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Worldwide msc international, msc cruises usa launches msc academy, a new, interactive education course hosted on travel agent university.

MSC Cruises USA — the North American arm of MSC Cruises, the Swiss-based world’s largest privately-owned cruise line and brand market leader in Europe, South America and South Africa — today announced the launch of MSC Academy, its new travel agent learning program on the premier e-learning platform, Travel Agent University (TAU). Designed to help trade partners learn about MSC Cruises – and more importantly how to sell MSC Cruises to their clients – MSC Academy will consist of multiple courses, quizzes and checkpoints detailing MSC Cruises’ history, fleet and onboard experiences.

“As MSC Cruises strategically expands its presence in North America, our goal is to work with every travel agent in the region for our mutual success,” said Roberto Fusaro, president of MSC Cruises USA. “MSC Academy will allow us to educate all travel agents on our product and teach them how to effectively sell us, while also demonstrating how travel agents who do business with us can significantly increase their earning potential.”

• $50 bonus commission on first new FIT booking
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MSC Cruises Launches Travel Agent Learning Platform

MSC Cruises USA’s new travel agent learning program, MSC Academy , is now live on Travel Agent University.

MSC Academy is designed to help travel agents familiarize themselves with MSC’s growing fleet and learn how to best market MSC to their clients. The program will offer multiple courses, quizzes and checkpoints.

“Our goal is to work with every travel agent in the region for our mutual success,” said president of MSC Cruises USA Roberto Fusaro.

The program will offer videos, voiceovers and an audio pronunciation guide to give agents insight into MSC’s brand history, sailing destinations, the MSC Voyagers Club, onboard experiences and more. The academy will also offer a forum for all travel agents to pool notes and resources, creating an area to share knowledge with others in the industry.

MSC offers travel agents commissions on pre-booked and pre-paid ancillary items such as shore excursions, beverage packages, specialty dining and spa treatments, as well as the cruises themselves, Fusaro noted—and it is kicking off the program with some extra incentives.

Any agents that complete the course will get $50 in bonus commission on their first new FIT booking, $100 bonus commission on the first new FIT MSC Yacht Club booking, and double MSC Reward points for all new FIT bookings through the end of 2017as well as access to MSC fam rates, an invitation to a one-night inaugural celebration aboard MSC Seaside in December, and more. A Central Dashboard Agents will track the rewards, including gift cards, bonus commissions, fam trips and monthly giveaways.

Agents who register by the end of May also will be entered to win a complimentary seven-night Caribbean cruise.

The program can be accessed through the Travel Agent University management system here , 24 hours a day, seven days a week.  

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MSC and Travel Agents?

By jkgourmet , June 5, 2019 in MSC Cruises

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We cruised on the Divina several years ago and enjoyed ourselves.  My husband heard an advertisement with some excellent sales prices that included alcohol for the Caribbean.  So I contacted our regular BIG online TA, who says they do not book MSC.

Then I looked at the online site for the big box store.  Their cruise department does not list MSC either.  Then I looked at another large TA site, and it does not list MSC either.

Has MSC stopped participating with agents? 

(We are US Based)

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MSC  does  work  with agents.

8 minutes ago, Ljoy said: MSC  does  work  with agents.

Thanks.  I just found one of the big online agencies that still does. 

BermudaBound2014

MSC will work with agents, but several of the US agencies refuse to work with MSC. MSC has more than the norm issues with lack of consistent policies, long wait times on the phone, low customer service rankings, a website that operates below industry standards (and that bar is low), etc.. All things which make dealing with MSC less profitable as a time investment is often required.

Obviously there are still US based agencies that will work with MSC and, as you discovered, it just takes a bit of digging. I like the MSC product as long as it is priced appropriately, but US consumers would be wise to know what they are getting. 

This isn't a slam on MSC, just the facts which are something to be aware of. 

I'm from north America :).

