Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2017 (Berlitz Cruise Guide) (2016)

Living in Luxury

Of the 70-plus cruise lines operating internationally, only a handful provide the kind of stylish ships aboard which the word ‘no’ is virtually unheard.

Luxury cruises versus standard (large resort ship) cruises are like the difference between a Bentley automobile and a motor scooter. ‘Luxury cruising’ should be a flawless combination of ship, facilities, food, and service. Unfortunately, the word has been degraded by marketing people and advertising agencies, but the accompanying panel tells you what the term ought to mean in a cruise ship.

Little and large

Size is important. Boutique and small ships (characterized by Berlitz as having 50-250 and 251-750 passengers, respectively) can get into ports that larger ships can’t. They can also get closer to the center of large cities. For example, in St. Petersburg, Russia, large and mid-size ships (such as those of Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises) dock about one hour from the city center, while boutique ships such as those of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Silversea Cruises, or Seabourn can dock right next to the Hermitage Museum in the heart of the city.

One area where ‘luxury’ ships differ least from large resort ships is in shore excursions, particularly in the Caribbean and Alaska, where almost all cruise operators are obliged to use the same specialist tour operators ashore - simply because ‘luxury’ is virtually unknown in these regions and local tour operators consider all cruise passengers to be the same.

Large resort ships (carrying 2,001-6,500 passengers) simply cannot provide the kind of personal service and attention to detail that the boutique/small ships can. Although you can book one of the largest suites afloat aboard a large ship and have a really good cruise, once you leave your ‘private living space,’ you’ll have to mix with everyone else, particularly if you want to go to a show, have an informal alfresco meal or coffee in the café, disembark at ports of call (think: lines at gangway security checkpoints), or go on organized shore excursions. That’s when you appreciate the fact that smaller may suit you better.

Butler service aboard Silversea Cruises.

Silversea Cruises

The crème de la crème

These 23 ships (listed alphabetically, by company) belong to eight cruise lines and are the cream of the cruise industry in terms of style, finesse, staff training, cuisine, service, hospitality, and finesse. Their individual facilities are fully reviewed in the ratings section of this book, and the Berlitz ratings awarded for accommodation, food, service, entertainment, the cruise experience, and so on, indicate their particular strengths.

Crystal Cruises: Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: Europa, Europa 2

Paul Gauguin Cruises: Paul Gauguin

Oceania Cruises: Marina, Riviera

Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Voyager

Seabourn: Seabourn Legend*, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Spirit*

SeaDream Yacht Club: SeaDream I, SeaDream II

Silversea Cruises: Silver Cloud, Silver Shadow, Silver Spirit, Silver Whisper, Silver Wind

* Note that in spring 2015, Seabourn Legend, and Seabourn Spirit will move to new owner Windstar Cruises (new names: Star Legend and Star Breeze).

These are ships suited to those not seeking the active, family-friendly, and entertainment-driven cruise experiences that large resort ships offer, and provide facilities and service levels hard to find elsewhere. While most of them boast about being the best, or boast the awards they receive annually from various magazines (whose respondents are almost never global in scope), not all provide the same degree of luxury, and there are differences in the cruise product delivered.

20 things to expect

1. Flawless (well, close to) personal service and attention to detail.

2. Genuine (not faux) Champagne at embarkation.

3. Personalized stationery.

4. A crew that anticipates your needs, responds quickly to your requests, and doesn’t say ‘no’ or ‘impossible.’

5. No announcements (except for emergencies).

6. No background music in public rooms, hallways, and elevators.

7. High passenger space ratio (35 to 83 gross tonnage per passenger).

8. High crew to passenger ratio (1.5 to 1.0 or better).

9. Finest-quality bed linens, duvets, towels, and bathrobes.

10. Pillow menu.

11. High-quality toiletries (e.g., Aveda, Bulgari, etc.).

12. Gratuities included in the fare.

13. No extra charge for on-demand movies or music.

14. No machinery vibration (engines/propulsion equipment).

15. No lines anywhere.

16. More overnight port stays.

17. Separate gangway for passengers and crew (where possible).

18. Shoeshine service.

19. No signing for drinks or other items.

20. European hotel service crew

What are the differences?

Once you know the main differences, you’ll be better equipped to choose the right cruise line and ship to provide the level of food and service you’re looking for. Although most of the differences are immediately noticeable when you sail aboard (and compare) them all, some of the variations in style and service are more subtle. One thing is certain: the word ‘no’ will be virtually unheard.

Some have more crew members per passenger. Some have more public space per passenger. Some have more highly trained crew members. Some have better food and service. Some have entertainment, some don’t. Some have more fresh flowers in public areas than others - they’re very evident aboard the ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises but not aboard Silversea Cruises’ ships, for instance.

Crystal Cruises, for example, has an excellent program of cultural lecturers, professional bridge (the card game, not the navigation bridge) instructors, together with its Yamaha ‘Passport to Music’ program on each cruise, whereas others (SeaDream, Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea) don’t. Hapag-Lloyd has excellent lecturers, and a PGA golf professional aboard every cruise.

The spacious lido deck on Europa.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Also, the following facilities, services, and approaches are found and experienced aboard the ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, and Seabourn, but not aboard the ships of Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, or Silversea Cruises:

Anticipation - more widely practiced by staffers that are better trained and more adept at passenger recognition (remembering your name).

Waiters/waitresses escort guests to the dining table and to the dining room exit after meals.

Relaxed embarkation/disembarkation at your leisure.

Cabin stewardesses leave handwritten notes.

