Large Ship Line #: P& O Cruises
The United Kingdoms premier cruise lineand the worlds oldest, having commenced passenger operations in 1837P& O sails Europe, North America, and the Caribbean with a crowd made up primarily of British nationals. As such, prepare for the ships amenities to have a British bent . Three of the fleets five current ships fall into the large category, while its two upcoming ships, MS Iona and her as-of-yet unnamed sister, will be mega-ships.
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Best Luxury Cruise Lines Ranked
We all need to relax and take a cruise once in a while, but these ultra-high-end trips are extremely luxurious and incredibly expensive.
When it comes down to picking a holiday destination, we never really know where to turn. There are so many options out there, so many incredible places to visit, so many beautiful hotels and rooms to stay at… and, because there’s so much choice, we inevitably get stuck and end up taking the same old trips we’ve been taking for the past few years.
This is where cruise lines can really be a game-changer. If you pay enough money, you might just get the vacation of a lifetime. Everything from personal butlers to the finest meals in the comfort of luxurious room while you sail along unknown seas and make a few stops in stunning placesall of this is only a cruise line away. Just in case you’ve been looking for the ideal luxury vacation, here are the ten best cruise lines you can pick and choose from!
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Best Yacht Cruise: Seadream Yacht Club
SeaDream Yacht Club
For a yachting experience, SeaDream Yacht Club operates two ships carrying from 94 to 112 guests to the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Transatlantic crossings plus dedicated wine-themed voyages. In addition, a third yacht, the Seadream Innovation, is planned to complete in 2021 with three marinas and wave runners, sailboats, and kayaks. Suites feature gorgeous wood furnishings, soaking tubs, living and dining areas, flat screen televisions, and 24-hour room service. For active adults, theres a golf simulator, mountain bikes , water skiing, and snorkel gear. Enjoy a movie under the stars or relax in the Balinese spa. All meals, beverages, and gratuities are also included in the fare.
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The Best New Cruise Ship Journeys For 2022
An abstract term used by the Romans, otium refers to well-earned leisure time.
| January 3 2022
Roman poets and philosophers felt most connected to their surroundings during a time of reflective repose, which they called otium. An abstract term, otium refers to well-earned leisure time. For early Romans, that might have meant a fruitful retirement spent following ones bliss, whether soaking in thermal baths, gobbling grapes by the bunch, creating great works or napping in the sun. For passengers of Silverseasnew and opulent cruiseship, Silver Dawn, otium will have similar connotations in 2022.
As the luxury cruise lines newly launched, proprietorial wellness concept, Otium currently available only on Silver Dawn is both an ethos that pervades the ship and a spa. Guests can embrace as much healthiness, or as little, as they like. Rekindling on Silver Dawn might mean a detox day of celery juice and hydrotherapy soaks in the Roman Bath-inspired spa, but it might also be a couples massage en suite, with champagne and chocolate at arms reach.
Infused with the salubrious tenets of the Mediterranean diet and lifestyle, Otium guides guests to a mind-body reset. On board, youll find otium in myriad aspects of Silver Dawn, from the specially designed Otium beds to the S.A.L.T. culturally immersive culinary program. With itineraries starting in November 2021, Silver Dawn and her 298 ocean-view suites remind travelers that living well is the best revenge.
Large Ship Line #: Norwegian Cruise Line
Things escalated quickly for Norwegian: the cruise line jumped from medium-size ships to mega-ships practically overnight , with just three ships in its current fleet sized somewhere in between. But thats soon about to change. Norwegian currently has six ships on order as part of Project Leonardo, each of which will hold about 3,300 passengers. Its interesting to see a cruise line scale back from its mega-ships and opt for a more manageable size for such a large order. The first, Norwegian Prima, is expected to launch in 2022 some of its highlights include the fastest slides at sea , a three-level go-kart racetrack, and a three-story theater that transforms into a nightclub after the evening’s show.
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Large Ship Line #: Royal Caribbean International
Though Royal Caribbean is perhaps best known for its mega-ships, it has quite a number of large ships, toothe 3,100-passenger Voyager-class ships, for instance, were once the worlds largest, until Royal Caribbean debuted the larger Freedom class and subsequently the Oasis class. Each class had its own series of firstsVoyager of the Seas was the first ship to have an ice rink and a rock-climbing wall, while Freedom of the Seas introduced the first FlowRider surf simulator at sea.
Set Sail On The Most Expensive Cruise Ship
Now that you have a better idea of what the most expensive cruise ship is, youre ready to set sail on the seven seas! Its a great way to explore the world in luxury and style.
Did you find this article interesting? Check out some of our other posts or get in touch with suggestions of what you want to see next! Either way, well hook you up with some fantastic articles.
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Indochina In Style On The Mekong Navigator
The details: All polished teak, ceiling fans and elegant décor, the 68-passenger Mekong Navigator is a beautifully designed, colonial-style river cruiser invoking the elegance of Old Saigon. Luxurious touches like marble-lined bathrooms, a spa and a convivial lounge make this a comfortable way to experience the Mekong, a bucket list journey for many. The spacious ship comes from a fleet thats one of the newest in Asia and you can tuck into full board luxury dining and stretch out on its spacious sun decks.
