Seeking advice on first luxury cruise

Hi folks,

I recognize many of you have your favorites for luxury cruises and I'd love to leverage your experiences! I've cruised Princess, Costa and NCL (as an aside, I did a few TA voyages as a youth when folks wore suits and ties on the sun deck while sipping consomme!) and am ready to indulge myself. I'll be cruising solo, so single supplement is certainly an important consideration. Food is as important as itinerary for me, so will carry more weight as well (as will I, no doubt ;-)!)

I'm targeting nov/dec 2011. As to value, looks like transatlantic or caribbean might be best.

I'm very easy-going (I live in south TX and spend most of the year in shorts and flip-flops) but will gladly observe the dress code. Am an avid cook and don't take myself all that seriously. That said, I'm a bit nervous about folks on some of these boards who have said their cruise was ruined by someone NOT observing the dress code, so am definitely not looking for "stuffy".

I gladly look forward to all advice and guidance! Thanks in advance,

Steve

Double post, sorry.

I've been on all four of the lines that people consider to be luxury, and I can tell you that you can't go wrong with any of them. Here's my take on the luxury lines. Generally speaking, these lines are more formal than the mass market lines, but I've gotten the feeling that even they are going more casual. If pushed, I would say that Crystal is the most formal of the lines, with Seabourn, Silversea and Regent following in that order.

Regent has the largest and best appointed cabins in the business. They attract what I would say is the most diverse group of passengers of the other lines. They do have families, younger cruisers and seniors. While I know food is subjective, I feel Regent is lacking in their main dining room in terms of quality, presentation and variety. They have decent entertainment, but not the best, imho.

Seabourn has two types of ships... their original triplets and their newer and larger ships. I have not yet been on the bigger ships, but the triplets are wonderful. The only drawback to the older ships is that they don't have many real balconies. The food and service on Seabourn is very, very good. Since their itineraries are very port intensive, their evening entertainment is not all that much. Usually a combo in the dance area and in the theater some kind of performer such as a singer, musician or comedian. Seabourn's shore excursions are some of the best and they only allow small numbers of passengers on each tour.

Silversea is a very good line, but according to some, it's slipping in many categories such as food and service. Their food is pretty good and their strength is their casual dining areas for breakfast and lunch. The average age on many of Silversea's itineraries is rather high, similar to Seabourn. Not much in terms of entertainment, again similar to Seabourn.

Crystal is an excellent line that has ranked at the top of all the mainstream lines, including the other luxury lines, for many years. While not all inclusive for drinks and tips (the other lines are all inclusive), the generous on board credit makes Crystal all inclusive for everything. They have two seatings for dinner, but starting next year they are starting an open seating option. Their average age can be high, but if you cruise in summer or during the holidays, the age drops. You will find cruisers mostly 55 and up on Crystal, with the higher up being the standard. Their food and service is beyond excellent and the word NO is not in their dictionary. Their regular cabins can be considered on the small side, but for a solo person, they're fantastic. Crystal excels in their entertainment department. During the day they have their Creative Learning Institute where you can learn (for no charge) computers, foreign languages, investment classes, cooking and wine appreciation, health and fitness, painting and other creative arts, photography and bridge lessons for beginners and experts. In addition, Crystal brings on guest speakers who will lecture on your destination or current affairs---many of the lecturers are very well known in their field. They also have ballroom dancing lessons given by professional dancers. In the evening they have a number of options including well known individual performers in music, comedy and singers. They also have full production shows that are very well received.

The biggest plus for Crystal is they have, by far, the best single supplement in the business. While the others have SS as high as 175%, and most being the regular 200%, Crystal's SS starts at 125%, the lowest of any line.

But regardless of which line you choose, like I said, you can't go wrong.

Hi Steve,

First, welcome to CruiseCritic. It is very exciting to be doing cruise planning. I remember my first luxury cruise (2004). . . . I wonder if anything can top that experience.

Okay, now you'll get a view from a Regent loyalist. While I completely respect kitty9's opinion, I have some similiar as well as different perspectives on the different luxury lines.

