Luxury cruises...worth it?

[Kakk]

Would like some input. Is the cost for the luxury cruises worth it?

 

Thanks, in advance!

 

Kath

[Philip217]

Kakk,

While I can appreciate your curiousity, this question - and any answers you receive - will not be very helpful to you.

 

Only YOU can tell if a luxury cruise is worth it to YOU.

 

You can also ask:

 

Private Jets - worth it?

 

Private Yachts - worth it?

 

Rolls Royce - worth it?

 

60 room mansion - worth it?

 

......................................and receive equally worthless answers.

[cb at sea]

If money is no object and you are used to total luxury, then it's worth it--that's how you live! If you have to think about the cost, then it's more than likely too expensive for your budget!

The service on even the "non-luxury" liners is great--I guess it depends what you're looking for in a cruise!

[Happy ks]

If we could afford it...then it would be worth it. I'd gladly pay more for a more luxurious cruise. If we could afford it...we would love to upgrade the ship rather than the cabin we stay in. But as I price out cruises, even the lowly inside cabins on a luxury line cost far more than what we are comfortable paying.

 

But, if you are comparing costs to a more mass-market line as far as value for the dollar spent, I think what you pay in increased fare to a luxury line would not be a savings ie: included wine, beverages, robes. The upfront cost increase would not (for us) cover what we now spend onboard a mass-market ship.

 

So, the value has to be the luxury. If we could afford it we'd also fly only business or first class and drive nicer cars.

[Keith1010]

Kathy, all of this comes down to personal choice.

 

When we first cruised, we cruise on mass market and premium cruise lines. We did this for a variety of reasons including the fact that our two children cruised with us.

 

At one point as they became older we took them on two Luxury cruises with us. Now that we travel mainly by ourselves we primarily cruise on Luxury Cruise lines; specifically Crystal Cruises and Seabourn.

 

For us they are well worth the extra cost but clearly we know that for less money we could cruise on one of the Premum Cruise lines. We know we would have a nice time on the Premium Lines as we would on many cruise lines but for us it is much more special crusing on the Luxury Lines. We enjoy the five star cuisine and five star service of the luxury lines along with the varied ports of call, higher ratio of staff to passengers and many of the other amenities available to us.

 

Again, this is a very personal decision.

 

Keith

[Kakk]

WOW....didnt think I would get a lecture.....Thanks, Philip....(NOT))))....Lets rephrase this question....K???

 

IS there a big difference in the luxury cruises?

 

What are the perks?

 

Keith....thanks, I understand what you are saying. This is where we are in life...cruising couple. And you really like Crystal? The premium lines seem to have gone down in quality through my cruising years. I would like to find a line w/ the "ole" feel to it.

 

Sorry folks!

[Keith1010]

WOW....didnt think I would get a lecture.....Thanks, Philip....(NOT))))....Lets rephrase this question....K???

 

IS there a big difference in the luxury cruises?

 

What are the perks?

 

Keith....thanks, I understand what you are saying. This is where we are in life...cruising couple. And you really like Crystal? The premium lines seem to have gone down in quality through my cruising years. I would like to find a line w/ the "ole" feel to it.

 

Sorry folks!

 

In my opinion Crystal is a wonderful cruise line. It has outstanding cuisine, service, entertainment, beautiful ships, wonderful itineraries and a wonderful set of activities during the sea days. I can't say enough about the staff. It is truly a five star+ experience.

 

In the past two years my wife and I sailed on each of two full world cruises so we were on the ship for over 100 days for each of two years.

 

If you have questions, let me know.

 

Keith

 

Keith

[cwc]

We (hubby & I) don't really fit the luxury line market target audiant. Young (30s) and still working very very hard for money (60hrs week...not retired).

 

But vacation time are extremely precious to us. We choose lux. line because we know we will be well taken care of, no/less screaming kids (we have none) and good food while we enjoy each other company.

