Luxury Cruises

What defines a luxury cruise?

Luxury cruise lines have a higher initial price tag, but what are you getting for your precious vacation dollar?

IT IS SERVICE, NOT FURNISHINGS THAT ARE THE HALLMARK OF ANY TRUE UPSCALE TRAVEL PRODUCT. 

Smaller ships that offer these cruise lines to travel where large mega ships simply cannot.  Across the board a much a higher staff to passenger ratio for refined service. Exquisite dining options without extra charges, select wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees, included for all passengers.

What does great service and small ship mean for you and your vacation?  More time doing what you want.  You wouldn’t be spending time waiting in line, you wouldn’t be a number, but rather a person that the staff gets to know and delights in pleasing. 

More time in the unique destinations that you want to visit. 

Azamara

Royal Caribbean’s luxury arm is Azamara. Formerly Azamara Club Cruises with the new name comes a deepening focus on immersive travel experiences that go beyond simply cruising with over 1,700 land program options with pre- and post-sailing options, to mid-voyage options that will take guests off a ship to get a closer look at a destination — experiences that are designed to fully engage guests and provide them with a “complete way to see the destination, rather than a pit stop.” Azamara is partneing with some of the world’s most renowned luxury travel companies, from Cox & Kings, Micato Safaris, PerryGolf, Aloschi Brothers, COLTUR Pero, and more.

The first, AzAmazing Journeys, are three- to six-day journeys that will bring smaller groups (12 to 18 guests) close up to local culture through interactive experiences with local specialists.

AzAmazing journeys will also feature off-the-beaten-path experiences called AzAmazing moments that include stays in some of the most unique accommodations available, from five-star hotels to boutique inns to glamping experiences. AzAmazing Journeys offerings initially include “AzAmazing in Asia: In Search of Orangutan in Boreno,” which will bring guests into the Borneo Rainforest to see orangutans and the area’s indigenous population, MariMari people, up close on excursions lead by independent naturalists.

In in Africa: Micato Safaris – What Makes These Amazing” will allow guests to get an up-close view of the Big Five at Kruger National Park in northeastern South Africa, with stays in luxury accommodations like the Four Seasons and Kapama River Lodge; and “AzAmazing in Australia: Rail & Sail Australia – Indian Pacific” will take guests on a train wired with Indian Pacific through Australia’s Blue Mountains (with Platinum Service status onboard) before spending a night in Margaret River wine country.

On Azamara’s 15-Night Tahiti & New Zealand Voyage departing January 23, 2020, guests can add 3 nights in Tahiti and Moorea. An  extraordinary location that gives you the chance to experience the natural beauty that lies both above and below Moorea’s waters. Arriving in Papeete, a ferry takes you to Moorea, where an over-the-sea bungalow—just like the ones in magazines—will be your home for 3 nights. Connect with the local people, interact with the marine life as you snorkel, spend time with dolphins, and watch a local performance.  Post-options are available in Auckland, New Zealand as well.

Or Azamara’s 10-Night South Africa Intensive Voyage departing December 2, 2020 which features two overnight stays and two late nights giving you ample time to explore this inimitable the opportunity to travel in an an open-top 4×4 vehicle for a rough and rugged safari to spot the “Big Five” deep, an option to overnight in the luxurious Phinda Mountain Lodge in a your private suite overlooking the bush. Take a dip in a your private plunge pool, take afternoon tea on the patio, and enjoy dinner under the stars or Hike along the Dassie Trail in the Nahoon Estuary Nature Reserve, discovering mangrove ecosystems, natural ponds, lush forests, and indigenous coastal flora and fauna.

Your journey begins in Cape Town exploring its cosmopolitan streets tucked beneath  Table Mountain before setting sail along South Africa’s coast. Choose from specialty dining venues and a splendid collection of fine wines during a day at sea. Awaken in Port Elizabeth to discover its storied history along the Donkin Heritage Trail. With a warm climate, beautiful wide beaches, and spirited communities embracing cultures from all over the world, it’s little wonder Port Elizabeth is known as “The Friendly City.” 

In Richards Bay experience an authentic safari adventure at Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park, home to Africa’s ‘big five’ animals and the largest white rhino population on Earth.

