Which luxury cruise line?

[andyn2013]

Long time reader, new poster.

 

Also, long time cruiser, but on the 'mass market' lines - mainly Disney and Royal Caribbean.

However, what I look for in a cruise seems to have changed over the years and I've come to the realization that perhaps I should make the move to the luxury cruise lines. But, I know nothing about them. Less than nothing really.

 

So where to start?

 

The price shouldn't be an issue (we always book luxury suites, which seem to be priced in line with a standard or better cabin on the luxury cruise lines) but there are so many luxury cruise lines to pick from, and trying to learn everything from scratch seems a daunting task!

 

So I thought I might ask the advice of experts.

 

Which cruise line would you recommend and why?

 

Thanks. :)

[Tothesunset]

It's a bit like asking which is the tastiest fruit - everyone will have their own opinion!

 

We have only sailed with Silversea and are trying Seabourn next. From what we can gather all of the luxury lines are quite similar in what they offer and ships within each line vary in character. While no single line will please everyone I think it is probably fair to say that you'd need to be really hard to please if any of the luxury lines fell short of expectations.

 

Why not try each one out? Might take a few years but it would be fun finding your favourite.

[Ravenscroft]

This is where a good TA can be very helpful.

They will ask you about your expectations and explain the differences between the luxury lines. Crystal, for example, has larger ships than the other luxury lines, and that's a dealbreaker for me. If ship size is important to you, that's something you need to consider. But there are similarities too.

 

As 'tothesunset' points out, everyone has their own opinion. We are Silversea fans who recently sailed with Seabourn. We very much prefer Silversea and are unlikely to try Seabourn again unless we found a fabulous itinerary that happened to fit in with our time off from work.

 

My advice to anyone new to the luxury lines would be to read the luxury lines boards voraciously here at CC. You can get a good general feel for each line. But definitely find a great TA who specialises in the luxury cruise market.

Ultimately, the only way you can know which line will suit you best is to try them all, probably more than once. :D

[Keith1010]

In the end, the most important opinion is your own. There are some who like one luxury lines and others who like more and some who have sailed all of them and some only one. You have to do the research and this is what I would do.

 

-Find a Travel Agent who specializes in luxury lines and one who has sailed most of them.

-Pick up a copy of the book written by Douglas Ward and published by Berlitz and is update yearly and is about Ocean Cruising. They have excellent write ups on each ship.

-Study the ship diagrams as it will give you a good feel as to what is offered on each ship and read the brochures and the on line information. How each cruise line markets themselves is a good indicator about what they are like.

-Read the cruise member review section and post on the respective boards. Read it with what I call the 80/20 rule. If 80% of the people like something or 80% of the people do not then accept that as fact until you experience it yourself because you will rarely get 100% of the people to agree on anything.

-As you narrow your choice down to a couple of cruise lines then figure out which ship(s) will work for you. On many of the luxury lines the ships are not all the same on each respective cruise line in their age and their size.

-If you have any friends who have sailed the luxury lines ask them about them.

 

But like most things in life the more effort you put into the research should result in a better decision on your part.

 

What I am recommending to you is exactly what we did when making our decisions as to cruising. It works.

 

Keith

[Jaffa]

This is my take, and l have cruised on all the lux lines quite a few times as a solo on most.

Opinion is subjective, but as l am entitled, here is mine.

 

I am a 49 yr old single male.

Have been cruising now for over 20 years.

Have over 330 nights in total.

I prefer longer cruises or join a few b2b's together.

My preference is to cruise for a min of 30 nights.

Please excuse my spelling as l haven't the will to hit the dic.

 

SILVERSEA,

 

The most formal of all of the lux lines but not to the point of excesive.

A great line if you like dressing up. This does add to the atmosphere.

A strong European flavor in service and style.

A very international clientel.

Focus on more unusual destinations and has the more interesting itins in general.

Service is stella, genuine, and sincere. The staff are very loyal to the line the brand and the client.

Food is excellent and l rate the food equal to Seabourn. There is little diff between the 2 lines with food. Give them notice and you can reasonably have whatever you want.

