Cruise lines are different. Luxury cruises involve much more than a boat ride. They are services that create unique experiences. Personal service, luxury details, and exclusivity are all part of the package.
What to expect from a luxury cruise line
The general boating market is a special treat. Disney, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, are a few of the cruise line names which cater to this market. These larger ships cater to families, or at least a wide range of ages.
Luxury and premium cruises are geared towards adults. Boats, yachts, and ships are generally smaller and offer gourmet cuisine and Michelin-starred options. Luxury cruise suites.
Some vessels are smaller and can visit places where larger commercial ships simply cannot. Some luxury ships have a crew member for each two passengers. That’s a focus on attention.
Itineraries are another difference. Luxury and premium lines may offer more detailed and longer itineraries – a lot like Luxury Train Lines – and even curated excursions as part of the packages. The best quotes from the book are listed below, in no specific order.
1. Cunard Line
Samuel Cunard founded this iconic cruise line in 1840, establishing the first transatlantic steamship service. The three Cunard ships are named after English Queens – so you’re getting the royal treatment off the bat.
The fleet includes legendary aircraft Queen Mary 2,Queen Victoria and Elizabeth. The Queen Anne is currently being constructed in Italy with the help of some of the most talented interior designers in the industry.
Cunard Grill Suites offer the ultimate in luxury. They feature floor-to-ceiling windows, a butler on hand, Champagne, chocolates, and exclusive dining options. Onboard, there are steakhouses and gastro pubs. Cunard’s fleet has a wonderful tradition of afternoon tea, which is served by waiters in white gloves.
Pamper yourself in The Mareel Spa You can purchase a multiday or single day pass. There’s a spacious thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool and relaxation area.
2. Paul Gauguin Cruises
The Paul Gauguin Line demurely places its flagship – the titular Paul Gauguin – as the background for its destination. The French Polynesian Islands are the main attraction for this luxury cruise line. You’ll enjoy gourmet food and exceptional service on board.
Tahiti and Fiji are the perfect way to explore the South Pacific. The cruise offers a wide range of activities and spa treatments, but guests can also enjoy cultural tours and Polynesian themed activities.
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The largest Regent vessel can accommodate 750 passengers. The all-inclusive cruises on these luxury cruise liners are geared towards relaxation. They feature world-class facilities for spa treatments.
The new addition to the fleet Seven Seas Grandeur In November 2023, it will join popular cruise ships such as Seven Seas Splendor or Seven Seas Explorer.
The Regent package includes flights, shore excursions and unusual activities like glass-blowing classes. They also offer additional value with what they call behind-the-scenes activities – showing you how things are done. It’s a curious travelers’ dream!
4. SeaDream Yacht Club
The luxury cruise line caters to only 112 passengers at any one time. With a crew of 95, you’ll be well looked after on board SeaDream Yacht Club.
But the experience is also different in terms of location – these smaller boats can go where larger ones can’t. This all-inclusive sailing experience includes gratuities, meals and complimentary shoreside activities.
SeaDream’s yachts can be found on Mediterranean or Caribbean cruises, depending on the season. You can go on a cycling trip, take a swim off the yacht, or even join the champagne and caviar beach party.
5. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Scenic offers a range of all-inclusive cruises on the ocean, rivers and land. The vessels are described as space-ships, to give an idea of how much space they have.
Scenic Eclipse is the flagship vessel, billing itself as the world’s first discovery yacht. This is the ultimate bucket list experience with a maximum 228 guests in 114 luxurious suites.
Another of the delightful extras on Scenic’s cruises (besides the amazing gourmet foods sourced from the destinations) is the ability to use a provided e-bike when on a shore excursion.
Alternatively, with a Freechoice trip you can choose the route that suits you best. Onboard experts will provide all the information needed to make informed decisions.
6. Emerald Cruises
Emerald Cruises is part of Scenic Group and offers luxury river cruises and yacht cruises around the world. All-inclusive includes return flights and gratuities as well delicious dining options and excursions.
The chefs will use local products to match the destinations of their guests. All amenities are available onboard, from their Star-Ships river cruises to their luxury yachts.
7. Holland America Line
This premium line has options for both elegant upmarket dining and casual dining – both are highly rated. Ships like the Oosterdam The shore excursions are well-organized and have stunning Art Deco features.
Aside from what one might expect from a top-class cruise line, there’s a telling statistic here. Most of Holland’s staff are long-term members of the crew. The crew members bring with them a wealth knowledge and experience of the ships and destinations. Their long-term service is a sign that they are happy in their jobs.
8. Seabourn Cruises
Seabourn offers only suites. The oceanfront luxury is guaranteed. There’s also a particular focus on providing ample deck space and top-class food in elegant dining rooms.
Seabourn also prides itself on the age of the fleet – this is one of the most modern, youngest fleets in the sector. The new ships are all equipped with private suite verandahs.
The cruise ships’ guest speakers include chefs, artists, scientists, and explorers.
9. Viking Ocean
This award-winning, small-ship ocean cruise line boasts a fleet of more than 70 vessels. Viking has launched new expeditions to the Arctic in 2022. They will also be launching voyages around the Great Lakes of North America and Antarctica. Now, they also offer Mississippi River cruises aboard the Viking Mississippi, the company’s first custom vessel.
Viking’s 93-day voyage from Auckland to Vancouver visits 13 countries. Few other ways are as good to visit so many places around the globe.
