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Luxury Ship Within Ship Versus "True" Luxury Cruises!


bamelin
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Someone asked for an opinion from a person who has sailed both in the upper suites of main stream and luxury. I'll ask my friend to post here. She has sailed a lot and finally gave up the top suites on main stream and sails only luxury.

 

 

Thank you Travelcat.

 

I do think it's an important distinction though that there is a big difference between staying in a suite versus staying in a "luxury" area such as the Haven and Yacht Club ... you can be in a suite but not be in the luxury area on many mainstream lines. The luxury ship in ship concept is fairly new and only on a few mainstream lines right now.

 

Haven on Norwegian and Yacht Club on MSC are not so much upgrades on room size (although you CAN get that too in these areas) so much as they are upgrades on service, food and facilities. It's the stated goal of Yacht Club to essentially mimic the small luxury cruise/yacht experience.

 

That's why I posted here ... to see if anyone has done both a luxury cruise and those specific "luxury" ship in ship experiences to see how they compare.

Edited by bamelin
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Yes! The luxury ships have much smaller passenger loads and much higher per passenger space ratios. (Very few have inside cabins, most have at least portholes/windows.). We had similar misgivings when we booked Wndstar for two weeks, sailing in a 180 s/f cabin when the smallest cabin we had ever been in before was about 600 s/f on the Dianey Dream, which offers a ship within a ship experience for suites.

 

By the end of the second day we were over the fears. The cabin was spacious enough for what we used it for--sleeping and showering. We found that there was more space in nooks and crannies in the public areas than you could imagine. We never saw chair hogging. Even on sea days we were always able to find chairs by the pool. We also found that we had much in common with our fellow passengers, and wanted to spend time with them. The intimate environment made it easy to make friends, and one has become a close friend who I speak to almost every week. On the mass market lines, like you we wanted to stay away from the masses. We never met anyone.

 

You don't have to hide, because you can get a table for two at your meals--or share if you prefer. There are no disturbances like conga lines and hairy chest games while you are trying to relax. The environment is intellectually stimulating yet serene at the same time.

 

If you don't want to sit by the pool, you'll find any number of other places to sit and enjoy each others company with no one else around. It's actually quite amazing.

 

Speaking for Wndstar, they include all non-alcoholic beverages including specialty coffees, sodas, bottled water, etc. and your room fridge will be kept stocked. Ours had a bunch of stuff we don't drink, and I asked for just ginger ale and a couple of bottles of water, and they gladly replaced it. I never drank the ginger ale as we had smooth sailing. :)

 

They also don't push shore excursions, and will gladly give you info and brochures on your ports so you can DIY. They have bikes you can borrow, might be a nominal fee, we would go that route if we went back to a couple of the ports we visited in Croatia.

 

The entire experience is so different. So relaxing, never a line for anything, and they think of things you wouldn't even consider. The entire two weeks there was one time that I missed not having a balcony, and it was one morning where I wish I could have stuck my head out to see the temperature. Seriously. One time, for one minute.

 

They allow you to bring your wine on, if you drink it in the dining room there will be a corkage fee, but it's rather reasonable. Any bartender is happy to hand you as much stemware as you need for your cabin, or the Steward will supply it for you.

 

The experience is night and day, and we again booked the smallest room for our PG cruise next year, because a small room on a luxury ship is better than the royal suite on a mass market. Having done both, I can state this without hesitation.

 

Hey thanks for this post ducklight. Windstar is one of the lines we've also been looking at. Your description sounds fantastic.

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Thank you for sharing your Haven experience ... I've heard from some people that stayed in MSC's Yacht Club but never from somebody who stayed in Haven. I've heard it's really nice in terms of the facilities and some of the perks like the steakhouse.

 

My research on The Haven versus MSC's Yacht Club is that (alcoholic) drinks aren't free in The Haven while they are all inclusive in MSC's Yacht Club ... with that said it appears the Haven suites are more "spectacular" ... lots of top end suites.

 

One thing though ... I priced out Haven suites and they were VERY expensive .... 2500 pp on up. You might be surprised and find out you CAN afford a luxury ship after all ... many of them cost about the same or even less for a 7 day.

