World of Cruising August 2021 - Canvas Tote
"Luxury cruising is having its moment. Now we’re easing our way, ever so cautiously, into the post-pandemic world, all the factors that make high-end travel so attractive –
small passenger numbers, personal service, bucket-list destinations – seem to rate even higher than before. And no wonder. After 18 months stuck at home, who wouldn’t want to splash the cash and book themselves a voyage to exciting new destinations aboard one of the world’s most wonderful ships?
In our special luxury supplement, we’ve pulled out all the stops to bring you everything you need to know about luxury cruising – from how to choose the itinerary that best suits your travel ambitions and lifestyle to the hot new ships to watch out for.
We’ve got our eye on Evrima – the first launch from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – as well as Emerald Azzurra, which will offer a slice of the superyacht lifestyle for just 100 guests lucky enough to be stepping onboard. And we’re loving Ponant’s new luxury polar vessel Le Commandant Charcot, which can sail whisper-quietly and emission free.
The Covid crisis has also given the luxury lines time to rethink their existing ships and create some incredible new on-board offerings for guests. We’re seeing the rise of ‘ultra-inclusive’ cruises on lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Oceania, where not only the drinks packages are included in the price, but also gratuities, shore excursions, speciality restaurants, chauffeur transfers, butlers and more.
Another big development is in longer luxury voyages, with the likes of Oceania’s 180-day round-the-world cruise selling out almost as soon as booking opens. But our favourite trend is the rise and rise of private ship charters. After all, surely the ultimate luxury cruise is one where you have the whole ship to yourself.
If you or a loved one have a major birthday or anniversary coming up, now’s the time to book a cruise you’ll remember for ever. I love the sound of Belmond’s luxury barge trips in France, where you and just nine guests get
to sail down some of France’s finest waterways while being wined and dined on board. What’s not to love?
Of course, while luxury cruises can offer remarkably good value for money, they’re never cheap – and if you’re raiding your savings, you want to be sure your chosen cruise will deliver the goods. To that end, we’ve compiled two comprehensive tables, packed with information about all the world’s luxury lines – from where they visit to what they include in the fare. It’s the details that count, and these tables will help you see at a glance what you’re getting for your money.
Wherever you’re planning to travel on your next luxury cruise, enjoy your trip and make the most of every moment."
Editor
Vicky Mayer