luxury private cruise ship

• Destinations
• Find a Cruise
• The Compass

Request E-Brochure

(833) 999-7292

Sign in or join

REQUEST A CALL

Introducing The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

REQUEST AN E-BROCHURE

Request an e-brochure to learn more about our immersive itineraries, uniquely curated experiences and luxury yachting lifestyle.

MARRIOTT BONVOY

Introducing an exceptional new way to earn and redeem points, receive Elite Night Credit and more.

Explore More

The Yacht Experience

Discover an experience unlike any other aboard our fleet of superyachts, Evrima , Ilma , and Luminara .

Epicurean Delights

Experience a culinary journey unlike any on land with innovative menus capturing cultural traditions of each port visited.

Luxurious Suites

Designed for the comfort of luxury travelers and each with its own terrace, the yacht's suite experience is unparalleled at sea.

Exceptional Service

With nearly as many staff members as guests, our unwavering commitment to service takes to sea.

All-Inclusive Experience

Feel at ease in your private oasis at sea, with included service and amenities that set a new standard for luxury travel.

THE SPA EXPERIENCE

The onboard spa is the ultimate in relaxation at sea, inviting guests to indulge in scents and delights from around the world.

SHORE EXCURSIONS

Discover curated experiences designed to ensure each moment ashore is uniquely rewarding.

Amenities Abound

Onboard spaces and amenities provide an array of opportunity for entertainment and enrichment.

Luxury Cruises Aboard

A voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an unprecedented opportunity to be untethered. Here, freedom and flexibility allow immersion in life's exceptional experiences; exploration of earth's exquisite and unexpected hideaways; and stirring of passions and curiosities that create new and deepened connections.

All of this delivered in an intimate setting with a heightened level of care and attention. Enlivened and enlightened, marvel at the beauty of the world through fresh eyes. Live untethered, live fully.

Luxury Caribbean Voyages

The turquoise waters of the Caribbean beckon to sun-drenched islands where history, culture and traditions combine.

Luxury Mediterranean Voyages

Experience the romantic beauty and history of the Mediterranean Sea's colorful coasts and hidden harbors.

Luxury Northern Europe and Baltic Voyages

Uncover extraordinary adventures and dramatic coastlines with our 2025 summer itineraries. 

• Tracking Preferences

Privacy Preference Center

Your privacy, strictly necessary cookies, functional cookies, advertising cookies, analytics cookies.

Cookies are pieces of data stored on your browser or device that help us provide you a smooth and personalized experience on our web properties. We use different types of cookies, which are outlined below. ​ More information

Strictly Necessary Cookies enable the basic features of our websites and mobile apps, such as booking a stay and signing in securely.

Functional Cookies allow our websites and mobile apps to remember your preferences and choices you make on them. As a result, we're able to personalize your experience. For example, cookies help you navigate the site more easily by remembering your language preference.

Advertising Cookies allow us to track responses to online advertisements and marketing so we can better understand your interests and show content that reflects them. These cookies may also give you the option to share certain pages with social networks.

Analytics Cookies help us improve our websites and mobile apps by collecting and reporting information on how you use them without directly identifying you.

Cookie List

The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Like fine European hotels or the fanciest boutique properties, the ships of the best luxury cruise lines are designed to appeal to people who seek — and can afford — an elegant style of travel.

Champagne flows. You can snack on caviar. Exquisite cuisine is prepared a la minute and accompanied by pours of fine wines. Onboard lounges are wonderfully intimate, with no mass-market anything. When you rest your head, it's on a luxury mattress topped with the finest linens.

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

The byword is exclusivity. Perks included in the cruise fare may include beverages, Wi-Fi, fresh flowers, extraordinary pampering and, in some cases, butler service.

The price to get on board could be $1,000 per person, per day. For top suites, it could be much, much more.

Here are our picks for the top nine luxury cruise lines currently operating.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Catering to adventurous luxury cruise travelers with money to spend, the new cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages , which debuted in the summer of 2021, offers upscale experiences on small ships that carry just 196 passengers.

World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager, the first three of five planned vessels in the fleet, carry their own landing craft, Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards, all of which can be used by passengers wishing for some adventure while exploring the world on itineraries that include the Mediterranean, Portugal and the British Isles, as well as more remote locales like the Arctic and Antarctica.

Although the onboard dress code is casual, the ships are anything but, featuring elegant, retro-chic decor and marble floors.

In addition to including Wi-Fi, crew gratuities, alcohol and some shore excursions in its fares, Atlas provides all passengers with emergency medical evacuation insurance to handle unexpected illness or injury in the remote locations its ships sail.

Overall, Atlas has found a way to seamlessly meld swank and leisure, making it one of our favorite luxury cruise lines.

Related: 5 fabulous destinations for luxury cruise fans

Silversea Cruises

Silversea , with a dozen 100- to 728-passenger ships, has some of the most diverse geographic itineraries of any line, bringing guests to destinations around the world, including such remote places as the Arctic and Antarctica.

Now owned by Royal Caribbean Group (the same company that owns Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises ), the luxury cruise line delivers stylish, contemporary luxury — more streamlined than opulent — complemented by pleasantly extreme pampering.

Every Silversea ship passenger stays in a suite with a butler delivering superb service — even on the 100-passenger Silver Origin in the remote Galapagos, where your butler might take extraordinary care to get a spot off your hiking boots. Suite niceties include Bulgari bath products and marble bathrooms with both tubs and showers.

Silversea ships offer a wide choice of dining venues (some with a fee) designed to satisfy many tastes, whether you prefer sushi, foie gras or a great, thin-crust pizza.

Drinks are on the house, including a long list of fine wine pours. S.A.L.T., a new dining and culinary education concept, brings local tastes on board together with experts who share insight into each dish and beverage. The program also features culinary-focused excursions ashore.

Silversea's expedition ships are equipped for polar locales. On sailings in those regions, each passenger receives a free jacket to keep them warm and cozy.

Related: Why Silversea's new Silver Nova is a game-changer

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Another of our top luxury cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is proudly opulent. Floating palaces are its calling card, along with the most inclusive fares of all the luxury lines. Business-class airfare, pre-cruise luxury hotel stays and shore excursions in every port are on the long list of perks.

The goal is knock-you-off-your-feet luxury. If you don't get that point at first, look down at the many yards of Carrara marble under your feet, then gaze up at the Czech crystal chandeliers. Or spot the Picassos and Chagalls among your ship's stunning, mostly Latin-focused art collections.

The six 490- to 750-passenger ships in the Regent fleet get fancier as they get larger. On the three newest, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur everyone stays in a roomy suite with an oversized balcony and marble bathroom.

The top Regent Suites on these new ships are mansions at sea and come with solariums, private spas with saunas and steam rooms and Steinway pianos in their living rooms. They also have handmade beds that cost up to $200,000 apiece.

Lavishly decked-out restaurants, with cushy bars nearby, include Prime 7, a fan favorite for its classic steakhouse menu, including jumbo lump crab cakes, U.S.D.A. prime-aged beef and Alaskan king crab legs.

Related: 5 secrets to getting a luxury cruise for less

Long considered one of the great luxury lines, if not the greatest, Crystal just resumed operations in 2023 after shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic. And as we wrote about recently, it's as good as ever .

In the wake of its comeback, Crystal is operating just the two biggest ocean ships from its past: the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony and 740-passenger Crystal Serenity (though it already has plans for an expansion ). Both of the vessels, which globetrot around the world, are all-inclusive and on the glitzy side — perfect for a crowd looking for a throwback. Passengers make appearances walking down grand staircases dressed to the nines, meet for afternoon tea and dance the night away.

Everything operates in the upper-tier way, from the spa and expansive fitness offerings to the restaurants — which include a Nobu eatery.

Those booked in penthouses and higher-category suites receive service from a tuxedo-clad butler who will do everything from unpacking your luggage to helping you set up a private cocktail party. A particular perk is having the butler bring Nobu sushi on a silver tray.

Owned by Carnival Corporation, Seabourn 's top-of-the-line, 264- to 600-passenger ships deliver comfortable, modern luxury that can be as fancy or casual as you like.

If you want to show off your heirloom jewels, go ahead, but on most nights, a jacket is optional in the ship's restaurants. If you prefer not to dress up for formal night, you can still eat well at casual alternatives.

High service is a trademark of this luxury cruise line. Your suite steward will draw you a bath scented with your choice of bath oil. For a snack, order the complimentary caviar.

Dining is over the top at the restaurants, such as the retro-chic steakhouses with menus created by famed chef Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame). When you tire of prime beef, order lobster thermidor or sink into the delicious comfort of Keller's roast chicken. All dining is included in your fare.

Throughout the ship, complimentary spirits, fine wines and house Champagne flow freely. This leads to easy socializing in the bars and lounges on board.

The line's two newest ships, the 264-passenger Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, are built with a tough "polar class" design to operate in the ice-filled waters of the Arctic and Antarctica. They're equipped with state-of-the-art submarines for undersea views.

A 26-person expedition team runs the two dozen Zodiacs that get you up close to glaciers and icebergs.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Looking to sail through romantic French Polynesia in complete luxury? Look to South Pacific-based Paul Gauguin for an all-inclusive, high-end home base.

The ship is immersed in all things Polynesian, with a troupe of local performers on board to entertain guests with local song, dance and craft lessons.

Couples can embrace the romance of the region by participating in a Polynesian blessing ceremony. Paul Gauguin gives its guests special access to a secluded beach on Bora Bora and a private island off the coast of Taha'a, where you can indulge in water sports, a gourmet barbecue and bar service.

