With luxury cruises offering the height of sophistication and style at sea, it’s little wonder that more and more holidaymakers are opting to indulge in luxury cruise holidays.
According to leading cruise industry body, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Australasia, New Zealanders' penchant for the finer things in life is driving a boom in the luxury cruise sector. What’s not to like? Five-star cruising offers all the bells and whistles expected from any luxury provider from stylish accommodation and elegant facilities to an open bar, lavish spa and even a butler service.
Our love for luxury has caught the attention of international cruise companies with an increasing number of five-star liners heading our way in recent years. No longer do high-end travellers have to travel to Europe or the Americas to join a luxury vessel; they are stepping on board in their home port with as much luggage as they like and heading off on the trip of a lifetime. New Zealanders can enjoy all the trimmings while they sail around New Zealand, Australia, exotic Indonesia and the beautiful South Pacific, often without the need for international airfares.
Many luxury liners are also small ships meaning they can go where the big ships can’t, offering an up-close-and-personal experience with nature and the chance to explore off-the-beaten-track ports. In recent years, there has even been an increase in luxury lines offering expedition options, combining two of the fastest growing sectors in cruise. Whether Antarctica, the Galapagos or Tahiti is top of your list, there will be a luxury vessel that travels there in style.
Because luxury means so much more than the finest linens and foie gras, luxury lines are increasingly offering their guests the chance to truly immerse themselves in a destination with exclusive, money-can’t-buy experiences. Whether it’s a private behind-the-scenes tour of a world heritage-listed site, visiting a local market with a celebrity chef or being regaled with tales at sea from idols and icons, luxury cruises are pulling out all the stops to ensure their guests have it all.
While the misconception is that a luxury cruise will come with a high price tag because it’s luxurious, many operators throw in excursions, fine dining, drinks and sometimes even wi-fi, meaning a luxury cruise actually represents incredible value, especially when compared to a similar land offering.
As with all cruising, guests have the convenience of boarding the ship and unpacking only once throughout their journey, while the world’s most amazing destinations are delivered to their doorstep.
Contact the cruise professionals at helloworld Travel Milford for all cruise enquiries.
helloworld Travel Milford, corner Kitchener Road & Milford Road, Milford
09 489 2597 www.helloworld.co.nz/milford
