luxury cruises ranked

The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024

All products and listings featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. If you purchase something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Consider Gold List the answer to the question our editors get asked more than any other: What are your favorite places to stay? Our 30th annual iteration of the world’s greatest hotels and cruises captures nearly a year’s worth of work: This collection represents hundreds of hours of researching, scouting, and impassioned debating by our team of editors in seven cities across the globe. But more than that, it reflects our ongoing love affair with the places where we stay, which often become our gateways to entire destinations. Read on to inspire your next cruise.

See the full Gold List here .

Oceania Cruises' Marina is one of 12 ships chosen by our editors for 2024.

Celebrity Beyond Arrow

Cruise ships often get compared to floating hotels or resorts, but here’s one that feels like a floating Vegas show. Applause, please, for the glittering peacock made from Swarovski crystals and the Magic Carpet platform that shimmies up and down the ship, cantilevered over the water for some of the best seats in the house, while in the Martini Bar, a troupe of bartenders juggle shakers to the sound of “We Didn’t Start the Fire.” Beyond is one of the largest ships in Celebrity’s Edge class, and all that space is used to maximize the drama. A whole corridor is filled with a glowing installation of bronze sculptures reflected in infinity mirrors; a favorite anchorage was Eden, a beautiful, biophiliac bubble for hiding away in, watching the ship’s wake through triple-height windows and dawdling in swivel chairs that resemble green carnations. As for the cast, there are some stellar performers: Kelly Hoppen designed most of the interiors; Daniel Boulud’s debut signature restaurant at sea, Le Voyage, has an impeccable, globe-trotting menu alighting on Brazilian moqueca and tamarind prawns. But top of the bill is Captain Kate McCue, the first American woman to captain a cruise ship. A captain hasn’t been this synonymous with their ship since the days of Merrill Stubing; follow her social media for a glimpse into the art of ship navigation. During our short, prelaunch cruise, we had an itinerary that involved looping round and round the Isle of Wight—a short trip, but one that was big on sheer spectacle. Three-night sailings from $300 per person. —Rick Jordan

Delfin II Arrow

The Amazon River has the opacity of chocolate milk and is almost deathlike in its stillness—which is wild when you consider how much life thrives there. It was on a nine-day journey through Peru with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic that I learned this, as we spent five of those days exploring the jungle by boat. Our chariot: the Delfin II , a Relais & Châteaux vessel with 14 thoughtfully appointed staterooms.

Most days began with a crack-of-dawn skiff ride soundtracked by the squall of jewel-winged, dusky-headed parakeets. The photographers pulled out their football lenses and the birders gasped from behind their binoculars as naturalists pointed out an elegant snowy egret picking its way through a mudbank, a neotropic cormorant spreading its gothy black wings like a vampire, and the somber Jabiru stork, the largest flying bird in South America, standing like a dour English butler on a naked tree limb. Also flagged were capuchin monkeys, giant river otters, flamboyant bromeliads, and—after dark—scores of caimans and capybaras.

We spent one muggy morning in a Kukama village, where indigenous women wove raffia bowls and cooked catfish, and another morning paddling the river—an outing which culminated with a pod of pink river dolphins leaping from the water mere feet from our kayaks. (Even our seen-it-all naturalist, Sandro, clapped like a schoolgirl.)

This deep in the Amazon jungle, there were no other tourists. When we did see signs of human life, they were usually fishermen or park rangers. And because there was no Wi-Fi on the Delfin II and a near total blackout on cell reception, downtime was spent attending lectures on Amazonian ecology, sampling native fruits (how the aptly named ice cream bean hasn’t been pitched on Shark Tank yet, I’ll never know), and buddying up to the ship bar, where I made fast friends of fellow guests. (Expedition cruises always draw a fascinating lot; my cohort included a microbiologist, metaphysical transcendentalist, and one of the earliest Apple employees.)

The highlight of the trip, however, was hiking through the jungle with a local tracker who showed us a brown-throated three-toed sloth, Goliath bird-eating tarantula, junior anaconda, and a century-old strangler fig. When we finally emerged from the bush, we were treated to a spectacular tangerine-and-charcoal sunset punctured by bolts of lighting. It was surreal and intense, just like everything else in this untouched corner of the world. Eight-day sailings from $5,730 per person. —Ashlea Halpern

Ritz-Carlton Evrima Arrow

Ritz-Carlton’s first foray into cruising, the Evrima is a hotel-at-sea experience that might just be the antidote to all the big ship itineraries. Think ultra-small ship luxury (at half the capacity of the Seabourns and Regents) with plenty of scenery options to choose from—the European Mediterranean (routes from Turkey to the Canary Islands) from spring through fall, and the Caribbean (San Juan to St. Barts) in winter—and a younger crowd than most of the luxury cruise market; mostly culture lovers with a dearth of cruising experience who can't wait to get ashore to the Côte d’Azur village restaurants. The 624-foot ship is the first in a fleet of three emerging over the next few years, and it still feels spacious with 149 suites, two pools, a cigar humidor, six bars (the interior Living Room and top-floor Observation Lounge, The Bar, and bars located at the Marina Terrace, the Pool House, and Mistral), a beauty salon and spa deck, water-level marina terrace with water toys, and a fitness center. The 246 staff range from deck crew to your cabin’s personal concierge, all of whom are dubbed the ship’s Ladies and Gentlemen—but titles feel almost superfluous aboard Evrima , where everyone from the tender drivers to dining leads will pause to actually get to know you and recall your name and story (and even your drink order) to make the entire experience feel organic and warm. It’s almost like you’re spending the night in someone’s home, which just so happens to be a 624-foot mega-yacht. And the Evrima itinerary has plenty of free time and overnight ports of call in its sailings, so you can head ashore for a day, or even an entire evening late into the night—gallivanting, dining, and imbibing with the new friends you'll no doubt meet onboard. Seven-night sailings from $5,800 per person. —Shannon McMahon

Oceania Marina Arrow

Is there any Marina passenger who doesn’t wish—even for a second—to confine himself to his stateroom on debarkation day? Perhaps only the smarty pants who booked their next cruise before this one ends. Otherwise, how can an epicurean cruiser (that’s Marina ’s crowd) not pine for another shot at the new wine list starring 80 highly coveted, hard-to-snag labels, including swoon-worthy Super Tuscans? You’ll long for one more brag-worthy chance to sip The Mascot, a label from Harlan family pedigree (think cult fave Harlan Estate); the Polo Grill’s deft sommelier knows exactly which prime steak pairs best. Despite eight compelling complimentary restaurants (Red Ginger’s signature lobster pad thai is still a must-devour), Marina vibes far more than great meals. Work up a sweat storm playing pickleball on deck 16 or braving core conditioning in the gym. Melt into a marine detox wrap (I love the juniper and lemon scent) at Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, then sink into the spa terrace’s bubbling hot tub. Get down and dirty in the artist loft by painting a Venetian mask and playing Impressionist. In the hands-on culinary center, learn to cure a fish or preserve a lemon. Come May 2024, Marina debuts a splashy redo. Fall in love again with revamped avocado toast—bravo to the taco-spiced shrimp topping—in the new wellness-driven Aquamar kitchen. Where you lie your head hardly matters. An entry 291-square-foot stateroom starring a four-pillow, soft-sheet bed feels mighty spacious and sports Bulgari shampoo. That said, the top-to-bottom penthouse suites’ glam reno is beyond covetable, from the expanded bath to a boatload of enviable perks. Ten-day sailings from $1,999 per person. —Janice Wald Henderson

Trollfjord Arrow

Who better to guide you through Norway’s most remote reaches—including the Svalbard archipelago, the northernmost inhabited islands on the planet—than a Norwegian cruise company that knows the area’s every crag and fjord? Hurtigruten is an Oslo-based line whose ships have traversed these waters since 1893, ferrying freight, mail, and passengers to the communities along the rugged coast. In 2023, to celebrate its 130th anniversary, the company’s flagship, the newly refurbished, 500-passenger MS Trollfjord (named for a fjord in the Vesterålen archipelago) began sailing two hybrids of its original 34-port Norwegian Coastal Express, calling at several of the towns and villages on the original route. From September through April, the North Cape Express (a 13-day, 16-port itinerary) sails from Oslo to the North Cape and then south to Bergen. In the summertime, the Svalbard Express’s eight-day journey begins in Bergen and progresses north, with extended port calls and excursions in seven towns before entering the Arctic Circle and pulling into Longyearbyen, a mining town on Spitsbergen, Svalbard’s main island. On both routes Trollfjord offers its (mostly European) passengers an uncommon way to explore the region, with uniquely Nordic cultural touches to connect them to the country. There’s a pre-boarding spread of Norwegian fare in the ship’s departure lounge, and Trollfjord ’s three restaurants prioritize Scandinavian cuisine (salmon, reindeer, and lingonberries, oh my!) and the food culture of the indigenous Sámi people. The ship’s 277 staterooms and 12 suites (with walk-in closets, corner bathtubs and floor-to-ceiling windows) offer a cozy retreat from the sometimes-harsh weather. And typically Nordic diversions such as aquavit tastings, oceanview saunas and polar plunges leave you in no doubt about where you are and who you’re sailing with. 10-day sailings from $3,082 per person. —Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon

Seven Seas Navigator Arrow

Imagine the most luxurious hotel you’ve ever stayed in. That’s precisely what stepping onboard the Regent Seven Seas Cruises Navigator feels like. And while the opulence and grandeur shine through every square inch of space, it’s worth mentioning that the staff are what make the experience memorable, remembering your name, preferences, likes, and dislikes from the second you step afoot the eight-deck vessel.

The 248 ultraluxe all-suite accommodations feel like your home away from home—despite their capacious interiors—and your personalized steward makes sure of that with thoughtful touches from the moment you check in. Thanks to a revamp in 2019, the ship feels pristine with a new library—complete with a faux fireplace—and sleek state-of-the-art furnishings (including the cruise line’s bespoke mattresses and bed linens) in each of the rooms. However, what makes the Navigator stand out from its counterparts is its intimate size, as it’s the smallest in Regent’s fleet. Everything onboard feels just an arm’s reach away, and you’ll quickly bond with fellow passengers after spending the day together on one of the complimentary shore excursions, such as tours by local guides, cooking classes, and other intimate adventures.

During my Mediterranean voyage, days were spent immersing ourselves in new cities, whereas nights began with a freshly shaken ice-cold martini followed by an exuberant dinner, with a stop in the Seven Seas Lounge for whatever was on tap that night, ranging from cabaret to karaoke. At the end of the journey, I left wanting more and with a suitcase full of clean clothes, thanks to one of the many attentive touches onboard: the included laundry service. 10-night sailings from $3,360 per person. —Rachel Dube

Seabourn Ovation Arrow

“We are not the Rat Pack,” quips Andrew Pedder, the witty Yorkshire-born captain of Seabourn Ovation. He's referring to himself and the other senior officers, for any guests who may have wandered into their impromptu panel session instead of the musical show taking place later that evening. The Q&A—which covers everything from the prettiest ports to the number of Champagne bottles typically consumed during a seven-day voyage—is part of a last-minute program of activities arranged for an unexpected sea day when it’s too windy to dock in the South of France. This is mid-October, on one of the ship’s jaunts around the Mediterranean for the season, and no one seems to mind the change of plan (although when we do explore, all the islands we visit—Menorca, Corsica, Elba—are blissfully tourist-free). It simply means more time for spa treatments, soaks in the outdoor hot tubs, and afternoon tea in the observation bar. Even then, it only feels like there are 60 passengers onboard, rather than 600. The restaurants are excellent, from Sushi, where you can sit at the counter watching the Japanese chefs at work, to poolside Earth & Ocean for Tandoori-style rotisserie chicken and Madras-style white bean cassoulet. Suites are spacious, each one with a balcony. West End–standard entertainment includes a magician and a chart-topping classical singer. But what makes this ultraluxe ship really memorable is the relaxed, on-point service by staff who remember your name and coffee order, or even a familiar face from a sailing five years ago. Seven-day sailings from $2,649 per person. —Emma Love

Silver Endeavour Arrow

Silversea is defined by its far-flung itineraries and exceptional onboard service (think Moët Champagne as you take in an iceberg calving in Antarctica). But the 220-passenger Silver Endeavour, new to the fleet and already a classic, raises every bar. Rooms start at a spacious 356 square feet and have luxury perks like pillow menus and a personalized bar, making them the best in all of Silversea’s array of ships. As far as food goes, premium Ars Italica Osetra caviar is complimentary and around-the-clock, though the Dover sole paired with a label from the rare wine menu at La Dame would have you believing you were in Paris. And the signature Otium spa celebrates pampering as much as it does wellness—don’t skip on the oxygen-boosting Golden Radiance facial. You may find yourself at any given hour glimpsing ice walls through the Drake Passage and remembering that the best part about this ship is the awe-inspiring places it dares to take you. 10-day sailings from $13,150. —Janice Wald Henderson

Scarlet Lady Arrow

Although new to the cruise industry, Virgin Voyages has already begun to set itself apart from its predecessors. When first stepping on the Scarlet Lady, cruisers are met with a rousing, upbeat staff that serve as gurus around the ship and are experts on everything from beauty to juicing. While the Scarlet Lady takes you on a familiar route around the Caribbean, the on-shore excursions available are what make this sail memorable. Take a leap of faith on daring outings such as the Waterfalls of Damajagua in Puerto Plata, where guests make their way down seven of the 27 natural slides and waterfalls. After the exhilarating experience, travelers can sit down with locals and come together over Dominican staples such as pollo guisado, tostones, and mangú. You can always get local delicacies while docked, but while onboard, you must snag a reservation at the Test Kitchen. It’s an experimental dining experience where the menu always evolves. You go in only seeing a small card with ingredients listed for the night’s meal, but everything else is up to the imagination. One might find cucumbers puréed and frozen into ice cream as dessert, or beets formed and prepared like steak. While en route to the next port, the hard reset one does at the Redemption Spa leaves your body feeling anew; it’s impossible to come back from vacation feeling the same as when you departed. On any Virgin Voyages ship, you’ll love the indulgent atmosphere, whether you’re catering to your sweet tooth by narrowing down your favorite gelato of the day, grabbing a drink at one of the five bars that stake claim to having the largest tequila supply on the seven seas, or finally getting that tattoo you’ve been thinking about for ages after visiting the ship’s tattoo parlor, Squid Ink. Seven-day sailings from $2,100 per person. —Paris Wilson

Queen Mary 2 Arrow

Six days sailing from England to New York across the vast Atlantic had the potential to bore me to stupefaction, but it turned out I had nothing to fear. “The ship is the destination,” said an entertainment director for Queen Mary 2 , who oversees a program that makes this cruise liner the undisputed hub of creative and intellectual stimulation on the high seas. Where else can you attend the annual Literature Festival At Sea, meeting top fiction and nonfiction authors like the late PJ O’Rourke, Bernadine Evaristo, and Louis de Bernières? And where else can you visit a planetarium, watch a Royal Shakespeare theater production, or hear guest speakers discuss artwork investments and the history of airport drug mules?