Entertainment is sophisticated and understated.

The ships are understated elegance. Quality is excellent in both the hard product and the soft furnishings. The largest ship supports 500 passengers. I love the intamacy of fewer passengers and smaller ships. All cabins are suites and the best at sea in the lux cat.

I have never had a request denied, and this is probally the thing that mostly stands out to me with Silversea.

Silversea is the only lux line with dedicated expedition ships for true adventure.

All inclusive onboard, shore ex's additional.

Onshore and office services lacking, could be much better. Use a TA to book and you shouldn't have any problems

The only privately owned of the lux lines. An Italian family business.

A Silversea cruise makes me special.

 

SEABOURN,

 

More casual in dress and not as formal as Silversea. A great line for those that like the country club style of experience.

A stronger sense of western/American influence in service, clientel and style.

Service is happy, friendly and warm. There is a feeling of being with family without losing privacy. The staff are very genuine, hard working with a touch of laid backness and humor that never seems to lose its professionalism.

Food is equal to Silversea but different.

Entertainment is a little more western influenced but not to dis-similar to Silversea.

Itins and destinations are repeated more, and this to me is the main difference between Silversea and Seabourn. I would cruise Seabourn more if the itins/destinations were a little more varied.

I cruise Seabourn when l want to lay back and really unwind without all the fru fru.

Ships are good quality and well maintained. Smaller ships similar to Silversea with fewer passengers. All cabins are suites and are almost as good as Silversea.

Seabourn has the worst of the smoking policys of all the lux lines, and this can make a difference.

All Inclusive onboard, shore ex's extra as per Silversea.

Seabourn onshore and office services used to be very good and much better than Silversea in fact better than any of the lux lines. But due to recent changes this has begun to deteriate.

Seabourn has denied me a few requests but nothing to make me not cruise with them.

A Seabourn cruise makes me smile.

 

RSSC,

 

More casual in dress than Seabourn. Resort style, family oriented. I see more children on Regent than on any of the lux lines. Larger ships than both Seabourn and Silversea therefore higher passenger numbers.

Service is western influenced and good, though not as personal due to the size of the passenger load. This makes things a little more rigid.

Entertainment is where Regent stands out from Silversea and Seabourn.

Big shows, song and dance, lively nightclubs and lots of family entertainment makes Regent really stand out.

Food is okay to good, but not as good as Seabourn or Silversea or Crystal.

Regent ships are good quality though they do have some vibration issues which kept me awake, and they have been having some engine and pod problems for the past 3 years which has led to breakdowns and therefore makes them the most unreliable of the lux lines.

The cabins are all excellent, large, well maintained and very comfortable.

Regent Itins were more varied than Seabourn but not as good as Silversea.

Regent is all inclusive onboard and also includes many shore excursions as part of the fare. I did not find most of the excursions to my liking. They have a tendancy to pack you in to busses and mass cart you about. The mornings can be difficult as the ship trys to unload everyone to their tours on time.

Onshore and office service pretty good though very impersonal and rigid

Regent is the most expensive of the lux lines because of the included excursions.

They are now very expensive.

 

I have chosen not to cruise with Regent again due to the expensive fares and the way they handle the included excursions. I prefer cruises with less children.

A Regent cruise made me active and stay up late.

 

CRYSTAL,

 

Is the most formal of the large Lux lines, Similar to Silversea in dress and style but not as personalised due to the large passenger loads.

Service is excellent but more regemented than Seabourn or Silversea.

They did not remember my name or preferences on my cruises.

Like Silversea they have a very international passenger load and are more European in style.

Food was great, with heaps of choices in venues and styles. Quality was mostly good but not consistent.

Crystal is also renown for their quality entertainment and l was never dissapointed but constantly delighted.

What l loved about Crystal was their onboard education activitys. You could do lectures and courses and the university at sea programe is outstanding.

Crystal is also a family cruise line with lots of kids, but unlike Regent there are dedicated children centers so kids are kind of out of the picture mostly except for pool time and meals. but there are some adult only choices as well.

Crystal has good itins and the leader in the world cruise market at the lux level.

