The word ‘Luxury’ can have many different meanings depending on who you ask. When it comes to cruise lines, there is a distinctive difference between onboard luxury cruise ships. There are many upscale and comfortable elements combined to make it feel like the Ritz-Carleton, only on water. 

Luxury cruises are designed for people who are looking for a holiday with as less hassle and as many perks as possible. There will be majestic architecture, lots of breathing room, 5-star service, and a never-ending amount of treats and activities. The ship will never feel crowded, you’ll never have to race for a seat or wait in long lines, and you may even be treated like royalty. 

Luxury cruises are rather pricey, but once you learn what is included, you won’t pay much mind to the cost. If all goes well, it will be everything you had imagined, and more. It may even change your mind on the meaning of ‘luxury’ forever. 

When boarding a luxury cruise, expect jaw-dropping interior elements, and a lot of space. While luxury cruise ships are actually smaller in size compared to some large ship cruises, there are fewer passengers. The passenger to crew ratio is a lot smaller, so there is more staff catering to passengers, and the service is a lot more personal. Additionally, since there are fewer passengers, chances of running into the same people more than once is a lot more common, giving more social opportunities for making new friends. 

Cabins will be equipped and loaded with everything needed for your stay, plus more, and more extravagant. On average, they are serviced at least twice a day, making sure everything is on hand exactly when it is needed. In addition to this, on luxury cruises, all-inclusive really does mean just about everything. When everything is already taken care of before you even depart on your journey, the less stressful and more carefree your time abroad will be. 

Luxury cruises have everything standard cruises lines have, plus more. Other than the proportions and higher quality service that is received, there are many more features and amenities only offered by luxury cruises lines. 

• Alcohol is Included: More often than not, alcohol is included in the price of your trip. Instead of worrying about running up a high tab during a week or so at sea, passengers are free to consume as much alcohol as they would like. 

• Exotic Destinations: Luxury cruises offer more exotic destination options for passengers, in addition to the most popular cruised areas of the world. Some more exotics destinations can include places like the Galapagos Islands, Alaska, and even Antarctica. 

• Upscale Activities: Instead of late-night bars and comedy clubs, prepare to partake in more sophisticated activities onboard a luxury cruise. Cooking classes, lectures, art galleries, and classical music nights, are often viewed as a lot more luxurious than night bars and comedy clubs. 

• Green Spaces: Grass is something that is not often seen on board many cruise ships. Luxury cruise lines tend to offer ‘green spaces’ often on the top floor of the ship, so passengers can enjoy both the ‘land’ and the sea. 

• Room Service: Not only are rooms regularly serviced and the service is already top-notch, but luxury cruise ships also go above and beyond. Passengers may request a butler or room service, especially for them; breakfast in bed just hits different on a cruise ship. 

Pros:

• Better Service: Since their staff to passenger ratio is lower, a ship ratio to a passenger is higher, and there is better, faster, and more personalized service for each and every passenger. 

• Fewer people: There are fewer passengers onboard luxury cruise ships. There is no need to rush for anything as there is plenty for everyone, and there are fewer waiting times for lines and service. 

• Fine Dining: 5-star dining experiences onboard cruise lines are unlike any other. Not only are the meals delicious, but they are also often healthier, fresher, and of better quality as well. 

• All-Inclusive: Alcohol is free, usually. Amongst other things as well, this is the main difference. There are no hidden costs, unlike many commercial cruises. 

Cons:

• Higher Expenses: Taking a luxury cruise comes with a higher price than just any other average cruise. While the components included in the price are a lot larger, it’s still going to be a lot more expensive in the end. 

• Fewer Adrenaline Activities: Passengers won’t find many music joints, water parks, or nightclubs on luxury cruise lines, rather more slower-paced activities that are low impact or require less physical activity. 

• Time Limits: As luxury cruises are equipped with upscale services and everyday needs on board, the time spent on shore tends to be shorter, as passengers want to soak up as much time as possible for what they paid for onboard. 

Cunard Cruise Line

Southhamptons’ Cunard Cruise Line is viewed as one of the most luxurious cruise lines in the world. Their 3 most attractive cruises, Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, and Queen Victoria, all come equipped with over-the-top amenities and enriching activities and onboard features. It is also the only cruise line to offer secluded/private and special dining for select passengers.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruise Line is praised for the elegant and sophisticated interior of its ships, and extremely personalized quality service. Oceania cruises are especially geared towards foodies, as there is an abundance of cooking attractions such as cooking classes and culinary experiences. 

Regent Seven Seas

One of the most well-known luxury cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas, is popular for its all-inclusive packages and destinations. All 5 luxury ships come will all-inclusive prices, suite-style accommodations, and a 2-1 ratio of staff to passengers. They also offer a wide variety of destinations with over 100 ports all around the world and 120-day cruise options. 

Seabourn

Seabourn is one of the most majestic and over-the-top cruise lines on the planet. All 5 ships sail all around the world to all 7 continents. Passengers are treated to fine dining options before, during, and after the cruise. In addition, there are luxurious stocked suites, quality service, and a wide variety of onboard and off-board excursions.