Top 5 Luxury Cruise Lines

Here at Cruise Planners-Unique Family Adventures, we pride ourselves on working with travel partners that represent the best of the best that the world has to offer. We work with discerning travelers who appreciate the attention to detail and level of service they receive with luxury travel.

When it comes to cruising, we have five preferred partners who we believe represent the best of the best on the sea when it comes to cuisine, service, amenities, itineraries and other intangibles that sets them apart from other cruise lines. We enjoy preferred status with these lines, and our clients benefit from this as well.

Oceania Cruises
Oceania tends to focus on port-intensive itineraries that offer longer days in port. When on board, you’ll enjoy a more relaxed and unpretentious atmosphere that appeals to travelers who want to maximize the cultural experiences available on their sailing.

Photo ©Oceania

Another hallmark of Oceania cruises is outstanding food in a relaxed atmosphere.  Each of their ships features open seating dining and the specialty restaurants are not an extra charge like you may have experienced on the mass market line. Since most guests plan to spend most of their day ashore while in port, Oceania has a more relaxed dress code for dinner. There is no need to race back to the ship to prepare for formal dress each night.

Whether you choose to sail on one of their smaller, more intimate ships or one of the larger vessels, you are sure to find the high level of service and care. Emphasis is always placed on excellent cuisine paired with exciting and fascinating worldwide itineraries. Keep an eye out as I will be doing a blog about my recent sailing on the Oceania Riviera.

Guess who in the picture? Not me, but the gentleman. He's been Oceania's Culinary director since the beginning.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas cruises are by far the most all-inclusive of the luxury cruise lines. Your cruise fare includes a stateroom with private verandah (with a few exceptions on their smallest ship, the Seven Seas Navigator), flights, shore excursions, drinks, meals, WiFi and gratuities. And don’t think that means second rate options! Their ships feature a relaxed style, a variety of dining options, and genuinely top-notch excursions. 

Chartreuse dining room on board the Seven Seas ExplorerPhoto ©Regent

Including excursions in your cruise fare means that every port adventure receives the same level of care, efficiency, and attention to detail that luxury cruise guests have come to expect. Be sure to experience the Regent Classic excursions that will provide you with behind-the-scenes access and truly exclusive cultural experiences. While these excursions do come at an additional cost, they are well worth the added expense!



Crystal Cruises
One of the features that sets Crystal apart is the cutting-edge design of their ships. They have recently begun expanding into river, yacht and expedition cruising in addition to increasing their ocean cruise fleet with three new “Diamond Class” ships in 2022.


The beautifully revamped Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony ships feature Crystal’s world-class service, luxurious and tasteful atmosphere, and thoughtfully planned itineraries that feature multiple overnights in port paired with blissfully relaxing days at sea.

atrium onboard the Crystal Serenity Photo ©Crystal

If the yachting lifestyle intrigues you, the 62-guest Crystal Esprit is a perfect choice! This gorgeous ship has had travelers raving about their experiences visiting destinations such as the Adriatic and the Seychelles.       

Crystal has made their mark on luxury river cruising in Europe as well. The Crystal Bach and Crystal Debussy are enchanting guests on leisurely journeys on the Rhine and Moselle. The Crystal Mahler and Crystal Ravel captivate their guests with a selection of carefully crafted itineraries on the Rhine, Moselle, Main, and Danube. No matter which ship you select, you’ll find spacious and beautifully decorated staterooms, welcoming guest spaces, and award-winning wine and cuisine.



Seabourn Cruises
If your dream cruise includes sailing on modern and ultra-luxurious ships with lots of space and unparalleled levels of highly personalized service, then look no further than Seabourn.


You’ll find a stylish and relaxed atmosphere with plenty of space on board each ship in the Seabourn fleet. The ships seemed to be designed to provide passengers with a real connection to the sea, something you won’t find on just any cruise ship.

Earth & Ocean at the Patio” onboard the Seabourn OvationPhoto ©Seabourn

They even feature opportunities for enjoying dinner al-fresco. With “Earth & Ocean at the Patio” dinner, guests dine on meat brochettes quick-fired or grilled; beef brisket slow-cooked or braised, and traditional Chinese-style filled bao buns. Seabourn’s President, Richard Meadows says this unique experience provides “guests a culinary voyage to far-flung regions of the world served in a remarkably welcoming and relaxing open-air space.”


Seabourn offers a variety of worldwide itineraries and features shorter sailings as well as the opportunity to combine a series of cruises to create longer more extensive voyages.



