THE BIG FOUR IN LUXURY CRUISES

Crystal Serenity

Silversea Spirit

Regent Voyager

Seabourn Odyssey

As stated in the last posting, luxury comes in many forms. Within the cruise industry, there are a wide variety of products, but what comes to mind almost immediately are the "Big Four"- Crystal, Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea. Others are nipping at their heals, but they are the standouts. Let's look more closely.

What they share in common are high space/passenger ratios, low crew/passenger ratios, attention to detail, high quality of service, food, drink, lecturers, sometimes stellar entertainment. The soft goods such as linens, pillows and towels will be divine, the spas uncrowded and elegant. The levels of inclusivity vary, but drinks are now complimentary across the board, and gratuities are included. Digging more deeply, the differences start to appear.

CRYSTAL

typical suite

white glove service

Crystal Cruises operates two similarly sized ships, the Symphony and Serenity. They carry about 1000-1100 passengers each, and date from 1995 and 2003 respectively. Crystal consistently ranks as the Conde Nast, Travel & Leisure top performer, though the Berlitz point score on the ships is somewhat lower than the newer ones from Seabourn and Silversea.

The appeal is simple- Crystal offers a traditional big-ship experience on a mid-sized ship, executed flawlessly. Dining is either set or by reservation, with several options, including Nobu, which reflects the Japanese DNA of the company. Specific unique programs include Berlitz language classes, Yamaha keyboard instruction, golf clinics. the line is not totally all-inclusive, but as of May 2012, there is an expanded list of inclusions  (from Cruise Critic):

Fares will now include beverages (defined as "complimentary fine wines and premium spirits throughout the ship, open bar service in all lounges," plus all non-alcoholic beverages including bottled water, soda, juices and specialty coffee drinks) and gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff. While ultra-premium liquors and wines are excluded, the following amenities (many of which are already included in the cruise fare) are covered by the new policy: 

Roundtrip coach airfare from two dozen North American gateways (or an air credit), transfers included 

Dining in the ships' specialty restaurants and sushi bars 

Fitness classes, including specialty sessions like Pilates or spinning 

Golf lessons with PGA pros 

Walk-on-Water weighted vests and Nordic Pole walking equipment 

Shuttles to town 

Enrichment programming 

Self-service laundry facilities 

Children's programming 

REGENT

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, formerly Radisson, has as its motto 'Luxury Goes Exploring', which pretty well sums it up. It operates three mid sized ships carrying from 490 to 700 guests in all-suite accommodations. In fact, the Mariner and Voyager are all-balcony, all-suite, with a minimum size of 300 square feet. only the smaller Navigator (just refurbished May, 2012), has a few ocean view, no balcony suites. More casual than Crystal, the line also offers the most complete list of inclusions in the business (from the RSSC website):

ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE

Regent Seven Seas Cruises fares include*:

• 2-for-1 Fares plus additional bonus savings of up to $10,000 per suite
• FREE Roundtrip Air* with FREE Upgrade to Business Class Air in Penthouse Suites and higher on Europe Voyages 
• FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions
• FREE Luxury Hotel Package
• FREE Unlimited Beverages Including Fine Wines and Premium Spirits
• FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities
• FREE Ground Transfers
• FREE In-suite mini-bar replenished daily
• FREE 24-hour room service and no additional charge for specialty restaurants
• Elegant casual dress code. Formal and semi-formal attire optional on sailings of 16 nights or longer
• Welcome bottle of champagne
• Up to four gourmet restaurants including the iconic new steakhouse Prime 7, and Signatures, featuring Le Cordon Bleu^®-inspired cuisine, Compass Rose, La Veranda plus the al fresco Pool Grill
• In-suite dining, served course-by-course during restaurant hours
• Butler service in Penthouse Suites and higher, included iPad^® in suite, iPod^® docking station and complimentary in-suite mini-bar setup
• Fitness programs, sauna and steam rooms in the spa
• Onboard activities including expert guest lectures, theatre performance and day time entertainment
• Interactive flat screen television in each suite with extensive media library and complimentary movies-on-demand
• Free onboard activities excludes spa treatments, boutique items, casino, laundry, telephone, internet connection access and other personal items.

So, it is hard to spend money onboard except for spa treatments, gaming, etc. A downside is that one is pre-paying, regardless of use, so if you are not the shore excursion type, or don't drink, you may be put off by the sticker price. But for those who just totally want to relax, and not be asked to swipe a card for everything, nothing beats the overall package. Featured 'luminaries' as they are called, round out the  offerings. These are experts in diverse fields, are always aboard and lead fine arts, history, food and wine, discovery and exploration themed discussions.

