Luxury Cruise - Luxury Cruise ship ambiance, what to expect

The ambience to expect on a luxury cruise ship

Those who did not have the chance growing up in wealthy surrounding may feel intimidated by the "rich and beautiful", they may feel as underdogs, not accepted and such ... It is all about having self-assuredness or not, which is not depending on having money or not. There is only one thing to avoid: creating an alternative world around and about you!

The fact you can afford such a luxury cruise, and enjoying being pampered, is reason enough that you as "once in a lifetime" luxury cruiser will be accepted. But don´t play a role, or brag around to be accepted - a no go!
by Earl of Cruise

ss NORMANDIE Appartement de Luxe Trouville, a real suite with a number of rooms - courtesy coloured by Daryl LeBalnc ©

A suite (suite in music an "episode or sequence") or suite of rooms is a series of rooms (of at least two or more lounges for sleeping, living or working purposes, which together with at least one full bathroom with WC form a common room) of similar function and higher furnishing standards, which are connected to each other or only separated by doors, together form a closed usage unit. The term (similar to the name of the entire industry) has been adopted by the hotel industry, which is nowadays only used in this context. Particularly large or elaborately furnished suites are often referred to as executive suites, presidential or princely suites and often bear imaginative names. The Junior Suite differs from a normal suite in terms of the rooms. A Junior Suite consists only of a larger room and a bathroom with toilet. Therefore, it does not do justice to the term "suite", as it must have at least two rooms. A Junior suite is therefore a large stateroom with suite-like service.

EUROPA 2 different types of suites (left SPA Suite and right Grand Penthouse Suite) - courtesy HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES

When growing up in a luxury or luxurious enviroment, let us say with "the golden spoon in your mouth", you don´t have any problem going on a luxury cruise. These people have a common mindset about most themes, especially if not social climbers with no social ethics.
But coming from another "world" makes you stiff, or you may think you have to kowtow to others. Non of it! Be yourself!
But if you are unable appreceating service you should not go onboard any luxury ship - only: don´t envy those who do.

A luxury cruise ship feels and is different from a mainstream cruise ship

Yes, there are concrete differences between the atmosphere on a mass-market cruise vessel versus  a luxury cruise ship.

EUROPA 2, the Atrium with the information and reception desk - courtesy HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES

If you've never been on a luxury cruise, it might be tough to imagine how the mood onboard could be any different from that of a traditional ship. Going on a luxury cruise is actually like staying at a FOUR SEASONS or RITZ-CARLTON resort. You'll board a ship whose elegant architecture is paired with pleasing interior design and colorful floral arrangements and art installations. Well-trained officers and crewmembers greet passengers at the gangway and are eager to show off "their" beautiful ship. Most lines offer butler service in certain cabin categories. (SILVERSEA actually hires butlers trained by the venerable Guild of Professional English butlers to cater to every single cabin on its ships.)

ss NORMANDIE, Le Salon Fumoir view into Le Grand Salon - coloured by Daryl LeBlanc ©

Just like luxury resorts, high-end cruise ships are spacious and that's denoted by the line's space-to-passenger ratio, which is always quite high. Your ship will never feel crowded - even though it will be smaller than mass-market cruise ships that hold thousands of passengers. You'll be happy to know that on a luxury cruise ship, you'll never have to fight for a lounge chair at the pool, the hilarious "towel wars" or a seat in the lounge. On most luxury vessel there are more seats than passengers.
Another ratio is indicating how luxurious a cruise vessel can be or is: the crew-to-passenger ratio. More crew is catering the passengers.

All these elements combine to create a comfortable, upscale environment in which to enjoy your vacation.

The size of the ship has an impact on the onboard ambiance

The smaller the cruise ship, the easier it is for the cruise line to provide a more personalized experience that is customized just for you. Whether it's CRYSTAL CRUISES´ 62-passenger CRYSTAL ESPRIT yacht or HAPAG LLOYD´s 408 passenger EUROPA, you'll find far fewer than the 4,000+ passengers that ROYAL CARIBBEAN´'s ANTHEM OF THE SEAS or one of the other mass market high density condos greet each week. In addition, luxury ships have a high space-to-passenger ratio, so fewer people are set into the available space. Further the number of crew is higher, which is shown in the pax-to-crew ratio.

