Veendam is part of the Holland America Line and has a $2 million art and antique collection inside
passengers looking for a point of sophistication, or an experience closer to the stereotype of cruise ships , they should go for premium cruise lines like ** Celebrity Cruises **, ** Holland America Line **, ** Princess ** or even ** Cunard **.
The first thing that differentiates a premium shipping company from a standard one is the capacity, at the same size, a premium ship carries up to 20% less passengers than a standard one r, so there is less waiting at mealtimes, it is easier to find a free lounger, there are more crew members per passenger and they are more friendly, among other small details that make a difference, such as gastronomy, whose quality is guaranteed. The atmosphere remains informal , but the passengers have a higher socioeconomic level, and the gala nights shine with more glamour.
**Celebrity Cruises** is the most innovative shipping company in this segment , with its new ships of the class solstice , acclaimed as the most beautiful in the industry by critics around the world, who have a real grass area on deck , as well as a very cool Martini Bar and many rooms in the style of the best urban hotels of the moment.
Natural grass exterior deck of the Celebrity Solstice cruise ship
** Holland America Line ** is a shipping company with a long tradition, and one of the favorites of large cruise passengers. It has two types of ships: the most modern and largest such as the Eurodam, Noordam and Nieuw Amsterdam, that respond to that modern premium line , and on the other hand the older medium-sized ships, which mainly make long routes destined for a anglo-saxon senior public who seeks above all tranquility . It is not the case of Ryndam , intended this year for routes from Barcelona that will have an international audience in addition to many Spaniards looking for a cruise without the crowds, in the most traditional style.
In Holland America Line for example we will find Egyptian cotton sheets and bathrobes , pillow menu and a complete set of bath products instead of gel dispensers like in many standard companies. Bouquets of fresh flowers decorating various corners of the barc or, silver cutlery and rosenthal tableware , Dutch tea served with a white glove and an activities program that includes conferences on culture and current affairs , in addition to a cooking classroom are other details to enjoy on board at Holland America Line.
The list of details that differentiate a premium shipping company from a standard one is long and consists mainly of small quality details, insignificant on their own, but that make the difference as a whole . Let's keep reviewing shipping companies.
Holland America Line Spa Pool
** Princess Cruises ** is a historic shipping company in the cruise industry, and its largest and most modern ships They follow the philosophy of "dinner when you want and with whom you want" , offering many dining options. It should be noted that the Spanish wholesaler that represents them offers assistance in Spanish and own excursions on various cruises in the high season months.
Finally Cunard , the shipping company of the Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria, It boasts of being the most British, and it more than fulfills it . Boats decorated with a lot of wood and dense carpets with geometric patterns, European staff and the sacred tea served with a white glove , are the perfect setting for multicultural gala nights, with passengers arriving from all over the world, not just Europeans and Americans thanks to the brand's reputation.
Cunard has maintained the class system on its ships throughout its history, thus, there are different privileges depending on the cabin category that we have reserved . Interior, exterior and balcony staterooms would be the Brittannia-class , the general, while on the other hand we would have the Princess Grill Suites and the queens grill suites . These suites have their own restaurants, rooms for exclusive use and even their own deck areas. It is because of that Cunard is considered a premium carrier at its entry level or luxury when you book select suites with butler service and a host of epicurean add-ons.
Outside deck of Celebrity Solstice with cricket pitch
In all these shipping companies children will be perfectly cared for, especially in Celebrity Cruises, the most familiar of all . On the level upper-premium Y luxury which we will deal with in the next article, children no longer fit into the type of product that we want to offer, so there are no specific entertainment programs for them, trying to discourage people from traveling with them.
Finally point out that premium cruises are not necessarily synonymous with the most expensive cruise , the adverse economic situation is lasting so long that shipping companies have adjusted prices a lot , so much so that many times lower rates can be found than those of standard shipping companies.
_* Félix González Ramilo is editor of infocruceros.com _
Cunard's Queen Elizabeth, with gala evening atmosphere