The ships are in good condition though are starting to age a little and this is starting to show, just in little ways mind you nothing to serious.

The standard cabins are the smallest of the Lux lines and for the money you pay l was a little underwhelmed. they did not feel luxurious to me, the bathrooms in particular are very small.

Crystal is not really all inclusive although they are trying. There are also set dinning sittings which they are trying to offer choice, but you cannot just walk in at your convienience with whoever you want to eat with, and find a table.

You basicly have to eat at a certain time at a set table with the same people.

A Crystal cruise entertained my mind body and soul.

 

I have left out Cunnard as the grills are only a part of the ships and for the most part the rest of the ship is very mass market styled.

I have also left out Seadream as its been over 8 years since l was onboard. I do not feel Seadream was in the same leauge as the others as well. But thats just my personal taste.

 

My rankings are

1. Silversea

2. Seabourn

3. Crystal

4. Seadream

5. Regent

 

Hope this helps.

[oregon50]

I How each cruise line markets themselves is a good indicator about what they are like.

 

Keith

 

Keith always gives good advice and we booked a Crystal cruise without looking at a brochure just because he sounds like a reasonable man.

I would dispute putting much stock into the glossy brochures. It's unlikely to see the photographed demographic on a real voyage. And Silversea is no more "ultra luxury" than I am a novelist. Complimentary "fine wines" are not to be found on Seabourn. One Crystal cruise was enough for me.

Crystal has a great product, but is not a good fit for us.

 

I do not see much luxury at all with the companies claiming to be. To me, it is about comfortable cruising. Finding the passenger and crew mix and amd amemities that allow for a nice holiday. And it has as all inclusive as possible.

[WesW]

Jaffa, delightful lux line comparison post done based first hand cruising experience--balanced, fair and thorough. Best lux line comparison I've read in almost nine years. Bravo!

[newlondon]

Wes, Well said: +1. Much was left out , however, such as balconies. Seabourn might be a better option if the triplets were more attractive, in this, imo essential area. As you know we just finished a 35 day cruise in SE Asia. Our balcony was essential. In addition, previous Seabourn cruisers said the food was better on RSSC, that's a cause for concern!

Silversea is still our line of choice; but with $13k of credits due to the problems we had before all improved, our next cruise will be on Regent

[Travelcat2]

Just a couple of comments about a very well presented comparison.

 

1. Crystal has the best children's program (as per their website). Regent only has children programs during the summer and school breaks. There are rarely any children on Regent when school is in session.

 

2. Agree that Seabourn's smoking policy is the most lenient (smoking allowed in suites and on balconies). Crystal has the second most lenient policy. Regent and Silversea do not allow smoking in any suite or on your balcony.

 

 

We have only sailed on Regent and Silversea. We would try Seabourn if it were not for the smoking policy. We are not interested in Crystal -- ship too large -- cabins too small -- not true open dining, etc. I hear that SeaDream Yacht Club is great but a very small ship with very small cabins. When children are on board you can't escape them. They are building new ships within the next five years and would be worth trying at that time.

 

My ranking would be as follows:

 

1. Regent (in spite of included excursions)

2. Silversea (would tie with Regent but they no longer include airfare)

3. Seabourn (smoking policy is a deal break for many)

4. Crystal

5. SeaDream Yacht Club (at least for now)

 

Although one step below "luxury" in ratings, Oceania's new ships have been getting rave reviews recently. "Best food at sea", etc. Worth looking at as well. Not all-inclusive but you can add alcohol and internet packages.

[wripro]

I do not understand how anyone can rank a cruise line on which he/she has not sailed.

 

Say you won't sail because of certain policies but leave it out of your rankings.

[andyn2013]

It's a bit like asking which is the tastiest fruit - everyone will have their own opinion!

 

We have only sailed with Silversea and are trying Seabourn next. From what we can gather all of the luxury lines are quite similar in what they offer and ships within each line vary in character. While no single line will please everyone I think it is probably fair to say that you'd need to be really hard to please if any of the luxury lines fell short of expectations.

