Best "Luxury" non-luxury Cruise Line

There are only a few cruise lines that provide a luxury line experience throughout the ship.

Yes some have a section of the ship dedicated to a more luxurious experience but the reality is most people do not stay exclusively in that section.

You still have to board and disembark the ship.

Go on excursions or just get off and on the ship in port.

Go to various areas of the ship (casino, shopping, some of the restaurants used by everyone, shows and the list goes on and on and on.

It even impacts the size of the ship. If you want something that is on the smaller or the smaller end of the medium range that is typically found on luxury lines.

Some of the other cruise lines that have some ares that are luxury are not luxury cruise lines. Some fall in the premium category and some are fall in the mainstream category.

In the end each person has to figure out what works for them.

Keith

There are only a few cruise lines that provide a luxury line experience throughout the ship.

 

Yes some have a section of the ship dedicated to a more luxurious experience but the reality is most people do not stay exclusively in that section.

 

You still have to board and disembark the ship.

 

Go on excursions or just get off and on the ship in port.

 

Go to various areas of the ship (casino, shopping, some of the restaurants used by everyone, shows and the list goes on and on and on.

 

It even impacts the size of the ship. If you want something that is on the smaller or the smaller end of the medium range that is typically found on luxury lines.

 

Some of the other cruise lines that have some ares that are luxury are not luxury cruise lines. Some fall in the premium category and some are fall in the mainstream category.

 

In the end each person has to figure out what works for them.

 

Keith

This is kind of what I’ve been thinking. I have friends who insist that MSC Yacht Club or NCL Haven is the way to go, but I’m not convinced. You are still on a ship with 3000 or so other people and that has to influence the experience

We are booked on the Viking Sea for a cruise in March because we loved the river cruise we did with them last year, but I’m still exploring other options, trying to see which of those options might fit our cruising style.

I’ve been looking mostly at Seaborne and Regent. I’m thinking that Crystal and Silversea might be a bit more formal than we want. Another friend likes Seadream Yacht Club, but most of their ships don’t have balconies and we do like a balcony.

I don’t need a butler, not sure I even need a concierge. I do want nice surroundings and accommodations, good to great food in a nice but not too formal atmosphere, and a smaller ship. I don’t need a casino, photographers, a massive shopping area, Broadway or Vegas shows or crowds. I’m good with smaller venues with live and lively music. I don’t need pools crammed with masses of kids or drunk adults. I do want lovely relaxing spaces.

We are good with smart casual, but not wild about formal nights - well, I’m okay with it, but we’re retired and DH is done with dress shirts, ties and jackets.

We’ll see how it goes on Viking and probably stick with them if it goes well. I do want to have other options, but at the price of a luxury cruise, I don’t want to invest a lot of money, then find out the experience isn’t what I was looking for.

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CyberKat,

When you booked your Viking River Cruise was it your first? You enjoyed that and were willing to invest without knowing what you would get. Why not give the luxury lines the same benefit of the doubt? Try a shorter cruise where the fare is not that high so give it a shot. At least then you'll know whether it's something you like or not.

CyberKat, Henry has given you solid advice. Consider taking a shorter luxury cruise.

The other thing is study the ships. There is a big difference in size between say Sea Dream and the four major luxury lines. The experience will be totally different.

So I do recommend studying the layouts of the ships so you can also determine what is offered.

My believe though is you will never know what the experience will be like until you try it.

My other believe is over time our own tastes change.

Keith

This is kind of what I’ve been thinking. I have friends who insist that MSC Yacht Club or NCL Haven is the way to go, but I’m not convinced. You are still on a ship with 3000 or so other people and that has to influence the experience

 

We are booked on the Viking Sea for a cruise in March because we loved the river cruise we did with them last year, but I’m still exploring other options, trying to see which of those options might fit our cruising style.

 

I’ve been looking mostly at Seaborne and Regent. I’m thinking that Crystal and Silversea might be a bit more formal than we want. Another friend likes Seadream Yacht Club, but most of their ships don’t have balconies and we do like a balcony.

 

I don’t need a butler, not sure I even need a concierge. I do want nice surroundings and accommodations, good to great food in a nice but not too formal atmosphere, and a smaller ship. I don’t need a casino, photographers, a massive shopping area, Broadway or Vegas shows or crowds. I’m good with smaller venues with live and lively music. I don’t need pools crammed with masses of kids or drunk adults. I do want lovely relaxing spaces.

