Whats Included With Your Luxury Cruise
A few years ago, it was easy to define a luxury cruise line by the amenities included in the cruise fare. If a cruise line offered a luxury product, the cruise price was “inclusive,” covering liquor and crew gratuities along with the meals and entertainment that all mainstream cruise lines provide as part of the basic cruise cost.
But since 2008, the definition of “inclusive” has become more complicated. For example, the luxury line Regent Seven Seas has started bundling just about everything you can imagine into the cruise fare: shore excursions, airfare with business class upgrades, one night’s pre-cruise hotel stay with ground transfers, and three nights post cruise hotel stays.
Another luxury line, Crystal Cruises, which has never included shore excursions, drinks or gratuities in the cruise fare — now offers passengers a shipboard credit as high as $2,000 per couple to spend as they please.
In the middle sits Silversea Cruises, which still includes all beverages and gratuities in the cruise fare, but not shore excursions. Now the line is including up to $1,000 per stateroom in onboard credits to spend as you please, with shore excursions and/or spa treatments the most likely options.
But don’t think for a second the prices on these luxury lines are the same. The more that’s included, the higher the fare will go. Thus Regent’s fares tend to be highest, while Crystal’s tend to be lowest and Silversea in the middle.
The Most Inclusive Cruise Line
Cruising 101
Delta Is Asking Airlines To Share Their No
At the Potato Head Beach Club, the Rem Koolhaas-designed resort hotel in Seminyak in southern Bali, Kaum restaurant serves guests on picnic-size tables on the terrace overlooking the sea, using tableware that comes from the local island ceramic maker Gaya. Indoors, a more urban level of buzz reigns.
Prawn soup from Chef Sau del Rosario offerings at a lunch in the Center for Culinary Arts, Manila.
While he trained and worked in the states, Chef Wayan Kresna Yasa was born and raised on the small island of Nusa Penida off of southern Bali. The larger of his Kaum dishes to be shared between two to four guests allow diners to experience an array of flavors from around his Indonesian homeland. From West Nusa Tenggara, ayam bakar taliwang is a chargrilled smoked chicken marinated in Lombok style spices. From North Sulawesi, ikan barramundi bakar sambal dabu dabu is grilled fillet of barramundi marinated with tamarind water and turmeric paste. A crispy half duck served with a green mango and red chili relish is from West Java.
Up in the famous highland town of Ubud, Nusantara opened two years ago as an offshoot of Dutch-born Eelke Plasmeijer’s and Jakarta-born Ray Adriansyahs Locavore restaurant, known for its local sourcing. The name Nusantara is the Bahasan Indonesian word for archipelago, and here indeed diners find another chance to explore cuisines from the nations diverse regions.
Chef Sau del Rosario at the Center for Culinary Arts, Manila
Tasty Land Excursions Enhance Silversea Cruises New Salt Culinary Program
We enjoy Thai restaurants all over the western world. The Philippines produces magnificent cuisine as well. Yet given the enormous Filipino diaspora worldwide, why do we seldom find Filipino restaurants? Why hasnt that cuisine taken off?
Serving Chef Wayan Kresna Yasa’s creations at Kaum restaurant in Bali.
Perhaps youve never noticed that. But through the new Silversea Cruises S.A.L.T. program, Nicole Ponseca will set you straight on a cuisine that has for centuries been deeply enriched by Chinese, Malay, Arab, Spanish and even United States influences. The Filipina-American, California-native chef is co-founder of Jeepney restaurant in New York City and co-author of the colorful and highly-regarded cookbook I am a Filipino: And This Is How We Cook.
Chef Ponseca is among a number of culinary figures who have started to collaborate with Silverseas S.A.L.T. program. Set for its maiden voyage this spring in the Mediterranean, the new Silver Moon will be the first Silversea ship to incorporate the S.A.L.T. program in which chefs will come on board to share their knowledge and enthusiasm of the regional cuisine in which they specialize.