First, Crystal because they are the most different of the cruise lines (and they are also the largest with two ships holding approx. 1,000 passengers). For some reason, Crystal seems to enjoy being different. As kitty9 mentioned, they are not all-inclusive but feel that giving large OBCs makes up for it. Many will not sail on Crystal because they do not want to sign for every drink or have set seating. Kitty9 is also correct that they are changing their set seating policy in 2011. . . . however, you are looking at this year (I assume). Rather than having true open seating in 2011, you will be able to make a reservation 24 hours in advance for a table for 2, 4, etc. I suppose some people can plan who they would like to dine with 24 hours in advance. . . . . guess we are simply more spontaneous. Now that it sounds like I'm bashing Crystal. . . . . . I'll give the other side. They do, in fact, have the best entertainment and good enrichment lectures and regularly win top luxury cruise ship awards (by a very small margin).

Seabourn has three older ships (built in the early 90's) that carry 209 passengers and two new ships that carry 450. They have very high ratings for food and service. As kitty9 mentioned, the smaller ships do not have balconies and do not have much entertainment. The newest ship, Sojourn, has very high ratings. The other new ship, the Odyssey has had some issues in its first year that will undoubtedly be fixed when it is drydocked.

We are going on Silversea for the first time in November. They have two ships that hold 296 passengers -- built in 1994/1995, two ships that hold 382 passengers -- built in 2001 and one ship holding 540 passengers that was built in 2009. They have a third ship, that holds 132 passengers. . . . not too familiar with it. Silversea is probably the most formal of the cruise lines (and they appear to be quite proud of this fact). I've spent most of the last two months researching their new ship, the Silver Spirit. Reviews have been very good -- including for service and food (they did have some uneven reviews a couple of years ago.

Regent is the most inclusive of the luxury lines and has a Elegant Casual dress code on all cruises under 15 nights. They have two all-balcony ships that hold 700 passengers (built in 2001 and 2003) and one ship that is 80% balconies -- holds 490 passengers and was built in 1999. Regent includes airfare, most excursions, tips, beverages -- both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Food is subjective -- and, I'm the first to admit that I have had a couple of meals that I didn't care for. They were replaced promptly by the server. I assume this is the same on other luxury lines. The service has been consistantly excellent. All three ships went through major $20M+ renovations within the past year and look like new shps.

Kitty9 mentioned families -- this is apparently the future of luxury cruising. All luxury lines have mentioned the number of children on the ships this summer (particularly Silversea and Seabourn). Some cruise lines have programs for children -- others do not. In any event, if you cruise during school breaks or Christmas, the odds are that there will be children on board.

Smoking may or may not be an issue for you. While there are limited smoking areas on all the ships, smoking is allowed in suites and on balconies on all luxury cruise lines with the exception of Regent where smoking is not allowed in suites or balconies.

In terms of a transatlantic cruise -- possibly in November. I looked up Regent and Crystal's transatlantic cruises. They both make port stops --Regent is 14 nights and Crystal is 20 nights. The "from" price is within $100 of each other. This does make Crystal less expensive because it is more days. . . . however, you would need to look at the Crystal website to learn what type of OBC it offers, if airfare is included, etc. Regent is running a 50% Single Supplement. I could not find a special on the Crystal website -- but it could be there and I just don't see it.

Please let us know what you decide and if you have addidtional questions.:)

My only luxury cruising experience has been with Crystal - but I have felt no need to go elsewhere. One reason is the 25% single supplement which allows me to go on more cruises! I've been on 4 Crystal cruises (41 days totel) with 3 more booked (39 more days).

Kitty9 did a very good job describing the Crystal experience. I just love sea days on Crystal with all of the activities available. The lecturers are superb. The "problem" is too much to do and not enough time.:)

In looking at the schedule for Nov - Dec. 2011, that you said is your target date, I see that the Serenity will be in Europe and then coming back to the US (Istanbul to Venice, Venice to Barcelona, Barcelona to Lisbon and Lisbon to Miami). The Symphony will be in North America doing a Panama Canal (Miami to Los Angeles), Mexican Rivieras and, finally, Hawaii from Los Angeles.

