What are the luxury cruise lines?

[keithm]

How many nights is your November cruise? We are doing a Silversea cruise, on their new ship, in a suite that is over 500+ft for approximately $10.5K (for two including air). I think that we are so accustomed to smaller ships (700 passengers or less) that it would be culture shock to go on a "British oceanliner":)

Our cruise is for 11 nights. The cost is approx. $8K for the 2 of us. If we were first time travelers, the cost would be closer to $9500-10K.

[wripro]

Just passing through King's Court makes me think of a high school cafeteria. And I have never seen a luxury high school cafeteria.

[sullaRaffaello]

Just passing through King's Court makes me think of a high school cafeteria. And I have never seen a luxury high school cafeteria.

 

I agree with WRIPRO about Kings Court. Went through there once on the first day to have a look. I've always said that the only persons who should be carrying a tray on a ship are the crew. Never went back.

 

However, I think that the Grills beat Seabourn for elegance. The best thing about Seabourn is the included liquor, the excellent food and the service. I was only on the Spirit, but I think the overall ship is far from what you'd call elegant or luxurious. Very nice, but, no comparison with the Grills. The decor and ambiance in the Grills is so much more refined. I find the service on Seabourn to be the eager beaver "what can I do to help you" American style service, while the Grills have an elegantly reserved, refined, and correct European style service. Having an assigned table in the Grills allows the waiters to get to know you and your preferences. You feel as though you're entering a private club. The other great aspect of Seabourn is the small number of passengers and the nearly 1 to 1 ratio of passenger to crew. The intimacy of that creates a fantastic experience, but is not of itself luxurious.

 

I agree with WRIPRO also, that outside the Grills, Cunard is not luxury. However, neither is it mass market. It is in a premium category that provides very good service. I found the bar/cocktail service on Cunard to be extremely friendly and efficient. Of course, the only problem is that I have to pay for the drinks! On Seabourn, I'm limited to the Sky Bar during the day, and the Club in the evening. On Cunard, there are usually at least 5 or 6 places at any given time where you can have a drink.

 

Please keep in mind also that my best experiences in the Grills were on the QM 2 and the QV. I was in the Queens Grill on the QE2's last crossing and that definitely was the worst of the three.

 

All in all, I like both lines very much and will continue to book both. I would encourage all who've not tried the Cunard Grills to try them and likewise Seabourn.

 

One other thing, however; on a short voyage, I just think you're wasting your money if you eat your meals anywhere other than the Grills, except of course, in between meal snacks.

[keithm]

Just passing through King's Court makes me think of a high school cafeteria. And I have never seen a luxury high school cafeteria.

Never been to a good prep school,eh?

[keithm]

I agree with WRIPRO about Kings Court. Went through there once on the first day to have a look. I've always said that the only persons who should be carrying a tray on a ship are the crew. Never went back.

 

However, I think that the Grills beat Seabourn for elegance. The best thing about Seabourn is the included liquor, the excellent food and the service. I was only on the Spirit, but I think the overall ship is far from what you'd call elegant or luxurious. Very nice, but, no comparison with the Grills. The decor and ambiance in the Grills is so much more refined. I find the service on Seabourn to be the eager beaver "what can I do to help you" American style service, while the Grills have an elegantly reserved, refined, and correct European style service. Having an assigned table in the Grills allows the waiters to get to know you and your preferences. You feel as though you're entering a private club. The other great aspect of Seabourn is the small number of passengers and the nearly 1 to 1 ratio of passenger to crew. The intimacy of that creates a fantastic experience, but is not of itself luxurious.

 

I agree with WRIPRO also, that outside the Grills, Cunard is not luxury. However, neither is it mass market. It is in a premium category that provides very good service. I found the bar/cocktail service on Cunard to be extremely friendly and efficient. Of course, the only problem is that I have to pay for the drinks! On Seabourn, I'm limited to the Sky Bar during the day, and the Club in the evening. On Cunard, there are usually at least 5 or 6 places at any given time where you can have a drink.

 

Please keep in mind also that my best experiences in the Grills were on the QM 2 and the QV. I was in the Queens Grill on the QE2's last crossing and that definitely was the worst of the three.

 

All in all, I like both lines very much and will continue to book both. I would encourage all who've not tried the Cunard Grills to try them and likewise Seabourn.