 

Why not try each one out? Might take a few years but it would be fun finding your favourite.

 

I agree that everyone's opinion will differ - one man's junk is another man's treasure and all that, but still it's very helpful to hear people's opinions and their reasons!

 

I do hope to have the opportunity to try all of them! :)

[Keith1010]

Henry, as usual, well said.

 

Keith

[andyn2013]

This is where a good TA can be very helpful.

They will ask you about your expectations and explain the differences between the luxury lines. Crystal, for example, has larger ships than the other luxury lines, and that's a dealbreaker for me. If ship size is important to you, that's something you need to consider. But there are similarities too.

 

As 'tothesunset' points out, everyone has their own opinion. We are Silversea fans who recently sailed with Seabourn. We very much prefer Silversea and are unlikely to try Seabourn again unless we found a fabulous itinerary that happened to fit in with our time off from work.

 

My advice to anyone new to the luxury lines would be to read the luxury lines boards voraciously here at CC. You can get a good general feel for each line. But definitely find a great TA who specialises in the luxury cruise market.

Ultimately, the only way you can know which line will suit you best is to try them all, probably more than once. :D

 

 

Good advice about the TA - now i just have to find one I trust!!!

I do plan on reading everything I can here on CC.

[andyn2013]

In the end, the most important opinion is your own. There are some who like one luxury lines and others who like more and some who have sailed all of them and some only one. You have to do the research and this is what I would do.

 

-Find a Travel Agent who specializes in luxury lines and one who has sailed most of them.

-Pick up a copy of the book written by Douglas Ward and published by Berlitz and is update yearly and is about Ocean Cruising. They have excellent write ups on each ship.

-Study the ship diagrams as it will give you a good feel as to what is offered on each ship and read the brochures and the on line information. How each cruise line markets themselves is a good indicator about what they are like.

-Read the cruise member review section and post on the respective boards. Read it with what I call the 80/20 rule. If 80% of the people like something or 80% of the people do not then accept that as fact until you experience it yourself because you will rarely get 100% of the people to agree on anything.

-As you narrow your choice down to a couple of cruise lines then figure out which ship(s) will work for you. On many of the luxury lines the ships are not all the same on each respective cruise line in their age and their size.

-If you have any friends who have sailed the luxury lines ask them about them.

 

But like most things in life the more effort you put into the research should result in a better decision on your part.

 

What I am recommending to you is exactly what we did when making our decisions as to cruising. It works.

 

Keith

 

Thanks for the book recommendation!!

As for friends, unfortunately, not many cruise and those who do seem satisfied with the mass market lines. The truth is, DCL and RCI aren't bad, but they're just too large for us now. The reason we always go for concierge is an attempt to avoid the crowds, but it only works to a point. Perhaps i'm getting less tolerant in my old age. Who knows.

[UKCruiseJeff]

Andy, welcome. You received some useful suggestions which I'm sure has helped you start to decide.

 

Might I suggest a slightly different approach.

 

I suggest that both of you firstly forget about all the lines and simply sit down with a sheet of blank paper and decide what it is you are really yearning for. Pretend - if you like - that you are designing a perfect cruise line and cruise ship and set of offerings especially designed for you - so ask yourself basic stuff.

 

For example, do I really yearn to be on a large ship that is brimming with variety, entertainment range of food etc? Or at the other end of the scale - do I really hanker after the most intimate experience as close to chartering as I can? Is it the destinations that's more important than the ship? If so you can only choose from lines visiting there.

 

Those are just a couple of examples to illustrate what I think might be a more useful approach. If you get the drift then what you will have is a series - a list - of requirements that will help others help you find the cruise line and ship tailored to your needs rather than you simply establish what complete strangers with different needs and tastes to your own prefer.

 

I'd then take your list of wheighted preferences to a travel agent and ask them for pointers.

 

How does that sound as an approach.

[andyn2013]

This is my take, and l have cruised on all the lux lines quite a few times as a solo on most.

Opinion is subjective, but as l am entitled, here is mine.

 

I am a 49 yr old single male.

Have been cruising now for over 20 years.

