Offering the height of sophistication and style at sea, it’s little wonder that more and more holidaymakers are opting to indulge in a luxury cruise.
What’s not to like? Five-star cruising offers all the bells and whistles expected from any luxury provider from stylish accommodation and elegant facilities to an open bar, lavish spa and even a butler service.
Days are spent cruising in and out of the world’s most glamorous destinations such as Monte Carlo, Barcelona, New York and Sydney.
Some days are more action-packed with shore excursions taking travellers to pristine national parks, the world’s leading galleries and museums and local wineries and restaurants for a taste of the local cuisine.
Whilst evenings offer a chance to unwind over a meal prepared by a world-renowned chef, take in a show or a lecture or make some new friends at the bar, without worrying who is picking up the tab.
No longer do high-end travellers from Australia and New Zealand have to travel to Europe or the Americas to join a luxury vessel, they are stepping onboard in their homeport, with as much luggage as they like, and heading off on the trip of a lifetime.
For those wanting to explore further afield, luxury lines offer cruises on every continent. Is there a better way to see Alaska than gliding by glaciers with a champagne or hot chocolate in hand? Or how about being dwarfed by the grandeur of Norway’s fjords while snacking on some caviar on deck?
Many luxury liners are also small ships meaning they can go where the big ships can’t, offering an up-close-and-personal experience with nature and the chance to explore off-the-beaten-track ports.
Because luxury means so much more than the finest linens and foie gras, luxury lines are increasingly offering their guests the chance to truly immerse in a destination with exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences.
Whether it’s a private behind-the-scenes tour of a world heritage-listed site, visiting a local market with a celebrity chef or being regaled with tales at sea from idols and icons, luxury cruises are pulling out all the stops to ensure their guests have it all.
It’s these special touches that are helping the luxury cruise industry power ahead at a rate of knots.