Silversea Cruises
Silversea offers guests the option of their classic small ship luxury cruises (their ships range in capacity from 300-600 passengers), or for those adventurous guests, they offer off-the-beaten-path options through their Silversea Expeditions fleet.

No matter which option you choose, you’ll enjoy their industry-leading service and incredible hospitality. For 2021 Silverseas is having 2 world cruises, one expedition and the other classic. For 2020 their world cruise will stop at all 7 continents.

Superior Verandah Suite onboard the Silver SpiritPhoto ©Silversea 

We often recommend Silversea to our most well-traveled clients. The fantastic experiences they provide make it no surprise that most of our clients become repeat guests (and Silversea is known for taking exceptional care of their repeat guests!). Our clients appreciate the full range of itineraries they offer, especially when it comes to bucket-list destinations such as Bangladesh, the Russian Far East, and West Africa.


With five new ships joining the fleet by 2021, there will be even more exciting adventures to be had.





Selecting the right cruise line, ship, and itinerary can feel overwhelming at times. Scheduling a cruise consultation will allow us to provide you with customized recommendations based on our expertise and experience with the varied options available.



Click here to request a time for us to meet. We’ll discuss the details and what you are looking for. We’ll give you our suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan an unforgettable luxury cruise vacation.

Is River Cruising Right For You?

Over the last couple of years, river cruising has become one of the fastest growing travel trends around. It a vacation option I recommend to many of my well-traveled clients looking for a different type of experience for their next vacation.



If you’ve been curious about river cruising, here are a few things you ought to know…



Where do they go?



While Europe may be the most popular river cruise destination, it is definitely not the only choice.  Some of the other places you’ll find river cruises are along the Volga river in Russia, Amazon river in Peru and Brazil, the Nile river in Egypt, the Yangtze River in China, and the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia.



In Europe, some of the most popular itineraries include the Danube, Rhine, Rhone, Saone, and Seine. I typically recommend European itinerary for most first-time river cruisers unless there is another location that you have been dreaming of for quite some time.



Who’s on board?



I’m often asked about the average age of river cruise guests. The stereotype seems to be that most river cruise guests are senior citizens well into their twilight years. While the average age is higher than that of ocean cruises, you’ll find many guests are nowhere near retirement age. In fact, more and more “gen Xers” are choosing river cruises… and loving them. Most of the time the majority of guests will be between 45 and 65, but that will vary based on itinerary and what cruise line you choose. There are lines that have family sailings, as I believe cruising is a great way to introduce kids to Europe.



What’s the atmosphere like?



Another rumor is that river cruising is a very slow paced, low-key vacation. While I would agree that the pace is typically slower than your average ocean cruise, your river cruise vacation will definitely be busy!



River cruises tend to be very port-intensive. You won’t find river days on the itinerary – on a river cruise, the ports rather than the ship are the star of the show.



There are guided walking tours included at most ports (they are not required… you are welcome to do your own thing if you wish!). Many cruise lines will offer a “gentle walkers” group if there are several guests with mobility challenges and/or an “active walkers” group for sailings with a younger, more active crowd.



For stops in smaller cities, you will have the better part of a day to explore your port of call while in larger cities such as Budapest or Vienna the ship will often remain in port for a little while longer giving you more time to enjoy the sights and experiences of the city.



You’ll find that most of the shore excursions have a cultural focus. Museums, city highlights, cooking classes, art classes, wine tastings, and musical performances are all popular options. In an effort to appeal to a more active audience, many cruise lines are also beginning to offer things like biking tours, hikes, golf, and other similar adventures. I'll be doing an escorted sailing on Avalon's Active Discovery itinerary on the Danube this fall. The  reasons I picked this more options of included tours, 2 full days in Vienna and different port calls than the usual Danube itineraries, so not showing up and docking with 6 different ships. Click here for more information



What’s included?



While it varies from one cruise line to another, the average river cruise is more “all inclusive” than most ocean cruises. Typically you will find your cruise fare includes wine, beer and soft drinks with meals, dinner in specialty restaurants, 24-hour tea and coffee, onboard Wi-Fi, and the regular tours in each port. Some cruise lines offer truly all-inclusive fares that cover all onboard drinks, transfers, tips, and even a hotel room the night before your cruise.



Since the ships are smaller and have fewer onboard attractions, there are fewer expenses on the ship than with an ocean cruise.

The included excursions are good, but doing the optional ones are not expensive and I feel really add to the cruise. Visited a 14th generation winemaker in Alsace, one of the highlights of the cruise.