Have over 330 nights in total.

I prefer longer cruises or join a few b2b's together.

My preference is to cruise for a min of 30 nights.

Please excuse my spelling as l haven't the will to hit the dic.

 

SILVERSEA,

 

The most formal of all of the lux lines but not to the point of excesive.

A great line if you like dressing up. This does add to the atmosphere.

A strong European flavor in service and style.

A very international clientel.

Focus on more unusual destinations and has the more interesting itins in general.

Service is stella, genuine, and sincere. The staff are very loyal to the line the brand and the client.

Food is excellent and l rate the food equal to Seabourn. There is little diff between the 2 lines with food. Give them notice and you can reasonably have whatever you want.

Entertainment is sophisticated and understated.

The ships are understated elegance. Quality is excellent in both the hard product and the soft furnishings. The largest ship supports 500 passengers. I love the intamacy of fewer passengers and smaller ships. All cabins are suites and the best at sea in the lux cat.

I have never had a request denied, and this is probally the thing that mostly stands out to me with Silversea.

Silversea is the only lux line with dedicated expedition ships for true adventure.

All inclusive onboard, shore ex's additional.

Onshore and office services lacking, could be much better. Use a TA to book and you shouldn't have any problems

The only privately owned of the lux lines. An Italian family business.

A Silversea cruise makes me special.

 

SEABOURN,

 

More casual in dress and not as formal as Silversea. A great line for those that like the country club style of experience.

A stronger sense of western/American influence in service, clientel and style.

Service is happy, friendly and warm. There is a feeling of being with family without losing privacy. The staff are very genuine, hard working with a touch of laid backness and humor that never seems to lose its professionalism.

Food is equal to Silversea but different.

Entertainment is a little more western influenced but not to dis-similar to Silversea.

Itins and destinations are repeated more, and this to me is the main difference between Silversea and Seabourn. I would cruise Seabourn more if the itins/destinations were a little more varied.

I cruise Seabourn when l want to lay back and really unwind without all the fru fru.

Ships are good quality and well maintained. Smaller ships similar to Silversea with fewer passengers. All cabins are suites and are almost as good as Silversea.

Seabourn has the worst of the smoking policys of all the lux lines, and this can make a difference.

All Inclusive onboard, shore ex's extra as per Silversea.

Seabourn onshore and office services used to be very good and much better than Silversea in fact better than any of the lux lines. But due to recent changes this has begun to deteriate.

Seabourn has denied me a few requests but nothing to make me not cruise with them.

A Seabourn cruise makes me smile.

 

RSSC,

 

More casual in dress than Seabourn. Resort style, family oriented. I see more children on Regent than on any of the lux lines. Larger ships than both Seabourn and Silversea therefore higher passenger numbers.

Service is western influenced and good, though not as personal due to the size of the passenger load. This makes things a little more rigid.

Entertainment is where Regent stands out from Silversea and Seabourn.

Big shows, song and dance, lively nightclubs and lots of family entertainment makes Regent really stand out.

Food is okay to good, but not as good as Seabourn or Silversea or Crystal.

Regent ships are good quality though they do have some vibration issues which kept me awake, and they have been having some engine and pod problems for the past 3 years which has led to breakdowns and therefore makes them the most unreliable of the lux lines.

The cabins are all excellent, large, well maintained and very comfortable.

Regent Itins were more varied than Seabourn but not as good as Silversea.

Regent is all inclusive onboard and also includes many shore excursions as part of the fare. I did not find most of the excursions to my liking. They have a tendancy to pack you in to busses and mass cart you about. The mornings can be difficult as the ship trys to unload everyone to their tours on time.

Onshore and office service pretty good though very impersonal and rigid

Regent is the most expensive of the lux lines because of the included excursions.

They are now very expensive.

 

I have chosen not to cruise with Regent again due to the expensive fares and the way they handle the included excursions. I prefer cruises with less children.

A Regent cruise made me active and stay up late.

 

CRYSTAL,

 

Is the most formal of the large Lux lines, Similar to Silversea in dress and style but not as personalised due to the large passenger loads.

