I've never cruised or thought of it, but your video, with all of your energy, enthusiasm AND open-eyed honesty makes me reconsider. THANK YOU for creating these videos, it's something the industry would NEVER do. The information is much appreciated.
Never been on a cruise but have watched hours and hours of his videos. He makes great, thoughtful content. Maybe I'll go one day, and I'll have a head start on the planning.
From our experience as regular cruisers on Regent, I would add Business Class flights included, butler, room restocked every day with alcohol of your choice, free night before the cruise in a luxury hotel, and outstanding, focused service.
Yes, but butler is only for Penthouse and larger suites. Free hotel night doesn't apply to smaller cabins. Business class air travel is only from East coast. They fly you economy from the West coast to East, then business class to EU. As we are on the West coast, we took a credit for the air travel and booked our own flights, but that covered only half the air travel cost. I didn't care for their hotel choices, so we took a small credit for that as well and booked our own. It starts to get very expensive very fast, but I don't like crowds ;)
@@westhavenor9513 we recently stayed at the Four Seasons in Miami, others stayed at Mandarin Oriental....both 5 star plus hotels but coach from West Coast I would see as a problem...
I agree, we have been on 7 Regent cruises and love the larger cabins, most free excursions, free liquor, different restaurants, free business class air, butler in the Penthouse, intimacy.
I have to say you hit the nail on the head. My sister her husband and my husband and myself are going on a cruise to Japan. We prefer a smaller ship and the exclusivity appeals. Why go on holiday if its not as good as home. I am a grandmother and holidays with them are totally different I want an adult experience and to be looked after for 2 weeks. Good to put yourself first once in a while.
Perhaps it should just be no 'American' kids! Living in Egypt and France I have a whole different appreciation now for kids than I did when I lived 'in the States'. I hated kids then too! It really, really depends on--- the parents, and the culture they are coming from! The kids in other countries are really Very delightful! ('NOUGH SAID???!!!)
@@paulortiz2035 understandable, but I’m American and I’ve found that kids from Mexico and Central America have no manners, and European kids are very well behaved compared to us even.
Once again, you have come through for the cruising community. My situation is not uncommon. I retired, worked all my life and started cruising on my honeymoon 43 years ago. I wanted to elevate my luxury experience as my taste changed. From inside cabin all the way to the Owners Suite on a Mainstream Cruise Brand. I finally got the ability to do a 7-day cruise on what is called a Luxury Brand. Your video was beyond accurate. What was the most obvious differences is the hardest to explain. Personalized service. It was wonderful. The food was also outstanding. What I learned was, that was not enough to justify the investment that was almost as much as a small SUV. The result was to realize, I was already getting the important aspects of a cruising experience in the VIP sections of Mainstream Cruise lines like NCL Haven, MSC Yacht Club and Celebrity Retreat. That is not everyone's take but it has become mine. Even then, there is a point when the price exceeds the value, and a nice balcony sure does give you extra money to spend on other things to make your cruise special. What I like about your video's is you say it like you see it. Bravo. Thanks for the time and effort.
We completed a recent 14 day Greek Island cruise on Seabourn. We will never do a large ship again. The small size and crew experience made the trip. The small size of the excursions made the experience much more enjoyable. All the nickel and dimming on larger ships made the slight extra cost for the ultra luxury experience made it worth the cost. It was amazing how quickly the crew new our names and our preferences .
Gary, I was on Seabourn for 52 days sailing from Athens to Hong Kong. I agree with you, the crew provided extraordinary service. As a solo woman, they made sure I never dined alone unless I wanted to. It felt like home, surrounded by people who felt like family. One thing you missed was the caviar. Every evening at 5:00, they delivered a beautiful plate to me filled with it. From what I can tell, Seabourn is the only line providing unlimited caviar. (Of course, not everyone would find that special.) No request was difficult and always accompanied with a smile. There are experiences which can’t be quantified, but you know when they are missing. In all my time, Seabourn never overlooked the small things and went out of their way to make sure I had the best before I even realized I wanted it. As you can see, I love this little cruise line.
Omg I'm so jealous! That cruise sounds like a dream come true especially with a line like Seabourn. Regarding caviar, if that's important to you I think the seven seas explorer has the same unlimited policy. They also have a special breakfast with some different types to try out!
Wow. Sounds like an amazing trip -- even just sailing for two months would suit me. Highly relaxing, no nasty take off and landing and seeing at least some of the world.
@@louiseogden1296 Louise, if possible to go on, long cruises show an entire new side of cruise life. It isn’t just a vacation but also a special relationship with the sea, ship, and people onboard. It changed my life.
It’s definitely about the smaller ships, no children and personal attention to the smallest details. Our first experience was in the luxury river cruises and this translates to the seagoing trips as well. I’d rather do one luxury cruise than five on the mega ships surrounded by screaming kids.
This is exactly the reason why you pay more for anything... To be separated from the riff raff, no children, no loud obnoxious humans who show up at dinner in their bathrobe with their privates exposed, there is less people and much more sophisticated environment. I only go on luxury cruises, I am always the youngest person there (25) but aside from that it's a much more relaxed environment
I haven’t had problems with children on board but I travel while most children are in school. There are private areas on RC and private dining. Basically you can be as private as you want.
What’s great about smaller ships is that there are less people getting on and off the ship, destinations are less crowded. You don’t feel like a tourist. You also get to know more people. I also feel you’re not as welcome when 5000 people are getting of a ship at the same time
I sailed on a Silver Sea a number of years ago and it was the finest cruise experience of the dozen or so cruises I have been on. We were treated fabulously by the crew and the food was far better than any other experience. It was a small ship and I was able to not only get tremendous access to the ship, but was able to get to know my fellow passengers as well. It was awesome on all levels.
We are fans of Seabourn and you are right, small matters in the overall experience. It extends to port excursions. We have found Seabourn typically books 20-25 people per excursion versus 30 to 40 people on other lines. Another excursion plus - Seabourn treats you like an adult. If your excursion tickets says be on the bus at 8:50 am, just get off the ship and get on the bus. We hated our experience on other lines where everyone needed to queue up in the theatre and wait (and wait and wait) for their excursion number to be called. What a terrible way to treat your customers.
Waiting to get on and off excursions was the most objectionable thing about an otherwise lovely cruise on Norwegian Pearl. It’s one of NCL’s smaller ships and we had a balcony cabin so the other passengers didn’t bother us. But half our port time was eaten up waiting and tendering.
You can get same on other ships. and I think people looses track of that. Who for instance eats caviar every day at home? I do not like it or care for it. I do not like champagne so does champagne make a luxury line. Let us be honest US does not have a 6 star hotel even so how can they possibly have a luxury cruise line? The best airlnes are Asian for goodness sake, Asia knows what luxury is mote so called luxury hotels but them again luxury is over hyped. I thoroughly enjoy the meals my wife makes and I consider that luxury. Crew are friendly and on the ball in many mass people cruise lines. How the hotel can somebody on a ship make toast or bacon and eggs better than my wife or even I can?
@@lenvella9541 A very down-to-earth preference 👍 After getting Gary's take on "ultra luxury" cruises, I've too decided that it is not for me too (my preference/feelings may change in the future, yet at least not now.) I like to be left alone. I feel uncomfortable having people fussing all over me--I actually don't want any "strangers" to know me so well that they can anticipate my next wanting. I like my anonymity of being in a big population. Yea, for me this one makes it a 'no' for me. Nonetheless, I can see why other people could appreciate it for the exact same reason that I don't [care for it.]
As a solo traveler, yeah it's even more expensive. But the experience and the crew and passengers and other features made it well worth my money. Size was a big factor for me. I look at the ships with 3 - 6000 passengers and I know from prior experience that I would not be happy and isn't that what its all about?
I've had good luck on Azamara as a solo cruiser. They usually have a solo incentive on some selection of their cruises (not everything but still a good range of choices)
If you have to tender on a small ship you also get ashore much quicker than on a large ship. There are more tenders per person and they don't wait to go until thy are full. One comes back, one goes. The ship will also anchor nearer the dock so the transit is quicker as well. Big plus.
Just wanted to say that my experience with the crew on Royal Caribbean recently was spot on. They knew my name immediately and would bring me my drink before I even asked and I got to know several of them very well. I think it just depends on how you talk to them.
Thanks Gary. Another great video. Love them. 1 thing that I haven’t heard you mention yet about the smaller Ships, that I think is worth mentioning is the ease of off and on the Ship while in a port. It is so easy and nice to not have to deal with huge line ups at times that you may have to deal with the larger Ships. Also my Wife mentioned luxury lines exclusive events, which are unforgettable (an evening concert in Ephesus, exclusively opened for our ship) and the small ships often stay longer in ports after the mass-market ships depart, giving a quieter port experience.
We recently experienced that, being on a 700-passenger ship berthed next door to a Norwegian Cruise Lines mega-ship. Walking back on board with no line while there were long queues for passengers on the NCL ship was instructive. Of course, it all depends on the experience that is important for you, and also what can be afforded.