5 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said: MSC will work with agents, but several of the US agencies refuse to work with MSC. MSC has more than the norm issues with lack of consistent policies, long wait times on the phone, low customer service rankings, a website that operates below industry standards (and that bar is low), etc.. All things which make dealing with MSC less profitable as a time investment is often required.   Obviously there are still US based agencies that will work with MSC and, as you discovered, it just takes a bit of digging. I like the MSC product as long as it is priced appropriately, but US consumers would be wise to know what they are getting.    This isn't a slam on MSC, just the facts which are something to be aware of.    I'm from north America :).

thanks for the explanation.  Mind sharing what more detail about what I highlighted above?  (As I said, it's been 5-6 years since we did the Divina.)

Nothing more than you read in the reviews on a daily basis. You've sailed Divina so you have a very good handle on things. The most typical complaints seem to center around MSC's inability to resolve conflict, inconsistent policies, lack of customer service, and some from NA seem to think it's too "european".

Personally, I enjoy MSC very much and had two good experiences. I would sail on them again as long as they are priced less than the nearest competition.  All dollars being equal, MSC would not be my choice. I consider MSC's best asset is it's value. 

Happy Cruiser 6143

My TA has booked me with MSC twice and says I'm on my own after this.  She says they are an absolute nightmare to deal with and the amount of time it takes is unreal.  I imagine other agents feel the same way.

Our 4th MSC cruise coming up.  We've always booked through a specific agent.  She has said repeatedly that they are the WORSE line to deal with.  Long phone wait, inconsistent information, etc. 

Sancho_proudfoot

Even over this side of the pond in the UK, our cruise-specialist TA told me she would have to call me back once she "eventually" got things sorted with MSC.

My very large on line agency does book MSC.

My travel agent has told me at the time of our first MSC cruise that there can be problems dealing with MSC ahead of time, but the on board experience is top notched.

He was right and we have been repeat customers of the line.

Of course, we seem to the somewhere rare US cruiser who understand there is a whole world outside Nowhere, USA with different customs, languages, and food.

3 hours ago, Homosassa said: Of course, we seem to the somewhere rare US cruiser who understand there is a whole world outside Nowhere, USA with different customs, languages, and food.

You can't seriously believe that the primary reason  US travel agencies refuse to sell MSC has to do with NA client expectations?  I honestly don't know of any other cruise line that TA's refuse to work with. 

I certainly can't speak for all TA's but I can speak for my favorite (who refuses to sell anymore MSC even if she loses commission): Her rational revolves around  excessive wait times, inconsistent information, and a high frustration levels trying to resolve issues. I believe the final straw for her was the issue when her client got the "compromised passport documentation' letter.  

In addition, MSC's the only cruise line I am aware of with a F rating at the BBB which should cause pause to even the most loyal fan. 

Please understand, I'm not a MSC hater. At the right price point, it's a lovely option.  But I'm not one to turn a blind eye to some of the potential pitfalls.

40 minutes ago, BermudaBound2014 said:   You can't seriously believe that the primary reason  US travel agencies refuse to sell MSC has to do with NA client expectations?  I honestly don't know of any other cruise line that TA's refuse to work with.     

Nowhere in my post did I say this.

I just said that we might be happy as MSC cruisers because we know that customs, languages, and food can be different than in the USA.

17 minutes ago, Homosassa said: Nowhere in my post did I say this.   I just said that we might be happy as MSC cruisers because we know that customs, languages, and food can be different than in the USA.

In that case, please accept my apologies for misreading. 

GOLDENBONNY

16 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said:   You can't seriously believe that the primary reason  US travel agencies refuse to sell MSC has to do with NA client expectations?  I honestly don't know of any other cruise line that TA's refuse to work with.    I certainly can't speak for all TA's but I can speak for my favorite (who refuses to sell anymore MSC even if she loses commission): Her rational revolves around  excessive wait times, inconsistent information, and a high frustration levels trying to resolve issues. I believe the final straw for her was the issue when her client got the "compromised passport documentation' letter.     In addition, MSC's the only cruise line I am aware of with a F rating at the BBB which should cause pause to even the most loyal fan.    Please understand, I'm not a MSC hater. At the right price point, it's a lovely option.  But I'm not one to turn a blind eye to some of the potential pitfalls.

