The cruise industry is great at delivering luxury. Regardless of the cruise line you choose, you should return home relaxed and pampered. Cruising can deliver an imaginary world, which is part of the appeal. If you are a veteran cruiser or know friends who are always sailing somewhere, you know what I mean. Formality is part of the luxury experience.
Our lives back home have become more and more relaxed, especially in our lifestyles and mode of dress. Some of this is intentional. Many workplaces have “casual Fridays” or even casual every day. Homes have moved to an open plan format favoring eating in kitchens instead of formal dining rooms. Several years ago, The Economist magazine talked about the decline in value of “brown furniture” in the antiques market. They remarked you could buy a set of matched dining chairs from the 1800’s for about the same price as you would pay for new dining chairs at Restoration Hardware! We have made the decision to live a more relaxed lifestyle.
Some of the trends towards casual living are beyond our control. The romance of air travel has become the romance of bus travel. Several fast food restaurants have installed kiosks at tables so patrons can order their meal without interacting with a live server. Whatever happened to luxury?
Bedding. Luxury is alive and well in the cruise industry. Your hotel on land might not make up your bed during your multiple night stay. On a cruise ship, someone will make up your bed in the morning and perform a turndown service at nighttime. That is luxury.
Restaurant servers. The person who takes your order at a local restaurant will be polite, but you get the sense they are just “doing their job.” You hope you will get the dish you ordered. On a cruise ship, if you are seated at an assigned table in the main dining room, your server learns your name and your preferences for tea or coffee. On Cunard, someone unfolds your napkin and drops in into your lap.
Formal nights. Many of the larger ships have formal nights. Passengers are encouraged to dress to impress. These are often preceded by a cocktail reception with passed canapes and drinks. You do not need to walk up to the bar or stand in line when you want a refill. Back at home, the few times you might get dressed up are to attend weddings and funerals.
Exclusive access. Paying to belong to an airline club gives you a haven when traveling. Several higher fee credit cards include lounge access as a perk, meaning your haven can get crowded. When you cruise, you can often pay for privacy. The Grills Suites on Cunard have their own dedicated dining room, cocktail lounge and deck space. You have the run of the ship, but the spaces for you and fellow grill passengers are private. The Yacht Club on MSC ships delivers a similar experience.
Personalized attention. The staff on cruise ships know that repeat business is important. They know word of mouth from enthusiastic cruisers is the best advertising they can get. Cruise lines know the next generation is an ideal target market. In a world where people interact on social media, have their groceries delivered and shop online, cruise lines know personal attention and being treated as an induvial is the ultimate luxury. Tipping is still a component of the income for cruise ship personnel, so they will make the extra effort to make your voyage exceed expectations.
Formality isn’t just about how people dress. It includes the respect you are shown and the personalization of your experience. That is the ultimate luxury.
Editor’s Notes:
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