To make the most of the aquamarine waters, complimentary water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, are available straight from the ship's marina and every guest receives snorkel gear for use during the cruise, free of charge.

On board, guests enjoy five-star French and Polynesian cuisine, with all beverages complimentary throughout the ship and in your in-room minifridge.

With 209 crew members on hand to serve 330 passengers, service is top-notch and full of Polynesian hospitality, but all gratuities are already included in your fare.

Not all cabins are suites, but the top suites on the ship come with butler service. Also, should you dare to consider the outside world, you can connect with friends and family back home with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Related: 7 things to do in French Polynesia that don't involve romance or over-water bungalows

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours puts the elegance into adventure with its two 228-passenger expedition yachts, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II.

Sure, its ships have reinforced hulls capable of breaking through ice, but they also feature chic bars serving 130 different kinds of whiskey (all included in your fare) and high-end onboard spas (treatments cost extra, alas).

For small ships, Scenic's yachts still manage to offer five gourmet dining venues, plus additional private dining options (such as a chef's table or teppanyaki grill), room service and culinary masterclasses in a show kitchen.

Sample candied foie gras, daily risottos or sushi made with fish flown from Japan, all while sailing through remote waters. Wash it down with whatever you like because all but the most premium beverages are included.

After a long day of Zodiac, submersible or helicopter rides (yes, all these high-tech exploration toys are on board), you can retreat to your well-appointed suite, with distinct sleeping and living areas, plus a balcony.

Thoughtful touches include Illy coffee machines, Dyson hair dryers, remote-control adjustable beds, plentiful outlets and USB ports, and umbrellas and binoculars for use on your vacation. Did we mention you also have access to a butler for all your onboard needs?

Scenic's all-inclusive fares include dining and drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, airport transfers and shore excursions led by the line's knowledgeable expedition leaders.

Related: I didn't think I'd like my first Arctic expedition cruise; here's what proved me wrong

Oceania Cruises

Sometimes luxury means more space to spread out and multiple onboard options for a truly outstanding meal.

That's the approach upscale cruise line Oceania Cruises takes with its fleet of seven 648- to 1,238-passenger ships (the last of which, Oceania Vista , just debuted in May 2023 and is its most elegant yet).

Foodies will drool over menus overseen by Master Chef Jacques Pepin in all-included venues specializing in French, Italian, Asian and steakhouse cuisine.

Cruisers truly passionate about food and wine will want to splurge on wine-paired dinners at La Reserve by Wine Spectator or enjoy a gourmet, multi-course menu with an intimate group at Privee.

Get hands-on cooking experience with a class in The Culinary Center or explore the food culture ashore with a Culinary Discovery Tour.

Oceania also embraces wellness with its Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center. Treat yourself to a decadent spa treatment or wellness-themed shore excursion, or take care of your body with complimentary fitness classes and plant-based menus at onboard restaurants.

Oceania's fares are not as inclusive as some of the small-ship lines mentioned above, but guests can choose a higher-priced fare that is more inclusive with the line's "simply MORE" promotion. These fares include free airfare and airport transfers, complimentary Wi-Fi and a choice of a select number of free excursions, as well as free specialty dining reservations, Champagne and wine.

Viking does not like to call itself a luxury cruise line, but we'd definitely put it in that category for the inclusive fares, fine dining and smart design of its ocean-going ships.

Its 10 traditional cruise ships are nearly identical, each carrying 930 guests, while two expedition vessels carry 378 guests and combine elegant design with the latest technology in polar exploration.

Viking's fares are inclusive but not all-inclusive, and its ships sport clean Scandinavian design rather than opulent decor. Necessities such as Wi-Fi and self-serve laundry are complimentary, as are all nonalcoholic beverages and beer and wine with lunch and dinner.

Guests can enjoy dining in multiple onboard venues, plus room service, for no extra cost. Don't miss the Italian Manfredi's or a gorgeous afternoon tea spread in the glass-enclosed Wintergarden.

Cabins may not have an overtly opulent feel, but they have all the right touches, including balconies in every room, quiet-closing drawers, heated bathroom floors and plentiful USB ports and outlets.

The destination-focused cruise line adds as many days in port as it can to each itinerary and offers a free shore excursion in every port.

Viking ships have a large presence in Europe, sailing the Mediterranean and in northern Europe, but also explore the world from Alaska and the Caribbean to Asia and Australia.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Its expedition ships, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis, explore Antarctica, as well as the Great Lakes and Canada.

The ships boast several expedition cruising firsts, including a boarding area for excursion craft that's inside the ship (rather than docked outside it) and cabins with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that slide open to let in the fresh air.

Like the ocean ships, they feature Scandinavian design, a glass-walled Explorers' Lounge and signature Viking restaurants Manfredi's and Mamsen's (offering Norwegian specialties).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line
• 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
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for a cruise
• Guide to picking a cruise

(800) 722-5934

Corporate Incentives, Meetings & Charters

• Charter a Cruise Ship

Take command. Own the ship.

Make a lasting impression, broaden your business horizons, and provide the ultimate incentive with a Celebrity charter cruise. We’ll introduce your guests to must-see destinations , multiple ports, and fascinating cultures—all exquisitely paired with an unparallelled onboard experience : luxurious accommodations, globally inspired dining, exciting entertainment, engaging activities, and intuitive service.

What sets our ships apart from other corporate event venues is our passion to provide luxury experiences. Think of our team as an extension of yours. We can help modify nearly every detail of your Celebrity cruise ship charter to match your specific brand, audience, and needs—while you accomplish your business goals through networking, building loyalty, and rewarding top performers.

Whatever your occasion, theme, or business objective, nothing equals the impact of a private cruise with Celebrity Cruises®.

Customized Charters

Tailor everything exactly how you’d like—including itineraries, meals, shore excursions, and daily activities—incorporate your logo and branding, and much more. Through the entire process, our dedicated team will work with you to create an unforgettable private cruise experience.

Corporate Events

From themed cruises and conventions, to product launches, trade shows, and incentive programs: Rent a cruise ship and we’ll help you create the perfect setting for a full-ship corporate charter cruise event. Customize the ultimate reward for the people who matter most to you and your business.

Themed & Entertainment Cruises

Concerts under the stars. Fan cruises. Food-and-wine sailings. No matter the occasion or theme, a Celebrity charter cruise ship easily adapts to create extraordinary settings and itineraries. Let your imagination—and your group’s shared passion—take you out to sea.

Optimize your meeting or retreat while indulging in sun, sand, and sea. Treat your attendees to luxurious staterooms, intuitive service, and some of the hottest restaurants and lounges in the tropics.

We know what it takes to deliver award-winning experiences in one of the world’s unique environments. Choose from six itineraries, three ships, from 16 to 100 guests each, perfect for groups and charters.

Customized Charter Case Study

An international company hosted its annual leadership summit for over 1,200 guests on a Celebrity Millennium® Class ship. See why it received the highest marks compared to all past programs—and why Celebrity Cruises® is the perfect fit for corporate charters.

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

The 11 Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According to T+L's Experts

These luxury cruise lines offer stunning suites, fine dining, and exceptional itineraries.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Cruising is back — and you might even say it's better than ever. "Vacations at sea are suddenly one of the biggest things in travel," Travel + Leisure cruise expert Paul Brady reported recently, as summer air travel is looking progressively messier but the cruise industry continues to stabilize post-pandemic. For those looking to plan a cruise, whether it's a last-minute trip for the summer or a 2024 around-the-world cruise, we've narrowed down the best luxury cruise lines to ferry you to some of the world's most mesmerizing destinations in comfort. Here, our favorite luxury cruise lines in the world.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

When this luxury cruise line says it's all-inclusive, it's not overstating. Everything from shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and laundry to gratuities, top-shelf liquor, and business-class international flights are included with Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' fares. While each luxurious suite features ocean views, nothing beats the view from the epic 4,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Regent Suite, which has two wraparound balconies, three walk-in closets, two Picasso lithographs, and a grand piano.

For the best in-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship, Kelly Cochrane, executive chef of Regent Seven Seas Cruises tells T+L.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises has just seven ships, but the debut of the brand-new Oceania Vista catapults this cruise line into the luxury division. The cruise line's relatively new Go Local shore excursions for small groups bring travelers to under-the-radar destinations, T+L contributing editor and long-time cruiser Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon reported recently. Her 2022 cruise on Riviera included 70 excursions "from canoeing Croatia’s Cetina River to cooking classes in Athens."

If you've ever dreamed of having your own butler, Silversea is the luxury cruise line for you. In fact, Silversea's butlers take white-glove service to a whole new level — they'll handle your laundry with more care than you do, scour port towns to find your favorite tastes of home, and even help you pack and unpack your suitcase. Further, Silversea's new culinary program, nicknamed S.A.L.T. (for Sea and Land Taste), brings the taste of destinations on board through cooking classes. Of course, there's no need to cook for yourself aboard a Silversea ship, as each one features several restaurants with multi-course menus to whet your appetite every night.

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year. Viking came in at No. 1 in T+L's best mid-size ship category and river cruise category. Golden said the WBA Hall of Fame honoree's 50 river "longships" are "light-filled floating boutique hotels."

Laureen Robert / Courtesy of Ponant

French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Guests enjoy Ladurée macarons, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and luxurious Hermès bath products on board. Each of the company's ships features an onboard spa with massage cabins and either a Turkish bath or sauna. Ponant's luxurious small ships sail to remote destinations like Antarctica, incorporating once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as eclipse spotting from the edge of the earth. The company also partners with Smithsonian and Disney on certain sailings.