After an excitement-packed day in Richards Bay, take the time to relax on Durban’s golden sand beaches or take a once-in-a-lifetime tour of traditional Zulu homesteads. From the town of East London uncover the white-sand beaches and dunes of the Sunshine and Wild Coasts before heading towards Cape Town for an immersive overnight stay.

Back in Cape Town, take the time to get to know this capital city set on two oceans. Learn more about the city’s dark past and Apartheid History. Uncover limitless outdoor adventure from mountain peaks to rugged coasts. Cheers to a bucket-list-worthy voyage from the world-renowned Cape Winelands. 

All of the land programs will include meals, transfers, and tours led by local guides that will be able to provide expertise in geology, nature, wine, astronomy, wildlife, and more, depending on the tour.

All Azamara cruise guests will enjoy a special AzAmazing Evenings℠ – a bespoke nighttime experience designed to deliver an authentic travel moment based on your sailing itinerary. This is included on all cruises except transatlantic crossings and voyages that are less than seven nights in duration.

Gratuities are included for every guest in every category.  Additionally, each guest will enjoy included select standard spirits, international beers and wines, bottled water, soft drinks, specialty coffees and teas plus self-service laundry

Those sailing in larger suites will also receive English butler service,  240 complimentary Internet minutes per guest plus one free bag of laundry service, complimentary seating in the specialty restaurants dining, priority embarkation and debarkation as well as in-room spirits, afternoon tea service and  $300 in Onboard Credit per person in addition to any current promotions running.   We also offer additional Onboard credit that can be stacked with all other offers for all Virtuoso sailings. 

Azamara dress code is resort casual. Bare feet, tank tops, baseball caps, bathing suits, shorts, and jeans are not allowed in the main dining room or two specialty restaurants. When dining at Windows Café guests must wear footwear and a cover-up or shirt.  In Prime C, Aqualina, and Discoveries Restaurant, many guests enjoy dressing up. Formal evening wear (ball gowns and tuxedos) is not expected.  It is recommended that men bring a sport coat or suit; for women, dresses, skirts, blouses with pants and capris are all appropriate attire.

Where we think Azamara missed the mark, charging $30 per person to dine in Prime C and Aqualina – while $30 is nominal, we think at this level all dining should be included. They also have more limited sprits package with an option to upgrade. Azamara does not have formal seat times, and guest can dine when and with whom they wish.

Azamara understands that people travel to see, feel and experience new destinations  and with their new “Venture Beyond the Sea,” mentality guiding itineraries, now is a great time to book an Azamara cruise with Midwest Travel Solutions. 

Not sure which itinerary is right for you?  We are happy to meet, go over brochures, cost and the benefits of each ship, and itinerary until you feel that your vacation is everything that you have dreamed of. 

 Crystal Cruises 

Crystal Cruises again blurs the lines between “Luxury Cruise” and “Expedition Cruise”.  They divide their fleet up between Ocean Cruising, River Cruising, Yacht Cruising, and Expedition.  A relatively new player in an industry where company roots can reach back to the 1700 and 1800s; Crystal Cruises was launched in 1988. Crystal Cruises is an American Cruise Line headquarters in Los Angeles; however the parent company is Genting Hong Kong (GHK). 

Crystal River Cruises was voted “Best River Cruise Line” in the Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards in 2017 and the 2018 Conde Nast Readers’ Choice Awards.

Their fleet ranges from the very small Crystal Esprit welcoming just 62 guests in all-suite, butler-serviced accommodations to the 980 guests Crystal Serenity offering more suites and penthouses, new culinary options with open seating, and expanded technologies including free, unlimited Wi-Fi.

Concierge services, by professional affiliates of Austria’s prestigious “Les Clefs d’Or” and butler service is standard in every suite.

Crystal Cruises has an extensive list of inclusions: 

• Fine wines, champagnes, premium spirits and specialty coffees
• Michelin-inspired cuisine and 24-hour in-suite dining
• Specialty dining, including Umi Uma by Chef Nobu Matsuhisa (Ocean & Crystal Endeavor)
• Unlimited Wi-Fi/Internet access
• Complimentary Launderettes
• Pre-paid gratuities
• Complimentary Crystal Adventures (Yacht Expedition)
• Complimentary Crystal Collection of curated destination experiences (River)
• Complimentary “You Care. We Care.” Voluntourism (Ocean)

Beyond Crystal’s renowned hospitality, service that is anticipatory and unobtrusive; friendly and personable, it is the ships themselves that uniquely define the Crystal Experience. Welcoming far fewer guests than ships of similar size, each hosts a variety of stunning public spaces from grand to intimate, and dedicated venues for fitness, enrichment, gaming and more.

Crystal Cruises also offers a wide varied of themed cruises to hon in on your special interests: 

• Big Band & Ballroom Dance
• Crystal on Broadway
• Crystal Wine & Food Festival
• Film & Theatre
• Jazz Days & Cabaret Nights
• Jewish Heritage
• Wine Experience
• Sports & Wellness
• Golf
• Mind, Body & Spirit
• Christmas Markets
• Monaco Grand Prix
• Oberammergau: 2020 Passion Play
• Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo
• Summer Solstice

They offer short itineraries (6 days) to bucket-list world cruise options encompassing over 150 days.

Expedition cruising with Crystal Cruises offers journeys to Earth’s most remote polar regions and faraway destinations, these are true expert-led expedition voyages, combining rugged adventure and Zodiac landings with rare discovery, extraordinary wildlife and stunning landscapes few have ever seen.  

Explore a deep dive into the Great Barrier Reef with a 14 day cruiseaboard Crystal Endeavor with a mere 200 guests will be hosted by Crystal’s award-winning staff, attentive butlers, and team of expedition and destination experts. Prepare for unrivaled discovery. from Cairns, Australia to Sydney offering more time exploring the reef – not simply “sea days” or choose Seychelles Yachting SerenadeLuxury Yacht Cruise with a 7 day roundtrip to Mahe sailing February 2021.  

The capital city of the Seychelles lies on Mahé, the largest of the 115 islands. It is not boastful about its importance to the island’s cultural and administrative center, as its mere two dozen avenues that are cozy and inviting, backing up against steep mountains and bustling with cafés and colorful architecture. Visit the Botanical Gardens for a glimpse into the lush fauna that cloaks the island, and venture from Victoria in search of the Seychelles natural splendor.

Isles of the Seychelles beckon daily with unspoiled sugar-white beaches, lush emerald mountains, UNESCO-protected wildlife reserves and crystalline waters; Crystal Esprit is ideally suited to explore this pristine archipelago. Fares on this sailing start at $5,699 PPDO.

What nobody else offers?  An air-cruise with Crystal AirCruises Private Jet Global Journeys that are completely customizable ranging.  Crystal Skye, the world’s newest, largest and most spacious luxury jet. Available for private charter for both leisure travel and group events, this lavishly outfitted Boeing 777 has been completely transformed to the highest standards of aviation design, featuring handcrafted, 88 fully-reclining flatbed seats, a dedicated stand-up bar and social lounge, a team of Crystal Skye Butlers and an Executive Chef preparing exceptional international cuisine.

Ponant(officially, Compagnie du Ponant (CDP); “Ponant Company”) is a French cruise line, again in mariner history founded rather recently in 1988 by Philippe Videau, Jean-Emmanuel Sauvé, and other officers of the French Merchant Navy.  All ships operate under French flag and are bilingual (French and English).  Ponant offers some fo the most groundbreaking, and new ships at sea. In 2018 and 2019, they added four ships:  Le Lapérouse, Le Champlain, Le Bougainville and Le Kerguelen. Plus two additional 180-passenger expedition ships, Le Bellot and Le Surville, that will join the company in 2020 and an icebreaking expedition cruise ship, Le Commandant Charcot, is scheduled for delivery in 2021. 

Ponant Luxury Expedition ships carry from 64 to 264 guests, all offer naturalists on-board with purpose built zodiacs for getting off the ship and exploring the region. The have an open bridge policy and their itineraries focus on some of the more remote regions of the world (unique itineraries worldwide with 450 ports of call in 80 countries, and they take almost 50% of the passengers that travel to the Antarctica every year.

As you might expect with a European flagged ship, fellow travelers are world travelers  with a mix of primarily American, French, Australian, German, Canadian with a bit over a third speaking English as their primary language. 