New York-based chef and Filipino food guru Nicole Ponseca on a S.A.L.T. sailing.
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You Appreciate Intuitive Service
Every Silversea cruise passenger gets a butler. Crew members know your name before you’ve met them. Restaurant staff will escort you to your table and carry your plate at the buffet. Your butler will stock your suite with your choice of beverages and pillows, and set even your ensuite breakfast table with a white tablecloth and full silverware. Crew members escort shore excursions to solve problems and make sure the experience meets Silversea’s standards. Laundry is returned to you wrapped in tissue paper. Everyone onboard wants you to have the perfect vacation.
Silversea Cruises: More All
Silversea Cruises is set to become more all-inclusive than ever, with the upcoming launch of its new 2022/2023 itineraries.
Carol and I sailed with Silversea in 2014. And you can find Silversea on our newly published Favorite Ocean Cruise Lines.
They were our first introduction to luxury small-ship cruising. In fact, it was Silversea that convinced us that we neednt ever sail on a big cruise ship ever again. We were hooked on small-ship cruising.
We enjoyed the inclusive approach to Silverseas sailings. We are now excited to see that they are becoming more all-inclusive than ever by adding a complimentary shore excursion in every port and included roundtrip air.
All of this will commence on Silverseas new 2022 and 2023 itineraries launching next month.
For now, lets take a peek at their press release:
SILVERSEAS NEW SILVERMOON. CLICK FOR LARGER VIEW
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You’re Looking For First
Broadway shows, dancing till dawn and big-name comedians or magicians are not a hallmark of this cruise line. You’ll get the ship’s team of singers and a couple of pianists on cruises shorter than two weeks book a longer sailing, and you’ll find a guest entertainer and maybe an expert lecturer. Longer cruises also employ gentlemen hosts to ballroom dance with the ladies, but you won’t have a lot of entertainment venues or options on Silversea ships.
About Silversea Cruisesthis Cruise Line Is Good For
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International Callers
WMPH Vacations and AlaskaCruises.com are located in Delray Beach, Florida. You may book online or contact us directly. Our business hours and toll-free phone numbers from the following countries are listed below:
Please note that all prices on our website are in US dollars, and travel purchases must be completed with a major credit card.Unless you are considering one of our custom cruise itineraries, certain cruise lines prohibit US-based travel agencies from selling to non-US residents.
All passengers regardless of their home country, citizenship or country of residency are responsible for obtaining the proper documentation for travel. This includes passports and visas for any country they may visit during their trip.
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New Inclusive Program Available For Mediterranean Sailings
Silversea Cruises is kicking off 2015 with an enticing new program that includes shore excursions and WiFi, now available for new bookings on any of the lines 52 Mediterranean cruises this year.
Were delighted to enhance the value proposition for our guests with the launch of this new ultra-inclusive pricing initiative, said Kristian Anderson, Silverseas senior vice-president and general manager for the Americas. Our company is known for pioneering the concept of all-inclusive voyaging. By including shore excursions and WiFi in the cruise fare, were making the Silversea vacation experience more indulgent and relevant for todays active luxury traveller.
Guests may enrich their travel experience with a choice of included Silver Shore Select excursions offered in every port of call. Whether its exploring the ancient Acropolis of Athens, strolling back through time along the marbled lanes of Ephesus, or discovering the Renaissance treasures of Florence, these small-group excursions present a destinations art, history, and culture in an intimate, authentic way, utilizing comfortable transportation and expert local guides.
These special all-inclusive fares also include two hours of complimentary WiFi per guest, per day, and unlimited complimentary WiFi for the lines larger suites .
Shore Excursions & Roundtrip Air Now Included With Silversea Voyages
Date: Nov 24 2020
MONACO For the first time in its history, Silversea is including shore excursions, roundtrip air and transfers with all voyages in its new itinerary collection, across its entire fleet of 10 ultra-luxury ships.
