Tip 2: Premium Cruising for the Luxury Traveler

Are you a traveler with discerning taste? Have you ever been on a trip where you were promised a luxurious experience, but received so-so service and food? It happens and it’s not fun. That’s why it’s important to know what kind of traveler you are. Here’s a story of how knowing the right information can get you the cruise you REALLY want to take.

A CruiseGourmet.com fan who prefers Luxury cruises (the likes of Seabourn, Regent and Silversea) was planning a family reunion for about 40 people. She was concerned it would be very expensive and the luxury aspect would be lost on the kids in the group, yet the thought of a mass market cruise was not for her.

She knew that the major difference between a luxury cruise and a mass market/premium cruise is the number of people (3000 vs.900 or less). Less people on the ship means more room for the reunion guests to spread out and enjoy themselves when they wanted to.

The level of service for a mass market cruise is also very different. There are less staff members which mean less attention given to each guest. Remember, she wanted to provide a luxurious experience for her guests. More personalized service makes people feel pampered. It’s instant luxury.

The biggest challenge for this reunion was price. Our fan wanted to avoid the large crowds, and the less than stellar service/cuisine, but avoid the high per person price for such a large group.

When she contacted me, I referred her to my story in CruiseGourmet.com, “Ruby Princess: Premium Cruising for the Luxury Traveler,” which shows how you can add several perks at additional cost for a much more individualized cruise experience on a larger premium/mass market ship.

She ended up hosting a grand time on the Ruby Princess and being treated as if she had sailed on a luxury ship. The kids made friends at the well organized children’s program and the adults relished in the high-end perks available onboard like the outstanding alternative restaurants, the affordable suites and the Sanctuary, an adult oasis with plush lounge chairs, private cabana attendants and members only reserved deck space! This was a case where the most expensive did not necessarily fit the bill!

Read Tip 1: Shore Excursions are an integral part of any cruise

Keep checking back here over the next couple weeks as I will be revealing a great new service. You too can go on a cruise that’s easy on the wallet and gives you the luxury you desire.