At a recent discussion group with some of Mundy Cruising’s most regular clients, the conversation turned, as it often does, to the benefits of ‘all inclusive’. It is interesting that in the cruise industry, all inclusive is considered to be a sign of quality, whereas elsewhere in the travel industry, all-inclusive resorts tend to be rather downmarket.

There are, of course, benefits to the all-inclusive concept, and they fall in many areas. The service levels can be enhanced because waiters and bar staff are able to anticipate the needs of guests without feeling they are hassling them – they can notice when glasses are nearing empty and be on hand to top up as necessary. From the guest’s point of view, there are two significant benefits: firstly, all-inclusive creates a highly sociable environment, where you can happily sit and join someone for a drink without worrying about whose shout it is, and big parties are easily created. At dinner, nobody is concerned about who will select the wine and pick up the tab, and in particular for single people, this is a great relief. Secondly, it is easy to maintain the illusion that you truly are guests at the house party of some super-philanthropic host, when you are not constantly having to sign chits and store pieces of paper.

But are there actually arguments against the all-inclusive concept? We all stay regularly at top quality hotels where we are perfectly happy to pay as we go – does it actively spoil our enjoyment, or are there benefits? If we look to the only top rated line which is NOT all-inclusive, that is Crystal, we can look at product enhancements they have been able to introduce as part of the ‘theatre’ of the cruise experience, enabling guests, as in other aspects of the Crystal Cruises experience, to buy into a particular aspect of the experience, or not, according to taste.

The primary argument from those who don’t drink is always that they are happier not ‘subsidising’ other peoples’ drinking habits. But for others, it is more significant that on a Crystal ship, more emphasis can be laid on good quality wines, and the theatre of other drink presentations. Not only do Crystal ships have a far more extensive and interesting wine list than their all-inclusive competition, but in addition they have an intriguing focus on the art of the ‘mixologist’ with a lavish cocktail offering which includes a fantastic martini presentation, and some wonderful drinks created especially for Crystal Cruises.

As part of its focus on high quality wine and food pairing, Crystal Cruises will once again in 2008 feature some of the world’s rarest and most prominent wines in its Ultimate Vintage Room Dinners.

On Crystal Symphony’s March 30 voyage from Beijing to Hong Kong, an intimate spring dinner for just 12 guests was created by Piero Selvaggio of the famed Valentino restaurants, who presented creative culinary specialties with 13 vintages from his coveted private wine collection, including a “Super Tuscan” 1997 Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido and a Piedmontese 1964 Barolo Riserva Granbussia Aldo Conterno. At $1250 a throw, the experience was not cheap, but it was a truly exclusive one of a kind opportunity, and one that a few of Crystal’s discerning guests found unmissable – the twelve places sold out in a matter of hours. With a menu of fresh Alaskan crab cakes, California quail and mascarpone-and-prosciutto-stuffed bucatini, Selvaggio paired Louis Roederer Cristal Rose, Brut, Reims, France 1999; Bianco “Breg” Anfora, Josko Gravne, Venezia Giulia 2001; Trebbiano D’Abruzzo, E. Valentini, Abruzzo 2001 ; Chardonnay, Ca’del Bosco, Maurizio Zanella, Lombardia 2003; Barbaresco, Angelo Gaja, Piemonte 1989; Barolo Riserva “Granbussia,” Aldo Conterno Piemonte 1989; Barolo, Giacomo Conterno, Piemonte 1964; Sassicaia, Tenuta San Guido, Bolgheri, Tuscany 1997; Brunello di Montalcino Riserva, Biondi Santi, Tuscany 1970 ; Amarone della Valpolicella, “Vigneto di Monte Lodoletta”, Romano Dal Forno, Veneto 2001; Vin Santo, “Occhio di Pernice” Avignonesi, Tuscany 1995 .

For a slightly less extravagant, albeit exclusive, dining opportunity, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony offer wine-makers dinners in their Vintage Rooms, available on every itinerary at a cost of approximately $200 per person, depending on wines selected.