 

One other thing, however; on a short voyage, I just think you're wasting your money if you eat your meals anywhere other than the Grills, except of course, in between meal snacks.

Thank you. I totally agree with you about the Grills. I do believe, though for the price you pay.. the drinks should be included. You do get a free stocked bar in your suite, but it's a bit heavy to carry around the ship.

[Lard Greystoke]

Thank you. I totally agree with you about the Grills. I do believe, though for the price you pay.. the drinks should be included. You do get a free stocked bar in your suite, but it's a bit heavy to carry around the ship.

 

Isn't there a butler?

[wripro]

Only in QG.

[keithm]

Isn't there a butler?

Yes, the Queens Grill pax get butler service. You pay extra for that on many of the other so called luxury lines.

[wripro]

And you don't think you're paying extra for a butler in QG?

[kitty9]

Our butler in the QG suite on the QM2 was useless. Disappeared for most of the cruise, did very little. And you honestly think you don't pay for a butler in some way on Cunard? I agree with the talk of the King's Court. It was filthy, tables sticky with spilled drinks, floor filthy with spilled food and drink that no one bothered to clean. Plus, if I'm paying a premium for the QG, I certainly don't expect to see the same menu that's in the main dining room. Yes, yes, I know they have their ala carte menu, big deal. And when we asked to have something special prepared, it was as if we asked the chef to hunt/kill/skin a wild beast. When you pay the prices for a QG suite, the menu in the QG should never be the same as in the MDR. Cunard can call their line luxury all they want, but it's not reality. It's nothing more than a hopped up mass market line with a class system.

[Host Dan]

Our butler in the QG suite on the QM2 was useless. Disappeared for most of the cruise, did very little. And you honestly think you don't pay for a butler in some way on Cunard? I agree with the talk of the King's Court. It was filthy, tables sticky with spilled drinks, floor filthy with spilled food and drink that no one bothered to clean. Plus, if I'm paying a premium for the QG, I certainly don't expect to see the same menu that's in the main dining room. Yes, yes, I know they have their ala carte menu, big deal. And when we asked to have something special prepared, it was as if we asked the chef to hunt/kill/skin a wild beast. When you pay the prices for a QG suite, the menu in the QG should never be the same as in the MDR. Cunard can call their line luxury all they want, but it's not reality. It's nothing more than a hopped up mass market line with a class system.

Perfectly said Darcie..

 

Host Dan

[wripro]

I have to say that when I sailed in QG on QM2 twice special orders were not only accepted they were solicited. Every day at lunch the maitre d' would stop by the table and ask what we wanted for dinner that night or the next and if we said nothing he seemed disappointed. Now this was a couple of years ago so not sure if things have changed.

 

My problem with QM2 was that no matter how good things were in the QG or lounge the rest of the ship was mass market to me. I literally avoided walking through King's Court because I found it so distasteful. I think those of us who sail true luxury lines see these differences whereas those who haven't may not realize they exist. jmo.

[keithm]

Our butler in the QG suite on the QM2 was useless. Disappeared for most of the cruise, did very little. And you honestly think you don't pay for a butler in some way on Cunard? I agree with the talk of the King's Court. It was filthy, tables sticky with spilled drinks, floor filthy with spilled food and drink that no one bothered to clean. Plus, if I'm paying a premium for the QG, I certainly don't expect to see the same menu that's in the main dining room. Yes, yes, I know they have their ala carte menu, big deal. And when we asked to have something special prepared, it was as if we asked the chef to hunt/kill/skin a wild beast. When you pay the prices for a QG suite, the menu in the QG should never be the same as in the MDR. Cunard can call their line luxury all they want, but it's not reality. It's nothing more than a hopped up mass market line with a class system.

What do you expect the butler to do?Wait on you hand & foot? They provide services as needed. Never saw the Kings Court as you've discribed. You sound a bit prejudiced against Cunard, to say the least. We only used Kings Court if we needed to hurry for a shore excursion. Food was adaquate, but definately not gourmet. For quick food, it served it's purpose.

[Travelcat2]

I think that the issue here is simply that Cunard's ships do not qualify as "luxury" by the standards set forth by most travel writers and travel magazines (and, most passengers who actually sail on lux lines). The ship(s) sound like a home where one section is decorated in ultra luxury while the rest of the home is nice. . . . There is nothing wrong with the home or with the ships. . . . they just do not meet the definition of luxury that is accepted by most people.