You wouldn’t find casinos onboard, but you will find 

Most spas onboard feature hammam baths, relaxation room, as well as a fitness center; Le Boréal and L’Austral have a Balneo shower with air jet baths

Ponant Debuts Unprecedented Blue Eye Undersea Lounge — The First Of Its Kind”It’s an entire interactive lounge that you can enjoy while you sip your favorite libation. You can also hear sounds up for up to five kilometers away.” Cocktail, anyone?

Following the ship’s successful maiden voyage out of Reykjavik, Le Lapérouse will continue sailing year-round through Northern Europe, The Mediterranean, Asia, and the Pacific and Oceania with fares beginning at $3,990 based on double occupancy.

Ponant is focusing on being exceptional stewards of the planet as the only ships in their Class Certified as  “Clean Ships” with state-of-the-art systems to cut carbon emissions by 40% with a silent electric  propulsion system, conserve, filter, treat, and recycle all water we use onboard,  sort and store all wastes aboard for recycling ashore.  

Dress code: Casual resort attire is suitable for daytime, both on board and ashore. We suggest a pair of rubber-soled sandals or sneakers to wear on deck and a pair of good walking shoes. Dress is relaxed and casually elegant during the evenings. For the Gala Evening Dinner, a dress for women and a jacket for men are recommended, but not required.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, formerly known as Radisson Seven Seas Cruises, and headquartered in Miami, Florida. Regent Seven Seas Cruises isa wholly owned subsidiary owned of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also owns Norwegian Cruise Line and their long mariner history. 

Regent Seven Seas specializes in ships with a small passenger capacity.  The largest is Seven Seas Voyager, newly refurbished with luxurious new décor across all 350 suites – each with spacious balconies.  Regent has a small fleet, ships that touch most corners of the world, however no polar or artic north sailings; they do have Alaska itineraries. 

Regent Seven Seas is the most all-inclusive, luxury line and should be seriously considered by anyone that wishes to fly business class overseas. 

Regent offers INCLUDED Business Class Air on all overseas itineraries, and INCLUDED Air on domestic sailings giving you a true one-price vacation.

More incredible inclusions: Embark on an unforgettable journey, enjoying as many shoreside tours and experiences as you wish with our FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions, from encountering majestic wildlife to sampling delicious cuisine to touring iconic UNESCO World Heritage Sites. There are premium experiences that you can choose for additional cost – think glacier landing by helicopter. 

Also included with your cruise fare a pre-cruise night hotel.  Each property selected for its superb location, ambiance, standards of service, cuisine and amenities. Of course transfers, breakfast and porterage are also included.

In addition to exceptional service, small ship, welcoming accommodations, you will find itineraries that offer long port stays as well as overnight stops in select destinations.  And itineraries from 7 days to Regent’s Grand Voyages – cruises from 66 to 91 days that let you touch the corners of the world.  

Rise with the sun to take an invigorating fitness class and pamper yourself with a massage at the Canyon Ranch spa. Watch dolphins frolic in the ship’s wake before you join newfound friends for afternoon tea. Or you might begin your day with a cooking class in the Culinary Arts Kitchen on board Seven Seas Splendor or Seven Seas Explorer and end the day with live music in a stylish lounge.

Grand Voyage

Sailing from Barcelona to Auckland along the Grand Spice Route Quest Regent Seven Seas Explorer is departing November 06, 2020 for a 76-night epic journey – offering you some of the best destinations in the world from the Mediterranean, Asia and the South Pacific. Fares from $46,499.  If you had to pay for international business class air, you would easily spend $10,000, making this voyage an incredible value for a true once-in-a-life-time experience. 

You will overnight in Jerusalem where you can visit the land of miracles – Galilee, the Jordan River, the Mount of the Beautitudes and Tabgha, or venture to Nazareth, home of the young Jesus. 

Bora Bora’s twin peaks provide a stunning backdrop as you snorkel in reefs filled with vibrant tropical fish. Cascading waterfalls and exotic flowers decorate lush valleys on your off-road adventure on Tahiti. On Pago Pago, learn about the ancient customs of Samoans at a traditional village, and on Fakarava, find remote white sand beaches decorated with towering palm trees.