Seabourn cruises to all seven continents, and most recently launched Seabourn Venture , "marking the first time the Carnival Corporation–owned luxury cruise line will offer adventurous sailings on an expedition ship built for extreme environments," Brady reported. (The sibling ship to Venture , Seabourn Pursuit arrives later this year.) The World's Best Award-winning cruise line has all-suite ships and "is known for its onboard service and over-the-top food including complimentary caviar and Thomas Keller steakhouses on ships such as the  Seabourn Ovation, " Brady said.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises ' luxury small ships call on 150 ports throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific, and there's no way you'll go hungry on the journey. Exquisite onboard menus have been designed by acclaimed chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. (You'll have to pay extra for alcohol, but all meals and a Windstar signature onboard barbecue — a feast of whole suckling pig, shrimp brochette, and more — are included.) The cruise line is not only a T+L World's Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree, it has a "long-standing partnership with the James Beard Foundation ," Brady reported, and regularly brings chefs on board for culinary-focused sailings. Yes, chef.

Courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. The luxury cruise line operates river cruises in Europe and Asia, while ocean cruises on Scenic Eclipse (and the forthcoming Scenic Eclipse II ) can take guests to Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia, South America, and Greenland, among other coveted destinations. On board, you'll find fine dining, expansive spas and fitness facilities, and butler service.

Cunard Line

Jonathan Atkin / Courtesy of Cunard Line

This British luxury cruise line is known for its transatlantic service, which also transports pets between its headquarters in Southampton, England, and New York City. Cunard operates three ships with a fourth in the works, though only the Queen Mary 2 sails the transatlantic route. It's a cruise line that takes formality seriously; white-gloved waiters serve afternoon tea each day at 3:30 p.m. State rooms include 24-hour room service and evening turndown service with chocolates. Don't forget your tux, the gala nights are black tie.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Roger Paperno / Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates just one ship, but it is exquisite, hosting 330 guests and sailing only in the South Pacific to destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. The ship is small enough to access private ports at remote beaches and take travelers well off the beaten path. Named the best small-ship ocean cruise line in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards, Golden said the line is known for Tahitian-inspired massage techniques in the onboard spa and noted that cruisers particularly love the wonderful staff.

Celebrity Cruises

Steve Dunlop / Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises ' new Edge Series ships are taking things up a notch. Celebrity's signature Iconic Suites on board the Celebrity Edge and Apex offer panoramic views from above the ship's bridge; each suite boasts more than 2,500 square feet of space, including expansive 690-square-foot terraces, and comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Celebrity Beyond , which debuted in 2022, accommodates 3,260 guests has 32 bars and restaurants, like Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud, and two-story villas on board. Beyond 's sibling ship, Ascent , will be delivered later this year.

Related Articles

• USA:-1.866.492.4768
• UK:-0800.011.2492
• How We Help Clients
• How to book a charter?
• Why Use Our Company
• Where our Charters Go
• Why Charter a Yacht
• Decades of Experience
• Meet our staff
• Contact us now
• Search charter yachts online
• What type of yacht should I charter?
• About Luxury Yacht Charter
• Charter a Mega Yacht
• Charter a Motor Yacht
• Charter a Crewed Catamaran
• Charter a Sailboat
• Yacht charter Blog
• About Caribbean Yacht Charters
• Virgin Islands

Leeward Islands

• Windward Islands
• Yachts in the Caribbean
• About Bahamas Yacht Charters
• Bahamas weather
• Yachts in the Bahamas
• Western Mediterranean Yacht Charters
• Eastern Mediterranean Charters
• Browse Yachts in the Mediterranean
• South of France
• Spain, Mallorca, Ibiza
• Italy, Sicily, Naples & Amalfi
• Corsica and Sardinia
• New England
• Pacific Islands
• Sample Charter Itineraries
• Destinations Blog
• How to choose a yacht charter broker?
• How to book a yacht charter?
• What is special about yacht charter?
• What yacht charter costs are there ?
• Are there all inclusive charters?
• Why charter a yacht?
• What kinds of yacht can I charter?
• Where do yacht charters go?
• What defines luxury yacht charter?
• How to rent a yacht?
• How We Help
• 5 Common Yacht Charter Questions
• How to choose the right yacht?
• When is the best time to charter?
• All Yacht Charter Destinations
• What can you do on a yachting vacation?
• What to expect on a luxury charter?
• What contracts are used to book?
• Even more questions about chartering a yacht
• Crewed charter reviews
• Caribbean Reviews
• BVI Reviews
• Bahamas Reviews
• Mediterranean Reviews
• Email or Call Us

Find Your Perfect Yacht

Caribbean yacht charters - one resource for every luxury charter yacht

The proven resource for crewed yacht charter in the caribbean.

From the moment you contact us, you will be helped by an experienced and knowledgeable specialist who will take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences for your caribbean vacation. They will be your dedicated specialist and our exceptional personal service will answer every question.

The largest choice of crewed Caribbean yachts?

Absolutely, with our relationships built over decades we truly do have access to EVERY crewed private charter yacht based in, or visiting, every part of the Caribbean.

Whatever the type of yacht for your Caribbean charter, your vacation budget, or the size of your party, our specialists will guide you in choosing the ideal yacht for your Caribbean charter. It's your vacation to explore the islands the very best way possible - on a Caribbean charter yacht.

Browse different types of Charter Yachts in the Caribbean

Motor Yachts

This category of Caribbean yachts include mega yachts, super yachts, and all sizes of power yachts. With the maximum space for guests, both inside and out, these types of yachts offer excellent vacations. You can choose from a fast, agile yacht, one that is high-end and luxurious, a yacht with a classic design, or one that is contemporary. This is one of the many choices you’ll have when you plan your vacation. See some yachts:-

Crewed Catamarans are very popular in the Caribbean , especially in the BVIs. Catamarans offer ample deck space that allows everyone to relax together during their charter, sharing the same views throughout the voyage. Caribbean catamarans can typically accommodate between 6 and 12 guests. See some yachts:-

Sailing Yachts

If you are looking for a winter getaway, there is no better place to charter a sailing yacht than the Caribbean! Feel the warm, tropical breeze on your face. Experience the exhilaration as the wind fills the sails and the yacht is suddenly moved along by just the wind. Savor the magnificent beauty of the Caribbean as you sail silently from one island to the next. Although typically offering smaller spaces for guests, sailboats deliver a truly unique caribbean charter vacations . See some yachts:-

Sample Charter Yachts in the Caribbean

ODYSSEA. The 59' sailing catamaran Odyssea is ready to take you and your guests on your next adventure. Throughout she offers relaxing areas to lounge and enjoy the voyage, while enjoying the company of others or absorbing the serenity of the sea. Her spacious cockpit area offers large dining table, sun pad across the back, and wet bar. See ODYSSEA :-

OKTO. Get ready for adventure when you step on board the 217' mega yacht Okto. You and your guests will find plenty to do, as she offers plentiful spaces for lying out to enjoy the sun, enjoying a movie in the circular cinema, working out in the indoor gym with an amazing view, or enjoying the on deck Jacuzzi. See OKTO :-

NAMASTE. The immaculately maintained mega yacht Namaste offers 121 feet of opulence at sea. She features five well-appointed cabins, both a main salon and sky lounge, sundeck with Jacuzzi, gym equipment, and a long list of watersports including jet skis, wakeboard, fishing gear, and the list goes on. See NAMASTE:-

LIQUID SKY. The 67' sailing catamaran Liquid Sky was launched in 2024 by Fountaine Pajot. With four cabins, she accommodates as many as eight guests, and offers a number of places for you to hang out and enjoy the journey, including on the bow soaking in the in deck Jacuzzi, up on the flybridge taking in the views, or on the aft deck with al fresco dining. See LIQUID SKY:-

MARIAH PRINCESS III. The 77' Lagoon built sailing cat Mariah Princess III was built in 2020. She offers two queen cabins and two king cabins, all en-suite. The master cabin has a private deck, the flybridge offers an on deck Jacuzzi, and she has a generous complement of watersports, including onboard SCUBA. See MARIAH PRINCESS III:-

TRUE STORY. The 67' sailing catamaran True Story is ready to give you and your guests a fun and exciting charter in the beautiful waters of the Caribbean. She offers a spacious main salon, large cockpit with al fresco dining and lounge, and flybridge with conversational area. You and your guests can also enjoy a long list of water toys throughout your journey. See TRUE STORY:-

The British Virgin Islands include Tortola, Jost Van Dyke, Virgin Gorda, and more. There’s no better way to experience the waters and beaches of the BVI's than on a private Caribbean charter with a full crew to pamper you. Of all the islands in the Caribbean, the Virgins are furthest north. This makes them very convenient due to the proximity to San Juan and due to their direct flights from the United States. Catamaran sailing vacations and crewed sailing charters are very popular in the islands, and their protected waters make them a favorite spot for guests that are taking their first private Caribbean yacht charter. To learn more about them:

The U.S. Virgin Islands consist mainly of the three large islands of St. Thomas, St. Croix, and St. John. With lovely bays, long beaches, lush nature preserves, fabulous diving spots, and excellent, onshore evening entertainment, many choose to vacation in the USVI’s. Caribbean charters often visit both the BVI’s and USVI’s during the same week, as they are close to one another and the waters are generally calmer than in other parts of the Caribbean. They in general are also home to the largest fleet of crewed, all-inclusive, luxury catamarans. To find out more about them:

The Leewards are situated in the middle of the Caribbean Island chain. The major airports are located on St. Maarten and Antigua. Due to the English, Dutch, and French influences everywhere you look, they exhibit the best example of cultural sophistication anywhere within the Caribbean. If you are looking to see where the rich and famous go on vacation, you will want to visit the island of St. Barts; for many this is a must stop for a Caribbean yacht charter. Many mega yachts are available for rental in St. Maarten, as it has become a popular mega yacht Caribbean base for the winter. To learn more about the Leewards:

The Grenadines are also called The Windward Islands. Oftentimes our guests will choose a sailing charter over a motor yacht when in the Grenadines, due to the more constant tropical breezes that occur. The islands are much less developed than the rest of the Caribbean, and the inhabitants live on their own time schedule, which enhances the feeling of getting away. The northern most island accessible by air is ST. Vincent, while the southern tip’s major airport is on Grenada. There are fewer Caribbean charter yachts based here; however, occasionally some charter yachts are happy to relocate in order to offer a vacation that happens a little off the beaten path. To find out more about the Grenadines:

What Type of Charter Yacht?

