08/14/2013
Cruising Your Style
Today’s modern cruise industry is made up of many different styles and sizes of ships: from contemporary to deluxe, to luxury, and everything in between. Knowing the differences will help you and your cruise specialist make the perfect choice to fit your unique needs for your next cruise vacation. Let’s take a look at the differences:
Contemporary cruises are the most popular segment of the cruise industry and may also be referred to as “Mass Market” or “First Class” cruises. Cruise lines included in category are: Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises, Disney Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Many short, three, four or five day itineraries departing from close to home U.S. Cities, like Bayonne, New Jersey, or Brooklyn, New York, visiting the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda or Baja Mexico are offered. There are also 7 to 9 day extended itineraries as well. Some of the longer international itineraries range from 10 to 14 days too.
Contemporary lines tend to have newer and larger cruise ships with lots of amenities including lavish shows, extensive spa facilities, large casinos, supervised children’s programs, and discos for the young adults, specialty sports activities including onboard surfboarding and rock climbing. They will have something for everybody in all age groups. These cruises for families and kids of all ages (I am still a kid….at heart anyway)
Premium cruise lines are a step above the contemporary cruise lines. They offer more services and added amenities. Holland America and Celebrity are two well known premium lines and are famous for catering to more experienced cruisers. While still offering most of the activities of a contemporary line, premium lines include more upscale offerings such as white glove service, high tea, wine tastings, cigar bars etc. The itineraries start at 7 days with longer, more extensive itineraries including Europe and Alaska available. Holland America Line even offers a full 100 plus day World Cruise. Premium lines are great for couples of all ages, seminars at sea and experienced group travelers.
Deluxe cruises are the newest category where the ships are more elegant but would not be considered “all inclusive” as most of the luxury lines are. The two cruise lines that fall into this category are Azamara and Oceania Cruises. The ships are smaller and carry fewer guests, approximately 800. Stateroom amenities are more luxurious, entertainment is more cabaret style, casinos are smaller, they will have specialty guests, like famous wine experts, and the libraries are extensive. Itineraries tend to be longer than seven days and to more exotic destinations. These lines are not recommended for families with young children.
Luxury cruises provide a value that far exceeds a luxury hotel or resort. Luxury cruising delivers personalized services and high space to guest ratios, and are considered the highest quality of cruise experience available. Many of these lines are “all inclusive,”, where items like gratuities, wine and spirits, custom shore excursions and more are included in the base cruise fare. Many luxury guests are more experienced and more discerning travelers. These sailings are not as “entertainment-oriented” as they are “experience-oriented”. Their ships tend to carry far fewer passengers and accommodations are often more spacious with a very high percentage of Ocean view staterooms and Balcony suites. Some accommodations include King-sized beds, sitting areas and private teak wood verandahs. Some of the top luxury cruise lines include: Regent Seven Seas, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, the Yachts of Seabourn and SeaDream Yacht club. Luxury lines have a very limited or no children or teen program.