 

We are doing an 11 day Southern Caribbean with port stops in St Thomas, St Kitts, St Lucia, Curacao, and Aruba. Leaves out of Miami.

 

The total cost for our 1 bedroom Haven suite is $5800. I had a $250 cruise credit that I purchased on my last cruise and I used it towards the deposit when I booked. And we will receive a $300 OBC for booking more than 9 months in advance and another $150 OBC for being in a Haven room. We also have a NCL Mastercard and will have enough points earned by the time of the cruise to get at least another $500 in OBC. We will be using the OBC to pay for any excursions and/or for fee restaurants that we'll eat in. I would like to try out at least 3 or 4 of them.

 

The free alcohol on cruises doesn't matter to us because my husband doesn't drink and I may have 4 or 5 drinks during the entire cruise. We prefer coffee or iced tea.

 

I'll have to check into some of the other cruiselines. The main reason I had gone with NCL the first time is because I knew they had the freestyle eating concept and preferred that over having to choose a particular time to eat and having to eat with the same people everyday. Doesnt matter to me that the wait staff know what I want to drink before I ever sit down. I never know from day to day when I'll be hungry or what I'll be doing that day so wanted to play it by ear on the ship.

 

But I'll start looking into some of the other cruiselines. We also prefer a port that we can drive to. Still having a teenager at home and only one working adult, we don't have a lot of extra money so have to take into consideration the cost of airfares and hotels and such.

Edited by perkydebrajean
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Mostly NCL...you always get very very good treatment in one of the suites, especially The Haven. You have a butler as well as a personal concierge. You also will not have to have breakfast in the MDR, you may use their steak house. We will be on Pride of America again in October. They do not have a Haven, but when you are on one of the big ships, they will, and it is very nice. The large ships have a selection of restaurants. The concierge will escort you on and off any time. Of course you pay for the specialty restaurants.

 

Celebrity - Beautiful Penthouse suites and generally very good butlers, but they even get you for water! You pay for the specialty restaurants.

 

Azamara - I have only been on a ship "like them" but they are considerably smaller, and I have heard they have fabulous service. I believe wine is included, but not cocktails.

 

Regent and Crystal are supposed to be unsurpassed. We have been in top suites in both. Crystals CP is wonderful and their butlers are really, really first class. Plenty of Cavier. Great food. Regent has two bedrooms which I like. Good butlers. Bland décor. Restrictions on specialty restaurants, only twice a cruise. Crystal kind of has that same policy, but they bend more. Neither of these two are worth the money. Regent does include tours if you don't mind being bussed around.

 

Seabourn - My experience was unspeakably bad. Really all inclusive. Lots of Cavier. Only so-so suites. No butler. Owned by Carnival, need I say more. All experiences are not bad, I suppose.

 

Oceania which is only considered Premium Plus is for me the best. We started on their smaller R ships and found them very classic and homey. Then we found the Riviera. The Owners Suite is the most lovely cabin at sea. We find that paying for the liquor package and the internet (you get a lower price for the biggest suite) really brings everything within focus. Having access to 5 or so restaurants at no extra charge is a real plus.

 

If you have additional questions, you may email me at ciraulo1@earthlink.net I hesitate to post a lot on the board as ones words are sometimes either criticized or twisted.

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I must say that I have had escorts on most of the lines, both premium and luxury on multiple occasions. Don't talk about it much. Norwegian does have a special section for the shows, this is a fine perk. We formerly did a lot of Royal Caribbean but when they did away with butlers, we went to Celebrity and then moved on. Lest I sound like a spoiled brat, I worked 17 hours a day for 37 years in a 24/7 business. I love a cruise line where I am pampered. I do not want to have to worry about reservations, seats, etc.

 

And yes, Windstar is wonderful. Small cabins, but we have done them four times.

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I suspect that most of the passengers in MSC Yacht Club or NCL Haven are previous passengers from these lines who "move up." I doubt they will ever get many converts from true luxury lines because those passengers value intimacy, great service and small ships, not production shows, water slides and kids all over.

 

As for the luxury lines many people have their own preferences and NO ONE should accept another poster's description as gospel. It is just their opinion.

