When I sailed on Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady, I knew I was stepping into something different – sleek, modern, and refreshingly grown-up. Virgin isn’t a “luxury” cruise line in the traditional sense, but it definitely belongs in the premium category, and it was my first real glimpse into what elevated cruising can look like.

Since then, I’ve made it my mission to dive deeper into the world of premium and luxury cruising – through firsthand experiences, advanced training, and upcoming travels. From MSC’s Yacht Club and Azamara’s boutique ships to studying lines like Silversea, Explora Journeys, and Regent Seven Seas, I’ve discovered that “luxury” at sea isn’t one-size-fits-all.

And what I’ve learned along the way might surprise you.

Premium Cruising: Scarlet Lady and the New Wave of Sophistication

Virgin Voyages turned cruising on its head – no buffets, no formal nights, and no kids. It’s modern, stylish, and completely focused on quality and choice.
The dining feels like a trendy restaurant in Miami, the entertainment is bold and creative, and the crew makes you feel like you belong from day one.

Sailing on Scarlet Lady taught me that “premium” doesn’t mean fancy or traditional. It’s about how a cruise makes you feel – relaxed, valued, and just a little spoiled.

Yacht Club: The Ship-Within-a-Ship Experience

Then there’s MSC’s Yacht Club, which gives mainstream cruising a serious glow-up. It’s a private enclave tucked inside a large ship – complete with its own lounge, restaurant, pool deck, and 24-hour butler service.

It’s the perfect “bridge” for travelers who enjoy the entertainment and energy of a big ship but crave the exclusivity and elevated service of a luxury one. From the moment you’re escorted onboard to the time your butler delivers breakfast to your balcony, it feels special – a taste of what full luxury cruising is like.

Azamara: The Boutique Experience

This December, I’ll be sailing on Azamara Onward, and I couldn’t be more excited. Azamara sits in that beautiful space between upper-premium and entry-level luxury. Their smaller ships visit unique ports that big ships can’t reach, and their focus on destination immersion really sets them apart.

It’s the kind of line that feels both refined and welcoming – where you can enjoy white-tablecloth dining one evening and wander through a charming European port the next morning without feeling rushed. I can’t wait to experience it firsthand and share more about it with my clients who want something elevated but not overly formal.

Luxury Cruising: Effortless and Intimate

I’ve learned that true luxury goes beyond amenities – it’s about ease.
Smaller ships, higher crew-to-guest ratios, and service that feels personal and intuitive. Think butlers who unpack your luggage, sommeliers who remember your favorite wine, and staff who greet you by name before you’ve even said hello.

Ships like Silver Nova redefine what effortless travel feels like – it’s not just a trip, it’s an experience that stays with you.

What Luxury Means to Me

My journey from sailing on Scarlet Lady to relaxing in MSC’s Yacht Club, preparing for Azamara Onward, and learning about lines like Silversea and Explora Journeys has taught me that luxury is deeply personal.
For some, it’s a glass of champagne on a private veranda. For others, it’s knowing every detail is handled before you even think to ask.

Whether you lean toward the lively sophistication of Virgin Voyages, the private indulgence of MSC’s Yacht Club, the destination focus of Azamara, or the refined serenity of Silversea – luxury is really about one thing: the freedom to relax and enjoy your experience completely.

And helping my clients find their version of that experience? That’s my favorite part of the job.
When you’re ready to explore what luxury looks like for you, let’s talk.