Contemporary cruise lines are those that are family-friendly with lots of activities for all ages. Perfect for multi-generational families, these ships tend to be large, accommodating 2500 passengers or more, some up to 5500 guests. Much like floating resorts, there are large spaces for entertainment, sports decks, extensive spa facilities and age appropriate kids clubs for children ages 3 – 17. There are many dining options from fast snacks to gourmet cuisine in specialty restaurants. Their goal is to please all their customers from the youngest child to the grandparents. With all the similarities, each contemporary cruise line has their own vibe and unique features. The all sail to the same destinations, like the Caribbean, Alaska, Europe and Mexico. If you have a large family or love gobs of activities to entertain you 24/7, these cruise lines have what it takes to make everyone happy.

The most popular contemporary cruise lines are Carnival Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean and Disney Cruise Line. Carnival Cruise line is known as the ‘Fun Ships’ and they cater to a younger family crowd. Even though Carnival recently upgraded their ships to be more competitive with other lines in the contemporary market, they still have the ‘Fun Party’ reputation. Norwegian Cruise line invented ‘Freestyle Cruising’. They have no formal nights on any of their itineraries, although you can certainly dress if you choose to. The also have added water parks, rope courses and even go kart racing on their newest ships. Lots of things to entertain everyone. Royal Caribbean has really outdone the innovative ship designs. Their Oasis class ships have hollowed out interiors with restaurants and entertainment options set in park like atmospheres. Their signature rock climbing walls, flow riders and zip lines are popular with many multi-generational groups. And of course, Disney Cruise line carries on the Disney theme at sea. They tend to offer more adult ‘time out’ from the kids than the other contemporary lines, but the kids are still well supervised at all times. Very different in concept, yet all these cruise lines offers lots of things to keep young and old alike busy.

What sets the luxury cruise ships apart from the contemporary or premium lines? Understated elegance, exemplary service, first-class gourmet dining, fine wines and premium spirits, various degrees of all-inclusive pricing and exceptionally high crew-to-passenger ratios. Small ships with a guest capacity of less than a 1000 passengers, although a few hold up to 1250. Personalized, pampering service is the order of the day in a relaxed, Country Club like atmosphere that is intimate without being stuffy. Most luxury lines have all ocean facing staterooms with elegant, comfortable accommodations with walk-in closets, luxurious bedding, exquisite bath amenities and little extras that make you feel like the VIP you are. And your smaller ship can visit ports of call the larger ones can’t, so your adventure is that much more special.

As I stated above, with luxury cruise lines, there are varying degrees of all-inclusive pricing. Some will include Business Class Airfare for their international itineraries, and deep discounts on economy airfare for domestic and Caribbean offerings. Seabourn, Silversea and Regent Seven Seas offer the most inclusive pricing, followed closely by Crystal Cruises. In general, you can normally expect the following to be included in your luxury cruise fare:  Spacious and elegant accommodations, many with private balconies; twice daily housekeeping, complimentary 24-hour suite service, concierge service, gourmet dining, all tips and gratuities, all wines, beer and spirits with meals and in-suite stocked minibars. Some luxury lines add in unlimited Wi-Fi, specialty dining, curated shore excursions and wine, beer and spirits throughout the cruise, not just at meals. Butlers come with all the high-end suites on every line. Larger bathrooms with separate bathtubs and showers, some with dual vanity sinks and bidets.

Luxury cruising may seem out of reach to some, but are they really? If you are already cruising with premium cruise lines in Mini-Suites or above, you might find that luxury cruises are not as big of a budget stretch as you would imagine. In the next segment I am going to compare the pricing for a contemporary, premium and luxury cruise for the same dates and destination so you can see, that when they are put side by side, they might not be that different in pricing. Yet, they will be a whole lot different in experience. OH! I almost forgot one key factor that adds to a lot of cruise experiences. Virtuoso Benefits! When booking with Virtuoso Advisors – like Infinity Travelaz – depending on the cruise line, and even the cruise itinerary, there are several Virtuoso Voyage Amenities you get just because you book your vacation with us. Sweet!