Ultimate Upscale

Greetings: I'm in the somewhat fortunate situation of being asked to arrange a cruise for a very wealthy friend, and I'll be able to join--in my own accommodations. The issue is this: said friend is incredibly spoiled (we should all be so lucky) and having reviewed the 'luxury' cruise lines and in particular reviews such as these

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=69413

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=26202

I believe that the typical luxury cruise lines won't be up to his standard. Personally, I think I'd do fine, but I'm not that kind of rich. Price is absolutely no object to him, but cuisine for instance would have to be superlative--equal to four-star restaurants in London or New York. The time frame is early next spring and likely destinations are Eastern Mediterranean or South America. (I'm also interested in an October 2010 trip for myself and another friend, which I shall write about separately.)

Frankly, I have the impression that even the 'upscale' luxury cruise lines are run with a keen eye toward profit for the owners and not much else. And I realize that there are many irritating travellers with a sense of entitlement who drain the pleasure out of work for many in the hospitality industry--I've seen it firsthand too many times.

So: does what I describe even exist, outside of a private yacht? TIA!

If price is not an object then I would say a private yacht would be his best bet. He will get a lot of personal attention and you can arrange for superb food.

Not knowing him and what he likes if you are going to go the luxury cruise line route then something like an owner's suite on SeaDream might be the way to go. The ships only carry a little over 100 passengers and cuisine is a major focus of that experience. You won't get much entertainment as you will on many other cruise lines. The focus of the evening is the dining experience.

They sail the Mediterranean but not South America.

Again, it is very hard to give advice to someone who we do not know. Honestly, it's hard enough to give advice to others you do know.

Again, depending on what he is looking for a private yacht might be in order but if not take a look at Sea Dream.

Keith

I don't know if any of the lux lines will get you into the Eastern Med in 'early' spring. Most don't get there until April or May.

Have you checked into Sea Cloud? It would be a very different experience than other cruises, but it gets great reviews on food, service. There is virtually no standard entertainment, but if you are thinking private yacht, you are at the same place. I believe the original Sea Cloud may be retiring this year (due to maritime regulations...what a shame!) so those wonderful EF Hutton/Marjorie Merriweather Post cabins are out but the Sea Cloud II has lovely digs.

Quick correction...I checked the website and it seems that the original Sea Cloud is going into drydock in Nov. '10 so perhaps a refit is possible! However, the ship doesn't have a schedule for '11 at this time.

I also think a private yacht may be a good option. I have a friends that can afford any cruise they wish. The problem that they have with luxury cruise lines is that everyone is treated the same (more or less). There are not enough perks when they have the Master Suite (such as priority boarding, priority dining reservations, a limo to pick them up and take them to the ship, etc.) They have cruised some mainstream cruise lines (Celebrity for one) -- booked the largest suite and had the type of service they were expecting on a luxury cruise. Their suites have been at least three times larger than on luxury lines -- they are invited to places on the ship that other passengers do not have access to. The list goes on and on. To me, the downside is that, when you leave your ultra luxurious area, you are on a mainstream cruise line with 2,000+ others. Still, it may be worth checking out.

There is no cruise line period that will meet your friend's standards. As suggested a private yacht is the way to go.

I would recommend Sea Cloud I. The sailing ship was built by EF Hutton for his wife, Marjorie Merryweather Post. It's absolutely beautiful, small, intimate and the "cabins" if you can call them that, are scrumptious.

But are the meals of the same caliber as the top land restaurants? This was a requirement and cannot be accomplished at sea except perhaps on a huge private yacht.

Greetings: I'm in the somewhat fortunate situation of being asked to arrange a cruise for a very wealthy friend, and I'll be able to join--in my own accommodations. The issue is this: said friend is incredibly spoiled (we should all be so lucky) and having reviewed the 'luxury' cruise lines and in particular reviews such as these

 

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=69413

http://www.cruisecritic.com/memberreviews/memberreview.cfm?EntryID=26202

 

I believe that the typical luxury cruise lines won't be up to his standard. Personally, I think I'd do fine, but I'm not that kind of rich. Price is absolutely no object to him, but cuisine for instance would have to be superlative--equal to four-star restaurants in London or New York. The time frame is early next spring and likely destinations are Eastern Mediterranean or South America. (I'm also interested in an October 2010 trip for myself and another friend, which I shall write about separately.)

 

Frankly, I have the impression that even the 'upscale' luxury cruise lines are run with a keen eye toward profit for the owners and not much else. And I realize that there are many irritating travellers with a sense of entitlement who drain the pleasure out of work for many in the hospitality industry--I've seen it firsthand too many times.

 

So: does what I describe even exist, outside of a private yacht? TIA!

I'd opt for the Europa. It's a smaller ship, but consistantly gets top awards. Other than that, then go with a charter. I hope this person is not "spoiled" to the point of being obnoxious. If that's the case, then definately go with a charter.