Since we first sailed on Regent Seven Seas in 2014, we have not used any other cruise line. We love the smaller size and the fact that these cruises are indeed ALL INCLUSIVE. Covid has put us on hold for the last year and a half. We DO have three cruises booked on three different Regent ships for 2022 and 2023. I agree with all that you pointed out, Gary. Thanks for these interesting videos
We’re in the same boat (pun intended) having picked Regent for our “once-in-a-lifetime” Mediterranean cruise back in 2009…by our 3rd day we were booking our next one. We tried Cunard once and went back to Regent. We just completed number 12 or 13 last week and we’re already counting down to our next one… There’s really no comparison.
Just got off Explorer our first with Regent - it was awesome.....Covid what? no issues anywhere, even on excursions - enjoy your cruises - we are already booked for Lisbon to Rome April 23 !!!
The other key point with the ultra luxury ships is that the passengers space ratio in the public rooms is greater, meaning there is more square footage per person in all the public rooms combined. For example most of the all suites ships have about 70 square feet of total public room space per passenger (at full capacity). The mass market ships often come in at 30 square feet of public room space per passenger and the premium ships 40 square feet or better. So the ultra luxury ships feel less crowded normally both due to the fewer number of guests and more public space per guest. And all that costs money
I was surprised at your take. I cruise NCL and Celebrity with grandkids and sister and my husband and I only cruise on Regent. I don’t think there is anything even close to the luxury, service, food and feeling of Regent. I think it’s worth every extra dollar.
Excellent video, as always, Gary. You are always so thorough with your explanations so that cruisers (or cruisers to be) can make informed decisions as to which cruise experience is best for them. Thank you.
The thing I admire most about Gary is his honesty. You can trust what his says. After 3 mins I was thinking no way I would pay the extra. But I knew there was something coming at the end to maybe make it worthwhile
The last thing... class of customers, from education, life experience, manners, and socio economoc status is very different aboard mass market, mid and ultra luxury, as you would expect due to the cost differentials.
In September 2022 my wife and I cruised the western Mediterranean on Celebrity. This May we will be cruising on Regent for the first time. The Regent cruise will actually be CHEAPER after you tally up all the things we paid extra for on Celebrity. What sold me on Regent is INCLUDED shore excursions as well as included valet laundry service.
Size of ship is the differentiator that matters most to me. Example: On a Regent cruise stop in Santorini, we took an (included) excursion started with shuttle service from the pier, after tendering in. Upon returning, saw huge line of people from a larger cruise ship waiting in line to take the cable car up to the town. I estimated they were waiting in line for 30 minutes to an hour.
For me, it is also the space per passenger- not worrying about finding a sun lounge or crowded venues. It is so much more relaxing to not have to plan your day with military precision, or get up much earlier than you would like to avoid queues or get sun loungers in your desired area. Even with places like the Haven on NCL, you have to deal with the crowds and queues every time you venture beyond that area.
Thank you, I have been cruising on Premium Lines for 30 years and the one big question has been is a luxury cruise worth the money. You have answered the question with this video!
I suspect, when It comes to cruising there is a greater diminishing return as you move up the....errrrr, quality ladder. The move from luxury to ultra luxury is probably so comparable that, that You are not paying for the slight improvement in on board soft product, but what you are really paying for is to be around the "right people". The ultra luxury price is essentially a poletax that keeps the unwashed and semi-washed out.
My wife and I will soon be sailing with Regent Seven Seas for a 24 day swan through the Caribbean. For us what sets Regent apart for are the following: 1. We are brought in a day prior to the cruise and put up in a very nice hotel for the evening. Dinner is usually on our own, but breakfast is included in the fare. 2. Airfare is included in the price of the cruise including business class air on international flights. And if Regent's travel concierge makes the flight arrangements then Regent is responsible for getting us to the ship even if there is some type of air deviation. 3. Our laundry is done once a week so we don't have to pack as many clothes. 4. All ground transfers between the airport, hotel and pier are included in the fare. Truly once the final payment is made you don't open your wallet again unless you go to the casino, spa or one of the boutiques.
I've only cruised once in my life and it was with Regent, Barcelona to Rome. In May, one of my daughters is going to cruise with me on Regent from Greece to Venice, 10 nights. So excited!
@@JaneA544 The cruise was and free shore excursions were excellent! BTW, business class on the international flights is so much nicer than 7 years ago. We had individual compartments with seats that recline or can be moved to be completely flat for sleeping, and you are treated first-class. My daughter googled what the flights would have cost if booked by ourselves and each RT flight would have cost 2/3 of what we paid for the entire cruise.
when it comes to a cruise and any vacation it is what you make of it. in general any level of accommodation one can have a good times, its more of the mindset.
I remember when Carnival was quite a bit more upscale than it is now. We still do them because we are Platinum, and get Casino rates, and some other factors. But we have gravitated to Princess over the years, because they have more varied, longer cruises. They also tend to be more upscale, and like Carnival was 20 years ago. But I’m looking at Viking. Don’t know whether we would ever be able to do something like Regent though.
One major difference is the price itself; it acts as a "barrier to entry." Only a certain level of people can afford the more expensive cruise. This allows for the rich to self-select their shipmates. It eliminates the "hoi polloi" that one finds on a Carnival cruise, for instance. And it ensures that passengers are of the same socio-economic level. In effect, the price is not a deterrent - it's a benefit in and of itself.
Hi Gary, love your videos. They helped me in deciding on which cruise line to choose for my first ever cruise (I am going to Alaska). I ended up choosing Silversea (with the help of a cruise agent) for the following reasons: 1) Itinerary - they were in the ports I wanted to visit for the most of amount time 2) Amount of fellow cruisers or lack there of. I hate crowds and the thought of 3000 (or more) other people in such a small place just wasn't for me. 3) The type of people who will be my fellow cruisers appear to be a more sedate and mellow crowd 4) Silverseas's 20% solo traveller premium seemed to be fair charge compared paying double on Celebrity Since I haven't been on any cruise, I hope I have chosen well.
Can't afford an ultra-luxury cruise, but if I could, can easily say I'd go with the smaller ship option every time. Not having to mix with riff-raff of the large cruise ships that focus on the high volume, value-priced tourist is a huge difference.
Just wanted to say, since discovering your Channel about 3 weeks ago, I have really enjoyed your numerous videos. Not really in the market for a cruise (not really my thing) but you make it very interesting to experience vicariously! Thank you! ----Mike
In the eighties and early nineties nearly all ships were small. It was much easier to connect with people outside of your group because you saw them more times a day. We actually did things with people we had never met before like renting a small bus to go on our own excursion or just gather at a bar before dinner. Recently i was on the Aidanova and MSC Seaside and I almost never ran in the same people twice. I feld completely anonymous which I think is a pity...
This was really informative. Thanks as always Gary. This is the best cruise channel! If you want to do a lot of excursions, Regent might be worth it. My friend went to Alaska on Regent. She went on 2 or 3 excursions a day, no extra charge and no tendering or waiting to get on or off the smaller ship, which frequently eats up a lot of port time.
I can understand that kind of separation on mass market lines (The Haven on NCL and the Yacht Club on MSC are amazing) but I hate it on premium lines. Why do I have to pay more for the retreat on Celebrity or Cunard queen's grill when my whole cruise is supposed to be premium? Especially given the ultra luxury lines are their sister companies so they aren't losing customers to competitors.
So, you feel like 2nd class citizen if you are not willing to pay more for more. Do you fly 1st class rather than coach? I would guess no. Pay more get more!
I just did a Silversea cruise from Seattle to Juneau and back. I think our ship was the Silver Muse, and it was exquisite!!! The cabins are incredibly well appointed and spacious, the dining was generally fantastic, and the service was peerless! The excursions however, were the stars! We witnessed: wild orca hunting seals, sea otters forming rafts by holding hands, humpbacks breaching and bubble net feeding, glaciers calving off icebergs, guided ATV tours up into the mountains, 57 bald eagles recovering from injuries at a raptor center, wild ravens visiting their injured family member and bringing him food and shiny bits and bobs, a hanging glacier with its deep glowing blue terminus thousands of feet above the fjord it once created! That's just off the top of my head. It is one of the most memorable vacations I've ever been on, I can't recommend it highly enough, with the caveat that this is NOT child friendly, AT ALL.
I took a Regent cruise and I preferred it to the mass market cruise. For one thing everything was included. Most of my excursions were inducted. I could drink alcohol at any time, anywhere for free. There were no charges for any of the specialty dining or coffee drinks or ice cream or pizza. The ship provided transportation from some of the ports to the ship so if I wanted to stay in town after the excursion was over, I could easily get back to the ship. There was champagne in my room upon arrival. There were snacks in the lounges before dinner. People were far nicer and more polite. Giant ships are full of rude people,
Very good contend. We have travelled on many of the main cruise lines and we spend most of our time on Regent. You are paying for the exclusivity and more personalized attention on Regent, which my family values.
