Class Standard
As a rule, on ships of Standard class companies: Royal Caribbean, Costa Cruises, MSC, Norwegian Cruise Line – the main emphasis is on entertainment.
Water parks, climbing walls, 4D cinemas, racing simulators, wind tunnels, laser labyrinths, noisy open-air discos, daytime animation – you are guaranteed not to get bored on board.
Meals on Standard class liners
The main restaurants work strictly according to the hours, the buffet restaurant also has certain opening hours, the food range is somewhat monotonous. ALL drinks, except water at the self-service station, are for an additional fee. On board, as a rule, there are many themed restaurants, where meals and all drinks are at an additional cost. If you are a tea or coffee lover, it is better to buy a special package of drinks, otherwise you will have to buy all this additionally each time.
An important indicator used by cruise professionals is the ratio of the number of crew members to the number of passengers on the ships
In Standard class: there are 5-8 passengers per 1 crew member.This means that in a restaurant, for example, 1 waiter will serve from 5 to 8 people at the same time. Be prepared to wait for your order. And personalized service on such ships (tour desk staff, several people at the reception 24/7, etc.) is kept to a minimum; be prepared to order your additional services on the ship and resolve your issues on interactive screens.
Lifestyle on Standard class ships
Lots of hidden surcharges on board. Quite democratic dress code. For those who love active recreation and do not place great demands on service, relying on self-service. Comfortable accommodation and active entertainment are the main features.
Luxury
Now about luxury cruises: these are the cruise companies Cunard, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seaborn, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises.
The only thing that they have in common with Standard class cruises is that passengers move from port to port on board the ship, without burdening themselves with constant packing of suitcases. This is where the similarities end.
The world of luxury cruises is based on three pillars: luxury, service, and uniqueness.
Luxury is expressed in the large area of the suites, in the small number of passengers on board; in restaurants where gourmet dishes are served on expensive dishes; in natural ship finishing materials such as teak and marble; in evening entertainment, which may include a performance by Russian ballet stars or a world-class opera singer.
Luxury service – This is a precautionary concern that makes you wonder if the crew members have super powers. And the point here is not “magic”, but the high requirements for the training of stewards and butlers. What makes luxury cruises unique are their unusual itineraries, which include rare ports. Plus exclusive events and entertainment such as the Ephesus Classical Music Night for Seabourne passengers, or a submarine ride for Crystal Esprit passengers.
Meals on luxury liners
The main restaurants are open at certain times, the buffet restaurant has an excellent range of dishes, drinks are usually already included. Alternative and themed restaurants offer a wide selection of local and exotic cuisines from around the world. As a rule, you are assigned the table you like (or you can order breakfast/lunch/dinner served in your cabin), the waiter remembers your preferences and favorite drinks from the first day. Luxurious tableware, high service in detail. All drinks, including alcoholic drinks, are included in the price of the cruise.
Ratio of the number of crew members to the number of passengers on luxury liners: for 2 crew members there are 2-3 passengers.
This means that in a restaurant, for example, the waiter will simply fly serving your order. Your personal butler will try to fulfill your every wish, and make your cruise as unforgettable as possible. If, for example, you are used to reading your favorite newspaper over morning tea, you will be provided with a daily printout of the electronic version.
Lifestyle on luxury ships
Many extras, such as alcoholic beverages, shore excursions, exclusive events, and staff gratuities, are already included in the cruise price. Different dress code requirements on ships of different companies: from quite democratic on Regent Seven Seas, 5 *Lux, to formal on Cunard 5/6* Lux. These cruises are for those who value personalized service, high quality services, and an individual approach in everything.
Premium class
What are Premium class cruises? What can Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Holland America Line, Oceania Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises offer? A more sophisticated vacation than on standard class ships “, but less luxurious than on luxury liners.
Unlike standard class ships, Premium class ships are designed for a significantly smaller number of people, but are more focused on adult travelers, than on children. Here, as on luxury liners, great attention is paid to service.
Meals on Premium class airliners
The main restaurants are open at fixed hours and guests can enjoy both simple and more sophisticated dishes from European cuisine or the cuisine of the area they are passing through on the cruise ship. In the buffet restaurant, drink stations (tea, coffee, water, IceTea, cocoa, ice, milk, cream, lemons, sugar, a dozen varieties of tea to choose from) are open 24 hours a day, food stations are open from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. nights. The food range is varied and represents cuisines from different countries of the world. All soft drinks (see above) are included in the cruise price.Alcohol for an additional fee. On board, as a rule, there are several alternative themed restaurants, where meals are included in the price of the cruise, but for an additional payment – alcohol and reservation of a place in such a restaurant. Special attention is paid to the cuisine in these restaurants: every dinner is a work of art.
Ratio of the number of crew members to the number of passengers on Premium class airliners: for 2 crew members there are 4-5 passengers.
This means that in a restaurant, for example, the waiter will serve your order quite quickly, and often there will be 2 waiters at once. Ships of this class have sufficient staff to help cruisers quickly and efficiently resolve their issues, for example, at the 24-hour reception, tour desk, on deck and in shops.
Lifestyle on premium ships
Many services included in the price of the cruise, such as a 24-hour cafe with a decent selection of salads, appetizers, and desserts; or free ordering of breakfast in your cabin. Quite a democratic dress code. These are cruises for those who love active or passive holidays and value quality services.
So, dear friends, to whom do we recommend going on a cruise?
I answer – to all those who like to see several countries in one trip! Romantics. For lovers of distant travels. Curious. Young and mature. Families with children. Youth. Travelers who travel alone. Disabled people, for whom the best recreational conditions have been created on the ships. Elderly. Groups of friends. For corporate clients for the most profitable team building. For those who are interested in cultural attractions around the world, and for sealing enthusiasts (lounging on a sun lounger by the pool for the entire vacation).
Who is NOT recommended for a cruise vacation?
Only your pets will not be taken on board. It’s better for dogs and cats to wait for you at home, even if they are very small 🙂
Of course, when choosing a cruise, you focus not only on the class of the ship. Price, route, duration of the cruise, duration of stays in ports where you have already been and where you have not been – all factors must be taken into account. But we hope that by navigating the classes of companies, knowing the main differences between them, it will be easier for you to choose the cruise of your dreams. Or simply let our manager, a cruise expert, more accurately outline the boundaries of your search.
See you on board!
