Taking a luxury cruise is much more than just sailing from one port to the next: it’s a refined, intimate, and uncompromising travel experience. Unlike mass-market cruises, luxury cruises are distinguished by an exceptional level of inclusion, attentive service, exceptional gastronomy, smaller ships, and exclusive itineraries to destinations often inaccessible to larger liners.
All-Inclusive Cruises
One of the first advantages is the extent of the inclusions. On a luxury cruise, everything—or almost everything—is included. Beverages, including fine wines and spirits, gratuities, meals at all restaurants, selected shore excursions, and sometimes even flights and transfers are all included in the fare. This provides remarkable peace of mind, where every moment can be savored without worrying about additional costs.
Exceptional Service
Personalized service is another hallmark of luxury at sea. The staff-to-guest ratio is often very low, sometimes close to one crew member for every passenger. This translates into constant yet discreet attention, whether it’s remembering your drink preferences, helping you plan a tailor-made excursion, or simply making you feel appreciated and pampered throughout your voyage. Many companies offer the service of a butler who will take great care of you.
Refined Gastronomy
The gastronomy on a luxury cruise rivals that of the finest Michelin-starred restaurants. The chefs are often renowned, the menus are prepared with fresh and refined ingredients, and the selection is impressive, whether for a gourmet dinner, a meal in a cabin, or a casual brunch on the terrace. Food lovers will be delighted, as will wine lovers thanks to the well-stocked wine cellars. Filet mignon, lobster, and caviar are generally available daily.
Small Ships
In terms of ambiance, luxury ships tend to be smaller, often with between 100 and 750 passengers. This creates a more intimate and elegant atmosphere, without queues or hustle and bustle. These smaller ships also allow you to reach more secret destinations: remote ports, picturesque villages, hidden bays, and even the polar regions. Whether cruising the Mediterranean, discovering the Norwegian fjords, exploring the Galapagos, or landing on the edge of Antarctica, luxury cruises offer unique itineraries, often enhanced by expertly guided cultural or nature excursions.
How do luxury cruises compare to mass-market cruises?
It’s important to carefully compare each company’s inclusions before comparing prices. Some luxury companies offer very competitively priced voyages when you consider what’s included versus what you’ll have to pay extra on a contemporary cruises.
| Included Items | Luxury Cruises | Mass Cruises |
|---|---|---|
| Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages | Usually included (wines, spirits, cocktails, specialty coffees, etc.) | Often chargeable, except water, juice, and filter coffee |
| Meals at All Restaurants | Included at all restaurants at no extra charge. Finer Cuisine | Included at the buffet and main restaurant, with surcharges for specialty restaurants. More restaurants. |
| 24-Hour Room Service | Included at no extra charge | Sometimes chargeable or limited depending on the time or menu |
| Tips/Service Charges | Usually included | Payable at an additional cost (per passenger per day) |
| Shore Excursions | Several included or excursion credits | All chargeable (except for rare promotions) |
| Onboard Wi-Fi | Included (often unlimited) | Extra fees or included in a package |
| Access to onboard activities | Included (lectures, music, wellness, etc.) | Included, but often crowded or with queues. Larger and more numerous shows. |
| Transfers / international flights | Often included in the cruise package | Almost always at an additional cost |
| Spa / body treatments | Facilities sometimes freely accessible (hammam, sauna) | Almost always at an additional cost |
| Dress and atmosphere | Elegant, relaxed, few announcements, no crowds | Casual, sometimes noisy, frequent queues and crowds |
| Ship size | Small capacity (typically 100 to 750 passengers) | Large capacity (2,000 to 6,000+ passengers) |
| Destinations visited | Exclusive, smaller ports, off-the-beaten-track destinations. Docking in the city center. | Large tourist ports, more limited access due to the size of some ships |
Luxury Cruise Lines
Here are some of the top luxury cruise lines to consider:
- Atlas Ocean Voyages
- Azamara
- Crystal Cruises
- Emerald Cruises
- Explora Journeys
- HX Expeditions
- Lindblad Expeditions
- Oceania Cruises
- Paul Gauguin Cruises
- Ponant
- Quark Expeditions
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Scenic Cruises
- Seabourn
- Silversea Cruises
- Swan Hellenic
- Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- Viking Ocean & Viking Expedition
Choosing a luxury cruise means treat yourself to a moment outside of time, in a cocoon of comfort, culture and discovery. It is an invitation to travel differently, with elegance, depth and serenity.
