How Do You Define Luxury?

lux•u•ry as defined by Merriam-Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary, Eleventh Edition
1) a condition of abundance or great ease and comfort : sumptuous environment
2) an indulgence in something that—while not absolutely necessary—provides pleasure, satisfaction, or ease

Luxury. It’s a word I bandy about quite often here on my blog. After all, my focus on upscale cruising challenges me to continually review and define what exactly makes one ship “six-star spectacular” while another is merely “first rate.” Ah ha: luxury, six-star, spectacular, first rate…nebulous terminology all!

That’s why I feel compelled to explain what makes the cruises discussed here special. To put a fine point on it, here are a few of the criteria I routinely consider:

Itineraries
Ship Capacity
Passenger Space Ratio
Passenger-to-Crew Ratio
Service
Stateroom Options
Gourmet Cuisine & Wine List

Itineraries. You probably cruise for a variety of reasons, but one of the foremost is your desire to experience new places and meet new people. For me, knockout itineraries are a major contributor to a ship’s “luxe factor.” Do you prefer tendering to Guadeloupe’s Iles des Saintes or docking at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal for a dazzling twenty-four in New York City? Both can be exhilarating experiences. Have you cruised the Nile or explored the Galapagos? These unique destinations hold the key to the past and to our place within nature’s grand scheme. Discovering something new about the world and yourself…now that’s what I call luxury.

Ship Capacity. Some travelers prefer large ships that may as well be floating skyscrapers. Others yearn for more yacht-like getaways. Both camps offer unique—yet totally different—cruise experiences.

Passenger Space Ratio. Related to a ship’s capacity is the amount of space each person has to him or herself. What good is a huge boat if it’s so jam-packed you can’t snag a lounge chair on deck or enjoy dinner at your preferred time?

Passenger-to-Crew Ratio. The lower the passenger-to-crew ratio, the better. End of story. It just makes sense. The ship needs to have enough hands on deck, so to speak, to do the job.

Service. For many “professional” cruisers, the level of service onboard a ship is the deal breaker. Is the staff thoroughly trained to handle all situations with confidence and ease? Does each crew person exude the cruise line’s mission? Does your waiter remember your name and beverage preferences at each meal? The level of onboard service can certainly define a cruise experience.

Stateroom Options. Who doesn’t enjoy lounging on their private verandah after a long day of touring an interesting port? In addition to the trend of all-balcony or all-ocean view staterooms, luxury cruise lines also generally offer larger cabins than their mass-market contemporaries. In addition to the larger floorplan, high-end lines offer upgraded bathrooms, fine linens, in-room Internet access, entertainment systems including iPod docking stations, and much more. These lavish amenities push many cruise lines into the luxury stratosphere.

Gourmet Cuisine & Wine List. Fine food and libations are important to many cruisers. Some “luxury” lines offer all-inclusive cruise fares that include wine and some spirits. All upper-end lines promote their chef’s culinary skills and pamper guests with afternoon tea, evening hors d’eouvers, five course meals, and special spreads (think beach BBQ or midnight chocolate extravaganza).

Of course, individual travelers have different preferences and needs and every cruise line caters to a slightly different personality type. Whether you prefer black tie and evening gown affairs or salsa dancing by the pool, there’s a luxury cruise line that’s right for you.

What defines your perfect luxury cruise experience? Share your thoughts by clicking on the "Comments" link below.

Happy cruising! —Andrea M. Rotondo