 

We are good with smart casual, but not wild about formal nights - well, I’m okay with it, but we’re retired and DH is done with dress shirts, ties and jackets.

 

We’ll see how it goes on Viking and probably stick with them if it goes well. I do want to have other options, but at the price of a luxury cruise, I don’t want to invest a lot of money, then find out the experience isn’t what I was looking for.

 

 

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We prefer a less formal atmosphere too.

We did Crystal for the first time last year because Windstar didn't have cruises there. We didn't find it too formal. Cruises less than 10 days, IiRC, don't have a formal night. It was larger than we are used to at ~1000 passengers, but that didn't cause any issues.

Next year, Windstar is cruising Alasks and I'm happy to be returning on the Star Legend.

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CyberKat,

 

 

 

When you booked your Viking River Cruise was it your first? You enjoyed that and were willing to invest without knowing what you would get. Why not give the luxury lines the same benefit of the doubt? Try a shorter cruise where the fare is not that high so give it a shot. At least then you'll know whether it's something you like or not.

Not my first cruise and we did a river cruise with them, so I know I like their product and their style. I’m investigating other lines, but if I like Viking ocean as much as I liked the river cruise, we will stick with them, but I will keep checking just in case something intriguing comes along.

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Neither of SeaDream's two ships have balconies, but I have found that there is enough space that I don't miss not having one. I've always been able to find a quiet spot when I wanted one. Your mileage may vary, of course.

if you do not need "drinks "Oceania is an option as the drinks and wines are onerous on that line and a 18 % service charge.

 

 

 

Silversea is still rather formal but entertainment is very low - that aspect is not so good on Oceania neither

 

 

 

Maybe Crystal is an option and as you never did a cruise on Crystal before they went to all inclusive - you will not see the changes ... it is still good however it was far better before all inclusive.

 

But the basic cabins are rather small - recently Crystal made a lot of promotions.

 

 

 

Entertainment on Seabourn is also not great .

 

 

 

On Oceania the soda's are free , on the other 3 it is all inclusive ( basic wines and drinks )

Actually, on O you have the option of one of 3 "O Life" perks: OBC, excursions mealtime wine/beer (which can be upgraded to unlimited booze for $20/day including the tips. Remember that internet and specialty restaurants and all other beverages are included as well as airfare or an air credit. Smoking is extremely restricted and there are no art auctions, photogs or prom nights.

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Actually, on O you have the option of one of 3 "O Life" perks: OBC, excursions mealtime wine/beer (which can be upgraded to unlimited booze for $20/day including the tips. Remember that internet and specialty restaurants and all other beverages are included as well as airfare or an air credit. Smoking is extremely restricted and there are no art auctions, photogs or prom nights.

 

 

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Agree with you somewhat - even though Oceania (IMO, calling it "O" may not make sense to people new to Oceania) is not considered a luxury cruise line. Also the "3 O Life" perks make little sense - even to me and I've sailed on Oceania. Would you mind posting the options that are offered under the "O Life" plan? Thanks much.

Agree with you somewhat - even though Oceania (IMO, calling it "O" may not make sense to people new to Oceania) is not considered a luxury cruise line. Also the "3 O Life" perks make little sense - even to me and I've sailed on Oceania. Would you mind posting the options that are offered under the "O Life" plan? Thanks much.

Firstly, all that one needs to know as regards "luxury" is that Oceania is a world apart from mass market lines. In particular, if you compare "premium" Oceania to its sister "luxury" line Regent, you'll find the only major difference in the inclusiveness of particular items. Regent includes things like booze and basic excursions while Oceania includes a choice of one of several "no extra charge" items.

Often, if you add all Oceania options that would be included on Regent (I.e., comparing apples to apples), you may find that Oceania's price is a true value at hundreds to thousands less than Regent for basically the same product.

Do a mock booking on O website and you'll see the specific "O Life" perks for that particular cruise (extent of perks depends on itinerary.