[kitty9]

What do you expect the butler to do?Wait on you hand & foot? They provide services as needed. Never saw the Kings Court as you've discribed. You sound a bit prejudiced against Cunard, to say the least. We only used Kings Court if we needed to hurry for a shore excursion. Food was adaquate, but definately not gourmet. For quick food, it served it's purpose.

 

Quite the contrary. Absolutely loved the QE2, without question. She was beyond wonderful. But when Carnival took over Cunard, things went downhill. Surly service beyond anything I've ever experienced on 64 cruises. I was sitting with a woman who brought an ashtray into the Golden Lion from the casino. She was chastised by a waitress to take it back and not bring an ashtray from the casino again. I went to the "Help Desk" outside of the computer center to ask the woman manning the center for assistance on opening an account. She refused to put down the novel she was reading and just said, "Read the sheet above the computer and do what it says.". That's not helping. I found that surly attitude in many areas. I've been on most of the mass market lines out there, and all of the luxury lines and I've not experienced that poor level of service, even on the most bargain basement lines.

 

And no, I don't expect a butler to wait hand and foot and where did you even get that notion? From your posts, I could surmise that you have an affinity ONLY for Cunard. May I ask, have you even tried any of the real luxury lines?

 

And, I've had butler service on other lines, such as Crystal and Celebrity, and their butler service put Cunard's to shame. When we ordered room service breakfast in our QG suite, the butler was usually late with the order, never truly set the table (as butler's on other lines have done), and just plopped the tray on the table. Delivery of afternoon tea was spotty, at best, despite our telling the butler how much our mom looked forward to it each day. Oh, and we booked two QG suites, if that makes any difference.

[wripro]

Kitty9,

 

I completely agree. I did several crossings on the QE2 and she was a wonderful ship, truly what an ocean liner should be. QM2 is an ocean liner in construction but is run like a cruise ship. It's still a nice experience but not the same.

[keithm]

Quite the contrary. Absolutely loved the QE2, without question. She was beyond wonderful. But when Carnival took over Cunard, things went downhill. Surly service beyond anything I've ever experienced on 64 cruises. I was sitting with a woman who brought an ashtray into the Golden Lion from the casino. She was chastised by a waitress to take it back and not bring an ashtray from the casino again. I went to the "Help Desk" outside of the computer center to ask the woman manning the center for assistance on opening an account. She refused to put down the novel she was reading and just said, "Read the sheet above the computer and do what it says.". That's not helping. I found that surly attitude in many areas. I've been on most of the mass market lines out there, and all of the luxury lines and I've not experienced that poor level of service, even on the most bargain basement lines.

 

And no, I don't expect a butler to wait hand and foot and where did you even get that notion? From your posts, I could surmise that you have an affinity ONLY for Cunard. May I ask, have you even tried any of the real luxury lines?

 

And, I've had butler service on other lines, such as Crystal and Celebrity, and their butler service put Cunard's to shame. When we ordered room service breakfast in our QG suite, the butler was usually late with the order, never truly set the table (as butler's on other lines have done), and just plopped the tray on the table. Delivery of afternoon tea was spotty, at best, despite our telling the butler how much our mom looked forward to it each day. Oh, and we booked two QG suites, if that makes any difference.

Yes, I'm partial to Cunard. No I've not sailed on any of the other lines mentioned, though many friends have. They praised the lines they chose,especially Crystal or Seaborne. I have just never in the 5 voyages seen any of the poor behavior by staff that you've mentioned. I'm very observant of my surroundings & have never seen what you describe. I have,however, seen some pax act like bourgeois pains in the A. Perhaps that sort of behavior can really grate on the staff.

[keithm]

Kitty9,

 

I completely agree. I did several crossings on the QE2 and she was a wonderful ship, truly what an ocean liner should be. QM2 is an ocean liner in construction but is run like a cruise ship. It's still a nice experience but not the same.

I have to say that being "misted" with Evian spray bottles was quite enjoyable. We did the Grills last year & that wasn't done. I found the Queens Grill to be totally luxurious. We frequently went off menu with no problems at all. I understand the part about the rest of the ship, but it was a total luxury experience for us.

[jammerz]

Crystal is a very nice luxury ship and very family friendly.

[ponycruise]

So in my mind a Luxury cruise line means that 1) all drinks including spirits and all meals regardless of venue are inclusive with the fair and 2) every passanger gets the same treatment outside their stateroom.

