Are You Taking Advantage of the Suite Life?

The Suite Life!

Suites range from deluxe to “over the top” in terms of size and amenities. Here are some reasons why there should be a suite in your cruising future.

Room Size and Configurations

Size does matter and there’s more of it in a suite. Some people claim, “We don’t spend a lot of time in our cabin”. But imagine relaxing in your private enclave complete with private balcony, butler and ultra-plush furnishings!
Suite size can range from spacious to outrageous – As an example on Regent Seven Seas’ all-suite, all- balcony Seven Sean Mariner accommodations run from 301 sq. ft for a Deluxe Suite to 1204 sq. ft. for a Master Suite not including the private balcony.
On NCL’s Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn there are 10 penthouse suites that share a private courtyard, complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a small gym. These are only eclipsed by NCL’s signature Garden Villas with over 5000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living area including 3 bedrooms!
Imagine cruising down the picturesque rivers of Europe on a Uniworld river boat suite featuring a sitting area with a sofa and two chairs, three floor-to-ceiling windows and an extra-spacious bathroom.
Suite accommodations on cruise ships rival the amenities of world-class hotels. For example Oceania Cruises suites offer sumptuously comfortable twin or queen sized “comfort beds”, a large living area, an intimate area for private in-suite dining, a refrigerated mini bar and ample closet space.

Enhanced Services

Luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises provide Butler and Concierge Service to their top categories In addition many of the contemporary and premium cruise lines such as Holland America, Celebrity and NCL offer similar services.
Be decadent in one of Crystal Cruises Penthouse Suites by dining in your bathrobe and slippers. Choose from a full selection of delectable dishes from the In-Suite Dining menu, order from the evening's menu in the Crystal Dining Room, or request whatever your heart desires and the Crystal chefs will do their best to fulfill your wishes.
Princess recently upgraded their suite guest amenities to include afternoon tea and complimentary internet access, dry cleaning, laundry and shoe polishing.
Holland America’s Guests who book the Penthouse or Deluxe Verandah Suites have access to the private Neptune Lounge. This lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy personalized service for making reservations for shore excursions, spa services, car rentals, the exclusive Pinnacle Grill restaurant and more.
Suite guests on most lines also receive expedited cruise embarkation and early disembarkation.
Indulge your “suite” tooth – ask your Cruise Specialist today to show you just how affordable a cruising in a luxury suite can be.

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. All of this terminology can be very confusing but 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 between styles of cruise lines.

What exactly is a “Contemporary” Cruise Line?:

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 this category are Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Costa Cruises. These larger ships cater to thousands of guests and typically have resort-style facilities with heavy emphasis on shipboard activities. Many short three, four and five day itineraries departing from close to home U.S. cities and visiting the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Baja Mexico are offered. In the seven day contemporary market, cruise travelers can enjoy the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Alaska. Longer international itineraries of 10-14 days such as Europe, South America and Asia are also seasonally offered. Contemporary lines tend to have newer and larger cruise ships with lots of amenities including lavish show rooms, extensive spa facilities, large casinos, expansive children's programs, televisions and in-room movies in all cabins, double/queen beds, etc. A contemporary cruise will have something for everybody - all age groups. Best for families and kids of all ages as the award winning kids programs dedicate staff and space to entertain kids and teens of all ages.

What makes a cruise line part of a “Premium” class of lines?:

A step above contemporary, premium lines offer more service 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. Many itineraries are for seven+ days and travel to similar destinations as the contemporary lines, but longer more extensive itineraries including Europe and Alaska in the summer months. Holland America Line even offers a full 100+ day World cruise. Premium lines are great for couples of all ages and traditionally have good children’s programs.

I have not ever heard of a “Deluxe” Cruise Line can you explain the difference?:

The newest category in cruising is deluxe – 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 with high thread count sheets, high end toiletries, pillow menus, etc. Entertainment is more cabaret style, casinos are smaller and the libraries are extensive. Itineraries tend to be longer that seven days and to more exotic destinations. These lines are not recommended for families with young children as there traditionally are not activities or staff dedicated to children and teens.