10. Silversea Cruises
Silversea has a unique appeal because it offers destinations that are not common, such as Russia and West Africa. There’s a good range of regular cruise destinations available, and you can also experience places off the usual track via Silversea Expeditions. As with all luxury lines, service is of the highest quality, and a loyalty programme encourages returning guests.
S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) is a new programme offered by Silversea. Sea and Land Taste (SALT) is a new programme on Silversea’s new ships. Silver Dawn vessel. This program allows guests to experience the local cuisines, cultures and traditions of their destination.
The acclaimed food writer Adam Sachs has curated the S.A.L.T. Lab The S.A.L.T. Lounge is an exclusive onboard area where guests can attend cooking workshops, learn about local cuisine, and listen to talks and presentations by local chefs. Guests will also enjoy locally inspired drinks in the S.A.L.T. Bar and delicious food in the S.A.L.T. restaurant.
By tapping into the rich culinary history found on the regions they visit, Silversea offer an exclusive and authentic experience that will leave guests feeling like they have truly explored a destination’s culture.
11. Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara’s smaller ships offer specific benefits. Shore excursions are much more personal with this cruise line.
Azamara is proud of its patents Destination Immersion program. It is a list of activities that are complimentary or included in the program. Imagine the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra for free!
Azamara has four luxury cruise ships: Azamara Travel, Azamara Quest and Azamara Pursuit. The newest addition is Azamara Onward. These intimate ships can dock at locations that large ships can’t reach.
12. Oceania Cruises
If you’re specifically into top-class food, Oceania has a focus on creating incredible culinary experiences. They have excellent food workshops, and they offer shore excursions that focus on food.
Four of the six ships also only take 684 passengers at capacity – the remaining two can hold 1250. This low-capacity policy means that there’s a specific and personal service focus once again.
Based in Miami, trips range from 10 to 195 days and include Australia, Africa and Europe.
13. Riverside Luxury Cruises
The 32 cruises offered by this new luxury river cruise company are exciting. The program of 32 different cruises is exciting. Riverside Mozart Crystal Cruises was liquidated in 2022. This is one of the largest river ships in Europe.
Riverside Cruises is proud to be able to surpass the ratio of 1 staff member to 2 passengers. That means that, for the most part, there’s one crew member for every guest.
The six-star level VIP package includes activities and excursions that are unique and activity-based. There are a variety of packages, including an all inclusive option.
Note: Are you looking for an exciting river cruise? Try a Bangkok River Cruise next time you’re in Thailand.
14. Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages will take you on the adventure of your life. Specializing in luxury adventure travel, they offer unique voyages to some of the most remote and pristine areas of the world, providing travelers with an intimate look at our planet’s natural beauty.
They are intimate ships, so you will be able to get to meet your fellow passengers and feel comfortable. World Navigator boasts a fitness studio, two hot tubs, a pool, infrared sauna, and the only L’Occitane spa at sea.
Whether you’re exploring the icebergs of Antarctica or the rainforests of Costa Rica, Atlas Ocean Voyages will take you to places you never thought possible. Atlas Ocean Voyages is committed to giving travelers an unforgettable experience. They have experienced guides, and they focus on sustainable tourism.
15. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
You’d be forgiven for not having heard of this luxurious cruise line company, which is part of the TUI Cruises group. Their main clients are German-speaking, but the cruises are offered in both languages.
MS Europa 2 has a stylish Ocean Spa and almost 900 art pieces. It is their flagship ship. The new expedition class is based on HANSEATIC inspired nature, HANSEATIC spirit and HANSEATIC inspired inspiration.
16. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
With the launch of The Ritz-Carlton Boat Collection, luxury travel has been upgraded. Ritz Carlton is known for their impeccable services and opulent accommodation. Now, they have extended their brand onto the high seas.
On board any of the three ultra-luxury cruise ships, guests can expect to experience the same level luxury and attention. Each yacht features sumptuous rooms, a world-class menu, and an array of activities onboard.
The Ritz-Carlton yacht collection is the ultimate indulgence at sea. From discovering hidden coves, to enjoying spa treatments. This is an experience like no other. Guests are treated with the attention the Ritz Carlton brand is known for while sailing around the globe to exotic locations.
17. Explora Journeys
Explora Journeys is one of the most sustainable companies in the industry. They have the best hydrogen powered ship on the planet. EXPLORA I was launched in August of 2023. More ships will be added to the EXPLORA fleet shortly.
EXPLORA II isn’t your typical cruise ship. It is a luxury ship that offers guests an exclusive and luxurious experience at sea. The 3 outdoor pools and 1 indoor one offer a variety of culinary experiences. EXPLORA I offers a unique experience with its state-of-the art facilities and unmatched service.
18. Ponant
Ponant’s fleet of thirteen small ships is one of the most impressive in the luxury expedition cruise industry. With their elegant design and state-of-the-art amenities, Ponant’s ships offer an unparalleled experience for travelers who want to explore the world in comfort and style.
Ponant offers you a journey of unforgettable experiences, taking you from the Caribbean’s crystal clear waters to the Antarctica ice landscapes. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing day at the spa or an adventurous expedition on shore, you’ll find everything you need to make your trip a memorable one.
Luxury Cruise Lines: The Last Word
The cruise lines listed below offer Michelin star-level cuisine, spacious cabins and excellent personal service. The majority of these cruises offer all-inclusive prices, a high staff-to passenger ratio and well-curated excursions.
These are great options if luxury cruising is something you’re interested in. Check out this detailed look at the Scarlet Lady Cruise Ship for more information.
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