I would love to know about F rating with BBB . Plus I work with huge USA agency and they have no problem to book MSC .

Linda the Book Lover

Our travel agent had no issue booking our last cruise with MSC except for long phone wait times. Being a professional she did not gripe about it just stated she would call me back when she reached them rather than my holding online. We had a great cruise and plan to book another one with MSC.

I did look at BBB and saw many complaints which were resolved and not shared online. It could be anything and may not be a large issue. Some people use BBB as a resource for issues that they may handle on their own but prefer having a larger known entity take care of it for them.

There are agents who will assist you both online and in person. No, I am not a travel agent nor have I wanted to be one. 

1 hour ago, Linda the Book Lover said: Our travel agent had no issue booking our last cruise with MSC except for long phone wait times. Being a professional she did not gripe about it just stated she would call me back when she reached them rather than my holding online. We had a great cruise and plan to book another one with MSC.   I did look at BBB and saw many complaints which were resolved and not shared online. It could be anything and may not be a large issue. Some people use BBB as a resource for issues that they may handle on their own but prefer having a larger known entity take care of it for them.   There are agents who will assist you both online and in person. No, I am not a travel agent nor have I wanted to be one. 

OMG I just had a pleasure to read those complaints. LOL it's amazing how many idiots on Earth.  😅

5 hours ago, GOLDENBONNY said: OMG I just had a pleasure to read those complaints. LOL it's amazing how many idiots on Earth.  😅

I started reading the BBB reports months ago and can say without a doubt that all the mainstream cruise lines get similar complaints. I also agree that they are quite comical to read.

However; that begs the question I am left pondering: "Why is it that MSC is the only cruise line with a failing BBB rating?"   Certainly they don't have more idiots sailing with them than the other lines! 

Carnival = A+

PRincess = A

Celebrity = A-

Oceana = A-

Holland = C

While BBB ratings probably mean very little to the average cruiser, my understanding is that a BBB rating is based on how a company is willing to resolve issues.  If so, it's relevant information to share with cruisers.

To tie the BBB discussion back to the tenets of this particular thread: If MSC is the only cruise line with a failing BBB rating and they are also are (or appear to be) the only cruise line that some travel agents refuse to sell, what relationship exists between the two variables~ Correlation or Causal?  

No harm intended to those who remain loyal to MSC, but I would hope other cruise enthusiasts also find the discussion interesting at the very least. 

As with sports cars, thoroughbreds, and opera, Italy has a cruise line that combines extreme enjoyment with disappointment. Fortunately, our Orlando-based TA has the intestinal fortitude to obtain our requested cabins and provide advance notice of MSC product changes such as the offerings on the repeatedly-delayed opening of Ocean Cay.

I wrote an earlier post called MSC Comedy of Errors, which you can search for here or Google, that details many of the frustrating experiences I went through in dealing with MSC customer service.  I can't tell you how many calls I had to make or how much time I spent on the phone trying to resolve many, many issues. Granted, I'm not a travel agent and this was a direct booking.  But I am an experienced cruiser, and I found the whole experience very, very time consuming and frustrating. I can certainly understand why a travel agent wouldn't want to deal with this sort of thing.  The compensation may not make up for the time spent sorting things out in some instances.

      10 hours ago, BermudaBound2014 said: No harm intended to those who remain loyal to MSC, but I would hope other cruise enthusiasts also find the discussion interesting at the very least.   