What’s the entertainment like?



Unlike with ocean cruising, there are no big Broadway-style productions or an unlimited number of performers on board. Most river cruises will have small ensembles for music performances in the evenings and may bring local performers on board for an evening show. Evenings are relatively quiet on board, and most guests turn in before it gets too late so that they can be rested and up early for the next day’s adventures. But last year on the Rhine, we were up dancing with the Captain, 1st Officer and Chef in the lounge.



During the day the ship will often host seminars, demos, cooking classes, wine tastings or other similar activities. The focus is almost always on culture for these daytime activities.



The majority of guests will be early risers. The included shore excursions often begin by 8 am so unless you plan to tour on your own, you’ll want to be up early for breakfast before you depart.



What amenities are available onboard?



Of course, it will vary based on the cruise line and ship, but most will feature a restaurant, bar, lounge, library, sky deck, a spa, and a small fitness center. You’ll often find a whirlpool, and occasionally a “dipping pool” on the sky deck, but don’t expect a large pool and lots of water activities.



How is the food?



In general, the food on a river cruise is quite good!  The good thing is that you'll be walking a lot to burn off those calories.



Breakfast and lunch are typically served buffet style. For breakfast, you can expect egg dishes, meats, cereals, yogurt, fruit, pastries, juices, tea, and coffee. At lunch, you’ll find soups, salad, and a choice of several hot and cold dishes… and of course, dessert!



Dinner is usually a more formal affair with multi-course meals served in the restaurant. The featured cuisine is generally inspired by local dishes from the region you are visiting. Wine and beer are often included with dinner as part of cruise fare. But don't worry those standards like steak, chicken breast and salmon are usually on the menu.




Sound intriguing? Then let’s talk! My job is to help you plan a dream-come-true vacation experience, whether it is a river cruise or something entirely different. Let me take care of the details for your vacation so you can relax and enjoy the experience! Click here and schedule a time for your personalized vacation consultation so we can get started planning today

Top 3 Locations for a Luxury Beach Vacation

Are you dreaming of a vacation with days spent relaxing on the beach and nights enjoying the finest cuisine and luxury resorts? Here are our top 3 picks for the ultimate luxury beach vacations…

Seychelles
There is a reason these beautiful islands are popular with celebrities and the world’s elite travelers looking for “barefoot luxury.”

Hidden away in the gorgeous turquoise blue waters of the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, these islands are the ultimate destination for pure relaxation. With beautiful greens of their lush, tropical vegetation, the sparkle of their granite peaks, the powdery white sand of the dazzling beaches, and of course that gorgeous blue water all bathed in guaranteed sunshine, they're the stuff of the ultimate vacation daydreams. 

Anse Intendance beach on the island of Mahé
photo credit: Jean-Marie Hullot 

It’s no surprise that the Seychelles are home to the UNESCO World Heritage site, the Vallée de Mai on Praslin Island, which was once believed to be the original Garden of Eden. It is also where you’ll find the iconic coco de mer tree.


Are you looking for the perfect luxury resort? We can point you to everything from small boutique hotels where the owner stops by to chat, to 5-star resorts where every room comes with a private swimming pool and a breathtaking view, or even private villas that make you feel like you’ve packed up and moved to paradise!


Bora Bora
No list of luxury beach vacations is complete without mentioning Bora Bora! In fact, the Four Seasons Bora Bora resort is a perennial favorite of travel publications any time they compile a list of the best luxury resorts in the world. It has been awarded top honors from Travel + Leisure, AAA, Forbes, Conde Nast, and other well-respected brands.

Visiting Bora Bora is stepping into pure paradise with unparalleled luxury. The island is one of the Society Islands in French Polynesia. From the time you arrive you’ll be surrounded by azure blue waters, sherbet-colored sunsets, lush, gorgeous landscapes all wrapped in that decadent luxury.

If you are looking for hopping nightlife or highbrow cultural experiences, this might not be the destination for you, but if you crave spending your days in sun-drenched outdoor activities, you’ll be right at home! Some of the adventures you can look forward to include kayaking, diving, hiking, lagoon tours, helicopter tours, relaxing spa experiences, and of course when you are ready for a break you can always spend a few hours sipping cocktails on the beach and admiring the breathtaking views.

Even if a private overwater bungalow at the Four Seasons isn’t in your budget, our connections at numerous other gorgeous resorts will help us locate the perfect option ready to cater to your every need.