We've done Seabourn in the past and been thoroughly impressed for Mediterranean and Adriatic. Last year we tried Silversea to Alaska, liked it and then did a trip on the Silversea Nova in January of 2024 to Peru. Very impressed! New ship, outstanding suite, staff, food, service and overall ambiance. Bokking them for our next cruise based on this experience.
Just back from Odyssey of the Seas after 18 months without leaving Florida. Technical inventions of shows like The Book and being the first to experience The Effectors made it incredible. Yes the exclusivity of cruising in the 1970s is gone, but the innovative shows are a motive to cruise! No way Seaborne can compete, but yes your three differences are a reason to pay more for extra luxury! Looking forward to reaching our 150th cruise in November!
Just got off a Seabourn Caribbean cruise after a month on and this was the best cruise I have ever experienced from being on the ship perspective (not the ports). We have taken 125+ cruises and have Diamond Status on SB. There were just over 100 guests and 360 crew, name another vacation where it is 1;3! The food was exceptional, entertainment first class. But it was the staff that made this not the best cruise vacation but the best vacation on the planet. I also don't think they are that much more expensive when you factor the lack of the tipping the real all inclusive drinks and service across all restaurants. There are also incentives with on board credits and therefore our bill at the end of 4 weeks including sessions in the spa and all trips came to $35! Apart from 2 Brits that hogged beds for reasons that cannot be worked out as there were so few people there, the passengers were all there to have a good time, socialise and get back to some form of normality. It was a truly brilliant vacation. Well Done to all Seabourn Oddessy Staff.
Very informative and eye opening. Your attention to explaining the differences has helped me understand that how I cruise now is exactly where I belong!
I think one point that you may have felt funny to mention was the fact that people could feel they were cruising with wealthy successful people, rather than week to week paycheck people personally I love big crowded ships it feels like a party constantly even 3:00 in the morning at the snack bar
Agreed, food is consistently “wow”-level exceptional. Gary, I know you don’t drink, but I also enjoy a glass of fine wine or two with my dinner, expertly paired by the sommelier. And an occasional well-crafted cocktail before dinner. They also offer outstanding mock tails.
I may never go on a cruise.. But I can definitely definitely appreciate you helping me realize my luxury dreams.. thank you so much for all of your attention to every detail.
You've hit the proverbial nail on the head. For us, ultra-luxury cruising is about attention to detail, exclusivity, service, and an ADULTS-ONLY environment. There is far more to the value proposition than merely cost, which is the least important aspect of all. We're Seabourn customers and have zero interest in ever sailing with any other line, excepting only our latent curiosity regarding Cunard's transatlantic voyage. That said, if you told me that their Queens Grill product doesn't measure up to Seabourn in every way, I'd put it out of my mind entirely without regret.
Very well said...the memories remain long after price is forgotten. Not to mention, despite being “smaller” ships, the passenger space ratio is way better on the Ultra Luxury lines.
This was very interesting. I probably won’t go to this class of cruising because it’s just not worth it to me. I do want to try Oceania which is a lower category.
Cruise ships all used to be that way, back in the day before mass market cruising. My first two cruises were on Commodore Cruise Line's "Enchanted Isle' and "Enchanted Seas", two sister ships that carried 700 passengers each. It's also what I like about Holland America's smaller ships. I've been on all of them. I have no interest in cruise ships that are over 80,000 tons with more than 1500 passengers.
I absolutely agree with you. I remember being on several Holland American cruises 45 years ago, and the wait staff was surrounding the table anticipating your needs. I find the dining room so chaotic now. The poor waiters and waitresses are running by. If I find myself in need of a condiment I almost feel bad to ask them.
@@gartnsu1 But then Holland America really was Dutch owned and a real cruise line that has gone down hill but still not too bad. P&O went same way and Cunard. Nothing like the line it used to be, When US companies bought them all up that was when things went peashapped and got gradually worse and worse.. They have no idea how to really run a cruise ship all they are interested in is money.Take a ship with 3,000 passengers with gratuities at $20 per day per passenger. $20 x 3000 passengers means they collect $60.,000--- every single day.They are raking in $32,900.000 every year from that one ship or $$1,825,000 every month. Do you really think this money actually goes to the crew? Then start to think again, 18/20% on every sale on the ships, the money they make off food and drink which they get duty and tax free and for everything else they use onboard. This used to be for the passengers not for the owners. Wish people would use their brains and start doing some simple arithmetic. They have not paid any kind of income tax for many years. Think it through simple do fine out how many passengers on ship and do the numbers.
Thank you for this excellent video. My preference is to cruise on ships of a modest size. I also like that it would a quieter experience that would emphasize quality rather than quantity. Vast 'glitzy' ships on offer these days have very limited appeal to me.
This reminded me of how all cruises were. In 1985 -1980ish We started cruising I was 10 sisters 8 n 6. No kids club but we loved being "adults" service was prefect. Perks were not included but they k n ew us and our likes and loved ports being right off gangway not shuttled in. Hope I can convince my hubby to try one at least for Greek isles
Nicely done Gary. As seasoned cruisers, we find ourselves edging more and more away from a suite on a large line and more towards the more attentive feel of exclusivity you elude to here. We recently had 8 cruises booked through to 2024 but have now adjusted to only 4 cruises with suites on Celebrity (Retreat); MSC (YC); Oceania Vista and Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. (We do have the Crystal Serenity booked for June but given their current situation, that likely won’t happen). Nice cruise-line. Hope they make it. To Gary’s point(s), while we’ll be paying about the same for 5 as we would have done for 8, it’s the overall experience we look forward to with each of the 5. In essence, we’ve become more selective. Choosing quality over quantity. Safe travels everyone ☺️
I loved the Windstars smaller ship feel, you knew everyone else on the ship by the time you left. Some of them we are still good friends with across the country.
We found that the people on the “ultra “ lines were more interesting and we had more in common with. We also really enjoyed the afternoon lectures, on sea days. The service is excellent and as you said nobody is trying to sell imitation watches, Pashmina, diamonds etc. To sum up I’d rather go on 1 Crystal (or Regent etc ) cruise than 10 Holland America etc cruises. Thanks I enjoy your videos
I have travelled on Princess, Celebrity, Holland America all large ships except the Small Pacific Princess which we enjoyed the most. We have now booked on Viking and Azamara to be on smaller ships with less than a 1000 people.
So (1) Smaller ships, (2) More personal service, (3) Inclusion of specialty dinning. Got it & will consider one of these for our next cruise as we have kinda gotten worn out on the HUGE lines and the HUGE ships. My wife HATES buffets so the specialty restaurants would be a HUGE selling point for her
I've done 5 Azamara cruises. They're big on doing Azamazing Evenings. The last cruise in January 2020 was 18-Night Hawaii & Tahiti Voyage from Los Angeles. They arranged an Azamazing Evening with the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum which featured 40's themed entertainment. If they are as good now as before the sale, I doubt you will be disappointed. I still have future cruise credit after two cancellations so looking to rebook ASAP.
As a self professed 'budget cruiser' I almost skipped past this video but glad I stopped by. It's really interesting about small size equating increased luxury in some people's view. I used to cruise on Voyages of Discovery (small!) initially for an itinerary passing through the Suez Canal, then for its access to smaller ports, and it was routinely cheaper per night than mainstream 4000+ passenger ships. But maybe that's why it went into administration 🤔
Totally agree with all your points. We are sailing with Silversea June 2022. I chose this line because my husband will NOT go on a big ship. He’s never been on a large ship, he will never go on one. So when I started looking for our first holiday in two years I did zone in on what was being referred to as “ultra luxury”, even though I had never heard the term before. It is definitely about the size (under 400 passengers), the intimacy, the ports we will be able to go to, the food, the size of veranda suite is also very good. Added bonus is that everything is included (as of next year the excursions are included), and our flights, and transfers. Not to mention the butler service, which is going to be quite an experience! I have always planned our holidays down to the last detail. This Silversea cruise is already great just for the ease of use….I don’t have to do a thing! Well, other than pay for it. Thanks for all your content. I have learned a lot from your presentations.
I did Silversea for the Mediterranean this past fall. I loved it. I found it being all-inclusive, smaller, incredible dining, shore excursions, etc. all really great. Crew addressed me by name most of it. I had a great butler. I'm doing them again in 2023.
Have you looked into Viking? They have around 900 passengers per sailing, and you essentially get everything Gary talked about in this video but at a lower price. It's very focused on taking you to ports you normally wouldn't go to, learning about the culture of where you're going, and having an intimate experience. Even though there were about 920 passengers on my ship, it didn't feel like there were that many people on board. It was my first cruise, and I was expecting to experience what people hate about the big cruise ships, and I was happily surprised that it was nothing like I was expecting.
@@erics607 yes, they were my first choice. We took a river cruise with them several years ago and loved it!Unfortunately they are booking into 2023 and 2024 and really weren’t offering the cruise we wanted. As an FYI, I did a little price comparison between Viking and Silversea (trying to justify the cost) and when you factor it all in, Viking was very close to the same daily cost as Silversea…..which made me feel a little more at ease. Hopefully we will manage another Viking cruise someday. Very fond memories of the Danube with them.
