Luxury Cruising
Offering the height of sophistication and style at sea, it’s little wonder that more and more holidaymakers are opting to indulge in a luxury cruise.
What’s not to like? Five-star cruising offers all the bells and whistles expected from any luxury provider from stylish accommodation and elegant facilities to an open bar, lavish spa and even a butler service.
From a plush perch on their gleaming white ship, guests live like the rich and famous. Attentive and sometimes clairvoyant-like crew tend to their every desire. Massage by the pool? No problem. Dirty sunglasses? Let’s polish those up for you. Would madam like a bubble bath with rose petals this evening? Consider it done. More champagne? Why, of course.
Some days are more action-packed with shore excursions taking travellers to pristine national parks, the world’s leading galleries and museums and local wineries and restaurants for a taste of the local cuisine. Whilst evenings offer a chance to unwind over a meal prepared by a world-renowned chef, take in a show or make some new friends at the bar.
No longer do high-end travellers have to travel to Europe or the Americas to join a luxury vessel, they are stepping onboard in their homeport, with as much luggage as they like, and heading off on the trip of a lifetime.
Many luxury liners are also small ships meaning they can go where the big ships can’t, offering an up-close-and-personal experience with nature and the chance to explore off-the-beaten-track ports. Whether it’s preferable to join a boutique vessel carrying a few hundred guests or a luxury liner offering opulence on a grand scale, there truly is a luxury cruise for every taste and style.
Because luxury means so much more than the finest linens and foie gras, luxury lines are increasingly offering their guests the chance to truly immerse in a destination with exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences.
Whether it’s a private behind-the-scenes tour of a world heritage-listed site, visiting a local market with a celebrity chef or being regaled with tales at sea from idols and icons, luxury cruises are pulling out all the stops to ensure their guests have it all. It’s these special touches that are helping the luxury cruise industry power ahead at a rate of knots.