Is “Luxury” just a fancy word for expensive?:

Actually, when it comes to a luxury cruise, the value far exceeds what is delivered by a luxury hotel or resort. Luxury or ultra luxury cruising delivers personalized service and high space to guest ratios, and are considered the highest quality of cruise experience available. With a staff to guest ratio of 1:1.5, guests’ needs are always anticipated and attention to detail waits around every beautiful corner. World-class cuisine is created and designed by leading celebrity chefs and served in an “open seating” environment where every meal is prepared to order. Some of the top Luxury cruise lines include: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, The Yachts of Seabourn and SeaDream Yacht Club. These lines are rich in amenities, service and style and focus on the world’s most unique destinations. These luxury cruise lines welcome between 100-900 guests and provide each traveler with the opportunity to be treated like an individual and not part of the crowd. Some sailings tend to be significantly more formal than contemporary cruise lines. Their ships tend to carry far fewer passengers and accommodations are often more spacious with a very high percentage of oceanview staterooms and balcony suites including king-sized beds, sitting areas and private teak wood verandahs. 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. These cruise lines are much more itinerary oriented and often feature longer cruises, international travel and follow warm weather around the world. Many luxury guests are more experienced and more discerning travelers. These sailings are not as "entertainment-oriented" as they are "experience-oriented". Luxury lines have very limited or no programs for children and would not be the first choice for families.

So now that you know the differences between a contemporary cruise line and a premium, deluxe and luxury cruise line you can make an educated decision on what type of ship you would like to sail on. Your Cruise Specialist is here to help you choose the right ship and the right itinerary to create your dream cruise vacation. Call now and start planning your getaway today!

What is Luxury Cruising?

Luxury cruising is not just about being pampered in paradise; it’s about unique, once in a lifetime experiences that will completely wow you. Many luxury cruise lines offer their own special “wow” factor, but it is up to you to choose what meets your fancy. Is it watching nature unfold on the plains of Africa or savoring vintage wines in the hills of Tuscany? Do want to explore the wild side of the Amazon or relax on a private Tahitian island? The possibilities are endless on a luxury cruise.

Discover the world of luxury cruising as you set sail across the sea. Sit back and relax as the staff attends to your every need. Spend your day exploring cities rich with culture and history while your evenings are filled with elaborate meals, top shelf drinks and world-class entertainment. Renew your soul at the spa or enrich your mind through education. From computer lessons to photography to cooking classes, you’ll not only discover new things off the ship you’ll also discover them onboard. But one of the best advantages of sailing on a smaller, luxury cruise is the simple fact that these intimate vessels can sail in and out of smaller ports, offering you less crowds and more intimate experiences on shore.

Simple touches can make such a difference between good and great! Luxury cruise lines pay so much attention to detail and layout, creating the perfect atmosphere for an unbelievable cruise experience. You’ll enjoy top of the line toiletries from leading brands like Acqua Di Parma in spacious bathrooms complete with twin sinks, a separate bathtub and shower, and terry cloth robes. Slumber on 350 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens; then wake up to breakfast served by your butler on your private wraparound teak veranda. Now that is cruising in style!

One of the greatest benefits of luxury cruising is the crew to guest ratio, which is most often 1 crew member to 2 guests, with some ships offering a 1 to 1 ratio. So, what does this mean for you? It means more personal attention and better service. When a crew member only has you and your traveling companion to tend to as opposed to a whole slew of guests, the crew member is able to learn your desires and becomes proficient in accommodating your every wish. When you sail on a luxury cruise you’ll discover what it means to be taken care of.

Even with all this superb service, you won’t need to keep reaching into your pocket when onboard a luxury cruise line. Most luxury cruise lines do not encourage tipping. In fact, some make it very clear that tips are not accepted at all. But what kind of service do you get with a no tipping policy, you ask? The best service imaginable. The luxury cruise lines have searched high and low to find the best staff members possible, well-trained and well-disciplined, and they pay them accordingly. Experience what it feels like to come first without having to pay extra for it on a luxury cruise.

Getting to know your neighbors is a huge advantage of luxury cruising. In this day and age of mega-ships, it’s possible to meet people once onboard and never see them again. The smaller, luxury ships emanate a cozier atmosphere, setting the stage for social butterflies to flourish. You will often see the same people at dinner, in the lounge, on the deck and even on excursions. This country club ambiance gives you plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with your newfound friends.

It’s not too early to start thinking about a luxury cruise. The best way to see the world is by sea, onboard a luxury liner, where your every need will be attended to while you sail into the most exciting adventure of your life.