There are all types of Caribbean yacht charters available, including mega yachts, power yachts, catamarans, and sailboats. We have helped countless clients choose the right charter yacht, learning what features and amenities make a difference on caribbean charter yachts. Learn more about different types of Caribbean yachts.

Where Can You Go?

Typically you’ll choose between the Virgins, Leewards, and the Grenadines to charter your yacht. Beyond the region, it is your Caribbean to explore. It’s important for you to remember that there is no cruise ship itinerary to worry about! Your itinerary will be custom designed specifically for you, with you, and is flexible to changes during your charter. We have put together some samples for you to get an idea of what you might like to do while on vacation in the Caribbean. Interested in seeing a sample cruise itinerary ?

Find Your Perfect Yacht for a Caribbean yacht charter

To see the Caribbean yachts we have in our online database, please select a yacht type and your budget below. Please keep in mind that we do not have every available yacht online. There are many more yachts available for you to choose from when you contact one of our specialists.

For your personalized selection including yachts not online:- Email us now

Caribbean Charters - When To Go.

One of the lovely things about the Caribbean is that the temperatures remain consistent throughout the year; however, there are some other weather considerations that you will want to factor in when making your caribbean yachting vacation plans. Read More....

Vacations here are most popular between November and July.

If you are thinking of a megayacht, you will want to keep in mind that many of these private yachts which are Caribbean based in winter leave in the late spring and early summer months. They will return again in early winter; however, this does limit their availability. To charter a mega yacht, you will want to make sure that you do so well in advance.

Motor, sail, or catamaran yachts, on the other hand, often have selections available year round. Holidays like Christmas, New Year’s, and Easter do need to be planned for as early as possible as these are very popular charter times.

The availability for Caribbean charters can also be affected by the weather in other climates, for instance, when the severity of the weather is bad in the United States or Europe, especially between January and February, the charters are often booked. This is due to many clients looking for a break from the cold.

What Do Our Clients Say About The Caribbean?

Are you excited yet? You should be! Our clients have enjoyed fantastic Caribbean vacations. There is an endless number of places to visit in the Caribbean, from smaller islands to absolutely must be seen locations like St. Barts. Read some of our Caribbean charter reviews from clients who booked a Caribbean charter with us.

Ready to learn more about Caribbean charters?

We are specialists who will make your trip a reflection of our expertise! We know clients need to be confident in their charter vacation plans, so we encourage our clients to benefit from the knowledge base we’ve been building for years. You’ll speak to an authority on Caribbean charters without any obligation on your end.

Test our expertise with your questions!

Contact a specialist - available 7 days a week.

Yacht Name Search

Do you have a particular yacht in mind? We likely have it online and if not, email or call us for details. Search for it online by name here:

These may also be of interest:

• Why is crewed charter so unique?
• Why use a charter broker
• Can one Broker have access to all yachts?
• Why you should choose us

International Yacht Charter Group Inc. does not guarantee the accuracy of any information or images displayed. Both are subject to change and may not be current. All information contained herein is not contractual. Continue reading for more details: 2003 - 2023 © All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy Site map

Live at Sea With These 5 New Residential Ships

• December 26, 2021

Living at sea might have been an unattainable dream for many just some months ago. But with five new players entering the market, it may be high time for the nomads to start weighing their options.

Cruise Industry News has gathered everything we know about the residence-at-sea projects set to come to fruition soon.

MV Narrative Operator: Storylines Delivery Target: 2024 Capacity: 547 residences

After first planning to purchase a second-hand cruise ship, Storylines decided to construct a purpose-built residential ship in the end. The new vessel – called the MV Narrative – was ordered in 2021 and is being built at the Brodosplit shipyard in Croatia.

The ship features fully furnished residences ranging from 237 sq. ft. to 2411 sq. ft., priced between $300,000 and over $8 million for a premium two-level penthouse suite. The MV Narrative is set to enter service in 2024.

According to Storylines, the owners and invited guests will have the opportunity to live a “sustainable life of luxury and freedom at sea.” Features include waterfront marina, microbrewery, art studio, hydroponic gardens and more.

Positioned as “the greenest ship in the market,” the MV Narrative will use LNG fuel along with innovative reusable energy technologies and energy storage and recovery systems.

Dark Island Operator: Clydebuilt Delivery Target: 2025 Capacity: 101 residential suites

The Dark Island is ready for production at the River Clyde in Scotland, aiming to start operations in 2025. The vessel will be run by the family-owned Clydebuilt and feature 101 residential suites.

The ship’s suites span over eight decks and are now on sale, with prices varying between 8 million and 110 million British pounds.

Each accommodation has its own cooking facilities, but the ship also boasts three restaurants with chefs drawing inspiration from Scotland’s classic dishes and regions.

The Dark Island also has a spa, a salon where manicures and pedicures can be done, a hydrotherapy pool, a fitness and wellbeing center, and more.

Njord Operator: Ocean Residences Delivery Target: 2025 Capacity: 117 residences

The M/Y Njord – which was ordered in 2021 – is set to enter service in 2025. The 289-meter residential yacht will feature 117 residences once it’s constructed at its shipyard, Meyer Werft.

According to the ship’s operator Ocean Residences, the Njord is designed to meet “the strictest environmental regulations,” both at delivery and in the future.

The vessel will be powered by dual-fuel engines, with tank capacity for marine gas oil and LNG, batteries for hybridization, heat recovery systems and advanced power management systems.

Blue World   Operator: Blue World Voyages Built: TBD Capacity: 40 private residences

Blue World Voyages is planning a hybrid ship concept, with owner residences and passengers. First announced in 2019, the brand was said to be eyeing a second-hand cruise ship to introduce its product.

Original plans called for a 2021 service launch, with seven-day voyages in the Mediterranean targeted at those with an active lifestyle. Activities ranged from golf to snorkeling and kayaking.

The company’s ship would feature 425 berths, offering 200 standard staterooms, 25 single rooms and two upper decks of residences for a total of 40 apartments. The ship would also offer a full deck dedicated to spa procedures and wellness and another deck for sports and fitness.

Somnio Operator: TBD Built: 2024 Capacity: 39 apartments

The Somnio was designed by Tillberg Design of Sweden as a luxury residential yacht. The project is overseen by Captain Erik Bredhe and features 39 onboard apartments with amenities.

The Somnio – described as a yacht liner – is set to enter service in 2024 and will boast a 10,000-bottle wine cellar, restaurants and bars, in addition to an onboard beach club with water sports.

The vessel will also be built with the highest future hygiene and safety requirements in mind, and the owners say that they will have access to “world-class healthcare and medical services.”

The 39 apartments are already on sale, with the procurement happening strictly through a system of invitation or referral.

Cruise Industry News Email Alerts

• Breaking News

Get the latest breaking  cruise news .  Sign up.

62 Ships | 142,732 Berths | $46.7 Billion | View

Highlights:

• Mkt. Overview
• Record Year
• Refit Schedule
• PDF Download
• Order Today

• 2033 Industry Outlook 
• All Operators
• Easy to Use
• Instant Access
• Advertising
• Cruise News
• Magazine Articles
• Quarterly Magazine
• Annual Report
• Email Newsletter
• Executive Guide
• Digital Reports

Privacy Overview

• Skip to main content

Caribbean Charter Cruising

Private charter yacht vacation in the caribbean.

Covering a vast area, the Caribbean offers endless cruising possibilities. Dutch, French, British, Spanish and North American influences abound in the Caribbean. From the captivating Virgin Islands to the rocky coastline of the Leeward Islands, the pristine Grenadines or the Turks and Caicos, hundreds of islands in the Caribbean provide dramatic scenery, world-class cuisine, fantastic watersports and activities... making your dream vacation come to life.

Caribbean Charter Cruise Itineraries

Caribbean offers a variety of cruising itineraries including:

• St. Thomas - St. Thomas (with cruising in Virgin Islands/BVI...St. Thomas is a very easy port for clients to fly in and out of)
• St. Martin to St. Barths
• Antigua to St. Martin
• St. Lucia and Grenadines

Caribbean Charter Yacht Season

The Caribbean Charter Yacht Season is year round with peak season being mid-December through April.

March is a busy time for regattas

• Antigua Classic Yacht Regatta
• St. Barth’s Bucket
• Heineken Regatta (St. Martin)

Caribbean Charter Vacation Activities

• Watersports - sailing, kiteboarding, diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, kayaking...

