Accommodations, swimming pools, whirlpools, dining, buffets, room service, non alcoholic beverages (normally does not include soda), All entertainment including live entertainment, major shows, karaoke, live bands, all activities, enrichment lectures
(if offered) fitness center, children’s program.
Sodas, alcoholic beverages, specialty dinning restaurants, wine tasting activities, shore tours, golfing options, internet usage, cell phone usage (while at sea), spa options, casino gaming, video arcade, printed photo’s and items in the shops onboard. Tipping is expected with regards to bar service, cabin service and the wait staff.
You should expect service in every area of a cruise ship to be higher than resort/hotel venues. Dining options are available 24 hours a day. From a minimum of two dining area’s (one usually casual), buffets and room service (you are not required to tip but normally a couple of dollars is appreciated). Your accommodations will offer single beds or a double for couples (the two single beds are joined together). Daily cabin service will be offered twice a day. every cabin will also offer similar amenities to a standard hotel room, television, phone, toiletries, ice service, hair dryer etc.
For your enjoyment live entertainment is offered in several venues, including night clubs and lounges featuring live bands. Every evening a professional show will feature anything from a headliner show to Las Vegas revue shows. (The cruise lines use the same talent as the Las Vegas Resorts). During the day you will have several options, several activities are offered daily. You can enjoy the pools and whirlpools onboard, fitness center and a children’s program is usually standard. In addition every ship normally offers a casino and a Spa.
Azamara Cruise Line is a Premium Cruise Line; these ships are smaller in relation to the industry standard carrying only 710 Passengers (the current industry standard is approximately 2500). If you are looking for a quiet getaway on a cruise ship with premium accommodations (similar to a Premium Hotel) offering more exclusive ports of call and of course a much higher standard of dining (similar to a restaurant charging $50 per plate) and service this may be a great option for you. Zanza Blue does not recommend this cruise line if you are traveling with children.
These cruises are geared towards self enrichment with activities such as Enrichment Lectures. The onboard entertainment is limited in relation to the industry standards the line focuses primarily on enrichment activities and superb ports of call. If you are a past cruiser and are not yet willing to make the financial leap to small ship luxury cruises this is a great option. The ports of call and itineraries offered are fantastic in relation to ports of call offered by mega cruise liners. Azamara cruise line is a great value when you consider all of the small ship Premium / Luxury Cruise Line options.
Azamara is owned by Celebrity/RCI Cruise Lines. These ships were purchased from the Luxury Cruise Lines Renaissance (no longer in operation); Celebrity purchased three of these ships while the remaining fleet was purchased by Princess Cruise Lines. Originally these ships were to be flagged under Celebrity’s Xpedition classification, later the decision was made to brand these ships under the new Azamara name.More
Carnival Cruise Line (CCL) offers contemporary cruises and is a good option for first time cruisers on a budget. Carnival’s core cliental base is multi-generational middle class Americans. Each Carnival ship offers a variety of accommodations from a standard interior stateroom to balcony suites.
Carnival offers a wide range of options for cruise travelers. Children and teens will enjoy Camp Carnivals award winning programs while adults can enjoy onboard nightclubs, piano bars and even a full casino. The culinary standards are fair and in line with the pricing of the cruise. Some ships do offer specialty dinning for a small fee which offers a much higher culinary standard.
The atmosphere onboard varies depending on cruise length, ship age, home port depature and ship size, when considering a Carnival Ship it is highly recommended that you seek independent professional advice. Your cruise experience is dependent on the several factors and can offer a great cruise vacation as long as you choose the right cruise option. The Carnival experience can range from a spring break type atmosphere to a well rounded family experience. Contact a Zanza Concierge to see which carnival vacation is right for you. More
Zanza Blue considers Celebrity as one of the best premium cruise options. Celebrity Cruise Line offers mega elite / premium cruises and you will find the initial pricing slightly higher than other large cruise lines. Celebrity Cruises feature award winning service, dining, world class entertainment, enrichment programs and other options normally only found on luxury cruises. Celebrity offers its guests a premium onboard experience beyond the normal standard. Celebrity Ships are considered Mega Liners and offer everything found on similar mega cruise line but at a higher level.
In addition to the wide variety of accommodations and dining options Celebrity pays special attention to pampering their guests and catering to their individual needs. With an award winning children’s and teen’s program, elite spa options and several other cruise options, Celebrity is a great choice for couples and families alike.