Best for: Anybody seeking to discover Vietnam and Cambodia from the cool comfort of a floating boutique hotel. Seven-night cruises are bookended with stays in luxurious hotels in Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City, so your journey is seamless.
Avoid if: You see yourself as an independent traveller. These voyages are designed to show off the destination with a degree of comfort, with all tours escorted and included.
The Sunday Times cruise editor says: A comprehensive tour like this is the perfect way to take in the complex history and dreamy beauty of Cambodia, and the bustle of Vietnam.
Unfettered Luxury On Silverseas Silver Spirit
The details One of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world, the recently refurbished, 608-passenger Silver Spirit is the one to choose if you love the idea of butler service, all-inclusive drinks and fine dining. Every cabin is a sumptuous suite and most have a private veranda.
Best for Romance. Spend evenings dining under the stars in La Terrazza, the ships Italian restaurant, or share the best pizzas at sea in Spaccanapoli.
Avoid if Youre hoping for a young-ish crowd. Most passengers tend to be in their 60s and 70s are avid cruisers who enjoy meeting fellow passengers.
The Sunday Times cruise editor says Dont miss Silver Note, an intimate jazz bar, where you can dine or simply perch at the bar and let the music waft over you. Silver Spirit is the one to choose if you love the idea of butler service, all-inclusive drinks and fine dining.
Sue Bryant, The Sunday Times cruise editor
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Boutique Chic On Silver Whisper
The details With the amenities of a smart hotel, the 388-passenger Silver Whisper roams the world, with itineraries taking in the best of the eastern and western Caribbean, the South Pacific and Australia.
Best for Anybody looking for the ambience of a small ship and the amenities of a larger vessel, from a show lounge to a casino, gourmet restaurants, a beautiful pool deck and a spa.
Avoid if Youve got young children this really is a ship better suited to adults.
The Sunday Times cruise editor says Silverseas crew are second to none its all too easy to get used to the discreet but attentive services of your own butler.
Best Cruise Lines For Luxury Cruises
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The best cruise lines for luxury cruises as ranked by verified reviews submitted over the past 12 months. This list is continuously updated as we receive new reviews from our members, so be sure to check back often!
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The motto of SeaDream Yacht Club is Its Yachting, Not Cruising, so it should be no surprise that a luxury experience is what you will find onboard the lines two yachts that cater to only 112 passengers each. Expect high-end activities like five-star dining, sunbathing on outdoor Balinese Dream Beds, and nighttime movies on the pool deck.
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Crystal Ocean sets the bar high for luxury cruising, without the stuffy or formal experience you may find with other high-end lines. The all-inclusive pricing from Crystal includes an unmatched roster of amenities such as Michelin-inspired dining, champagne, and premium spirits, unlimited wifi, 24-hour room service, and pre-paid gratuities.
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These ships can dock in smaller ports, like the mouth of a fjord or Kotor, Montenegro. But youll remember the onboard experience as much as the destinations: The lines spa suites offer direct access to the thermal area, which is considered the finest at sea. Best of all, most itineraries offer a Marina Day, when the crew unfurls a marina complete with a saltwater pool.
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Medium Ship Line #1: Princess Cruises
Of Princess Cruises 14-ship fleet, its five smallest include the Coral Princess, Island Princess, Sun Princess, Sea Princess, and the infamous Pacific Princess, which was the star of the TV show The Love Boat. The Pacific Princess is by far the smallest, holding just 680 passengers. The four other ships carry around 2,000 passengers and are the perfect size to sail through the Panama Canal.
The Last Word On Luxury Cruise Lines
These cruise lines offer Michelin-star level cuisine, suites and spacious standard cabins, and excellent person-to-person service. Most have all-inclusive fares, high staff to passenger ratios and outstandingly curated excursions.
If luxury cruising is on your radar, these are all great options. Take a look at this in-depth look at the Scarlet Lady cruise ship for more.
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Large Ship #1: Costa Cruises
Italian cruise line Costa Cruises, which operates under parent company Carnival, has quite a history: it was founded in 1854 as a cargo shipping company, transporting olive oil and textiles around the world. Transferring to the leisure cruise side of the business in 1959, Costa currently operates 11 shipsthe majority of which accommodate between 2,800 and 5,300 passengersthat sail all over the world. Its next ship, Costa Toscana, will debut in December 2021.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent is not shy about opulence. Floating palaces are a calling card, along with the most-inclusive fares of all the luxury lines business-class air, pre-cruise luxury hotel stays and shore excursions in every port are among the long list of inclusions.
The idea is knock-you-off-your-feet luxury on the worlds most luxurious ships. If at first you dont get that point, look down at the many yards of Carrara marble under your feet and look above at the Czech crystal chandeliers. Or spot the Picassos and Chagalls among your ships stunning, mostly Latin-focused art collections.
The five 490- to 750-passenger ships in the Regent fleet get fancier as they get larger. On the two newest Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor everyone stays in a roomy suite with oversized balcony and marble bathroom. The top Regent Suites are mansions of the seas and come with solariums, private spas with sauna and steam rooms and Steinway pianos in their living rooms. The fanciest accommodations at sea, the Regent Suite on Explorer has a $90,000 bed, topped only by the $200,000 bed on Splendor.
Lavishly decked-out restaurants, with cushy bars nearby, include Prime 7, a fan favorite for its classic steakhouse menu including jumbo lump crab cakes, U.S.D.A. prime aged beef and Alaskan king crab legs.
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Best Tall Sailing Ships: Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises
For a combination of traditional sailing and five-star service, consider Windstar Cruises, a luxury tall-sailing ship cruise line . Its two smaller sailing vessels carry around 150 guests, while the Wind Surf carries 342, and the vessels can navigate narrow canals and channels large ships can’t. Staterooms have leather headboards, Egyptian linens, marble bathrooms, and plush bathrobes. As a partner with the James Beard Foundation, Windstar offers exceptional cuisine onboard from award-winning chefs, plus themed voyages include live cooking demos, market tours, and beverage pairings. Windstar also has an open-bridge policy, a watersports platform, and several elegant viewing lounges.
Medium Ship Line #: Viking Ocean Cruises
Originally a river cruise line, Viking has launched six ocean-going vessels since 2015, the most recent being the brand-new Viking Venus, whose maiden voyage took place in 2021. The ships are nearly identical, carrying 930 passengers each, housed in balcony staterooms. Though not all-inclusive, Viking Ocean offers guests one free excursion in each port , beer and wine with lunch and dinner, and an unlimited Wi-Fi connection.
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Medium Ship Line #1: Azamara
Though Azamaras three 700-passenger ships are lovely, with top-quality dining and plenty of on-board activities to fill days at sea, passengers choose this cruise line for the experience at its destinations, which span all seven continents. Azamara not only offers personalized shore excursions , they also do a number of overnights, allowing guests to explore more destinations farther inland. The overnights also allow passengers to experience an evening out on the town in port cities, if they so choose.
Medium Ship Line #1: Norwegian Cruise Line
Until it launched Norwegian Epic in 2010, then the Breakaway and Breakaway-plus classes in 2013 and 2015, respectively, Norwegian primarily focused on mid-sized ships that carry around 2,000 passengersand they still make up the majority of the fleet. A colorful atmosphere pervades the ships, as guests enjoy everything from water slides to silly pool contests like synchronized swimming to everyones favorite: bingo night. Norwegians ships have itineraries all over the world, with many focusing on North America.
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Small Ship Line #: Windstar Cruises
The lines six shipsthree sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachtsspecialize in visiting ports that ban larger ships, like the Byzantine hilltop town of Monemvasia in the Greek Islands, and the sleepy, palm-fringed Caribbean island of Bequia. Those smaller ports can give a sense of intimacy that isn’t always present in the most common cruise destinations, allowing for wholly different experiences. In 2017, Windstar also became the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, introducing further special itineraries with culinary themes and guest chefs.
River Ship Line #: American Queen Steamboat Company
If nostalgias the name of your game, book a trip with the American Queen Steamboat Company, whose four paddlewheelers sail the Mississippi, Columbia, Snake, Ohio, Tennessee, and Cumberland Rivers. These are leisurely sailings: most are nine days long, with some outliers like the 15- or 16-day journey from Minneapolis to New Orleans.
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Service To Remember On Seabourn Odyssey
The details Launched in 2009, Seabourn Odyssey offers the highest standards of accommodation and cuisine to its 462 passengers and remains one of the most luxurious ships at sea. The Grill by Thomas Keller features steakhouse classics from one of Americas most celebrated chefs, while the casual The Colonnade becomes a romantic outside dining venue by night. Seabourn Square is a clever touch a combined concierge lounge, library and convivial gathering place, serving all-day snacks and the best coffee at sea.
Best for Intuitive service. Past guests and newcomers are greeted like old friends. Even the most junior crew members will go out of their way to help with queries.
Avoid if Youre travelling with young children. Seabourns ships have a sophisticated, grown-up vibe and theres little entertainment for children.
The Sunday Times cruise editor says For the ultimate indulgence, check out the Wintergarden Suite. As well as a vast balcony, this swanky accommodation comes with a solarium, where theres a bathtub-with-a-view and a day bed for lounging, while sipping champagne brought by your personal butler.
Medium Ship Line #: Crystal Cruises
While many cruises are notorious for charging guests for alcohol and specialty dining options, Crystal practices a generally all-inclusive fare structure covering all drinks , one specialty dining reservation per passenger , 24-hour room service, and a Wi-Fi package. The line has just three ocean-going vessels: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, which both have capacities of fewer than 1,000 passengers and sail global itineraries, and the newly launched Crystal Endeavor, an expedition megayacht that set sail this year.
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