Everything You Need to Know About Luxury Cruising

Our cruise specialists at Whitestar Cruise & Travel rounded up everything you need to know about luxury cruising. So if you’re wondering if a luxury cruise is a good fit for you and your next holiday, keep reading.

Cruising is a preferred holiday for many and a great way to experience the world and relax simultaneously. From the minute you step onto a luxury cruise ship, you’re surrounded by luxury, with a team of professionals attending to your every need. You’ll feel your worries melting away with all the indulgent amenities onboard.

World-class dining, personalised service, comfortable staterooms, and suites, complete with a walk-in closet and bathroom with a tub big enough for two – whatever floats your boat; there’s something about cruising that feels like luxury.

There Are Different Styles of Luxury Cruising

Just as there are many different styles of luxury ships, there are many different ways to enjoy a luxury cruise. Whether you are looking to relax and unwind, explore and stay active, ocean or river travel, or embark on an expedition adventure, there is something for everyone.

Here are eight examples of different types of cruises.

Luxury All Inclusive Cruises

An all-inclusive cruise is an excellent option if you prefer paying everything upfront. All-inclusive would include non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, all meals onboard, entertainment, onboard activities, selected shore excursions, as well as gratuities.

Luxury Cape Town Cruises

Did you know that you can enjoy a luxury cruise to or from the Mother City? Set sail for distant shores from Cape Town’s harbour, or return home after visiting some of the most exciting destinations. Even better, you’ll have the added convenience and savings of only having to fly one way.

Luxury Christmas Cruises

Spend the most beautiful time of the year on a luxury cruise ship. Cruise over Christmas and New Year while you celebrate the holiday season with festive cheer! Make your Christmas unforgettable as you journey to beautiful destinations surrounded by glittering decorations and delightful surprises. Explore international Christmas markets, taking in the splendour of lights, decorations and unique gifts.

Luxury Expedition Cruises

If you prefer exploration and adventure, then an expedition cruise is for you! Explore the world in comfort onboard a luxurious expedition ship. You’ll journey on smaller ships designed and purpose-built for cruising in the most coveted, remote, and unspoiled destinations on earth. Discover our world up close on an expedition cruise.

Luxury River Cruises

River cruises take you along inland waterways and have grown in popularity over the years. River cruises are a favourite holiday option, particularly for travellers who enjoy the comforts and variety of cruising but wish to be immersed in the destinations they visit. A river allows small ships and their guests easy access to the delights of each destination’s food, culture and customs.

Luxury Themed Cruises

Join a specially created cruise that has been tailor-made to bring popular themes to life. Each sailing offers a popular-themed cruise, from food heroes, fashion, and literature to dance and music. These unique cruises feature exclusive speakers, activities and events on board, and bespoke shore excursions in selected ports of call.

Luxury Transatlantic Cruises

Enjoy the freedom of having nowhere to be but on board. At sea, your ship is a world-within-a-world, offering delightful diversions around the clock. You can immerse yourself in a world free from traffic and screens – where conversations take place over cocktails; enjoy dinner at leisure, followed by world-class entertainment.

Luxury World Cruises

A journey of a lifetime! More than a holiday and a life-changing experience. A World Cruise represents one of life’s great travel adventures. Visiting the world’s most iconic destinations on board one of the world’s most luxurious ships is an unmatched experience. This lifestyle choice allows you to explore everything from bustling metropolises to remote villages over three months, all from the comfort of your ship.

View some of the upcoming luxury cruises here.

The Best of the Best In Luxury Cruise Ships

Every luxury cruise liner has its unique style and character. Some travellers prefer traditional settings, while others may prefer a more modern take on luxury.

We’ve rounded up some of the best in luxury cruising.

Seabourn Cruise Line

All-inclusive with exceptional service, superb dining, and a laid-back elegance on contemporary small ships make Seabourn an appealing choice for travellers.