Sailing the Bay Islands, New Zealand, one of the finest Maritime Parks in the country with 144 islands, secluded bays and abundance of marine life. It is one of the most popular fishing, sailing and tourist destinations in New Zealand and has been renowned internationally for its big-game fishing since author Zane Grey publicized it in the 1930s.

Whether you choose a long or short itinerary, every Regent Seven Seas Cruise comes with value-packed inclusions:

• 2-FOR-1 All-Inclusive Fares
• FREE Business Class Air* on Intercontinental Flight 
• FREE Transfers Between Airport and Ship,
• FREE Unlimited Shore Excursions,
• FREE Pre-Cruise 1-Night Hotel Stay and Dinner, 
• FREE Unlimited Beverages Including Fine Wines and Premium Spirits,
• FREE In-Suite Mini-Bar Replenished Daily, 
• FREE Pre-Paid Gratuities, 
• FREE Specialty Restaurants, 
• FREE Unlimited WiFi,
• FREE Door to Door Luggage Service

In fact, the inclusions can be so inclusive that when comparing the price of a premium line to a luxury cruise with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, you can actually save money by sailing with Regent. 

When you book your Regent Cruise with Kansas City’s premier Travel Agency, Midwest Travel Solutions, in addition to Regent’s current promotions you also receive additional on-board credit on any Virtuoso Sailings.  With any 14 day or longer sailing, you also receive included transportation from your door to the airport; an exclusive offer only available from Midwest Travel Solutions.

Silverseas

Founded in 1994, Silversea Cruises is a privately owned ultra-luxury cruise line with its headquarters in Monaco. Silversea’s small lavish ships are designed for those who delight in the thrill of discovery while indulging mind and body in the most sumptuous surroundings imaginable with both ocean and expedition cruising options.  Ships range in size from 50 to 304 suites offering the perfect balance between choice and intimacy.

If you’re the Galapagos Islands are on your wish list, and you want stellar five-star service, a Silverseas Expedition Cruise should be at the top of your list.

All accommodations are spacious, ocean-view suites that include butler service, a unique offering in the world of luxury cruising as most lines reserve butler service for those that reserve top-level suites.  Silversea voyages and cruise expeditions sail to over 900 destinations on all seven continents, more than any other cruise line.

Additional inclusions with each cruise: 

• Select wines, premium spirits, specialty coffees
• A personalized mini-bar 
• All Dining on-board
• All Gratuities
• Excursions

Each expedition cruise not only take you to the farthest reaches of the globe, but you will travel in small groups with accessible experts and guides. Enjoy interesting lectures on the areas, flora, fauna and wildlife you will encounter along the way.  Experience small Zodiac landings, snorkeling, diving, hiking and other small-group excursions. Silverseas experts and guides will immerse yourself in the culture, landscape and habitat of the region. 

Many Silverseas Cruise itinerary’s can be paired with a land option – in Iceland a 6 day extension offers unparalled access with private helicopter travel while sightseeing in Iceland, four nights accommodation at the luxurious Tower Suites in Reykjavik, and an additional two nights luxury accommodation at the exclusive Deplar Farm.

While not all Silverseas Cruises come with air, many specials do include air, or offer it for a nominal fee.  In the event Silverseas does not have a current air promo, Midwest Travel Solutions will offer discounted net-air for international cruise passengers.  Just one of the benefits we offer our clients to give them the absolute best vacation experience – from start to finish.

Dining:Silverseas Cruises has an open-seating policy, arrive at your leisure and dine with whomever you please.

Dress Code:  Resort Casual, however expedition sailings dress is generally based on the current weather. 

Traveling solo?Select Silverseas Cruises have distinguished gentlemen onboard that are available as dinner companions or dance partners on select longer sailings. 

Midwest Travel Solutions specializes in crafting vacations and milestone journeys to the most interesting travel destinations in the world. Destinations surrounded by ocean playgrounds; picture-perfect diving, and snorkeling destinations that immerse you in culture and ignite romance. We use our extensive training, and experience to be a matchmaker between your budget and your travel dreams. Our knowledge and expertise lies in Expedition Cruising and Ocean Cruises to the Caribbean, Mediterranean with a special emphasis in the South Pacific creating custom itineraries for clients to Tahiti, New Zealand, Fiji, and Australia.