10 Signs You’re an Ultra-Luxury Cruiser

• The Pursuit of Perfection: True luxury cruisers don't just book a holiday; they meticulously track new ship launches like the Seven Seas Prestige to ensure they secure the best suite on board.

• The Value of Inclusion: We explore why savvy travellers know that the higher upfront cost of luxury cruising often offers better value than premium lines once you factor in the "free" champagne, excursions, and Wi-Fi.

• The Personal Touch: From butlers who know your name to exclusive amenities from Molton Brown, we reveal the small details that make ultra-luxury cruising a "country club" experience at sea.

We all love a bit of luxury, don't we? And it doesn’t get more luxurious than cruising with 6-star cruise lines where absolutely everything is taken care of.

Imagine personal butlers at your beck and call, walk-in wardrobes, suites larger than most city apartments, and cabins that come with their own personal spa.

Here, you won’t just be one of the masses; you’ll be part of an intimate community on a ship with fewer passengers and far more space to relax.

You’ll even feel like a VIP with staff that seem to know your name before you’ve even unpacked. It all sounds like absolute bliss to us!

But how do you tell if you’re a true luxury connoisseur? Do you really know your stuff when it comes to the finer side of travel? Read on to find out if you’re a real ultra-luxury cruiser.

1) You Count Down Until the Launch of New Luxury Ships

While others are booking standard summer holidays, you are eagerly awaiting the launch of the Regent Seven Seas Prestige (arriving in late 2026). You’ve studied the deck plans, you know it features the massive new "Skyview Regent Suite," and you are ready to book.

You also keep a close eye on Silversea’s innovative Nova Class. You likely already have a booking on the Silver Ray (launched 2024), knowing it offers the most open-air space per guest of any luxury ship.

2) You’re a Fine Food Fiend

Let’s face it, there’s no better food at sea than on a luxury cruise ship. With so many partnerships with celebrity chefs, these ships are the perfect place to enjoy a six-course extravaganza.

Oceania Cruises claims to have the "Finest Cuisine at Sea," and with the legendary chef Jacques Pépin as their Executive Culinary Director, it’s hard to argue. He designs menus and inspires their chefs to perform gastronomic wizardry.

Meanwhile, on Silversea, you know all about the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) programme. You don't just eat dinner; you experience a menu that changes daily to match the local ingredients of the port you are visiting. When you get home from your cruise, your meagre bowl of carbonara just won’t cut it!

3) You're Savvy With What You Spend

Those of you who like to watch your wallet - and make your hard-earned money stretch further - know exactly what great value luxury cruising is.

On Regent Seven Seas, even the drinks in your mini-bar are free, and the majority of luxury cruises allow you to drink whatever you want, whenever you want, for no extra charge.

You know that the "high" upfront cost actually works out cheaper because it typically includes:

• Unlimited premium beverages

• All gratuities and service charges

• Wi-Fi access

• Shore excursions (on select lines)

4) You Always Want to Get to the Heart of Your Destination

You’ve paid for your cruise and looked at your itinerary… but wait. On a mega-ship, you might dock miles away from the action. That’s where you, the luxury cruiser, win every time.

Your smaller ships can sail right into the heart of the city, docking next to the yachts in Monte Carlo or sailing up the Thames to Tower Bridge.

You also know that luxury lines can take you to once-in-a-lifetime destinations like the Galapagos (with Silversea) or Antarctica in pure comfort.

You also love getting closer to local culture, perhaps attending an immersive AzAmazing Evening with Azamara, enjoying a private concert or event designed just for you.

5) You’re a Loyal Points Member

Unlike some cruisers who jump from brand to brand, you are loyal. In fact, you know that certain luxury sailings sell out years in advance because of the demand!

Fewer cabins mean you are likely to make friends you’ll meet again and again on future sailings. Plus, you’re busy racking up those loyalty points to receive special extras, like free laundry service, phone time, or even a free cruise once you hit the top tier.

6) You Even Have Their Stationery

True ultra-luxury fans are the kind of people who keep the cruise line’s stationery on their desk at home! And why not?

You also definitely appreciate the bathroom amenities. Seabourn treats guests to exclusive Molton Brown goodies (developed specifically for the line), while Regent pampers guests with L’Occitane. It beats the generic "conditioning shampoo" dispenser found on other lines, doesn't it?

7) You’re All About That "Country Club" Feeling

You know that "relaxed luxury" is the best kind. Unlike other ships where "casual" can mean anything goes, luxury cruise ships have a distinct country club feel.

You enjoy the elegant casual dress codes - linen shirts, smart trousers, and cocktail dresses - without the pressure of a tuxedo every night. You want to look good, but you also want to be comfortable.

8) You’re a Spa Addict

In our opinion, one of the very best features of ultra-luxury cruising is the spa, and you agree. You know that Oceania's Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center offers treatments that rival the best land-based resorts.

You might even have booked a suite on the Regent Seven Seas Explorer or the upcoming Seven Seas Prestige, where the top-tier suites essentially are private spas with their own saunas and treatment rooms. To you, a holiday isn't a holiday without a heated ceramic lounger.

9) You Want an Extra Special Holiday

You don't just want a holiday; you want a story to tell. Ultra-luxury cruises offer experiences far out of the ordinary.

Whether it's the iconic "Caviar in the Surf" event with Seabourn, where uniformed waiters plunge into the waves to serve you champagne and caviar on a surfboard, or enjoying unlimited free shore excursions with Regent, you expect the extraordinary.

10) You Like To Be Welcomed Back On-Board Like An Old Friend

Finally, you know that ultra-luxury cruising isn't about the masses - it’s about you.

From having a chilled glass of champagne handed to you the moment you step aboard, to the bartender knowing exactly how you take your martini by the second night, you feel like you’re coming home. And really, isn't that what we all want?

So, how did you score?

Whether you ticked every box or are just starting to dip your toes into the world of six-star travel, one thing is certain: once you experience this level of service, you never go back. Welcome to the club.