Celebrity Cruise Lines is owned by Royal Caribbean International (RCI). When originally purchased by RCI Celebrity was updated to offer Royal Caribbean Guests a higher standard of cruising. This strategy has been well received by repeat cruisers and has resulted in many loyal clients. Celebrity ships do vary with regards to onboard amenities and the size and age of the ship does impact your experience onboard. Contact a Zanza Concierge to see which Celebrity ship and Itinerary is right for you. More
Costa offers contemporary cruising with an Italian Flare. Cruise prices are usually similar to Carnival Cruises. These ships are very similar to a carnival vacation experience with the addition of an Italian themed atmosphere. You will also find the cuisine is Italian influenced but many other dishes are offered onboard. Costa Ships are considered Mega Cruise Liners and can hold as many as 3600 guests onboard.
If you have cruised carnival in the past and you are considering other cruise options with a budget being a major consideration than a Costa Cruise is a great option. Costa Cruises do have an international atmosphere; you will also find a larger number of international guests onboard. The culinary standards are fair and in line with the pricing of the cruise. Some ships do offer alternative specialty dinning for a small fee. The specialty restaurants do offer a much higher culinary standard.
Costa Cruise Lines was purchased by Carnival, since Carnival’s ownership many improvements were made onboard. In addition Carnival provided a few ship designs to Costa’s fleet and in turn Carnival used a Costa design when it built the Carnival Spirit Class Ships. The layouts of many Costa ships are similar to Carnival ships but the décor is very different featuring an upscale Italian influence. More
Crystal is a luxury cruise line. When considering luxury cruises you have several options and Crystal might just be the right one for you. Crystal Cruise Ships are larger than many other luxury ships (Cunard offers the largest) but are dramatically smaller than mega cruise ships (Crystal Cruises sail with approx 940 to 1080 guest). Crystal ships are roomy and do offer more venues than competing luxury cruises. Crystal is commonly one of the most affordable when considering a luxury cruise.
Crystal offers six-star service and you can see it in every detail, from fine dining to award winning celebrity entertainment Crystal offers luxury at every turn. Every Crystal ship offers an extensive children’s program which can be difficult to find on competing luxury cruises (Note; the general amount of children cruising on Crystal is much lower than contemporary cruises).
When cruising on Crystal you will find superior shore tours offering guests unique options ashore including exclusive tours like driving an Italian race car in Italy. Onboard Crystal is the leader in enrichment lectures hosted by celebrities and top professionals. Crystal does have a strict dress code while onboard which many fellow passengers have come to enjoy. More
Cunard is the pinnacle of traditional cruising. Cunard is the only cruise line offering traditional transatlantic style crossings. If you would like to take a cruise that traces the steps of your ancestors while offering modern amenities then Cunard is a natural choice (one out of three American immigrants that crossed the Atlantic on a ship did so on a Cunard ship).
Cunard still has a passenger class system onboard and a dress code similar to ships of the past. If you are American you will find these ships hold an unmistakable British atmosphere as they should, Cunard is the oldest cruise line still in operation. Starting its first transatlantic sailings in the 1800’s, this is the same cruise line that ferried thousands of American soldiers to Europe during WWII.
Cunard may be the oldest cruise line but her ships are state of the art. The Queen Mary 2 (QM2) is a newer mega cruise ship offering luxury for all onboard. The Queen Victoria has just entered service and also offers luxury cruising in a proper British atmosphere. Cunard offers the most affordable luxury cruise options. Your choices of accommodations are near limitless when considering its onboard a cruise ship, from a traditional stateroom to a suite fit for a queen it’s available onboard. Cunard ships offer everything included within a mega ship but at the level of British luxury.
Cunard ships are kid friendly offering a full range of programs onboard. Although Cunard offers children’s programs on every cruise it is important to contact an independent travel professional who is Cunard Commodore Certified. The amount of children onboard depends on the time of year, the ship and itinerary. If you prefer a Cunard family cruise or a more mature option it is important you contact a Cunard Commodore Certified Expert.
Cunard is now owned by Carnival Cruise Lines. With the addition of Cunard being added to the Carnival family many changes were implemented. Carnival has done a great job by keeping Cunard’s identity intact while building new ships and offering even more onboard. Exclusive Spa’s, a great night life and all out luxury await you onboard Cunard. Contact a Cunard Commodore Certified Zanza Travel Concierge who can assist you with expert ship, itinerary and pricing knowledge. More
Note: Cunard Commodore Certification is the highest level offered through Cunard’s training and product knowledge education programs.
