Luxury Cruising

A great cruise is much more than a journey. Blending the grandeur and nobility of seafaring with the imagination and style of the good life, it is my favorite way to explore the world. Moving up to a luxury ship helps make memories that endure forever.

The right ship or cruise line is one that makes you very comfortable and very special while fulfilling all your vacation desires. You need to look at the size of the vessel, the nature of the experience, the activities available, dining schedules, on board dress code and the style of service. Equally important are your itinerary, the type of accommodations, and the cost of the cruise, along with the inclusions that may be offered.

Ships in the luxury category are generally smaller than the mass-market vessels with passenger capacities ranging from less than 100 to near 900 and offer the most generously proportioned and inviting accommodation. Many of the staterooms will feature private verandah, sitting areas and rich d?cor and deluxe amenities. The standard of service you will enjoy can be measured by looking at the crew to guest ratios. Exceptional service will be found on ships that have a ratio of one (or more) crewmembers to every two guests and mirror the warmth and discretion of finest hospitality. The following unique cruising styles can be celebrated each in its own right - so you can choose to travel elegantly with companions who share your sensibilities.

Ultimate luxury cruises are quite formal and embody the ceremony of cruising, recalling the days when traveling by ship was an event in itself. Voyages in this category offer the ultimate travel experience and excellence in every detail. These cruises are breath taking in every respect and offer you an atmosphere of sumptuous refinement with service that is truly indulgent. Guests are treated to the finest meals in exquisite dining rooms and in a single seating. Jackets and ties are generally the rule for dinner and tuxedos are not uncommon with a dress code that is observed faithfully.

Casual elegance cruises offer a luxurious cruise experience with a "resort elegant" country club type of shipboard atmosphere. Windstar Cruises, vessels are wonderful examples for traveling in unregimented, graceful and subtle luxury. Shipboard lifestyle on this type of cruise is generally unstructured, with few organized activities. In keeping with the contemporary, easygoing atmosphere on board these ships, the style of dress is casually refined. Jackets, if worn, are casual and ties must be left at home! The dining experience is flawless with the added flexibility and convenience of open seating. You ennjoy dining at your leisure with your choice of new found friends. Ships in this category tend to be smaller and the service on board is of the highest calibre.

The last category of luxury cruise is "unique exploration". You can explore many of the world's most intriguing destinations while enjoying a friendly comfortable cruise experience. The ships in this category offer overall excellent cruise value. The ships themselves are anything by ordinary and each have their own unique features and highlights. The emphasis for these voyages is on the special itineraries.

Ports of call have been carefully selected to highlight the history and culture of each region. Each offer you the opportunity to experience, learn and explore. Most of the vessels in this class include an official guide or guest lecturer, theatres for lectures, enrichment programs and often an extensive library. The on board environment is relaxed and the service is very personal.

The dress is generally resort casual by day and varies for evening dining depending upon the ship. Whether experiencing an Antarctic expedition, the Amazon River or the national heritage of the legendary clipper ship, this class of cruising gives you a unique blend of style and adventure.

When choosing your next cruise, take time to examine the possibilities of Seabourn, Windstar, SeaDream Cunard, Radisson, Crystal, and Silversea. These cruise lines allow you to follow your own desires and inner rhythms, discovering your own unique vision of Utopia.

Bon Voyage

Sid Kaplan
http://www.cruisevacationsguide.com

Sid Kaplan has extensive experience in the travel business. He owned and operated a large retail cruise only agency in Canada and his wife has 25 years experience working for major cruise lines. Their website is Cruise Vacations Guide which offers advice and tips to those look to create memorable cruise vacations. Shore excursion and land tour information is also provided.

---

Dock and Deck Cleaning Business

A great addition to cleaning boats in a marina will be also to take care of any buildings that are on or near the water, and the docks themselves as they can get... Read More

The Delightful Land beyond Imagination

The kids are grown and gone, the mortgage is paid off and it is winter! For the first time you are free to let reality and fantasy trade places with thoughts of lush... Read More

Taking a Deaf Cruise

Deaf and hearing impaired individuals are no different from anyone else except they cannot hear or hear well. Because the deaf culture consists of mainly deaf people who hang around each other simply... Read More

Sailing Hints & Tips

I spend almost all my summers sailing around the Greek islands. With this small article I would like to share some sailing hints with you that will help you enjoy the most out... Read More

Tips on Marina and Dock Sealing

It is important to follow these procedures when sealing a private dock or a dock at the marina. Always let the dock dry for three to twenty-four hours before applying any coating or... Read More

World Cruise - A Relaxing Experience

Have you ever thought what it would be like to just relax quietly under the sun and at sea-no hustling or bustling, far away from the madding crowds in a casual attire and... Read More

Cleaning Sails

Washing SailsOften you will see a beautiful sail boat with a dirty sail, you say "yuk" and are glad that is not you out there. Sometimes you feel sorry for the gent, knowing... Read More

