Premium Versus Ultra-Luxury Cruise: Breaking Down the Difference
When one thinks about all-inclusive, ultra-luxury is typically not the next word that comes to mind. And yet when paired together, these two components can deliver a vacation experience like no other — and commissions that some only dream about.
There are so many reasons why small ship cruising is appealing. For one, while the ships may cater to small groups, the space certainly does not. Some travel agents refer to ultra-luxury cruise ships as “perfectly-sized” with their spacious staterooms and luxurious open spaces that lend themselves to intimate moments and camaraderie among friends — both old and new. Small ultra-luxury ships can also take you where others cannot go, visiting small secluded harbors or through narrow waterways into the heart of a city.
Sure, ultra-luxury cruises cost top dollar, but what you get in return will keep them coming back for more, again and again. Imagine leaving a cruise without a bill or at the very least, very minimal out-of-pocket expenses? When these cruise lines say all-inclusive, they mean it. Everything from butler service, WiFi, room service, selected wines and premium spirits, most shore excursions, and of course, gratuities, are included — on top of the expected inclusions.
Most agents will tell you that service is what primarily sets an ultra-luxury cruise apart from a premium cruise. “The staff-to-guest ratio is the lowest in the industry on ultra-luxury cruise lines so they have the ability to provide personalized service to every client who comes onboard,” said Shelby Steudle, vice president of consumer marketing for Pavlus Travel and Cruise.
The trend away from glamming up in long gowns and tuxedos has made ultra-luxury small ship cruising that much more attractive to cruisers. Travel agents we spoke to said their clients prefer a more casual dress code, which makes for easier packing and less worry over what to wear and more time spent enjoying their special moments with family and friends.
Gastronomic excellence is what ultra-luxury cruise ships strive for when it comes to the dining experience onboard. From the diversity and freshness of the selections to the elegant presentation and the regional dishes and wines, travelers can expect meals that rival what is served in the most award-winning, off-shore restaurants. Furthermore, the choices are abundant, with a wide variety of specialty restaurants catering to a myriad of tastes.
Commissions are a huge factor in separating premium from ultra-luxury cruise ships. “Ultra-luxury cruise lines are priced much higher than those in different categories so the commission made on just one sale is the equivalent to several sales in other cruise categories,” said Steudle.