Disney Cruise Lines offers contemporary cruises with flair of the imagination by bringing their famous animated charters to life onboard a cruise ship. Disney is the undisputed leader in American family entertainment and you will find the same high standards onboard any of their ships. Disney Cruises focuses on wholesome family fun, you will find more Disney than Cruise. For example Disney does not offer a casino onboard, yet you will find these ships very elegant with perfection in every area being a priority.
Disney is a new comer to the cruise industry featuring only two ships, the Disney Wonder and the Disney Magic. Disney Cruise Lines features very limited itineraries and have only recently offered seven day itineraries. Disney Cruises are perfect for parents who would like to re-live their childhood while providing unmatched entertainment for children. Adults have several amenities available onboard and will enjoy a higher culinary standard in respect to other contemporary cruises. From onboard nightclubs to live entertainment Disney offers a truly wholesome cruise vacation for every family member. More
With 135 years of experience, Holland America Line (HAL) is recognized as the undisputed leader in the cruise industry's premium segment. With the introduction of the 2,104-passenger ms Eurodam in July 2008, Holland America Line's fleet grows to 14 ships, offering over 500 cruises from more than 38 home ports. Itineraries range from two to 108 days and visit all seven continents. HAL Cruises has attracted baby boomers for years. HAL does offer children’s programs and can cater to family cruisers but the average age demographics of baby boomers is considerably higher.
Holland America’s award-winning style of service is never in the way and never out of reach. They sail with nearly one crew member for every two guests, providing the intuitive, gracious service that has long defined classic cruising. Their specially trained crew takes pride in anticipating and fulfilling your every wish. On board the ships of HAL you'll discover a cruise experience that is modern, fresh and appealing - in an ambiance that is timeless and refined. You will enjoy premium cruise options along with several unique amenities such as Holland America's signature "Culinary Arts", Microsoft Workshop and enrichment lectures.
Holland America Line is now owned by Carnival Cruise Lines. With the addition of HAL being added to the Carnival family some changes were implemented. Carnival has done a great job by keeping HAL’s “Timeless Cruising” identity intact while building new ships and offering even more onboard such as a children’s programs. Many HAL Cruises are being geared to multi-generational cruising. Contact a Zanza Concierge to see which ship and Itinerary is right for you. More
MSC Cruises offer contemporary cruising with a blend of European charm and modern Italian elegance. MSC is a good option for cruisers with budget being a major factor. MSC cruises core cliental base is a multigenerational European cliental with some Americans. MSC does offer a wide range of options for cruise travelers; you will enjoy onboard nightclubs, piano bars and even a full casino. MSC commonly offers promotions where children 17 and under cruise for free (some restrictions may apply), please contact a Zanza Concierge for details.
MSC Cruises offers true Italian style in cruise design. It’s in the grand ambiance of their lobbies, many with sweeping staircases. And in the luxury décor of gleaming wood, Italian marble and Swarovski crystal stairs in the Yacht Club aboard the new MSC Fantasia. MSC is family owned and has been in operation primarily in the Mediterranean but recently has shifted to include the Caribbean. Feedback has been mixed regarding service and culinary standards. More
Norwegian Cruise Lines (NCL) offers alternative contemporary cruises. In recent years NCL has geared its onboard venue from traditional cruising formats to a more open unstructured feel. NCL now offers many alternative options like up to twelve restaurants onboard*, Nintendo Wii’s, “casual everything” and their “do whatever” slogan shines through. If you would like an open cruise format NCL might just be for you.
Norwegian Cruise Lines offer a full contemporary venue, live shows, live entertainment, casino*, nightclub, Spa, lounges, fitness center and a full children/teen program. NCL ships offers a variety of accommodations from a standard interior stateroom, balcony suites and even villa suites with a courtyard are available*. The culinary standards are in line with the pricing of the cruise. Some ships do offer specialty dinning for a small fee which offers a higher culinary standard. More
*Contact your Zanza Concierge regarding accommodations and amenity options for a specific ship.
Oceania Cruise Line offers luxury cruises to a international cliental. Oceania offers a newer fleet of ships with their cliental primarily being baby-boomers. Their three mid-size ships afford incomparable luxury, including cuisine that is simply one of the finest at sea. With only 684 guests to pamper, their 400 staff members cater to your every whim, with highly personalized service. There's a sense of warmth and intimacy throughout, so the ambiance resembles that of a private country club - casual, yet elegant.