In between spa massages and table tennis rallies, I nourished my mind in the mahogany library before nourishing my body at the Princess Grill and Queens Grill restaurants, scarfing dishes like croquette of suckling pig, paired with excellent vintages and followed by mango panna cotta. On the final stretch of the journey, as dolphins leapt over the horizon and the Statue of Liberty loomed into view, my heart sank a little—New York City awaited, yet I didn’t want to disembark. That’s quite an achievement. Seven-day sailings from $1,389 per person. —Noo Saro-Wiwa

World Navigator Arrow

During my first few hours aboard the Atlas Ocean Voyages World Navigator, I felt a bit like I had inadvertently crashed a family reunion: Seemingly everyone else aboard this Arctic expedition had just sailed to Antarctica on the Navigator six months before, so several crew members and guests spent much of embarkation day hugging and catching up. With a maximum occupancy of 196, it’s already an intimate ship, but the fact that the relatively young brand, which debuted in 2019, could develop such an impressive number of repeat travelers in such a short spell speaks volumes. Many told me they were drawn to Atlas because of its eco-friendly bona fides (the new-build ship makes use of hybrid engines from Rolls-Royce designed to leave minimal impact), but the creature comforts on board certainly help. While the star attraction of such an expedition voyage is what lies beyond the decks—access to remote Antarctic fjords that larger vessels can’t dream of traversing, or spotting polar bears loping along pearly glaciers in the Arctic—I made the most of my time in between Zodiac expeditions. The multi-jet shower in my stateroom was sublime after damp and rigorous treks, the heated massage beds in the only L’Occitane Spa at sea are a dream, and the Arctic summer’s 24 hours of sunshine made the Dome observation deck a prime perch to cozy up with a book at any time of day or night. There was neither internet nor cell phone connectivity during my entire eight-day journey sailing thanks to the remote latitudes (though Atlas guests now have access to full Starlink satellite coverage), which meant this was the longest I’d been offline since the 1990s—and yet somehow, drifting through the surreal landscape in this cosseting bubble, I didn’t miss scrolling or chatting with the outside world one bit. Seven-night sailings from $4,749 per person. —Sarah Khan

Westerdam Arrow

A passenger who is well below senior age dances the robot to classic rock, to R&B, to country music, and to disco hits as talented singers and a live band perform most nights in the Rolling Stone Lounge, on Holland America Line’s Westerdam . His mechanical movements are a source of amusement and encouragement; if he can take over the dance floor, so can we with our own moves. The 1,916-passenger Westerdam is beloved as a traditional cruise ship, with its smaller-than-mega-ship size, deep blue hull, wraparound outdoor promenade deck, and details such as fresh flowers all around, celebrating the 150-year-old cruise line’s Dutch roots. Tradition does not mean staid. There’s rock and roll. There’s a trendy top-of-ship pickleball court.

On an Alaska cruise, my husband and I start our days with a jolt of caffeine via the baristas at Explorations Central, the ship’s cushy, contemporary, forward-facing observation lounge, before heading off on adventures such as joining other passengers in synchronized paddling a large canoe to see the ancient yet diminishing ice of Juneau’s Mendenhall Glacier. Back on the ship, we indulge in excellent burgers, topped with Gouda and applewood-smoked bacon and served in fast-food wrapping from a stand at the covered Lido pool. We enjoy sustainable Alaska seafood—grilled salmon, fennel-crusted halibut, fried cod—in between cocktails made with local gin, served on real glacial ice. From the veranda of our classic aft cabin, mesmerizing views of the ship’s wake, seemingly endless forest, and a distant, blue-tinged glacier clear our brain. We’re ready for more of the dancing man. Seven-day sailings from $379 per person. —Fran Golden

By signing up you agree to our User Agreement (including the class action waiver and arbitration provisions ), our Privacy Policy & Cookie Statement and to receive marketing and account-related emails from Traveller. You can unsubscribe at any time. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

10 Luxury Cruise Lines That Will Make You Want to Ditch Plane Travel Forever

Explore cruise lines that embody the VERANDA spirit, offering luxury and well-appointed design around every corner.

Thinking about booking your next dream vacation? As stunning as land-locked adventures and beautiful hotels can be, there’s something to be said about sailing the seas. Fortunately for us, nowadays, there are cruise ships that far exceed the family-fun agenda of the classic companies so often advertised on TV. While there’s absolutely nothing wrong with those cruise liners, there’s something special about not only traversing the ocean but doing so decked out to the nines. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best luxury cruise lines of 2023. Ahead, uncover the company that best aligns with your idea of the ultimate water-bound getaway.

Silversea is the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, not to mention the original luxury cruise line, first entering the space in 1994. The company touts 12 all-inclusive ships with destinations all over the world. Whether you want to explore the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to fit your fancy.

Speaking of fancy, the most luxurious cruise that Silversea offers is its 125-Day Chile to Norway sail, which rings up at $94,700. You don’t have to invest that much to enjoy a Silversea cruise, though. No matter which type of suite you book, you can expect butler service, optional 24/7 in-suite dining, endless access to premium beverages and craft cocktails, and complimentary caviar around the clock.

Explore Silversea Cruises

Paul Gauguin

Paul Gaugin stands out for its single-ship escapade into the luxury cruise space. With a variety of cruises that explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruise line with 7-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night itineraries that focus on intimate experiences, delectable cuisine, stunning stateroom balcony views, butler service, and more. With a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, you can rest assured knowing that all of your needs will be met aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

Explore Paul Gauguin Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic is unique in that it not only offers luxury ocean cruises but river cruises, too. The brand prides itself on operating and innovating with guest experience in mind. As such, all of its cruises have so much to offer voyagers, from extensive dining, leisure, and wellness options to striking design elements that will make you want to stay aboard for much longer than your itinerary.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has nine ships with oceanic destinations spanning from the Arctic and Europe to the Caribbean and Australia. Meanwhile, if you find yourself in France, you may want to check out Scenic’s beloved river cruises, in which you can tour the Seine in the utmost style.

Explore Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Ponant has a fleet of 13 luxury cruise ships with destinations dotting the globe. The award-winning French cruise line is beloved for its tailor-made voyages, in which guests have access to myriad bespoke experiences both on and off board, from in-room dining to once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions.

Since Ponant ships offer smaller capacity—more akin to a private yacht experience—they’re able to navigate private ports and preserved locations that large-scale cruise ships are unable to access. While aboard Ponant’s all-inclusive ships, you can anticipate exceptional French cuisine, delicious fine wines, complimentary Champagne and spirits, room service, and more.

Of course, if you need further inspiration to look into the cruise line, perhaps the fact that three-mast yacht, Le Ponant, is part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio will do the trick.

Explore Ponant Cruises

Crystal is renowned for its personalized voyages all over the world, not to mention its palatial suites that will leave you picking your jaw up off the floor. In addition to well-appointed design, the cruise line offers an impressive dining experience, with authentic cuisines from all over the world. So whether you’re in the mood for American, Italian, Peruvian, or Japanese food, you’ll have ample options to choose from.

It’s also worth mentioning that the luxury cruise line took it to the next level with its spa, Aurora Spa. The gorgeous, sea-view spa offers a variety of face, body, salon, and healing treatments, including massages, facials, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and even IV drip therapy—so you won’t have to worry about feeling hung over at sea (especially considering the cruise line offers complimentary Champagne, fine wines, and premium spirits).

Explore Crystal

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet dedicated to extraordinary sailing experiences. With small ships that carry less than 350 passengers, Windstar prides itself on offering guests intimate, aesthetic, unforgettable voyages spanning from Asia and Australia to Italy and Iceland.

While the staterooms and suites are stunning and the shore excursions are aplenty, it’s the food that really stands out aboard Windstar. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar offers a number of themed culinary cruises with food and bev from some of the most notable chefs of today, including Maxime Bilet (The Cooking Lab) and Jose Mendin (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Habitat, Baja Bao).

Explore Windstar Cruises

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, so it’s no surprise that the company extended into oceanic adventures with a fleet of three superyachts. Where the Evrima was built in 2021, the Ilma and Luminara yachts are forthcoming in 2024 and 2025.

While classic cruise lines have a capacity in the thousands, often edging upward of 4,000, the Ritz-Carlton superyachts offer a more curated experience to 500 passengers or less. From the outside, the yachts are sleek and serene, fitting in beautifully with the sea. Within Evrima’s walls, though, moody modern interiors with magnificent ocean views await.

Guests can look forward to soaking tubs, expansive private balconies complete with sun beds and a whirlpool, walk-in wardrobes, and more. As far as destinations are concerned, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection embarks on oceanic adventures in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Explore The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cruises

Seabourn is a luxury cruise line that speaks to our soul—and for more reasons than the simple fact that it touts a “Veranda Suite Upgrade.” The luxury cruise line sets sail in the Arctic, Canada and New England, the Amazon, Arabia, Africa, and India, and more.

Each of the fleet’s yachts, which carry between 458 and 600 guests, is outfitted with ocean-view suites only, so no matter what excursion you book, you can anticipate traveling in luxury style with a picturesque backdrop. You can also look forward to mouth-watering cuisine courtesy of renowned chef Thomas Keller.

Explore Seabourn Cruises

Cunard is known for its iconic black funnels, yes, but more so for its unparalleled large-scale onboard experiences. Although each of the cruise line’s ships carries upwards of 1,500 passengers, the four-ship fleet is adored for its luxury itineraries, stylish design, tranquil spa offerings, delectable cuisine, and unmatched comfort at sea.

Truly, if your goal is to book an unforgettable, Instagram-worthy cruise, Cunard is the way to go. From the stunning suites (decked out in pops of rich color, sumptuous textiles, and spectacular lighting) to the picturesque destinations, Cunard has it all.

Explore Cunard Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

If you want to get the most bang for your buck when booking a luxury cruise, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a prime pick. The all-inclusive cruise line crafts a new definition of the category with complimentary roundtrip airfare, free unlimited shore excursions, include 2- to 3-night land programs, on-the-house bar and lounge experiences, and more.

The six-fleet cruise line is also known for its gorgeous interiors, complete with modern aesthetics, Art Deco embellishments, stunning chandeliers, and more. When traveling with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, guests can traverse the seven seas, with destinations in Africa and Arabia, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean and more. And if you don’t want to pick a single destination, there’s always the option to book a grand voyage or world cruise, which can last up to 168 days and cost upwards of $100,000.

Explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The 15 Most Beautiful White Sand Beaches

The 12 Most Charming Christmas Towns

The Best Hotels in Santa Barbara

21 Purchases to Make Air Travel More Luxurious

An Insider’s Guide to Italy’s Aeolian Islands

How to Spend the Perfect Weekend in Casablanca

The 18 Best Beaches in Hawaii

13 Renowned Paris Historical Landmarks

The 31 Most Haunted Places in America

11 Best Beaches in Maine

The 25 Most Beautiful Places in Europe

How to Spend a Perfect Weekend in Amsterdam

• Inspiration
• Destinations
• Places To Stay
• Style & Culture
• Food & Drink
• Wellness & Spas
• News & Advice
• Partnerships
• Traveller's Directory
• Travel Tips
• Competitions

The best cruise lines in the world: 2023 Readers' Choice Awards

The survey for the 2024 Readers' Choice Awards is open, vote now for your favourite places, hotels, airports, cruise lines, travel fixers and more.

Cruises are booming right now, buoyed partly by the popularity of domestic seacations that hauled in first-time sailors. So much so that Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 34,000-mile world trip for 2024 sold out in just over two hours, while the adults-only Virgin Voyages, which aims to throw cruise stereotypes overboard, rose to first place in Large Ships. And we’ve brought back last year's new category showcasing the expedition cruises – small, often sustainable vessels with a shoal of scientific experts onboard – that follow in the wake of adventurers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton.

These are the best cruise lines in the world, according to the 2023 Readers' Choice Awards .

The best cruise lines in the world 2023

Mega ships (More than 4,000 passengers)

4. MSC Cruises. Score 83.42 3. Carnival Cruise Line. Score 85.35 2. Royal Caribbean International. Score 86.69 1. Norwegian Cruise Line. Score 86.72.