Côte d’Azur 
Looking for something with both beautiful beaches and a plethora of non-beach related activities? Look no further than the French Riviera, otherwise known as the Côte d’Azur, or “Blue Coast.”

This world-famous destination stretches along the Mediterranean coast of southern France from Monaco to Theoule Sur Mer and the Southern Alps. It boasts 14 national parks, Roman ruins, amazing whale watching and of course gorgeous beaches with crystal clear waters. You’ll also enjoy seeing some of the world’s biggest and most expensive yachts just off the coast.

Spend your days on Côte d’Azur relaxing with a glass of wine at beachside cafes, exploring the charming seaside towns of Antibes or Villefranche-sur-Mer, celebrity spotting as you wander along the powdery white beaches, enjoying simple, yet delicious Provençal lunches, and dinners featuring world-class cuisine at Michelin-starred restaurants.

photo credit-Starr Wlodarski

Villefranche-sur-Mer

From large, luxurious resorts to quaint boutique hotels, the French Riviera has accommodations to meet every taste. Our partnerships with many of these stunning locations ensure our clients receive VIP treatment from the moment they arrive.

Planning the perfect escape begins with scheduling your vacation consultation call. Click here to get in touch with us. We’ll discuss the details and what you are looking for. I’ll give you my suggestions and explain how we can best work together to plan the vacation of your dreams.

What Does Luxury Travel Really Mean

Here at Cruise Planners-Unique Family Adventures, we’ve always defined our “niche” as luxury travel, but I’ve found that this means different things to different people.


There are some people to whom “luxury” means gilded walls, gold chandeliers, velvet covered furniture… and of course a hefty price tag. That’s not how we define luxury, and it’s not what most of our luxury travelers are looking for when it comes to their vacation.


We tend to focus more on exceptional, authentic experiences, a high level of service and hospitality, and a focus on comfort and convenience. Each client’s experience is customized and personalized to their wants, needs, and expectations. Moreover, we don’t focus solely on price because “more expensive” doesn’t always mean “better.” We look at the value rather than the price when evaluating travel experiences.


While it’s true that most of our clients book exclusive cabins and high-end suites, that isn’t the case for every vacationer. We also have clients who are less selective when it comes to accommodations and choose to focus instead on activities, experiences, and dining options for their vacation.


When we work with you to plan your vacation, we strive to make sure that you feel taken care of, safe, and valued every step of the way. It starts with the personalized vacation consultation where we’ll go over what you are looking for, continues throughout the planning process, during your travel, and even extends to our post-vacation check in once you have returned home. We carefully select our travel partners to be sure that they share our same commitment to personal service and care.


We also take great care in making your vacation plans unique. Bespoke travel planning if you will. You won’t find cookie-cutter itineraries and tours here. We review each piece of your itinerary, and we triple-check each and every detail.


A luxury vacation should include authentic experiences that allow you to truly connect with the culture and the heart of the people in your destination. Maybe it’s a cooking class in the home of an Italian grandmother, a behind-the-scenes tour of a winery followed by a private tasting hosted by the owner, an after-hours private closed-door shopping experience with a personal shopper helping you to select the perfect pieces to bring back home, a private tour of some of the filming locations of your favorite British drama or a visit to one of England's best yarn shows for the knitter in your family.


Hotel and resort selections are made with comfort and convenience in mind as well. Whether you prefer smaller, boutique hotels or larger resorts with a variety of amenities, the local connections we have cultivated with our years of experience allow us to not only recommend the perfect option, but we are often able to connect directly with the owner or general manager to request that you receive VIP treatment upon your arrival. Sometimes this may include a room upgrade should one be available, a bottle of chilled champagne and strawberries sent to your room, complimentary breakfast, or conveniences such as a late check out to give you more time to relax on your departure day.


Your needs will always be anticipated and taken care of before you even realize they exist. A private car and driver, “skip the line” tickets purchased in advance, VIP access to events and attractions, requests confirmed personally with hotels and restaurants, dining recommendations for each stop on your itinerary, an after-hours phone number to call should you encounter any emergencies… these are all essential services we provide for our clients.


More and more often our clients are also interested in making sure that the destinations and vendors we select for their vacation are environmentally friendly. Many of our travel partners share a commitment to conservation and sustainability.


No matter what you are looking for in your vacation, you can rest assured that we will ensure that you receive the highest level of service from our agency and our travel partners. We are dedicated to providing you with an unforgettable experience each time you travel with us. Creating the ideal vacation for you is our passion!