FIND OUT WHAT LUXURY CRUISERS KNOW

Luxury Cruise Seabourn Quest

Many people would be surprised to find out that a luxury cruise can be a good value. When ads for 7 night cruises for $799 seem to represent the ultimate price savings, all of the hidden costs are not shown.

Since the lowest advertised price is for the smallest inside cabin and usually does not include all taxes and port charges, it does not offer a good price or comfort comparison with a large private balcony suite, which is often the standard sized cabin on a luxury ship.

On a luxury cruise, you will have a little cabin refrigerator that is stocked daily with complimentary soft drinks and beer. You may also be able to choose two complimentary bottles of wine or alcoholic beverages to be placed in your suite at the beginning of your trip, although it may be just as easy to go to one of the onboard bars since all of the drinks are included.

You can also expect a daily bowl of fresh fruit to be placed in your suite.

In addition to the gourmet food in the main dining room, dinner in excellent small specialty restaurants can be reserved at no additional charge.

Internationally know speakers and cultural programs are offered to enhance visits to port cities on the cruise. With a better understanding of the history in each region, it makes the culture come alive and the people more accessible. These activities are shared with like-minded travelers and add to the total cruise experience.

So what unique, value-added features can you expect from a luxury cruise?

Crystal Cruises – A “can’t miss” experience is dinner at the their Silk Road Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which has chefs trained by famous culinary artist Nobu Matsuhisa. Nobu sailed on Crystal’s Black Sea cruise last year and offered several unique cooking demonstrations of his special recipes. There is also a fine Italian cuisine restaurant called Prego, which is available by reservation without any additional charges.

Crystal is also known for their excellent Broadway-style evening shows and a number of complimentary classes on board both of their ships. Their computer classes are always full as people learn how to best use their iPads and laptops, while others spend time learning the basics of a foreign language or other skills they have not had time to try out at home.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises – Several years ago Regent became the first cruise line to offer a complimentary pre- and post-hotel stay with their cruises, along with free shore excursions. This has made their cruises truly all-inclusive, since gratuities and drinks are also included, as they are on the other luxury cruise lines.

On two of their three ships, they offer very spacious “all suite, all balcony” accommodations with 90 percent balconies on the third. The Regent staterooms are among the largest found on any ship, and all of the ships have convenient walk-in closets and marble bathrooms including tubs.

Seabourn Cruises – Seabourn’s three new ships with only 450 guests each compete with Regent for largest staterooms, large walk-in closets, and more space onboard per guest. The atmosphere is similar to a large private yacht, and the evening entertainment tends to be more cabaret style.

Celebrity chef Charlie Palmer designs the menu selections for the main dining room, and there are two smaller restaurants and the casual, outdoor Patio Grill also available for dinner.

Silversea Cruises – With four ships carrying between 296 and 540 passengers, not counting their two expedition ships, Silversea offers primarily small luxury vessels that are able to dock places the larger ships cannot. Their suites are all large and beautifully decorated with outside views and most have balconies.

Owned by an Italian family, the cruise line offers excellent food and fine European style service in elegant, comfortable surroundings, while attracting passengers primarily from the U.S., Britain, and Australia with English being the only onboard language used.

When the luxury cruiser chooses his “value cruise,” he will be evaluating a number of things.

1. Does the daily gourmet dining compare to fine dining at home, which would not be inexpensive?

2. Are the cruise itineraries and ports interesting and unique with extra days to see more in the high interest cities?

3. Are the accommodations spacious and comfortable with all of the amenities of home or a fine resort?

4. Are the programs and speakers usually stimulating for the days at sea?

5. Will my fellow passengers be friendly and interesting to talk with?

6. Will the shore excursions give me good choices for group and private touring?

7. Will the service on the ship be excellent?

After careful consideration, he will determine the cruise value not by the price but according to the many benefits he will receive from all facets of his cruise experience.

Of course, everyone’s value rating will be personal and allow them to choose the luxury cruise that is perfect for their needs.

What do you value most when choosing a luxury cruise?