Service is excellent but more regemented than Seabourn or Silversea.

They did not remember my name or preferences on my cruises.

Like Silversea they have a very international passenger load and are more European in style.

Food was great, with heaps of choices in venues and styles. Quality was mostly good but not consistent.

Crystal is also renown for their quality entertainment and l was never dissapointed but constantly delighted.

What l loved about Crystal was their onboard education activitys. You could do lectures and courses and the university at sea programe is outstanding.

Crystal is also a family cruise line with lots of kids, but unlike Regent there are dedicated children centers so kids are kind of out of the picture mostly except for pool time and meals. but there are some adult only choices as well.

Crystal has good itins and the leader in the world cruise market at the lux level.

The ships are in good condition though are starting to age a little and this is starting to show, just in little ways mind you nothing to serious.

The standard cabins are the smallest of the Lux lines and for the money you pay l was a little underwhelmed. they did not feel luxurious to me, the bathrooms in particular are very small.

Crystal is not really all inclusive although they are trying. There are also set dinning sittings which they are trying to offer choice, but you cannot just walk in at your convienience with whoever you want to eat with, and find a table.

You basicly have to eat at a certain time at a set table with the same people.

A Crystal cruise entertained my mind body and soul.

 

I have left out Cunnard as the grills are only a part of the ships and for the most part the rest of the ship is very mass market styled.

I have also left out Seadream as its been over 8 years since l was onboard. I do not feel Seadream was in the same leauge as the others as well. But thats just my personal taste.

 

My rankings are

1. Silversea

2. Seabourn

3. Crystal

4. Seadream

5. Regent

 

Hope this helps.

 

Wow! Thank you so much for taking the time.

Yes, that really does help.

Though i can see some conflicts for me in decision making.

 

Based on your analysis, i can come up with a few of my preferences (though not necessarily in this order):

1. The fewer passengers the better

2. The stricter the smoking policy the better

3. On board education - lectures and the like - i really enjoy this sort of thing

4. Entertainment is not very important to me. I go and usually enjoy whatever, but it is never a dealbreaker for me.

5. Room doesn't matter, though i would like to have a balcony. True, i'm used to rather over the top suites (since that's what's required to get any sort of special service on the mass markets), but i don't think it's a necessity for me. But I think i might not be completely happy without a balcony of my own. I think. I've never actually sailed without one, so i don't know.

 

So it seems i would enjoy Crystal for the lecture program, but it might feel too large and impersonal.

 

Silversea seems to be the best for me in terms of personal service and smoking policy.

 

Again, thank you so much for taking the time to make that comprehensive comparison!!!

[andyn2013]

Keith always gives good advice and we booked a Crystal cruise without looking at a brochure just because he sounds like a reasonable man.

I would dispute putting much stock into the glossy brochures. It's unlikely to see the photographed demographic on a real voyage. And Silversea is no more "ultra luxury" than I am a novelist. Complimentary "fine wines" are not to be found on Seabourn. One Crystal cruise was enough for me.

Crystal has a great product, but is not a good fit for us.

 

I do not see much luxury at all with the companies claiming to be. To me, it is about comfortable cruising. Finding the passenger and crew mix and amd amemities that allow for a nice holiday. And it has as all inclusive as possible.

 

For me it's not the luxury as much as the personal service.

It can be laid back, but i don't enjoy being one of the masses (i sound like a snob, but it's a numbers thing more than a riff raff thing. I think).

[andyn2013]

Jaffa, delightful lux line comparison post done based first hand cruising experience--balanced, fair and thorough. Best lux line comparison I've read in almost nine years. Bravo!

 

Agreed!

[andyn2013]

Wes, Well said: +1. Much was left out , however, such as balconies. Seabourn might be a better option if the triplets were more attractive, in this, imo essential area. As you know we just finished a 35 day cruise in SE Asia. Our balcony was essential. In addition, previous Seabourn cruisers said the food was better on RSSC, that's a cause for concern!

Silversea is still our line of choice; but with $13k of credits due to the problems we had before all improved, our next cruise will be on Regent

 

how do they differ in terms of balconies?