Thanks everyone for the ideas, definitely 'food for thought' so to speak. Private yacht won't happen because it requires too much work. Needs to be something where he can just write a check and hop on board. I will look into the suggestions made... SeaCloud, SeaDream, Europa.

He's not obnoxious, especially considering the degree of wealth we're talking about. I'm sure I'd be worse given the chance, seriously. But being crazy rich like that skews everyone's sensibilities, even the most noble among us. That's my theory anyway.

The suite size isn't an issue, all the ones I've looked at are ample (he's single). And he doesn't need to be treated differently than the other passengers. It just needs to be at a very high level or he gets annoyed or bored or whatever. I don't have too much insight into the frame of mind, I've just witnessed it. Anyway thanks again.

Given the new information, you may want to decide based on other factors such as whether or not he/you would prefer an all-inclusive line (Regent, Silversea or Seabourn). The most formal is Silversea, the least formal is Regent (Elegent Casual). Size of the ship is another factor to consider. Three of Seabourn's ships hold only 209 guests while the two new ships hold 450. Silversea's ships range from 296 to 540 passenegers while Regent has two all-balcony ships at 700 passengers and one mostly balcony at 490. Crystal, is a "star" in it's own right, has two ships - approx. 1,000 passengers. Unlike other luxury lines, it is not all-inclusive, although they give enough on-board-credits to pay for most things (you still have to sign). Tipping is also not included. There is set seating, however, beginning in 2011, you can reserve a seat for the next night.

Although I have not as yet sailed on Silversea or Seabourn, I have studied these lines extensively. Our experience has been with Regent -- having spent time in most categories of suites -- from deluxe to Master, we have a good idea on the feel of the ship as well as the passengers. I could easily picture your boss in a Master Suite on the Voyager (definitely not the Navigator). It would be relaxing -- there is plenty of room and he could choose to spend time alone or with other passengers. It is large enough to have several activities to choose from and small enough to have the intimate feel. There is no need to sign for anything. . . . it is a strange but wonderful feeling to walk away from a fine dining restaurant without thinking about the tip, signing or anything. . .

An important factor is itinerary. That would probably be the first thing to consider. Regent tends to fill up quickly and needs to be booked farther in advance. Do you have a timeframe for this cruise?

Thanks Travelcat, that is an extremely helpful survey. I was sort of leaning toward Regent for my separate October sailing as well, if I can find the right itinerary. For October it's got to include Athens and I'd like either Dubrovnik/Split or Istanbul. For next spring it's more wide-open.

The idea of tipping my way through a cruise definitely does not appeal. And it would drive my rich friend crazy. Same with signing or whatever--no go. Ruins the ambience in my view. But I was worried reading one of the Seabourn reviews I linked originally, that the 'free' wines etc are substandard.

Anyway I'm getting panicky about the October thing so I should switch my emphasis to that, and what I'll learn in the process will doubtless be helpful in spring as well. Silversea wants 200% for singles so that's a big strike from my point of view, as I'll be paying for my own cabin both cruises, as far as I know!

The best advice I could give to you is to meet with a travel specialist whose main business is booking clients on luxury cruise lines. They can add a lot of value to your decision.

Just a few comments.

The luxury lines all have a lot of attriburtes. With the help of a good travel specialist look at each luxury line to see if one ore more will meet the needs for your friend. Again, the key is to use a travel specialist who has sailed on these lines.

Get all of the facts. Sometimes one will read something on these boards and take them as gospel. In my humble opinion Seabourn does not serve sub-standard wines. However, in general, the cruise lines that include wine serve basic wines. I am not knocking them but they are clearly not high priced wine or even medium priced wines. The are not the cheapest of wines. I would just call them good average wines. I am not a wine snob. But they are what they are. If your friend does like really good wines likely he will want to pay additional to purchase wine even on those lines that include them. This is where a good TA would be of value because one of my questions would be what type of wines does your friend like.

I would not make the decision on which line to cruise on based on signing a bill or giving a tip. I assume your friend goes to restaurants where a bill is signed and he makes a decision on a tip. It's really no big deal.

Decide on what matters most to your friend and match up not only the cruise line but the ship that best meets his needs. Again a good TA can add a lot of help.

I want to note as someone who has sailed on a variety of the luxury cruise lines and who has first hand knowledge of Seabourn and Silversea that I do not find one line more formal than the other one. I would not judge the formality on how many formal nights a line has.

If this was me, I would see a good travel specialist. I suspect that your friend seeks out good solid advice when making decisions as most of us do. I would not rely on a few posts to your question to make a decision.

Also, pick up a book called Cruising and Cruise Ships. It is published by Berlitz and is wrtten by Douglas Ward and is updatet annually. It is a great book and it has a nice writeup on each cruise ship.

I would also take this approach for yourself.