 

For us, luxury line worth every single penny... I just wish they will stop asking us if we are on our honeymoon... maybe we should stop googoo eye at each other during dinner that will help.:D

[lel5344]

We've never been on a luxury cruise. As a matter of fact, our most upscale cruise was on Celbrity Century (where we were lucky enough to dine at a table right next to the Captain's table, so our service was incredible).

 

I understand that smaller, more luxurious ships can go to ports that are a bit more off the beaten track, but, in our 7 cruises so far, there haveonly been 2 ports that were repeaters, so every place is "off the beaten track."

 

Also, our tastes are pretty simple and we find that the treatment and food and diversions we get on a mass market line suit us very well.

 

However, we still plan to cruise on Crystal at least once. We love to get dressed up and we have pretty good manners and we don't need to be entertained every second we're on board, so we might be a pretty good fit.

[kitty9]

Kakk, no one was lecturing you. You did only ask if the price of a luxury cruise was worth it. And the only answer to that particular question is: Depends on you and your personal situation.

 

But, your second post did clarify things that your first post did not. Are the perks worth the extra money? Definitely yes, if you can afford the costs. Better food that's not mass prepared hours in advance. Excellent service where the word "no" is not in their dictionary. Smaller ships and less passengers mean personalized service. No long lines for anything.

 

One of the reasons, other than money, that people tend to avoid luxury lines such as Crystal is because they are much more formal than the mass markets. Today, it seems cruise passengers are looking for the most casual cruise lines, and you won't find that on lines like Seabourn, Crystal or Silversea. Formal nights are an experience with most men in tuxes or dinner jackets and the women in lots of chiffon, sequins and lace. For whatever reason, most people seem to want to avoid the formal nights that the luxury lines have as a matter of course.

[dfb]

IS there a big difference in the luxury cruises?

 

What are the perks?

 

 

My only recent experience has been with a luxury line, Regent Seven Seas, or RSSC. But, the largest of their ships only accomodate about 700 passengers and I have never been onboard one that was full. So, say an experience with 600 or fewer people. This means a large passenger to space ratio. I have never been on Navigator or Paul Gaugin, so my only experience has been on Mariner and Voyager of the existing fleet and those 2 are all balcony suites. So, very nice cabins. Your cruise fare includes all beverages shipwide (alcohol and others included, excluding a few premium brands), a stocked mini-fridge in your cabin along with a constantly refreshed fruit bowl, 24-hour room service, including dinner menu of Compass Rose during dinner hours, tips are pre-paid in your fare, so no tipping onboard except the spa, casino and tours, no lines, no fixed-seating dining, no loudspeaker announcements except at 9am and noon unless there is some emergency, all specialty restaurants are included in the fare, there are no photographers in your face. The only extra onboard charges I can recall are for Internet, phone, tours, spa visits, doctor visits, gambling, photos. To me it is just a more pleasant and quiet experience, in a roomy and uncrowded physical setting, where the staff gets to know you and what you want and you aren't always feeling that you are being worked for a profit, or a tip. When someone asks you if you want a drink, they really are just offering you a drink, they are not selling you anything or working you for a tip. I guess I just prefer feeling like a guest than a customer. But, as the others have said it is a personal thing as to whether it is worth the extra cost or not. It really just depends on an individual's wants and needs. Debbie

[3GR8Sons]

Would like some input. Is the cost for the luxury cruises worth it?

 

Thanks, in advance!

 

Kath

 

I think this question is an individual decision. It is worth it to some people and not to others. In some cases the same person might make different choices under different circumstances.

[mamasue]

Would a 'luxury' cruise stop at different ports to the 'non luxury' ?

For DH and me..... any cruise is luxury.

[bar_20]

WOW....didnt think I would get a lecture.....Thanks, Philip....(NOT))))....Lets rephrase this question....K???

 

IS there a big difference in the luxury cruises?

 

What are the perks?

