With all the cheap cruise deals around at the moment a lot of my passengers have been making the jump up to six star cruising, picking a cruise line they might not ever of thought of booking with before.
However, for a lot of people it can be a bit of a nerve wracking jump. Whilst they might know everything there is to know about the the cruise lines they're used to picking a brand new cruise line to try can be a bit daunting.
Will I enjoy it?
Will I hate it?
What will it be like?
What's included?
I thought it might help if I put a quick guide together of some of the big players within the six star market with a bit of information about what they can offer. I've also linked the name of the cruise line back to www.cruise.co.uk so if you're interested you can just click them and check out some prices.
Ama Waterways - Not technically a luxury cruise line; I've included them in this list for the sheer amount of river cruises they offer. River cruising is taking off in a big way at the moment and Ama Waterways have some fantastic offers going to Europe, Russia and even China.
Azamara club cruises - Azamara are the six star ships for the Royal Caribbean cruise lines. They operate two small, intimate ships, the Journey and the Quest offering great food and service onboard. Where Azamara stand out is the destinations they offer; being small ships they really can get into some of the smaller ports. All gratuities are included already for you and they tend to be one of the cheaper options amongst the six star cruise lines. A great starting point if you're looking to sample a six star cruise ship for the first time!
Crystal cruises - Crystal Cruises are an American company that have taken the concept of six star luxury cruises in a different direction. Most six star cruise lines offer small ships with an intimate atmosphere. Crystal replicate that atmosphere but offer much larger ships than most of their rivals and from 2012 all their ships will be going all inclusive.
Disney cruises - Again, not technically a six star cruise line, but they're unusual enough not to be considered main stream in the UK market yet. As you'd expect from a Disney cruise ship they're absolutely great for familys although, strangely, there are also plenty of adult only areas for parents to relax in. The only downside to a Disney cruise is that they don't package their own flights, so you need to do it yourself, (or ask your travel agent to).
Holland America - A great five star cruise line, massive in America, especially in the Alaskan market, this cruise line is just starting to be recognised in the UK. If you need a comparison they're quite similar to Celebrity cruises.
Oceania cruises - Oceania are a strange one as they don't class themselves as a six star cruise line, even though most of their clients do. They pitch themselves as five star plus, again with the small intimate ships you'd associate with a brand like this. Hands down the best food I've ever tasted at sea though, bar none!
Regent cruises - Regent are the all inclusive brand of six star cruises with their prices including all gratuities, drinks, shore excursions, air fare and transfers.
Seabourn cruises - Another great six star cruise line, again with the small intimate ships. Seabourn quite often have very cheap deals, so they're well worth looking at if you're looking to make the jump to a six star cruise line on a budget.
Sea Dream Yacht Club - More of a mega-yacht than a cruise ship, the Sea Dream takes the concept of small luxury cruise ships to the extreme with their tag line of "It's yachting, not cruising!"
Silversea cruises - Another six star cruise line with all inclusive drinks ship wide, although they don't offer free shore excursions. Where Silversea come into their own is each cabin has it's own private butler, even the inside cabins! Definitely a cruise line for those looking to be pampered.
Star Clipper cruises - By far one of my favourite cruise lines and top on my wish list of cruises to do. These cruise ships are classed as tall ships and are all wind powered through their sails. You even get to help sail the ship if you want to!
Voyages of Discovery cruises - Again, technically this is another cruise line that shouldn't really be classified as a luxury cruise line but they were unusual enough to be included in this guide. Voyages are very history and knowledge orientated with lots of experts and guest lecturers onboard full of knowledge of the destinations you'll be visiting. A great cruise line for those looking to broaden their minds.
So, I hope this will have peaked your interest slightly in luxury/niche cruise lines. I know of only been brief for the sake of space but if you have any other questions about any of these lines feel free to post a question below, or just call me.
Happy cruising.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteCruise lines have become affordable for many people. This is one of the most memorable experiences one can have because of the large choice of activities packaged in one place. Some luxury cruise lines provide a great deal by including airfare, airport transfers, meals, entertainments and off-shore sightseeing. Thanks a lot...
Luxury Cruise Ships