Squeezing into a tiny cruise cabin is about as much fun as wrestling into skinny jeans 3 sizes too small. Sure, you can technically fit...if you hold your breath. But after a few days, the claustrophobia kicks in something fierce. You came on vacation to lounge luxuriously like Rapunzel in her deluxe tower, not get shoved into a stale sardine tin!
So maybe it's time to say “bye-bye” to Basic Cruise Class and upgrade yourself to something a bit more fancy schmancy. We're talking about cruising in style, people! We're talking about Premium Class rooms so big and decked out that you’ll feel like a Real Housewife strutting around your oceanfront mansion. Oh yes, and did we mention the unlimited gourmet dining? Because nothing pairs better with spacious suites than all-you-can-eat lobster bisque and filet mignon.
Before you scoff at the price tag on premium packages, consider what’s included. We’re talking VIP service and access, baby! You’ll get first dibs on snatched-up entertainment, exotic excursions, and your every whim catered to by the fancy concierge. Trust us, after a week of getting the celebrity treatment on board, you’ll have ZERO regrets about splurging. We’re guessing those tiny pj parties in cramped bottom-tier cabins are looking way less cute right about now...
So join us in the lap of luxury! It’s time to cruise in high style and make all those basic vacationers jelly with your stellar Instagram glam shots. Premium Class on a cruise? Abso-freakin-lutely.
Consider the Perks of The Haven on Norwegian Cruise Line
A suite in The Haven on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship offers unparalleled luxury on the high seas. The Haven features private venues, well-appointed suites, and a service staff unmatched by any other cruise line. From the moment you step on board to the time you disembark, the Haven offers the highest level of service and pampering.
Norwegian offers a variety of dining options on its ships, ranging from sushi to hibachi-style teppanyaki. In addition, some vessels have Starbucks stores. Haven passengers can also choose their own restaurants and have access to private lounges.
The Haven is available at a premium price for those who want a luxurious experience at sea. Prices vary widely between $200 and $10,000 per person, depending on the length of the cruise, availability, and time of booking. The price includes upgraded dining, and drink packages, as well as a credit for shore excursions. Some cabins also feature free internet minutes, airfare, and more.
Enjoy Access to MSC Yacht Club
The MSC Yacht Club is a private, upscale area on board one of MSC's premium cruise ships. This exclusive area features a private bar and top-of-the-line cuisine with butler service. It also has a private pool and solarium. All MSC Yacht Club members also enjoy the amenities of the ship's other lounges.
Whether you're on a romantic getaway or a family trip, there's no reason why you can't enjoy the amenities of a yacht club. Private decks with pools and hot tubs, a concierge service, priority check-in, complimentary beverage packages, and private restaurants are among the many perks available for guests in the yacht club.
MSC Yacht Club members receive personalized butler service, 24 hours of concierge service, priority embarkation and disembarkation, complimentary afternoon tea, and exclusive access to specialty restaurants and shops. Members also have access to a private spa and Thermal Suite.
You Can Leverage Value
If you've ever wanted to sail in style, but didn't want to break the bank, a cruise line's premium-class program could be just what you're looking for. These programs are designed to make cruising as easy as possible and include complimentary specialty dining, specialty drinks, and shore excursion credits. Some even include airfare for the second passenger for free!
You Can Escape the Crowds
The best way to escape the crowds on a cruise is to book a premium cruise class or suite. These are often more spacious than standard staterooms and have additional amenities such as a butler, an expanded room service menu, and priority tender tickets. Many also offer concierge services and early embarkation. A suite can also be a perfect place to relax and take in the view from your private balcony.
Another great way to avoid crowds is to avoid popular and obvious sites. Many ports have iconic attractions that draw crowds. However, while everyone flocks to the Ramblas in Barcelona, there are very few people who go to the Olympic Park. This means that you can get to enjoy a city without the hassle of a crowd.
You Can Enjoy VIP Access
Booking a premium cruise class can give you access to exclusive amenities and services. For example, you can request priority check-in, expedited shore excursions, and specialty dining reservations. In addition, you can schedule concierge services. You can also request a private tour of the ship, or request an exclusive event that you can participate in as part of your premium experience.
Norwegian Cruise Line was one of the first cruise lines to offer these services to passengers. These privileges start with a concierge letter sent to you before your trip and include access to exclusive areas, 24-hour butler service, and other perks. These VIP facilities are located on the upper decks of most NCL ships, and many of the premium suites are located in this area.
Diamond members of the Freedom, Oasis, and Radiance of the Seas enjoy access to the exclusive Diamond Lounge. This exclusive lounge has continental breakfast daily, as well as hors d'oeuvres and petits fours before and after dinner. It also offers a no-fee bar during happy hour. A concierge will also assist passengers with booking reservations for specialty restaurants, private parties, and shore excursions. They can also help you with shopping, recommend specialty restaurants, and pre-order wine for dinner.
Foodies Can Savor Elevated At-Sea Cuisine
Premium cruisers enjoy gourmet dining on ships with specialty restaurants. These restaurants offer specialties that aren't available in the traditional cruise fare. For example, the Fine Cut Steakhouse serves prime cuts of meat, while the Eden Restaurant specializes in grilled meats. These restaurants also offer sensory experiences. Other special dining options include Le Petit Chef, which features an animated chef. Finally, the Murano Restaurant specializes in modern French cuisine.
The culinary team on board the ship is led by Master Chef Rudi Sodamin. He and the staff also work closely with wine critic James Suckling, who will curate the wine list. Other casual dining options are also available on the ship, such as Lido Market, which is reminiscent of a bustling marketplace. Breadboard offers freshly baked bread, and Wild Harvest features salads and healthy options. Additionally, Perk and Homestead serve a variety of coffees and baked goods.
In addition to these exclusive dining experiences, there are also culinary workshops and master classes on board. For example, the Culinary Arts Kitchen onboard Silversea features a Relais & Chateaux-accredited cooking school. There are also hands-on classes led by world-class chefs. Each course is paired with a wine that complements the food.
Families Can Take Advantage of Extra Space
Families can take advantage of extra space on a premium cruise ship by booking two connecting staterooms instead of one. These two-room cabins provide two bathrooms rather than one, and the additional space allows parents to have a quiet talk in the other cabin while their children are in their other stateroom. These cabins are also less expensive than a suite or larger room.
While choosing a cabin, families have to keep in mind the crew's needs. They may have a wide variety of sleeping arrangements and need extra space or amenities. Selecting the right cabin for a family is not always an easy task. However, Norwegian Cruise Line has several family-friendly categories that provide the extra space families need.