Currently, O Life includes unlimited internet (one account per cabin), economy airfare (or air credit) and a choice of X $ OBC or X # of excursions or basic alcohol (wine/beer at meals) per cabin. The basic alcohol option choice can be upgraded to unlimited booze for $20/person/day (which includes the tip). As always, all other beverages, specialty restaurants, etc are included at no extra charge.

For example, our next cruise is Sydney to L.A. in May 2018. We opted for $2000/cabin in O Life OBC and the air credit of approx $1000/person. TA is adding $1000 in refundable added OBC and gratuities at about $1350 over 38 days. Given that we prefer a mix of ship/private excursions and not drinking daily on a long cruise, the OBC perk from O made the most sense for this cruise.

Always worth mentioning is the other value of what you don't get on Oceania: no photogs, art shows, chair hogs, obnoxious smokers, canned music, mediocre food, the list goes on ....

Though basically Oceania loyalists, we always compare a proposed itinerary with all cruise line segments. We have yet to find any comparison of "net daily rate" in light of quality value (particularly the food) that would make Oceania a bad choice.

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Not my first cruise and we did a river cruise with them, so I know I like their product and their style. I’m investigating other lines, but if I like Viking ocean as much as I liked the river cruise, we will stick with them, but I will keep checking just in case something intriguing comes along.

 

 

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At some point you took a first Viking cruise without knowing if you'd like it. Turns out you did. If you're this concerned then stick with Viking.

At some point you took a first Viking cruise without knowing if you'd like it. Turns out you did. If you're this concerned then stick with Viking.

I did a lot of research before choosing Viking for our first RIVER cruise with them. I know what I like and that’s the purpose of the research. I knew some other lines wouldn’t be a good fit just by reading comments others made regarding those lines and also by reading through the information on the line’s website.

Having done the river cruise, I knew their product suited us, yet I still did research to make sure their river experience would carry through to the ocean cruise. I’m confident that it will.

With the internet it’s fairly easy to thoroughly research any vacation before you book. I look at ship photos, cabin photos, descriptions of food. I note the dress code or lack there of. I see whether we are apt to encounter a lot of children or just a few. I look at the included items and see how they compare with things we would value.

So I pretty much know what to expect even before I book. That’s precisely what I’m doing here. I’m seeing which lines people like and what they like about them, and it helps me see which lines or ships will suit.

So even though we have not sailed with Viking on an ocean cruise, I’m quite confident we will love it. But this is not a ‘til death do us part relationship [emoji12]. I will continually investigate other lines.

I’m not concerned in the least. I don’t know what gave you that impression and frankly I don’t understand where your response comes from. I’m just shopping around.

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From everything I've heard Viking Ocean cruises are far better than their river cruises so if you enjoyed the latter you should love the former. I guess my reaction came from my own feeling that over analyzing a vacation takes all the fun out of it. I guess that doesn't hold true for you. So enjoy your investigation and enjoy your cruise.

Firstly, all that one needs to know as regards "luxury" is that Oceania is a world apart from mass market lines. In particular, if you compare "premium" Oceania to its sister "luxury" line Regent, you'll find the only major difference in the inclusiveness of particular items. Regent includes things like booze and basic excursions while Oceania includes a choice of one of several "no extra charge" items.

 

Often, if you add all Oceania options that would be included on Regent (I.e., comparing apples to apples), you may find that Oceania's price is a true value at hundreds to thousands less than Regent for basically the same product.

 

Do a mock booking on O website and you'll see the specific "O Life" perks for that particular cruise (extent of perks depends on itinerary.

 

Currently, O Life includes unlimited internet (one account per cabin), economy airfare (or air credit) and a choice of X $ OBC or X # of excursions or basic alcohol (wine/beer at meals) per cabin. The basic alcohol option choice can be upgraded to unlimited booze for $20/person/day (which includes the tip). As always, all other beverages, specialty restaurants, etc are included at no extra charge.

 

For example, our next cruise is Sydney to L.A. in May 2018. We opted for $2000/cabin in O Life OBC and the air credit of approx $1000/person. TA is adding $1000 in refundable added OBC and gratuities at about $1350 over 38 days. Given that we prefer a mix of ship/private excursions and not drinking daily on a long cruise, the OBC perk from O made the most sense for this cruise.