Setting sail between March 2022 and May 2023 Silverseas new collection of 2022/2023 voyages represents the cruise lines largest-ever itinerary release, with almost 12% more itineraries compared to the previous launch. The new collection includes 315 voyages across all seven continents, calling in 669 destinations in 114 countries, with 61 maiden calls.
According to Roberto Martinoli, President and CEO, Silversea has enhanced its already comprehensive all-inclusive offering for the convenience of guests.
With the inclusion of roundtrip air and transfers, we are further enriching our all-inclusive offering, which is among the most broad-ranging in the ultra-luxury cruise sector, he said.
As Silverseas cruise fares will reflect the inclusion of shore excursions and roundtrip air, Martinoli also noted that travel agents will be eligible for a higher overall commission per booking.
INCLUDED SHORE EXCURSIONS
INCLUDED AIR & TRANSFERS
EVEN MORE INCLUSIONS
In addition to some of the most spacious suites at sea , guests travelling aboard Silverseas ships will enjoy the following inclusions:
The following inclusions are available on Silverseas expedition voyages:
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One Complimentary Shore Exclusion In Every Port And Roundtrip Airfares Included
Silversea Cruises will soon reveal its new 2022/23 program with enhanced inclusions, offering guests at least one complimentary shore excursion in every port of call.
Silverseas all-inclusive offering was already one of the most comprehensive at sea. But now all cruise fares will also include round-trip airfares and transfers, providing even more value and convenience for guests.
The bonus will be available across Silverseas entire fleet of 10 ships.
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We are enhancing our already comprehensive all-inclusive offering for the convenience of our guests, while leveraging on our destination leadership to take travellers deeper into over 900 of the worlds most amazing destinations on included shore excursions, said Roberto Martinoli, Silverseas President and CEO.
Our expansive new collection of itineraries for 2022 and 2023, which will be the largest itinerary launch in Silverseas history, features inspired voyages that have been carefully curated by our destination experts. With the inclusion of roundtrip air and transfers, we are further enriching our all-inclusive offering, which is among the most broad-ranging in the ultra-luxury cruise sector.
In addition to some of the most spacious suites at sea , guests travelling aboard Silverseas ships enjoy personalised service provided by nearly one crew member for every guest, onboard entertainment and the following inclusions:
Silversea Alaska Cruises Past Guests
Once you complete your first Silversea voyage, you are welcomed into an exclusive group of travelers and friends known as the Venetian Society. Membership in Silversea’s loyalty program brings about privileges like access to private parties on future sailings, additional savings on select voyages, and ship visitation privileges. The more you sail, the more you save on future sailings. Members also receive a Venetian Society Newsletter. If you are a Silversea Venetian Society Member, make sure to let your Cruise Specialist know at the time of booking so they can check for any possible discounts and complimentary promotions.
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How Good Are Silversea Cruises
Silversea Cruises has been ranked based on an expert evaluation of the lines level of luxury, as well as an assessment of user reviews and health ratings.
- #8. in Best Cruise Lines for Couples.
- #10. in Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean.
- #7. in Best Luxury Cruise Lines.
- #13. in Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean.
Beach Days And Caviar In The Surf
On special days, lines with onboard water toys throw sumptuous beach parties, taking over a beach and reserving it exclusively for their passengers. Activities staffers bring all the water toys to the shore and set up an over-the-top barbecue with steak and lobster and bar service, so passengers can feel like they’re at an exclusive beach resort.
Seabourn and SeaDream up the ante with tuxedo-clad waiters wading into the sea and serving Champagne and caviar off a surfboard. Passengers look forward to these parties as a cruise highlight.
Not all itineraries can offer these decadent and complimentary beach days. You’ll want to look for itineraries to the Caribbean, French Polynesia, Indonesia, Thailand and Panama.
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Which Provides Better Value For Me Ponant Or Silversea
Both Ponant and Silversea are marketed as all-inclusive lines. Guests can enjoy complimentary non-alcoholic and alcoholic beverages, onboard dining , and Wi-Fi included. On expedition itineraries shore excursions are also included, however, on classic style cruises these will incur additional costs on each line.
