Going on a cruise has become a popular vacation option in recent years as more people are drawn to the unique all-inclusive appeal that these ocean adventures offer. The Cruise Lines International Association reveals that around 36 million people are planning to go on a cruise throughout 2024, showing a 21% increase compared to 2019. Many of this demographic is focused on experiencing luxury cruises, which provide a more immersive approach to traveling and offer more exotic itineraries.
According to Cruise Industry News, the luxury cruise market is gearing up to accommodate more than 1.5 million annual guests by 2030 and continues to upgrade its offerings to attract a broader market. That said, while the many inclusions on a luxury cruise are what set them apart, it can be daunting trying to navigate through them all on a single journey. As such, here are some simple tips you can follow to make the most of your luxury cruise trip.
Book an ocean-view suite
Most luxury cruise vessels offer state-of-the-art suites that have ocean-facing views, as it is a priority to offer guests the best stay while at sea. Many luxury cruise providers also offer suites with balconies of varying sizes, where guests can enjoy their in-suite meals alongside picturesque views of the ocean.
With this, some companies like Seabourn take this to the next level by offering upgraded suites that come with double height windows and a telescope for wildlife spotting. This allows guests to take advantage of the beautiful scenery, no matter the port. Depending on the ship’s course, having an ocean-view suite also makes it easier to spot animals such as dolphins or whales if they happen to be traveling the same way as the cruise.
Take advantage of shore excursions
Unlike budget cruising, luxury cruise companies offer carefully curated shore excursions that allow their guests to enjoy more nuanced activities away from the usual tourist hotspots. Explora Luxury Cruises strive to transform their trips into ocean journeys that inspire guests to travel more and have immersive experiences. Not only do they offer all-inclusive benefits, including intuitive service, a wide array of gratuities, and distinct culinary options, but Explora is also recognized for its destination experiences.
This can include kayaking along the Caribbean, guided explorations of Corfu, or exploring hidden beaches along the coast of Charlotte Amalie. What’s more, luxury cruises regularly update these activities depending on the location, so there’s always something to look forward to with each destination.
Unwind with elevated spa treatments
Considering their dedication to personalized services for each guest, most luxury ships design their spas to be a wellness haven. In many cases, certain spa treatments are part of all-inclusive packages, so you would be remiss not to make time for a visit.
Each luxury cruise will have its own unique offerings, but Crystal Cruises has recently been praised for their Aurora Spa, which utilizes the latest technology for an elevated spa treatment. One of its key features is how the spa incorporates light into the treatments, including the LED and Cryo Facial Experience, to give guests a relaxing glow. It also provides saunas, relaxation rooms, and salons for both men and women to enjoy while onboard.
Enjoy exclusive shopping opportunities
For many luxury cruises, dressing well is an important aspect of the trip. You can still wear comfortable and laid-back styles throughout the day, but some cruise lines offer guests a chance to dress up for dinner to complement their fine dining experience. As mentioned in our blog post, Fine Dining Etiquettes these more refined experiences typically include dress codes that need to be observed. For evening attire, men are usually required to wear a dark suit with a dress shirt and tie, while women can wear cocktail dresses or formal blouses with slacks.
If you don’t pack the right clothing, there are unique shopping opportunities aboard luxury cruises, so you can easily dress to impress. For example, Costa Cruises partners with Starboard Cruise Services, an LVMH Moët Hennessy company and global retailer at sea. Costa has dedicated boutiques with some of the latest high-end fashion pieces from brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Cartier. Since these onboard brands make shopping more convenient, it also makes it easy to buy special cruise souvenirs.
Ultimately, luxury cruises have a lot to offer, and with these tips, you can get the best out of your trip and find the most enjoyable aspects for you.
For more of the latest travel guides and tips, please visit our blog Shoocal.