In history, pre WWI, NORDDEUTSCHER LLOYD and HAMBURG AMERIKA LINIE had been rediculed for its high passenger-crew ratio. After ... 1919 the special "German Service" was desperately missed, as the then higher passenger-space ratio in First class.
COLUMBUS from 1924 of NORDDEUTSCHER LLOYD was exactly because of these figures an immideate success on the North Atlantic and led direct to BREMEN and EUROPA of 1929/1930. Service quality and passenger space, combined with excellent food was the key to success.
COMPAGNIE GÉNÉRAL TRANSATLANTIQUE and COMPAGNIE de NAVIGATION SUD-ATLANTIQUE, the competitors for LLOYD and HAPAG on the continent, learned their lesson from the German competitors, except for the food quality on board - which was exceptionel, and made their First Class accomodations more spacious than their Anglo-Saxon competitors ... a reached the crest with NORMANDIE. He had the most spacious First Class amoung the vessels serving the North Atlantic. Nearly two thirds of NORMANDIE was reserved for the 848 First class passengers, served by nearly two thirds of the 1,345 crew.

LE SOLEAL of COMAGNIE DU PONANT - courtesy COMPAGNIE DU PONANT

This means nothing else than no crowded ships and real service, a pampering personalized service, with no hectic pace or stress for the crew. With fewer passengers to tend to, each officer and crew member can truly respond to - and even anticipate - your needs. That could mean receiving a unique gift in your suite (SEADREAM YACHT CLUB provides personalized pajamas) or your butler delivering your favorite canapes every day at sunset. Or your day starting coffe, and the preferred one. The chef might whip up a baked Alaska just for you because you raved to your waiter about the time you tried it when you were last on the ship.

EUROPA, Restaurant Venezia. Less guests do not indicate the food is not good! Each passenger is booking a table at his preferred time taking a meal. And crowded restaurants do not show by that the food is good - courtesy HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES

All of these factors lead to less crowding, fewer lines and a less stressful vacation. Embarkation - which can be an intimidating procedure on a mega-ship - is a breeze on a small ship, and can often be a festive start to your cruise with bar staff handing out Champagne and passengers chatting with each other and making first aquaintances. And with so few people onboard, you're likely to see your shipmates again and again, lending itself to a far more social atmosphere.

EUROPA anchoring offshore Sylt, tendering its passengers to the beach - courtesy HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES

The interaction of crewmembers with passengers on a luxury sailing

Certain cruise lines have a more formal feel than others, but all crew members aboard luxury ships are trained to treat passengers with the utmost respect. This implies that you themselve will be respectful to the crew.

DISNEY CRUISE LINE is by far not a luxury cruise offer, it is simply a mass market product, but as the other DISNEY is offering a costly extra for those who want to have a glimpse of luxury in a me-too mass market trashy surrounding. Service in Remy restaurants on board Disney Cruise Line - courtesy DISNEY CRUISE LINE

The crew tries strive to be friendly and warm but a bit reverential too. It is more the way of: Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen. They are tasked to memorize your names as soon as you board and will address you by name. Crew aboard companies like CRYSTAL and other luxury cruise companies generally address travelers by last name - for example, Mr. and Mrs. Smith - while other lines like SEADREAM YACHT CLUB and WINDSTAR CRUISES may lessen the formality by using Mr. and Ms. with your first names (i.e., Mr. John or Miss Theresa). But you will never hear "hi Guys" or such.

EUROPA 2 stewards while serving passengers when the vessel was passing the Sydney Harbor Bridge - courtesy HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES

Officers and crew on a luxury ship generally want to know how you're enjoying your vacation and will stop to talk with you in the hallways or lounges. If there is a problem or they hear about something you were disappointed in, they proactively follow up on it and provide a solution. If they find out you are celebrating a birthday or anniversary during the voyage, you can bet they will share that information with your butler, room steward, bar staff and waiters, if they don not allready know about, so you are assured to receive many well wishes - and even a few special treats (maybe a card and balloons delivered to your suite or a special dessert served at dinner) - on the big day.

EUROPA 2, star bartender Alexander Pilz - courtesy home-cocktails.de

I never experienced on board a mass market cruise ship a bartender remembering my favorite drink, from one day to another ... except for two times. It was on board the BLUE DE FRANCE of CROISIÈRES DE FRANCE and premium market OLYMPIC VOYAGER and OLYMPIC EXPLORER of defunct ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES. On board ROYAL OLYMPIC CRUISES the bartender of the VOYAGER went to serve on EXPLORER and remembered my favority "Queen Mom´s Secial" even a year later! A rare experience, but that was a special for ROYAL OLYMPIC as their crew stayed loyal to the line.

The wait staff and bartenders listen carefully to your requests and learn your favorite drink, snack and dining preferences very quickly. They will do their best to anticipate what you might want next - a cool skewer of fruit or bowl of ice cream at the pool deck on a hot afternoon, for example. When you dine at the buffet, don't be surprised if a waiter appears to carry your plate of food back to your table; that's the norm on luxury lines. Whatever crewmembers can do to help you, they will try and do.
If you are not used to that kind of attention, let it go and have a try it feels great. And if you insist politely on carrying your plate by yourself, they will let you.

An all-inclusive offer is adding to the atmospheres nature of luxury cruise ship

Many cruise lines use the term "all-inclusive" but it means different things on different companies. For luxury cruise companies, "all-inclusive" really does include just about everything, from all beverages (juice, milk, soda, coffee/tea, wine, spirits and beer) to gratuities, a multitude of restaurants with no surcharge, and complimentary transportation into town at most ports of call. REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES and SILVERSEA CRUISES (most) even include unlimited shore excursions; REGENT and SILVERSEA also offer free Wi-Fi to all guests.

The 62 guest CRYSTAL ESPRIT of CRYSTAL YACHTS - courtesy CRYSTAL CRUISES

The benefit of this all-inclusive approach is the traveler feels more carefree onboard. You won't feel nickeled and dimed, or a squeezed lemon, because you won't be signing chits for drinks all the time at the bar, or paying extra to dine at one of the ship's restaurants. The all-inclusive nature of the voyage makes you feel a bit more pampered. It also means more people are likely to frequent the lounges at night and join newly made friends for an evening, since no one has to worry about who's paying. People are also more relaxed because they don't have to think carefully about budgeting and can just enjoy themselves.
But don´t overboard it, because it is free of charge. You should know your limits, or you may become the talk of the day ...

The first impression is important, stay cool on embarkation day

The goal of any cruise line is to wow passengers with a smooth embarkation process. Luxury cruise companies do that with a few small touches that go a long way. For example, in hot, sunny homeports the company will erect a canopy outside the cruise terminal; this means passengers will remain a bit more comfortable if there is a queue, or unexpected rain. Hot and cold drinks and even sometimes a cookie or two are offered at the terminal if you arrive before passengers have been cleared to board the ship. Luggage handlers will take your bags while you go through the security screening process. On luxury cruise companies, the entire process might only take a few minutes and you'll soon be headed to the gangway.

The normal embarkation at mass market cruises. Source: Jim Zim's Carnival Miracle cruise ship review © Jim Zimmerlein

You will be met at the gangway by a variety of the ship's officers and crew who offer a genuinely warm greeting - often accompanied by a glass of fine Champagne. And do not be surprised, when you are adressed by your name. You will take care of check-in details at one of the ship's lounges while you sip a cocktail and have a snack, and then you will be accompanied directly to your suite or big stateroom where you will be introduced to your butler or room steward(ess). That person will explain anything you need to know about the stateroom (i.e., how the temperature controls and in-room entertainment system work, or your options when it comes to pillows and bath amenities).

SILVERSEA embarkation day - courtesy SILVERSEA CRUISES

Once ensconced in your room you will find a note from the hotel manager or captain welcoming you aboard, along with a platter of fruit or a box of chocolates next to a chilled bottle of Champagne or sparking wine. If you droped your favorite, it maybe even that certain champaign, sparkling wine or prosecco.

The dress code underscores the ship's ambiance

The dress code is probably the single most important way a ship can communicate the vibe it is striving for to its passengers. In years past, just about every luxury company had mandatory formal nights that required a tuxedo and gown (or at least a suit and cocktail dress). But these days the luxury companies have relaxed dress code requirements. Not everyone, me included, is happy about that, because some people believe that dressing up in the evening elevates the entire cruise experience. CRYSTAL, REGENT and SILVERSEA loyalists are more apt to dress formally in the evenings than travelers aboard OCEANIA and SEADREAM YACHT CLUB.

The latter one is especially emphasising on the yacht theme, which gives you more space in your personal dress code onboard. But even here sweat pants will be accepted only during sports.

Samples for smart casual mens dress - courtesy fashionbeans.com

Natalia Dyer at the 24th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards held at The Shrine Auditorium. January 21st, 2018 – photo courtesy MediaPunch © BACKGRID

Luxury ships tend to be a little more formal (i.e. smart casual during the day). On expedition ships, rugged wear is more acceptable and eventually neccessary. In general, be mindful of any shore excursions and any country-specific dress codes when packing. For example, you might need clothes that cover your shoulders and knees to visit a mosque, or a hat, durable shoes and socks for a rainforest hike.

In fact, there are no formal nights on OCEANIA ships, while they are optional on REGENT vessels. Be prepared for one or more optional formal nights on SILVERSEA. (If you don't want to take part in formal festivities on SILVERSEA ships, dine at La Terrazza, Seishin, Stars and The Grill instead and you can wear informal clothing.) CRYSTAL CRUISES also offers a Black Tie Optional evening; men can wear dark suits instead of a tux. (You may dress casually if dining at Tastes, but not too casual ...) SEABOURN programs one formal night for cruises up to 13 days but the dress code is only enforced in The Restaurant. (You may wear "elegant casual" attire in the other restaurants on that evening.) SEADREAM doesn't do formal night at all; it's resort casual in the evenings.
HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES´ EUROPA, 1999, is more classic oriented and its guests love the strict formality with gala evenings and captain´s diner, and are more often older than on board EUROPA 2, 2013, which is more family, multi generational, and informal oriented. And despite other rumours EUROPA 2 is an international ship.

EUROPA a sample for a gala evening dress code - courtesy HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES

But, the fact is, even with relaxed dress codes over the past few years, luxury cruise travelers are still a fashionable bunch who tend to wear designer brands - day and night - and dress a bit more formally, especially in the evenings. And sometimes a pullover does not look at first sight worth US$ 1,000.00 and mnore, but it is. Jeans, T-shirts and sneakers are not welcome in the dining rooms of luxury cruise ships in the evening. Nearly everyone "dresses" for dinner, even if the outfit is more country club casual than ultra formal. On formal night, there will be plenty of men in suits - and some in tuxes - and women in gowns or cocktail dresses.
If you arre not used to wear formal a dress , go have a try in a good clothing shop and try a number of formal dresses to get a feeling for. The worst is, you wear it for the first time and feel like camouflaged or dressed for a costume ball, the others may see it. Go with the flow you try them ashore, and if it will be necessary try to lend the formal dress.

Other passengers tend to be friendly and welcoming

Many travelers worry that a luxury cruise could be a stodgy experience. Will other guests be welcoming and want to get to know you, or are people more reserved on these types of voyages? That depends.