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Agree Wripro. And, although Caroldoll and I are friends, we do not want to be on a cruise line that has a "class" system -- where some passengers can go to the front of the line -- go to special restaurants where other passengers are not allowed, etc. As in real life, I don't care if the person I'm dining next to is a billionaire or barely able to afford dinner. If you can afford to pay for dinner or cruise on a ship, everyone should be treated equally. Some passengers pay for larger cabins/suites and may have a butler...... but, once you step foot outside of your cabin -- the special treatment should be received by all passengers. JMHO!

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Agree Wripro. And, although Caroldoll and I are friends, we do not want to be on a cruise line that has a "class" system -- where some passengers can go to the front of the line -- go to special restaurants where other passengers are not allowed, etc. As in real life, I don't care if the person I'm dining next to is a billionaire or barely able to afford dinner. If you can afford to pay for dinner or cruise on a ship, everyone should be treated equally. Some passengers pay for larger cabins/suites and may have a butler...... but, once you step foot outside of your cabin -- the special treatment should be received by all passengers. JMHO!

 

I guess I should feel guilty for trying to give my daughter something special for her graduation present and something special for my husbands birthday with our upcoming cruise.

 

So maybe the cruiselines shouldn't have loyalty programs either. Because some people are recieving special perks from those that other passengers won't get.

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Speaking for myself the big issue is that my wife and I love balcony cabins ... to the point that we won't cruise on mainstream lines without it.

 

IF we were to ever stretch for a luxury cruise the most we would be able to afford would be the lowest category cabin (an inside or oceanview cabin). We aren't sure if the added benefits of being on a luxury ship would make up for not having a balcony.

 

For reference on mainstream cruises we spend inordinate amounts of time on our balcony, even eating our MDR meals on our balcony, drinking the personal bottles of wine we bought in port, skipping shows to sit out on the balcony, etc .... it's hard to envision the differences one would experience on a Luxury line compared to mainstream and if those differences would make up for losing having a balcony cabin.

 

I have also insisted on a balcony cabin in the past for the same reason, but my recent cruise on Crystal (my first luxury cruise) makes me believe that I won't need one again on Crystal. As has been said, the entire atmosphere and pace of the ship is different, and I no longer felt the need for private outdoor seating. There was also a significant number of places where I could sit outside on the decks in peace and comfortable calm - that's something that I couldn't find on the mainstream lines in the past, as so much space was allotted to activities and cabins. As well, there were fewer children, so even by the pool or by the Lido buffet, there was more outdoor space with relative calm. For my next cruise, I won't pay extra for a balcony, and I anticipate that I won't miss it (I think all I'll miss is being able to have the door open at night to hear the waves when I'm going to sleep).

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I guess I should feel guilty for trying to give my daughter something special for her graduation present and something special for my husbands birthday with our upcoming cruise.

 

So maybe the cruiselines shouldn't have loyalty programs either. Because some people are recieving special perks from those that other passengers won't get.

 

Perky don't feel bad, different stokes for different folks ... I know Travelcat wasn't trying to attack your travel choices but more stating what they prefer. We all think what you are doing for your family is very generous. I know ... 4 Years ago I gave my parents their first cruise as a surprise gift. Fast forward to today they are going on their 5th cruise!

 

Personally I think I'd enjoy the ship in ship experience mainly for the privacy of the courtyard (or The One pool in MSCs Yacht Club) and I appreciated you sharing experience in The Haven.

 

The thoughts from those who have been on Luxury cruises has been very helpful as well.

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I have also insisted on a balcony cabin in the past for the same reason, but my recent cruise on Crystal (my first luxury cruise) makes me believe that I won't need one again on Crystal. As has been said, the entire atmosphere and pace of the ship is different, and I no longer felt the need for private outdoor seating. There was also a significant number of places where I could sit outside on the decks in peace and comfortable calm - that's something that I couldn't find on the mainstream lines in the past, as so much space was allotted to activities and cabins. As well, there were fewer children, so even by the pool or by the Lido buffet, there was more outdoor space with relative calm. For my next cruise, I won't pay extra for a balcony, and I anticipate that I won't miss it (I think all I'll miss is being able to have the door open at night to hear the waves when I'm going to sleep).

 

I like hearing the waves too!