I find discussions on the boards filled with information and also sometimes not. I take all I read with a grain of salt and make up my own mind. Over the years I have found that no one cruise line has earned my total loyalty per se but I sail a ship for the itinerary or something I wish to try out on a certain trip. I do know initially there were many complaints about MSC, and I remind myself that they are based primarily in Europe and recently branching out. No worries and certainly no harm is done when one expresses their own opinion. 

1 hour ago, Fogfog said: Under which BBB is this found?   Any updates on Ocean Cay? I did some sleuthing recently and found he history of this man made island (formerly a mining operation) fascinating  

Better Business Report profiles are found under the location that the company is headquartered in the United States. I thought that the BBB was a United States watchdog organization and as far as I know, they only have one primary location for each company.

A general search including "_____ cruises BBB report" will take you to the placeholder for each line. 

RCL = A+ (Miami)

NCL = A + (Miami)

Carnival = A+ (Miami)

Costa = A (Hollywood, Fl)

Princess = A (Los Angeles)

Celebrity = A- (Miami)

Oceana = A- (Miami)

Holland = C  (Seattle)

MCS = F (Fort Lauderdale)

Certainly the BBB shouldn't be the only factor in deciding which cruise line to sail.  I find it interesting that MSC is in the bottom of the pack. Even Costa has managed an "A" rating. 

1 minute ago, BermudaBound2014 said:   Better Business Report profiles are found under the location that the company is headquartered in the United States. I thought that the BBB was a United States watchdog organization and as far as I know, they only have one primary location for each company.   A general search including "_____ cruises BBB report" will take you to the placeholder for each line.    RCL = A+ (Miami) NCL = A + (Miami) Carnival = A+ (Miami) Costa = A (Hollywood, Fl) Princess = A (Los Angeles) Celebrity = A- (Miami) Oceana = A- (Miami) Holland = C  (Seattle) MCS = F (Fort Lauderdale)   Certainly the BBB shouldn't be the only factor in deciding which cruise line to sail.   

Aren't cruise lines are flagged outside US... ?

Not certain what maritime laws provide nor do I claim to understand the  contract of carriage etc. It would never occur to me to complain to the BBB about a cruise issue

I highly doubt the A+ ratings as much as I doubt the F,  Spent too much time here on CC !

18 minutes ago, Fogfog said: Aren't cruise lines are flagged outside US... ? Not certain what maritime laws provide nor do I claim to understand the  contract of carriage etc. It would never occur to me to complain to the BBB about a cruise issue I highly doubt the A+ ratings as much as I doubt the F,  Spent too much time here on CC !  

Mainstream cruise lines are all flagged outside the US, but they each have a US addressed headquarter. I'm by no means an expert on the BBB, but remember, the ratings aren't based solely on consumer reviews.  

From the BBB..... "The grades represent BBB’s degree of confidence that the business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make a good faith effort to resolve any customer concerns filed with the BBB." So in this case, an A+ does not mean that RCL is the best cruise line, it just means that the BBB believes the company holds high integrity and will work to resolve customer complaints. I suspect MSC's failure rating is related to unwillingness to resolve customer conflicts (which we read about here rather frequently).

I am more intrigued in understanding WHY MSC is the only line with a failure rating. A comparison among peers. I thought perhaps it was because they were "Italian", but the Costa data throws that theory to the wind. 

BBB ratings represent the BBB's opinion of how the business is likely to interact with its customers. The BBB rating is based on information BBB is able to obtain about the business, including complaints received from the public. ... BBB assigns ratings from A+ (highest) to F (lowest).

The organization says that trustworthy companies can become BBB "accredited," which can cost anywhere from hundreds to more than $10,000 in membership fees each year. ... While many people view the BBB as a consumer watchdog or even a government agency, the BBB itself says this is a misconception.

https://money.cnn.com/2015/09/30/news/better-business-bureau/index.html Tells another story with no date about BBB, dated September 2015. I am not a fan of CNN but I found the article interesting.

