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Cruising is a luxurious choice
Friday, 12 Jan, 2010
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CruiseMole Guest Comment by Andrew Magowan, vice-president Yachts of Seabourn – EMEA
Luxury in today’s market is defined by individual choice.
The diverse range of cruise ships introduced over the last few years reflects the many differing consumer tastes.
Some will define a luxury experience by jaw dropping dazzling interiors, show stopping entertainment and a wide choice of extraordinary activities which are not traditionally associated with cruising, for some, big is best, and others prefer the old school style of cruising with formal evenings and deck quoits.
However, the ultra-luxury sector is defined by small and intimate experiences that are personal and understated. These new breed of cruisers have either ‘climbed the cruise ladder’ or have never before dipped their toe into the cruising ocean.
Land Lubbers are finding that they can get exceptional value for money onboard an all inclusive cruise; see the world without ever have to unpack. The understated informal atmosphere suits those who wish to please themselves and have the flexibility and control over their experience – not restricted to regimental schedules or formal dining arrangements.
Despite the economic situation, bookings for ultra-luxury cruises are up which is a major achievement given a dramatic increase in capacity at such an uncertain time.
When you compare the cost of staying in a 5 star luxury resort against cruising it is a very attractive offer. Whereas some luxury resorts in the Caribbean for example start at $500 per night, room only, a Caribbean cruise can cost around half that per night with everything included.
The standards of service, food, accommodation, scenery and facilities also give those resorts a run for their money – it is a wonder that so many more people are not converting to cruising.
However, there is still a stigma attached to cruising that will put off some potential guests and it is the job of PR and well informed agents to try and dispel the myth.
When it comes to dress code, we have found that our guests are making a move away from formal evening attire, preferring to adopt a more casual dress code, we call them the ‘millionaires in trainers’ – but again, this comes down to personal choice, people don’t wish to be dictated to – if you can afford to choose to cruise at the very top end of the market, you don’t want to be told what to wear.
We now only have one formal night on most 7 night cruises and have an ‘elegantly casual’ dress code onboard.
We introduced Seabourn Odyssey in June 2009, although three times the size of her smaller sisters, she only carries twice as many guests. The benefits being more personal space and more choice onboard – including five restaurants, a two deck spa, 90% of suites have balconies and there is more open deck space.
We were extremely nervous about how our loyal guests would react to our newest member of the fleet but she has been welcomed with open arms by guests both old and new.
We can’t wait to introduce her sister, Seabourn Sojourn at Greenwich in June this year and not forgetting the smaller sisters which are all benefiting from multi-million pound refurbishments this year.
Phil Davies
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