SEABOURN

Seabourn actually reinvented luxury cruising in the 1980's from the perceived stuffy and regimented heritage left over from the true luxury liners of the past. Instead, they thought small ship, big service. Starting at 104 onboard suites (Pride, Legend, Spirit) to a maximum of 225 suites on the new Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest ships, the level of personal attentive service and the ambience delivered is unmatched among the sector leaders.

The older ships date to the late 1980's, and lack the full balconies of the newer ships, but their small size coupled with bigger ship features make them extremely popular for exclusive ports and anchorages. Also, they have  sports platforms that go down, mostly in warm water destinations, for launching of water toys and swimming.

By contrast, the new (2009-2011) ships are state-of-the art, most highly evolved of all. interestingly, a Norwegian COmpany, Yran, has designed pretty much most of the ships sailed by Regent, Seabourn, and Silversea, so the likenesses are pretty apparent. This is how Seabourn describe themselves:

Intimate ships with just 104 or 225 suites

A Seabourn ship is like a private club, where members share expansive open decks, inviting social spaces, and the personalized attention of an exceptional crew.

Unique itineraries to must-see cities and hidden gems where larger ships cannot goEach cruise is a hand-picked collection of fascinating places, and each day brings a new opportunity for authentic discovery – another chance to explore your world in a personal and meaningful way.

Intuitive, gracious service provided by a staff passionate about pleasing our guests. It is supremely relaxing to be looked after by thoughtful hosts, whose knack for anticipating what you might like borders on the clairvoyant.

Spacious, all-suite accommodations with sweeping ocean views — many with verandas. Seabourn suites are thoughtfully appointed and inviting, designed as homes away from home with room to unwind or entertain.

Fine wines poured at lunch and dinner, and open bars throughout the ship. Meet and mingle with fellow guests in a carefree atmosphere, where no one has to pick up the tab.

   

All dining venues are complimentary — dine where, when and with whom you wish. From casual to elegant, indoors, al fresco or in your suite, a range of choices invites you to be spontaneous.

   

Gourmet dining experiences that rival the finest restaurants anywhere. From French fries to foie gras, every dish served on Seabourn receives the expert attention of highly skilled and imaginative chefs. The finest ingredients are selected with care, perfectly prepared to your order, and served with pride.

Complimentary welcome champagne and in-suite bar stocked with your preferences Soft drinks, beer and mineral water, complete glassware and your favorite wines or spirits are ready for your enjoyment or for entertaining

Tipping is neither required nor expected — service simply to delight youOur award-winning staff is driven only by their sincere desire to please, and with a smile that comes from the heart.


SILVERSEA

Launched in 1994, Silversea had only the 296 passenger Silver Cloud, then added the near identical Wind the next year, followed by the millenial sisters from 2000/2001Shadow and Whisper, both carrying 382 guests. The Spirit, closely resembling the new Seabourn ships, came into service in 2010- the largest at 540 guests.

Silversea and Seabourn are close matches, ardent competitors, with nuanced difference. Silversea boasts butlers in ALL categories, usually the preserve of the higher end suites. As much as anything, this is a statement about 'egalitarian exclusivity'- ie all are onboard the right ship and get the same treatment. 

Divine luxury is the hallmark, and the clientele clearly enjoys dressing up for the formal nights, the available Privato- or private car service, as well as shore concierge, baggage valet, 'Silver perspectives' enrichment series. On it goes. Their advertising, in answering "Why Silversea", answer with this:

Arrive in Style with Silversea — The Award-Winning Luxury Cruise Line

Most luxury brands began in Europe, and even today Italy is universally acknowledged as the world-centre of style, design, and that intangible allure called la dolce vita. There are the world’s leading fashion designers from Armani to Ferragamo, the temptations of la cucina Italiana, the Chiantis and Brunellos of Tuscany. And in the ultra-luxury travel market — there’s the polished perfection of Silversea. 

Onboard, the style is inspired by the golden age of cruising. Decorative Art Deco design elements lend a sophisticated 1930s ambience to this luxury cruise line. From the ceiling lights in Le Champagne and the sky-lit main staircase, to the innovative Stars Supper Club aboard Silver Spirit, Silversea guests sail the world surrounded by a provocative blend of modern elegance and timeless glamour — the sensations of history’s most romantic travel era.

So- style is more than a hallmark, it is the defining feature. As it is with ALL the cruise lines in this section! After all, what separates the best from the very good are the touches.  Style, graciousness, and ease go far beyond the competitions for best food and fanciest bathrooms. They capture the essence of privileged travel.

I have been aboard all but Seabourn of the four lines represented here. All are in a 'died and gone to heaven' category. All have some deficiencies- they're just not as lavish with the caviar these days....

But to experience a journey aboard any of these ships will spoil you for all else.