 

I have a problem with the excursions on Regent. We often go it alone when in port, so we would be paying for something that we're not using at all. Though i guess that shouldn't really be a dealbreaker, if the ship experience itself is more to my liking.

[andyn2013]

Just a couple of comments about a very well presented comparison.

 

1. Crystal has the best children's program (as per their website). Regent only has children programs during the summer and school breaks. There are rarely any children on Regent when school is in session.

 

2. Agree that Seabourn's smoking policy is the most lenient (smoking allowed in suites and on balconies). Crystal has the second most lenient policy. Regent and Silversea do not allow smoking in any suite or on your balcony.

 

 

We have only sailed on Regent and Silversea. We would try Seabourn if it were not for the smoking policy. We are not interested in Crystal -- ship too large -- cabins too small -- not true open dining, etc. I hear that SeaDream Yacht Club is great but a very small ship with very small cabins. When children are on board you can't escape them. They are building new ships within the next five years and would be worth trying at that time.

 

My ranking would be as follows:

 

1. Regent (in spite of included excursions)

2. Silversea (would tie with Regent but they no longer include airfare)

3. Seabourn (smoking policy is a deal break for many)

4. Crystal

5. SeaDream Yacht Club (at least for now)

 

Although one step below "luxury" in ratings, Oceania's new ships have been getting rave reviews recently. "Best food at sea", etc. Worth looking at as well. Not all-inclusive but you can add alcohol and internet packages.

 

I've been getting emails from Oceania - I must have visited their website and entered my email address, though I don't recall doing that.

 

The children's program isn't of interest - mine are grown (but without any children of their own as yet). And when we cruise with them, it's mass market (they'd probably rather walk on nails than spend even half a day on any of the luxury lines).

 

Smoking policy really may be a dealbreaker - especially if we're talking cigars! :eek:

[juli2020]

Just a couple of comments about a very well presented comparison.

 

1. Crystal has the best children's program (as per their website). Regent only has children programs during the summer and school breaks. There are rarely any children on Regent when school is in session.

 

2. Agree that Seabourn's smoking policy is the most lenient (smoking allowed in suites and on balconies). Crystal has the second most lenient policy. Regent and Silversea do not allow smoking in any suite or on your balcony.

 

 

We have only sailed on Regent and Silversea. We would try Seabourn if it were not for the smoking policy. We are not interested in Crystal -- ship too large -- cabins too small -- not true open dining, etc. I hear that SeaDream Yacht Club is great but a very small ship with very small cabins. When children are on board you can't escape them. They are building new ships within the next five years and would be worth trying at that time.

 

My ranking would be as follows:

 

1. Regent (in spite of included excursions)

2. Silversea (would tie with Regent but they no longer include airfare)

3. Seabourn (smoking policy is a deal break for many)

4. Crystal

5. SeaDream Yacht Club (at least for now)

 

Although one step below "luxury" in ratings, Oceania's new ships have been getting rave reviews recently. "Best food at sea", etc. Worth looking at as well. Not all-inclusive but you can add alcohol and internet packages.

 

Jackie,

Since you are an avid reader/poster on Cruise Critic....I thought you might find it interesting how Cruise Critic rates which cruise lines are considered luxury.

 

Luxury Cruise Lines by Cruise Critic:

Abercrombie & Kent • American Safari • Aqua Expeditions • Azamara • Compagnie du Ponant • Cruise Asia Ltd. • Crystal • Cunard • French Country Waterways • Go Barging • Hapag-Lloyd • Hebridean • Heritage Line • Lindblad Expeditions • Oberoi Group • Oceania • Orion Expedition Cruises • Paul Gauguin Cruises • Regent Seven Seas • Sea Cloud Cruises • Seabourn • SeaDream • Silversea • Star Clippers • Travel Dynamics • Uniworld • Windstar

 

In the past you have dismissed Douglas Ward/Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships.

The 2013 Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships

Ward's ratings, compiled independently & unsubsidized by sponsorship, base its Berlitz stars on points for an unbiased appraisal of what's best & worst in the world of cruising.

