Luxury cruises typically feature a high crew to passenger ratio and the line’s staff will get to know you by name. Your suite steward may even draw you a bath scented with your favourite fragrance.
Experience the finesse and elegance of luxury cruise, where everything is meticulously crafted to exceed your highest expectations. From exclusive experiences that are hand-crafted just for you by a personal concierge to high-thread-count comfort and inclusive amenities in the most spacious suites at sea, every detail is designed to be beyond compare.
Compared to contemporary and premium lines, ultra-luxury cruises typically have a lower passenger count and a crew to guest ratio of up to one for every two passengers. They also tend to offer a more immersive travel experience, focusing on bringing you closer to the people and culture of each destination with expert-led talks and guided tours.
The cabins on these ships are larger than those found on most contemporary cruises, with all but the least expensive suites offering private balconies. Among the top brands in this space are Seabourn, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal and Cunard. In addition, some well-known hotel companies have entered the space (Scenic and Explora Journeys, for example) with vessels that feature a boutique cruising experience, often including expedition itineraries in remote locations.
The food on these cruises is also usually of a higher standard than on the average ship, with many offering upscale restaurants with gourmet menus. Unlike other ships, where you may have to pay additional for drinks, most premium cruises include beer, wine and spirits in your fare. You’ll also find that gratuities are included with your daily cruise fare, which means you won’t have to worry about remembering to tip each day.
MSC Cruises
The company currently operates 22 cruise ships and has three more on order. All of the ships are similar and belong to one of six distinct classes. Those that sail out of North American ports are marketed heavily to Americans, and MSC Cruises has tailored some onboard attractions and experiences for this audience.
MSC Cruises is one of the most diverse cruise lines you can sail on, and on my recent trip aboard Divina from Miami to the Eastern Caribbean I encountered a mix of Italians, Germans, British, and Spanish passengers in the Mediterranean and a good share of North Americans on Caribbean itineraries. The line also has a solid local market in South Africa and Latin America.
On MSC Cruises, you’ll find standard suites that vary by category and location, as well as a variety of suites. MSC Cruises has several package types you can purchase that add amenities to your booking (like drink packages, dining credit, and Wi-Fi), and some cruises feature a MSC Yacht Club section with additional benefits.
All MSC Cruises ships operate on a cashless system, with onboard purchases automatically posting to your account and billed to your onboard card (or, on newer vessels, your MSC for me wristband). You can also pre-purchase shore excursions, beverage packages, and Wi-Fi plans online. Most cruises include a stop at Ocean Cay, the cruise line’s private island in the Bahamas. The repurposed industrial site has a natural feel and features a number of food trucks. The island is included in all Caribbean itineraries, and you can stay as long as you want, assuming the weather permits.
Today’s cruise ships are packed with nearly every amenity imaginable, and that includes many different ways to spend time on deck. But one option stands out above the rest, and that’s the MSC Yacht Club, a ship-within-a-ship concept that offers opulent accommodations and unparalleled perks for the discerning traveller.
On MSC Seashore, the new MSC Yacht Club is spread out over four decks and offers a variety of different spaces. Guests can relax on comfortable lounge chairs or unwind in the fully-equipped private pool and sundeck area, where they’ll also find plenty of places to grab drinks, a snack, or a bite to eat.
The MSC Yacht Club also has a dedicated restaurant, where you’ll enjoy exclusive menus for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Unlike the main dining room, which is open for all passengers on board, the MSC Yacht Club restaurant has an intimate atmosphere that’s perfect for couples and honeymooners. During meals, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy a selection of dishes from the Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.
MSC Yacht Club does come at an additional cost compared to standard suites on the rest of the ship. But the perks and amenities that you receive make it well worth the extra expense for travellers who appreciate a high level of service and exclusivity. For example, you’ll get a dedicated concierge, priority check-in and disembarkation, and access to the MSC Aurea Spa’s thermal suite. Additionally, you’ll have the choice of having your luggage packed and unpacked for you, a newspaper delivered to your cabin, and special deliveries at turndown each night like sweet or savory canapes.
Personalised Service
Mainstream and premium cruise lines offer great comfort, entertainment and relaxation for their passengers.
Staff members know their passengers’ names and anticipate their needs. They also provide a more personalized experience, such as pre-boarding and priority seating at shows.
Guests can expedite the boarding process by using a mobile app to complete many of the steps that were traditionally done at the embarkation station. They can also use the onboard location services to locate their suite and eliminate the need for cabin keys, which are easy to lose or demagnetize.
Open Seating
When it comes to dining, open seating allows guests more freedom regarding where they sit for waiter-served breakfast and lunch. During dinner, however, traditional set seating is in place.
This seating arrangement may require a little more planning for couples and larger parties who want to be together. However, this may result in a more enjoyable dinner experience since guests are seated with other people they know or will enjoy getting to know.
In addition to a heightened sense of exclusivity, luxury cruise lines offer more specialized entertainment.
Fine Dining
For travellers seeking a cruise beyond the typical offerings on a standard ship, luxury cruises offer carefully curated experiences. These can include exclusive culinary and destination talks by onboard experts, VIP privileges like backstage access or priority seating at shows and spacious suites with high-thread count comfort and inclusive amenities.
Generally, cruise ships in the luxury category are smaller, all-suite vessels with private balconies. Suites tend to be roomier than on premium and mainline cruise lines, and can feature extra touches like large walk-in closets and bathrooms with marble tubs and double sinks. Onboard, three-course meals are served at open seating times, and serving staff get to know guests over the course of a voyage.