Questions, Comments, Inquiries?

Contact us today for more information.

Contact Us +1 401.849.0344

Popular Caribbean Charter Cruising Destinations

Virgin islands, british virgin islands, saint martin, abc islands, caribbean luxury charter yachts, contact nicholson yachts.

Questions? We're ready to help. Please just contact us today.

Inventing life at sea, and reinventing it

When we launched in 2002, The World introduced a lifestyle of residential luxury adventure that was previously unimaginable. With each year’s journey, we continue to elevate the pinnacle of exploration, enjoying exclusive, curated experiences in every corner of the globe, while traveling from the comfort of Home. Every aspect of life on board is meticulously attended to by The World’s unrivaled Crew, so that all our Residents need to do is enjoy.

The only Ship of its kind

The World is the planet’s largest private residential yacht – the only ship of its kind currently in operation – sailing a continuous itinerary across every ocean and continent. Aboard this truly unique Ship are amenities that exceed even the highest standards of luxury travel.

– Resident

An international community of adventurers

Drawn together by the love of exploration, Residents of The World share an endless wanderlust, the appreciation of exquisite quality, and a profound respect for the cultures and environment of our shared planet.

Ready to learn more?

Determine whether life aboard The World is the right fit for you. Talk to one of our Residential Advisors today to learn more about this unique lifestyle, details of upcoming Journeys and Expeditions, and ownership opportunities.

• M/V The World
• Sustainability
• Bespoke Service
• Culinary Experiences
• Wine Program
• Onboard Activities
• Spa & Wellness
• Staying Connected
• Upcoming Expeditions
• Past Expeditions
• Extraordinary Destinations
• 2024 Journey
• 2025 Journey
• The Living Journey
• Three-Bedroom Residences
• Two-Bedroom Residences
• Ocean Studio Residences – One and Two Bedroom
• Ocean Studios

What are you looking for?

Sign-up to receive notifications on upcoming Journeys, Residences for sale, and to learn more about the exclusive travel lifestyle that comes with ownership.

Invitations to receive email notifications are subject to qualification and fulfilment of our net worth requirements.

This website stores cookies on your computer. These cookies are used to improve our website and provide more personalized services to you, both on this website and throughout other media. To find out more about the cookies we use, see our Cookie Policy .

Best Luxury Cruises

Read Best Cruises Methodology

Find Cruises

Call to plan a cruise: 1-833-468-6732

with a cruise advisor

Viking Venus

Launched in May 2021 from Portsmouth, England, Viking Venus features modern amenities and a contemporary design. The ship can hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Amenities include multiple pools and shops, as well as a cinema, a live performance theater, a jazz lounge, a spa, a fitness center and a salon. Plus, you can attend a lecture or discussion with the onboard historian, who helps educate passengers on the cultural aspects of each destination. An onboard cooking school, The Kitchen Table, also allows guests to learn about each destination's unique cuisine. 

Cruisers can enjoy daily updated food options at The Restaurant, diverse cuisine at the World Café, expertly paired tasting menus at The Chef's Table and Italian favorites at Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. There are eight dining venues on board in total, in addition to the ship's cooking school at The Kitchen Table and 24/7 room service.

When it's time to rest, there are six types of accommodations to choose from – all with private verandas. The standard Veranda Staterooms measure 270 square feet and feature plush beds, free Wi-Fi access and flat-screen TVs. Higher-tier rooms come with extras like priority shore excursion reservations, priority spa reservations, in-room coffee and free laundry services. Plus, travelers in these cabins will have more space: Rooms reach up to 1,448 square feet and may include separate living and dining areas.

The Viking Venus sails to popular European destinations like Barcelona , Athens , Bangkok , Istanbul , Rome , London , Sydney and Stockholm .

Seven Seas Splendor

Debuted in September 2021, the 746-passenger, 548-crew member Seven Seas Splendor is the newest ship within the Regent fleet. Seven Seas Splendor – along with most of the line's other ships – takes opulence to the next level by equipping each suite with its own private balcony. Other standard in-room amenities include interactive flat-screen TVs, luxurious bath products, bathrobes and slippers, signature queen-size beds and dining tables for two. There are 10 suite categories available, ranging from the smallest Veranda (307 square feet) and Deluxe Veranda suites (308 to 361 square feet) to the largest Regent (4,443 square feet) and Master suites (1,895 to 2,108 square feet). 

Guests have a wide array of things to do while on board. Spend your days relaxing at the spa, playing paddle tennis or bocce ball, working up a sweat on the jogging track or taking a dip in the ship's two whirlpools and two pools, one of which is an infinity-edge pool that stretches along the edge of the ship, providing swimmers with exceptional views of the ocean. At night, enjoy one of five shows at the onboard theater. 

When it comes to food, Seven Seas Splendor offers eight eateries ranging from casual to fine dining. Enjoy your breakfast alfresco at La Veranda and grub down for lunch at the Pool Grill buffet. For something more formal, opt for a French-inspired meal at Chartreuse, Pan-Asian dishes at Pacific Rim or Compass Rose, the largest restaurant on the ship.

Seven Seas Splendor visits a variety of European and Mediterranean destinations, as well as ports across Europe, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.

Viking Saturn

Debuted in May 2023, the adults-only Viking Saturn has the capacity to hold 930 passengers and 465 crew members. Travelers love the ship's clean Scandinavian design and compact size, which allows it to dock in smaller ports that larger cruise ships cannot reach.

On board, travelers have access to a slew of amenities, including a fitness center, a spa, a library, a state-of-the-art theater, a hair salon, an infinity pool and more. A resident historian is also on board to offer lectures and educational programming about upcoming port destinations. When hunger strikes, Viking Saturn offers an array of dining options, from fresh seafood at World Café to afternoon tea service at Wintergarden to traditional Norwegian cuisine at Mamsen's. Or, learn how to prepare regional dishes from your itinerary at the onboard cooking school.

Starting at 270 square feet, standard staterooms come equipped with king-size mattresses (which can be converted into two twin beds), flat-screen TVs, full-size verandas and bathrooms with heated floors. What's more, each accommodation includes 24-hour room service. Travelers who opt to stay in one of the ship's upgraded suites (which reach up to 1,448 square feet) have access to additional perks such as separate living areas and dining rooms, complimentary laundry services and a welcome bottle of Champagne, among other luxuries.

Viking Saturn sails to a variety of destinations in northern Europe (such as Bergen, Norway; London  and Stockholm ) and the Mediterranean (think: Barcelona, Spain ; Rome ; Athens, Greece ; and Istanbul ).

The 930-passenger Viking Sky – which debuted in February 2017 – receives rave reviews from past cruisers for its port-heavy itineraries (fares include one complimentary excursion per port) and luxurious, comfortable staterooms. Cabins offer between 270 and 1,448 square feet of space and include balconies, complimentary Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs and bathrooms with heated floors, among other amenities. Those who opt for an upgraded stateroom or suite are treated to additional perks, like priority reservations at the spa and specialty restaurants.

Viking Sky's activities include classes at the fitness center, treatments at the spa and destination-focused lectures. The ship also offers two pools and two whirlpools, including an infinity pool on the stern of the ship. In the evenings, passengers can enjoy live performances in the theater or watch destination-related movies in one of two cinemas.

Guests also have their choice of cuisine, from alfresco dining on the Aquavit Terrace to Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. With 550 crew members on board, the ship maintains a nearly 2-to-1 guest-to-crew ratio.

Viking Sky sails to the Mediterranean, Europe, Central America and more. The ship also offers world voyages.

Viking Mars

Viking's newest ship, the Viking Mars accommodates 930 passengers and, since it's a smaller vessel, it can dock in many ports where some of the larger ocean-faring cruise ships can't reach. The all-veranda accommodations on this ship, which debuted in May 2022, range in size from around 270 square feet to 1,448 square feet. In-room amenities include free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, safes, minibars filled with drinks and snacks, robes, slippers and 24-hour room service.

Visitors will find a relaxing spa, a hair salon, a yoga area and a well-equipped indoor fitness center (plus an outdoor fitness center) aboard the ship. Those looking to unwind with a book in one hand and a cocktail in the other should snag a cozy spot in The Living Room. Like other Viking ships, the Viking Mars offers educational programming, lectures, cooking classes and more on board.

Cruisers can also enjoy amenities like the main pool and hot tub, the infinity pool, the cinema, the theater, a jazz lounge and various bars. Dining options on this ship include Manfredi's Italian Restaurant, Aquavit Terrace, World Café, The Chef's Table and The Kitchen Table.

Viking Mars receives rave reviews from recent cruisers. The variety of excursions, the delectable onboard dining and the comfortable cabins are a few things previous guests highlighted as superb. However, the staff received mixed reviews: Some experienced attentive and friendly employees, while a few noted they were expecting better service across the board for the price point.

Upcoming itineraries on the Viking Mars include cruises with ports of call in Iceland, Norway, Greece, Italy, Spain, the U.S. and Canada.

Seven Seas Explorer

Regent Seven Seas Explorer debuted in 2016. It's one of the largest vessels in the fleet, welcoming up to 746 passengers. The ship makes service a top priority, with 548 crew members on board. According to past cruisers, the staff was friendly and attentive.

Travelers were even more impressed by the all-suite accommodations, which are some of the largest offered among ocean liners. All 373 suites include spacious balconies, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, interactive flat-screen TVs and unlimited Wi-Fi.

Another high point: the cuisine. Explorer offers eight dining areas that range from the casual Pool Grill to Asian creations at Pacific Rim. As part of the 'Regent Experience,' all specialty dining is included in the cruise fare.

Outside the cabins, guests can spend their days participating in cooking demonstrations, lounging by the pool or relaxing in the library. At night, entertainment options include casino games, cocktail lounges and shows in the Constellation Theater. Complaints about this ship are few and far between, though some reviewers felt the entertainment could be more impressive. 

The best perk, according to recent passengers? All shore excursions are included. Seven Seas Explorer sails to destinations in Alaska, Asia, Australia and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Pacific Rim is a favorite dining venue among cruisers, with its Asian-inspired cocktails and cuisine offering a selection of dishes from Thailand, Korea, China, Vietnam and Japan. Spin the bronze Tibetan Buddhist prayer wheel as you enter the restaurant and be sure to sample the miso black cod. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Viking Jupiter

Debuted in February 2019, Viking Jupiter is the cruise line's sixth ocean vessel. The ship sleeps up to 930 guests in luxurious staterooms that include everything from large bathrooms to comfortable king-sized beds. As an added bonus, each room is equipped with free Wi-Fi access.

Travelers will have the opportunity to indulge in several onboard activities. They can visit the spa's snow grotto and chill beneath the snowflakes, go for a swim in the infinity pool or let their worries melt away in the hot tub. The Bar and The Living Room offer additional spaces to unwind with a cocktail or mingle with fellow cruisers.

For afternoon tea and light snacks, travelers can stop by Wintergarden, or for a heartier meal, the main dining room, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant or World Café offer scrumptious European delicacies, Chinese fare and everything in between. In the evening, cruisers can catch a live show in The Theater or a destination-themed movie in one of two onboard cinemas.

Recent travelers were wowed by the ship, appreciating its tasteful, minimalist decor. They also found the food delicious and suggested purchasing the upgraded drink package.

Viking Jupiter visits ports in Buenos Aires , Barcelona  and more on both regional and transatlantic cruises.

U.S. News Insider Tip: Viking Jupiter and Viking Orion are the only two ships in the fleet that have a planetarium called the Explorer’s Dome. Refer to the daily program, the Viking Star, to see what shows are available during your voyage. – Gwen Pratesi, Contributor

Debuted in May 2023, Oceania Cruises' first new ship in more than a decade can hold up to 1,200 passengers and 800 crew members. Vista is the inaugural ship in Oceania's Allura Class, featuring top-of-the-line amenities like a culinary center, an artist loft and an extensive library, along with facilities like a pool, a casino, a spa and a fitness center. Additionally, Vista offers enrichment opportunities like destination-focused seminars led by guest speakers and dynamic musical performances.

One of the highlights of Oceania Vista is its wide array of dining venues, from specialty restaurants like Ember (American fare) and Toscana (Italian cuisine) to the poolside Waves Grill and daily afternoon tea service. In the evening, guests can grab a drink at their choice of several bars and lounges; Vista's immersive mixology program utilizes innovative techniques and trends to create an elevated cocktail experience.

Vista's well-appointed staterooms – which range from 240 to 2,400 square feet – boast balconies, queen-size beds, rainforest showers, flat-screen TVs and 24-hour room service, among other amenities. If you splurge for a suite, you'll enjoy added benefits like iPads, cashmere blankets, complimentary laundry and shoeshine services, access to the Executive Lounge and butler service.

Oceania Vista explores an array of popular destinations in the U.S., the Caribbean, Mexico, the Mediterranean and more.

U.S. News Insider Tip:  The design of the Vista creates more expansive and contemporary public areas than other ships in Oceania's fleet, so even when the ship is at full capacity, it never feels crowded. Also, since it is an all-veranda ship, all guests have the same great ocean view. – Julie L. Kessler, Contributor

Silver Moon

Cruisers seeking an intimate experience should consider booking a trip aboard Silversea's Silver Moon, one of the line's newest ships. Debuted in June 2021, Silver Moon accommodates just 596 passengers. And with 411 crew members, travelers can expect an attentive experience.

One standout amenity is the Sea And Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) program. The dining experience aims to introduce passengers to their destinations through food. On board, the S.A.L.T. Lab offers travelers the chance to participate in tastings and workshops, while the S.A.L.T. Kitchen provides a unique dining experience. On shore, foodies can book special cuisine-focused excursions through the program. Not an adventurous eater? Not to worry. Silver Moon boasts seven additional eateries serving everything from pizza to tapas to grilled meat and fish.

Following a delicious meal, travelers will have access to a wealth of amenities, including the spa, a pool, several whirlpools, lounges and a fitness center. When evening rolls around, cruisers can press their luck at the casino or catch a live show.

As with other Silversea ships, Silver Moon boasts all-suite accommodations, ranging in size from 334 to 1,970 square feet. Each suite boasts butler service, marble bathrooms, free Wi-Fi access, flat-screen TVs, minibars and large windows. Plus, you'll get a welcome bottle of Champagne. Upgraded staterooms may include multiple bedrooms, sitting areas and bathrooms; espresso machines; daily canapes and private balconies.

Silver Moon is set to explore a variety of regions, including Europe, Africa, Central America and Asia. The ship also completes transoceanic voyages.

Viking Star

Debuted in 2015, Viking Star was the fleet's first ocean liner. Welcoming up to 930 passengers, the ship features all-veranda staterooms ranging from 270 to 1,448 square feet. The Owner's Suite offers a dining area that can seat six, an ocean view dry sauna and a 12-seat boardroom, among other amenities.

Beyond their rooms, passengers will find a spa, several shops, a theater that hosts live performances and lectures, two cinemas for screening movies and two pools, including a glass-backed infinity pool cantilevered off the stern.

There are eight dining options to choose from, all with no additional charge or fee. For fine dining, there's The Restaurant, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and The Chef's Table, which touts a multicourse tasting menu with wine pairings. For a more casual atmosphere, passengers can stop at Mamsen's for Norwegian deli-style eats or the Wintergarden for afternoon tea.

Viking Star sails to destinations in Europe, Central America, the Mediterranean and more.

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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.

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.

The Best Private Yacht Charters for Small Groups

By Fran Golden

While much of the cruise industry halted operations in the last year , it didn't mean that all sailings stopped. For families or pandemic-era bubble groups who wanted a sunny getaway on the water, a trend emerged: renting out entire yachts , complete with crew, for a new kind of custom sailing.

Exploring destinations around the world on a private yacht with your kids, and maybe another family or two, is both a luxurious and practical way to travel these days. The sea turns into your personal playground, and your captain will steer you to islets and beaches away from the crowds. On board, you can spend time together in a pleasant, contained environment—plus, no one has to cook. Bring on the movies and board games!

Here are our favorite family-friendly yachts available for private charter around the world.

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

Kontiki Wayra

Howler monkeys, sea lions, and blue-footed boobies are one attraction, pristine beaches another as this new 128-foot motor yacht, operated by the sustainably conscious expedition line Kontiki, explores less-touristed areas on the coast of Ecuador beginning this summer. The nine-cabin yacht carries up to 18 guests in contemporary high-style. The 10-member crew includes local guides, a chef, and wellness professionals—there's even a masseuse on board. On land, visit nature preserves and treat the kids to a private tasting of Ecuadorian chocolate.

Book now : From $152,800 per week

Halcon del Mar

Explore the coast of Turkey on this high-end, 148-foot traditional Bodrum-style gulet , with a classic mahogany interior and crew of six. The schooner sleeps up to 16 guests in eight spacious cabins. Enjoy the Jacuzzi and water toys—jet skis, water skis, snorkeling equipment, wakeboards, a canoe, paddleboards, a banana boat. Everyone can dine together at an open-air table at the stern, then watch movies in the saloon. Not-to-miss spots on the Gulf of Göcek include the protected Iztuzu Beach, where turtles nest.

Book now : $57,500 to $75,000 per week , plus food and drink

Prana by Atzaró's Batavia master suite.

Prana by Atzaró

The world’s largest Indonesian phinisi yacht explores remote islands, such as Komodo National Park (home to the famous dragons) and Raja Ampat . Made of teak, the 180-foot, Spanish-owned luxury yacht has nine cabins across four decks—plenty of room for fussy teens to have their own space. Luxuriate on daybeds, hang out on beaches, and snorkel or dive in the region’s famous coral reefs . The 20-person crew includes a cruise director, dive instructor, chefs, and masseuses. Water skis, wakeboards, and towable floats will thrill the kids.

Book now : From $15,000 to $17,500 per day , four-night minimum 

HMS Gåssten

Family groups of up to 10 will frolic under the Midnight Sun in Norway’s sparsely populated western fjords on this funky wooden boat, which started life as a Swedish Navy minesweeper. A meticulous rehab includes an oak-paneled saloon for dining, lounging, and board games. Perfect for kids, two of the five cabins have bunk beds. You can swim off the bow deck (where a gun turret once was located), as well as hike, bike, paddleboard, kayak, and fish during your stay.

Book now : From $54,204 per week  

This 78-foot yacht cruises Alaska’s tidewater , the glacier-rich Prince William Sound. Customized itineraries include Captain Jeff Gorton’s favorite spots for berry picking and hiking; watching glaciers calve; and spotting killer whales, Stellar sea lions, and frolicking otters. Get up close to the shoreline on the yacht’s kayaks and paddleboards. Three suites (one with bunk beds) accommodate six. In the spacious main salon, the private chef will prepare for dinner shrimp you caught that day.

Book now : $9,900 per night , three-night minimum

I Sea 's amenities include a floating swimming pool and a sky lounge.

Cruising the Greek Isles on this 134-foot superyacht brings luxury touches adults will appreciate, such as a master suite with private balcony on the Bridge deck. The waterslide will get the kids’ attention; it runs from the top deck to the sea. Great amenities include a floating swimming pool, banana boat, and snorkeling and diving equipment for two. Onboard are a Jacuzzi and a main salon for watching movies on TVs, plus a sky lounge. A crew of six caters to up to 10 guests in five cabins.

Book now : $156,000 to $178,000 per week

Metsuyan IV

A 3D outdoor cinema and 13-foot diving board for jumping into the sea are among the cool features on this sleek, 10-guest, five-cabin superyacht, available for cruising Croatia and Montenegro—including stops at gorgeous white-sand beaches. Onboard are a spa pool and a crow’s nest where kids may play pirate when not competing on the PlayStation 3, or using a provided easel and art supplies. Parents of younger kids will like the two forward staterooms with a connecting door.

Book now : $118,00 to $138,000 per week

Moorings 5000

This contemporary catamaran can be crew-chartered, with captain and chef, for up to eight guests in St. Thomas, for cruising the U.S. Virgin Islands. Visit popular Trunk Bay, then snorkel with sea turtles in Christmas Cove and look for dolphins in Leinster Bay. Toys include water skis, kneeboards, and a draggable inflatable tube. Hang out on beanbags or on the “trampoline” between the catamaran’s two hulls. Indoors, a TV/DVD player is set for movie nights in the expansive saloon.

Book now : From $21,479 per week

This is part of a series on rethinking private travel , which explores how the pandemic has changed our approach to private travel and made it more accessible to all.

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.

Wealthy travelers are paying $17,000 a week for the most luxurious cabin on Silversea's new ultra-luxury cruise ship — see inside

• Silversea Cruises ' new Silver Ray embarked on its maiden voyage in mid-June.
• The ship's most luxurious 1,324-square-foot Otium Suites have amenities like a private hot tub and library.
• The cabin starts at $17,000 per person in 2024, and it's mostly sold out for the year.

Silversea is one of the highest-end cruise lines on the market. So, as you can imagine, its new ship's most expensive suites are luxurious.

Like, really luxurious. And really expensive.

Silversea's new Silver Ray departed on its maiden voyage in mid-June. As is expected of Royal Caribbean Group's ritziest brand , the cruise line's 12th ship is outfitted with 364 of some of the most sumptuous suites at sea, the smallest of which already have a balcony, marble bathroom, and on-demand caviar.

Not too shabby, right?

Well, after seeing Silver Ray's most glamorous 1,324-square-foot Otium Suites, you could find yourself scoffing at its other accommodations.

Its balcony alone is larger than the ship's smallest suites. And its cost is more than three times that of the cheapest option.

In 2024, Silver Ray's Otium Suites start at $17,000 per person for a seven-day roundtrip cruise from Venice, Italy.

It's a steep price compared to the itinerary's least expensive $4,850 per person suite (there's an even cheaper category, but it's sold out for the sailing).

Despite the cost, Silver Ray's two Otium Suites are almost completely booked through 2024.

Upon entering, you're immediately greeted with the library and dining room — spaces you'd be hard-pressed to find in a typical cruise cabin.

Forgot a book? The reading nook is perfectly stocked for travelers interested in learning about bicycle brand Brompton ("The Brompton" by Will Butler-Adams and Dan Davies) and British microchip maker Arm ("The Everything Blueprint: The Microchip Design that Changed the World" by James Ashton).

Or, grab one of the neatly packaged games, such as tic-tac-toe and dominoes.

The dining table would be perfect for churning out a quick round of backgammon.

If you enjoy playing with a side of snacks, the fresh fruit bowl might do. Otherwise, you could call your butler for complimentary caviar or foie gras.

If it looks like a long game, brewing one of the bar's espresso pods or teas might be a good idea. Or, help yourself to some liquor, stocked according to the guests' preferences.

The dining table opens onto a living room with sprawling ocean views.

The couch can convert into a bed to sleep an additional guest. There's certainly ample room for three travelers, after all.

Take note of the chessboard and fresh-cut flowers, small touches that are, again, uncommon in the average suite.

If just one TV isn’t enough, you’re in luck. There’s another one in the bedroom.

It's also where you'll find the vanity, walk-in closet, and sizable bathroom — decorated with marble, of course.

Silver Ray’s cheapest suites have a dual vanity bathroom with a shower.

To out-luxe these cheaper accommodations, the Otium Suite comes with both a shower and a bathtub.

No need to worry about full privacy. The toilet is behind another closed door.

All of the ship's suites have balconies. None are as large as Otium's.

There's no need to hit the pool deck when your 431-square-foot balcony has a private hot tub, lounge chairs, and an outdoor dining table.

To compare, Silver Ray's smallest suites come with a 53-square-foot balcony. Size does matter, after all.

A private hot tub is included in the suite, which starts at $2,430 per person and day.

Hey, at least the cost includes a $399 spa treatment per person, too. Maybe a luxurious massage would help melt away the stress of the payment.

• Main content

What's It Like to Sail on an Ultraluxury Cruise Ship? We Investigate

Photos above: Grandeur's Compass Rose restaurant, pool, bedroom of a Concierge category suite, and Senior Executive Chef Michael Meyepa.

The attraction of cruising for me has long been the way a ship can take you multiple places without the need to repeatedly pack and unpack—the joy, in effect, of luggageless travel. So I was skeptical when I boarded the Seven Seas Grandeur in Miami last January. This sailing, on Regent Seven Seas’ sixth (and newest) vessel, wouldn’t be taking me anywhere at all. It was a showcase cruise—in this case, a two-day, two-night jaunt from the port of Miami out to sea and back again. Onboard were mostly travel pros, there to assess the experience before recommending it to their clients. I was on a mission of my own: With no terra firma experiences to consider—guides, itineraries, activities—I would zero in on the hothouse onboard world of an “ultraluxury” ship (as the current lingo has it), everything that might help me make sense of an intriguing rumor I’d heard: that some Regent passengers find the onboard pleasures so compelling, they don’t bother disembarking at ports of call at all.

Grandeur has 15 categories of suite, the top being the brand-defining, ­atmosphere-setting Regent Suite, on the ship’s highest deck: 14, above the bridge. It seemed the right place to start my orientation. “If I were staying in the Regent Suite,” my guide says, “I’d never leave it.” Interesting… I start to take it all in. The vibe in the suite’s 3,151 square feet of indoor space is serene, sexy, comfortably contemporary; the 1,292-square-foot deck is wraparound, with a hot tub and the same views as the bridge; there’s a private spa with a treadmill, a treatment room, a sauna, and heated marble loungers looking out to sea.I can picture myself reposing on them.

The private bar, built out of a particularly beautiful deep gray, white-flecked Italian marble (which, oddly, I find myself caressing), has a dedicated mixologist (“so you can easily entertain friends you make onboard”). And the mattress in the master bedroom is a Hästens, entirely handmade of horsehair, cotton, and wool, and, with its $200,000 price tag, “the most expensive mattress at sea.” What does this mean, I wonder. I sit down. I stretch out. (No one stops me.) The sensation has me imagining what floating on a cloud while being fully supported might feel like. The pillow menu offers six choices, and you can pick among four brands of linens.

Contemplating this new world of hedonistic possibilities, I spot something familiar on a wall. “It’s a Picasso lithograph,” my guide says. “A copy, you mean.” “No, no copies here. It’s a Picasso. The private dining room on deck seven has a Miró over the fireplace."

It turns out the former CEO of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, Frank Del Rio, is a collector, and he handpicked many of the 1,600 objets on Grandeur. You can take a guided tour of the collection with the help of an app. It includes the ship’s much ballyhooed Fabergé egg, Journey in Jewels. Commissioned from Fabergé, purveyor to the Romanovs, it flaunts its intricate, pearl-and-diamond-­studded beauty—hypnotically opening, closing, rotating—in a glass display case in the ship’s central atrium.

My actual suite on deck eight is in the midrange Concierge category and of course is much less grand than the Regent Suite. The pale, serene interior, however, is not dissimilar; a white orchid blooms on the coffee table in the sitting area; my minibar is customizable (although it hadn’t occurred to me to make my wishes known preboarding); the well-organized walk-in closet Marie Kondo–izes me (when is my stuff ever so perfectly in its place?); and the bed, while not a Hästens, is, well, fabulous.

As Franco Semeraro, SVP of Hotel Operations, tells me, brandishing some sketches and charts, “We are constantly analyzing everything. Such as closets—we already know we’ll make some adjustments. And mattresses. In the entire Regent fleet, we are now on mattress generation seven. The goal, in everything, is 100 percent comfort.”

Just a few hours in, and I’m starting to get it: bottomless coddling (if anything is not to your liking, the GM’s door is always open), plus the deep sea soughing just beyond your own veranda. Life ashore cannot easily compete.

Onboard, unlike in real life, you’re also never more than a three-­minute walk from eight vastly different dining venues, all included—several gastronomic, a handful casual, some indoor, some out, with all wine, champagne, and cocktails likewise included. “Once our guests step onboard, they don’t have to worry about anything,” a crew member tells me. “Everything is here for them.”