The Fabulous New Caribbean Princess Ship

The magnificent Caribbean Princess ship is the new queen of the Princess fleet. Her innovative design takes the Princess "Personal Choice Cruising" theme to a new level. With nearly 900 staterooms having balconies,... Read More

Update April 2005 - Holland America Cruises, Signature of Excellence Program

Holland America Cruise Lines has initiated a program of up-scaling their cruise ships, cruise line image and passenger cruise experience. This initiative is called the Signature of Excellence program and will soon be... Read More

Defeating the Drug Smugglers in Ultra Fast Boats, Skimmer Craft and Hydrofoils

The drug smugglers have ultra fast boats, skimmer craft and hydrofoils, which makes it difficult to give pursuit by conventional marine craft. The problem is getting worse as drug smugglers ratchet up the... Read More

Amazon Cruise Expert Guide

An Amazon cruise is the ultimate jungle adventure. From the endless green carpet of tree tops that make up the rainforest to the exotic wildlife that inhabits the waters of the mighty Amazon... Read More

The Reluctant Sailor - Tips for the Sailing Beginner

Stroll around any marina and you will soon spot the classic sailing characters: the old enthusiast, patiently restoring a wooden shell to its sleek former self; the dedicated racer, tweaking his stripped out,... Read More

Philippines Surfing if You Want to Miss the Crowds

Philippines surfing is not quite a destination that would conjure up images of brilliant surfing breaks. Truth be told surfing in the Philippines can be fickle, but if you are after an adventure,... Read More

Like a Chicken to Water... Your First Steps on a Boat

Some people step onto a boat and are straight at home. For them the challenge, the mechanics, the simple joy of sailing all combine to make the sport less of a pastime and... Read More

Six-Star Cruising on Luxury Cruise Lines

A luxury cruise is just what the name implies, a cruise at the upper end of the spectrum, not just five stars but a six-star cruise. There are six cruise lines that are... Read More

Silversea Cruises! Committed To Elegance, Luxury, And Gracious Hospitality

Committed to elegance, luxury and gracious hospitality, Silversea Cruises is the "Ultra Plus" in the elite cruise domain. Their promise is to always go above and beyond. Their passion is to exceed your... Read More

Alaska By Ship

When was the last time you saw an eagle descend from the sky, or stood in awe as a glacier cracked and an ice berg emerged?Imagine your sense of wonder as you glide... Read More

Sit Back and Relax on a Crewed Yacht Charter Vacation

Ever wanted to really put yourself to the test and teach yourself how to sail and guide a yacht? On a crewed yacht charter voyage, you can do just that ? and more... Read More

Carnival Cruise - A Perfect Holiday - Rock and Rolling with Carnival Cruise

If you want to have fun for one low price, all you need is a Carnival cruise. A Carnival cruise is a perfect way to pamper yourself. You don't have to worry about... Read More

Are you Ready for the Cruise of a Lifetime?

Cruises are one of the best ways to unwind and relax. It's the ultimate in vacations. Is a cruise for you? Do you know what there is to do on a cruise? Its... Read More

Short Cruises - The Perfect Match For First Time Cruisers

Would you like to try a cruise, but aren't sure if you'd really like it? Some people are intimidated about making a seven-day commitment to a cruise vacation. What if they experience motion... Read More

Orient Beach Shore Excursions - Beauty on the Beach!

When cruising to St. Martin (or Sint Maarten), some of the most beautiful land trips you could take would be the Orient Beach Shore Excursions. This fabulous clothing optional beach has much to... Read More

Yacht Winterization Service Business

If you own a boat maintenance business you need to be providing winterization services to your customers. Many boat owners who get to know you may trust you to help them winterize their... Read More

There Are Many Reasons Why You Should Choose Inflatable Boats Over Traditional Boats

If you spend any time in or around the water then you probably own or have considered owning an inflatable boat. There are many uses for inflatable boats and many people own them... Read More

Those Ellusive Crab and Prawn Traps

If you are a boater, in particular a sea or ocean-going boater, you have probably tried your hand at catching prawns and/or crabs with their respective pots. And if you have tried this,... Read More

Fun and Fat Free Cruising

This year more than 10.5 million people will go on a cruise. Almost all of them will have a fabulous time but when they step on the scales after they get home, they... Read More

Alaska Cruise Ship Vacations

Alaska is one of the world's great cruise destinations, particularly for those with an interest in world class fishing. Alaska is arguably the most beautiful of the American states, and cruise ships offer... Read More

Cunard! The Name Alone Evokes Nostalgia For A More Civilized Era

Traveling famously on a Transatlantic crossing or cruising the world on a stately Cunard has been the exemplar of the good life for 163 years. Cunard's rich legacy of lustrous White Star Service?... Read More

Back to Nature: Observing Marine Life When Boating

"Whether you boat on fresh water or on the ocean, there is a lot of marine life to observe and appreciate. We boat in the Pacific Northwest off the west coast around the... Read More