The ultra-luxury cruise sector continues to grow with cruise lines such as Silversea, Crystal, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn expanding their itineraries and fleets.

Other companies such as Hapag-Lloyd and Ponant also offer ultra-luxury experiences, with more choice than ever available to those wishing to experience cruising at it’s most luxurious.

But what can you expect on an ultra-luxury cruise that you wouldn’t get on a contemporary, traditional or mainstream luxury cruise?

Ultra-luxury cruise ships offer a setting with passenger numbers in the hundreds rather than the thousands, offering an intimate experience.

As you’d expect, the level of service is top notch, with a lower staff to passenger ratio ensuring your every need is met. Butlers are commonplace on ultra-luxury cruise lines acting as your personal concierge while onboard.

The food on offer on ultra-luxury cruise lines is exquisite and is at a level few restaurants on land will meet. You’ll also find enrichment programmes targeted at making the most of your time onshore, often with a focus on the local culture.

As ultra-luxury ships are smaller than more standard cruise ships they also offer the chance to visit places out of the reach of larger vessels. Itineraries to the Galápagos Islands and French Polynesia are just two examples some of the amazing places that can be visited.

An ultra-luxury cruise isn’t for everyone; aside from the cost associated with this level of experience, some will prefer larger ships with resort type activities that an ultra-luxury cruise will not offer. But if it’s a feel of unmatched exclusivity that you’re after then this could be the cruise for you.

Want to know more about the experience of travelling on an ultra-luxury cruise for the first time? Award-winning travel blogger Emily Luxton has written a fantastic article outlining her experience sailing for the first time with Silversea. The article outlines the experience you can expect on an ultra-luxury cruise ship with Emily detailing her cruise from Athens to Dubrovnik.

View the article on Emily Luxton Travels >

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