Foremost, you have been booking and paid for the cruise, that makes you an squal among the other passengers

Passengers on board EUROPA 2 partying into the New Year - courtesy HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES

If you're looking for the most relaxed atmosphere, your best bets would be SEADREAM YACHT CLUB and OCEANIA CRUISES (which is upscale mass market). Both of those lines focus on creating a convivial atmosphere where people want to mix and mingle and get to know one another. Those companies are also less formal than, say, CRYSTAL CRUISES or REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES (which is upscale premium mass market), and that can help loosen up some passengers that would otherwise worry about how they look on formal night or what to talk about at dinner with their seatmates. That said, luxury cruise travelers are pretty social people and enjoy meeting people during activities like trivia or shore excursions, and dining with a new group at dinner.

Europa 2 Herrenzimmer - courtesy HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES

Be yourself, but no bragging around. It will fall on your feet

One thing to be aware of: Almost all of the top-of-the-line cruise companies offer world cruises or longer grand voyages. Some as CRYSTAL do offer even shorter cruise experiences. If you book just one sector on these longer trips, it can be tough for you to break into an already established clique of people who have been traveling together for a few weeks (or months!). Keep that in mind when you select your itinerary aboard a luxury ship.

What to avoid on luxury ships

One point on European oriented luxury cruise ships, do never ever talk talk about money and brag if you have or not. Talking about money signals: you need money, rather than have it and you will be by yourself.
Try not talking about things you don´t know about.
Avoid too talking about religion or act religious. Religion is a private affair in Europe, and you will offend the other guests on board.Otherwise the fellow guests will "shut down" and put you in the "missionary corner" ... looks, whispers and lonlyness will be the result.

Luxury touches create a more pampered feeling in your cabin or suite

The high-end lines want to ensure your comfort in your suite. To that end, they offer everything from high-end linens from the likes of Pratesi and Frette as well as pillow menus (SILVERSEA, for example, offers a choice of firm goose down, synthetic hypoallergenic or therapeutic foam pillows) and designer toiletries placed in spacious marble bathrooms. SILVERSEA offers a choice of hypoallergenic, FERRAGAMO or BVLGARI bath products. OCEANIA also offers BVLGARI while SEABOURN offers items by MOLTEN BROWN or L'OCCITANE. REGENT and WINDSTAR also use L'OCCITANE products while CRYSTAL offers ETRO. HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES is offering its own luxury label.

CRYSTAL CRUISES Penthouse Suite - courtesy CRYSTAL CRUISES

You will also find a complimentary bar setup and stocked minibar in your cabin on most luxury ships. Many ships also offer butlers in certain suite categories, with SILVERSEA employing butlers in all accommodations. Depending on the cruise line and suite category, butlers perform a range of services, from unpacking your suitcase to serving breakfast on your balcony, or if you wish in your bed and canapes in the afternoon.
Some luxury cruise companies offer their butler for free only their top categories, as HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES and some others. For an extra charge you may book the service in your "lower" category.

Expect to find touches from today's top designers and brands

Your luxury cruise ship will be outfitted from stem to stern with the highest quality products from some of the world's most sought-after designers and brands.

Somelier wine tasting with Reidel glass

You'll find a FRETTE robe hanging in your CRYSTAL CRUISES stateroom or suite closet. A luscious box of LEONIDAS Belgian Chocolates will be waiting for you in your cabin aboard PAUL GAUGIN. REGENT installed ILLY espresso makers in each of its cabins, and SILVERSEA´s beds are made with PRATESI linens. Many cruise lines, including REGENT, offer complimentary use of APPLE iPads or have ensuite iPod docking stations. In SEADREAM´s dining room you'll toast the meal with a glass of wine in a RIEDEL goblet. Likewise, the SPAs will be operated by well-known concerns on land. Cruise ship boutiques also often carry a variety of designer brand apparel and jewelry so it's always fun to do a bit of shopping for a special souvenir.

LEONIDAS chocolate box - courtesy LEONIDAS

Dishes will be served on the most luxury cruise vessels on luxury brand tabelware, while your cuttlery will as well from a well known luxry brand.  Some cruise companies "brag" with their luxury brand tableware and cuttlery, but what is served?
Another major difference you experience outdoors on deck, your drinks will be served in glasses not plastic, when you dine al-fresco you will see as well no plastic on your table.

What type of ambiance do the ship's restaurants exude?