Mid-size ships (751 to 1,750 passengers)

 

1. Crystal Serenity - 1,717 points

 

2. Oceania Riviera - 1,702 points

 

3. Crystal Symphony - 1,701 points

 

Small ships (251 to 750 passengers)

 

1. Hapag-Lloyd Europa - 1,852 points

 

2. Seabourn Quest - 1,776 points

 

3. Seabourn Odyssey - 1,775 points

 

Boutique ships (50 to 250 passengers)

 

1. SeaDream II - 1,788 points

 

2. SeaDream I - 1,786 points

 

3. Seabourn Legend - 1,774 points

[andyn2013]

Andy, welcome. You received some useful suggestions which I'm sure has helped you start to decide.

 

Might I suggest a slightly different approach.

 

I suggest that both of you firstly forget about all the lines and simply sit down with a sheet of blank paper and decide what it is you are really yearning for. Pretend - if you like - that you are designing a perfect cruise line and cruise ship and set of offerings especially designed for you - so ask yourself basic stuff.

 

For example, do I really yearn to be on a large ship that is brimming with variety, entertainment range of food etc? Or at the other end of the scale - do I really hanker after the most intimate experience as close to chartering as I can? Is it the destinations that's more important than the ship? If so you can only choose from lines visiting there.

 

Those are just a couple of examples to illustrate what I think might be a more useful approach. If you get the drift then what you will have is a series - a list - of requirements that will help others help you find the cruise line and ship tailored to your needs rather than you simply establish what complete strangers with different needs and tastes to your own prefer.

 

I'd then take your list of wheighted preferences to a travel agent and ask them for pointers.

 

How does that sound as an approach.

 

Excellent advice!!:)

 

1. I very much value personal service (i want them to know my name and my preferences)

2. I can't stand crowds.

3. I prefer not to wait in line.

4. I abhor fighting for seats (as in the mass stampede for seats in the theater on Disney ships, even if you're in concierge as there is no reserved seating)

5. I enjoy being on the ship as much as visiting the port. I can just sit by the water and drink a cup of coffee for hours and hours and hours. I find that more relaxing than anything.

6. I enjoy having a good workout room - actually, all i need is an elliptical trainer - prefererably witha view of the ocean, though the ocean view from the workout room isn't a dealbreaker.

7. I enjoy on board lectures - be it about the ports or unrelated topics. Any subject is good - everything is interesting to me.

8. I prefer a strict smoking policy, though it's not the most important thing. If a cruise line has a great lecture series, the smoking policy isn't going to be the dealbreaker.

9. i enjoy being able to go for awalk around the ship. Not jogging, just a walk. I like to walk. A lot.

 

what else?

[UKCruiseJeff]

Great ... it sounds like you are "getting there". I'd add another couple of suggestions. Also be clear about what isn't important ie what you are prepared to compromise. Also, be careful that you don't get so excited that you choose too quickly, More dissatisfaction is caused by people choosing the wrong cruise and cruise line than by inherent defects.

 

You do seem to be homing in clearly . so well done and good luck.

[UKCruiseJeff]

..... just noticed you enjoy walking! For what it's worth one of the things we love about SS is that they were prepared to allow us to join early staff tenders so we were off early walking whilst many were still asleep. This aspect became quite important to us.

[Travelcat2]

juli2020: Don't forget that CruiseCritic just named Regent the #1 luxury cruise line.

 

As you know, anyone can call anything whatever they want. I don't know about foreign carriers -- some of them are luxury but do not have English as their first language. River cruises is another animal (so to speak). On occasion, CruiseCritic has posted information on the Queen Mary II on their luxury board even though only a small part of the ship is luxury. The luxury cruise lines generally talked about in the U.S. are the ones mentioned prior to your post plus the Paul Gauguin -- which I simply forgot. There is a lot of discussion as to whether or not Oceania is a luxury cruise line. According to the CEO, Frank Del Rio, it is an upper premium cruise line. He has said this numerous times..... but people can call it what they wish.

 

Just trying to help the OP on this thread .... did not want to start a debate.:confused: