I really didn’t know how I felt about having my own butler.
But there he stood, in all his resplendent attire, perfectly coiffed hair and serene smile. I scanned my suite, the largest and most luxurious I’ve ever stayed in, and reached to drag in my luggage.
I was met with an ever-so-slight ‘tut-tut’ and a gentle hand guiding me away from my bag.
“I’ll take care of that ma’am”. There are very few times in my life I’ve been rendered speechless – this was one.
Rewind the clock to the very first time I cruised. A young (ish) couple with very little disposable income, escaping for two days from three kids under the age of three. I clearly remember the price – $149 per person and budgeting an extra $100 for a few cocktails and cab fare.
There was no butler, there wasn’t even any natural light. But, stepping into that dark, tiny inside cabin, with a miniscule bathroom was heaven. All we really craved was sleep, food and no crying babies.
As I prepare to jump aboard my 55th (or around that, I’ve lost count) cruise, I started reflecting on all my past voyages and the journey I’ve taken from budget to bougie.
Which also got me thinking. Do most cruisers graduate up through cruise lines (or categories) or do the majority who cruise regularly stick to what they know they love and afford? Lend me your ear as I dig deeper.
You don’t know what you don’t know
First-time cruisers are going to be impressed on ANY cruise ship they jump aboard simply because, well you’re ON a cruise.
Even the most budget cruise line has unlimited food, someone who cleans your cabin, entertainment and the joy of being at sea.
I will never belittle or mock hard-working Aussies who cruise only on budget lines as that might be the only holiday they can afford to take their family on. I’ve cruised budget lines many times.
Another point to consider is that budget doesn’t necessarily mean you can’t enjoy little luxuries while onboard.
I know many cruisers who pay the minimum fare (cheapest cabin) but then spend a shipload on services on board that they choose to budget for. Spa services, shopping, extravagant dinners and shore excursions. These savvy cruisers are of the ones who proudly tell you at trivia that the cabin is for sleeping and showering.
But wait, there’s more…
One of my biggest flexes at social gatherings is recounting, “I’ll never forget that sunset off the coast of Capri while cruising the Amalfi coast aboard a superyacht”.
Yes, this might be the wankiest sentence I’ll ever mutter and I do not blame anyone who is unfortunate enough to hear this to roll their eyes so far back they get lodged in their brains.
But – and this is a huge BUT – this extraordinary experience is exactly what I mean by ‘graduating’ at sea.
The clientele you meet on board ultra luxury ships and yachts have cruised budget, then larger megaships, stayed in fancy suites, have done the all-inclusive river cruise and might have even been to Antarctica.
They’re well-seasoned cruisers who no longer get joy from the Broadway-style show and cringe at the thought of waiting in line with 3,000 others to get ashore.
Making a conscious choice to travel once a year on a spectacular ship/yacht make more sense to these bougie cruisers than taking 10 cruises on a large – budget or otherwise – ship.
Finding middle ground
What I do love about cruising is that there is vast range in that middle section – not budget, not bougie, but sparkly, nonetheless.
I’m talking about that step up from the entry-level cruise to something newer and with more inclusions.
Size and passenger capacity can vary as does the amenities available on board. The trick here is to choose carefully to suit your budget and needs. There are many cruise lines that fit this category and offer an elevated experience for a bit of a chunk more.
If your budget stretches and, for example, you want a new mega ship with all the bells and whistles but still crave solitude, your solution is the ‘ship-within-a-ship’ concept.
For some cruisers, this is the perfect amount of bougie-ness without having to pay the ultra-luxe price of a small ship experience. These exclusive areas on large ships are becoming more common and extremely popular.
The first time I was exposed to this concept was aboard a large, modern ship in Singapore. Their version was called The Palace and each suite had multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, saunas, spas and even a baby grand piano.
The dining area for Palace guests was exclusive, with special menus and only the finest champagne. The private pool area was exquisite and butlers were dressed in tuxedos and tails. Guests in the Palace had the best of both worlds – private cruising on a large ship.
At the end of the day, cruising is a state of mind
I’m well aware that every word I have written is dripping with privilege. Honestly, it still amazes me the cruises I’ve been so fortunate to experience. But if there is something I have learnt it is that every cruise – no matter the price tag – has something priceless to offer.
Sunsets cost nothing and yet fill your memory bank with wonders and emotions that are incalculable.
Sharing a drink and conversation with people who reaffirm your faith in humanity. That still moment, deep in the middle of the ocean on an inky night, walking the decks that are illuminated only by the stars above.
Cruising is not about status, it’s about stories. Every ship, every port, every salty breeze has something to teach you, adding to your journey as you make your way through this thing called life.
And that, my friends, is the true luxury of cruising.