With so many entertainment and enrichment options, there is never a shortage of things to do on an Oceania Cruises vacation. If you prefer to plan the day in advance you might take part in numerous scheduled activities, such as wine tasting of rare vintage wines or stimulating lectures. If you'd rather create your own diversions, consider the ship your playground. No matter what you choose, you're sure to enjoy every moment you spend aboard their ships. More
Pearl Seas Cruise Line is one of the newest Cruise Lines to date, featuring only one cruise ship (and more on the way) featuring all suites. Pearl Seas focuses on small ship luxury cruises based from unique home ports, from Portland to Chicago you may be surprised how close their small ship luxury is. Pearl Seas focuses on Canadian Cruises including the Great Lakes and beyond. Of course Caribbean cruises are also offered but the St. Lawrence seaway and the great lakes are a highlight. A country-club-casual style ia one of the other features Pearl Seas cruises offers.
The interior of the ships offer luxury accommodations with oversized staterooms, all with private balconies. Exquisite cuisine will be enjoyed in the spacious, glass lined dining salon and relaxing time will be spent in one of the many comfortable lounges. The ships are also designed with latest in cruising comfort with fully stabilized hulls, and with the ships reaching each port of call more quickly, you'll have more time to explore each magnificent place.
Guests aboard Pearl Seas’ ships are assured, without compromise, a unique and highly personalized cruise experience. Whether you dine in the main restaurant’s relaxed, open-seating atmosphere, or take breakfast on your own private balcony, you will enjoy exceptional cuisine and a high degree of personal choice and comfort, including, flat-screen satellite TVs, DVD players, wireless, full-sized bathrooms with walk-in showers, luxurious bed linens, large picture windows that open. The line has several suites especially configured to accommodate wheelchairs, and features convenient elevator service to all decks. More
Princess Cruise Lines offers contemporary mega elite cruises offering attractive cruise vacation options. Princess offers a variety of ships, from their premium small ships up to the standard state of the art mega liners you can cruise to every corner of the globe with princess offering the most destinations worldwide. When it comes to Balcony staterooms they offer more affordable balcony staterooms than any other cruise line. Princess has the highest repeat cruiser ratio in the industry which should be considered. Actions speak louder than words, with over 50% of guests returning to cruise on princess this may be just the cruise vacation for you.
Princess combines traditional cruising while keeping in tune with guests cosmopolitan lifestyles. Princess has been on the forefront by constantly upgrading service and amenities. You will find the standards expected on a cruise with many welcomed surprises. Big Ship Choice, Small Ship Feel®. Anytime DiningSM, Personal Choice Dining®, a new leisure disembarkation program, ScholarShip@Sea®, Lotus Spa & Fitness, The Sanctuary and Kids/Teens "Edutainment" program are just a few of their signature options aboard.
Considering Princess offers over 18 unique ships porting in over 115 ports of call we highly recommend you contact an independent travel professional with expert knowledge of Princess, these individuals should be Princess Commodore Certified. Princess Small Ship Fleet; These ships were purchased from the Luxury Cruise Lines Renaissance (no longer in operation); Princess purchased three of these ships while the remaining fleet was purchased by Celebrity Cruise Line. Contact a Commodore Certified Zanza Concierge to see which Princess Vacation is right for you. More
Note: Princess Commodore Certification is the highest level offered through the Princess training and product knowledge education programs.
Regent Seven seas Cruise Lines is offers ultra luxury cruise options. The four small to mid-size luxury cruise ships in Regent Seven Seas Cruises' six-star fleet include all-suite, all-balcony ships, when you cruise Regent your fare include all shipboard gratuities; complimentary beverages, including select wines and spirits served throughout the ship; complimentary 24-hour room service; in-suite bar setup for suites with butler service; refrigerator stocked with soft drinks, beer and bottled water replenished daily, and much more.
Those who sail with Regent Seven Seas Cruises are more than merely guests. Repeat cruisers become part of the Seven Seas Society, their special family of past passengers. Regent onboard concierges open up a world of adventure for every taste and comfort level. It provides unique opportunities for a more intimate view, so that now when luxury goes exploring you can go as a traveler, not a tourist. Concierge a la Carte can custom design virtually any shore request - a vintage sports car and private villa in Provence, for example, or a personal shopper with back-door access to Milan's most exclusive shops. For the discriminating guest seeking the most unique way to experience a destination with their family or friends, Concierge a la Carte offers the ultimate in personalized service.
