The Luxury Editorial
Luxury cruises are renowned for offering superior experiences at sea, where every moment on board is designed to live on in your fondest memories. And while many of these indulgences are included, some will be available at an additional charge, and your onboard credit could well be the key to unlocking them. From gourmet dining to exclusive excursions, from spa treatments to shopping sprees, it’s time to explore just some of the ways you can enhance your luxury cruise.
Excursions
Azamara
Azamara’s fleet of small, luxury ships comes with a host of included amenities, but how you spend your time ashore is entirely your choice. Explore at your own pace by all means, or embark on a shore excursion expertly curated by Azamara to showcase the best of your ports of call in a way that only the locals know how.
These aren’t just any shore experiences – each one has been designed to take you to the heart of a destination, opening up exclusive encounters that wouldn’t be possible any other way. Azamara’s tours fall into three categories: locales and landmarks, cultural expressions, and private tours. The first will uncover the local secrets and hidden gems of your surroundings, while the second is designed to connect you to people, traditions, natural wonders and cultural highlights. If you’d prefer to devise your own tour, Azamara can accommodate this, too, and personalise your time ashore to your individual interests and preferences.
Spa Treatments
Explora Journeys
The Explora Journeys ethos is about taking steps towards achieving an Ocean State of Mind – something that instils calm, unity, elegance and joy, whilst encouraging exploration and discovery. There is perhaps no better way to achieve this than in the onboard spa, which is a true haven for relaxation and indulgence.
Each of the Explora Journeys ships offers spa facilities free of charge, which includes access to a steam room, salt cave, Finnish sauna and much more. However, if you have onboard credit to use, enjoying a treatment should be at the top of your list. From bespoke aromatherapy massages to wellbeing facials and anti-ageing rituals, there is something for everyone. And you will no doubt leave feeling fully rejuvenated, as well as one step closer to achieving an Ocean State of Mind.
Dining Experiences
Crystal Cruises
Exceptional dining is never far away on board a Crystal Cruises ship, but there is one experience that is guaranteed to elevate your expectations beyond imagination. UMI UMA represents an unparalleled dining encounter, bringing the art of Japanese cuisine to the high seas. The brainchild of the celebrated Chef Nobuyuki ‘Nobu’ Matsuhisa, UMI UMA reflects his distinctive fusion style that blends traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients. Nobu’s influence is evident in every aspect, from the meticulously sourced ingredients to the presentation and execution of each dish.
Guests can indulge in signature specialities such as Black Cod with Miso and Yellowtail Sashimi with Jalapeño, alongside an array of sushi and sashimi prepared with the freshest seafood. The ambience at UMI UMA is as thoughtfully designed as the menu, featuring elegant, modern decor that complements the sophisticated flavours on each plate. Personalised service ensures every meal is an event, with the staff going above and beyond to meet guests’ preferences, making dining at UMI UMA a truly memorable part of the Crystal Cruises experience.
Drinks Package
Oceania
When you cruise with Oceania, you will be able to take your pick from various bars, restaurants and cafes on board your luxury ship. And while speciality coffees, soft drinks, cold-pressed juices, and still and sparkling Vero Water are included in your cruise fare, there is the option to upgrade to an all-inclusive drinks package for even more choice and flexibility.
Oceania’s Prestige Select beverage package offers unlimited wine and spirits throughout your cruise, meaning you can savour a pre-dinner tipple or afternoon aperitif at your leisure. Included in the package are unlimited wine by the glass, beer, spirits and cocktails from the General Bar and Martini Bar menu. These are available from any onboard venue, but can also be enjoyed from the comfort of your cabin, as you can order these drinks from the room service menu during the bars’ hours of operation.
Shopping (Boutiques)
Silversea
With a luxury cruise ship comes the opportunity to explore opulent onboard boutiques. Many of them feature exclusive collections, and the ability to shop at duty-free prices, which is made even better if you have onboard credit to spend. Silversea has reimagined its shipboard boutiques, bringing together legendary designers and luxury brands you may not usually discover on your usual high street.
The newest ships in the Silversea fleet have elevated the expectations of what is possible from at-sea boutiques. Expect to find high-end jewellery, fashion, accessories, fragrances and much more, all with the expertise of Silversea’s experienced staff close to hand. Maybe you will decide to treat yourself or loved ones back home – either way, Silversea’s boutiques present an array of both quality and choice.
Culinary Classes
Regent Seven Seas
As if indulging in the incredible cuisine isn’t enough on board a Regent Seven Seas Cruises sailing, there is also the chance to see what goes on behind the scenes. The Culinary Arts Kitchen opens its doors on each voyage, and has been devised by the cruise line’s Executive Chef and Director of Culinary Enrichment, Kathryn Kelly. She has journeyed across the globe, sampling and delving into the wide array of cuisines and the cultures behind them. Her vast experience and skill set ideally position her to craft the curriculum for the Culinary Arts Kitchen exclusively available aboard Seven Seas Grandeur, Splendor, and Explorer.
The courses offered vary with each voyage and encompass everything from brunch favourites to regional delicacies Or maybe you will have the opportunity to perfect your knife technique, or master classic French culinary techniques while at sea. Whether you are a complete novice or simply have skills you wish to refine, The Culinary Arts Kitchen is just the place to do it.
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