Hi Gary, I love your videos and this is really spot on! Having taken 17 or 18 cruises on big cruise ships. I’m now shifting my interest to the cruise ships you describe. I’ll be sailing on Silversea Muse this January out of Auckland. And while it’s clearly more expensive, when I’m paying for is the intimate experience, less crowds, less lines, and ( as you said)the ability as you had mentioned to get into ports, other cruise ships simply can’t. Prior to the sale of Pacific Princess by Princess cruises, that ship was incredible! It felt like a private yacht and even though it was a mainstream cruise line. We were able to get into ports close up in, for example, Stockholm, that other ship simply. I find being a mass market Cruise lines, such as Princess, Holland America, celebrity to be stressful. Lines, lines, crowd, crowds, and Nickle & dimming every step of the way. To be honest with you, I’ve seen videos of the food choices on Silver Sea, which do not appeal whatsoever as I am a basic meat, potatoes, kind of Irish guy. I’ve been told that there are plenty of choices that I will find appealing. What are the things? I think you should focus on in your next video is all the new options coming out for small ship cruise experiences. I’m 62, and I theorize that as baby boomers age, cruise lines are creating more small ship experiences for those of us who have turned our nose to the mainstream cruise lines, which keep making ships bigger and bigger and bigger.
Thanks Gary, good info for a Seabourn fan that hasn't sailed with them since 2010. We were fortunate (I believe) to discover Seabourn in the previous era with the 200 passenger ships. The Three Ladies - Pride, Legend and Spirit were truly intimate with 180 - 200 passengers / 230 crew. I know the newer larger vessels are delightful, but the feel of the previous era's "Yachts of Seabourn" isn't there anymore. Nonetheless we look forward to sailing with them again and appreciate your videos for information and ideas. Cheers
Great information. Thank you. I have a question though. My husband and I want to go on a cruise, but he has to do dialysis. Is there a liner that offer this and can you recommend some? We are going on a short little mini cruise with Colorline from Kiel, Germany to Oslo, Norway. It's only 2 nights so he will be home in time for his next treatment, but we really want to try something longer in the future. Thank you.
In terms of size, I'd suggest that the ratio of Net Tonnage to passengers gives a good indication of the level of luxury. That number comes out in tons per passenger. Thus a larger ship like a Crystal may still have a high space ratio, even with a larger passenger count. The passenger to crew ratio is also a pretty good indicator of how the service is going to go. With more crew, esp. service crew, they can spend more time with each passenger. So far the best food we've had while cruising has been on Sea Dreams. Usually considered a 5.5 star line. I agree in part that the majors have improved their food experience, but it's still not all the way up there. Regent also includes airfare in their packages. I agree that the 6 star lines do cost more when everything is added together but looking at the "teaser" rates for a Carnival or Princess cruise does not come close to the actual cost. While looking at the "teaser" rates for a Regent or Seabourn comes much closer to being the actual cost. David
I’m in for SeaDream, even smaller (max 112 passengers vs 95 crew) amazing food , extraordinary service, & because it’s smaller you can go to other ports closer, embarkation and disembarkation is easy and fast, no kids, intimate (my husband and I would socialize some nights when we felt like it and had romantic dinners some other nights) and attracts likeminded people…it’s more about the experience on board than the destinations in these type of small cruises (or big yacht?) although destinations are pretty spectacular too! No regrets.
Great video Gary! I love Cunard, Princess & HAL and have future cruises booked on them. I've also booked for the first time Seabourn and Oceania, both booked solely for the itineraries. I love port days and both have far more port days than similar destinations on other lines going at a similar time. It'll be interesting to see how they compare with the cruiselines we already love.
@@alex9621 That's exactly what we thought when we saw the 28 night South Pacific and Hawaii cruise. A fabulous itinerary at a reasonable price. We're really looking forward to it.
Thank you for this perspective. Your summary at the end is especially helpful. It seems like it comes down to the ambiance on board and whether or not you feel the higher level of service and exclusivity is worth the extra cost. Some will find it is worth it and others will not. The lack of children on board and the absence of "nickel and diming" would be very welcome.
They don't have to nickel and dime you because your already very overpriced and why do all you so called sophisticated people hate children, seem like a lot of snobbish people on these cruises that look down on other people. One type of cruiser is no better than another.
@@gloriabowie2453 When I pay for a vacation I have the option to NOT hear screaming children. I have chosen NOT to hear then so I PAY not to hear them.
@@gloriabowie2453 - I wouldn’t say that cruisers on board smaller ships “hate children.” It is more about enjoying a quieter environment. I would agree that one type of cruiser is no “better” than another, but it is rather about enjoying a quieter ambiance on board and having less of a party atmosphere and more of one that focuses on conversations with well-travelled and interesting people. That does not make other people less-worthy, just a different focus.
Gary, Thanks so much for these informative and entertaining videos. It has made cruise choices so much smarter(!) Where to cabin, where to eat, what to do with expeditions even insurance. Cheers!
I have taken 13 NCL cruises with the dine when you want idea. So I got different wait staff each day based on early main dining or later if I had an event booked. A key to remember all the different employees who make the cruise special is to take a photo of their name tag - after asking permission. That way I was able to name them in the post cruise survey and recognize their special efforts!
The six star lines , seabourn, regent and silversea are a cut above. The food, service and interiors are of luxury. You pay for what you get, no children, excursions, drinks WiFi etc. I think it’s wrong to compare them to 5-4 star lines, they are completely different. The experience you get on a silversea for example will be greater than your everyday p&O!
Can you discuss the super small American Cruise line cruises? We are taking the plunge and trying one of them but we have ONLY been on the big bargain cruises.
The higher price obviously eliminates bargain-hunters. That alone might be considered by some as a luxury feature, as their cruise mates will tend to be those for whom cost isn't such a concern.
@@luiskp7173 I know it's not quiet the same but l have renal failure and the private hospital has got much better feeling and class of person than in the local public hospital l would have to attend. As the local hospital is in an area with high drug addiction you see all sorts in there!
I've never cruised or thought of it, but your video, with all of your energy, enthusiasm AND open-eyed honesty makes me reconsider. THANK YOU for creating these videos, it's something the industry would NEVER do. The information is much appreciated.
Yes Gary is the best. So polite and honest. If he quits this TH-cam gig, he could get a job reading Winnie the Pooh books for podcast 🤘
Me too
Never been on a cruise but have watched hours and hours of his videos. He makes great, thoughtful content. Maybe I'll go one day, and I'll have a head start on the planning.
@@coma13794I love cruises!
From our experience as regular cruisers on Regent, I would add Business Class flights included, butler, room restocked every day with alcohol of your choice, free night before the cruise in a luxury hotel, and outstanding, focused service.
Yes, but butler is only for Penthouse and larger suites. Free hotel night doesn't apply to smaller cabins. Business class air travel is only from East coast. They fly you economy from the West coast to East, then business class to EU. As we are on the West coast, we took a credit for the air travel and booked our own flights, but that covered only half the air travel cost. I didn't care for their hotel choices, so we took a small credit for that as well and booked our own. It starts to get very expensive very fast, but I don't like crowds ;)
@@westhavenor9513 we recently stayed at the Four Seasons in Miami, others stayed at Mandarin Oriental....both 5 star plus hotels but coach from West Coast I would see as a problem...
Butlers are only included in a premium suite on Regent, and I would not use one as a single traveler.
Been on regent, gold even, Seabourn is better than regent!
I agree, we have been on 7 Regent cruises and love the larger cabins, most free excursions, free liquor, different restaurants, free business class air, butler in the Penthouse, intimacy.
I have to say you hit the nail on the head. My sister her husband and my husband and myself are going on a cruise to Japan. We prefer a smaller ship and the exclusivity appeals. Why go on holiday if its not as good as home. I am a grandmother and holidays with them are totally different I want an adult experience and to be looked after for 2 weeks. Good to put yourself first once in a while.
Luxury is to be able to get away from the majority of people
You sold me when you said "no kids".
Perhaps it should just be no 'American' kids!
Living in Egypt and France I have a whole different appreciation now for kids than I did when I lived 'in the States'. I hated kids then too! It really, really depends on--- the parents, and the culture they are coming from! The kids in other countries are really Very delightful!
('NOUGH SAID???!!!)
@@paulortiz2035 understandable, but I’m American and I’ve found that kids from Mexico and Central America have no manners, and European kids are very well behaved compared to us even.
I would much rather deal with rambunctious children than cranky,rude, older people. And I have had that unfortunate experience
@@loganperry6407 American children really are the worst at respect and manners. It’s so sad.
