Why You Should Choose a Luxury Cruise for Your Next Adventure

I've sailed Norway on Seabourn and cruised Alaska twice. And this season, I'm headed to Antarctica on Seabourn Pursuit and Tahiti on Silversea.

So yes, I'm a fan. Here's why I put so many of my clients on luxury ships, and how to tell if one is right for you.

The suite matters

Luxury ships are mostly suites, with real space and a balcony. Some lines add butler service in the top suites.

I'm big on this one. You're in your room more than you think. Towels matter. Views matter. Pillows matter. Room service matters. And on a ship, your suite is the room that carries you to every port.

The food is a big part of it

Luxury lines take food seriously. Several restaurants, tasting menus, wine pairings and, on some ships, cooking classes. Lunch on deck one day and a multi-course dinner the next.

Smaller ships get into more places

Luxury ships are usually smaller, so they can get into ports the big ships can't. Smaller harbors, quieter towns and narrower fjords. You spend less time in crowds and more time actually seeing the place.

The crew learns your name

Fewer guests and more crew means the service gets personal fast. A special dinner, a food allergy, your usual drink before dinner… the crew remembers and handles it.

A lot is already included

On lines like Seabourn and Silversea, things you'd pay extra for on other ships, like drinks and gratuities, are already included. You don't spend the week watching the bill.

Room to slow down

Spas, fitness classes, yoga with an ocean view and quiet corners to read. Or you can do absolutely nothing. That counts too.

Sea days aren't boring

Live music, lectures and hands-on workshops fill the days between ports. On expedition ships like HX or Seabourn Pursuit, there's an expedition team on board who explain what you're about to see before you see it.

"I'm not a cruise person"

I hear this all the time. And I always say the same thing: there are cruises that don't feel like a cruise.

If the picture in your head is crowded buffets and long lines, a small luxury ship will surprise you. And a river cruise is a hotel that moves. AmaWaterways, Riverside and Tauck all have great ships and great food.

Picking the right one

Every luxury line has its own personality, and the right one depends on what is important to you. The destination? The size of the suite? The number of nights? Do we have wiggle room on dates?

Working through those questions with you is my job.

Email: info@susanstravelservices.com

Phone: 480.380.0309

So tell me: what's the one place you'd love to see from the deck of a ship?