“I would very much like to go on one of your cruises, but I have certain requirements that need to be made before I book my trip. I need a room large enough to comfortably fit a king-size bed, as well as a king”. This royal request was made to a luxury liner and undoubtedly, the liner took the request in its stride and provided the service asked for. This incident sums up the essence of a luxury cruise experience. Cruising is an extremely popular holiday option today for getting away from it all and doing it in style. Exploring here today all about Luxury on the Sea – Luxury Cruises.

Why Luxury Cruising

Luxury cruising is an experience to behold. Floating away in an exclusive cocoon, amidst the sounds and sights of seas and exotic islands, feeling the wind, spray and sun, and all these while being completely pampered, form part of an unmatched holiday experience. Luxury liners have superb service, exotic destinations, myriad activities and great ambience, food and entertainment at all-inclusive prices.

Focus: Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia is an exciting cruising destination with extremely popular tourist spots, which include Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand and Malaysia. The locales are exotic and the local culture and customs are fascinating, especially to travellers from the West who are looking for something different. The weather is also favourable for most parts of the year. There are several big luxury players in this field. Here’s presenting some of the best luxury cruise liners that also serve in the Southeast Asian region.

Crystal Cruises

Ships: Crystal Serenity, Crystal Symphony

This Japanese luxury cruise line has been voted the Best Large-Ship Cruise Line for 16 years by Conde Nast readers and World’s Best for 16 years by Leisure. The Crystal experience includes the best of food, wines, opulent and spacious interiors and flawless personalised services. The ships, designed for holding 1000 guests, have staterooms with private verandas, stunning views, an open bar service in all the lounges, a library, a sports deck and a fitness facility. You can also avail of dance, art and golf classes by trained instructors. Catch the latest movies, try your luck in the Casino, shop for designer goods in a 3000 sq. ft. shopping area or enjoy the nightlife aboard. You can stay connected with the 24 hour Wi-Fi access throughout the ships.

Cunard Line

Ships: Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2, Queen Victoria

Cunard Cruises epitomise classic luxury cruising at its sophisticated best. Staterooms with refrigerators, direct dial phone, television and 24 hour room service; activities like theatre, on-board classes in art and dancing; a library, sports deck, fitness centre and spa are some of the amenities on the ships. You can also visit the Casino, go shopping in the tax free designer stores or admire the art gallery. Indulge in gourmet dining in King’s Court or the Todd English Restaurant or simply take your plate to near the pool deck and enjoy. Wireless access in 14 spots across the ship and the computer room helps you to keep in touch with the world.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Ships: Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Navigator

Specialising in small, exclusive luxury ships, Regent cruises offer superb accommodations, services and cruising experience. Staterooms are spacious with ocean views, private balconies, in-suite mini-bar, marble bathtubs and free round the clock room service. A theatre, library, free computer and digital photography classes, guest lectures on various subjects and Le Cordon Bleu workshops will keep you busy. Ships also have a spa, fitness centre, sports deck, casino, active nightlife and tax free boutique shopping. The internet café and Wi-Fi network help you to keep in touch with loved ones. For world class dining and superb wines head to Prime 7, Signatures or Compass Rose.

The Yachts of Seabourn

Ships: Seabourn Pride, Spirit, Legend, Odyssey, Sojourn, Quest

Seabourn has a fleet of small, luxury ships designed to carry between 208-450 passengers and offering personalised luxury at its best. The luxurious suites have stunning views, complimentary welcome champagne, refrigerator, TV, bar and Wi-Fi. Complimentary beverages, shopping with the chef on-shore, caviar while swimming, exclusive shopping destinations (chauffeur driven limousine) and a personal valet luggage service are some of the unique comforts offered. The Restaurant (open seating dining), The Sky Grill and The Colonnade have delectable gourmet delights to offer. On-board there are various classes, a library, movies, a water-sports Marina, fitness facility, spa, casino and nightlife including the Evening Under the Stars. A computer centre and Wi-Fi in all suites and most public spots keep you connected.

Silversea Cruises

Ships: Silver Cloud, Wind, Shadow, Whisper, Explore, Spirit

The all-suite luxury ships of Silversea are designed for smaller numbers, spacious rooms and the crew to guest ratio of almost one to one makes for highly personalised service. Beautifully designed, the suites offer panoramic views, complimentary welcome champagne, personalised mini bar, marble bathroom, TV and sitting area. There is a vast selection of complimentary beverages aboard, complimentary shore-side experience, theatre, movies, on-board classes, a library, an observation lounge, sports deck, fitness facility and spa. You can spend the night at the casino or enjoy the music and dancing at the bars. Shopaholics can head for the boutiques selling designer wear. Dining options at The Restaurant, Le Champagne or Pool Grill are plentiful and the food is world class. Internet café computers and Wi-Fi access allow connectivity even at the sea. Silversea offers Personalised Voyages and has specially designed ships for accessing even the most remote destinations including the Arctic and Antarctic.

Windstar Cruises

Ships: Wind Star, Spirit, Surf

The Windstar line is notable for its computer-controlled motor-sail-yachts. The unique rigging system unfurls sails in two minutes at the touch of a button. The Windstar line is famous for sailing to exotic destinations, many of which bigger ships cannot access. However the sailing ship design encloses a world of spacious luxury and impeccable service. Designed for 150-300 guests, the ship has accommodations with ultra-luxurious beds, Shea Butter bathroom amenities, TVs, DVD players, Apple iPod Nanos with music selection to be played through Bose sound docks provided in the rooms. A library, fly bridge with hammocks, spa, water sports, nightlife and superb food at The Veranda Restaurant or The Restaurant make the cruise memorable. The internet centre and Wi-Fi in public areas ensures connectivity.

Set Sail

All these cruise lines offer South-East Asia cruises. There are various packages, offers and destinations to choose from, according to your individual tastes or needs. You could choose Silversea’s 9-Day Bangkok, Thailand, Singapore cruise or the Regent’s 87-Day Bali to Beijing cruise. The packages or destinations may differ but the one thing which all these luxury cruises will offer is an opportunity to spend some enchanted days under the sun and sky and the opportunity to create a treasure-house of memories! Bon Voyage!