Ultra-Luxury Cruising - The Concept
For that ultimate experience and sheer indulgence, why not take an ultra-luxury cruise holiday? It is cruising at its most elegant and sophisticated and you'll cruise aboard the world's most stylish ocean liners complemented by unparalleled service levels, sumptuously appointed suites, wonderful onboard facilities and delicious cuisine. Finding just the right balance to create an atmosphere of easygoing elegance without an ounce of pretension the overall atmosphere onboard is much like a private club.
Exceptional Service Levels
Among the things that set ultra-luxury cruising apart is the exceptional and unprecedented service levels offered on board. This is achieved through some of the highest staff to guest ratios in the industry and a specially selected and highly trained crew that are on hand to ensure that your expectations are not only met but exceeded.
Exquisite Gourmet Dining
The cuisine often rivals that of respected shoreside restaurants and inspired by internationally acclaimed chefs and restaurateurs such as Relais & Chateaux and Le Cordon Bleu where fine wines and spirits are impeccably served to complement each course. Wash down your filet de boeuf in truffle sauce with a '98 Bordeaux while sailing to St Barts, or order jumbo shrimp from the room service menu. Dignified entertainment ranges from enjoying cocktails and conversation in a piano bar to watching small-scale Broadway-inspired reviews.
Sumptuously-appointed mostly all-suite accommodation
Your home away from home comes in the form of an extremely spacious and superbly appointed luxury suite on most ships. Here, you can revel in sublime comfort as the world passes by. The sea is always in view, framed an expansive picture window or the doors to your balcony. Fine cotton linens, a fluffy duvet and king-sized down and feather pillows encourage the indulgence.
Intimate ocean liners able to visit the most exclusive destinations
Ships in the ultra-luxury class are specifically designed for fewer guests and more space and vary from the larger Crystal Cruises ships accommodating 1,000 guests to the mid-size vessels of Regent Seven Seas and Silversea, which carry between 300 and 700 guests; and the small boutique yachts of Seabourn, which accommodate around 200 passengers. The ultra-luxury cruise ships tend to be smaller, their intimate size allowing them to slip into more exotic and exclusive ports that the larger mainstream liners simply cannot get to. The ultra-luxury ships do however incorporate the same favourite amenities found on larger ships but more elaborate and stylish, such as a show lounge, casino, spa, swimming pool and state-of-the-art fitness facilities.
Luxury amenities as standard
Many extras are often included. For instance, Silversea and Seabourn include unlimited wine, spirits, and beverages, along with gratuities, and a stocked in-room drinks cabinet. Regent Seven Seas include tips, plus unlimited wine, spirits and beverages. Crystal includes all soft drinks in its fares. Many of these lines also include other free perks such as chocolates on your pillow at night, cotton pyjamas and luxury bathroom amenities from names such as Molton Brown and Acqua di Parma.