 

Always worth mentioning is the other value of what you don't get on Oceania: no photogs, art shows, chair hogs, obnoxious smokers, canned music, mediocre food, the list goes on ....

 

Though basically Oceania loyalists, we always compare a proposed itinerary with all cruise line segments. We have yet to find any comparison of "net daily rate" in light of quality value (particularly the food) that would make Oceania a bad choice.

 

 

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Just returned from a Regent cruise and saw your post. I agree that Oceania is a world apart from mass market Iines. However, I strongly disagree that the only major difference between Regent and Oceania is Regent's inclusiveness. There is a huge difference IMO (having cruised both lines). Everything from Regent having all-suite ships, food dramatically better than Oceania (except Oceania's specialty restaurants), everyone treated the same once you are on the ship (i.e. no special areas reserved for upper suites)...... I could go on and on. Instead, I'll say what is similar or the same ..... excellent service, similar excursions (except on Oceania you pay approximately 3 times as much for a "premium" excursion than you do for Regent's special excursions), beautiful ships (although I only like Oceania's newest ships) and I'm sure that there are other similarities but they are far from the same product (and were not meant to be - any more than NCL is like Oceania). Just my two cents on the issue.

I've heard great things about Viking Ocean and would try them or Oceania before jumping into the luxury ships.

Not the mention if you want a similar amount of space in your cabin on Oceania as you get on Regent you have to book at least a penthouse, thereby bringing the cost up to the same on both lines, if not more on O.

Not the mention if you want a similar amount of space in your cabin on Oceania as you get on Regent you have to book at least a penthouse, thereby bringing the cost up to the same on both lines, if not more on O.

As a sloop sailor, I am always amazed at how folks would find the smallest cruise ship cabin "too small."

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Not the mention if you want a similar amount of space in your cabin on Oceania as you get on Regent you have to book at least a penthouse, thereby bringing the cost up to the same on both lines, if not more on O.

Good point and very true. For luxury cruisers, being in a small cabin doesn't work for most people (as evidenced by the few small suites on Regent's Explorer that Regent regulars tend to avoid). OTOH, if you are moving up to Oceania from a mainstream cruise line with truly small cabins, the Oceania staterooms are just fine. The PH suites on Oceania's newest ships are fine (we stayed in one) but the PH suites on the other ships are minimal and not something we would book.

Hi,

Well I was the one who started this thread. We have done NCL Haven on the larger ships and like it. The problem is the lack of choices of where theses big ships go.

So we have our first Oceania cruise booked for next year. We are sailing on the Rivera in an Oceania Suite.

I find their website a bit confusing and am new to this board also.

So Flatbus Flyer you sound very knowledgeable regarding Oceania.

Is there a way I can message you thru the board here and ask a few questions if you don’t mind?

If this is frowned upon on the board I do apologize like I said New here

quote=Flatbush Flyer;54691646]Firstly, all that one needs to know as regards "luxury" is that Oceania is a world apart from mass market lines. In particular, if you compare "premium" Oceania to its sister "luxury" line Regent, you'll find the only major difference in the inclusiveness of particular items. Regent includes things like booze and basic excursions while Oceania includes a choice of one of several "no extra charge" items.

Often, if you add all Oceania options that would be included on Regent (I.e., comparing apples to apples), you may find that Oceania's price is a true value at hundreds to thousands less than Regent for basically the same product.

Do a mock booking on O website and you'll see the specific "O Life" perks for that particular cruise (extent of perks depends on itinerary.

Currently, O Life includes unlimited internet (one account per cabin), economy airfare (or air credit) and a choice of X $ OBC or X # of excursions or basic alcohol (wine/beer at meals) per cabin. The basic alcohol option choice can be upgraded to unlimited booze for $20/person/day (which includes the tip). As always, all other beverages, specialty restaurants, etc are included at no extra charge.

For example, our next cruise is Sydney to L.A. in May 2018. We opted for $2000/cabin in O Life OBC and the air credit of approx $1000/person. TA is adding $1000 in refundable added OBC and gratuities at about $1350 over 38 days. Given that we prefer a mix of ship/private excursions and not drinking daily on a long cruise, the OBC perk from O made the most sense for this cruise.

Always worth mentioning is the other value of what you don't get on Oceania: no photogs, art shows, chair hogs, obnoxious smokers, canned music, mediocre food, the list goes on ....