If you feel uncomfortable dining at five-star restaurants on land, a luxury cruise might not be right for you. That's because you will be fussed at by a host of people in the dining room, ranging from the maitre d' (the host and manager of the dining room) and sommelier (someone to help you make wine selections), some even offer a somelier for water, as well as a waiter and often an assistant or two. Why does your waiter need assistants? Meals are often served under silver domes, and it takes a band of waiters standing tableside in order to unveil everyone's meal simultaneously! And normally all guests at a table will get their meals at one time, therefore noone has to wait for the last meal - a rule of politeness.

NORMANDIE, Grand Salle à Manger Ier Classe, back then it was a society event going to diner on board a ship (see and to be seen!). Diner is still a social event. Dressing accordingly is respecting, which is never out of fashion (not even today!) the work and efforts of the kitchen - Source Pinterest

Some aspects of dining in any high-end restaurant can be intimidating and that's no different on a cruise ship. Expect to be greeted by a table set with multiple forks, spoons and knives; fancy "charger" plates by designers such as VILLEROY & BOCH; and a variety of stemware from makers like RIEDEL.
If you are not familiar to the "uncountable" cuttleries at your place - use from the outside to the center for each served dish. And for soups and desert you go from top to bottom. Quite easy. And if you can´t open a lobster, don not order, or instead ask polite for assistance, or a pleasant joke. The same for other dishes, a polite request for help, and you will get the needed assitance without being outed as uncultured.

left to right: Denis Kunze, Rosemarie Bocklet, Willy Leitgeb, Heidi and Gerald Lippmann, Angelika Wild, Stephan Bocklet, Tina Gottler, Kristian Koschuschmann - courtesy Confrérie de la Chaîne des Rôtisseurs
Bailliage National d´Allemagne e.V.

DînerAmical «Intermezzo» MS Europa auf der Reise von Buenos Aires nach Salvador

Every single dining venue on a luxury ship - from the ship's main dining room to the specialty restaurants - offer extraordinary multicourse menus designed by world-class chefs in a generally formal setting. In fact, some lines even have partnerships with celebrity chefs who either contributed to the menu design across all dining establishments or have a specific restaurant onboard. Jacques Pepin collaborates with OCEANIA CRUISES, Thomas Keller creates menus for SEABOURN, and you'll find Nobu Matsuhisa with CRYSTAL CRUISES. Dieter Müller is offering his creations onboard HAPAG-LLOYD CRUISES´ EUROPA and EUROPA 2.

A cloche (from the French for "bell") is a tableware cover, sometimes made out of silver though commercially they are available as glass, stoneware, marble or other materials.

 Expect menu items like prime aged beef, duck and quail, made-to-order sushi and homemade pasta. Finicky eaters might see these menus as a bit "fussy," but there is always a group of more traditional entrees available, ranging from grilled chicken, salmon and steak to plain pasta dishes. Dessert will usually include an excellent cheese course, homemade ice cream, cakes and pies or Crème brûlée. Specialty coffees and after-dinner cordials are also on the menu.

With diners ordering multiple courses from salad and soup and appetizers to an entree, dessert and cheese course, meals can be long - and sometimes drawn out - affairs. It's almost impossible to have a "quick meal" in a luxury cruise ship's main dining room.
Remember eating, here having lunch or diner, was and is a social affair, a gathering around a table. And eating is so much more than than being feed.

On luxury ships you will find works of art by well-known artists

You can almost guarantee that your ship will be decorated with works of art from the great masters as well as more contemporary artists. Cruise lines like SILVERSEA hire curators who put together exhibitions that rival what you'd enjoy in a museum on land. SILVERSEA has a partnership with Andrew Weiss Gallery and might have pieces - some originals but mostly reproduction prints, as for security and insurance reasons - onboard from Pablo Picasso, Renoir, Andy Warhol and Salvador Dali. REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES has a relationship with Park West Gallery. SEABOURN, OCEANIA CRUISES and CRYSTAL CRUISES also curate museum-quality artwork for their ships.

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