 

Honestly I like the balcony as I'll sit drinking glass after glass of Cabrenet Sauvignon late at night. It does sound like though there are a lot more areas on board a luxury ship to find that piece and quiet.

 

One thing though, at night after MDR I'll usually change back into shorts to go hang on the top deck/go to casino/or hang out on balcony if its a formal night. If I did an inside on a luxury ship how strict are the dress codes in public areas? Or does it depend on the line? I don't mind tossing on a polo and nice pants for dinner if eating in MDR of course.

Edited by bamelin
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I like hearing the waves too!

 

Honestly I like the balcony as I'll sit drinking glass after glass of Cabrenet Sauvignon late at night. It does sound like though there are a lot more areas on board a luxury ship to find that piece and quiet.

 

One thing though, at night after MDR I'll usually change back into shorts to go hang on the top deck/go to casino/or hang out on balcony if its a formal night. If I did an inside on a luxury ship how strict are the dress codes in public areas? Or does it depend on the line? I don't mind tossing on a polo and nice pants for dinner if eating in MDR of course.

 

It depends on the line. On Windstar, dinner seems to flow seamlessly into the lounges or casino and I didn't see anyone bother to change. On some luxury lines they still have tux and gown formal nights and a no shorts in the evening code.

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It depends on the line. On Windstar, dinner seems to flow seamlessly into the lounges or casino and I didn't see anyone bother to change. On some luxury lines they still have tux and gown formal nights and a no shorts in the evening code.

 

I'll have to look a little closer at evening dress codes. I dress up in suits every day at work so I'm loath to do so while on vacation (although I perfectly understand that some people enjoy it). That's another reason I usually had a balcony ... If the ship I'm on is formal at night I usually stay on the balcony in shorts and T ;)

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and I don't like to sit where I am assigned to impress. I like the openness of Oceania and also Norwegian, because we can go anywhere and do what we do best which is not dress to impress. When you are on a cruise, you should do what you feel good about. But by the same token, I don't want to stand in lines, so I do disagree with my friend Travelcat. I want a seamless trip where everything is easy. We usually do not go to the Mdr, but prefer to eat at the buffet or on the terrace, but on Oceania we like the alternate restaurants, early.

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and Oceania is my FAVORITE although I have about 10 cruises on crystal and about 5 on Regent and 1 on Seabourn, 4 on Windstar. HOWEVER, that being said, I STILL GO ON NORWEGIAN, so yes, a person who goes on what you all say is pure luxury, still goes back to mainstream if they give you a luxury experience. That is true.

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and I don't like to sit where I am assigned to impress.

 

????

 

What do you mean ".....assigned to impress"?

 

There are so many options available, even on Crystal (with reserved seating and a formal dress code), I never felt obligated to do anything (well, except the muster drill). I never considered that I had been assigned to impress anyone or anything, though, so I'm curious about what you meant.

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be assigned to a table and engage in the dress or talk to impress that goes on. Prefer less formal and being able to move around.

 

Perhaps you might participate in trying to impress, we never did.

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be assigned to a table and engage in the dress or talk to impress that goes on. Prefer less formal and being able to move around.

 

Guess I've been lucky, but after 13 Crystal cruises with late seating, table for 8, I've never been subjected to either dress or talk to impress. ;)

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Even on the mainstream cruiselines, evening dress has a different culture depending what line you are sailing with.

 

On all the ships I've been on MDR dining at the very least requires pants and a decent shirt. I think on Carnival I might have seen a few dress shorts. Princess was typically dress pants and button down shirt.

 

Speaking for myself I totally understand that some guests want that "elegant/glamorous" evening. My mother, for example, loves that type of environment and would be greatly disappointed if the evenings on a cruise ship were super casual.

 

For me though because I have to dress up every day at work I much prefer casual wear for the entire day on a cruise ship. The buffet food is not very good on mainstream lines in the evening. That's why on formal nights I'll eat MDR in my room ... so I can relax in shorts without looks of condemnation. It's also out of respect for those that want that "glamorous" evening.

 

For those of you who have cruised the luxury lines, which one's are the most "casual" at night? Are any of them casual in the sense of allowing shorts/T all day long, or does casual mean khaki's and polo is about as casual as the evening gets?

