity of standards of service available in the top small luxury ships but it will give you access to an enormous range of facilities, with the option of heading back to your suite for a romantic dinner in the evening instead of eating at one of the many "floating restaurants" on board.
The Ships
The luxury lines include the following:
Top Cabin cruise lines include:
Sailing Ships:
Contact David Brown Travel for further help