Though basically Oceania loyalists, we always compare a proposed itinerary with all cruise line segments. We have yet to find any comparison of "net daily rate" in light of quality value (particularly the food) that would make Oceania a bad choice.

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Just want to respond to a couple of comments. First, Oceania is not like their sister company Regent in ways that matter the most. For instance, you really cannot just add in some of the included items on Regent and compare it to Oceania. An example would be the fact that Oceania has included coach air while Regent has included international business class air (an inclusion that costs up to $8K per person - depending upon the destination). However, Oceania is a fine product. I also find their website and promotions confusing. IMO, the posters need to explain what 'O" ships and "R" ships are and an explanation of "O-Life" in clear English would be nice.

Second, Oceania is not a luxury cruise line (as per the CEO of the parent company - the man that started Oceania) - it is a premium plus or luxury lite cruise line. Their competition is Azamara and Viking Ocean.

I think that you may get a better response on the Oceania board.

Note: We have sailed Oceania's Riviera twice - it is a lovely ship!

Just want to respond to a couple of comments. First, Oceania is not like their sister company Regent in ways that matter the most. For instance, you really cannot just add in some of the included items on Regent and compare it to Oceania. An example would be the fact that Oceania has included coach air while Regent has included international business class air (an inclusion that costs up to $8K per person - depending upon the destination). However, Oceania is a fine product. I also find their website and promotions confusing. IMO, the posters need to explain what 'O" ships and "R" ships are and an explanation of "O-Life" in clear English would be nice.

 

Second, Oceania is not a luxury cruise line (as per the CEO of the parent company - the man that started Oceania) - it is a premium plus or luxury lite cruise line. Their competition is Azamara and Viking Ocean.

 

I think that you may get a better response on the Oceania board.

 

Note: We have sailed Oceania's Riviera twice - it is a lovely ship!

As far as explaining "O Life" et al., just using the "search" function on CC works great.

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Hi,

 

Well I was the one who started this thread. We have done NCL Haven on the larger ships and like it. The problem is the lack of choices of where theses big ships go.

 

So we have our first Oceania cruise booked for next year. We are sailing on the Rivera in an Oceania Suite.

 

I find their website a bit confusing and am new to this board also.

 

So Flatbus Flyer you sound very knowledgeable regarding Oceania.

 

Is there a way I can message you thru the board here and ask a few questions if you don’t mind?

 

If this is frowned upon on the board I do apologize like I said New here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

quote=Flatbush Flyer;54691646]Firstly, all that one needs to know as regards "luxury" is that Oceania is a world apart from mass market lines. In particular, if you compare "premium" Oceania to its sister "luxury" line Regent, you'll find the only major difference in the inclusiveness of particular items. Regent includes things like booze and basic excursions while Oceania includes a choice of one of several "no extra charge" items.

 

 

 

Often, if you add all Oceania options that would be included on Regent (I.e., comparing apples to apples), you may find that Oceania's price is a true value at hundreds to thousands less than Regent for basically the same product.

 

 

 

Do a mock booking on O website and you'll see the specific "O Life" perks for that particular cruise (extent of perks depends on itinerary.

 

 

 

Currently, O Life includes unlimited internet (one account per cabin), economy airfare (or air credit) and a choice of X $ OBC or X # of excursions or basic alcohol (wine/beer at meals) per cabin. The basic alcohol option choice can be upgraded to unlimited booze for $20/person/day (which includes the tip). As always, all other beverages, specialty restaurants, etc are included at no extra charge.

 

 

 

For example, our next cruise is Sydney to L.A. in May 2018. We opted for $2000/cabin in O Life OBC and the air credit of approx $1000/person. TA is adding $1000 in refundable added OBC and gratuities at about $1350 over 38 days. Given that we prefer a mix of ship/private excursions and not drinking daily on a long cruise, the OBC perk from O made the most sense for this cruise.

 

 

 

Always worth mentioning is the other value of what you don't get on Oceania: no photogs, art shows, chair hogs, obnoxious smokers, canned music, mediocre food, the list goes on ....

 

 

 

Though basically Oceania loyalists, we always compare a proposed itinerary with all cruise line segments. We have yet to find any comparison of "net daily rate" in light of quality value (particularly the food) that would make Oceania a bad choice.