[Keith1010]

So in my mind a Luxury cruise line means that 1) all drinks including spirits and all meals regardless of venue are inclusive with the fair and 2) every passanger gets the same treatment outside their stateroom.

 

This is a quote that comes directly from the annual cruising book published by Berlitz that I think is a good definition of a luxury cruise line.

 

"Luxury cruising should be a flawless combination of ship, facilities, food and service."

 

Just because things are included doesn't make it a luxury experience and I've also sailed on luxury lines where some items were not included and it was still a very luxurious experience. With that said, you will not find the nickel and diming on luxury lines as you do on most other lines.

 

Keith

[Travelcat2]

So in my mind a Luxury cruise line means that 1) all drinks including spirits and all meals regardless of venue are inclusive with the fair and 2) every passanger gets the same treatment outside their stateroom.

 

I agree with most of your definition. The most important thing to us is that every passengers gets the same treatment outside of their stateroom (or, suite, as is the case on most luxury ships).

 

The reason I disagree somewhat with the Berlitz definition is because there are ships (Oceania's Marina for example) that is said to have a flawless combination of ship, facilities, food and service. They are not, however, considered a luxury cruise line and are not inclusive (they are advertised as an ultra-premium cruise line). I believe that other premium lines may also fall under this definition.

 

 

IMO, there are four major luxury cruise lines: Crystal, Regent, Seabourn, Silversea and one could also include SeaDream (I need to also acknowledge that there are some cruise lines that U.S. and Canadian cruisers are not aware of).

 

As of mid-2012, all will be "inclusive" of gratuities, dining venues* and spirits**. Some include airfare all the time -- others on select sailings. Seabourn does not have included airfare. Regent includes some excursions and a optional pre-cruise night at a hotel (passengers receive a credit if they decide against that option).

 

* Silversea has one restaurant that has a substantial charge to dine at.

 

**Ultra-premium spirits are not included on any luxury line.

[Keith1010]

I agree with most of your definition. The most important thing to us is that every passengers gets the same treatment outside of their stateroom (or, suite, as is the case on most luxury ships).

 

The reason I disagree somewhat with the Berlitz definition is because there are ships (Oceania's Marina for example) that is said to have a flawless combination of ship, facilities, food and service. They are not, however, considered a luxury cruise line and are not inclusive (they are advertised as an ultra-premium cruise line). I believe that other premium lines may also fall under this definition.

 

 

IMO, there are four major luxury cruise lines: Crystal, Regent, Seabourn, Silversea and one could also include SeaDream (I need to also acknowledge that there are some cruise lines that U.S. and Canadian cruisers are not aware of).

 

As of mid-2012, all will be "inclusive" of gratuities, dining venues* and spirits**. Some include airfare all the time -- others on select sailings. Seabourn does not have included airfare. Regent includes some excursions and a optional pre-cruise night at a hotel (passengers receive a credit if they decide against that option).

 

* Silversea has one restaurant that has a substantial charge to dine at.

 

**Ultra-premium spirits are not included on any luxury line.

 

Yes, I do think the definition I posted is spot-on. The definition applies to the entire cruise line not one specific ship. Even passenger ratings for the entire line put it a notch below others such as the four or five luxury lines.

 

Same goes for Cunard. Queens Grill rates highly but not the rest of the ship.

 

Keith

[wripro]

All the luxury lines cited above rate far below Hapag-Lloyd's Europa. Perhaps there should be a new category.....uber luxury???? But judging from the thread above this one many people would be uncomfortable because English is not the primary language spoken on board.

[Travelcat2]

All the luxury lines cited above rate far below Hapag-Lloyd's Europa. Perhaps there should be a new category.....uber luxury???? But judging from the thread above this one many people would be uncomfortable because English is not the primary language spoken on board.

 

If Hapag-Lloyd's Europa (is that the only ship?) deserves an ultra luxury rating, it doesn't really matter if English is not the primary language spoken on board. The language spoken on board is a personal criteria (after way too many visits to Club Meds in my younger days).

 

P.S. Just went to their website. The Europa does not meet Keith's criteria. . . sorry. Actually Keith, the quote did not specify luxury cruise lines. . . . it simply said "luxury cruising". Therefore, there is no reason why individual ships would not qualify under that definition.