Large ships (2,500 to 4,000 passengers)

10. MSC Cruises. Score 83.77 9. Royal Caribbean International. Score 84.31 8. Norwegian Cruise Line. Score 86.41 7. Holland America Line. Score 87.79 6. Costa Cruises. Score 87.95 5. Celebrity Cruises. Score 88.57 4. Princess Cruises. Score 89.42 3. Cunard. Score 89.55 2. Disney Cruise Line. Score 92.21 1. Virgin Voyages. Score 94.07

Medium ships (500 to 2,500 passengers)

15. Carnival Cruise Line. Score 80.56 14. P&O Cruises. Score 83.29 13. Princess Cruises. Score 84.84 12. Marella Cruises. Score 85.60 11. Hurtigruten. Score 86.23 10. Cunard. Score 86.33 9. Holland America Line. Score 86.42 8. Celebrity Cruises. Score 86.68 7. Azamara. Score 87.50 6. Silversea Cruises. Score 87.74 5. Oceania Cruises. Score 87.99 4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Score 91.07 3. Seabourn. Score 91.67 2. Disney Cruise Line. Score 92.92 1. Viking. Score 94.98

Small ships (Fewer than 500 passengers)

10. Variety Cruises. Score 86.75 9. SeaDream Yacht Club. Score 89.66 8. Silversea. Score 89.93 7. Seabourn. Score 91.34 6. Ponant. Score 91.45 5. Windstar Cruises. Score 91.87 4. Sea Cloud Cruises. Score 91.94 3. American Cruise Lines. Score 92.88 2. Paul Gauguin Cruises. Score 92.94 1. Emerald Cruises. Score 95.27

10. AmaWaterways. Score 93.09 9. Sanctuary Retreats. Score 93.14 8. Uniworld River Cruises. Score 93.24 7. Pandaw. Score 95.28 6. Grand Circle Cruise Line. Score 95.69 5. Les Bateaux Belmond. Score 95.90 4. Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Score 95.91 3. Tauck. Score 96.14 2. American Cruise Lines. Score 96.66 1. Viking. Score 97.32

Expedition ships

15. Alaskan Dream Cruises. Score 80.77 14. Lindblad Expeditions. Score 91.23 13. Silversea Cruises. Score 91.81 12. Hurtigruten. Score 91.87 11. Ponant. Score 92.25 10. Quark Expeditions. Score 93.15 9. Seabourn. Score 93.37 8. Metropolitan Touring. Score 94.71 7. Quasar Expeditions. Score 94.91 6. Celebrity Cruises. Score 95.38 5. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Score 95.80 4. Ecoventura. Score 95.82 3. Aqua Expeditions. Score 95.97 2. UnCruise Adventures. Score 96.41 1. Viking. Score 96.52

Accessibility Links

13 of the best luxury cruise lines for 2024

While all ultra-luxury cruise lines have fine dining, superb accommodation and impeccable service, each has its own personality, style and devoted following. here are some of the best.

C ruising doesn’t have to mean enormous floating cities with thousands of passengers — there are plenty of ultra-luxury lines offering adventures on small ships with a much more intimate atmosphere. The best of the best has everything from butler service to helicopter flights, from infinity pools to world class cuisine. Their ships sail everywhere from Antarctica to the Caribbean, often calling in at smaller ports for exclusive excursions. Intrigued? Here are the best luxury cruise lines to book with.

Main photo: the Owner’s Penthouse deck on Scenic Eclipse

1. Oceania Cruises

You’ll enjoy some of the best food at sea on this line. The latest addition to the fleet, the 1,200-passenger Oceania Vista, launched in 2023. It became the seventh ship in the fleet and the first of two new Allura-class vessels, with the second scheduled for delivery in 2025. Created to reflect the glamorousbelle époque era of Paris, the Grand Dining Room, with a ceiling that’s almost two decks high, is a standout feature on Vista. There’s also a dedicated cabin category for solo travellers. Suggestions from officers and crew members helped shape Oceania Vista, so you can expect a ship that is full of practical and aesthetic touches.

2. Silversea

Italian flair is part of Silversea’s appeal, with acres of marble and cool design touches adorning its fleet of elegant ships. In 2023, the line launched Silver Nova, with accommodation for up to 728 guests that includes aft suites with 270-degree views; a sister ship, Silver Ray, is due to sail in summer 2024. Silversea service is highly personal, with a butler for every suite, and there’s a wide choice of fine-dining restaurants. These include SALT (Sea and Land Taste) Kitchen, showcasing regional cuisine from the destinations visited. Fares include all dining (except La Dame, which offers the finest French cuisine), a wide range of spirits and fine wines, crew tips, most gym classes and excursions in every port. Many cruises include flights and transfers too. On expedition cruises, all activities are included.

There’s new cruising royalty on the horizon with the 3,000-passenger Queen Anne. Setting sail in 2024, the latest flagship is the line’s first new vessel in 12 years and will combine Cunard’s trademark art deco heritage with modern design details. The top suites on Cunard’s current trio of elegant Queens (Mary 2, Victoria and Elizabeth), are graded either Princess Grill or Queens Grill, and represent some of the most prestigious accommodation at sea — particularly the duplex suites that resemble smart private apartments. Each Grill class has its own fine-dining restaurant and Grill passengers have a private cocktail lounge. You’ll enjoy all the features of a big ship too, from top-notch guest speakers to grand theatrical productions and glittering black-tie balls.

Advertisement

Azamara’s four mid-sized luxury ships — most recently joined by Azamara Onward, which shares the same DNA as its fleetmates — offer affordable, destination-focused cruising with plenty of flair. Glamorous White Nights deck parties receive rave reviews, while every cruise includes an AzAmazing evening, a spectacular cultural event ashore. Itineraries focus on late departures, or overnights in port. You’ll be spoiled with its choice of restaurants, including a grill, Prime C, and a romantic Italian, Aqualina. Included are crew tips, most drinks and all dining apart from the two speciality restaurants. Suite guests get extra perks, including speciality dining. And, while most fares include flights and transfers, you’ll pay extra for shore excursions, premium drinks and, unless you’re in one of the top cabins, wi-fi.

5. Seabourn

A fleet of contemporary small ships offering intuitive, all-inclusive service, sumptuous all-suite accommodation and superb dining. Seabourn offers un-stuffy luxury with a vibe that’s more superyacht than luxury cruise ship. The line has some impressive partnerships, not least with the renowned chef Thomas Keller, Sir Tim Rice and the wellness guru Dr Andrew Weil. All dining, including speciality restaurants, crew tips and a comprehensive menu of cocktails and fine wines is included. Some voyages include flights too. You’ll pay extra for premium wines, wi-fi, access to the Retreat (an exclusive alfresco lounge on the top deck) and shore excursions.

6. Uniworld

Specialists in river cruising, Uniworld has cornered the market for extravagant ships that are inspired by their itineraries — and they have vessels all over the world, covering Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. SS La Venezia, for example, decked out in Murano glass and decadent Venetian detailing, sails only northern Italy, including Venice and its islands. On board, everything is included, including a curated selection of excursions. If you want to do your own thing, there are walking sticks and bicycles you can borrow.

7. SeaDream Yacht Club

The service is what sings on this tiny boutique cruise line, which operates just two 112-passenger megayachts that in 2022 underwent bow-to-stern revamps totalling nearly £10 million. All staterooms on SeaDream I and SeaDream II have been completely refurbished, and there are gleaming new teak decks mirroring the centuries-old yachting tradition. Attentive crew cater to guests’ every whim, while the food is exceptional, not least the imaginative vegetarian and vegan dishes. Life onboard is relaxed and informal, with the dress code best described as chic. Every voyage includes a decadent Champagne & Caviar Splash party, either around the pool or in the surf, with free-flowing bubbles. You can swim off the ship too and, for a touch of romance, sleep on deck under a duvet and a canopy of stars. Dining, crew tips and drinks apart from premium wines are included in the price.

Viking’s nine near-identical, adult-only ships carry 930 passengers and embody Scandi chic with their stylish, soothing interiors, gorgeous light-filled lounges and spacious cabins, every one of which has a private veranda. Highlights include an infinity pool on the aft deck, a superb spa with free access to the hydro pool, saunas and steam rooms, and the Wintergarden — a sunlit space with a retractable roof for warm days. Torshavn, an intimate little nightclub, is as fun as any jazz club you’ll find ashore. The package includes all dining, drinks with meals, wi-fi, crew tips, flights and transfers, and an excursion in every port. Bar drinks and optional excursions cost extra.

9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent’s classy ships have touches reminiscent of grand hotels, with elegant cocktail lounges and imaginatively designed restaurants. The suites on the two newest ships, Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor, are especially covetable, with opulent decor and butler service. Regent is arguably the world’s most luxurious — and most inclusive — of the luxury lines. All dining, most wines and spirits, crew tips, gym classes, wi-fi, excursions, flights and transfers, and even pre and post-cruise hotel stays are included. Spa treatments, premium drinks and some of the optional excursions are all you’ll pay extra for.

Megayacht Scenic Eclipse marked the first foray into the luxury ocean cruise scene for Australian-owned Scenic; the 228-guest sister vessel Scenic Eclipse II followed suit in spring of 2023. Every spacious suite has a balcony and you can expect upmarket interiors reminiscent of a contemporary boutique hotel. Standards don’t slip when it comes to gastronomy, where you can take your pick from Asian fusion, classic French and everything in between. Both ships are designed for polar expedition cruising, but also offer warm-water voyages. Whatever the climate, there’s plenty to keep guests entertained, be it e-bikes or stand-up paddleboarding, a helicopter flight or a dive in the submarine, which both cost extra. Practically everything is included: most drinks, all dining, crew tips, a stocked minibar, flights and transfers, excursions and activities.

11. Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the first luxury oceangoing brand from international shipping giant the MSC Group. Explora I, the first of six ships, debuted in 2023, and the rest will follow between 2024 and 2028. The sea-facing cabins — described as homes at sea — have balconies, walk-in wardrobes and heated bathroom floors. Entry level accommodation is larger than average and goes up to a huge Owner’s Residence, complete with a private terrace, hot tub and butler. Restaurants will feature cuisine from around the globe.

12. Swan Hellenic

One for culture hounds, British line Swan Hellenic has itineraries to many adventurous destinations on the cruise circuit, from the polar regions to countries in east Africa and the Indian Ocean. You get to really experience it all, too, as a shore excursion is included for every stop. Its small fleet of three ships has been designed with expeditions in mind, but none of them scrimps on comfort — expect saunas with spectacular views, lounges with cosy fireplaces and cabins furnished with boutique hotel aesthetics.

swanhellenic.com

French-owned Ponant operates a fleet of stylish expedition ships, the smartest of which are arguably the six Ponant Explorers, with clever design features — most notably a multisensory underwater viewing lounge. Every cabin has a balcony and luxurious, tactile finishes in leather and suede. On board you’ll find luxury French brands such as Veuve Clicquot champagne and Hermès bath products, as well as classic French cuisine overseen by the chef Alain Ducasse. The latest addition to the fleet is the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, tailor-made for thrilling polar expeditions. Costs cover dining, most drinks, a stocked minibar, wi-fi, crew gratuities and — on expedition cruises — most activities. You’ll pay extra for excursions and, on some voyages, flights.

Additional reporting by Qin Xie

Take me there

Inspired to go on a luxury cruise but yet to book your trip? Here are the best options from Six Star Cruises and Cruise 118 , as well as the best cruises from our trusted operators .

Sign up for the Times Travel Newsletter here .

World's Best Luxury Cruise Lines, Ranked

Cruising is already one of the best ways to travel — all of your luggage stays in one place while you sail from destination to destination, you’re guaranteed at least three top-notch meals each day and there’s always something to do onboard, whether it’s a live show, a massage at the spa or hanging out by the pool.

But taking a luxury cruise? Now that’s really something special. Luxury cruise lines pull out all the stops, offering intimate ships with just a few hundred people on board, itineraries to jaw-dropping destinations and impeccable, personalized service. Of course, you’ll pay top dollar for all of these perks, but on the best lines, the splurge is worth it. 

So, which cruise line is the most above-and-beyond extraordinary? U.S. News & World Report compared luxury cruise lines based on a combination of approval from experts and travelers as well as health ratings (a must after the past few years).

Which ones made the cut? These are the seven best luxury cruise lines in the world. 

7. Oceania Cruises

Year founded:  2002

Headquarters:  Miami, Florida

Number of destinations:  330

*This data comes from the U.S. News & World Report's 2022 ranking .

Bottom Line: Oceania Cruises

You’ll find a mix of retirees, young couples and solo travelers on Oceania Cruises .

Four of Oceania’s ships can accommodate 684 guests, while two larger ships set sail with 1,250 passengers aboard. Despite being considered a mid-sized cruise line, Oceania maintains a 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, which makes it feel more intimate and personalized.

Oceania offers unique amenities onboard its ships, including art classes, a library and a card room complete with board games and bridge. 

This is also the cruise line to book if you want to break your diet. U.S. News notes that Oceania "caters to foodies," with gourmet dining, cooking demonstrations, wine and martini tastings, and more. Some ships also have a cooking school where you can learn to make delicious dishes.

What Travelers Say About Oceania Cruises

"We ate meals at seven restaurants & they were all delicious. Constantly changing menus provided a wide array of choices each day. Menus are available on your cabin TV so you always know what is available. Grilled Lobster, Lamb Chops, and Steaks were available every night in the Terrace restaurant Grill in addition to the ever changing evening selections. Service was very good throughout the ship and some of the staff are truly exceptional. Everyone was very friendly & always willing to help." — BobC1950

*Note: Reviews may be edited for punctuation, spelling and other grammatical errors.

Best Oceania Cruises Trip

Oceania also offers aptly named “grand voyages,” which are essentially itineraries that combine multiple regional cruises together into one incredible, super trip. Among the most memorable of these uber-journeys is a jaunt from Rome, Italy, to Miami, Florida, over the course of 24 days, starting at $3,399 per guest.