Good luck in exploring what the various lines have to offer and then making your decision.

Patty

Steve,

Here is my advice.

First, I would find a travel speciailist who specializes in luxury cruise travel and someone who has sailed on all these lines. I can't stress enough the importance of this because you can talk this through with the TA and learn a great deal and figure out which line might be a better match for you. In the end, you may find that several of the lines works for you and it is a matter of the itinerary and the price.

Second, pick up a copy of the Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships. It is available on Amazon and to me is the encyclopedia of cruising. It has wonderful writeups on the cruise lines and most importantly the cruise ships.

Third, get brochures on each line. True, they help to marke the line but you will find a lot of information about the ships and the cruise line and just reading little items such as the dress attire and what is offereing during the cruise is important. Also, not all cruise ships within a line are created equally so study the deck plans and what is offered on each ship. Seabourn not only has different size ships, but Silversea now does as well. Also, visit the internet sites for each line.

Forth, go to the Cruise Critic site for each line. Don't get caught up in all the comments but do what I call the 90/10 rule. This rule means that until you have experienced the cruise yourself if 90% or so of the folks tend to say this is great about the cruise line or this is bad about the cruise line consider this as fact until you can see for yourself.

In the end, these are all luxury lines. I do have my preference but that is not relevant and we have had good times on the thread luxury cruise lines we have sailed on. Yes, there are some things that each line excels in and I call them their core strengths.

Good luck to you but I highly recommend that you consult with a highly experience travel specialist whose expertise includes luxury cruise lines and I hope that you followup on all of the items I have listed because in the end I truly believe this will help you make the decision that is best for you.

Best of luck in your search. In the end, please post and let us know what you decide.

Keith

Thanks all, for your well-considered advice and guidance! I'm off to Las Vegas for the week (a conference) so will not likely do much with this until I return. One thing I'd prefer to do is book with AMEX so I get my Platinum benefits, so I'll have to inquire whether they have a luxury specialist.

I'll keep you all posted! Thanks again,

Steve

Hope you have a great time in Vegas! When you get back, I wouldn't worry too much if the Agent at Amex has not personally cruised on all the luxury lines. Besides, even luxury TA's have strong preferences for particular cruise lines. The important thing is that the TA is responsive and willing to get answers for you from the cruise line.

You may want to stop at a Barnes and Noble or other book store - it should not take long to browse the information on luxury lines. If you have the time for more indepth detail, certainly purchase a book. I understand that most people do not have the time to spend hours/days doing research. Specific questions can certainly be answered on the individual boards on CC.

In terms of comparisons (cabin/suite size, dining venues, what is and is not included), it is readily available on the websites. Very easy to make comparisons. When you go onto the individual boards for the luxury lines on CruiseCritic, keep in mind that each board has kind of a built in prejudice (i.e., it would be rare to find someone on the Crystal board recommending Seabourn). You may want to do a search on the boards (Seabourn vs. Silversea, Regent vs. Crystal, etc.) as much has been written on the subject.

Steve, you can book with a luxury travel specialist who is associated with American Express or another one who is associated with one of the other major travel consortiums who can either obtain your Platinum Benefits or the can compare it to their own benefits that their consortium uses and take the one that provides the most benefits.

Again, find one who is not only a luxury travel specialist but who has sailed on most or ideally all of the luxury lines. A good Travel Specialist is a wonderful asset IMHO.

Keith

For you very first luxury cruise, I cannot recommend Crystal Cruises more highly! It is an awesome experience with absolutely divine dining. Lunch soups are the height of gourmet delight. Supper caviar is supreme. The dining room is gorgeous and on the waterline, so the view is great.

Since you are traveling alone, be aware they have wonderful ballroom dancing nightly at which singles are greatly welcome. They have gentleman hosts for the single women, but the hosts are very pleased to have single men give them a break and dance with the ladies.

The shops aboard are luxurious. The treatment you get is totally regal. You simply can't go wrong with a Crystal Cruise. I totally want the assigned seating...I WANT my own personal waiter (on Crystal you get two) who learns what I want, how fast I like to be served, etc.