One notable difference between the inclusions of Ponant and Silversea is their gratuities policy. Silversea includes all gratuities in the cruise fare . Ponant does not include any gratuities in the cruise price, and these are not compulsory. When cruising with Ponant, gratuities are completely up to guest discretion. It is general practice on a Ponant cruise to find an envelope in your stateroom at the end of your cruise, and you can leave it along with your tip at the box at reception should you choose. Tipping is customary, and Ponant guide that this is usually in the realm of 10-12 per day per passenger.
Its recommended to book as early as possible to get the best value cruise fare, as well as to avoid missing out on your dream luxury small ship cruise.
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Free Shore Excursions On Luxury Cruises
When it comes to all-inclusive cruising, shore excursions are one of the few items still carrying a price tag. Even so, some luxury cruise lines offer cruises with excursions included, ranging from a selection of complimentary tours in every port to once-per-cruise special land-based events available to all passengers. You’re still covering the cost in your base cruise fare, but you don’t have to make price-based decisions onboard.
If you prefer a higher up-front fare and no worries about pricing later, you might want to look for cruise lines that include many free shore excursions. If you’d rather pay a la carte or prefer private guides to packaged cruise ship tours, you should gravitate toward a ship that does a special event or two, or one that offers a complimentary shuttle or other service but leaves the rest of the planning to you.
With so many different types of free shore excursions, luxury cruise travelers should have no problem finding a line that suits their touring style.
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Silversea Alaska Cruises Overview
On a Silversea cruise, all-inclusive truly means all inclusive… gratuities, port charges, beverages in-suite and throughout the ship, room service, and transportation into town are all factored in. Other elements of the Silversea Experience include a shore-side event on many sailings, and partnerships with top luxury brands like Bvulgari, Davidoff, and Relais & Chateaux. All accommodations receive the services of a highly trained butler and enjoy an ocean view. It’s luxury travel as it should be.
Who Has The Right Itinerary And Shore Program For Me
Oceania and Silversea both have hundreds of itineraries to choose from around the globe. From popular cruise destinations like the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Alaska to more unique itineraries along the coastlines of Africa, India and South America. Thanks to the size of their ships, both lines cruise to places that larger liners cant, so youll find some lesser-visited ports among their collections. If you are looking to cruise from Australia, Silversea has more sailings on offer, particularly across to New Zealand.
On shore, there are excursions for purchase that cater to varied interests, from history to culture and culinary explorations. Both Oceania and Silversea feature late night stays and overnights in select ports, so guests can get to know destinations after dark. There are also mid-cruise multi-day shore programs offered by both lines, so travellers can seek out more in depth experiences and venture further ashore.
Whichever cruise line you choose, an enriching and immersive cruise experience awaits on both Oceania and Silversea.
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Youve Got A Butler The Fine Dinings Covered Sarah Loughlin Explores The Extra Charges That Can Still Crop Up On An All
What do you give the cruiser who already has everything? Thats the dilemma of luxury cruise lines chasing a well-heeled client who just expects a butler, champagne on ice and a restaurant run by a celebrity chef.
All-inclusive has become the latest catchcry. But all-inclusive fares may still end up costing you more than you think.
It would be unreasonable to assume absolutely everything would be included on a journey of several weeks. Of course, basics such as dining, beverages, entertainment, and activities shouldnt really attract extra charges unless it is clearly spelt out in advance.
With some ships, however, your level of inclusiveness may depending on your cabin choice, while with others, passengers across the ship will be charged for selected products and services.
Different aspects of luxury cruising appeal to different passengers, and so you may find the extra costs are for services you wouldnt use anyway.
As with all-inclusive packages on land, companies have to draw the line somewhere. A charge on a particularly popular celebrity restaurant on your second night may have more to do ensuring every passenger gets a chance than the money, for instance.
Heres how these high-profile luxury lines interpreted all-inclusive in their offering: