Not long ago we figured out what types of cabins there are and how they are located on a cruise ship. It’s time to talk about cruise companies. What are the differences? Which one is better to choose? Value for money? These questions are logical and arise for most lovers of sea travel.
The answers to them will depend solely on your preferences. What do you expect from the cruise? Quiet and relaxing time or fun and dancing until the morning. Culinary delights or democratic nutrition. Small cabins or decently sized rooms. Let’s figure it out.
Classification of cruise companies
Perhaps it’s worth starting with the fact that there are officially no classes of cruise companies and no stars on ships. All this is conditional and was invented by operators for PR – a marketing ploy. Although there is a British Berlitz directory that produces class ratings privately. Its staff goes on annual cruises and conducts independent surveys.
There are three main classes of cruise lines:
- Standard
- Premium
- Lux
Standard
This category includes such popular cruise companies as:
MSC Cruises, Costa cruises, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line
The distinctive features of the class “Standard” are the following:
- Ships can accommodate a large number of tourists (from 2000)
- The bulk of the cabins are small in size
- Democratic prices, desire to minimize costs
- As a rule, circular cruises to famous ports
- Service 3-4 stars
- Family holidays are preferred, sometimes children are free
Premium
The following cruise lines can be safely included in this class:
Holland America Line, Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Azamara Club Cruises, Oceania Cruises.
The main indicators of the “Premium” class are:
- Quality of service 4-5 stars, more staff,
- With the same dimensions, the vessel is filled less,
- More varied menu, plenty of delicacies and seafood,
- Cruise cost is higher, focus on maintaining quality.
- Conditions have been created for both age groups and family vacations
- Longer travel times with non-loop routes.
Lux
The following cruise companies belong to the class of “living beautifully”:
The Yachts of Seabourn, Crystal Cruise Lines, Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
It’s easy to guess about the quality parameters of the class “Lux”
- These are small ships with a capacity of 300-800 passengers,
- Huge suite-type cabins
- Fine cuisine to order
- Unique cruise routes
- Quality of service 5+
- Orientation towards individuality rather than family holidays,
- High cost of travel (from 3000 euros)
So what to choose, is it worth overpaying?
On the one hand, the question is simple and at the same time it is worth remembering personal preferences. For example, if you like a cheerful, noisy company, dancing, music, then even if you have the funds to buy a cruise of the “Luxury” class company, you will be bored on such a ship.
It is worth understanding that the line between the classes “Standard” and “Premium” ” is very, very blurry. Each company strives to conquer this uncontrollably growing market and provides maximum services in its segment.
It is impossible to call any cruise company the best, just like a certain liner. They are simply unique, each in their own way. Many cruise lines have 1-2 dozen ships, both the newest and not so new. You understand, the service depends not only on the company and the liner, but even on the shift that is serving the cruise at the moment.
Our database includes several cruise lines.
Have a pleasant and unforgettable trip!
Sergey Buslaev
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