Originally Posted by KatW

This subject, luxury cruises, always is fraught. And subjective. Folk get all het up and the discussion quickly becomes snide or heated or both. One reason for the unusual heat of this discourse is the cost involved. No one wants to hear someone else dis their $12K to $20K+ 7-day cruise for two. We never book included flights because we prefer greatest flexibility and we fly first or biz.

I have given up expecting actual luxury looking instead for small ships, comfortable casual atmosphere, competent staff, good food, tea and coffee. I like having someone to unpack and pack for me but can forego this perk. I found both Regent and Silver Sea to be somewhat faux luxe and stuffy. Not for me. No need to rush to their defense — we all differ in what works.Windstar is the line I like best. We always book close to top price tier because space and two bathrooms work best for us.

My next cruise is a Smithsonian/Ponant Panama/Canal/Costa Rica sailing in February. I’l, report back.