I thought my cabin was perfectly adaquate and love how I could lie in bed and look out.

It was worth every dime.

Keith's advice is, as usual, the most useful. Find a good TA who is well versed with all the luxury lines and talk to him/her about your preferences while cruising so that he/she can best guide you to the line which suits you most. This is much more helpful than peoples' personal preferences. Remember, there is no best cruise line, just the one each of us prefers.

And Keith is also right about the Amex Platinum benefits. Any TA can get you those by calling Amex with your booking number and getting a tracking number.

Enjoy whichever cruise you choose.

Again, find one who is not only a luxury travel specialist but who has sailed on most or ideally all of the luxury lines. A good Travel Specialist is a wonderful asset IMHO.

 

Keith

Keith: Really not trying to disagree with you. You have given this advice to several CC'ers and, ideally, it would be a perfect situation. I posted my view partly so you might think through what it means for a "Travel Specialist" to have experience on all of the luxury lines. Aside from the fact that there are 14 or 15 ships that change constantly, going on one Silversea ship (for instance) does not give the same experience as the other ships in the fleet. We are going on the Silver Spirit, but , in no way do I expect that this would make me better able to discuss the Cloud (recently had a major refurbishment) or the Legend that will undergo a major refurbishment in March 2011. A "Specialist" that has sailed on the Seabourn Odyssey, but not the "triplets" (or visa versa) would base their knowledge solely on what they read, hear, etc. Before I even step on board the Spirit, I know which suites to avoid (above a lounge where the music is drifting upward into the suites). I learned that from several CC posters.

Being a Crystal passenger, it probably isn't too difficult to keep track of the two ships. They have no doubt gone through major refurbishments over the years. Has your TA sailed both ships before and after these refurbishments?

I am most familiar with Regent's three ships and have sailed all three before and after the refurbishments. The information posted on CruiseCritic has been very accurate in terms of the upgrades and improvements to the ships. CruiseCritic members have a lot of first hand information. Others, like myself, have the time to study the ships by reading everything I can get my hands on. I'm amazed at how many errors I find in some books -- old information, etc.

Perhaps you are underestimating the information shared on CruiseCritic by posters? While few agree on the quality of food since that is so subjective. . . . and, staff changes can make differences in the onboard experience.

My advice is not that much different than yours. Certainly a TA with luxury cruise experience is great -- simply don't expect them to know everything. Check in with CruiseCritic and other luxury boards. Read reviews. But, most importantly, see which cruise line (and ship) most closely meets your needs. Is a balcony important? Are you looking for a small intimate ship or a larger one with lots of things to do. . . . . You mentioned single supplements. . . . that is another item to check out. What is important to some people (Brockwest wanting set seating for instance) is unappealing to others. By the way, Brockwest, we sit in the same section every day so that we do have the same servers -- the only difference is that we can sit at any size table we wish to each day. The luxury lines being considered are quite different. . . . it is a bit like the fairy tale of the Three Bears. . . . . one of them will be just right for you:)

TravelCat, many of the good travel specialists have saile on all the luxury cruise lines. I never said all ships, but rather all lines. I know of many who have sailed on all lines and have a wealth of information to share.

I have truly come to realize that a great TA is the best bet for someone because they can talk with them to find out what the like in cruising and if a first time cruiser they can find out what they like in general and then come up with recommendation(s).

You see we know nothing about the posters here so to constantly be recommending x line vs y line without a whole lot of information is really not doing them justice.

And, I do believe that if someone follows the steps that I mentioned then the can come back to CC with a few questions that are focused on one or more specific lines.

The best advice I can give is to those people I can either meet in person or have a telephone discussion with because before I offer advice I like to ask a lot (and I mean a lot) of questions and that is just not possible on these boards.

Anyway,I think the steps I mentioned are good ones and again to me the key is to start with a good travel specialist and there are some very strong ones out there.

Keith

I just want to add that while I have cruise Crystal the most of the luxury lines I have the benefit of having cruise on two other luxury lines (Seabourn and Silversea).