I don't mind kids I mind shitty parents
Once again, you have come through for the cruising community. My situation is not uncommon. I retired, worked all my life and started cruising on my honeymoon 43 years ago. I wanted to elevate my luxury experience as my taste changed. From inside cabin all the way to the Owners Suite on a Mainstream Cruise Brand. I finally got the ability to do a 7-day cruise on what is called a Luxury Brand. Your video was beyond accurate. What was the most obvious differences is the hardest to explain. Personalized service. It was wonderful. The food was also outstanding. What I learned was, that was not enough to justify the investment that was almost as much as a small SUV. The result was to realize, I was already getting the important aspects of a cruising experience in the VIP sections of Mainstream Cruise lines like NCL Haven, MSC Yacht Club and Celebrity Retreat. That is not everyone's take but it has become mine. Even then, there is a point when the price exceeds the value, and a nice balcony sure does give you extra money to spend on other things to make your cruise special. What I like about your video's is you say it like you see it. Bravo. Thanks for the time and effort.
You and I are on same page 47 years ago on our honeymoon we were all on luxury cruise ship😂
the video of the lady in a tub inside her suite having a view of the ocean is what cruise line?
@@faithmoore7520 I am confused, I am not the Gary that did this video. He is the top cruise blogger. Sorry
@@garytilkin I was just wondering if anyone else knew. He never answered the question.
We completed a recent 14 day Greek Island cruise on Seabourn. We will never do a large ship again. The small size and crew experience made the trip. The small size of the excursions made the experience much more enjoyable. All the nickel and dimming on larger ships made the slight extra cost for the ultra luxury experience made it worth the cost. It was amazing how quickly the crew new our names and our preferences .
Was there a difference in the people who traveled? Meaning we’re they more peaceful or sophisticated? 🤗
Gary, I was on Seabourn for 52 days sailing from Athens to Hong Kong. I agree with you, the crew provided extraordinary service. As a solo woman, they made sure I never dined alone unless I wanted to. It felt like home, surrounded by people who felt like family. One thing you missed was the caviar. Every evening at 5:00, they delivered a beautiful plate to me filled with it. From what I can tell, Seabourn is the only line providing unlimited caviar. (Of course, not everyone would find that special.) No request was difficult and always accompanied with a smile. There are experiences which can’t be quantified, but you know when they are missing. In all my time, Seabourn never overlooked the small things and went out of their way to make sure I had the best before I even realized I wanted it. As you can see, I love this little cruise line.
Omg I'm so jealous! That cruise sounds like a dream come true especially with a line like Seabourn. Regarding caviar, if that's important to you I think the seven seas explorer has the same unlimited policy. They also have a special breakfast with some different types to try out!
SilverSeas had caviar everyday also. I assume it was unlimited, but never asked or tried for more.
@Cruise Forever Gary mentions "on demand caviar" @ about 1:45. . .
Wow. Sounds like an amazing trip -- even just sailing for two months would suit me. Highly relaxing, no nasty take off and landing and seeing at least some of the world.
@@louiseogden1296 Louise, if possible to go on, long cruises show an entire new side of cruise life. It isn’t just a vacation but also a special relationship with the sea, ship, and people onboard. It changed my life.
It’s definitely about the smaller ships, no children and personal attention to the smallest details. Our first experience was in the luxury river cruises and this translates to the seagoing trips as well. I’d rather do one luxury cruise than five on the mega ships surrounded by screaming kids.
understatement of the year ;-D
This is exactly the reason why you pay more for anything... To be separated from the riff raff, no children, no loud obnoxious humans who show up at dinner in their bathrobe with their privates exposed, there is less people and much more sophisticated environment. I only go on luxury cruises, I am always the youngest person there (25) but aside from that it's a much more relaxed environment
@@sew_gal7340 I don't know want cruises you've been on but I haven't seen that. You sound like a super boring sob.
Screaming loudness and disorganization can be bit irritable anyway, especially on a repeating space
I haven’t had problems with children on board but I travel while most children are in school. There are private areas on RC and private dining. Basically you can be as private as you want.
What’s great about smaller ships is that there are less people getting on and off the ship, destinations are less crowded. You don’t feel like a tourist. You also get to know more people. I also feel you’re not as welcome when 5000 people are getting of a ship at the same time
I sailed on a Silver Sea a number of years ago and it was the finest cruise experience of the dozen or so cruises I have been on. We were treated fabulously by the crew and the food was far better than any other experience. It was a small ship and I was able to not only get tremendous access to the ship, but was able to get to know my fellow passengers as well. It was awesome on all levels.
We are fans of Seabourn and you are right, small matters in the overall experience. It extends to port excursions. We have found Seabourn typically books 20-25 people per excursion versus 30 to 40 people on other lines. Another excursion plus - Seabourn treats you like an adult. If your excursion tickets says be on the bus at 8:50 am, just get off the ship and get on the bus. We hated our experience on other lines where everyone needed to queue up in the theatre and wait (and wait and wait) for their excursion number to be called. What a terrible way to treat your customers.
Waiting to get on and off excursions was the most objectionable thing about an otherwise lovely cruise on Norwegian Pearl. It’s one of NCL’s smaller ships and we had a balcony cabin so the other passengers didn’t bother us. But half our port time was eaten up waiting and tendering.
You can get same on other ships. and I think people looses track of that. Who for instance eats caviar every day at home? I do not like it or care for it. I do not like champagne so does champagne make a luxury line. Let us be honest US does not have a 6 star hotel even so how can they possibly have a luxury cruise line? The best airlnes are Asian for goodness sake, Asia knows what luxury is mote so called luxury hotels but them again luxury is over hyped. I thoroughly enjoy the meals my wife makes and I consider that luxury. Crew are friendly and on the ball in many mass people cruise lines. How the hotel can somebody on a ship make toast or bacon and eggs better than my wife or even I can?
@@lenvella9541
A very down-to-earth preference 👍
After getting Gary's take on "ultra luxury" cruises, I've too decided that it is not for me too (my preference/feelings may change in the future, yet at least not now.) I like to be left alone. I feel uncomfortable having people fussing all over me--I actually don't want any "strangers" to know me so well that they can anticipate my next wanting. I like my anonymity of being in a big population.
Yea, for me this one makes it a 'no' for me.
Nonetheless, I can see why other people could appreciate it for the exact same reason that I don't [care for it.]
As a solo traveler, yeah it's even more expensive. But the experience and the crew and passengers and other features made it well worth my money. Size was a big factor for me. I look at the ships with 3 - 6000 passengers and I know from prior experience that I would not be happy and isn't that what its all about?
I've had good luck on Azamara as a solo cruiser. They usually have a solo incentive on some selection of their cruises (not everything but still a good range of choices)
Thank You. Now I can stop wondering what I’m missing.
If you have to tender on a small ship you also get ashore much quicker than on a large ship. There are more tenders per person and they don't wait to go until thy are full. One comes back, one goes. The ship will also anchor nearer the dock so the transit is quicker as well. Big plus.
I was just a guest entertainer on Seabourn. It is really lovely!!
Just wanted to say that my experience with the crew on Royal Caribbean recently was spot on. They knew my name immediately and would bring me my drink before I even asked and I got to know several of them very well. I think it just depends on how you talk to them.
Thanks Gary. Another great video. Love them. 1 thing that I haven’t heard you mention yet about the smaller Ships, that I think is worth mentioning is the ease of off and on the Ship while in a port. It is so easy and nice to not have to deal with huge line ups at times that you may have to deal with the larger Ships. Also my Wife mentioned luxury lines exclusive events, which are unforgettable (an evening concert in Ephesus, exclusively opened for our ship) and the small ships often stay longer in ports after the mass-market ships depart, giving a quieter port experience.
We recently experienced that, being on a 700-passenger ship berthed next door to a Norwegian Cruise Lines mega-ship. Walking back on board with no line while there were long queues for passengers on the NCL ship was instructive. Of course, it all depends on the experience that is important for you, and also what can be afforded.
Since we first sailed on Regent Seven Seas in 2014, we have not used any other cruise line. We love the smaller size and the fact that these cruises are indeed ALL INCLUSIVE. Covid has put us on hold for the last year and a half. We DO have three cruises booked on three different Regent ships for 2022 and 2023. I agree with all that you pointed out, Gary. Thanks for these interesting videos
Team Regent here as well!
We’re in the same boat (pun intended) having picked Regent for our “once-in-a-lifetime” Mediterranean cruise back in 2009…by our 3rd day we were booking our next one. We tried Cunard once and went back to Regent. We just completed number 12 or 13 last week and we’re already counting down to our next one…
There’s really no comparison.
Just got off Explorer our first with Regent - it was awesome.....Covid what? no issues anywhere, even on excursions - enjoy your cruises - we are already booked for Lisbon to Rome April 23 !!!
From France. Thanks. Your videos are clear and simple. We get so much infos about cruising . Good job !
The other key point with the ultra luxury ships is that the passengers space ratio in the public rooms is greater, meaning there is more square footage per person in all the public rooms combined. For example most of the all suites ships have about 70 square feet of total public room space per passenger (at full capacity). The mass market ships often come in at 30 square feet of public room space per passenger and the premium ships 40 square feet or better. So the ultra luxury ships feel less crowded normally both due to the fewer number of guests and more public space per guest. And all that costs money
We have never been disappointed with Viking as well - but took our first Seabourn cruise last August and see the difference... and find we like it!