 

Keith....thanks, I understand what you are saying. This is where we are in life...cruising couple. And you really like Crystal? The premium lines seem to have gone down in quality through my cruising years. I would like to find a line w/ the "ole" feel to it.

 

Sorry folks!

 

First class air travel has gone down in quality as well as business class and coach. Same with premium and main line cruise lines. So what's your point. Nothing is like it used to be. Business' are trying to save money and have to compete with their competitors. I think you need to take one to find out. I would read as many reviews as possible to try a find the one that meets your needs.

[momofmeg]

If we could afford it...then it would be worth it. I'd gladly pay more for a more luxurious cruise. If we could afford it...we would love to upgrade the ship rather than the cabin we stay in. But as I price out cruises, even the lowly inside cabins on a luxury line cost far more than what we are comfortable paying.

 

But, if you are comparing costs to a more mass-market line as far as value for the dollar spent, I think what you pay in increased fare to a luxury line would not be a savings ie: included wine, beverages, robes. The upfront cost increase would not (for us) cover what we now spend onboard a mass-market ship.

 

So, the value has to be the luxury. If we could afford it we'd also fly only business or first class and drive nicer cars.

 

You expressed this best! I feel similiarly to you, I prefer better but if I can't afford better I will settle. One thing for sure, I am not a wione drinker so that would be no incintive, and I can bring my own robe from home! I am more interested in the smaller ships, and tha tis why I would love to go on a luxury line!

 

Your point about business class flying is perfect. Yes, all of us want more leg room, even if we are not interested in the free drinks. If we could afford it, of course we would fly business class!

[Two Cruzan]

Like most of the other folks have said, it depends on what you want. I've sailed on both mass market and luxury lines, and enjoyed both. One big advantage to luxury lines, is the ports. You only have 700 +/- fellow cruisers at the port, as opposed to 2,000, and there aren't other cruise ships with additional thousands of cruisers. The ports are off the beaten path, and to me much nicer. As far as the ships are concerned, yes the luxury ships are nicer, but as long as you tip your room steward early, the mass market ships will provide good service. It just comes down to a matter of personal preference.

 

As far as price, if you do a comparison of your entire trip, you might be surprised by at the affordability of the luxury cruises. Regent, for example, is throwing in the airfare and excursions, as well as no bar bill. We compared a cruise in the Med on Carnival to Regent, and found the total trip price to be about the same.

 

Hope this helps...

[Hlitner]

Think of it like trying to compare a Four Seasons to a Holiday Inn, or a top gourmet restaurant to a good banquet hall. You will also not fight to get a decent deck chair on the luxury lines and the top lines include tips, booze and just about everything else in their price which can top $1000 per person/day. Some of these high end ships are more like luxury yachts rather than floating Hyatt Regencies. We have been on 11 cruise lines including Seven Seas and Crystal, and if we had a lot more money we would cruise exclusively on those type ships. But, for cost/benefit the decent mass market and some smaller lines like Azamara and Oceania probably give the best value for your dollar.

 

Hank

[linda_22003]

I agree with those who say you have to decide what's worth it. When we were planning our first cruise, we listed everything that was important to us - a small ship (under 1000) doing an interesting itinerary, and we didn't want to be nickel and dimed with signing for drinks and tips every time we turned around. The choice happened to BE a luxury line, which fit all those criteria, so we took it. It's still the only one we've ever taken. We'll branch out at some point, but I doubt we would do a mass market megaship at this point.

[agabbymama]

I caught this program on TV last night.

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?t=954658

 

It's about the costs of an NCL Pearl cruise. And they interviewed one couple that had the Penthouse Suite (at such a steal, only $16,000) for a 7 day cruise. I would not pay that kind of money for a cruise, but if you got and want to, go for it.