Again, I think its best for someone to do the research. I can't see offering them a recommendation based on one post because you really don't know the person. And I wouldn't want to make my decision on posting this myself and getting a few responses.

And the reality is that each person tends to push one or two lines.

I was able to give advice without recommending any lines.

Keith

I just want to add that while I have cruise Crystal the most of the luxury lines I have the benefit of having cruise on two other luxury lines (Seabourn and Silversea).

 

Again, I think its best for someone to do the research. I can't see offering them a recommendation based on one post because you really don't know the person. And I wouldn't want to make my decision on posting this myself and getting a few responses.

 

And the reality is that each person tends to push one or two lines.

 

I was able to give advice without recommending any lines.

 

Keith

I am definitely not recommending any one line (not even Regent). My intent was to state facts about each of the luxury cruise lines (although, the fact that Crystal does not meet our needs was fairly clear). The most important thing is what works for, in this case, Steve.

Admittedly, the fact that I cruise Regent almost exclusively does make a statement as does the fact that you have cruised two lines other than Crystal and still prefer Crystal. I believe that Steve will understand our prejudices and will make a decision based on his requirements. IMO, it is always a good idea to share your possible prejudice with the OP.:)

While no one is recommending any particular line all one has to do is read between the lines to discern which cruise line one prefers. And when I second Keith's advice to talk to a knowledgeable TA I mean one who has sailed all the lines him or herself and has personal experience as well as great contacts. An armchair TA is never a good idea.

I agree with Henry 100% on this.

I have gone out of my way not to recommend one line over the other on this thread as it really doesn't help the original poster. The biggest advice I can give is to do the type of research I spoke about, even including reading the book I mentioned. Even today, I learn from that book. But most importantly is finding a travel specialist who has sailed on each of the luxury cruise lines. It's not necessary to have sailed on each ship, although on certain lines that have recently introduced new ships it would be good for them to sail on one new ship per line as the newer ones do provide a different experience than the original set due to the differences in size. We have met several luxury travel specialists in our travels who have this first hand experieince. It's key so they can talk this through with their client based on what the client has to say about their likes and dislikes. And sometmes one cruise ship/cruise iine is good for one itinerary specific cruise while another luxury cruise line/ship is more apprpriate for another itinerary specific voyage depending on the likes of the client.

Keith

While no one is recommending any particular line all one has to do is read between the lines to discern which cruise line one prefers. And when I second Keith's advice to talk to a knowledgeable TA I mean one who has sailed all the lines him or herself and has personal experience as well as great contacts. An armchair TA is never a good idea.

Don't think anyone is recommending a TA with no experience. I, too, know TA's . . . . one of them heavily prefers Seabourn, one prefers Regent another one is currently getting a certification in luxury cruising and is going on all luxury cruise lines and one, part of Virtuoso's consortium has not taken a luxury cruise but has years of experience in non-luxury cruises (our former TA).

I am curious. . . . how recently do you feel that a TA should have cruised all of the luxury lines? And, are you recommending a brick and mortar TA or internet? Any feelings about the TA's listed on CruiseCritic and some cruise line websites (Regent for instance).

I have only sailed on Crystal. However, I plan on trying other luxury lines as my son goes off to college and my wife and I have more flexibility in our schedules. Each line appears to have a different personality, and it comes through in all their materials. Regent has those great cabins and an all inclusive fare. Seaborn and Silverseas appear to have intimate ships where you are waited on hand and foot. Crystal takes luxury and applies it to a big ship, where you have all the activities and in what's important to us, a pretty good children's program. You need to decide what's important to you. A good TA will help that as well.

The best TA is one that doesn't have a bias toward on cruise line over the other and if they do they don't let it interfere with their recommendations. There are really many out there like that. The TA doesn't have to work in a big building although they could. Many good ones now work from their home. The key is their experience and I prefer one associated with an agency that is affiliated with a major travel consortium or a major independent.

There are many out there that fit the bill and of course a lot more who don't when it comes to the luxury cruise lines but they are out there and I have spoken with several of them. Their experience is part of the value added service that they can add to the business that each of their clients brings to them.