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For those of you who have cruised the luxury lines, which one's are the most "casual" at night? Are any of them casual in the sense of allowing shorts/T all day long, or does casual mean khaki's and polo is about as casual as the evening gets?

 

The most casual of the luxury cruises lines mentioned on this thread is Regent. As you stated, khaki's and a polo is as casual as you can get on Regent after 6:00 p.m. Any of the luxury cruise lines allow shorts and t-shirts during the day. The majority of men on Regent wear slacks and a button up shirt in the evenings.... however, you will also see men in suits and ties as well as in khaki's and polos.

 

On a different subject, I do understand Caroldoll's comment about the fixed seating on most cruise lines. When most people are being seated with strangers (or people they barely know), there is a tendency to be very congenial -- even if you don't feel that way. For many of us, it is easier to either sit alone or with people we can be ourselves with. With seating on Seabourn, Silversea and Regent, you can dine with strangers/alone/with friends whenever you wish -- at any meal (except for reservation restaurants when you must specify the size of table you would like to be at). We do enjoy meeting new people......sometimes, but certainly would not want to be forced to dine with them every night.

Edited by Travelcat2
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Even on the mainstream cruiselines, evening dress has a different culture depending what line you are sailing with.

 

On all the ships I've been on MDR dining at the very least requires pants and a decent shirt. I think on Carnival I might have seen a few dress shorts. Princess was typically dress pants and button down shirt.

 

Speaking for myself I totally understand that some guests want that "elegant/glamorous" evening. My mother, for example, loves that type of environment and would be greatly disappointed if the evenings on a cruise ship were super casual.

 

For me though because I have to dress up every day at work I much prefer casual wear for the entire day on a cruise ship. The buffet food is not very good on mainstream lines in the evening. That's why on formal nights I'll eat MDR in my room ... so I can relax in shorts without looks of condemnation. It's also out of respect for those that want that "glamorous" evening.

 

For those of you who have cruised the luxury lines, which one's are the most "casual" at night? Are any of them casual in the sense of allowing shorts/T all day long, or does casual mean khaki's and polo is about as casual as the evening gets?

 

I don't think you'll find any luxury line that allows shorts at dinner. On Windstar the norm was Tommy Bahamas shirts, polls, or other button down with chinos or linen slacks at dinner. A smattering of jackets, but they were the exception. No ties, ever--they are unofficially not allowed.

Edited by ducklite
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Thanks for the advice CruzStart. I'd love to do Regent (it looks amazing) but it's a little out of our range price wise (starting at 3500 per person for a 7 day). I've been looking at entry level luxury inside/oceanview cabins on Silversea and Windstar starting at around 1700 per person or so ... even with the flights it would be about 1000 less. Excursion wise we tend to just get off and do our own thing so that's not an expense for us. Do you think it would be worth taking an inside/oceanview cabin on a luxury line over a balcony on a mainstream?

 

Btw I noticed you are sailing on Star Princess in 2014. My wife and I were on Star Princess in 2011 on a 10 day Southern Caribbean. Fantastic cruise, we loved the staff and the food quality was very very good. At the time (this may have changed/been refurbished) they had a disco at the top of the ship which Star's sister ship Grand Princess replaced with more cabins (essentially Grand Princess was sailing with 500 more passengers).

 

Because of this the passenger/crew and passenger/space ratio's were much better than other ships in her class. The ship was and felt a little older than some other's we have been on, but service wise it was fantastic, as was the feeling of having lots of room to move around. Also if you aren't doing a suite, the Caribe deck has massive balconies, double the size of regular cabin balconies.

 

Thanks so much for the info on the Star. We probably would have done HAL but Princess was a lot cheaper even in a mini-suite and we decided not to spend the extra money for this little winter get away.

 

I have to say i would never do inside or ocean view even on a luxury line as I just can't do without my own balcony. I really like my own space even if there are other quiet places to sit. That's just me. I wouldn't consider a Regent for a Caribbean cruise as I agree they are too expensive. However for the itineraries we did where we took full advantage of the excursions, the cheaper upgrades to business class flights and the free flowing red wine and champagne it can't be beat.

 

As well, as others have mentioned the dress code is fantastic. No formal nights and everyone dresses elegantly casual. Loved it.

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