I was surprised at your take. I cruise NCL and Celebrity with grandkids and sister and my husband and I only cruise on Regent. I don’t think there is anything even close to the luxury, service, food and feeling of Regent. I think it’s worth every extra dollar.
Excellent video, as always, Gary. You are always so thorough with your explanations so that cruisers (or cruisers to be) can make informed decisions as to which cruise experience is best for them. Thank you.
The thing I admire most about Gary is his honesty. You can trust what his says. After 3 mins I was thinking no way I would pay the extra. But I knew there was something coming at the end to maybe make it worthwhile
Only if I win the lottery
The last thing... class of customers, from education, life experience, manners, and socio economoc status is very different aboard mass market, mid and ultra luxury, as you would expect due to the cost differentials.
So you believe money determines the quality of people?
In September 2022 my wife and I cruised the western Mediterranean on Celebrity. This May we will be cruising on Regent for the first time. The Regent cruise will actually be CHEAPER after you tally up all the things we paid extra for on Celebrity. What sold me on Regent is INCLUDED shore excursions as well as included valet laundry service.
Size of ship is the differentiator that matters most to me. Example: On a Regent cruise stop in Santorini, we took an (included) excursion started with shuttle service from the pier, after tendering in. Upon returning, saw huge line of people from a larger cruise ship waiting in line to take the cable car up to the town. I estimated they were waiting in line for 30 minutes to an hour.
Santorini is beautiful. Some of the hotels on the cliffs are to kill for.
For me, it is also the space per passenger- not worrying about finding a sun lounge or crowded venues. It is so much more relaxing to not have to plan your day with military precision, or get up much earlier than you would like to avoid queues or get sun loungers in your desired area.
Even with places like the Haven on NCL, you have to deal with the crowds and queues every time you venture beyond that area.
good point!!!!!
Thank you Gary, for another informative presentation. Excellent details and balanced analysis.
Thank you, I have been cruising on Premium Lines for 30 years and the one big question has been is a luxury cruise worth the money. You have answered the question with this video!
My sister loved her very first cruise on Regent, so that changed my mind and I’m now taking a cruise in October. I’m learning a lot from your videos.
I've never been disappointed with Viking after trying a couple other ocean cruises. Have another scheduled this winter.
Yes, Viking is overall the best in my opinion.
Yes.. Viking is my go to cruise line for luxury value and overall experience.
I didn't find Viking luxury. Nice, smaller ships but not in the same category of Sesbourn and Regent.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on ultra luxury cruises Gary.. My wife and I like Celebrity Cruise line they're a good middle ground option.
I suspect, when It comes to cruising there is a greater diminishing return as you move up the....errrrr, quality ladder.
The move from luxury to ultra luxury is probably so comparable that, that You are not paying for the slight improvement in on board soft product, but what you are really paying for is to be around the "right people".
The ultra luxury price is essentially a poletax that keeps the unwashed and semi-washed out.
My wife and I will soon be sailing with Regent Seven Seas for a 24 day swan through the Caribbean. For us what sets Regent apart for are the following:
1. We are brought in a day prior to the cruise and put up in a very nice hotel for the evening. Dinner is usually on our own, but breakfast is included in the fare.
2. Airfare is included in the price of the cruise including business class air on international flights. And if Regent's travel concierge makes the flight arrangements then Regent is responsible for getting us to the ship even if there is some type of air deviation.
3. Our laundry is done once a week so we don't have to pack as many clothes.
4. All ground transfers between the airport, hotel and pier are included in the fare.
Truly once the final payment is made you don't open your wallet again unless you go to the casino, spa or one of the boutiques.
I've only cruised once in my life and it was with Regent, Barcelona to Rome. In May, one of my daughters is going to cruise with me on Regent from Greece to Venice, 10 nights. So excited!
Check your prices. Seabourn is better
@@jodybogdanovich4333 how was it?
@@JaneA544 The cruise was and free shore excursions were excellent! BTW, business class on the international flights is so much nicer than 7 years ago. We had individual compartments with seats that recline or can be moved to be completely flat for sleeping, and you are treated first-class. My daughter googled what the flights would have cost if booked by ourselves and each RT flight would have cost 2/3 of what we paid for the entire cruise.
And you can send laundry out every day now!
when it comes to a cruise and any vacation it is what you make of it. in general any level of accommodation one can have a good times, its more of the mindset.
I remember when Carnival was quite a bit more upscale than it is now. We still do them because we are Platinum, and get Casino rates, and some other factors. But we have gravitated to Princess over the years, because they have more varied, longer cruises. They also tend to be more upscale, and like Carnival was 20 years ago. But I’m looking at Viking. Don’t know whether we would ever be able to do something like Regent though.
One major difference is the price itself; it acts as a "barrier to entry." Only a certain level of people can afford the more expensive cruise. This allows for the rich to self-select their shipmates. It eliminates the "hoi polloi" that one finds on a Carnival cruise, for instance. And it ensures that passengers are of the same socio-economic level. In effect, the price is not a deterrent - it's a benefit in and of itself.
I love Regent Seven Seas Thanks for the video.
Hi Gary, love your videos. They helped me in deciding on which cruise line to choose for my first ever cruise (I am going to Alaska). I ended up choosing Silversea (with the help of a cruise agent) for the following reasons:
1) Itinerary - they were in the ports I wanted to visit for the most of amount time
2) Amount of fellow cruisers or lack there of. I hate crowds and the thought of 3000 (or more) other people in such a small place just wasn't for me.
3) The type of people who will be my fellow cruisers appear to be a more sedate and mellow crowd
4) Silverseas's 20% solo traveller premium seemed to be fair charge compared paying double on Celebrity
Since I haven't been on any cruise, I hope I have chosen well.
Great to hear you enjoy the videos and a great choice for your cruise. It will be amazing !
I'm curious if you have yet gone, and what the experience was like if you did.
Thanks, Gary! I've been waiting for this topic. 😊
Can't afford an ultra-luxury cruise, but if I could, can easily say I'd go with the smaller ship option every time. Not having to mix with riff-raff of the large cruise ships that focus on the high volume, value-priced tourist is a huge difference.
On German ultraluxury lines the staff is chosen from German 5star hotels. The passengers are basically the same you find in German 5star hotels.
KY on that chain! Makes it slide in so easy !!!
Just wanted to say, since discovering your Channel about 3 weeks ago, I have really enjoyed your numerous videos. Not really in the market for a cruise (not really my thing) but you make it very interesting to experience vicariously! Thank you! ----Mike
In the eighties and early nineties nearly all ships were small. It was much easier to connect with people outside of your group because you saw them more times a day. We actually did things with people we had never met before like renting a small bus to go on our own excursion or just gather at a bar before dinner. Recently i was on the Aidanova and MSC Seaside and I almost never ran in the same people twice. I feld completely anonymous which I think is a pity...
Perception of what was small vs. large was different in the 1980s and 1990s. But they started to get much bigger in the 1990s.
This was really informative. Thanks as always Gary. This is the best cruise channel! If you want to do a lot of excursions, Regent might be worth it. My friend went to Alaska on Regent. She went on 2 or 3 excursions a day, no extra charge and no tendering or waiting to get on or off the smaller ship, which frequently eats up a lot of port time.
Our Vantage European River Cruise was fantastic with 139 people. We knew most passengers and staff!!
I would rather have there be ultra luxury cruise lines, rather than seperation of passengers/classes on a ship!!
I can understand that kind of separation on mass market lines (The Haven on NCL and the Yacht Club on MSC are amazing) but I hate it on premium lines. Why do I have to pay more for the retreat on Celebrity or Cunard queen's grill when my whole cruise is supposed to be premium? Especially given the ultra luxury lines are their sister companies so they aren't losing customers to competitors.
So, you feel like 2nd class citizen if you are not willing to pay more for more. Do you fly 1st class rather than coach? I would guess no. Pay more get more!
I just did a Silversea cruise from Seattle to Juneau and back. I think our ship was the Silver Muse, and it was exquisite!!! The cabins are incredibly well appointed and spacious, the dining was generally fantastic, and the service was peerless! The excursions however, were the stars! We witnessed: wild orca hunting seals, sea otters forming rafts by holding hands, humpbacks breaching and bubble net feeding, glaciers calving off icebergs, guided ATV tours up into the mountains, 57 bald eagles recovering from injuries at a raptor center, wild ravens visiting their injured family member and bringing him food and shiny bits and bobs, a hanging glacier with its deep glowing blue terminus thousands of feet above the fjord it once created! That's just off the top of my head. It is one of the most memorable vacations I've ever been on, I can't recommend it highly enough, with the caveat that this is NOT child friendly, AT ALL.
Gary, really enjoy your reviews. They really help with planning.