You won’t just be traipsing across the Atlantic on this action-packed trip — you’ll get to visit ports in Italy, Spain, France, Monaco, Antigua and Puerto Rico.

You'll also have two non-consecutive days in Barcelona, Spain. You can choose from myriad excursions, including seeing the city highlights and a chocolate and cava foodie experience. If you are already familiar with this beautiful city, we suggest taking a tour to the Monastery of Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery perched on the side of a mountain.

6. Silversea Cruises

Year founded:  1994

Headquarters:   Fontvieille, Monaco

Number of destinations:  900

Bottom Line: Silversea Cruises

The 10 small ships that set sail for Silversea Cruises are luxurious and intimate, with 51 to 304 suites.

Silversea’s all-inclusive cruises appeal to travelers over the age of 50 as well as groups, couples and solo travelers who are looking for small ships and luxurious accommodations. All of the cabins are posh suites, and they boast ocean views and butler service. The all-inclusive aspect makes the steep price tag worth it, with no limit on premium wines and spirits, in-suite dining or entertainment.

One perk of sailing with Silversea is its flexible dining schedule, which means you can eat whenever you feel like it with anyone you want. Cruises also feature onboard lecture series and expert guides, so you won’t have a chance to get bored while sailing — ever.

U.S. News & World Report singled out the line's focus on "exclusivity and personalization" as well as its "exotic itineraries and gourmet restaurants." 

What Travelers Say About Silversea Cruises

"We simply cannot imagine that any other operator delivers better tours in as much comfort...We can strongly recommend this cruise. I cannot claim to have sampled a variety of Galapagos tours. But based on discussions with guides (who had worked on other tour boats) I feel confident Silversea offers the best planned and most luxurious tours." — Twinklles

Best Silversea Cruises Trip

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider a compelling 18-day itinerary focused on the frozen north with fares starting at $17,550. After departing from Nome, Alaska, you’ll visit several Russian destinations, including Provideniya, Lorino Village and Cape Kuyveveem.

You’ll also get to explore dozens of ports in Alaska. The cruise will take you to places like St.Paul Island, Elfin Cove and Sitka. Cruise past Hubbard Glacier, the largest glacier in North America, and sail along Point Adolphus, where you might get the chance to see humpback whales or orcas. Finally, you'll disembark in Vancouver, Canada.

5. Crystal Cruises

Year founded:  1988

Headquarters:  Los Angeles, California

Number of destinations:  1,000

Bottom Line: Crystal Cruises

You’ll find extremely personalized attention and elegantly designed vessels when you opt to sail with Crystal Cruises . The cruise line has eight ships, and most of them only include 461 or 535 cabins, meaning you won’t be battling crowds at any point during your journey. You can choose between deluxe staterooms (with or without verandas) and penthouse cabins on the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Crystal cruises range from six to 140 days and venture to destinations all over Europe, Africa, North America, Asia, Australia and even Antarctica. Since the cruise line keeps its passenger-to-crew ratio very low (nearly 1-to-1), you’ll likely never have to wait for service when you’re sailing. 

U.S. News also highlights the line's "engaging enrichment programs," which range from the heady (workshops led by thought leaders) to the fun (dance lessons).

What Travelers Say About Crystal Cruises

"The big difference from a mainstream cruise is that things seem to happen easily. For example when we sat down to breakfast someone was over in a minute to see if we wanted coffee and juice rather than having to go look for it. The quality of the food was outstanding, and interesting. The unlimited internet worked smoothly, and quick. Having everything included meant you were not constantly bombarded with people asking you to buy something, and there was not a blizzard of flyers delivered to the cabin with sales, and offers. At dinner every night we were offered a selection of special wines. The crew made us feel very welcome, and pampered." — JCMass.

Best Crystal Cruises Trip

Crystal Cruises offers some of the most extraordinary itineraries in the world, including a 140-day trip that will take you from Miami to Barcelona for $69,489. 

But don't think that this will be a straightforward transatlantic trip. Rather, you'll spend almost half a year sailing to the Caribbean, down Central and South America to then head to the Pacific Islands. You'll visit Australia and other countries in Oceania before going up to Southeast Asia, exploring the Indian Ocean and the East Coast of Africa. The trip then goes into the Middle East and the Mediterranean, stopping in several European countries before ending in Barcelona. Highlights include visiting the paradisal beaches of Tahiti, going on an African safari and stopping on Chile's Easter Island. 

For a less ambitious, but no less extraordinary trip, you can spend 19 days sailing from Argentinean Patagonia to Cape Town .

4. Azamara Club Cruises

Year founded:  2007

Number of destinations:  260

Bottom Line: Azamara Club Cruises

With incredible trips that visit more than 80 countries, Azamara Club Cruises earns high marks from luxury cruisers. The 45-and-up crowd in particular loves Azamara, with longer cruises typically booked by retirees who have spent years saving for relaxing vacations after the 9-to-5 grind.

In addition to snagging the No. 4 spot for luxury cruises, Azamara earned the third spot for best cruise line for couples and for best cruise line in the Mediterranean.

Azamara’s staff-to-passenger ratio is low — there’s roughly one staff member for every two passengers — so you’ll get personalized service when you set sail with this line. Cruises start at three nights and go all the way up to 26 nights on four ships.

This is a cruise line that also understands that size matters. U.S. New notes that boats are small enough to "reach off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing the cruise line to offer unique shore excursions." No ship has more than 700 passengers. 

On board, you'll have the opportunity to participate in activities like wine tastings, lectures and cooking demonstrations.

What Travelers Say About Azamara Club Cruises

"This was our first Azamara cruise and we were so impressed with everything, we decided that we will be an Azamara Customer for life. The service was fabulous and with a smile. The food in the dining room was fabulous and the menu had many choices.

The pool area had some shade with lounge chairs to get out of the sun. The gym was great with a view, plenty of equipment and an area for yoga and Pilates classes, spin cycle classes. They offered watercolor painting , jewelry making and needlepoint classes at no charge." — Pboothe

Best Azamara Club Cruises Trip

One of Azamara's most distinctive trips is a 21-night West Africa voyage that starts at $5,159 and visits ports Cape Town, Takoradi in Ghana, Banjul in the Gambia, Grand Canaria in Spain and Lisbon, Portugal. Along the journey, you’ll taste local food, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and visit open-air markets.

If you’re an adventure junkie, you’ll want to book a kayaking excursion in Namibia's Pelican Point. Travelers who want an immersive experience can do a drumming and dancing workshop in Ivory Coast.

3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Year founded:  1992

Number of destinations:  450

Bottom Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Come aboard one of the five ships under the Regent Seven Seas cruise-line banner and you won’t be disappointed. It’s the No. 3 pick for luxury cruises thanks to its quality service, low staff-to-passenger ratio (there's rarely more than two guests per staff member) and deluxe accommodations (all the cabins are suites).

Plus, you can really immerse yourself in the cities you visit and try many exciting new things. All shore excursions are complimentary, and you can participate in as many as you have time for at every port.

Regent Seven Seas prides itself on offering all-inclusive cruises all over the world, which means your fare covers everything from airfare and hotels before and after the cruise to alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi and gratuities once onboard the ship.

What Travelers Say About Regent Seven Seas Cruises

"The accommodations are very nice (especially after getting bumped up two levels), the food is very good, and the crew is exemplary! ...The numerous free excursions were top-notch and the shipboard entertainment was amazing. The cruise director even sang and has a voice bar none. The free wine and liquor was also top notch and flowing...I highly recommend this ship and crew to anyone wanting a great voyage. It was worth every penny." — Erndog72

Best Regent Seven Seas Cruises Trip

Looking to soak up culture? During a 12-night journey throughout the Caribbean , you’ll visit San Juan as well as a handful of ports in places like St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada and Colombia. Fares start at $6,499 and include excursions like snorkeling in a marine reserve in Guadealoupe and a 4x4 safari in Bridgetown. 

In Curacao, a Dutch island in the Caribbean, you can view the beautiful marine life and coral reefs from a semi-submarine or do a wine and cheese tasting.

2. Seabourn Cruise Line

Year founded:  1986

Headquarters:  Seattle, Washington

Number of destinations:  464

Bottom Line: Seabourn Cruise Line

Coming in at No. 2, Seabourn is a lavish cruise line based in Seattle with a fleet of six super-intimate ships.

Each Seabourn vessel can accommodate just 458 to 600 guests, so you definitely won’t feel like just another face in the crowd on one of their journeys. All the rooms are suites, and they all feature ocean views, so you’re sure to be cruising in comfort. Though if you want an upgrade, you can opt for a luxury suite. Come mealtime, you can expect impeccable menus, including several created by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller . 

Given all that, it should come as no surprise that Seabourn also landed high on the list in other categories — it also came in second place for best cruise lines in the Mediterranean and best cruise lines for couples, and in third for best cruises line in the Caribbean.

What Travelers Say About Seabourn Cruise Line

"The staff is tremendous. Some of the most attentive I have encountered. The food and ship wines were okay, not great. We do not cruise to eat so we didn't mind. The grill by Thomas Keller is outstanding, one of the top ten meals of my life...the wines off of their premium menu are fantastic. The stops were great. The tours(we only do half day) were well organized, interesting and fun." — kandylandmo

Best Seabourn Cruise Line Trip

Seabourn has a 30-day trip of the southern seas starting at $14,499. Over the course of a month, you’ll travel aboard the cozy 229-suite Seabourn Odyssey and visit various ports in New Zealand, Australia, East Timor and Indonesia. See komodo dragons on Komodo Island, jumping crocodiles in the Northern Territory of Australia and exotic wildlife in the Great Barrier Reef.

The prospect of visiting East Timor is particularly exciting. Having gained independence in 2002, it is one of the least visited countries in the world . As you enjoy land excursions around Dili, you can feel lucky to be one of the 75,000 yearly visitors the country gets. 

1. Viking Ocean Cruises

Year founded:  1997

Number of destinations:  200

Bottom Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking got its start with river cruises but began offering luxury ocean journeys in 2015. Since then, it's proven that its ocean trips are just as posh as its river jaunts. The cruise line was not only named as the best luxury cruise line, but it’s also been named the No. 1 line for couples, thanks to amenities like fireplaces, infinity pools and deluxe spa services, and for Mediterranean cruises.

Viking has nine, 930-passenger ocean vessels, each offering verandas for all cabins and seven dining venues. There are no children’s activities on Viking ocean trips — in fact, all passengers must be at least 18 — so you’ll find a calm, relaxing environment perfect for active adults and retirees.

Viking’s typical ocean cruise options range from eight to 93 days, though you can spend up to 138 days aboard a world cruise . 

What Travelers Say About Viking Ocean Cruises

"Food was first rate, pools were open and clean, entertainment was good. The speakers were very knowledgeable and entertaining at the same time...Embarkation was a dream - I never touched a bag and I was in my Cabin 90 minutes after my plane touched down in Barcelona." — Katootsie

Best Viking Ocean Cruises Trip

For a totally unique experience, consider Viking's northern lights cruise . This 13-day journey, which starts at $4,999, departs from London, England, and visits numerous ports in Norway, all the way up to the Arctic Circle.

This trip has a seriously exciting array of excursion offerings: You can explore snow-covered Arctic towns on dog or reindeer sled, do snowshoe hikes and explore the Norwegian wilderness on snowmobile. The most elusive but rewarding excursions center around chasing the aurora borealis. Though this unpredictable phenomenon cannot be guaranteed, if you are lucky enough to see it, it will be an experience you will never forget.

10 Best Luxury Cruise Lines for the Trip of a Lifetime

Published : January 16, 2024

AAA Travel Editor, SMS

Table of contents.

• Cunard Line
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Seabourn Cruise Line
• Silversea Cruises
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
• Viking Ocean + Expedition Cruises
• Azamara Cruises
• Oceania Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• WindStar Cruises

What Is a Luxury Cruise?

Plan your luxury cruise with aaa.

For those looking for an elevated experience filled with relaxation, gorgeous scenery and attentive service, luxury cruise lines can fulfill your every need. Although these cruises come with a higher price tag, the best luxury cruise lines are worth it for the upscale dining, fine wines and champagnes, and suite features while on the open sea.

There are many cruises to choose from, but we put together a list of the best luxury cruises. Whether you’re looking for a couples trip , a f amily cruise or an adventure for singles, we have them all. Each one travels to beautiful destinations and is sure to offer you the experience of a lifetime.

1. Cunard Line

Best for: British elegance

Price: $619+ per person

Popular ports of call: New York, Fort Lauderdale, San Francisco and Vancouver

Kid-friendly: Kids allowed but not recommended

AAA member benefit: Up to $300 per stateroom onboard spending credit based on category and length of sailing, during the following quarterly booking windows, and reduced cruise deposit of 50% off the standard deposit per stateroom.

AAA Vacations® benefit*:

• Britannia accommodations (Ocean View to Balcony): $100 per stateroom onboard spending credit on 7-17 night voyages or $200 per stateroom onboard spending credit on 18 night or longer voyages.
• Princess and Queens Grill Suites: $400 per stateroom onboard spending credit on 7-17 night voyages. $800 per stateroom onboard spending credit on 18 night or longer voyages.
• Enhanced afternoon Tea Service (includes a glass of champagne)
• Complimentary dining for two in Kings Court or Lido alternative restaurants (first two guests in stateroom)

*AAA Vacations® benefit valid for sailings through April 2025 only and for sailings 7 nights or longer.

Since 1840, the Cunard Line has been known for its British elegance by offering passengers an experience of peak sophistication. While you don’t have to be British royalty to book your voyage, members of the royal family like Princess Diana and the Queen Mother have traveled on ships in the Cunard Line’s fleet.

Be sure to bring your best attire for the Black and White ball, but you can dress more casually while grabbing a pint at the pub or trying your luck in the ship’s casino. The Cunard’s dining experience is tiered with the Queen’s Grill designated for passengers with the largest suites, and those with smaller suites can eat at the Princess Grill. 

2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best for: Maximum luxury

Price: $3,599+ per person

Popular ports of call: New York, Montreal, Barcelona and London

Kid-friendly: Yes

AAA member benefit: Up to $200 per suite, onboard spending credit on selected promotional voyages.

AAA Vacations® benefit: Up to $500 per suite onboard spending credit on select sailings.

The Regent Seven Seas cruise lines have over 25 years of experience giving passengers one of the best luxury experiences on the sea. With cruises that travel all over the world, you’re able to visit a variety of beautiful destinations while receiving top-tier services. These cruises have one of the higher price tags, but they offer guests a customizable butler service, galleries with fine art and a Broadway-style theater.

Regent has a wide range of ships with different experiences. This is not only one of the best luxury cruise lines for families, but you can also have a more romantic trip on one of their couple's cruises. Whether it’s helicopter rides during a cruise in Alaska , visiting the Temple of Poseidon in Athens or exploring Zaragoza while in Madrid, you’ll be sure to enjoy your trip.  

3. Seabourn Cruise Line

Best for: Intimate experience

Price: $2,974+

Popular ports of call: Seattle, Miami, Tokyo and Sydney

AAA member benefit : $300 per suite (double occupancy) onboard spending credit on select departures. Singles receive $150 per suite.

If you’re looking for a more private, less crowded luxury cruise, Seabourn cruises are just what you’re looking for. Each of the Seabourn’s cruise ships carries a maximum of 600 passengers, making them one of the best small luxury cruise lines. Seabourn was founded in 1989 and offers all of the luxury amenities and stunning destinations you could hope for.

These award-winning cruises are all-inclusive and have fine-dining menus from renowned chef Thomas Kellar. For wine aficionados, the ships have premium wine programs as well as spa services for a relaxing stay. You’ll see incredible, exotic destinations while traveling on one of Seabourn’s upscale ships.    

4. Silversea Cruises

Best for: Crew-to-guest ratio

Price: $2,200+

Popular ports of call: Vancouver, Alaska, Venice and Copenhagen

AAA member benefit: Up to $300 per person onboard credit on selected sailings

Silversea Cruises was founded in 1994, so they have decades of experience providing luxurious travel for passengers. These cruises offer an intimate setting with ships that accommodate anywhere from 100 to 600 people. In addition to being one of the best small luxury cruise lines, they also have one of the best crew-to-guest ratios to ensure passengers receive the attention they deserve.

The Silversea cruises travel throughout all seven continents to over 900 locations. Their all-inclusive cruises also have 24-hour gourmet dining along with onboard entertainment and a butler service. When you reach different locations, Silversea also offers complimentary shore excursions.

5. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Best for: Couples and families

Price: $3,199+

Popular ports of call: Brussels, Amsterdam, Budapest and Milan

Kid-friendly: Yes, but Uniworld states that certain excursions may not be suitable for children.

AAA member benefit: $250 per couple savings on cruises up to 13 days and $500 per couple savings on cruises of 14 days or more

AAA Vacations® benefit: $300 per couple onboard spending credit available on select sailings.

Uniworld offers guests a luxury experience on rivers throughout the world. Not only do they have a fleet of luxurious riverboats, but they pride themselves on providing passengers with impeccable service. They also have over 40 years of experience doing so.

Uniworld’s ports are all outside of the United States and visit some of the world’s most marvelous rivers. They have a variety of options as well. You can take an eight-day trip on the Rhine River with stops in France and Germany, or you can go for longer on their 14-day voyage visiting Milan, Venice and the Swiss Alps.

6. Viking Ocean + Expedition Cruises

Best for: Adventurous travelers

Price: $5,995+ per person

Popular ports of call: Fort Lauderdale, New York City and Buenos Aires

Kid-friendly: No

AAA member benefit: $100 per person shipboard credit for all cruises 8-11 days and $200 per person shipboard credit for all cruises 12 days or longer

Viking cruise ships have modern Scandinavian designs with luxurious features for passengers. Their ship sizes and cruise options offer a wide variety to suit your specific types of interests. They have a 378-guest expedition ship, the Polar Class Viking Octanis, as well as larger ocean ships like the Viking Star, which can host 930 passengers.

The Viking cruises are perfect for adventurous travelers. You can voyage under the sea in a six-person submarine and kayak through incredible iceberg-filled regions. They offer shorter, 13-day cruises or much longer trips that range from 30 to 70 days. 

7. Azamara Cruises

Best for: Traveling the globe

Price: $1,039+ per person

Popular ports of call: San Francisco, Barcelona, Venice and Rio de Janeiro

AAA member benefit: $150 per stateroom onboard spending credit on select sailings in a Club Ocean View stateroom or above.

AAA Vacations® benefit: $200 per stateroom onboard spending credit

Azamara has cruises throughout the world that allow guests to visit over 150 destinations. In addition to their wealth of destinations, they also have World Cruises that are 155 days long. The World Cruises visit 37 countries around the globe, stopping at destinations like Honolulu, Sydney, Bangkok and Venice.

For those looking for shorter trips, Azamara has a variety of cruises ranging from seven to 17 days. You can take their Wine and Culture Voyage throughout Northern and Western Europe, a trip through Viking regions in Norway or travel along the Mediterranean Rivieras.

8. Oceania Cruise Line

Best for: Romantic getaways

Price: $1,299+ per person

Popular ports of call: Miami, Seattle, Barcelona and Athens

AAA member benefit: $100 per person onboard spending credit.

AAA Vacations® benefit: Free pre-paid gratuities (for first two guests in stateroom)

Passengers will receive the full luxury experience while traveling on one of Oceania Cruise Line’s 10 vessels. While on the ship, you’ll have access to the serenity of spa treatments and delicious cuisines from gourmet chefs. Oceania also has onboard activities like cultural lectures and cooking classes, which make for a great couple’s activity.

Each of the small, luxurious ships give every passenger a personalized experience as you travel to beautiful locations across the globe. These cruises are perfect for romantic getaways with food and wine tours in Italy and France as well as wellness tours in New Zealand and Thailand. And for adventurous couples, there are volcano tours in the Canary Islands and hikes along the cliffs of Malaga, Spain.

9. Celebrity Cruises

Best for: Affordable family cruises

Price: $246+ per person

Popular ports of call: Miami, Venice and Vancouver

AAA member benefit: Onboard credit per stateroom based on category booked:

• $25 (outside)
• $50 (balcony)
• $75 (Concierge Class and above)

Valid for all departures 3 nights or longer with the exception of Galapagos products.

AAA Vacations® benefit: Onboard spending credit per stateroom based on category booked:

• $75 (balcony)
• $100 (Concierge Class and above)

Offer not valid on Galapagos products.

Celebrity Cruises has a wide range of options as well as prices. This award-winning cruise line has affordable cruises as low as $312 while also offering a high-end experience. Celebrity Cruises is also one of the best luxury cruises for families . They have over 500 itineraries specifically designed for families and even have the Camp at Sea, a customizable camp for kids and teens on the ship.

On a Celebrity Cruise ship , you can expect open-air dining experiences along with adventure and relaxation. For the grown-ups, you can take advantage of the lounges, bars and all-inclusive drink package. These cruises are also worldwide with over 300 ports that travel throughout North America, Europe, the Caribbean and more.

10. WindStar Cruises

Best for: An intimate experience

Price: $2,099+

Popular ports of call: Vancouver, Venice and Reykjavik

Kid-friendly: Kids eight and older allowed but not recommended

WindStar Cruises give guests an intimate experience with their small, luxurious yachts that accommodate 148 to 342 guests. They have different cruise options that cater to various types of travelers. WindStar has cruises that range from the romantic to the adventurous. For the foodies, WindStar works with the James Beard foundation and serves meals created by celebrity chefs like Maxime Bilet and Jose Mendin.

The suites come with fully stocked mini bars, soft linens and fresh fruit. Onboard, guests can enjoy outdoor dining, spa services and the Yacht Club Cafe. WindStar Cruises visit many beautiful locations around the world with voyages through Canada and New England, Greece, Italy and more. 

Luxury cruises differ from standard cruises by providing passengers with service-oriented experience. Many, but not all, of the top luxury cruises are on smaller ships to provide guests with more intimacy while traveling. While some luxury cruises have family-oriented services and activities, the majority of cruises cater to adults and are great for couples .

In addition to a service-oriented cruise, you can also expect fine dining, elevated amenities and activities for those who appreciate artwork, historic landmarks and unique experiences. One of the additional benefits of the best small luxury cruises is that they can reach destinations that larger ships can’t.

The main differences that separate luxury cruises compared to standard cruises are:

• Better service
• Smaller ship sizes
• Higher-quality meals
• A quieter setting
• Caters to adults

If you’re looking for a luxurious experience when booking your next cruise, plan your trip through AAA. With a AAA membership , you receive exclusive benefits when you book one of the best luxury cruises, which includes discounts and onboard spending credits.

More Articles

Travel like an expert with aaa and trip canvas, get ideas from the pros.

As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.

Build and Research Your Options

Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.

Book Everything in One Place

From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!

The 8 best luxury cruise lines in the world, ranked

• Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) ranked the top luxury cruise lines of 2019.
• To do so, they created an algorithm which scored each luxury cruise line based on a series of "touch points," taking into account the overall performance of the company, rather than individual ships. 
• Seabourn topped LTI's list, scoring a 79.6% out of 100%.
• Visit Business Insider's homepage for more stories.

Luxury Travel Intelligence (LTI) , a members-only organization which provides travel reporting for affluent voyagers, has released their list of the best luxury cruise lines of 2019. 

LTI spent the year assessing the luxury cruise industry at large, and created an algorithm which analyzes 124 touch points. The maximum score a cruise line could get was 4511, which was then translated into a percentage out of 100. 

The numerous touch points referred to the overall performance of the company, rather than each individual ship in the line. 

"Our 124 touch points relate to the overall company performance, rather than its individual ships. It's all about the cruise line's ability to deliver: its passion, commitment, ethos and values, as well as the quality of its management and staff," said Michael Crompton, founder of LTI. "Investment and how well it is executed are also major factors, particularly in new ships and the refurbishment of existing ones."

Keep reading to see which luxury cruise lines ranked the highest, according to LTI.

8. Cunard — 67.7%

Cunard is known for its ships the Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria, and Queen Elizabeth, which have carried numerous notable guests, according to the company's website. 

Its destinations include Norway and the Northern Lights, the Baltics, and the Canary Islands.

Source:  Cunard

7. Azamara — 69.4%

Azamara is known for its small, intimate cruises. 

The company's ships travel all around the world, including places such as Cuba and the South Pacific. Azamara's ship are noteworthy for their ability to visit ports where larger cruise ships can't fit, such as those in Venice , Amalfi, and Crete. 

Source:  Azamara

6. Oceania — 71%

Oceania was founded in 2002. It offers four cruise ships which can accommodate 684 guests, and two which can hold up to 1,250 guests. Its itineraries includes trips to Australia, Africa, Europe, the South Pacific, and the Americas.

According to its website, Oceania's mission statement is to do things the "R.I.T.E. way — Respect, Integrity, Trust and Excellence are the foundation of all our actions, every day, in everything we do."

Source:  Oceania

5. Viking Ocean — 73.8%

Founded in 1997, Viking Cruises has grown to become one of the top luxury cruise companies in the world. Its ships travel to destinations in New Zealand, Africa, Scandinavia, and South America.

The company also offers lengthy globe-spanning World Cruises , including one from Auckland, New Zealand, to Vancouver, Canada, which visits 15 countries in 93 days.

Source:  Viking Cruises

4. Silversea — 75.4%

Silversea is particularly known for its excellent fine dining. It has ships ranging in size from 50 to 304 suites, offering voyagers the option of a more intimate experience as they travel the globe. 

The cruise company goes to over 900 different destinations on all seven continents. Some locations include South America, eastern Russia, Galápagos Islands, Greenland, and Antarctica. 

Source:  Silversea

3. Regent Seven Seas — 76.9%

Regent Seven Seas travels all around the world, with ships that go to nearly every continent.

The company also offers round-trip flights with various airlines, unlimited shore excursions, beverages, open bars and lounges, and unlimited WiFi as part of their packages.

Source:  Regent Seven Seas

2. Crystal — 77.8%

Crystal Cruises travels to 818 different locations and offers 2,000 different excursions. 

The cruise line also offers a butler service in each Penthouse suite, with 24-hour room service. There's also a 360-degree Promenade Deck, which, their website notes , is rare to see on cruise ships today.

Source:  Crystal Cruises

1. Seabourn — 79.6%

Seabourn , which tops LTI's inaugural cruise line ranking, travels to locations all around the world, ranging from the Panama Canal to the Amazon and even the Arctic circle.

Known for an elegant yet intimate travel experience, Seabourn is also the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage . 

In 2009, the company launched the Seabourn Odyssey, which only carries 458 guests and, according to the company's website, offers the "highest ratio of space per guest in the cruise industry."

Source: Seabourn

• Main content

10 Luxury Cruise Lines, Ranked By Passenger Review

Your changes have been saved

Email is sent

Email has already been sent

Please verify your email address.

You’ve reached your account maximum for followed topics.

• Royal Caribbean International offers a luxurious cruise experience with state-of-the-art dining facilities, dazzling performances, and full-service spas.
• Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection provides an all-inclusive cruise experience with luxury beds, multiple dining venues, and a personal concierge.
• Regent Seven Seas offers all-inclusive packages with unlimited beverages, round-trip airfare, and luxury spa treatments, making it one of the best cruise lines in the world.

