Luxury, like beauty, is in the eye of the beholder, and while cruise vacations are inherently luxurious, some are more luxurious than others. To an increasing degree, luxury is available from the major cruise lines who also cater to the hoi polloi. They are stratifying their ships with exclusive tiers, like private sun decks and V.I.P. pools, and offering shipboard services and shore excursions for those who prefer not to share and are willing to pay.

For instance, Cunard, which operates the Queen Mary 2, is taking the class divisions further. The ship’s top dining rooms are already reserved for guests in the so-called Queens and Princess Grill Suites. For its latest vessel, the Queen Victoria, guests staying in those top suites will get their own elevator to take them to dinner, so they won’t have to rub elbows with the underclasses.

For ships where the underclasses aren't admitted, unless they have the resources, several specialists provide an experience that stands up to any definition of luxury. Usually operating midsize or small ships, lines such as Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea and others provide an experience where the central theme is luxury.

Luxury cruises, catering to a sophisticated traveler, also strive to create itineraries that appeal to people who have already been there but are looking for new insights. On board, personal service standards contribute to a vacation that is truly a relaxing escape from the rigors of everyday life. The food is gourmet, the spa is exquisite, and all the details of travel are taken care of unobtrusively.