Cruise Categories - Explanation

UPSCALE CONTEMPORARY CRUISE LINES: These lines offer all the benefits of the contemporary cruise lines, but take things a step further, with finer amenities and a more upscale environment.

 

          

 

Lines that fall into this category are:

• MSC Cruises **
• Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) **
• Royal Caribbean International (RCI) **
• Viking Ocean Cruises **

These lines are well suited for:

• Families with young children
• Families with teenagers
• Family reunions and multi-generational families
• 20- and 30-somethings looking for light adventure and various sports activities
• 40- and 50-somethings looking for a couple’s vacation
• Travelers looking for a wide array of activities
• Seniors looking for new friends
• Solo travelers
• Couples looking for romantic getaways
• Destination weddings
• Honeymoons
• Adventure travelers looking for high thrills

PREMIUM CRUISE LINES: Premium cruise lines tend to be large, but not mega-type ships, though they offer similar voyages, plus voyages to exotic locales. Due to the size of these ships, they do not dock in the heart of the town or village like the ultra-premium lines. These lines cater to travelers seeking luxurious accommodations, enhanced dining, excellent service, extensive activities, and enrichment opportunities. The onboard experience is sophisticated and the service above average. These lines will have enhanced spa and wine options.   They tend to cater to more mature and discerning passengers who are seeking a sophisticated level of service, ship amenities, and accommodations at somewhat higher prices. These lines also offer children’s programs for all ages.

 

      

 

Lines that fall into this category are:

These lines are well suited for:

• Those seeking both classic and modern luxury, contemporary and conservative design, and dining experiences in which the atmosphere is as important as the food and wine.
• Families wishing to travel with young children where the environment is a little more subdued.
• Families with teenagers
• Families who are looking for an educational experience for the family
• Family reunions and multi-generational families
• 40- and 50-somethings looking for a couple’s vacation
• Seniors looking for new friends
• Solo travelers
• Couples looking for romantic getaways
• 40- and 50-somethings looking for a couple’s vacation
• Destination weddings
• Honeymoons

ULTRA-PREMIUM CRUISE LINES:  The ultra-premium cruise lines tend to have smaller ships and offer voyages to popular ports, and unique itineraries featuring smaller, less-traveled destinations. They primarily cater to discerning passengers who are seeking a sophisticated level of service, ship amenities, and accommodations at upscale prices. Some lines may offer numerous included amenities. These lines are generally priced higher than the premium cruise lines.

 

 

 

           

 

 

 

Lines that fall into this category are:

• Azamara Club Cruises **
• Cunard Line **
• Oceania Cruises **
• Windstar Cruises **

These lines are well suited for:

• Seasoned travelers
• Adults who are destination-oriented and enjoy the finer things in life
• Travelers looking for a boutique experience with a destination immersion.
• Travelers who find the small touches make all the difference—from the service to the food to the ships themselves.
• Adults seeking a “country club casual” experience with very upscale surroundings and amenities

ULTRA-LUXURY CRUISE LINES:  These are high-end cruises, both in price and in amenities.  They are designed for those who desire the finer things in life and have the budget for luxury.  These cruise lines specialize in service and will cater to the traveler’s every desire. 

 

Lines that fall into this category are:

• Crystal Cruises **
• Hapag Lloyd Cruises
• Paul Gauguin Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas **
• Seabourn **
• Sea Cloud Cruises
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Silversea **

These lines are well suited for:

• Seasoned travelers
• Adults who are destination-oriented and enjoy the finer things in life
• Adults looking for a small ship and boutique type of experience
• Cruisers seeking a destination immersion
• Travelers seeking an over-the-top experience with ultra-luxury everything
• Cruises seeking an international atmosphere
• Travelers seeking a large ship with high-end amenities
• Cruisers with a great deal of knowledge about the fine arts and cuisine, and are experts in matters of taste
• Travelers looking for exceptional service and a level of comfort and style rare in today’s world

SMALL SHIP CRUISES:  Small ships fill a niche for cruisers that are looking for a more in-depth exploration of the regions they visit. They can visit ports that are inaccessible to larger ships, and exotic itineraries are the standard. Most river cruise ships and almost all of the luxury lines have ships that fall into this category.

Lines that fall into this category are:

• Blount Small Ship Adventures
• Blue Lagoon Cruises
• Captain Cook Cruises
• Great Lakes Cruise Company
• Hebridean Island Cruises
• Pearl Seas Cruises
• Saga Holidays, Ltd.
• Swan Hellenic Discovery Cruises
• Tauck Small Ship Cruising
• Thomson Cruises
• Variety Cruises
• Voyages to Antiquity
• Voyages of Discovery

These lines are well suited for:

• Adults looking for a sophisticated, intimate small ship experience
• Travelers seeking an educational experience and a vacation filled with history, and culture
• Seasoned travelers and, adults who are destination-oriented
• Those seeking to meet experts in their field who have a vast knowledge of the cities visited
• Those who enjoy traveling and enjoying the company of conversation with noteworthy academic experts

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