high end cruise lines
#16
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2008
Location: CHA, MAN;
Programs: Delta DM 1 MM; Hz PC
Posts: 11,169
Oh, we have baggage allowances too. I just don't like to pack that much. Sometimes we stay in apartments up 3 (narrow!) flights of stairs, no elevators. Train/subway travel, etc. I'm a DIY sort of gal, and I've been working on my husband for years to fall in line. It's finally starting to take
Seabourne - I am currently at the planning stage with them.
#17
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,805
seabourn has $700/nt per couple for med right now
was previously as low as $500 (and $333 for TATL)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cruis...l#post23326059
seadream's lowest was similar for caribbean
once they even did a 3 night for caribbean
wish there were more 'book cabin on yacht'
(not seadream, crystal espirit, tere moana)
silversea discoverer did 2 alaska this year
curious to see crystal residences
(residensea not bookable anymore)
was previously as low as $500 (and $333 for TATL)
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/cruis...l#post23326059
seadream's lowest was similar for caribbean
once they even did a 3 night for caribbean
wish there were more 'book cabin on yacht'
(not seadream, crystal espirit, tere moana)
silversea discoverer did 2 alaska this year
curious to see crystal residences
(residensea not bookable anymore)
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Jun 10, 2016 at 12:14 am
#19
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,411
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,805
for river cruises there are 'barges'
like belmond (orient express), including >
might be just once a year
like belmond (orient express), including >
LA SEMAINE DES GRAND CRUS
An extraordinary opportunity to sample wines from the 33 Grand Crus domaines of Burgundy.
An extraordinary opportunity to sample wines from the 33 Grand Crus domaines of Burgundy.
#23
Join Date: Jul 2009
Programs: Delta Gold, silver, what yr is it?
Posts: 2,411
The generic demographic on river cruises is old. They have no activities for kids. THey have no space in cabins for kids. This is the first year a couple of lines have offered single cabins & connecting cabins and some family trip options (and Disney is partnering with one company). But in general, no, river cruises (note I didn't say anything about barges, or yacht charters either in case that's where you go next) are not full of kids. I have no idea how this is a stereotype of luxury that you mention, but whatever....
Since the OP wants to avoid kids, it's an idea. I did a river cruise in 2014, age 41, and I hated it. It was a lovely cruise but I'm an independent traveler and I didn't like having to pay for things I didn't want to do (eg "included" tours). We did a Christmas Markets itinerary since I love the Markets, and there were 2 families (youngest were old teens) and a couple of middle aged couples like us, but I would say 85% of the guests were >65. That's neither good nor bad, it's just what it is.
Since the OP wants to avoid kids, it's an idea. I did a river cruise in 2014, age 41, and I hated it. It was a lovely cruise but I'm an independent traveler and I didn't like having to pay for things I didn't want to do (eg "included" tours). We did a Christmas Markets itinerary since I love the Markets, and there were 2 families (youngest were old teens) and a couple of middle aged couples like us, but I would say 85% of the guests were >65. That's neither good nor bad, it's just what it is.
#26
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Redondo Beach, CA USA
Programs: UA 1KMM, Bonvoy LTE+A, HH D, Nat'l EE, Hertz Plat, Avis PC
Posts: 3,695
#27
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,862
In my mind Crystal is a luxury want-to-be line. Certainly they've always been in the upper end of the mass market and probably occupied a very small niche as a premium line. A few years ago they decided to go all-inclusive but using older existing ships that were really not designed to provide that level of service. I guess it kind of works for some passengers as they have a loyal following. Crystal doesn't interest us because the notion of a 900+ passenger ship and luxury level service are mutually exclusive.
#28
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,093
In my mind Crystal is a luxury want-to-be line. Certainly they've always been in the upper end of the mass market and probably occupied a very small niche as a premium line. A few years ago they decided to go all-inclusive but using older existing ships that were really not designed to provide that level of service. I guess it kind of works for some passengers as they have a loyal following. Crystal doesn't interest us because the notion of a 900+ passenger ship and luxury level service are mutually exclusive.
#29
Join Date: May 2011
Location: San Antonio, TX
Programs: AA EXP, DL Silver, Global Entry
Posts: 1,862
We've never tried Regent. I can't say we've considered them for every cruise but we have looked at them in the past for a few cruises. Bottom line has been they have been more expensive than Silversea where and when they have a similar or competing itinerary. It's not been worth it.
#30
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,093
We've never tried Regent. I can't say we've considered them for every cruise but we have looked at them in the past for a few cruises. Bottom line has been they have been more expensive than Silversea where and when they have a similar or competing itinerary. It's not been worth it.