Do not start off limiting yourself to which luxury line you look at. Start over. Seek out a solid travel specialist as you would seek out experts in other fields. Surely you or your friend knows someone who has sailed luxury lines and ask them if they have a recommendation for a good luxury cruise line specialist. Again, their ability to get a good description of your friend and of yourself for your cruise and their first hand knowledge of the luxury cruise lines based on their own experience is key.

I will tell you that you can read all your want but I would not rely too much on input if those giving you the input have not sailed the specific cruise line. I consider myself quite knowledgeable on cruising but my best experience came from actually sailing on a specific cruise line and cruise ship rather than the reading or other research I did.

Do the thorough research with eyes wide open.

Keith

Thanks Travelcat, that is an extremely helpful survey. I was sort of leaning toward Regent for my separate October sailing as well, if I can find the right itinerary. For October it's got to include Athens and I'd like either Dubrovnik/Split or Istanbul. For next spring it's more wide-open.

 

The idea of tipping my way through a cruise definitely does not appeal. And it would drive my rich friend crazy. Same with signing or whatever--no go. Ruins the ambience in my view. But I was worried reading one of the Seabourn reviews I linked originally, that the 'free' wines etc are substandard.

 

Anyway I'm getting panicky about the October thing so I should switch my emphasis to that, and what I'll learn in the process will doubtless be helpful in spring as well. Silversea wants 200% for singles so that's a big strike from my point of view, as I'll be paying for my own cabin both cruises, as far as I know!

You have probably seen the itinerary below already. It does include some of the ports you are looking for. The Greek islands were one of our favorite destinations. October is a perfect time to visit this part of the world as the climate is considerably cooler than during the summer.

<TABLE class=aboutContentTable cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%"><TBODY><TR class=tableHeader><TD width=40>Date</TD><TD>Day</TD><TD>Port</TD><TD>Dress Code</TD><TD width=55>Arrive</TD><TD width=55>Depart</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eeeeee"><TD>Oct 17</TD><TD>Sun</TD><TD>Venice, Italy</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD></TD><TD></TD></TR><TR><TD>Oct 18</TD><TD>Mon</TD><TD>Venice, Italy</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD></TD><TD>6:00 pm</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eeeeee"><TD>Oct 19</TD><TD>Tue</TD><TD>Umbria (Ancona), Italy</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD>8:00 am</TD><TD>8:00 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Oct 20</TD><TD>Wed</TD><TD>Dubrovnik, Croatia</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD>10:00 am</TD><TD>11:00 pm</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eeeeee"><TD>Oct 21</TD><TD>Thu</TD><TD>Kotor, Montenegro</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD>8:00 am</TD><TD>5:00 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Oct 22</TD><TD>Fri</TD><TD>Corfu, Greece</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD>8:00 am</TD><TD>1:00 pm</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eeeeee"><TD>Oct 22</TD><TD>Fri</TD><TD>Sarandë, Albania</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD>2:30 pm</TD><TD>8:00 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Oct 23</TD><TD>Sat</TD><TD>Olympia (Katakolon), Greece</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD>8:00 am</TD><TD>4:00 pm</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eeeeee"><TD>Oct 24</TD><TD>Sun</TD><TD>Santorini, Greece</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD>8:00 am</TD><TD>6:00 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Oct 25</TD><TD>Mon</TD><TD>Rhodes, Greece</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD>8:00 am</TD><TD>6:00 pm</TD></TR><TR style="BACKGROUND-COLOR: #eeeeee"><TD>Oct 26</TD><TD>Tue</TD><TD>Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD>8:00 am</TD><TD>5:00 pm</TD></TR><TR><TD>Oct 27</TD><TD>Wed</TD><TD>Athens (Piraeus), Greece</TD><TD>Elegant Casual</TD><TD>6:00 am</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

This itinerary is on the Voyager which is the ship with the lovely Master Suites (also our favorite ship). There is an aft vibration, so, I would avoid aft suites.

I have to agree with Keith in terms of wines. Food and wine are so subjective. . . . what one person thinks is wonderful, another does not care for. All inclusive luxury lines do include fairly top shelf liquor (Grey Goose vodka, I forget which single malt scotch, etc.) Also agree that a travel agent who specializes in luxury travel is important. Let the TA do the work for you. We cannot make recommendations on CruiseCritic, but, can suggest travel agency networks like Virtuoso and Signature Travel.

Keith, are you aware of Seabourns new dress code which is considerably less formal than Silversea? Since booking with Silversea, we have become quite aware of how seriously they take formality (which is fine -- not necessarily my preference, but, okay). Also, and we will continue to agree to disagree on this point. . . . we all sign for things in our daily life. For some of us, not having to sign for every drink and thinking about tipping is a vacation in itself.

If you have questions regarding a specific cruise line, go on to their board. There will be lots of folks there to help. Let us know what you decide:)

Keith has given you the best advice. See a travel professional who is familiar (intimately so) with ALL the luxury lines so you will get an impartial view of what each one has to offer, unlike on these boards where you will get partisan opinions.