Most vacationers and travelers would agree that one of the best ways to see the world (with minimal trip planning required) is by a cruise line. Cruises around the world offer travelers the chance to see multiple destinations, experience world-class amenities, and enjoy endless activities both onboard the ship and on land. Whether world travelers are seeking tropical getaway cruises to take in the winter or an exciting Great Lakes expedition cruise , there are plenty of cruise line options that offer luxury and adventure.

Looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime luxury cruise and see picturesque destinations around the world? These luxury cruise lines present outstanding amenities, food options, entertainment, expeditions, and bucket-list excursions that will leave adventurers with unforgettable memories. For passengers booking their next cruise trip, consider these ranked cruise lines rated by passenger reviews!

These luxury cruise lines are ranked from the lowest to highest and are based on passenger review ratings on Tripadvisor .

Tour The World On A Luxury Air Cruise For As Much As $160,000

Here's the good news for jet setters wanting to see the four corners of the world in one aircraft. It's finally here.

10 Experience A Family Vacation Aboard The Royal Caribbean International

Rated 3.5 stars on tripadvisor.

All about innovation and refining the luxury cruise experience , Royal Caribbean International paves the way when it comes to memorable vacations at sea. Royal Caribbean cruises offer luxury not just within the staterooms and suites but throughout the entire ship!

Passengers can indulge in a number of luxurious brand experiences , such as state-of-the-art dining facilities, dazzling performances like ice shows and musical productions, waterparks, and full-service spas. As one of the largest cruise fleets, Royal Caribbean cruises explore every corner of the world and make sure to provide the best experience possible.

• Luxury Amenities: 24-hour room service, round-the-clock stateroom attendant, minibars, reserved seating areas, concierge service
• Best Destinations: The Caribbean, Bahamas, Australia, Alaska
• Cost Of Ticket: Average ticket starts at $299

9 Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection - The All-Inclusive Vacation

When one hears the words "Ritz-Carlton," images of luxury and elegance immediately come to mind. For those who want to take their Ritz-Carlton experience outside the hotel chain, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection cruises deliver nothing but an all-around first-class service on the open seas.

Whether passengers are sailing around the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, Greece, or the Amalfi Coast, guests will get to experience an all-inclusive cruise that includes luxury beds, multiple dining venues, a personal concierge, complimentary champagne, Wi-Fi, and access to 24-hour in-suite dining! Not to mention the gorgeous views of the sunrise from the guests' private balcony with a cup of fresh coffee every morning.

• Luxury Amenities: Personal concierge, in-suit beverages, 24-hour in-suite dining, private terrace
• Best Destinations: Mediterranean, Portugal, Bermuda, Northern Europe
• Cost Of Ticket: Average ticket starts at $5,800

8 Enjoy Every Luxury With Regent Seven Seas

Ranked as one of the best cruise lines in the world , Regent Seven Seas spares no expense when it comes to grandiosity and luxury.

Regent Seven Seas goes above and beyond, making sure passengers have everything they could ever need. The all-inclusive packages onboard the ships include everything from unlimited beverages, valet service, round-trip airfare, unlimited and unforgettable shore excursions, and luxury spa treatments. Guests can even get their own personal butler. Nothing quite says luxury like having a butler.

• Luxury Amenities: Round-trip business class airfare, specialty dining, open bars, unlimited drinks, Wi-Fi, personal butler
• Best Destinations: Australia, New Zealand, South America, South Pacific
• Cost Of Ticket: Average ticket starts at $3,499

7 Exploring Remote Corners of the World in Style With Ponant

French luxury brand amenities, excellent cuisine, and over-the-top spa treatments make Ponant Cruises stand out as one of the best luxury cruise lines in the world. Since Ponant cruises consist of smaller ships, passengers are able to travel to more remote destinations such as Antarctica and the Pacific Islands and embark on adventurous shore expeditions.

One thing that makes Ponant stand out as a luxury cruise liner is its "à la carte" service . The à la carte service allows passengers to tailor and personalize their onboard experience to meet their needs.

• Luxury Amenities: Bathrobes and slippers, private balcony, butler service, massage cabins, heated swimming pools, spa treatments
• Best Destinations: Antarctica, Oceania and Pacific Islands, New Zealand, Africa, Mediterranean, Northern Europe
• Cost Of Ticket: Average ticket starts between $5,000 and $8,000

Those who want to cruise around Antarctica should book their cruise for October or November: the start of the Antarctic summer!

For The Love Of Food And Cruises: These Are The Best European Luxury Liners For Foodies

From decadent, Michelin-star-rated menus to the utmost in vegetarian options, these luxury liners have it all.

6 Experience Every Voyage Imaginable Onboard Silversea

Rated 4 stars on tripadvisor.

The ultimate definition of personalized luxury has to be Silversea Cruise Line . Known to have the highest space-per-guest ratio among luxury cruise lines, Silversea takes the lead when it comes to service and accommodation.

Boasting over 900 destinations and all 7 continents to sail to, Silversea offers incredibly tailored itineraries that allow guests to experience the world in a new and luxurious way. With 24-hour butler service, gourmet dining, and extreme expeditions, a vacation with Silversea is sure to leave guests refreshed and well-traveled.

• Luxury Amenities: Private teak verandas, spacious lounges, butler service, complimentary champagne
• Best Destinations: American West Coast, Arctic, and Greenland, Central America, Galápagos Islands, the British Isles, Mediterranean
• Cost Of Ticket: Average ticket starts at $2,700

5 Relish In Paradise Both On And Off A Celebrity Cruise Ship

Highly regarded as one of the best luxury cruise lines in the U.S. , Celebrity Cruises offers modern staterooms, top-notch service, and unique excursions to over 300 destinations around the world.

Celebrity Cruises is tailor-made to accommodate families, solo travelers, and couples looking for a romantic getaway. With resort-style pool decks, lounges, bars, fine dining options, and plenty of entertainment onboard, passengers will have no problem finding new activities every day.

• Luxury Amenities: Private veranda, premium bath amenities, personalized concierge, room service, Wi-Fi
• Best Destinations: Aruba, U.S. Virgin Islands, Europe, Alaska, Bahamas, South America
• Cost Of Ticket: Average ticket starts at $1,500

4 Windstar Cruises - A Luxurious Private Yacht Experience

Rated 4.5 stars on tripadvisor.

Looking for a more intimate, private escape? Windstar Cruises provides first-class service and the freedom to enjoy everything the ship and excursions have to offer.

Windstar Cruises takes pride in its spacious, cozy, and luxurious interior design and personalized service for its guests. Windstar's ships are smaller, which allows for more relaxation, simplicity, and more authentic shore experiences.

• Luxury Amenities: Private balcony, spa services, free watersports, Michelin-star restaurants, culinary shore excursions
• Best Destinations: Greece, Spain, Canary Islands, Tahiti, Europe, Canada
• Cost Of Ticket: Average ticket starts at $89 per day

Why A Luxury Barge Cruise Is The Best Way To See The French Countryside

Cruising at a slow pace lets barge guests drink in the bucolic scenes of France’s rural destinations.

3 Virgin Voyages - VIP Treatment For Adults Only

Sorry, no kids are allowed on this trip. Getting a break away from everyday life, surrounded by adults only, and enjoying excursions around the world sounds like the perfect vacation! Well, it's all possible with Virgin Voyages .

Averaging 4.5 stars on Tripadvisor, Virgin Voyages is a fan-favorite among many travelers! With never-ending entertainment, free drinks, and ultra spa treatments, this cruise line provides the perfect escape for adults to recharge and enjoy their time away from home.

• Luxury Amenities: All-inclusive dining options, free Wi-Fi, group fitness classes, free drinks, live entertainment
• Best Destinations: Caribbean, Europe, South Pacific, Thailand
• Cost Of Ticket: Average ticket starts at $455

Restaurant reservations fill up fast on Virgin Voyages ships. Passengers should download the Virgin Voyages App and start making reservations at least 1 month before their trip.

2 Crystal Cruises - Exceptional, Sensational, Unforgettable

Crystal Cruises has everything a passenger could ever want on a cruise ship. Compared to other luxury cruises, Crystal Cruises is the way to go.

With an exceptional passenger-to-crew ratio, Crystal Cruises prioritizes travelers' comfort and a relaxing experience! Hospitality, exquisite dining options, and beautiful, authentic destinations around the world are the signature style of Crystal.

• Luxury Amenities: Free drinks, complimentary reservations to selected restaurants, butler service, Wi-Fi, room service
• Best Destinations: Caribbean, the Baltic, Alaska, Asia, South Pacific, Australia, New Zealand
• Cost Of Ticket: Average ticket starts at $4,700

1 Seabourn - Ultra-Luxurious Cruising To Dream Destinations

Rated 5 stars on tripadvisor.

Seabourn Cruise Line is the perfect blend of luxurious and simplistic, bringing together an enriching travel experience and award-winning service for passengers.

Aside from the luxurious suites, travelers can find extreme comfort and exciting fun all throughout the ship with its spa and wellness facilities, gourmet dining, and adventures on shore.

• Luxury Amenities: Personal suite host, veranda, luxury product amenities, complimentary wines and spirits, world-class dining
• Best Destinations: Maldives, Greece, France, Caribbean, St. Lucia, Hawaii, Italy
• Cost Of Ticket: Average ticket starts at $3,800

Find the Best Cruise for You

U.S. News has ranked more than 150 cruise ships. Find the best cruise for your vacation.

Cruise Line Rankings

U.S. News has made it easier to find the cruise that's right for you with our Best Cruise Lines rankings, which identify the best cruise lines for a variety of traveler types in a range of regions.

Best Cruise Lines for the Money

• # 1 Virgin Voyages
• # 2 Celebrity Cruises
• # 3 Princess Cruises

Best Cruise Lines for Families

• # 1 Disney Cruise Line
• # 2 Royal Caribbean International
• # 3 Carnival Cruise Line

Best Cruise Lines for Couples

• # 1 Viking Ocean Cruises
• # 2 Seabourn Cruise Line
• # 3 Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best Cruise Lines in the Caribbean

• # 3 Virgin Voyages

Best Cruise Lines in the Mediterranean

• # 3 Celebrity Cruises

Best Luxury Cruise Lines

Cruising 101.

Cruise Packing List: 35 Essentials for Your 2023 Cruise

The 6 Best Cruise Insurance Plans for 2023

The 12 Best All-Inclusive Cruises for 2023 and 2024

16 Top Adults-Only Cruises for 2024

The 12 Best Mississippi River Cruises for 2023-2024

Rankings & reviews, cruise ships by region.

Mediterranean

Cruise Ships by Traveler Type

Cruise Ships by Budget

Cruise Ships by Brand

• Carnival Cruise Line
• Celebrity Cruises
• Costa Cruises
• Cunard Line
• Disney Cruise Line
• Holland America Line
• MSC Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International
• Seabourn Cruise Line
• Silversea Cruises
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Virgin Voyages

Cruise Ships by Departure Port

• Fort Lauderdale
• Jacksonville
• Los Angeles
• New Orleans
• Port Canaveral
• San Francisco
• Southampton

Cruise Deals

• Best Cruise Deals

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes

These Are the Best Cruises of 2024, According to T+L's Expert

The cruise lines and itineraries to consider in the year ahead, as selected by T+L news director Paul Brady.

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

Courtesy of Virgin Voyages

Looking for the best cruises in 2024? Travel + Leisure 's cruise expert picked the best sailings of the coming year, including traveling the Mediterranean on Oceania Cruises' newest ship, exploring French Polynesia aboard the legendary Paul Gaugin , and Holland America Line's adventure from Nova Scotia to Greenland and Scandinavia.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages, which launched its first food-focused itinerary in the summer of 2023, will offer more culinary voyages in the year ahead, including a 21-day adventure from Lisbon to Tromsö, Norway, that stops at numerous wine and spirits hot spots, including Porto, Bordeaux, Normandy, and Scotland.

Crystal relaunched in 2023 with the refurbished ships Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity . The first will spend next summer in the Mediterranean, while the second will transit the Panama Canal in June on a voyage from Miami to San Diego before spending the summer in Alaska.

Cunard’s much-anticipated Queen Anne arrives in May. The luxury liner will spend the summer sailing the British Isles and Scandinavia, among other European destinations.

Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys will welcome a second ship in August 2024, Explora II . Both will tour the Mediterranean next summer, visiting in-demand ports in Greece, Italy, and Spain. 

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Holland America Line

Best known for its Alaska journeys, Holland America Line will have a 35-day “Voyage of the Vikings” itinerary next year that goes to Nova Scotia, Greenland, Iceland, and Scandinavia, all round-trip from Boston.

Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions will run a series of domestic trips on the Columbia and Snake rivers aboard the National Geographic Sea Bird and National Geographic Sea Lion , both of which have 31 cabins. The food-focused itineraries are organized in partnership with Food & Wine , which, like T+L, is published by Dotdash Meredith.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Vista , the line’s first new ship in 11 years, will spend next summer in the Mediterranean. One highlight will be an epic 24-day journey from Venice to Athens that calls in at iconic cities such as Rome, Monte Carlo, Barcelona, and Istanbul. 

Paul Gauguin

A favorite of T+L readers, the Paul Gauguin will spend Christmas and New Year’s going round-trip from Tahiti to the Society Islands.

In January, Ponant kicks off the first of 12 expeditions in partnership with the Explorers Club, the science-minded nonprofit. The series begins with a 30-day “half-circumnavigation” of Antarctica aboard the luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot , starting in South America and wrapping in New Zealand.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The new Regent Seven Seas Grandeur is headed for the Caribbean and then Europe, but will return to the U.S. in the fall for a series of scenic New England cruises that also hit New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and Quebec.

