By Victor Block
Strolling indoors after enjoying the magnificent view from the teak wood veranda, Betty Bishop took a relaxing soak in the Italian-marbled bathroom while her husband, Don, made meal arrangements with their butler. After considering the inviting alternatives, Don asked him to make a dinner reservation at an elegant white-glove-service French restaurant and plan for breakfast the following morning to be served on their private balcony.
This might not sound like a typical night in most homes, and in fact it didn't unfold at any residence. This taste of opulence occurred aboard a Silversea Cruises ship crossing the Atlantic Ocean en route to one of more than 900 destinations to which that company's fleet sails.
Silversea is just one of several passenger cruise lines that offer the ultimate in lavish accommodations, memorable meals and other top-drawer amenities to those interested in enjoying them — and willing and able to pay for them. Similar upscale travel experiences are available on land and in the air.
Silversea's vessels range in size up to 364 suites, which is large enough to offer the variety of selections found on massive megaships combined with the intimacy of smaller boats. That's among reasons why the company has been honored with the title of "Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line" four of the past several years. Such sumptuousness comes at a price, of course. While fares can change, a recent scan of those charged by Silversea ranged from $4,000 to a budget-busting $15,000-plus.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been a leader in upscale ocean voyages for more than 30 years and works hard to live up to its claim that it operates "The World's Most Luxurious Fleet." Exemplifying this boast is the Regent Suite on the Seven Seas Splendor, a more than 3,000-square-foot palacelike setting with an en-suite spa containing a personal sauna and steam room, an expansive wraparound veranda and a glass-enclosed solarium.
The Regent Seven Seas' activity list ranges from bocce and paddle tennis to practice golf and state-of-the-art culinary kitchens. The line's private suite balconies are among the largest at sea, and extras such as complimentary shore excursions and round-trip business-class airfares from the United States and Canada to embarkation ports add to the experience.
Those who prefer to travel by air also have a choice of alternatives that are far beyond what the Wright brothers could have envisioned. Little could they have dreamed of a three-room cabin, dubbed "penthouse in the sky," that has a double bed and private bathroom with a shower and plush bathrobes.
Other perks for this New York to Abu Dhabi flight offered by Etihad Airways include preflight arrangements made by a VIP concierge, services of a private butler in the air and gourmet chef-prepared meals.
Another alternative for those with deep pockets is the private jet journeys offered by Abercrombie & Kent, which boasts of being "the world's premier luxury travel company." While these tours aren't truly private, the number of guests is limited and the perks are top-of-the-line in every respect. A cross-continent African journey sets participants back about $169,500 per person, while an around-the-world jaunt lasting 24 days goes for between $165,000 and $225,000.
Travelers interested in observing heritage sites, palaces and forts throughout India from ground level might pay close to $26,800 to do so aboard the Maharajas' Express, which has repeatedly been named "World's Leading Luxury Train." Two lavishly decorated restaurants serve epicurean meals with gold- or silver-plated cutlery and hand-cut crystal glasses. Larger cabins have a spacious living room and roll-top baths.
If you prefer a paved road rather than a railroad, a high-end dream car might be more to your liking. Spiffy exotic vehicles including Maserati, Porsche and Lamborghini models are available from Turo, a car-sharing marketplace. It operates in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. One recent rental listing offered a Maserati for between $69 and $302 a day.
Staying put rather than moving takes top billing at the Fairmont San Francisco hotel's selection of special rooms. Among suite accommodations are the Golden Gate, which offers spectacular views of the city's signature sites, and Buckingham Balcony that replicates an English country manor.
Kings and presidents have opted for the penthouse suite, a sprawling 6,000-square-foot setting outfitted with custom furnishings, hand-carved woods and original artworks. There are three expansive bedrooms, a library with a two-story-high domed ceiling and a billiard room. This splendid space is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
While afternoon tea has been a tradition at the Fairmont San Francisco since its opening in 1907, that custom is challenged by the Ultimate Afternoon Tea Experience served at the Baccarat Hotel New York. Among specialties included during that elegant occasion are caviar, lobster, truffles and Kobe beef accompanied by champagne. Adding to the elegance are Baccarat crystal three-tier serving pieces and the glamorous setting of the Grand Salon. Price: $3,000.
WHEN YOU GO
silversea.com
rssc.com
etihad.com
abercrombiekent.com
the-maharajas.com
turo.com
fairmont.com/sanfrancisco
baccarathotels.com
Victor Block is a freelance writer. To read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.
Afternoon tea at the Baccarat Hotel New York might include champagne and crystal serving pieces. Photo courtesy of Baccarat Hotel New York.
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