 

 

 

 

 

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There's no "private message" function (at least in the app, which is what I use). So, you'd have to provide an email address (use "dot" instead of ".")

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Curious about Seabourn and why it wasn't mentioned much in this thread. Would it be a Luxury line or premium? We're considering sailing Seabourn next as we've already sailed with Crystal and Regent and loved them both, but I just love variety and especially being on a fabulous ship, so want to try them all before settling down with one line. Regarding Seabourn, it's something about the small size of their ships that seem appealing. If Itinerary was not a factor, what would your next move be after Regent and Crystal? Would love any opinions and feedback from experiences. Thanks!

This is kind of what I’ve been thinking. I have friends who insist that MSC Yacht Club or NCL Haven is the way to go, but I’m not convinced. You are still on a ship with 3000 or so other people and that has to influence the experience

 

We are booked on the Viking Sea for a cruise in March because we loved the river cruise we did with them last year, but I’m still exploring other options, trying to see which of those options might fit our cruising style.

 

I’ve been looking mostly at Seaborne and Regent. I’m thinking that Crystal and Silversea might be a bit more formal than we want. Another friend likes Seadream Yacht Club, but most of their ships don’t have balconies and we do like a balcony.

 

I don’t need a butler, not sure I even need a concierge. I do want nice surroundings and accommodations, good to great food in a nice but not too formal atmosphere, and a smaller ship. I don’t need a casino, photographers, a massive shopping area, Broadway or Vegas shows or crowds. I’m good with smaller venues with live and lively music. I don’t need pools crammed with masses of kids or drunk adults. I do want lovely relaxing spaces.

 

We are good with smart casual, but not wild about formal nights - well, I’m okay with it, but we’re retired and DH is done with dress shirts, ties and jackets.

 

We’ll see how it goes on Viking and probably stick with them if it goes well. I do want to have other options, but at the price of a luxury cruise, I don’t want to invest a lot of money, then find out the experience isn’t what I was looking for.

 

 

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You don't need a balcony on SeaDream, because the whole yacht is your balcony. I will agree that your fellow passengers on SeaDream are often grand, but the ambience is so friendly and the service so good that there is none of what some people refer to as ''stuffiness''.

I would have recommended SeadDream to Ana who started this thread, but he/she wants substantial entertainment options. On SeaDream one has long boozy dinners, chats with new friends and then goes and makes a fool of oneself singing along with the piano player in the piano bar.

You don't need a balcony on SeaDream, because the whole yacht is your balcony. I will agree that your fellow passengers on SeaDream are often grand, but the ambience is so friendly and the service so good that there is none of what some people refer to as ''stuffiness''.

 

I would have recommended SeadDream to Ana who started this thread, but he/she wants substantial entertainment options. On SeaDream one has long boozy dinners, chats with new friends and then goes and makes a fool of oneself singing along with the piano player in the piano bar.

We would not sail on a boat/ship without a balcony. IMO, there is a huge difference between having a romantic cocktail and canapés on the balcony with your partner and trying to do the same with others. Also, "long boozy dinners" and making a fool of ones self does not necessarily appeal to many luxury cruisers. However, sipping wine at dinner or after dinner drinks in a lounge is wonderful. The fact that you mentioned "making a fool of ones self" would be a deterrent to many.

Curious about Seabourn and why it wasn't mentioned much in this thread. Would it be a Luxury line or premium? We're considering sailing Seabourn next as we've already sailed with Crystal and Regent and loved them both, but I just love variety and especially being on a fabulous ship, so want to try them all before settling down with one line. Regarding Seabourn, it's something about the small size of their ships that seem appealing. If Itinerary was not a factor, what would your next move be after Regent and Crystal? Would love any opinions and feedback from experiences. Thanks!

Your post is a month or so old but I need to respond. Seabourn is definitely a luxury cruise line - one that I would recommend even though we have not sailed on the ship. We are Regent cruisers that have sailed three times on Silversea and have heard wonderful things about Seabourn (better things than we have heard about Crystal).

Not sure that there is anything "above" Regent, Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal". Have you tried Regent's newest ship - the Explorer? It is a few steps above Regent's other ships - really a special experience.