Cruises are one of the most popular types of vacations for fun in the sun and relaxation. They are a comfortable and convenient way to see the world, experience culture and to explore multiple destinations in one trip.

You’ll hear the word ‘luxury’ a lot when searching for the perfect cruise. Since there are no official standards for ‘luxury’, it can be hard to tell if your cruise will actually offer you a luxury environment, service and amenities. To help, here is what you should expect from a luxury cruise.

Inclusive pricing

A convenient part of a luxury cruise are all the inclusions. Many cruisers prefer to pay for their trip upfront and to not be nickeled and dimed throughout their vacation. Quality beverages are included on luxury cruises and are supplied in the restaurant, lounge and bar, and in the mini-bar in all guest rooms. Wi-Fi, gratuities, laundry services, shuttles into town, and 24-hour room service are commonly included as well.

The savings on all-inclusive luxury cruises extend onto dry land as well, with multiple shore excursions available for you to choose from at every port. Some luxury cruise fares will even include your roundtrip airfare, as well as one night in a hotel before the day of embarkation.

Gourmet Cuisine

Dining is a culinary experience on luxury cruises. Most onboard restaurants are overseen by master chefs that design specialty menus that aren’t found anywhere else. They feature award-winning dishes and local fine wines and spirits to complement each course. All meals are sit down and fully served.

You can expect that the food is cooked to your specifications, uses only the finest ingredients, and arrives hot and fresh at your table. Most cruises also offer alternative specialty dining restaurants, and most of the time on a luxury cruise, there is rarely an additional charge.

Service

Cruise ship staff are generally very attentive and dedicated to their work, but luxury cruise employees provide a 5-star service that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Luxury ships are usually smaller in size, so the crew to guest ratio is generally higher than other cruise ships. The specially selected staff are on hand to ensure that your expectations are not just met but exceeded, with several cruise lines offering suite butler service as standard. So you can expect the luxury cruise staff to serve at a very high standard and have the uncanny ability to remember even the smallest details to make passengers feel special.

Top-Quality Amenities

Luxury cruise ships deliver a seemingly endless variety for their guests. Upon arrival, most luxury cruises will have a steward escort you to your room and will offer to help you unpack, press your clothes and polish your shoes. Pillow menus, personalized stationery, slippers, a bathrobe, fresh flowers and a basket of fresh fruit are all replenished daily and are all a common occurrence on luxury cruises.

In the guest rooms, the lotions, shampoos, soaps, towels, bathrobes, bed linens and furniture will all be of the finest quality. Other amenities may include access to private pools, exclusive restaurants, posh lounges, and observation decks.

Share intimate moments away from the crowds, and immerse yourself in local, exotic cultures while traveling on a luxury cruise. You’ll visit destinations that venture far into mysterious fiords, visit tropical hideaway islands, and savor the small town appeal of Mediterranean coastal cities. With so many different cruise brands, every type of traveler can find a cruise that fits their needs perfectly. So if you are looking for a cruise that is family friendly, fun and adventures and or one that offers luxury and elegance, there is a cruise out there for you!