Ocean Realm

Studies have shown that planning a vacation or even just the mere anticipation of one is just as enjoyable (or even more so) as the vacation itself. So don’t be surprised if you’ve been smiling as you’ve been surfing the net, comparing cruise lines and options. The internet has really made us smarter shoppers; especially since with the current economy, many cruise lines have had to resort to hidden charges or do without the small and significant touches that makes a cruise memorable. To help you make a smart buying decision, we’ve gathered the 5 cruise lines with whom you can only expect the best. Besides, spending money on an experience (for example, a vacation) has also been shown to be a better investment in your overall happiness than in a big-ticket item. Memories, especially good ones, are recession-proof.

Carnival Cruises’ premium brand, the Seabourn Cruise Line uses their lower than usual number of guests to maximize a feeling of freedom especially in their more diminutive ships. Their ships are designed with sophistication in mind while their amenities and facilities could easily be the best in the bunch. You can enjoy the definite country club feel, exclusivity and the latest gadgets to play with from the thinnest flatscreens to the latest Apple personal products. The fact that each guest has their own personalized stationary is an excellent touch. The cuisine choice is wide, along with the options for clothing. Unfortunately, this cruise line packs a lot of hidden charges. But Seabourn Cruise Line is definite class without the pretension.

The cabins in the Regent Seven Seas Cruises ships allow for vacationers to live large. Drinks, with their exquisite array of wines, are included; this fits in with a ship that has one restaurant run by Cordon Bleu. One can’t help feeling that the service is earnest as they discourage tipping. The in-ship entertainment may prove to be lacking with their uneven collection of fascinating speakers and tired show tunes. Yet Regent Seven Seas Cruises will still live up to expectations even with their recent sale.

The Silversea Cruise Line is for the traveler who wants to dress up for dinner and eat only food present in the best hotels. And with their precision that drives them to choose only what is premium, some restaurants one may expect are unavailable. Why do anything if it can’t be done well?Take for example, their exceptional adventures off ship as arranged by meticulous Concierge. Why choose other than the most luxurious?

With an accurate reading of their market of retirees, Crystal Cruises hits their targets with utmost precision. You can only expect the best food and entertainment with them. With a restaurant run by a renowned chef, you know that it is all worth it. With the crew members going out of their way to be friendly and considerate, it is difficult to leave without feeling like you’ve just made a lot of new friends.

With 175 guests on a ship that can carry 1500 passengers with ease, it is no doubt why The World of Residensea is an unmatched gold standard. At The World, you feel like you’re taking your home with you on your fantastic getaway, sailing to different ports and discovering new islands. No cruise line can claim this much personalization bolstered by the expertise of exceptional designers. And with only one ship to focus on, it is a different trip every single time.

Like a secret carefully guarded among the true blue luxury travellers, the Sea Dream Yacht Club is an experience to be remembered. A cruise not for those who seek the Vegas sparkle of the larger cruise lines, the breathtaking yachts in their arsenal are for the more relaxed traveler who will only deal with excellent personal service. With its transparent pricing, the Sea Dream Yacht Club is both casual and high-end, definite class without the stiffness.

As you plan your vacation, think of the hours or the days that you’ll be spending on the shop so that you can find exactly what you want. Also rely on word of mouth, on the reviews made by actual cruise-goers instead of the flashy PR used by the cruise lines. But more than anything, enjoy every minute of your travels.

Before you go on vacation, share first which cruise experience you’d like to have here and take your opinion to the world-or, better yet, around the world! If you’re a travel blogger, visit us at Qwanz for polls and content on lifestyle, entertainment, politics and everything else.