BBB Accreditation Cost: Each BBB has its own fee structure for businesses in their area. Those fees range from a few hundred dollars per year to thousands of dollars depending on the number of locations and employees a business has. Mar 22, 2019

To get an A+ rating, you need to get 97 points or more. The grade you ge t  from the BBB represents the BBB's degree of confidence that your business is operating in a trustworthy manner and will make a good faith effort to resolve any customer complaints. Nov 1, 2018

The BBB rating is based on information BBB is able to obtain about the business, including complaints received from the public. ... BBB assigns ratings from A+ (highest) to F (lowest).

If you're dissatisfied with a business transaction, whether the company is accredited with the Better Business Bureau (BBB) or not, you can file a complaint through your local BBB. ... But if that fails, the BBB promises to do its best to help both sides come to a quick and fair resolution.

The BBB helps many solve issues they felt they could not resolve on their own. They have also been helpful in putting out information to warn consumers about scams. I do not deny I have read various stories about what has happened to them when sailing MSC. I have also read stories speaking of highlights and great service. I feel MSC has tried to achieve a better experience by changing many of the things in the American market that Americans prefer when sailing.

MSC gets an A rating when it comes to cruise price. 

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Fly & Cruise

From sky to sea: cruise and flight packages.

Flights, transfers  and  cruise  included  in one unique package.  Designed to provide you with a seamless and stress-free travel experience, Fly Cruises remove the hassle of multiple bookings and planning, offering an effortless, all-in-one solution. From easy booking to perfect flight schedule, transfers included and expert travel assistance, we are committed to ensuring that your cruise holiday starts and ends on the right note.

Combining flights and transfers  with your cruise is extremely smooth. When making your booking, simply select the cruise itinerary that suits you best and choose the Fly&Cruise fare. Additionally, you can pick the airport that is most convenient for you. Before the payment is completed, you will have access to all the flight information, including the option to upgrade your class if it is available. Draw inspiration from the finest destinations that are easily within reach and book your Fly & Cruise holidays in 2024 or 2025!

Please refer to the  FAQ  for additional information.

Why should you choose the Fly & Cruise package?

Fly & cruise guarantees effortless organization and hassle-free travel.

Leave the organization to MSC Cruises! With our Flight and Cruise packages, we handle all the arrangements , guaranteeing a seamless holiday planning for you. Even if you should experience delays or encounter any problems during your journey, MSC Cruises will be there to support you , ensuring you reach the ship without any inconvenience.  Our dedicated telephone helpdesk is available anytime  from three hours before your flight to provide complete assistance .

Fly & Cruise offers personalized flight options tailored to your needs

Maximize your time with our Fly Cruise packages. While booking your cruise, we will help you find the best flight schedule that aligns with your cruise embarkation and disembarkation. Say goodbye to wasted hours searching for flight options and waiting for it at the airport - we have got it covered!

Flight Excellence for unbeatable value

Experience exceptional value for your money with our Fly & Cruise Package. Enjoy the convenience and quality of our trusted airline partners , ensuring a comfortable and memorable flight experience. We prioritize your comfort and satisfaction, from takeoff to landing. You can also treat yourself to Premium, Business, or First-Class upgrade. 

Seamless transfers for stress-free travel

Leave the airport navigation to us. All Fly & Cruise Packages includes transfers from the airport directly to the ship, and vice versa. Enjoy peace of mind as MSC Cruises handle all the organization, allowing you to fully embrace and enjoy your cruise holiday.

Luggage peace of mind

With MSC Fly & Cruise your luggage is well cared for. In the rare event of a mishap during air travel, our dedicated team will swiftly recover your belongings . We work closely with airport Lost & Found offices to ensure your luggage is promptly delivered to your cabin , so you can focus on enjoying your holiday and making memories.

FLY & CRUISE FAQ

What is included in the fly and cruise package.

• Direct flights to and from your embarkation port
• Comfortable transfers from the airport to the ship and back again 
• Checked luggage and luggage recovery 
• Assistance at airports
• Airport taxes
• Rearrangement of your travel in case of flight delay

What are Fly Cruises?

