When choosing a cruise, there’s a bit more to it than choosing the perfect destination, though that’s certainly important. If you’re thinking about packing your bags for a Caribbean port or scenic European destination, you should also consider the perks that are important to your trip. Personalized butler service and a bottle of welcome champagne may not make or break your experience, but some luxury amenities can be worth the splurge. Larger rooms, more food options, and included shore trips may create a better experience. Before you book your voyage, here are some reasons a luxury cruise may be worth it.
Consider Cost Of A Luxury Vs. Standard Cruise
When it comes to cruising, there’s a type for every budget. Ads and social media can be deceiving, especially when you want a trip like the one presented to you but it’s actually a luxury fare. Average cruises cost $286.05 per day per person, including a $193.46 ticket price and $82.03 in additional spending for an eight-day cruise. Luxury cruises can start at $500 per day per person, which is considerably more than the base rate for standard fare. But don’t discount a luxury cruise based on price alone. While cheaper standard fare often includes complimentary services, a la carte extras can add up. Suddenly your budget trip’s cost can creep up to luxury prices. With luxury cruises, you know the costs up front, and they often bundle the amenities.
Everything Is Included
Cheaper fares are only a base price. Once you board the ship, it may be easy to get caught up in a la carte offerings like wine with dinner, sodas, and a special restaurant. Add in gratuities and a special shore excursion, and you could go over budget fast. Many luxury cruises are all-inclusive, typically covering all food and drinks in their cost. Entertainment, port excursions, room service, laundry service, and airport transfers are also included on many luxury lines. Explora Journeys bundles culinary experiences, unlimited fine beverages, spa access, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and fitness programs into the cost, with additional exclusive benefits based on the suite category you choose.
Stay In Upgraded Accommodations
Larger room sizes, windows, balconies, and luxury linens can make your travel experience feel a little more indulgent. On a mainstream cruise, you’ll pay more for cabins that have a view, while many luxury cruises are all-suite accommodations. Suites available on luxury cruise line Seabourn include walk-in closets and bathrooms with double vanities, full-sized tubs, and walk-in showers. Your personal suite attendant may even draw you a bath.
Airfare May Be Bundled Into The Price
Round-trip airfare is part of some luxury lines’ all-inclusive pricing, or it may be offered only for some destinations or premium experiences. If it’s not standard on the package you are considering, look for special promotions that include it. Flights, airport transfers, and hotels are sometimes bundled to make planning and budgeting easier.
Enjoy Complimentary Shore Excursions
Many luxury cruise lines include excursions in their pricing, whereas excursions cost extra on a mainstream option and their costs can add up. Viking includes one complimentary shore excursion at each port, and Regent Seven Seas offers unlimited shore trips at each port.
Dine Anywhere On The Ship
With a luxury cruise, you’re not limited to certain restaurants. You can take advantage of all or almost all specialty dining areas that feature steakhouse menus, Asian fusion, in-room dining, or afternoon tea. All you have to do is make a reservation. While you certainly won’t go hungry under a mainstream plan, you may have more diverse meal options to choose from.
Visit More Exciting Ports
Luxury cruise ships are often smaller than mainstream vessels, and that can mean a more intimate experience. Smaller ships can access ports that larger ships cannot. Besides direct visits to more exotic locales like Portofino, Italy, and St. Barths, it also cuts out transportation required from tender boats or ferries from other neighboring towns to finally reach your destination.
Get Pampered With Better Service
A vacation doesn’t feel like a vacation when you still have laundry to do and just want to relax. Some luxury fares include services that let you feel pampered and taken care of. Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers valet laundry service and unlimited spa access, along with butler service in penthouse suites.
Read the original article on Southern Living
