Should I try an "upscale" cruise line, and, if so-- which one?

[JohnS43]

OK, so I've been on a number of cruises lately-- mostly on Princess, but once on Carnival and once on NCL, and several times on Holland America in the distant past. They've all been OK, but I'm wondering if I might enjoy a more upscale experience on my next voyage. Here's the thing, however-- I'm not terribly "upscale" myself! I hate dressing up (and avoid formal nights as much as possible.) And I'm not a big drinker, so the all-inclusive alcohol is not a selling point for me.

 

So, here's more about me; I'd appreciate it if some of you who've tried out two or more of the upscale lines would weigh in on whether a particular line would be a good fit for me.

 

Single retired male, age 64; usually travel alone. I enjoy most of the traditional ship entertainment (shows, trivia, etc.), and sometimes go to the casino. I always go ashore at every port, and try to do excursions as much as possible. As mentioned above, not much of a drinker (never drink beer or wine; only an occasional cocktail) And most of all, like to dress as casually as possible at all times.

 

 

I should clarify that one of the reasons I'm thinking of going more upscale is to avoid the relentless selling (artwork, jewelry, etc.) that most ships have.

 

 

Any thoughts? Comments? Thank you in advance for your advice.

[LHT28]

I would give them a try & see how you like the different lines

I have only cruised Oceania so cannot comment on how other lines work

Except for the single supplement unless you can get a discounted rate it could be a good fit

https://www.oceaniacruises.com/special-offers/single-supplement/

 

No formal nights, you can dress casually except for shorts & T-shirts for dinner in the dining rooms

all non alcoholic drinks included

smaller ships

no long line ups

no photographers, art auctions or pressure to buy anything onboard

if you find a TA that does a lot of O bookings you can sometimes get the gratuities thrown in & some OBC

worth checking out to see if it would work for you

 

enjoy whatever cruise you choose

[Flatbush Flyer]

Do the research and you'll come up with Oceania.

 

 

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[LakeSideKen]

Another vote that Oceania checks all (or almost all) of your boxes. Dress: there are no formal nights; O's dress code is "resort casual"; in practice that means at dinner chino pants and a collared shirt gets you into any restaurant, and less than that would probably be OK in the buffet.

 

Speaking of eating, the food on O is excellent.

 

No all-inclusive alcohol. Just pay for what you drink. Cocktail prices are on the high side, but a daily happy hour (2 for 1) is a reasonable deal.

 

Average age would be about yours. Almost no children on O cruises, except summer cruises in the Caribbean and to Alaska.

 

There is no on-board selling at all except some days brief mention in the daily newsletter of spa and laundry discounts.

 

Lots of trivia on most O cruises. The shows might disappoint depending on how "picky" you are. Given how small O's ships are (~600 to 1200 px), I think they do a pretty good job on the entertainment, but others seem to expect more.

 

O's single supplements might make your eyes water, especially in the higher cabin categories. O sometimes advertises reduced SSs, and I have heard of people getting even deeper single discounts by calling O reservations (or a travel agent might be able to work some magic).

 

Bon Voyage.

[Floridiana]

Same here, no desire to do formal nights and no big drinker, we came up with Oceania!

All non-alcoholic drinks are included, food is very good by many standards, beds are super comfortable. As others have said, look for specials for solo cruisers.

[Barrheadlass]

Another vote for Oceania!

[6rugrats]

Look at Windstar.

[NLH Arizona]

Look at Crystal.

[NMLady]

Another vote for Oceania.

[calliopecruiser]

If you really want to avoid sales stuff, look at an all-inclusive...... Not because it makes financial sense, but because of the way it changes the experience itself. No one tries to sell you anything, you can choose to do or try anything without thinking about the cost...... I also don't drink enough to make all inclusive alcohol make financial sense, but I love the experience of all-inclusive. And Crystal has great single supplement on every voyage (not just a few that aren't selling well), so it's my cruise line of choice.

 

 

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[JohnS43]

Thanks to everyone for the info. I will definitely look at Crystal and Oceania. I must say that I did look at Oceania's website once before, and while they showed offers for reduced single supplements, it was impossible to find out what the actual fares were (and which discounts applied to which cruises.) Is there some reason they make you request a quote instead of just telling you what the fare is?

[Flatbush Flyer]

Thanks to everyone for the info. I will definitely look at Crystal and Oceania. I must say that I did look at Oceania's website once before, and while they showed offers for reduced single supplements, it was impossible to find out what the actual fares were (and which discounts applied to which cruises.) Is there some reason they make you request a quote instead of just telling you what the fare is?

 

 

If you register for the website (nothing required or committed), you can do a dummy booking on your own. No need for "a quote."

 

 

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[lilabet]

I also vote for Windstar, it is worth checking out. A real sailing ship with sails and goes where others can't because of size. I have heard it is fabulous! Very casual.

[Floridiana]

There are 3 more premium lines: Viking Ocean (new line, new ships, haven't been on one yet). Azamara (older ships, have been on one, was very nice). Ponant (French line, small ships, interesting itineraries, have been on one, was very nice). Compare prices for solos travelers. Get help from a travel agent who specializes in cruises.

[zqvol]

So many upscale lines out there that have not been mentioned. OPs best bet is to find a TA who specializes in upscale cruises and work with them.

[LHT28]

Thanks to everyone for the info. I will definitely look at Crystal and Oceania. I must say that I did look at Oceania's website once before, and while they showed offers for reduced single supplements, it was impossible to find out what the actual fares were (and which discounts applied to which cruises.) Is there some reason they make you request a quote instead of just telling you what the fare is?

 

 

When I click on the special SS cruise it says what the discount is 50% or 20 % etc...

A good TA can get the info for you without charge or just call Oceania

Enjoy what ever cruise you choose