Luxury Cruise Vacations - Luxury on Water

Comparing luxury cruise vacations to a standard cruise is like comparing filet mignon to discount hamburger.  Cruising on a luxury liner should be like sailing in a 5-star hotel.  The combination of food, service, cabin rooms and facilities should be absolutely perfect. 

So what are the differences between a regular cruise and luxury cruises?

It'll be easier to put down money on a luxury cruise once you know the difference between the two.  Many people can see the difference as soon as they step on board the cruise ship, but for the people who have never been on a cruise, it'll be harder to see the differences.  The immediate differences go as following:

• The staff is trained to provide "above and beyond" customer service.  Just like the Ritz Carlton, anticipation is practiced among the crew members.  Staff members are trained to remember names and personal preferences of the passengers.  

• There are more escorts to dinner tables and waitresses and waiters will escort passengers to their seats before dining and after dining. 

• Shorter lines to disembark and embark at port.  The atmosphere is more relaxed than on a larger standard cruise.

• More personal service from the cabin stewards and stewardesses

• No "pimping" of bingo games and promotional events

• Quieter and more relaxed atmosphere

• More personal recognition among staff.  For example, chefs might invite guests to accompany them on grocery shopping expeditions in foreign cities

• 5-star cuisine 

These are just a few examples of the differences between standard and luxury.  The other benefits are that there are more crew to passengers so it is easier to get more recognition from the crew.  Additionally, many water sport activities are included and equipment is provided by the cruise line. 

If the cruise doesn’t have these characteristics, then it shouldn’t be considered a luxury cruise:

Champagne at embarkation

Personalized stationary

Crew never says “no”

A high passenger space ratio

Highly qualified sommeliers

Fine linens

No extra charge for movies in the cabin

More overnight port stays

No signings for drinks

Dining Experience

The food is the highlight of many passengers experience when cruising in the lap of luxury.  Instead of sitting on sitting with many strangers, you will have the opportunity to find two person seating with a calm and quieter atmosphere.  The china, silverware and décor is the all top-notch.  Besides the detail, the food is always high-quality and never repetitive.  The presentation is splendid and the portion sizes are adequate, even for the very hungry people.   The meat is of the highest quality and the fish is fresh, never frozen.  Food is not cooked in batches and is tendered by five-star chefs.  Some of the foods that you can experience are caviar, foie gras, black/white truffles and other exotic foods.  The keyword is “fresh”.  Many cruises use frozen meats, vegetables and fish as they are trying to save costs and prepare food for the masses.  You can also eat your meals in your cabin, if requested in advanced. 

Drinks are included with most cruise ships and provide wine with dinner.  However, you will have to pay for the premium beverages.  However, some ships like Hapag-Lloyd do not include alcoholic drinks.  These are a few perks of paying more.  However, the question is, are you worth paying more for a luxury cruise vacation?