As the cruise industry evolves, passengers are now investing in luxurious onboard experiences more than ever before. Recent years show that there has been an increase in passenger spending on luxury cruises, with Carnival Corp, the mother company of Carnival, Princess, and Holland America, reporting that onboard spending accounts for 20% to 25% of cruise revenue. This reached a remarkable $6.9 billion in revenue in the third quarter of 2023 alone.
Cruise companies have been making significant efforts to enhance these experiences, and passengers have been reaping the benefits. So, if you’re planning to set off on your own cruise adventure, here are the four best things to enjoy that can help you maximize your voyage.
World-class entertainment
Luxury cruises are renowned for exceptional entertainment that goes beyond generic live bands, and recent developments showcase just how far cruise lines are pushing the envelope. Rather than settle with its Signature Orchestra, Regent Seven Seas Cruises enlisted Broadway talents like Britt Stewart, Francisco Forquera, and John MacInnis to create a dazzling array of shows for its newest cruise ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur, in 2023. This entertainment program features productions such as Pasión, a celebration of Tango, and Icons, a VIP concert experience showcasing hits from The Pointer Sisters, Hall & Oates, and Adele. These offer an entertainment experience that rivals even the best on land.
Credit: Hispalois under license CC BY-SA 4.0. No changes were made to the image.
Exclusive shopping opportunities
Shopping on a cruise is no longer limited to typical souvenir shops or even Duty-Free – it has expanded to include high-quality, culturally significant products. More luxury cruises have aligned with this vision to revolutionize the onboard retail experience. Leading cruise company Explora Journeys sells curated collections onboard that celebrate craftsmanship, creativity, and cultural significance in its shopping hub, The Journey. This includes luxury brands like Cartier and Piaget, bespoke fragrances from Mandala Blue, and high-end fashion from Waimari and Kampos — all the while prioritizing partnerships with B-Corp-certified and Butterfly Mark-certified brands. This ensures that your shopping experience is not only luxurious but also aligned with ethical practices, making it a must-explore feature for discerning travelers.
Culinary excellence
Food is a central highlight of any luxury cruise. However, good cruise ship food isn’t just limited to Michelin-starred celebrity chefs. Check out the SALT (Sea and Land Taste) program of Silversea, where menus change based on the ship’s location to provide a taste of local specialties. In addition to exceptional dining, the program includes hands-on cooking classes in the SALT Lab, allowing guests to learn how to prepare traditional dishes like Cretan moussaka. Meanwhile, SALT Ashore excursions offer immersive food experiences, such as visiting local distilleries and participating in cooking demonstrations. This program transforms dining into a cultural adventure, making every meal an opportunity to discover new flavors and culinary traditions.
Unique outdoor excursions
Luxury cruises often include exclusive outdoor excursions that allow passengers to explore some of the world’s most remote and breathtaking locations. For instance, cruises to the white continent of Antarctica provide guests with close encounters with wildlife, with Ponant’s Southern Adventure allowing you to witness the black-browed albatrosses watching from above, the Gentoo and king penguins, elephant and fur seals, and sea lions. These expeditions are designed to offer an immersive experience in one of the planet’s most pristine environments, with field experts and cultural guides that will help ensure an educational and environmentally sensitive experience.
Credit: Liam Quinn under license CC BY-SA 4.0. No changes were made to the image.From world-class entertainment and exclusive shopping experiences to exceptional culinary adventures and unforgettable shore excursions, these elements are key to ensuring a luxurious cruise experience. As cruise lines continue to elevate their offerings, passengers are presented with more opportunities than ever to indulge in the finest experiences at sea. For more on how to travel the world, check out our other articles on Wandering Trader.