Affording Luxury

The closest Donna and I can get to luxury until the boys are off to college is the Grand Californian Resort and Spa at Disneyland (at least they do have an awesome 5 star restaurant the Napa Rose).  For the cruise luxury experience, at least for now, we experience it through extensive training and by living vicariously through our clients!  Did you know that affording a luxury or up market cruise might not be as expensive as you might think?  Taking that dream cruise vacation on a luxury ship might be a better deal that you first realize – you get what you pay for and here is why:  

No Tipping and Exceptional Service:  On many up market or luxury ships gratuities are included in your fare.  No expectations for extra gratuities.  The crew will actually politely decline accepting even a small extra gratuity.  The crew are paid better to compensate for no tipping … and it shows.   Since they are paid better than peers on the mass market lines they attract a higher quality employee.    You can certainly feel and experience the higher level of service.  In fact on one particular line the crew is given photographs of all the guests prior to departure and remembers everyone by sight … without ever meeting them first in person.

No Charge for Beverages … Alcohol Included:  No more paying for soda, bottled water, fresh juices, cappuccino, or espresso while on board as these are typically all included.  Some luxury ships also include open bar throughout the ship or at a minimum wine freely poured at lunch and dinner.  

Outstanding True Five Star Dining:  On the mass market lines dining is very good in the complimentary main dining rooms.  But keep on mind they are feeding 1500 – 2500 people all at once so meals are not served made to order and often there is a long distance between the galley and your table.  You can dine at the many specialty restaurants were you have your meals made to order – for an extra fee.   With the luxury ships being much smaller there is more of a focus on five star dining with dishes expertly prepared and presented.  Many of the ships also have boutique specialty restaurants at no extra charge.

Excursions Included:  Many of the luxury lines have some base excursions included.  For example Azamara Club Cruises has a unique night time touring excursion included on every sailing.  Some lines include transportation to the city center from the port.

Free Airfare:  Yes we said free.  Some lines include the air which can be a real bonus if traveling overseas.

Itineraries:  Since the luxury ships are smaller you have some fantastic opportunities to visit smaller ports that would cost additional money from the typical ports of call.  For example in Alaska visit Wrangell or Haines.  In the Mediterranean visit smaller exclusive ports such as Portofino or Capri.

The Intangibles:   You cannot really put a price on some of the other items you will find on a luxury ship: the attention to detail, separate bathtub and shower, twin sinks, upgraded amenities in your stateroom, soft plush inviting furnishings.   There will not be the frequent announcement of activities and the reminder of opportunities to upsell your experience while on board.   The realization to know that your every wish is being taken care of and that you do not need to worry about the balance on your onboard account as your experience is truly all inclusive.

Keep in mind is that it's sometimes "penny-wise and pound-foolish" to take the least expensive room when it might make more sense to upgrade -- maybe even all the way to a luxury ship.

Happy Cruising!