When it comes to taking a few weeks of well-deserved holiday, most of us don’t want to spend our time shoulder-to-shoulder with other sweaty vacationers in a dreadfully-long airport lineup.
Cue the luxury cruise, aka travel on a whole different level. Here, staff will know you by name, and focus on making every meal, activity, shore excursion and moment aboard the ship an unforgettable one.
Before booking a “normal cruise line”, do the math – when you add up all the hidden extras you’ll pay for (such as beverage packages, laundry services, gratuities, and shore excursions), splurging for a luxury cruise isn’t as much of a financial jump as it may originally seem.
On most luxury cruises, your wallet can be forgotten as soon as you climb on deck – all-inclusive decadence is stated upfront with few add-ons; no charge for alcoholic beverages, fancy coffees or cool drinks (even if you order them to your stateroom).
Same goes for food: cruise lines such as Crystal have long-standing relationships with internationally-renowned chefs such as Nobu Matsuhisa, meaning you’ll be treated to some of the world’s best dishes without the hassle of trying to book a table. And when it comes to dietary restrictions or preferences, maitre d's are happy to bend over backward to fulfill your special requests (as long as they have a heads-up in advance).
Many luxury cruise lines offer river cruises, voyages by yacht, or smaller ships. While not compromising on comfort and amenities, these vessels can visit destinations the mega ships can’t.
And even when the larger ships do dock at popular ports, they’re often careful to plan their arrival for a date and time when other cruise lines aren’t there – you’ll have the village all to yourself (and even the chance to stay overnight, in some cases) to get a sense of the local vibe.
Luxury cruises aren’t joking about their “luxury” moniker. You’ll be treated to experiences that aren’t available for the average traveller, from trusted partners on land.
Ever flown at twice the speed of sound in a fighter jet over Moscow, or trekked to see elusive mountain gorillas in Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable National Park? We didn’t think so. By booking luxury shore tours (such as the Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Boutique Adventures, or Crystal Overland Adventures), you’ll have epic memories to last a lifetime.
Booking a luxury yacht or river cruise means you’ll have more chances to make new friends – there’s a good chance you’ll end up seeing each other at restaurants, small-group shore tours or poolside. Many cruisers make friendships that last long after the original trip, aka people with whom to plan the next cruise!
Not always so with the larger ships, particularly those with freestyle dining or a vast choice of restaurants, lounges and activities. For some, the anonymity of meeting someone once and never seeing them again is preferable – but we like making friends!
Imagine having a crew trained to attend to your needs before you even know they’re a need? Such is life on a luxury cruise.
Each member of staff has a keen eye for detail and proactively attend to tasks such as unpacking your luggage, drawing a bath before you return from a hot day of exploring, or shining your shoes prior to a formal dinner.
And despite this round-the-clock service, you’re not expected to tip as gratuities have already been built into the upfront fare. Talk about a holiday, and then some!
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Cruise in style on one of Crystal’s 6-star luxury ocean vessels. These ships are bursting with all the extras: daily delivery of fresh flowers, nightly turndown and the chance to take language classes or golf lessons from PGA professionals (to name a few)!
Set sail with Sure Travel!
Our agents take all the hassle out of planning, get some of the best deals in the industry, and can offer helpful advice on “the extras” (such as visas, travel insurance and shore excursions).
Contact your nearest agency to enquire or book, or call 0861 47 48 49.
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While the amenities of a large ship are hard to beat, there's definitely something magical about being on a smaller vessel. Better yet when the passengers are your nearest and dearest, with a crew to attend to your every need. Crystal’s yacht cruises are perfect for those who like a personalised and intimate experience:
Itching to try out a yacht cruise?
Contact your nearest Sure Travel agency to enquire or book, or call 0861 47 48 49.
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Crystal’s river cruises are also geared toward a traveller who enjoys a smaller ship – but without having to sacrifice on most mega-ship amenities. This is one of the most relaxing ways to see Europe, experience its culinary and cultural masterpieces, and also making new friendships with your fellow passengers.
Time to plan your river cruise?
Contact your nearest Sure Travel agency to enquire or book, or call 0861 47 48 49.
