What is a Luxury Cruise?

Last week the cruise line association had an event for the media with river cruise lines Avalon Waterways and Uniworld as well as with ocean cruise lines, including many that don't generally get associated with the luxury category, such as Celebrity, Holland America, MSC, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line.

There were also the traditional luxury lines -- Silversea, Windstar, Cunard, Regent, and Paul Gauguin -- as were the upper-premium brands, Azamara and Oceania. But what that wide range of cruise lines in attendance made clear is that defining luxury is more difficult than it used to be.

Bob Sharak of the cruiseline association explained that part of what is happening is that, "across all segments, the individual cruise lines continue to raise the bar." "Luxury (Crystal, Paul Gauguin, Regent, Seabourn, SeaDream, Silversea, etc.) still stands out in terms of the overall experience: culinary, service standards, often a more intimate environment," he said. However, the premium and contemporary (read: mass market) customers can now craft "a premium experience" on a large ship by buying into loft suites and spa villas. He noted that certain features now found on mass-market and premium ships -- like small-room, specialty dining; high-end spa facilities; and butler services -- were once only found on "luxury" vessels.

"It is all about the customer and their wants, needs and lifestyle expectations," he said. "Some demand the service levels, exclusivity and itineraries of a luxury cruise. Some enjoy the big-ship experience and all the activities they make available but desire the 'best in class' in accommodations.” This is why a cruise specialist is so very important when it comes to matching the ship and cruise to that individual traveler." Call us – we love to talk about cruises.