Scenic’s latest expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse II , will head for New Zealand in late 2024, where it will do two-week itineraries that navigate the fjords and offer plenty of pulse-quickening adventures like jet-boat and helicopter tours along the way. 

Seabourn Pursuit

The line's Seabourn Pursuit will be sailing the South Pacific come 2024. In April and August, it will offer itineraries that focus on the history of World War II, with visits to islands involved in the conflict, including Chuuk and Guadalcanal.

The latest Silversea ship, Silver Nova , will spend the summer cruising the Inside Passage between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska. In the fall it heads to Asia for trips that include a 16-day Tokyo-to-Singapore swing.

Courtesy of Silversea

Viking Venus , one of the line’s newest ocean vessels, will spend the first part of 2024 chasing the northern lights in Scandinavia, with stops in places such as Bergen and Tromsö, Norway.

Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages will hit some in-demand Mediterranean destinations next summer, including Cannes, France, and the Balearic islands of Ibiza and Mallorca, on a series of sails on the Scarlet Lady . 

Windstar Cruises

A longtime partner of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar Cruises has two chef-led itineraries on the books for 2024: one goes around the Iberian Peninsula to France and Ireland, and the other cruises the Dalmatian Coast and western Greece.

Related Articles

A trio of new super-small cruise vessels promises luxury adventure from South America to Asia

Much of the buzz in the cruise world in recent years has been about a new crop of megaships that can carry many thousands of passengers and are packed to the gills with over-the-top attractions. We're talking about such amenity-filled giants as Royal Caribbean's 18-deck-high Wonder of the Seas — the new world's largest cruise ship.

But there have been a lot of wonderful small cruise vessels debuting, too, including some so small that they sometimes aren't even mentioned at cruising sites.

Here, we look at three of the very smallest new cruise vessels of them all, all of which are in the process of starting up service on rivers and oceans from South America to Asia.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

Even the biggest of the three vessels carries just 82 passengers — less than 2% of the number that can fit on Wonder of the Seas. Or, to put another way, the total passenger count of all three of these ships wouldn't even fill half of one of Wonder of the Seas' lifeboats.

All three of these new vessels have us super excited here at TPG — and not just because they offer an intimate and upscale experience that is designed to be anything but mass-market or cookie cutter.

They also are vessels specifically designed to visit some of the world's most alluring destinations, from the ancient temples along the Nile River in Egypt to the wildlife-filled reserves along the coast of Ecuador — and to do it in style. All three vessels fall on the luxury side of the spectrum for cruising.

As you'll see below, two of the vessels are from a single line, Viking. Viking is in the midst of expanding its small-ship footprint into more regions of the world, including Antarctica . The other newcomer is from a startup small-vessel company, Kontiki Expeditions.

Here, we take a closer look at these three tiny and luxurious new cruise vessels.

Viking Osiris

Location: Nile River.

Cruise operator: Viking.

River cruise giant Viking is calling its new river ship the most upscale cruise vessel on the Nile, and from what we've seen of it so far, it's a boast that's hard to dispute. Designed to hold just 82 passengers, Viking Osiris features an entire deck of sprawling suites with two full-size rooms apiece; two suites even have stunning glass walls that wrap around the front of the vessel.

The river ship also has a swanky sun deck where you can kick back on shaded loungers while enjoying 360-degree views of the ancient Egyptian temples that line the waterway. The views are almost as grand from its main restaurant, which sits high on the ship and features floor-to-ceiling glass walls.

Scheduled to be christened Monday in Luxor, Egypt, Viking Osiris is notably smaller than the typical Viking ship, with just 41 cabins. But it's a classic Viking vessel in other respects (think: minimalist Scandinavian design and included tours). If you've been on any of Viking's 60-plus river ships in Europe, you'll feel right at home.

Related: 20 things you must bring on every cruise — including a roll of duct tape

That's in part because Viking Osiris is the first Nile River vessel specifically built to Viking's specifications. It's also owned and operated by Viking. That's unusual in a market where most Western lines charter local vessels for their trips. In Viking's eyes (and ours, too), that means Viking will be able to offer the most consistent product on the river. Unlike some other Western companies operating in Egypt, Viking will have complete control of the experience.

The details: Viking's Egypt trips pair a seven-night Nile cruise on Viking Osiris with a four-night stay at a hotel in Cairo (three nights before the cruise and one night after), with included tours to such iconic Egypt sites as the Great Pyramids of Giza and the Valley of the Kings. Fares start at $5,299 per person, not including taxes and fees. For information, visit viking.com .

Viking Saigon

Location: Mekong River.

Viking also is going small and upscale with a new cruise vessel for the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. New as of this month, the three-deck-high riverboat was designed with just 40 cabins, every one of which has a floor-to-ceiling sliding glass door opening onto a traditional balcony or French balcony — a high-end touch you don't always see on Mekong River ships.

Like Viking Osiris, Viking Saigon boasts Viking's signature, clean-lined Scandinavian design. It is packed with onboard amenities including a small spa, fitness center, library and even an infinity pool (which lies at the back of the top deck next to an open-air bar). That's an impressive mix for such a small vessel.

As is typical for Mekong River ships, Viking Saigon is sailing one-way voyages between Kampong Cham, Cambodia (not far from the famed ruins of Angkor), and My Tho, Vietnam, near Ho Chi Minh City. Viking combines the cruise with hotel stays in Ho Chi Minh City; Hanoi, Vietnam; and Siem Reap, Cambodia (the gateway to the Angkor ruins), to create a 14-night "Magnificent Mekong" tour of Cambodia and Vietnam.

The details: Viking Mekong River trips combine a seven-night Mekong cruise on Viking Saigon with a two-night stay in Hanoi, a three-night stay in Siem Reap and a two-night stay in Ho Chi Minh City. Fares start at $4,499 per person, not including taxes and fees. For information, visit viking.com .

Kontiki Wayra

Location: Coast of Ecuador.

Cruise operator: Kontiki Expeditions.

If you've always wanted to explore the coast of Ecuador in style, this is your vehicle. Designed to travel to off-the-beaten-path places along the country's coastline, the 18-passenger Kontiki Wayra is as upscale as it is intimate.

Despite its small size, Kontiki Wayra offers a lot of upscale amenities, including a sun deck, two outdoor lounges, bar, Jacuzzi, spa treatment room and fitness area. Every one of the vessel's nine cabins is a suite.

The ship's 12 crew members include wellness professionals (wellness is a big focus for the brand), naturalist guides and a local chef. There also are two local expert guides on board, who will provide insight as Kontiki Wayra stops at small Ecuadorian towns, historic sites and nature areas full of wildlife.

During initial sailings in Ecuador, passengers can expect to see such wildlife as blue-footed boobies, sea lions and howler monkeys. A focus on cuisine incorporates local seafood and produce on board and on land as well as tastings of local chocolate. The vessel also carries kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment for watery adventure; diving is an option.

The details: Wayra is operating a weeklong itinerary between Bahia in the north of Ecuador and Salinas in the south. Fares start at $7,245 per person, based on double occupancy, and include all activities and meals as well as transfers to and from ports. Solo traveler rates and private charter rates are also available. For more information, visit kontikiexpeditionscruises.com .

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for your first cruise

More From Forbes

How to pack smartly for your next cruise vacation.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Packing smartly can greatly enhance your enjoyment of a cruise vacation.

Packing smartly for a cruise is an essential step in ensuring your vacation is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible. The right packing decisions can greatly enhance your experience, while poor choices can lead to unnecessary hassles, extra costs, or missed opportunities to fully enjoy all that your cruise has to offer.

With a bit of forethought, you can strike the perfect balance between bringing everything you need and avoiding the pitfalls of overpacking.

Cruise Packing Tips

When packing for a typical trip, airline weight limits often dictate how much you can bring. However, the rules are a bit different on a cruise. While cruise lines may impose restrictions on the weight of individual bags for safety reasons, there’s usually no hard limit on the total number of bags you can bring.

This means that, unless you’re flying to your port of embarkation, you have the freedom to bring as much as you like. Of course, just because you can bring more doesn’t mean you should. Overpacking can quickly turn into a burden.

Navigating a busy terminal with excessive luggage, trying to fit too many bags into a compact cabin, or simply keeping track of multiple items can detract from the relaxation that a cruise vacation is meant to provide.

iPhone 16 Release Date Latest: What To Expect When—And Where

Apple iphone 16: unexpected design change leaked in new report, former ufc champion and mma legend retires in emotional speech.

Instead of bringing everything you think you might need, it’s wiser to pack strategically. Focus on versatility, comfort, and any specific needs of your itinerary.

Pack A Versatile Wardrobe

Versatility should be your guiding principle. Opt for clothing that can be mixed and matched to create multiple outfits, allowing you to maximize your wardrobe while minimizing the space it occupies. Choose fabrics that are wrinkle-resistant and quick-drying, as they’ll stay fresh and comfortable throughout your trip.

Footwear and accessories deserve careful consideration as well. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for excursions, while formal shoes are a must for evening dinners. Don’t forget a pair of flip-flops or sandals for lounging by the pool.

Accessories like hats, sunglasses, and a lightweight beach bag, though often overlooked, can be incredibly useful both ashore and for onboard activities on summer cruises .

To keep your luggage organized, packing cubes are a smart choice. They make it easy to find what you need without the hassle of unpacking everything, and they help you keep your outfits and essentials neatly sorted.

Mesh packing cubes help cruise guests stay organized before and during the trip.

It’s also important to be mindful of the climate and activities you’ll encounter during your cruise. If your itinerary includes diverse destinations, you’ll need to pack a variety of clothing to accommodate changing weather conditions.

For instance, a winter cruise might require warm layers and waterproof gear for outdoor adventures, but don’t forget to include lighter options for use inside the ship.

Additionally, ensure you pack essentials that might be difficult to find on board, such as medications and specific toiletries you rely on. While cruise ships do have onboard shops, stock will vary beyond the basics and prices are often higher than on land.

Finally, take into account the level of formality expected by your cruise line. Some cruises have formal nights or dress codes for main dining rooms.

Cruise Laundry: To Wash Or Not To Wash?

On longer cruises, deciding whether to do laundry on board will influence your packing strategy.

Many cruise ships offer self-serve laundry facilities, which can be invaluable during an extended trip. Alternatively, take a small packet of laundry soap sheets to clean or freshen up clothing in your cabin.

If you prefer to avoid doing laundry yourself, most cruise lines offer full-service laundry and dry cleaning, though it comes at an additional cost. However, this option can be especially convenient if you’re traveling with formal wear or delicate items.

Technology Packing Tips

Research your ship beforehand to understand what power outlets are likely to feature. Remember that the nationality of a cruise line or the destination of your cruise often bears little relationship to the type of power outlets in guest cabins.

If the only technology you need to charge is a cellphone, you may be able to get away with a USB charger. Newer ships are likely to feature USB outlets, often built into bedside lamps. Older ships, however, will feature fewer outlets overall and possibly none by the beds.

Regardless of the age of the ship, taking at least one universal adapter is a wise packing choice. Bear in mind that although power adapters are permitted, power strips and extension cords are rarely allowed. Taking a portable battery pack is another sensible move if you have a lot of ports of call.

Be Aware Of Banned Items

When packing for your cruise, it’s crucial to be aware of items that are prohibited on board. Many travelers are surprised to learn that some everyday essentials and travel staples are not allowed on cruise ships, and bringing them could lead to delays, confiscation, or even denial of boarding.

Many cruise lines have strict policies in place to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers. For instance, items that pose a fire hazard, such as irons, steamers, candles, and certain types of electrical appliances, are typically not allowed.

Alcohol policies vary widely among cruise lines, but most do not allow guests to bring alcohol on board. Lines that do permit wine, for example, will charge a ‘corkage fee’ if you want to enjoy it outside your cabin. Cruise lines often conduct bag inspections to enforce these rules. Depending on the cruise line policy, trying to sneak alcohol on board risks you being excluded from the cruise.

Finally, drones, which have become increasingly popular for capturing breathtaking vacation footage, are typically banned for use on most cruise ships. Bear this in mind if you’re planning to use a drone whilst ashore.

Embarkation Day Hand Luggage

Although your checked bags will be delivered to your cabin, it can sometimes take several hours before they arrive. During this time, having key items in your carry-on can make your first few hours on board much more comfortable and enjoyable.

Start by packing all essential items in your hand luggage. This includes any medications you take regularly, important documents, and valuables such as electronics, jewelry, or cash. It’s also a good idea to include a change of clothes, particularly if you’re traveling with children, in case your checked luggage is delayed.

If you’re eager to start your vacation as soon as you step on board , consider packing a swimsuit or other poolside essentials in your hand luggage.

