Every cruise is a special travel experience, but for those discriminating travelers or experienced cruisers who desire something 'a cut above' or a bit more deluxe, Cruise Escapes is pleased to present our 'Classic Cruise Collection'.

Classic Cruise Collection represents a class of cruise lines which cater to an upscale clientele and offer a level of service and amenities you would equate with a truly deluxe experience. Here you'll find cuisine which is gourmet, service which is professional & polished, and accommodations with fine appointments and usually much more spacious. Itineraries are usually more exotic and the smaller ships will call at more 'little known' or 'out of the way' ports. The following is a brief profile of the cruise lines in our 'Classic Cruise Collection':

Crystal Cruises In business only since 1990, Crystal quickly established itself as the leader in luxury cruising onboard traditional-sized oceanliners. The Crystal Harmony and Crystal Symphony are approximately 50,000 tons in size and accommodate only 960 guests. (As a comparison, a very nice ship with a popular cruise line of 45,000 tons carries 1200 passengers.) Special features include two alternative dining restaurants (in addition to the main dining room), standard staterooms of at least 200 sq ft, outstanding entertainment, and professional service with a warm style which has become famous! Summer itineraries usually include Alaska sailings, as well as Mediterranean & Baltic cruises in Europe. Panama Canal and South America itineraries are found on the fall/winter schedules and a full world cruise departs in January for a three month voyage. In 2003, Crystal will introduce the new Crystal Serenity, which promises to be perhaps the finest ship of its kind! Once you step up to Crystal, prepare to be spoiled; no other cruise quite compares to a 'Crystal cruise'!

Cunard Line Ltd represents the most eclectic collection of any luxury cruise line. Here you will find the famed, one-of-a-kind Queen Elizabeth II, perhaps the most famous cruise liner in service today. QE2 sails trans-Atlantic crossings during the summer/fall season and a world cruise beginning each January for about a three month voyage. The Caronia is another in the classic fleet of Cunard which sails Europe in the summer and worldwide the remainder of the year. In early 2004, Cunard will introduce the world to the fabulous Queen Mary II, or "QM2". The QM2 will be the largest and, perhaps, the most grand oceanliner ever built. At nearly 150,000 tons she will provide unparalled facilities and amenities. Watch for more details in the coming year! A very important member of the newly expanded Cunard family is Seabourn. The very top in luxury cruising, Seabourn 'invented' all-suite luxury cruises in the 1980's and early 90's. The original three Seabourn ships, the Pride, Spirit, and Legend host only 204 very fortunate guests aboard these 10,000 ton vessels. In summary, Cunard offers a wide range of luxury products to suit virtually any choice you wish.

Radisson Seven Seas A collection of very different ships and special itineraries make up Radisson Seven Seas Cruises. Their ships offer big ship amenities in a small ship venue with very personalized service and complimentary wines. The Paul Gauguin sails in Tahiti year-round on 7-night cruises. Only 320 very fortunate guests are accommodated onboard this casually elegant vessel. The unique Radisson Diamond is the only twin-hull catamaran-style cruiseship in the world. All accommodations are suites, many with private verandahs with a capacity of 350 guests. The Radisson Diamond sails unique Panama Canal itineraries from Costa Rica in the winter months and offers great European cruises in the summer. The intimate Song of Flower welcomes only 180 guests on its South Pacific or Asian itineraries in the winter. During the summer, her sailings are to the best ports of call Europe has to offer. Seven Seas Navigator is a new 490 guest ship which features stateroom accommodations of at least 301 sq ft! She sails international itineraries in the winter and will be in Alaska for the summer 2002 season. The exciting, new Seven Seas Mariner, is the first all-suite, all-balcony luxury ship in the world. At nearly 50,000 tons, with only just over 700 guests, this ship is nothing short of fabulous and in very high demand. The "Mariner" sails a variety of Panama Canal and Caribbean sailings, and will be Europe for the 2002 summer season; she'll sail in Alaska in mid-2003. Also arriving in April 2003 is the new "Voyager", as Radisson adds their second all-suite, all-balcony deluxe ship with itineraries in Europe for most of the year.

Silversea Now with three ships, Silversea sets the standard for 'all-suite' luxury cruising. The Silvercloud sails to the best ports of the world in true luxury and style. Beginning with a white-gloved greeting, Silversea lavishes you with personalized, pampering service aboard their spacious, spectacular ships. Each suite is beautifully appointed, featuring all the comforts of home: Marbled bath with full-sized tub, a walk-in closet, a cocktail cabinet stocked with your preferences, feather-down pillows, and a private teak veranda (or a five-foot panoramic window). Suites begin at 240 square feet and the ship welcomes only 296 guests. As for dining, The Restaurant is as if you have been transported to one of Europe's great dining establishments where fine dining is a wondrously engaging affair. After dinner, take in a best of Broadway show in The Show Lounge, try your luck in the elegant Casino, or enjoy the cozy atmosphere of The Club for dancing or conversation . . . whatever your pleasure, you'll find big ship choices on your more civilized luxury-sized vessel! Itineraries include the Far East, Africa, Mediterranean, Scandinavia, South Pacific, South America, and Canada/New England. Two new ships from Silversea are even more wonderful! Nearly fifty percent larger, but accommodating less than 30 percent more guests, the brand newSilver Shadow and sister ship Silver Whisper redefine the Silversea experience!

Windstar Just imagine - your own private, luxury yacht! Well, Windstar Cruises is the next best thing. At only 148 to 312 guests, the sailing vessels of Windstar, offer elegant & intimate spaces for you to relax, enjoy, or disappear! Not to be confused with 'barefoot' sailing boats, the Windstar, Windsong, Windspirit, and Windsurf are upscale sailing ships where you'll find a CD player and VCR in all staterooms; dining is open sitting with a celebration of cuisine; the bridge is always open; service is that of a world-class restaurant or resort. The wonderful ships of Windstar are found in Europe in the summer and the Caribbean & Costa Rica in the winter. Windstar also offers itineraries in Tahiti, New Zealand, the Far East, and the yachtman's Bahamas. Regardless of age or interest, Cruise Escapes has never had anyone less than thrilled with their Windstar cruise!

back to top