How can i book a fly cruise.

You can simply book your Fly&Cruise package directly on MSC Cruises website. During your cruise booking you can add a convenient flight for a safe and guaranteed boarding on the cruise. We will offer a list of best flight schedules that aligns with the cruise embarkation and disembarkation.

What happens to the luggage with Fly & Cruise?

The luggage follows the same flow as on a usual flight. In case of delays or losses, our  dedicated staff will support you to ensure a smooth trip.

What happens if the flight company loses my luggage?

What is the luggage allowance.

It differs according to the destination, flying companies and the type of flight classes selected. 

What if the flight is delayed or the departure time changes?

Will i receive assistance at the airport, where do i find my flight details, where should i do the online flight check-in, thank you for visiting msc cruises.

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Thank you for visiting our site and we look forward to seeing you on board soon!

MSC Cruises

I've been on 2 ultra-luxury cruise ships — endless caviar and free flights make the $685 per day worth it

• The cruise industry's  new ultra-luxury ships  could be worth the expensive fares.
• Wealthy cruisers get high-end amenities like complimentary flights, caviar, and wine.
• Luxury small-ship cruising has becoming increasingly popular. 

Say goodbye to questionable lunch buffets and tiny, windowless cabins. On ultra-luxury cruises , travelers get mountains of caviar, roundtrip business-class flights, and floating Rolex stores.

When you think of a cruise, you might picture the giant ships run by companies like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. On these family-friendly floating resorts, activities like go-kart tracks, waterparks, and virtual reality arcades are commonplace.

On smaller, more expensive cruises, these large and loud amenities are replaced with peace, quiet, and foie gras.

Cruises are generally considered an affordable vacation option, with necessities like food and a cabin included in the base fare.

However, many mass-market cruise companies are increasingly following the budget airline model : Charge a cheap fare and pile up plenty of irresistible pay-to-play amenities.

Travelers could easily accidentally blow past their budget by the end of the vacation.

But guests luxuriate on high-end cruises, many of which are all-inclusive and don't have this problem.

Sure, luxury cruises have a higher base fare. But you'll never have to reach for your wallet once on board.

That's about as stress-free as you can get with a vacation.

"I'd rather have a few empty beds and get the right guests at the right price," Michael Ungerer, CEO of MSC Group's new luxury cruise line , Explora Journeys, told Business Insider in 2023. "Most of [the amenities] are already included, so we don't have to upsell."

After going on two luxury cruise ships, I now understand why so many wealthy travelers are splurging on these vacations at sea.

In 2023, I spent one night on Explora Journeys' Explora I while it was docked in New York and three nights on Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Grandeur while it sailed roundtrip from Miami. Both were complimentary non-revenue events for travel agents and media.

Seven Seas Grandeur's least expensive 2024 cruise is a seven-night roundtrip Miami voyage in December, starting at $4,800 per person — about $685 per day. (Travelers can book their own flights and pre-cruise hotels for a discounted fare.)

Meanwhile, Explora I's most affordable itinerary is a $3,030-per-person, 10-night November sailing from Barcelona to Bridgetown, Barbados.

Expensive? Yes. But on a cruise, money buys happiness.

On both ships, the fare includes complimentary bottles of Champagne, WiFi, endless alcoholic beverages, and access to the spa.

With Regent Seven Seas, pre-cruise hotels, every on board restaurant, flights to and from the ship (business class if international), and most excursions are also included.

Ironically, a higher price means a smaller ship.

The 922-guest Explora I stands at 813 feet and 63,900 gross-tons. The 746-guest Seven Seas Grandeur is smaller at 735 feet-long and 55,000 gross-tons.

To compare, Royal Caribbean's most popular and the world's largest cruise ship, the 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas , is a casual 1,196 feet long and 248,663 gross tons.

