A luxury cruise can offer exquisite travel to those looking for an extra-ordinary vacation. Numerous cruises have all-inclusive packages for vacationers to enjoy affordable cruising. The cruises travel all around the world including Asia, Caribbean, Alaska, South America, Mediterranean, Africa and Europe.
To know what to do and see on the cruise requires good research. Various cruises have websites that inform their readers on things to see and activities to expect on board or on shore. The cruise can offer personalization, value for money and over-the-top experiences.
Day Time Activities
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Shore excursions
Shore excursions can be provided by some cruises. Depending on the location you can enjoy sightseeing excursions. You can request for a private tour.
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Learn something new
While you are on vacation, you can take time to relax as well as learn something to spark your intellectual curiosity. You can learn how to dance, learn a language or attend an art class.
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Rejuvenate and revive your body
Rejuvenate and revive your body in any of the various ways available on the luxury cruise. They can include yoga, acupuncture, spa treatments and workouts. If you are passionate about maintaining your health, the above and other rejuvenating activities await you.
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Tasting workshops
If you are into food and wine tasting, you can find various workshops to enjoy the various activities. The tasting workshops can include chef cooking competitions where the luxury cruise’s chefs battle it out in the kitchen. You can experience bar-tending trends and food and wine pairing activities as well.
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Visit the pool deck
What to do and see on a luxury cruise can also include visiting the pool deck, relaxing under the shade while enjoying your favorite drink from the pool bar. Engage in any water sports you fancy such as kayaking, pool volleyball, water sports marina, swimming and scuba diving.
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Landscape viewing
Landscape viewing from the deck can also be a great experience especially on a beautiful clear day. Play games such as basketball, golf, ping pong, pool games, video games and lawn games. You can also participate in trivia contents and games events.
Related: The Top 10 Most Popular Cruise Destinations in the World
Night Time Activities
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Casino, theater and circus shows
When the night comes, you may want to visit the casino. You can play a few card or slot games. If you prefer other forms of nighttime entertainment, you can visit the lounge, bars or clubs. On-board entertainment can also include theater and circus shows.
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Performance
Performance stages may be set up where guest entertainers soothe the evening away. Musicians, acrobats, magicians and comedians can be among the list of guest entertainers.
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Enjoy the cuisines
Visit the restaurants and cafés to enjoy the cuisines being offered on-board. Experience the varying kinds of dining settings to enjoy the flexibility of luxury dining.
Luxury Cruise Tips
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What to do and see on a cruise depends on the cruise
What to do and see on a cruise depends on the cruise you choose for your vacation. The cruises offer different activities on-board and on land.
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A combination of educational, relaxing and entertaining activities
Try to cover every base to avoid getting bored by doing only one thing. Combine educational, relaxing and entertaining activities.
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Luxury cruise may have extra fee
Note activities that may include an added expense to avoid paying a huge bill. This is especially if the luxury cruise is not all-inclusive.
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Passengers are given a high level of personal service
Certainly, on a luxury cruise, every passenger is given a high level of personal service, as the staff are trained to cater to your every need from the moment you board. The ambiance on these ships is refined, yet sociable, with passengers exchanging stories while sipping fine wine and enjoying the kind of international cuisine that would upstage many respectable land-based eateries. While the food on offer is slightly below the level of the world’s top restaurants, it is a cut above the cuisine provided on any other type of cruise ship. Also, the food is served to you by courteous staff, who make every meal a pleasurable experience. Alternatively, if you do not feel like socializing, you can always have food brought to your stateroom.
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Enjoy expert lectures
Generally, luxury cruises offer fewer options for entertainment compared to normal cruises, and the entertainment that is provided is more reserved. Rather than boisterous discos and partying, passengers prefer to socialize with one another in a wine bar, whilst listening to live music. On many luxury cruises, expert speakers are hired to give lectures on a wide range of contemporary and historical issues. These speakers can include scientists, former politicians, historians, academics and explorers. Usually, a luxury cruise itinerary will focus on yachting hotspots, such as those found in many parts of the Caribbean, rather than the large commercial ports. All of this makes for a far more cultured and educational experience, in contrast to the booze fueled, mindless entertainment that characterizes many mainstream cruises.
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Given personalized service
Staff on luxury cruise ships are able to provide a more personalized service, because the vessels are a smaller size than normal cruise ships. This creates a more intimate atmosphere and allows luxury cruise ships to stop-off at ports that would be overlooked on a mainstream cruise. A small luxury cruise ship will carry no more than two hundred guests, and a big ship will carry no more than one thousand guests. The quieter, more understated nature of these cruises appeals to those who dislike the hustle and bustle of a more commercial cruise line, and who want a service that is tailored to their preferences.
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Extra treats
Several luxury ships offer extra treats for guests, such as toiletries from name brands and pajamas with embroidered cotton logos. While these are only small touches, they are always very popular with passengers, who appreciate the attention to detail. Although most ships do not cater to children, there are some child-friendly vessels that operate during the school holidays. Usually, child minding can be privately organized with an off duty member of staff. Obviously, these types of cruises would not be the first choice for a family holiday. However, facilities can still be offered on these ships to keep children entertained, so family groups are not unheard of.
Related: What Makes a Disney Cruise Special?
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Liberal dress codes
The smaller high-end cruise lines have always been notorious for their strict dress codes. Historically, black tie suits and evening gowns were mandatory attire for dinner. Nonetheless, recently, many luxury cruise operators (notably Cunard) have adopted more liberal dress codes, to reflect the fact that many modern guests do not enjoy having to dress for dinner. These days, providing you do not dress too outrageously, you can wear virtually whatever you want on many luxury ships. Tradition aside, most people agree that it is a good thing that the cruise lines have taken this approach, as it keeps them up-to-date with current trends.
Undoubtedly, a luxury cruise offers a different, more bespoke holiday experience that attracts those who enjoy the finer things in life. If you can afford it and decide to book one of these cruises, after your trip, you will probably never want to book another mainstream cruise again.