 

It's all about what you want, what you can afford or are willing to go in hock for. While I'm happy on most ships with a veranda cabin, that isn't for everybody. Some are willing to go the cheapest inside cabin (where as I'm not). Some like the big mega-ships (2800-3000) passengers, again I'm not. There are so many choices out there, trying to fill the niche for everyone. I think that program last night said only like 17% of the people in the World are cruising, that leaves a huge market for them to try and entice.

 

Do your research, find a ship/cabin/price that you are willing to go with and have a wonderful time. ONLY YOU CAN SAY IF IT'S WORTH IT!

[momofmeg]

I would love to do a more luxurious cruise but as high as I can aspire I believe is Oceania or Amazara-why? Because It is not "worth it" to me to spend my life savings-LOL!

 

As far as spending $16,000 for a garden villa on NCL, it IS beautiful, ( I saw a video of one on youtube) but if I could afford it (well I could, if I never ate out, or bought any new clothes, never attended a play/ concert or rarely did anything else that year BUT take a $16,000 cruise) for that kind of money I believe I would go for Regent.

[momofmeg]

I would love to do a more luxurious cruise but as high as I can aspire I believe is Oceania or Amazara-why? Because It is not "worth it" to me to spend my life savings-LOL!

 

As far as spending $16,000 for a garden villa on NCL, it IS beautiful, ( I saw a video of one on youtube) but if I could afford it (well I could, if I never ate out, or bought any new clothes, never attended a play/ concert or rarely did anything else that year BUT take a $16,000 cruise) for that kind of money I believe I would go for Regent.

 

After this discussion this morning I decided to look up the cost of a Regent cruise. I found I could book a suite for considerably less than the NCL Garden Villa, of course it would not be as nice I suppose, since the GV is really an apartment with 3 bedrooms, a living area, a kitchenette and huge balcony, but I still think if I was willing to spend more money I would go for that before the NCL Garden Villa.

 

However, NCL is fine for more affordable cruising on a mainstream line. We found our minisuite was comfortable for 3 adults. So for those who can't afford the luxury lines but want a nice affordable, comfortable, room for 3 adults, this works well.

[Kagehitokiri]

entry prices per night per couple >

 

~$500

- most all-inclusive cruiselines

- 3BR garden villa

[Jade13]

WOW....didnt think I would get a lecture.....Thanks, Philip....(NOT))))....Lets rephrase this question....K???

 

IS there a big difference in the luxury cruises?

 

What are the perks?

 

Keith....thanks, I understand what you are saying. This is where we are in life...cruising couple. And you really like Crystal? The premium lines seem to have gone down in quality through my cruising years. I would like to find a line w/ the "ole" feel to it.

 

Sorry folks!

 

We were on Minerva in Antarctica. I do not know if it is considered luxury but it was through A&K. All I can say is that it was all-inclusive and there is no comparison to the service we received vs a mass market (especially Celebrity). We are going on another luxury line, SilverSeas and it was deeply discounted so paying the "Premium/Mass market" rate, so I think it will be worth it. This one too is an all inclusive expedition.

 

Note that when shore excursions are added they really add to the value as we can easily spend more on excursions vs a cruise fare. Also, for those who drink a lot of alcohol (not us) these all-inclusives have a great value. Those on the Minerva sat in the bar all day/night and had unlimited Champagne, wines, after dinner drinks etc.

 

Perhaps you can tell us what you are looking at?

[Jade13]

entry prices per night per couple >

 

~$500

- most all-inclusive cruiselines

- 3BR garden villa

 

Entry level per night per couple for a ten night cruise at $500.00 per night is $2,500 per person. I would consider that a mass market price (I know HAL, Princess, & Celebrity use the term "Premium") However, the Caribbean is a different story since it is usually really cheap because of the competition.

[Kagehitokiri]

"all-inclusive" as in seabourn, seadream, silversea, regent.

 

transatlantic is cheapest for at least 3, if not all 4.

 

dont remember if 1 is cheapest elsewhere. i do remember for example garden villa is cheapest elsewhere, as well as cunard.

 

i paid $225/nt single on seabourn transatlantic.