Seabourn’s history of operating the best luxury ships stretches over 30 years, yet their current fleet of 6 ships make up one of the youngest and most modern ultra-luxury fleets. All ships feature spacious oceanfront suites (with a walk-in closet and marble bathroom with separate bath and shower), a high space ratio per guest, and highly intuitive and personalised service with close to one crew member per guest to attend to your every need.

Everything is included, from any time dining (including specialty restaurants), staff gratuities, and a comprehensive menu of cocktails, champagne and fine wines, and premium liquors. Popular perks on these all-inclusive cruises include a complimentary on-deck massage, a “Caviar on the Beach” beach party or Marina Day on selected itineraries, wine tastings, and complimentary water sports.

Read more about the Seabourn Difference here.

Cunard Line

Cunard is a British cruise line that makes dressing up an occasion and is renowned for its transatlantic service between Southampton, England, and New York City.

Cunard’s crew takes great pride in making your stay on board unforgettable! It’s the little things and attention to detail that make a difference. Enjoy a signature afternoon tea served by white-gloved waiters. Dance the night away in the largest ballroom at sea! Stay active with a variety of daytime activities, or simply relax in a blissful space. Put on your best black tie for gala evenings, or enjoy a drink at a cocktail bar or lounge on board.

The staterooms on Cunard’s three ships (Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth) include 24-hour room service and an evening turndown service with chocolates. The Grill Suites represent some of the most prestigious accommodations at sea, and duplexes resemble private apartments!

Dining on board a Cunard Queen is an absolute pleasure. There are various places to eat – choose between elegant fine dining, gastro pubs, and indulgent buffets. Whether you want hearty or healthy, light bites or fine dining – you’ll be inspired by tastes from around the world.

You’ll get to enjoy some of Cunard’s signature experiences: top-notch guest speakers, grand theatrical productions, and glittering black-tie balls. You can even bring your pet on board – that’s right: Cunard allows pets onboard their Transatlantic Crossings.

Read more about the Cunard experience here.

Viking

Travel + Leisure voted Vikings as the #1 River Line and the #1 Ocean Line in the 2022 World’s Best Awards.

Viking offers river, ocean, and expedition cruising. Viking ships are known for their thoughtful design, seamlessly blending indoors and outdoors using expansive windows and verandahs.

Viking focuses heavily on destinations, with itineraries designed for experienced travellers and each cruise including a shore excursion in every port the ship visits.

Viking River Cruises offers the comfort and elegance of river cruising on the best ships in each destination that they explore. Viking’s All-Inclusive value not only provides exceptional value, but a feature of Viking’s cruises is the influence that local destinations have on their daily menus, cultural enrichment programmes and onboard offerings.

Viking’s state-of-the-art ocean ships are big enough to offer that cruise ship feel, but small enough to allow easy access into most ports visited

Viking’s award-winning ships embody Scandi chic with their stylish, soothing interiors, gorgeous light-filled lounges, and spacious cabins with a private verandah. The dining onboard is fantastic, with other highlights including an infinity pool on the deck, a superb spa with free access to the hydro pool, saunas, and steam rooms, and the Winter garden – a sunlit space with a retractable roof for warmer days. An intimate little nightclub on board is as fun as any jazz club you’ll find ashore.

It is the little touches and the extraordinary service that makes Viking a delightful experience.

Read more about the Viking Difference here.

Are You Ready To Experience Luxury Cruising?

When it comes to luxury cruising, you can do as much, or as little, as you please. People that choose to cruise on their holidays say it’s a lifestyle choice, and once you have experienced the world of cruising, you’ll never look back!

At Whitestar Cruise and Travel we believe the pampering starts with booking your luxury cruise.  We’ll go the extra nautical mile to ensure we offer you the service you would expect from luxury cruise specialists.

Spoil yourself – we all need a little time out from time to time. Book a memorable trip for a special occasion, and enjoy the luxury of cruising.

Contact us for more information.