We’ll likely never see Icon of the Seas’ waterslides and theme park amenities across Regent Seven Seas' or Explora’s fleet.

But small ships have two big benefits: exclusivity and the ability to fit in more desirable ports.

The Grandeur is scheduled to sail to destinations like Oranjestad, Aruba, and Castries, Saint Lucia, while Explora I is planned for Hawaii and Casablanca, Morocco.

Icon of the Seas is exclusively sailing in the Caribbean this year.

Luxury ships still have some traditional amenities like pools, restaurants, and bars — just with an upscale flair, of course.

Instead of arcades, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have cigar lounges.

Instead of a kid's playground, the latter has a quiet library.

Even the drinking water is better: No need to travel to Erewhon to sip on crystal-infused water. Just head to Explora I's spa instead.

The devil (quiet references to quiet luxury) is in the ships’ details.

Explora I has the first Rolex store at sea. The Cartier boutique is right next door.

Up a few decks, travelers can workout at the Technogym Artis Line-supplied gym, where a treadmill costs $20,250 and an elliptical $15,500.

Meanwhile, Seven Seas Grandeur is decorated with 503 chandeliers and a $6 million art collection that includes several original Pablo Picasso pieces and a custom Fabergé egg.

As expected, the food on these luxury ships are comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Both floating five-star resorts have lunch buffets of raw seafood, lobster tails, and crab legs.

For dinner on the Explora I, travelers can dine on the six restaurants' wagyu tataki, grilled octopus, and aged prime rib with potatoes and caviar.

The Seven Seas Grandeur's five restaurants all serve some form of black truffle, sturgeon caviar, or foie gras.

For a 10-night cruise, Regent Seven Seas says its new ship carries 1,200 pounds of lobster, 20 pounds of caviar, and 5,000 bottles of wine — the most pricey at $2,500.

Expensive food means expensive service: Like many high-end on-land restaurants, the hostess always offered me a black napkin when I wore dark pants.

Dinners of steak tartare, lobster, and wine were as commonplace as the scrambled eggs at the breakfast buffet.

And, they're free, according to the laws of " girl math ."

By the end of my second night on the Regent Seven Seas ship, "I'm tired of eating caviar" went from being a joke to a serious statement.

If we're stereotyping, cruise ship bars can be less-than-luxe.

But don't call Explora I's Lobby Bar, which looks like it came out of an actual hotel bar, "trashy." After all, its background music comes from the overhead Steinway piano.

Starbucks outposts are becoming increasingly popular on mass-market ships.

But wealthy cruisers don't get to wake up with green siren-decorated cups of caffeine.

Instead, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have their own coffee shops serving delectable espresso-based drinks and a separate afternoon tea service.

Like the lack of mediocre coffee, travelers on these fine ships will never be stuck in a tiny windowless interior cabin.

The smallest stateroom on the 461-cabin Explora I starts at 377 square-feet and flexes high-end amenities like a Dyson hairdryer.

The 373 cabins on the Seven Seas Grandeur start a bit smaller at 307 square-feet. At least it comes with L'Occitane en Provence products.

Both options have walk-in closets, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies. That's unheard of in the cheapest cabin on most mega-ships.

But one of the most pleasant differences between ultra-luxury and mid-tier cruises isn't in the amenities or dining.

It's the general ambiance.

Ultra-luxury ships aren't designed for cruising families with young children . The two ships didn't have cartoonish decor, loud lounges, or an unbearable number of children that could've kicked my fight-or-flight response.

Instead, the high-end vessels' common spaces were modern, mature, and relaxing.

If it seems like everyone you know has recently booked a cruise, you’d be correct.

Popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival have recently seen off-the-charts bookings.

The same applies to the industry's more niche and expensive peers — especially as travelers have increasingly splurged on luxurious vacations like small-ship cruising.

In February, Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Regent's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , said demand for its luxury brands has been "very high."

After eating caviar and black truffles for every dinner on the Grandeur, I now understand why.

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