Keith

Certainly, imo, a brick and mortar TA as opposed to an internet one. Especially for a first time luxury cruiser it's important to sit face to face with the TA, spend some time discussing needs and wants and getting advice. I agree with Keith it's crucial to find a TA who is not biased. I know of many who are so and I would avoid them.

Certainly, imo, a brick and mortar TA as opposed to an internet one. Especially for a first time luxury cruiser it's important to sit face to face with the TA, spend some time discussing needs and wants and getting advice. I agree with Keith it's crucial to find a TA who is not biased. I know of many who are so and I would avoid them.

Cannot argue with an opinion -- just want to make sure I understand what you and Keith recommend. You recommend a brick and mortar TA , who has no bias, has been on all of the luxury cruise lines. . . . and, if the cruise line has a new ship that is a different experience than their other ships (Silversea and Seabourn), the brick and mortar TA needs to have been on those as well.

Hmmmm, it would take me a heck of a long time to find that kind of perfection. Actually, we have not used a brick and mortar TA since the invention of the internet. The best TA's we have worked with have been located across the country from us. This has in no way hindered communication. After all, this is the 21st century, we have more ways to communicate (even face to face via computer) than we have ever had. In any event, IMO, having impeccable references and specializing in luxury cruising is critical. We also prefer to work with an "agency" that specializes in luxury travel rather than one person. That way there is always someone available to give assistance.

In addition to a TA, I recommend CruiseCritic to my friends who are interested in cruising and TripAdvisor for those interested in land travel. Both sites have a wealth of information. In addition to information about specific ships, you can learn what is currently going on in the industry and hear the latest "talk" about specific cruise lines (while this is still a rumor, word on the Silversea board is that they will be tightening their smoking policy). Where else could you learn this stuff?

As mentioned previously, the OP wants to take a vacation -- not build a rocketship. If I were going to Paris and wanted a specific type of hotel, it would be incredibly easy to research. While finding the right cruise line is a bit more difficult than finding a hotel, I don't feel that it is a monumental task. If anything, it is enjoyable to learn about the different luxury lines and decide which would probably be the best fit. We decided upon Regent on our own (the TA came afterwards). . . . we also made the decision to give Silversea a try (and notified our TA which cruise we would like to be booked on).

Just trying to simplify the process.

I am going on my first luxury cruise later this year and have found it invaluable to use an experienced TA. Even here in Perth as small a a city as it is compared to American cities we have a few TA groups that specialise in Luxury travel and especially Luxury cruising. I have found it great to go to the office and chat to people who have sailed the various lines recently, within the last year, and get their opinion. They were able to help me choose based on what was important to me and my husband. Also helpful for clearing up dress codes etc.

I do book via the internet for travel when I feel comfortable about where I am going and how I am travelling. I have also frequently used trip adviser in the past. But in my humble opinion for a first time it helps to speak to a specialised TA face to face. Less likely to have mixed messages as can occur over the discussion boards sometimes.

Regards, Julie

I am going on my first luxury cruise later this year and have found it invaluable to use an experienced TA. Even here in Perth as small a a city as it is compared to American cities we have a few TA groups that specialise in Luxury travel and especially Luxury cruising. I have found it great to go to the office and chat to people who have sailed the various lines recently, within the last year, and get their opinion. They were able to help me choose based on what was important to me and my husband. Also helpful for clearing up dress codes etc.

I do book via the internet for travel when I feel comfortable about where I am going and how I am travelling. I have also frequently used trip adviser in the past. But in my humble opinion for a first time it helps to speak to a specialised TA face to face. Less likely to have mixed messages as can occur over the discussion boards sometimes.

 

Regards, Julie

I think it's great that you found a TA that could help you so much. Just curious as to why you booked online instead of directly with the TA:confused:

I have my cruise booked with the TA as I haven't experienced luxury cruising before. In fact this is only my second cruise.

Land travel within Australia and Asia as I am familiar with it, I now tend to book on line but even then not all the time.

Cheers, Julie