For the ultimate travel experience, combine your cruise with some of their enriching land programs that reveal both the highlights and hidden treasures of the places you visit. Designed for individuals or small parties, Concierge Collection programs are available during, before and after your cruise and must be pre-booked.More
Zanza Blue considers Royal Caribbean International (RCI) as one of the best contemporary cruise options available. RCI is a great option for first time cruisers and repeat cruisers who would like the biggest bang for their buck. RCI has consistently raised the bar by building innovative ships and offering unique and new options while onboard. Voyager and Freedom class ships offer rock climbing walls, onboard surfing, ice skating, rollerblading, mini golf courses and even full size basketball courts*. RCI primary cliental varies from families to couples of every generation, with emphases on making your cruise an adventure these ships hit the mark.
Royal Caribbean is launching yet another new ship design naming the first ship “Oasis of the Seas”. Yet again RCI has raised the bar with this floating resort, this new design now makes the reason for taking a cruise based on the ship and not the ports of call (for more details please view the Oasis of the Sea video’s in the podcast section of this website).
RCI ships offers a variety of accommodations from a standard interior stateroom, balcony suites and even two level lofts are available*. Service is excellent and one of the highest in the contemporary cruise segment. Children and teens will enjoy Adventure Ocean Club’s award winning programs while adults can enjoy onboard nightclubs, piano bars, live entertainment, shops, casino and a full service spa. The culinary standards are fair and in line with the pricing of the cruise. Some ships do offer specialty dinning for a small fee which offers a higher culinary standard.
The onboard atmosphere can vary depending on cruise length, ship age and ship size. When considering a RCI Ship it is recommended that you seek independent professional advice. Your cruise experience is dependent on the several factors and can offer a great cruise vacation as long as you choose the right cruise option. Speak with a Zanza Concierge to see which Royal Caribbean Vacation is right for you. More
*Contact your Zanza Concierge regarding accommodations and amenity options for a specific ship.
Seabourn offers intimate luxury yachting options, you´ll be part of an exclusive circle, the privileged few, who have discovered the true joys of yachting. Aboard one of their intimate yachts, you will feel like a welcomed guest. The captain and officers seem like old friends. Everyone on the professionally trained staff (more than one per suite) not only knows you by name, but knows your personal preferences as well.
The days and nights are carefree and ultra luxurious. Personalized service is a way of life. Never lift a finger while you’re a guest of ours, unless it’s to signal a waiter for another bottle of vintage Bordeaux from the fully stocked wine cellar. Their fervent dedication to exceeding your desires follows you ashore. They shun the ordinary when it comes to experiences in the off-the-beaten path destinations of Their ships. Planning a romantic evening for two in Paris? They’ll arrange for a horse drawn carriage and fill it with flowers, champagne and hand dipped Belgian chocolates. Call ahead and let us help you plan your special day.
Adventure and luxury await you aboard The Yachts of Seabourn With their unmatched sense of style, elegance and grace, The Yachts of Seabourn beckon you to travel beyond the bounds of the imagination. Aboard Seabourn, every desire is met promptly and with a welcoming smile. Whether it's a warm blanket and a cup of gourmet hot chocolate as you drift along the Norwegian Fjords or a relaxing neck massage poolside, you'll feel that you're a member of a very exclusive club offering sophisticated and luxurious journey like no other. More
SeaDream offers intimate luxury yachting options. SeaDream Yacht Club is a family owned, boutique yacht company that provides a true yachting experience. Yachting on SeaDream is different from big ship cruising; On each of their mega yachts, only 55 couples are pampered by an award-winning crew of 95. Your ultimate pleasure is SeaDream’s passion. It is this attention to detail and unstructured elegance that our guests return to again and again, becoming Club Members of this very special yachting family.
SeaDream’s Yachting Itineraries With a draft of only 14.3 feet, SeaDream I and II visit the yachting playgrounds and harbors where larger cruise ships can not go. SeaDream Yacht's Overnight in Ports Unlike cruise ships that usually arrive at ports of call in the early morning and depart in the evening of the same day, SeaDream visits yachting destinations offering late evening or overnight stays in port to allow guests to experience the nightlife of such yachting playgrounds as Monte Carlo or St. Barts.
SeaDream Water Sports Marina Each yacht features a large retractable water sports Marina providing a variety of water sports activities including kayaking, a Zodiac® for water skiing, a banana boat, tubing, boarding, wave running, snorkeling, Sunfish® sailing, snorkeling, swimming, a floating island and the assistance of the yacht’s Marina staff .
The Marina also has personal watercraft (PWC). The use of "Personal Watercraft" is subject to local and national rules and regulations. In many jurisdictions, personal watercraft use is either unlawful or subject to licensing. SeaDream will continue to use them where legal and authorized by local and national regulations. More
