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Luxury Cruising - Suggestions for Elegance without Formality?


Smokeyham
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Hello,

 

We'd love to hear your suggestions for a luxury cruise line which is elegant without being formal (i.e. a tuxedo and gowns are not required). Thinking of a line we can try out for a short cruise, with the potential of a round the world cruise in the future if we like the line.

 

Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

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if you do not want a casino and free drinks : the Europa 2

however the cruise fares are expensive indeed but the drinks and wines on board are not.

or Crystal : Crystal became rather easy concerning the dress code during the last years and is all inclusive.

on the other side Crystal does have the most expensive wine list ( wines to buy ) in the all inclusive luxury level with all the big guns on it ranging from Screaming Eagle to Pétrus.( at appropriate prices )

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I'm a fan of Regent; great food and service but in a country club casual environment. Seabourn also seems like they'd fit the bill. We haven't sailed them yet but my research tells me they'd be very similar and I'd book a Seabourn cruise in a heartbeat if the itinerary was right.

 

Good luck whatever you choose - there are some amazing choices out there.

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Three of the four major cruise line have become more casual in recent years (Crystal, Regent, Seabourn). Silversea still enjoys having lots of formal nights - they are unique and unlikely to change.

 

We also sail Regent and enjoy their Elegant Casual dress code (men wear slacks and a collared shirt while women typically wear slacks and a blouse or a skirt and top). Some people enjoy dressing up so you do see men in suits or sports jackets but it everyone quite accepting of the various styes of dress. One thing that is not acceptable after 6:00 p.m. on Regent is jeans, t-shirts, shorts, caps and flip-flops (but these fine during the day).

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Should seriously consider Sea Dream. Each of their two yachts hold 112 passengers. There are no balconies, but more than enough outside space that you don't miss them at all. Everything is country club casual. The food is better than what you find on Silversea or Regent, and any of the mainstream lines. If you want entertainment be aware that it doesn't exist, the fun at night is in the piano bar, though occasionally they show movies on deck or in the lounge in the evening.

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Regent, Azamara or Windstar are my choices

 

 

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Azamara. is not considered luxury but Windstar is (Windstar is a luxury yacht rather than a luxury cruise ship - there are a few categories of "luxury" - they are described in a few of the many recent threads on this board).. Azamara is the same class as Oceania and Viking Ocean - one step below luxury.

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We have sailed all three and I would suggest that Azamara is fantastic at a price point below Regent. Windstar is nice if you are looking for a small ship experience.

 

 

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We have sailed all three and I would suggest that Azamara is fantastic at a price point below Regent. Windstar is nice if you are looking for a small ship experience.

 

 

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Have heard good things about Azamara but their staterooms are a bit small for us. We have sailed Oceania and toured one of the ships that was sold off by Renaissance to Princess, Azamara, etc. IMO, they are a good alternative to Regent, Crystal, Silversea and Seabourn.

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Another vote for Regent, elegant but not formal, no tuxedos, ball gowns, open dining, included drinks. Great suites, all inclusive no tabs at the end of cruise,

Also as a Brit no gratuities, all in as I do not understand US tipping and the hand out culture.

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Regent is very nice, we love the all in pricing including Business Air to most destinations. A suite with a walk-in closet is our favourite little perk with Regent.

 

 

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Regent is very nice, we love the all in pricing including Business Air to most destinations. A suite with a walk-in closet is our favourite little perk with Regent.

 

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And if you get a Cat F or above on their new ship (Explorer), the layout is amazing. The bed faces the window so you can pull the curtains back and watch your port arrival...the bathrooms are spacious with a fantastic shower and double sinks.

 

There's a big plus to just writing the one check and being done with it. Of course, you CAN upgrade some excursions and wines and whatnot, but even without spending an extra dime, it's a great vacation.

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