Upscale cruising

[SeaPeaInn]

Checking the various upscale boards to get opinions from those who have cruised more than one of them. Have not cruised an upscale line since Royal Viking went out of business 12 years ago.

Who should we use?

Looking for 2005 cruise.

[canadagal]

Don't start with the lines but rather the destination and time frame and go from there. Then you can narrow down the luxury lines. Where and when do you want to cruise?

[jhp]

Or, if you are mainly interested in the line, check out the boards for Silversea, Crystal, Seabourne and Raddison. I think they are recognized as the best luxury lines.

[Dolebludger]

Everyone has a different opinion, but I would recommend deletion of Crystal from your list. IMO, their ships are too large, their inclusions too few, their two seating dining too confining, and their lower category rooms too small for you to get the true luxury experience.

Then, I would recommend you consult a TA who specializes in lines including Radisson, Silversea, and Seabourn to attempt to find one of the many reduced price specials these lines are offering to a destination you want.

As to a specific cruise, I would recommend Radisson's Paul Gauguin which sails the islands near Tahiti, is very near all inclusive, and which offers free air and other accomodations for this seven day cruise till August. With a good TA, you can book this from between $2600 and $3000 pp double occupancy.

Hope this helps,
Richard [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img] [img]http://messages.cruisecritic.com/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]

[SeaPeaInn]

Dolebludger -

Thanks for your thoughts. Already eliminated Crystal. Friends who traveled with them were not impressed at all. May take a short, one week, cruise to try out a line even if the destination is one that is only so so. If that is the case I would only go with a discount.

Thanks again

[jhp]

There are some very attractively priced end of year shorter cruises on both Radisson and Silversea, check out the websites.