Cruise lines, the class society continues?

I was reminded of a conversation I had on the plane to Barbados the other day, with a fellow passenger about cruises and what we thought of the service. The lady in question was not happy at the perceived first and second class service on Cunard and said that she did not want to travel with them because it would make her feel uncomfortable!

Well, to be honest Cunard are not the only cruise line which is offering 'Luxury Suites' like the Grills in what may be seen in same places as elitism.

What about the Yacht Club on MSC?

These suites, Standard and Deluxe Yacht Club suites range from 223 to 316 square feet, and the Royal Suite ranges from 417 – 439 square feet. All feature bedroom and sitting areas, bathrooms with tubs, and in-cabin Wii consoles. Most, but not all, have private balconies.

The Yacht Club suites and exclusive areas occupy prime top-deck position on the bow of the ship. Exclusive to Yacht Club passengers are the Top Sail lounge and eatery and a separate area in the ship's main restaurant, bar, and private pool and whirlpool areas. Yacht Club passengers also have access to butler and concierge services.

Or even Courtyard Villas on NCL?

In Norwegian Epic's Courtyard complex, passengers have the choice of a courtyard villa (sleeps six, 506 square feet), a courtyard penthouse (sleeps two, 322 square feet) or an owner's suite (sleeps four, 852 square feet), all the Villa's have private balconies.

Passengers have exclusive use of a private pool, two whirlpools, saunas, a sunning area, a fitness facility, private indoor/outdoor dining, a bar and a concierge lounge. Each suite comes with butler service, as well.

Now, these are not the only lines which offer additional services for some categories of cabins, and we are not talking of the luxury lines.
 
But Cunard is perhaps the most well known of the '2 class ships' and seems to get some negative comments about elitism, whereas few people seem to comment about the other lines. Come on be fair, is just because its Cunard - I think so.



However, these suites are still very popular, I'm not too sure that is just because these passengers don't want to mingle with the hoi polloi over steak and lobster!