Cruising - If I Were A Rich Woman

Luxury cruise lines. Penthouse suites, butlers, special restaurants, free laundry. If you had deep pockets would you take advantage of the best a cruise line has to offer? You might. There are some ways to get a bit of luxury or at least the feeling of such if you make some good choices.

Our World Cruise 2015 on the Crystal Serenity was the closest we ever came to cruising in true luxury. When you plan to spend 108 days on a ship, you want to be sure you're going to enjoy the food and service and amenities that come along. While it was the most expensive cruise we've taken, we shaved some cost by doing most of our excursions on our own, booking a room without a veranda which was one of the least expensive on the ship. We were still able to enjoy all the amenities offered the World Cruisers but without the butler and the penthouse view.

If you are looking to go all out consider one of the smaller luxury cruise lines like Crystal, Silversea, Seabourn, Paul Gaugin, Regent, the list goes on. See your travel agent or search online for luxury cruises. Check and compare amenities. Most offer all beverages, gratuities, specialty coffees, and many include excursions. Weigh the amenities against the cost and your interests (there are often themed cruises) and decide if you will take advantage of all of them. If you are going to indulge but then end up complaining about the cost, it would be better to go with a line that is ala carte where you can pick and choose as you go.

There are some cruise lines that are not as expensive and if you want to go in style, you might consider booking with them, off season, and upgrade to a suite. Many of the suites come with special amenities like spa time, lounges only for suite occupants, early boarding, dining at specialty restaurants, etc.

Like all travel, you need to decide what your likes and dislikes are, your comfort level (Would you really like having a butler unpack your clothes and draw your bath?) and of course what you can afford to spend. Given the choice, I'd take two less expensive cruises over one that costs as much as two--unless I were really really rich.