There are no announcements, and no mindless background music plays in public rooms, accommodation hallways, or elevators.

The chef invites passengers to accompany him/her on visits to local food markets.

More space, better service

These ships have an excellent amount of open deck and lounging space, and a high passenger space ratio when compared to large resort ships (which are typically under 35), the two SeaDreams being the exception.

Almost all have a better crew to passenger ratio than the large resort ships. In warm-weather areas, the ships of SeaDream Yacht Club and Seabourn, all of which have fold-down platforms at the stern, provide jet skis, kayaks, snorkeling gear, windsurfers, and the like, at no extra cost, typically for one day each cruise (the others do not).

Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa (space ratio: 70.4) and Europa 2 (space ratio: 83.0) both have a fleet of Zodiac rigid inflatable craft for in-depth exploration and shore adventures, plus an ice-hardened hull and crew members who understand the culture of their passengers. And mattresses that are 7ft (2.1m) long.

A good night’s sleep

These ships feature premium-quality mattresses and bed linen (all of 100 percent cotton, with a thread count of 300 or more). There’s always a little brand-consciousness going on, and some may be better than others.

Crystal Cruises, for example, features Bellora, from Milan (made in India using Egyptian cotton). Silversea Cruises features Egyptian cotton sheets, pillowcases, and duvet covers by Pratesi, founded in 1860, whose custom-made linens come from Tuscany, Italy - the company is known for supplying the Italian and other European aristocracy.

Good pillows are also important for a good night’s sleep. You may be able to choose one of several different shapes and fillings. Crystal Cruises’ pillow menu, for example, offers a choice of seven, including Side Sleeper Pillow (down or down alternative); Back Sleeper Pillow (down or down alternative); Stomach Sleeper Pillow (down or down alternative); and Body Pillow (down alternative).

Depending on the cruise line, other choices might include hypoallergenic, hop-filled, or lavender-scented pillows.

A good night’s sleep - outside

For something quite different, SeaDream Yacht Club has indulgent ‘Balinese Dream Beds’ for sleeping under the stars (in a secluded area at the front of the ship on the uppermost open deck), a delightful idea for honeymooners or anyone celebrating a special occasion. Custom-made pajamas are supplied, and you can take them home with you. Hapag-Lloyd’s Europa 2 also has 12 Balinese beds.

Creative cuisine

Fine dining is the highlight of ships in this category and is more of an entertainment feature than these ships’ entertainment shows - if there are any. Good company and conversation are crucial. You can expect to find plenty of tables for two, a calm refined dining atmosphere, open or one-seating dining, by candlelight (when permitted), with high-quality china and silverware, large wine glasses, fresh flowers, a connoisseur wine list, and sommeliers who can discuss fine wines. Service should be unhurried (not like the two-seating ships, where meals tend to be served as speed trials by waiters), well-paced, and unobtrusive.

It’s really about non-repetitive, highly creative menus, high-quality ingredients, moderate portions, and attractive presentation, with fresh local fish and other items provided (when available) and cooked to order (not in batches), and meat of the highest grade. Caviar, foie gras, black/white truffles and other exotic foods, and fresh green vegetables (instead of frozen or canned vegetables) are provided. Caviar aboard Europa and Europa 2 is usually from French farmed sturgeon, and is excellent, while caviar aboard most other ships in this category is from the American farmed hackleback variety of sturgeon, or paddlefish ‘caviar’ (nowhere near as good). The caviar (from Uruguay) aboard the Seabourn ships is quite decent, however.

Most of the ships provide silver covers for main courses, creating extra ‘wow’ effect. Passengers may also be invited to visit local markets with the chef aboard the ships of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, Seabourn, and SeaDream Yacht Club.

Some luxury ships provide even more special touches. Europa and Europa 2, for example, make their own breakfast preserves and ice cream, on board. Europa uses only loose tea (over 30 types), while all the others use teabags of varying quality.

Typically, lunch and dinner menus are provided in your suite/cabin in advance, and special orders are often possible. Room service menus are extensive, and meals can be served in your suite/cabin (either on the balcony or inside on portable tables). It is also possible to have a special dinner setup on deck - wonderful in the right location.

Drinks: included or not?

Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, and Silversea Cruises provide wine with dinner (Crystal Cruises, Seabourn, and Silversea also include wine with lunch), although the wines are typically young, and not from first-class houses. However, real premium brands and classic vintage wines cost extra.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises charges for all alcoholic beverages (beer and soft drinks are provided in each cabin/suite). Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruise Line provide an all-inclusive product, including gratuities. Crystal, Regent, Seabourn, SeaDream, and Silversea include all drinks, but only standard brands. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises doesn’t include alcoholic drinks, because the ones favored by its discerning passengers tend to be well above the level of standard brands carried by cruise lines.

Other difference

Aboard the ships of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Seabourn, white plastic deck lounge chairs are provided. Aboard the ships of SeaDream Yacht Club these chairs are made of teak (or other hardwood). Aboard Hapag-Lloyd Cruises’ Europa and Europa 2 they are made of aluminum and wood, while aboard the ships of Silversea Cruises they are made of faux-wicker or aluminum.

Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony, Europa, Europa 2, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator, and Seven Seas Voyager include entertainment featuring multi-cast shows and cabaret acts; the Seabourn and Silversea Cruises ships also do this, although to a lesser extent. The others do not have entertainment as such, but instead rely on their intimacy and friendliness, and promote after-dinner conversation, or, aboard the ships of Silversea Cruises, individual specialist cabaret acts.