While many passengers will be busy exploring the ship or waiting for their luggage, you can take advantage of the less crowded pools, hot tubs, and sun decks. This is a great way to unwind and begin enjoying your cruise immediately.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

• Cruise Offers
• Destinations
• Cruise Lines
• Cruise Ships
• World Cruises

Surprise Me

• Select as many options as you wish
• No further refinement available
• Africa (166)
• Alaska & Japan Repositioning Cruises (160)
• Antarctica & Patagonia (136)
• Arctic (53)
• Australia & New Zealand (301)
• Baltic (25)
• British Isles (154)
• Canada & New England (137)
• Canaries (430)
• Dubai & Arabian Repositioning Cruises (72)
• Europe (3,029)
• Expedition Cruises (325)
• Galapagos Islands (55)
• Hawaii (66)
• Indian Ocean (174)
• Japan (181)
• Mediterranean (1,932)
• Mexico (199)
• Norwegian Fjords & Iceland (479)
• Panama Canal (94)
• River Cruises (66)
• South America (156)
• South Pacific (161)
• Tahiti (150)
• The Caribbean (995)
• The United States (342)
• Transatlantic Crossings (289)
• World Cruises & World Cruise Sectors (124)
• Clear selection
• Less Than 7 Days (192)
• 7 to 14 Days (3,908)
• 15 to 21 Days (826)
• 22 to 30 Days (276)
• 31 to 45 Days (142)
• 46 to 60 Days (41)
• Over 60 Days (65)
• Azamara (209)
• Celebrity Cruises (381)
• Crystal Cruises (159)
• Cunard Cruises (584)
• Emerald Cruises (123)
• Explora Journeys (127)
• Fred Olsen Cruises (66)
• Holland America Line (56)
• Hurtigruten (85)
• Oceania Cruises (500)
• P&O Cruises (777)
• Princess Cruises (369)
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises (461)
• Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection (115)
• Scenic Eclipse Cruises (35)
• Scenic River Cruises (26)
• SeaDream Yacht Club (225)
• Seabourn (377)
• Seabourn Expedition Cruises (104)
• Silversea Cruises (419)
• Silversea Expeditions (153)
• Uniworld Boutique River Cruises (91)
• Arcadia (67)
• Arvia (118)
• Aurora (50)
• Azamara Journey (67)
• Azamara Onward (49)
• Azamara Pursuit (44)
• Azamara Quest (49)
• Azura (298)
• Bolette (27)
• Borealis (39)
• Britannia (86)
• Caribbean Princess (2)
• Celebrity Apex (64)
• Celebrity Ascent (59)
• Celebrity Beyond (62)
• Celebrity Constellation (65)
• Celebrity Eclipse (33)
• Celebrity Edge (2)
• Celebrity Equinox (34)
• Celebrity Infinity (51)
• Celebrity Silhouette (11)
• Crystal Serenity (77)
• Crystal Symphony (82)
• Emerald Azzurra (49)
• Emerald Kaia (33)
• Emerald Princess (11)
• Emerald Sakara (41)
• Enchanted Princess (55)
• Evrima (40)
• Explora I (55)
• Explora II (72)
• Ganges Voyager II (23)
• Island Princess (8)
• Le Bellot (3)
• Le Boréal (1)
• Le Bougainville (1)
• Le Commandant Charcot (1)
• Le Lyrial (1)
• Le Soleal (1)
• Luminara (17)
• MS Trollfjord (85)
• Majestic Princess (38)
• Mekong Jewel (6)
• Oceania Allura (33)
• Oceania Insignia (62)
• Oceania Marina (73)
• Oceania Nautica (61)
• Oceania Regatta (54)
• Oceania Riviera (60)
• Oceania Sirena (76)
• Oceania Vista (81)
• Queen Anne (120)
• Queen Elizabeth (93)
• Queen Mary 2 (174)
• Queen Victoria (197)
• Regal Princess (19)
• Regent Explorer (90)
• Regent Grandeur (80)
• Regent Mariner (69)
• Regent Navigator (70)
• Regent Splendor (83)
• Regent Voyager (69)
• River Princess (2)
• S.S. Bon Voyage (7)
• S.S. Catherine (8)
• S.S. Joie de Vivre (7)
• S.S. La Venezia (6)
• S.S. Maria Theresa (7)
• S.S. Sao Gabriel (11)
• S.S. Sphinx (14)
• Sapphire Princess (24)
• Scenic Amber (6)
• Scenic Azure (5)
• Scenic Crystal (1)
• Scenic Eclipse (15)
• Scenic Eclipse II (20)
• Scenic Jade (5)
• Scenic Jasper (1)
• Scenic Jewel (5)
• Scenic Ruby (2)
• Scenic Sapphire (1)
• SeaDream I (114)
• SeaDream II (111)
• Seabourn Encore (100)
• Seabourn Ovation (125)
• Seabourn Pursuit (48)
• Seabourn Quest (79)
• Seabourn Sojourn (73)
• Seabourn Venture (56)
• Silver Cloud Expedition (32)
• Silver Dawn (57)
• Silver Endeavour (28)
• Silver Moon (56)
• Silver Muse (46)
• Silver Nova (47)
• Silver Origin (55)
• Silver Ray (52)
• Silver Shadow (48)
• Silver Spirit (53)
• Silver Whisper (60)
• Silver Wind (38)
• Sky Princess (60)
• Star Princess (13)
• Sun Princess (139)
• Ventura (72)
• ms Nieuw Statendam (21)
• ms Oosterdam (30)
• ms Rotterdam (5)
• Intimate (1,295) Up to 500 guests
• Mid Size (1,675) 501 to 1,000 guests
• Large (874) 1,001 to 2,500 guests
• Resort (1,606) 2,501 to 5,500 guests
• Luxury Ocean Cruises (4,939)
• Luxury Expedition Cruises (394)
• Luxury River Cruises (117)
• Fly Cruise (4,797)
• Round Trip UK (653)
• Up to £500 (1,260)
• £501 to £1,000 (635)
• £1,001 to £1,500 (589)
• £1,501 to £5,000 (1,537)
• £5,001 to £10,000 (1,043)
• £10,001 to £20,000 (322)
• £20,001 to £30,000 (38)
• £30,000 plus (26)

The Mediterranean & Morocco

Date: 10/11/2024 - 20/11/2024 Duration: 10 Nights Destination: Europe | Mediterranean Line: Explora Journeys Ship: Explora I Type: Fly Cruise

14 people recently viewed this offer

• Cruise Overview
• Accommodation

10-Nov-24 Barcelona 11-Nov-24 At Sea 12-Nov-24 Cadiz 13-Nov-24 At Sea 14-Nov-24 Arrecife (Lanzarote) 15-Nov-24 At Sea 16-Nov-24 Casablanca 17-Nov-24 Casablanca 18-Nov-24 Gibraltar 19-Nov-24 At Sea 20-Nov-24 Barcelona

Please note all fares shown are on a cruise-only basis, all flights, hotels & transfers will need to be arranged independently.

In-suite welcome bottle of Champagne and a bottle of spirit of your choice upon arrival | Sophisticated, varied dining across 10 culinary venues, including in-suite dining | Unlimited beverages, fine wines and premium spirits, speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks available anytime, including in-suite mini-bar | High-speed, unlimited Wi-Fi throughout the ship | all on-board gratuities | Access to the spa thermal area | Wellbeing and fitness programmes on-board and at destinations.

Terms and conditions apply.

Other Luxury Cruises You Might Like

Sun-Splashed Shores

Date: 07 Nov 2024

Duration: 7 Nights

From £4,029pp

Mediterranean Tapestry

Date: 15 Nov 2024

From £3,799pp

Leeward Islands Discovery

Date: 16 Nov 2024

From £3,079pp

Request a Quote

Ship/Voyage

Departure date, please complete the details below and we will call you back with your personalised quotation..

Hello, would you like to receive the very latest luxury cruise offers at the guaranteed best prices?

We'd love to send you our latest offers by email. Please fill in your details below to receive our newsletters.

MORE SECTIONS

• Dear Deidre

MORE FROM THE SUN

• Newsletters
• Deliver my newspaper
• Sun Vouchers
• The Sun Digital Newspaper
• Racing Members Enclosure
• Fabulous Clothing

Eamonn Holmes, 64, is taking new girlfriend, 42, on luxury holiday leaving estranged wife Ruth Langsford ‘gobsmacked’

• Stephen Moyes
• Hannah Hope
• Published : 20:00, 7 Sep 2024
• Published : Invalid Date,

LOVE split TV favourite Eamonn Holmes is to take his new girlfriend on a sunshine cruise.

The 64-year-old, who has separated from his Loose Women host wife Ruth Langsford , has arranged a luxury Mediterranean trip with Katie Alexander, 42.

But the romantic holiday has left Ruth and her close friends gobsmacked, say sources.

The Sun revealed in May that Eamonn had left the marital home after Ruth, 64, found messages between him and another woman on a laptop.

Days later he was holed up in a bachelor pad — with divorced mum-of-three Katie a regular visitor.

Last night, one source said: “The cruise is just the latest proof of their closeness.

READ MORE ON EAMONN HOLMES

Ruth Langsford breaks silence on why she's STILL wearing wedding ring

Ruth Langsford slammed as a 'show off' after revealing glam transformation

“Katie has been telling pals she and Eamonn are going to be for keeps — and now everyone is starting to believe her.

"Eamonn’s zest for her — the latest being this all-expenses-paid trip — has wowed Ruth and pals. He has found a new lease of life for sure. Everyone is amazed.”

Eamonn and relationship counsellor Katie have already been away together on a trip to his native Belfast.

And Katie sparked wedding rumours after being seen wearing a ring as she ran errands near his home in Kingston upon Thames, South West London.

Most read in News TV

Being single parents helped us fall for each other, reveals Kirsty Gallacher

Amanda tells pals 'BBC is boy's club' amid fears bosses are 'protecting' Gio

ITV axes star-studded reality show after just one series as ratings flop

Lauryn Goodman leaks DNA text messages with Kyle Walker

Eamonn, who had a double hip replacement in 2016, had back surgery last year and broke his shoulder in a fall in January. At one point he needed a wheelchair.

The GB News breakfast host became close to Katie while still living with Ruth, taking her and her family to a safari park in February and sharing snaps on social media.

He also treated her to a stay at Center Parcs last year and gave her and her daughter tickets to a Beyoncé gig.

The pair met via Twitter in 2015 when her comment on a post sparked a conversation.

• Celebrity relationships and break ups
• The Sun Newspaper
• Eamonn Holmes
• Ruth Langsford

• Destinations
• Hotels, Resorts & Villas
• News, Features, Tips & Advice
• Private Jets
• LLM Readers’ Travel Awards 2024

The Latest Travel Features

Food & Drink

• Healthy Eating & Drinking
• Recipes, Cooking Tips & Tools
• Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
• Sweet Treats & Savoury Bites
• Wines, Beers, Cocktails & Spirits

The Latest Food & Drink Features

Style, Beauty & Health

• Men's Style & Grooming
• Women's Fashion

The Latest Style, Beauty & Health Features

• Drive, Sail & Fly
• Homes & Gardens
• Money & Business
• Sport & Entertainment
• Tech, Gadgets & Gaming
• The Luxury Lifestyle List
• The Best of the Rest
• Work with us: Luxury SEO Content
• Advertising Terms & Conditions

Hidden gems of the world: Tigre de Cristal Hotel and Resort, Artyom, Primorsky Krai in Russia

Marking the start of ‘a new history of entertainment in the Far East’, the Tigre de Crystal Hotel and Resort , in Russia’s Primorsky Krai on the south-eastern tip of the country, is the flagship luxury destination set to turn this region into the new go-to casino hub.

Opened in 2015, the five-star resort near to Vladivostok boasts a spacious casino, 121 upscale rooms and suites, two fine-dining restaurants and a bar and is the first phase in the process of building a total of 12 casino resorts in the Primorye Gambling Zone in the next three years alone.

The experts at Planet Perplex, the leading online destination for online casino codes such as Genting Bet promo code , predict that Primorye will be one of the big players in the gaming world.

Tom Edgar of the online hub said: “With a rapid expansion like this planned we can certainly see this becoming the next Vegas or Macau. I’m aware that the second, Shambhala, was due to open this summer but faced setbacks caused by Covid, but watch this space, as when this is open it will surely open the door for the remaining luxury casino resorts in the region’s bid to be the top gambling destination.”

So, what can visitors to the Tigre de Crystal expect to find when they set foot through the doors? We find out.

First of all, any guest will want to drop off their luggage and freshen up before hitting the gaming tables and if you’re the type who truly treats themselves then you’ll want to head straight for the Presidential Suite.

Certainly not doing anything by halves – this is Russia , after all – this is luxury accommodation at its finest. With a warm, contemporary, minimalist feel throughout, the stylish 207 sqm suite can be extended to 250 sqm by combing with a neighbouring deluxe king room and boasts an array of amenities to make a stay fit for royalty.

A living room features a large window with views of Ussuriysky Bay in the Sea of Japan, which is best enjoyed from the large corner sofa with homemade coffee in hand, of course. A dining room boasts a table for eight and a stocked bar, while a fully equipped kitchen is available for use. A bedroom is joined to the state-of-the-art bathroom via a walk-in closet and there’s a sauna, Jacuzzi hot tub and massage waiting for your spa needs.

But you certainly won’t be spending your days in your suite – as pleasant as it may be – for you are surely here for a flutter in the casino. With 40 gaming tables, more than 300 slot machines and a premium hall for the high rollers, any gaming enthusiast will be pleased with options here. Experienced players who want to play in a private atmosphere with higher stakes will head to the aforementioned premium hall and table games include Russian Poker, Casino Texas, Roulette, Blackjack, Sic Bo and Baccarat, while slot games, including those on the popular Spielo and Novomatic machines, are available to all.

In the midst of all this fun it is often easy to forget the time, so when mealtimes come around, you will be pleased to find Cascade (nouvelle cuisine), 88 (a pan-Asian restaurant) and Whiskers Bar. From fresh seafood to succulent steaks and well-chosen wines to mouth-watering desserts, Cascade, headed up by chef Pavlo Tirhas , serves up a great selection of victuals to devour in the elegant and rich red setting. 88 boasts a unique and exotic atmosphere with diverse pan-Asian dishes being prepared by chefs from the northern provinces of China, while Whiskers is situated in the heart of the casino and serves up a selection of juicy cocktails and tasty international bar dishes to please.

Address: Bukhta Muravyinaya 73, 692751 Artem, Russia Phone: +7 423 246-88-88

All images used in this article credit: Tigre de Cristal Hotel and Resort

Please gamble responsibly (18+ UK) – check age restrictions before participating