10 Reasons to Choose a Luxury Cruise Line

Deciding on a cruise vacation is a great choice given the tremendous value, ease of travel, convenience of unpacking once, and having all your dining and entertainment in one place. However, choosing the correct line and ship can take more work. Similar to all the choices of hotel chains, cruising offers a wide variety of lines, each unique in its appeal and the audience they attract. 

Luxury cruise lines, while a much smaller segment of the cruising options, should be considered for the elevated and unique experiences many travelers crave. Think in terms of hotels with Ritz Carlton versus Four Seasons versus Mandarin Oriental. Each of these brands has a loyal following, and new to-luxury travelers can feel comfortable no matter which brand they choose. Travelers know that all luxury hotel brands will offer an elevated experience compared to mainstream hotels. The same holds true for cruising! No matter which line you choose, expect to be pampered and enjoy a much higher-end vacation experience than mainstream cruise lines. So how much different is the experience? 

Following are 10 reasons to choose a luxury cruise line:

1. High-end stateroom amenities: Luxury cruise lines offer high-end amenities such as bathroom toiletries from manufacturers such as Molton Brown, Bulgari, Acqua di Parma, Hermes, and Clarins. 

2. Personalized service: Luxury cruise lines tout their exceptional service to their guests by offering a higher staff-to-guest ratio than more mainstream lines. Many of the staterooms offer butler service and traditional housekeeping services for an added layer of luxury. 

3. Luxurious accommodations: Spacious staterooms, including a variety of suites offering premium bedding, high-quality linens, and upscale furnishings. While these may seem less important to some travelers, they are essential to creating an atmosphere of luxury at all touch points. 

4. Unique itineraries: With the smaller ships offered by luxury lines, it allows the creation of unique itineraries, such as trips to less-traveled destinations or ports of call that are unattainable for larger cruise ships. Additionally, luxury lines may offer longer stays in ports or exclusive shore excursions. Overall, a more in-depth experience with time to immerse yourself in the local culture and explore the area. 

5. Fine dining experiences: Elevated dining experiences are the hallmark of many luxury lines. They offer world-class dining options with gourmet cuisine and sommelier-selected wines. In addition, most lines collaborate with Michelin-rated chefs to curate menus based on the sailing region and source local ingredients to add to the overall experience.

6. Onboard entertainment and activities: Most lines offer a range of onboard entertainment and activities, such as live music, theater shows, and cultural enrichment programs. Many lines will take things a step further, offering guest lectures on various topics usually rated to the sailing region and history. 

7. Exclusive experiences: Each luxury cruise line offers unique experiences ranging from a helicopter or submarine trip to zodiac wildlife viewing to private beach experiences complete with butler-delivered caviar and champagne. 

8. VIP treatment: No matter which luxury cruise line you choose, each ensures their guests feel like a VIP at every turn. From sumptuous lounges and staterooms to higher staff-to-guest ratio, the luxury lines turn up the pampering for every aspect. 

9. All-inclusive packages: Not all cruise lines offer the same level of inclusions in the upfront pricing. Choosing a luxury cruise line relieves the burden of budgeting for things like specialty dining, beverage packages, wifi, and other extra charge items on mainstream cruises. The all-inclusive pricing when sailing a luxury line can be a great value, especially considering the smaller ships, spacious cabins, and other benefits listed above. 

10. Elevated experience: Luxury cruise lines offer the best of the best with great attention to detail, high-quality amenities, and a focus on providing guests with a memorable and exceptional vacation. Overall the entire experience onboard a luxury cruise ship will be elevated in every aspect and in some ways you may not be expecting. 

Choosing to cruise with a luxury cruise line can spoil you for all other cruises. Once you’ve experienced pampering and personalized service, gourmet dining, luxury bedding, and accommodations, it will make you a luxury cruiser for life. 

Read More:

Luxury Cruises: Are They Worth It?
Destinations Only Luxury Lines Sail To
Ship within a Ship vs. Luxury Cruises: Smackdown

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