I took a Regent cruise and I preferred it to the mass market cruise. For one thing everything was included. Most of my excursions were inducted. I could drink alcohol at any time, anywhere for free. There were no charges for any of the specialty dining or coffee drinks or ice cream or pizza. The ship provided transportation from some of the ports to the ship so if I wanted to stay in town after the excursion was over, I could easily get back to the ship. There was champagne in my room upon arrival. There were snacks in the lounges before dinner. People were far nicer and more polite. Giant ships are full of rude people,
Very good contend. We have travelled on many of the main cruise lines and we spend most of our time on Regent. You are paying for the exclusivity and more personalized attention on Regent, which my family values.
Just give me my balcony, & I'm fine.
We've done Seabourn in the past and been thoroughly impressed for Mediterranean and Adriatic. Last year we tried Silversea to Alaska, liked it and then did a trip on the Silversea Nova in January of 2024 to Peru. Very impressed! New ship, outstanding suite, staff, food, service and overall ambiance. Bokking them for our next cruise based on this experience.
How'd you go right into Ho Chi Minh city? It's two hours from the ocean. Did you take the Saigon river?
Yes !
Just back from Odyssey of the Seas after 18 months without leaving Florida. Technical inventions of shows like The Book and being the first to experience The Effectors made it incredible. Yes the exclusivity of cruising in the 1970s is gone, but the innovative shows are a motive to cruise! No way Seaborne can compete, but yes your three differences are a reason to pay more for extra luxury! Looking forward to reaching our 150th cruise in November!
Just got off a Seabourn Caribbean cruise after a month on and this was the best cruise I have ever experienced from being on the ship perspective (not the ports). We have taken 125+ cruises and have Diamond Status on SB. There were just over 100 guests and 360 crew, name another vacation where it is 1;3! The food was exceptional, entertainment first class. But it was the staff that made this not the best cruise vacation but the best vacation on the planet.
I also don't think they are that much more expensive when you factor the lack of the tipping the real all inclusive drinks and service across all restaurants. There are also incentives with on board credits and therefore our bill at the end of 4 weeks including sessions in the spa and all trips came to $35! Apart from 2 Brits that hogged beds for reasons that cannot be worked out as there were so few people there, the passengers were all there to have a good time, socialise and get back to some form of normality. It was a truly brilliant vacation. Well Done to all Seabourn Oddessy Staff.
Very informative and eye opening. Your attention to explaining the differences has helped me understand that how I cruise now is exactly where I belong!
I think one point that you may have felt funny to mention was the fact that people could feel they were cruising with wealthy successful people, rather than week to week paycheck people personally I love big crowded ships it feels like a party constantly even 3:00 in the morning at the snack bar
Thank you for the information you provide and for being factual, not emotional. 💕
Having watched so many of your videos, I think you are brilliant
Agreed, food is consistently “wow”-level exceptional. Gary, I know you don’t drink, but I also enjoy a glass of fine wine or two with my dinner, expertly paired by the sommelier. And an occasional well-crafted cocktail before dinner. They also offer outstanding mock tails.
Thanks for the great overview. We all have our preferences and this helped me decide about future cruises.
I may never go on a cruise.. But I can definitely definitely appreciate you helping me realize my luxury dreams.. thank you so much for all of your attention to every detail.
You've hit the proverbial nail on the head. For us, ultra-luxury cruising is about attention to detail, exclusivity, service, and an ADULTS-ONLY environment. There is far more to the value proposition than merely cost, which is the least important aspect of all. We're Seabourn customers and have zero interest in ever sailing with any other line, excepting only our latent curiosity regarding Cunard's transatlantic voyage. That said, if you told me that their Queens Grill product doesn't measure up to Seabourn in every way, I'd put it out of my mind entirely without regret.
Very well said...the memories remain long after price is forgotten. Not to mention, despite being “smaller” ships, the passenger space ratio is way better on the Ultra Luxury lines.
Silver sea and Regent are delightful, also. As was the transatlantic on the QM2!
This was very interesting. I probably won’t go to this class of cruising because it’s just not worth it to me. I do want to try Oceania which is a lower category.
Great content. Thanks for your video.
Cruise ships all used to be that way, back in the day before mass market cruising. My first two cruises were on Commodore Cruise Line's "Enchanted Isle' and "Enchanted Seas", two sister ships that carried 700 passengers each. It's also what I like about Holland America's smaller ships. I've been on all of them. I have no interest in cruise ships that are over 80,000 tons with more than 1500 passengers.
I absolutely agree with you. I remember being on several Holland American cruises 45 years ago, and the wait staff was surrounding the table anticipating your needs. I find the dining room so chaotic now. The poor waiters and waitresses are running by. If I find myself in need of a condiment I almost feel bad to ask them.
I cruised on Enchanted Seas. Loved the old steam ships 🚢
@@gartnsu1 But then Holland America really was Dutch owned and a real cruise line that has gone down hill but still not too bad. P&O went same way and Cunard. Nothing like the line it used to be, When US companies bought them all up that was when things went peashapped and got gradually worse and worse.. They have no idea how to really run a cruise ship all they are interested in is money.Take a ship with 3,000 passengers with gratuities at $20 per day per passenger. $20 x 3000 passengers means they collect $60.,000--- every single day.They are raking in $32,900.000 every year from that one ship or $$1,825,000 every month. Do you really think this money actually goes to the crew? Then start to think again, 18/20% on every sale on the ships, the money they make off food and drink which they get duty and tax free and for everything else they use onboard. This used to be for the passengers not for the owners. Wish people would use their brains and start doing some simple arithmetic. They have not paid any kind of income tax for many years. Think it through simple do fine out how many passengers on ship and do the numbers.
Thank you for this excellent video. My preference is to cruise on ships of a modest size. I also like that it would a quieter experience that would emphasize quality rather than quantity. Vast 'glitzy' ships on offer these days have very limited appeal to me.
Please answer my question the video of the lady in a tub inside her suite having a view of the ocean is what cruise line?
Thanks for the information your content is always informative.
This reminded me of how all cruises were. In 1985 -1980ish
We started cruising I was 10 sisters 8 n 6. No kids club but we loved being "adults" service was prefect. Perks were not included but they k n ew us and our likes and loved ports being right off gangway not shuttled in. Hope I can convince my hubby to try one at least for Greek isles
I think your neighbours did have the TV blaring loudly, but they weren't watching it ;)
5:38 he finally gets to the point
Thank you
So much baloney before
Nicely done Gary. As seasoned cruisers, we find ourselves edging more and more away from a suite on a large line and more towards the more attentive feel of exclusivity you elude to here. We recently had 8 cruises booked through to 2024 but have now adjusted to only 4 cruises with suites on Celebrity (Retreat); MSC (YC); Oceania Vista and Regent Seven Seas Grandeur. (We do have the Crystal Serenity booked for June but given their current situation, that likely won’t happen). Nice cruise-line. Hope they make it.
To Gary’s point(s), while we’ll be paying about the same for 5 as we would have done for 8, it’s the overall experience we look forward to with each of the 5.
In essence, we’ve become more selective. Choosing quality over quantity. Safe travels everyone ☺️
I loved the Windstars smaller ship feel, you knew everyone else on the ship by the time you left. Some of them we are still good friends with across the country.
Yes, we have been on several cruises on Windstar with Tauck. Very enjoyable.
For some reason I'm watching videos about cruise liners and working on container ships.
We found that the people on the “ultra “ lines were more interesting and we had more in common with. We also really enjoyed the afternoon lectures, on sea days. The service is excellent and as you said nobody is trying to sell imitation watches, Pashmina, diamonds etc. To sum up I’d rather go on 1 Crystal (or Regent etc ) cruise than 10 Holland America etc cruises. Thanks I enjoy your videos
I have travelled on Princess, Celebrity, Holland America all large ships except the Small Pacific Princess which we enjoyed the most. We have now booked on Viking and Azamara to be on smaller ships with less than a 1000 people.
So (1) Smaller ships, (2) More personal service, (3) Inclusion of specialty dinning. Got it & will consider one of these for our next cruise as we have kinda gotten worn out on the HUGE lines and the HUGE ships. My wife HATES buffets so the specialty restaurants would be a HUGE selling point for her
I’m going on Windstar, Azamara, and Oceania this winter. Not super premium but supposed to be quite nice. Looking forward to it.
I've done 5 Azamara cruises. They're big on doing Azamazing Evenings. The last cruise in January 2020 was 18-Night Hawaii & Tahiti Voyage from Los Angeles. They arranged an Azamazing Evening with the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum which featured 40's themed entertainment. If they are as good now as before the sale, I doubt you will be disappointed. I still have future cruise credit after two cancellations so looking to rebook ASAP.
@@chuckvee6408 , I’ll be doing a Caribbean and South Africa cruise with them. Can’t wait.
Always delivering great point of views :). Thanks!
Would you consider taking the American Cruise Lines Lewis and Clark -Columbia and snake river cruise? Saw it in a magazine and it looks fun!
