Luxury Cruises, the Vacations of a Lifetime
Once thought of strictly as transportation for people and goods, some of today’s ocean going vessels have all the amenities of 5 star hotels. The fierce competition for passengers has required shipping lines to add features that turn any journey into the ultimate in leisure experience.
Cruises come in all price ranges and cruise ships in all sizes. They all offer great vacation value. However, luxury cruises offer the kind gourmet dining, fabulous accommodations, top of the line entertainment and lavish indulgences you’d expect in high-end, five star hotels.
Imagine not having to lift a finger, being pampered 24/7, utilizing the superbly appointed spa and other lavish amenities. Quite simply, on a luxury cruise you can enjoy a level of service that you might think is only enjoyed by the super-rich and famous.
The best part is that a luxury cruise vacation is more affordable than you might think. There are a number of ways to save on your dream cruise vacation.
1. When to book – Reserve your cabin either very far in advance at the last minute. Generally, you will save more by booking last minute, but if you are set on a particular cruise, you may not get on the ship.
2. Be really flexible – If you can travel on a moment’s notice, can take whatever ship has a cabin, or are willing to take a “re-positioning cruise, you can cut the cost of your cruise.
3. Go in the off season – If you can book your travel in the off season or at the tail end of the season, you will not only save money, you will avoid the crowds. For Caribbean cruises that would be late April through early May and September to January. For Alaskan cruises, it would be May and September. For European cruises, it depends on where in Europe you are cruising.
Though there are many lines to choose from, each of the luxury lines operates on the same set of values:
1) Five Star service
2) Fabulous cuisine
3) Plush accommodations and ambiance
4) Exotic destinations.
Regardless of which vessel you choose, they are all outstanding and seldom disappoint. Ships like Cunard Line’s legendary Queen Elizabeth 2 (the QE2) create a refined and classic atmosphere while offering the most modern, state-of-the-art amenities. Cruising with Cunard, the journey is guaranteed to embody sophisticated luxury travel.
Luxury cruises tend to be on smaller ships and the fares tend to be higher. However, all inclusive means all inclusive on these ships. Virtually all of these cruise liners include alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverages, specialty coffees, room-service, port of call transportation and more. Some of the lines even include shore excursions and enrichment programs. Depending on the level of your accommodations, Cunard lines may even include a butler.
Whether your goal is to just relax and enjoy the sea air or to embark on the adventure of a lifetime, luxury cruise lines make it their mission to insure that you have a vacation to remember.