Cruise Lines Archives - Sophisticated Travel

Celebrity announces new “Always Included” pricing program – Well, not always

UPDATED October 4, 2023 - Celebrity has changed its promotion once again. Now its "All-Included" package includes ONLY the Classic Beverage and Basic WiFi. No longer are gratuities, nor onboard credits (OBC) included. All guests, including suites, will now have to pay gratuities. Celebrity claims it will lower prices to reflect dropping these benefits, and that it will be cheaper for guests in the long run. However, the consensus of reviewers has been that this is not always the case. From our perspective, Celebrity is cheapening its brand and irritating its loyal clientele. For years Celebrity tried to promote ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:42:09-07:00November 19th, 2023|

Exploring Cruise Line Categories: From Mass-Market to Ultra-Luxury

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond Choosing the right cruise line isn't easy Embarking on a cruise is a thrilling adventure, but with a sea of options, choosing the right cruise line can be as complex as navigating the ocean's tides. To help you steer in the right direction, this guide examines four main cruise line categories – mass-market, premium, entry-luxury, and ultra-luxury. As you journey from mass-market to ultra-luxury, you'll notice a graduated increase in prices reflecting the enhanced amenities, personalized service, and indulgent experiences offered. By understanding these categories, you can better chart a course for ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:42:13-07:00June 6th, 2023|

The Hidden Affordability of Ultra-Luxury Cruises: Take A Closer Look at Costs

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond How Ultra-Luxury Regent Seven Seas May be Cheaper than a Celebrity Cruise Suite The cruise industry can be compared to a three-tiered cake, with mass-market cruise lines forming the broad base, premium cruise lines in the middle, and luxury lines making up the smaller top tier. But here's a secret not many know: ultra-luxury cruises can actually be more affordable than the suites on mass market or premium cruise lines. Let me share a recent comparison I made, which may just change the way you perceive the value and affordability ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:42:14-07:00June 6th, 2023|

Setting Sail in Style: Celebrity Cruises vs. Seabourn Cruises

“The Unvarnished Traveler” by Brian Raymond Cruising has become an increasingly popular vacation choice for adults seeking a luxurious and unforgettable experience. With so many cruise lines to choose from, it’s essential to understand what sets each one apart. So let’s delve into the differences between Celebrity Cruises (a premium cruise line) and Seabourn Cruises (an ultra-luxury cruise line), two renowned names in the industry, focusing on dining, entertainment, educational enrichment, onboard activities, and staterooms. The Dining Experience Celebrity’s Suites Restaurant – Luminae Celebrity Cruises is known for its diverse range of ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:42:19-07:00May 20th, 2023|

Beyond the Suite: Exploring Celebrity Cruises’ Premium Experience

“The Unvarnished Traveler” by Brian Raymond While Celebrity Cruises advertises a “relaxed luxury resort at sea” and offers suites that provide a near-luxury cruise experience, it falls short of being classified as a true luxury cruise line once you venture beyond the suite accommodations. Several factors differentiate Celebrity Cruises from luxury cruise lines, including the guest-to-staff ratio, food quality, personalized service, and the focus of its education programs. ……

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:42:20-07:00May 14th, 2023|

Embark on an Unforgettable Family Cruise Experience with Explora Journeys

“The Unvarnished Traveler” by Brian Raymond Welcome to the world of Explora Journeys, the new luxury cruise line that sets sail this July. Designed with families in mind, Explora Journeys offers an inspiring and inclusive adventure for all ages. In this article, we will delve into the remarkable features that make Explora Journeys the perfect choice for multi-generational travelers. From thoughtfully designed accommodations to exciting activities and a commitment to environmental stewardship, get ready for an extraordinary journey filled with cherished memories. ……

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:34:25-07:00May 13th, 2023|

MSC: Delivering Cheap Cruises and Meeting Guests’ Expectations

“The Unvarnished Traveler” by Brian Raymond When it comes to providing value for your money, MSC truly understands its audience. After experiencing a cruise with MSC, it becomes abundantly clear that they know their demographic inside out and deliver exactly what they desire. During our conversations with many of our fellow guests, the two words that they used over and over to describe their primary reason for choosing MSC was because of their “cheap fares.” ……

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:34:26-07:00May 12th, 2023|

MSC – Hits and Misses – Things to know before you book

“The Unvarnished Traveler” by Brian Raymond Let’s be upfront. We usually sail upper premium cruises (Celebrity) and luxury cruise lines. So normally our expectations are pretty high, but for this cruise we have tempered our expectations appropriately. This time we were interested in experiencing something different and wanted to see what MSC Cruises had to offer. MSC is based in Switzerland and is one of the largest cruise lines in the world. ……

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:35:06-07:00April 24th, 2023|

Our first MSC Cruise vacation

"The Unvarnished Traveler" by Brian Raymond Later this month we'll be taking our first cruise on MSC Cruises. In the past, we've only cruised on upper premium and luxury lines. We prefer a more mature clientele without the noise and activities that little ones bring. In addition, we enjoy a higher quality of cuisine and service that tends to be found on upscale cruise lines. However, this year we are going to explore two mass-market large-ship cruise lines and travel on the MSC Meraviglia (4,500 passengers) and the Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas (5,494 passengers). We've reset ......

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:35:07-07:00April 9th, 2023|

What is “Wave Season” and what do the cruise lines offer?

During Wave Season, cruise lines offer discounts, reduced deposits, and other promotions to entice travelers. It’s the perfect time to book your dream cruise. With so many deals and discounts available, it’s easy to find the perfect cruise to fit your budget. ……

By Brian Raymond|2024-02-02T13:35:11-07:00February 24th, 2023|