As a self professed 'budget cruiser' I almost skipped past this video but glad I stopped by. It's really interesting about small size equating increased luxury in some people's view. I used to cruise on Voyages of Discovery (small!) initially for an itinerary passing through the Suez Canal, then for its access to smaller ports, and it was routinely cheaper per night than mainstream 4000+ passenger ships. But maybe that's why it went into administration 🤔
Totally agree with all your points. We are sailing with Silversea June 2022. I chose this line because my husband will NOT go on a big ship. He’s never been on a large ship, he will never go on one. So when I started looking for our first holiday in two years I did zone in on what was being referred to as “ultra luxury”, even though I had never heard the term before. It is definitely about the size (under 400 passengers), the intimacy, the ports we will be able to go to, the food, the size of veranda suite is also very good. Added bonus is that everything is included (as of next year the excursions are included), and our flights, and transfers. Not to mention the butler service, which is going to be quite an experience! I have always planned our holidays down to the last detail. This Silversea cruise is already great just for the ease of use….I don’t have to do a thing! Well, other than pay for it. Thanks for all your content. I have learned a lot from your presentations.
I did Silversea for the Mediterranean this past fall. I loved it. I found it being all-inclusive, smaller, incredible dining, shore excursions, etc. all really great. Crew addressed me by name most of it. I had a great butler. I'm doing them again in 2023.
@@rbrachmann Thanks for that! It was a big decision and there isn’t a lot of info about Silversea out there.
Have you looked into Viking? They have around 900 passengers per sailing, and you essentially get everything Gary talked about in this video but at a lower price. It's very focused on taking you to ports you normally wouldn't go to, learning about the culture of where you're going, and having an intimate experience. Even though there were about 920 passengers on my ship, it didn't feel like there were that many people on board. It was my first cruise, and I was expecting to experience what people hate about the big cruise ships, and I was happily surprised that it was nothing like I was expecting.
@@erics607 yes, they were my first choice. We took a river cruise with them several years ago and loved it!Unfortunately they are booking into 2023 and 2024 and really weren’t offering the cruise we wanted. As an FYI, I did a little price comparison between Viking and Silversea (trying to justify the cost) and when you factor it all in, Viking was very close to the same daily cost as Silversea…..which made me feel a little more at ease. Hopefully we will manage another Viking cruise someday. Very fond memories of the Danube with them.
My first cruise is booked for next June on Silversea for those reasons.
Hi Gary, I love your videos and this is really spot on! Having taken 17 or 18 cruises on big cruise ships. I’m now shifting my interest to the cruise ships you describe. I’ll be sailing on Silversea Muse this January out of Auckland. And while it’s clearly more expensive, when I’m paying for is the intimate experience, less crowds, less lines, and ( as you said)the ability as you had mentioned to get into ports, other cruise ships simply can’t. Prior to the sale of Pacific Princess by Princess cruises, that ship was incredible! It felt like a private yacht and even though it was a mainstream cruise line. We were able to get into ports close up in, for example, Stockholm, that other ship simply. I find being a mass market Cruise lines, such as Princess, Holland America, celebrity to be stressful. Lines, lines, crowd, crowds, and Nickle & dimming every step of the way. To be honest with you, I’ve seen videos of the food choices on Silver Sea, which do not appeal whatsoever as I am a basic meat, potatoes, kind of Irish guy. I’ve been told that there are plenty of choices that I will find appealing. What are the things? I think you should focus on in your next video is all the new options coming out for small ship cruise experiences. I’m 62, and I theorize that as baby boomers age, cruise lines are creating more small ship experiences for those of us who have turned our nose to the mainstream cruise lines, which keep making ships bigger and bigger and bigger.
We did 3 cruises on Pacific Princess before the ship went over to Azamar. So glad we managed to do small ship cruising on Princess. It was a dream.
Thanks Gary, good info for a Seabourn fan that hasn't sailed with them since 2010. We were fortunate (I believe) to discover Seabourn in the previous era with the 200 passenger ships. The Three Ladies - Pride, Legend and Spirit were truly intimate with 180 - 200 passengers / 230 crew. I know the newer larger vessels are delightful, but the feel of the previous era's "Yachts of Seabourn" isn't there anymore. Nonetheless we look forward to sailing with them again and appreciate your videos for information and ideas. Cheers
Windstar renovated the Seaborn ships and are in use. We are taking Windstar to the Norwegian fjords in June. We will see how it goes!
Great information. Thank you. I have a question though. My husband and I want to go on a cruise, but he has to do dialysis. Is there a liner that offer this and can you recommend some? We are going on a short little mini cruise with Colorline from Kiel, Germany to Oslo, Norway. It's only 2 nights so he will be home in time for his next treatment, but we really want to try something longer in the future. Thank you.
In terms of size, I'd suggest that the ratio of Net Tonnage to passengers gives a good indication of the level of luxury. That number comes out in tons per passenger. Thus a larger ship like a Crystal may still have a high space ratio, even with a larger passenger count.
The passenger to crew ratio is also a pretty good indicator of how the service is going to go. With more crew, esp. service crew, they can spend more time with each passenger.
So far the best food we've had while cruising has been on Sea Dreams. Usually considered a 5.5 star line. I agree in part that the majors have improved their food experience, but it's still not all the way up there.
Regent also includes airfare in their packages. I agree that the 6 star lines do cost more when everything is added together but looking at the "teaser" rates for a Carnival or Princess cruise does not come close to the actual cost. While looking at the "teaser" rates for a Regent or Seabourn comes much closer to being the actual cost.
David
I’m in for SeaDream, even smaller (max 112 passengers vs 95 crew) amazing food , extraordinary service, & because it’s smaller you can go to other ports closer, embarkation and disembarkation is easy and fast, no kids, intimate (my husband and I would socialize some nights when we felt like it and had romantic dinners some other nights) and attracts likeminded people…it’s more about the experience on board than the destinations in these type of small cruises (or big yacht?) although destinations are pretty spectacular too! No regrets.
Great video Gary! I love Cunard, Princess & HAL and have future cruises booked on them. I've also booked for the first time Seabourn and Oceania, both booked solely for the itineraries. I love port days and both have far more port days than similar destinations on other lines going at a similar time. It'll be interesting to see how they compare with the cruiselines we already love.
I think you're gonna love Oceania! It's my favourite company regarding value for money. Excellent quality and service at a pretty good price.
@@alex9621 That's exactly what we thought when we saw the 28 night South Pacific and Hawaii cruise. A fabulous itinerary at a reasonable price. We're really looking forward to it.
@@angelahorton5745 Omg it sounds amazing! I'm going to check it out immediately
@@alex9621 It's not until April 2023.
Thank you for this perspective. Your summary at the end is especially helpful. It seems like it comes down to the ambiance on board and whether or not you feel the higher level of service and exclusivity is worth the extra cost. Some will find it is worth it and others will not. The lack of children on board and the absence of "nickel and diming" would be very welcome.
They don't have to nickel and dime you because your already very overpriced and why do all you so called sophisticated people hate children, seem like a lot of snobbish people on these cruises that look down on other people. One type of cruiser is no better than another.
@@gloriabowie2453 When I pay for a vacation I have the option to NOT hear screaming children. I have chosen NOT to hear then so I PAY not to hear them.
@@gloriabowie2453 - I wouldn’t say that cruisers on board smaller ships “hate children.” It is more about enjoying a quieter environment.
I would agree that one type of cruiser is no “better” than another, but it is rather about enjoying a quieter ambiance on board and having less of a party atmosphere and more of one that focuses on conversations with well-travelled and interesting people. That does not make other people less-worthy, just a different focus.
Gary, Thanks so much for these informative and entertaining videos. It has made cruise choices so much smarter(!) Where to cabin, where to eat, what to do with expeditions even insurance. Cheers!
You didn't mention that Regent includes airfare, most of which is Business Class, so that's a big plus. Really enjoy your videos.
Fee fare in the continental USA, not from Australia 😕
Thank you for this information.
I have taken 13 NCL cruises with the dine when you want idea. So I got different wait staff each day based on early main dining or later if I had an event booked.
A key to remember all the different employees who make the cruise special is to take a photo of their name tag - after asking permission.
That way I was able to name them in the post cruise survey and recognize their special efforts!
The six star lines , seabourn, regent and silversea are a cut above. The food, service and interiors are of luxury. You pay for what you get, no children, excursions, drinks WiFi etc. I think it’s wrong to compare them to 5-4 star lines, they are completely different. The experience you get on a silversea for example will be greater than your everyday p&O!
Can you discuss the super small American Cruise line cruises? We are taking the plunge and trying one of them but we have ONLY been on the big bargain cruises.
Thank you Gary brilliant video, i like Azamara small ships it would be nice if you could do a video on the Azamara cruises.
I have done one in 2019 but will be doing more next year as booked a cruise with them in April :-)
The higher price obviously eliminates bargain-hunters.
That alone might be considered by some as a luxury feature, as their cruise mates will tend to be those for whom cost isn't such a concern.
It’s about not having to rub shoulders with the plebs.
@@luiskp7173
..did you mean the commoners...?
@@luiskp7173 I know it's not quiet the same but l have renal failure and the private hospital has got much better feeling and class of person than in the local public hospital l would have to attend. As the local hospital is in an area with high drug addiction you see all sorts in there!