Bernhard Klotz, VP of Food and Beverage for Regent, is another man obsessed, in his case with “flow”—how seamlessly dishes are delivered to tables (the new kitchens on Grandeur are all designed with that in mind)—and with the “authenticity” of the ingredients, a perpetual challenge of ship cooking. “Long-lasting items we stock up on. Perishable ones are delivered to us in containers throughout the journey—so long as there are reliable ports to fly them into. If there aren’t, we may request a change of itinerary.” And there’s always the search for the local. “If our ships are sailing the west coast of Africa, it’s super-challenging to find things like arugula or fine herbs. But in South Africa and South America, the vegetables are incredible.”

Each evening, an hour before dinner service starts, tastings are held in the kitchens—not for passengers but for the chefs. “We’re looking for the consistency of quality of certain dishes,” Klotz says. “Then the chefs have 45 minutes to adjust things.”

I take part in three such tastings: at Compass Rose, the main and largest restaurant; at Pacific Rim (pan-Asian); and at Sette Mari (Italian). The chefs, up to two dozen of them, gather around a long, gleaming aluminum counter, and dozens of small plates start arriving in rapid succession, the process presided over by Senior Executive Chef Michael Meyepa, who is Mauritian. We sample everything from caviar and foie gras appetizers to desserts. (Speaking of which, one Regent creation, the 14-layer chocolate cake from Prime 7, was featured in the April 2023 issue of Bon Appétit .)

Stand-Out Amenities

• The Faberge Egg Want to see what the Romanovs saw? The latest iteration of these mini-­masterpieces is now part of life onboard. As in, “Meet me by the Fabergé egg.”

• An Open-Door Policy You can walk into the general manager’s Deck 5 office at any time, to vent about anything, however small. “We always listen.”

• Free Daily Laundry If you so desire, your laundered lingerie (or whatever) will be deposited daily in your suite, wrapped in tissue paper.

• 36 Types of Bread That’s the number served across the eight dining venues. Baking goes on 24/7.

• Plates by Versace Each restaurant has specially designed dinnerware. Versace’s is at Compass Rose, the main dining room.

• Your Wish Is Always Someone's Command If, say, you fancy a particular restaurant dish but want to eat in your suite, it shall be done. “There is never a no on this ship,” I was told. And I believe it.

“This is laksa. You know it?” Meyepa asks me. I don't. “It’s a curry-based Singaporean seafood dish with tofu, sweet potato to add volume, basil, cilantro, scallion, fried shallots for crunchiness and flavor, then shrimp, squid, and scallop, and a sauce of ginger, garlic, and lemon­grass.” (Whatever supply challenges exist are clearly conquerable.) Meyepa shouts instructions to his team. “Gentlemen, this duck needs a bit more stock. But the skin must remain crispy!”

I have had a peek behind the veil, but I also sit down to meals. A crew member advised that I should always be looking up at the ceilings on this ship, to see the light fixtures (striking), and down at the floors, as the carpets, tiles, and marbles “are everywhere different, to keep your interest.” It’s true—and it’s true as well of the restaurants, which all have their own atmosphere, tableware, colors, textures.

At Compass Rose you sit among a forest of illuminated stylized “trees” and eat off plates specially designed by Versace. Prime 7 is all leathery clubbiness, dark red and earth-toned. To enter the moodily modern Pacific Rim, you skirt a life-size glass sculpture of a pink-­flowered cherry tree. Chartreuse (“modern gastronomic French cuisine,” as the waiter puts it) is visually remarkable for its chartreuse velvet upholstered chairs and pillows (wonderful to touch, I note, and especially beautiful against the blue of the sea) and its floor-to-ceiling bas-relief of giant camellias done in black leather, a riff on Coco Chanel’s favorite flower. Strong design statements are part of the onboard experience—and they’re effective.

I went casual, too, eating under an umbrella at breezy La Veranda and at the buzzy Pool Grill. I meant to try out room service breakfast—some 250 meals are delivered every morning (a remarkable number given the ship’s 372 suites; people unwilling to get out of those beds, I’d wager). But I lost track of time. And I wasn’t alone. Sitting over coffee at the midship Coffee Connection on my last day, I overhear a passing woman ask her companion, “Do you know what day it is?” I don’t detect any urgency in her question.

Dining is prelude to partying. It’s like being on a good times roller coaster, most of it centered on deck four, and one slip-slides easily among venues—lounges, bars, theater, casino, boutiques—barely noticing the hour, or caring.

Barnendu Paul presides at the Meridian Lounge’s craft cocktail bar—although that’s an inadequate description of the state-of-the-art mixology lab it appears to be, dedicated to a single mission: further elevating passengers’ mood. Everything about it feels top tier: the spirits and tonics, the infusions and reductions (of which there are a great variety, all made onboard “for quality control”). “And with Grandeur,” Paul says, smiling, “we got some new toys.” He demonstrates: smoking dome, flavor blaster, torch. It’s all as amusing to watch as it is to drink. I sample a Spicy & Passion (Patrón Silver, passoa, lime juice, passion fruit, agave nectar, and chili pepper— “it’s the most popular cocktail onboard”), then Virgo and the Volunteer.

I could stay all night, but the show at the Constellation Theater is starting. During the day the venue hosts guest speakers from various industries, scientific fields, and the arts. But in the evening, “think American Idol , the Video Music Awards, and Dancing with the Stars , all put together into a professional, polished show,” says David Nevin, the cruise director. By the time we emerge, music is drifting from other venues. There is dancing in the Grandeur Lounge (this, I’m told, “is where the party is really at”). Later, the Observation Lounge on deck 11 is the perfect wind-down: a pianist at the grand piano, sitting areas both communal and private, and views exactly like the ones from the bridge and the Regent Suite—just shimmering water.

Mornings are tranquil on Grandeur. A few runners jog nonchalantly on the track on deck 12 (“On Alaska sailings,” a crew member says, “it’s a great place from which to see the whales”). Some early risers are having consultations at the well-equipped fitness center. I’m at the spa, aptly named Serene. After my quartz bed massage, my masseur, Peter Verkin, from Slovakia, noting my advanced state of relaxation and reluctance to rise from the warm stones, is necessarily ruthless: “I’m afraid I’m going to have to kick you out, my dear.” Sigh.

A Few More Favorites

• Fitness Breakfast With all the grande-bouffing ahead, this was a Zen-like way to start the day: early help-yourself plant-based fare near the deserted pool, looking out to sea.

• Culinary Arts Kitchen I learned to make pasta limone and classic French crèpes and picked up countless cooking tips—fun! On a regular cruise, I’d sign up for as many classes as I could.

• The Picassos The Regent Suite’s Picasso lithograph is for occupants’ eyes only. But the three behind the bar at Prime 7 steakhouse add a definite kick to predinner cocktails.

• Craft Cocktail Ba r I’ve never had so much fun watching a master mixologist at work. Run, don’t walk, to the Meridian Lounge: Word is out, and it gets lively in there as the night unfolds.

• Quartz Bed Massage A Grandeur spa specialty: a 75-minute full-body massage administered as you lie on a pile of heated quartz pebbles covered by a sheet. Deliciously elemental.

After the summer season in the Mediterranean, Grandeur will cross the Atlantic and sail Canada and New England, followed by 12 Caribbean and Panama Canal voyages. A new “Immersive Overnights” program offers stays in every port of call.

This story appears in the Summer 2024 issue of Town & Country. SUBSCRIBE NOW

A cruise line for every type of traveler: How to choose the right one for you

• Cruise lines have their own identities and areas of focus, and some lend themselves more to certain vacation types than others.
• Royal Caribbean International, Norwegian Cruise Line and Disney Cruise Line are solid options for families.
• Aurora Expeditions, Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises offer trips with a spirit of exploration at their core.

No matter what kind of vacation you're planning , there's likely a cruise for you.

Whether you want to spend your trip kayaking and scuba diving or prefer to lounge on a sun deck sipping a cocktail, cruise lines have a wide range of offerings. But not every line or ship is right for every passenger.

Cruise brands have their own identities and areas of focus, and some lend themselves more to certain vacation types than others (amenities can also vary from ship to ship within the same line). Here's what to know.

Best cruise line for families

▶ Royal Caribbean International ships have an array of onboard offerings for kids and adults. The line's most recent addition, Icon of the Seas , for example, has been billed as the ultimate family vacation .

The vessel – the largest cruise ship in the world – has an entire neighborhood designed for young families, a large water park and activities ranging from a FlowRider surf simulator to Crown's Edge, where guests can walk more than 150 feet above the ocean. The line's Bahamas private island, Perfect Day at CocoCay, offers plenty of thrills and places to chill , too.

▶ Norwegian Cruise Line also offers a range of activities like free-fall dry slides, go-kart tracks, and high-caliber stage shows. Disney Cruise Line draws on a huge catalogue of stories to bring magic to life on the water, with character appearances, themed dining and special events like Marvel Day at Sea .

▶ Carnival Cruise Line and MSC Cruises also cater to families, and Princess Cruises and Holland America Line are solid options for multigenerational travelers. Mainstream cruise lines generally have kids clubs that are included in the fare, as well.

Best cruise line for adventure and expeditions

Adventure seekers may want to consider expedition ships and lines that offer sailings to less common destinations such as Antarctica .

▶ Aurora Expeditions offers a range of activity-centric itineraries, including Zodiac boat outings, kayaking, snowshoeing and more. Celebrity Cruises, meanwhile, has a vessel designed  especially for the Galapagos Islands .

▶ Operators like HX (formerly Hurtigruten Expeditions) , Lindblad Expeditions and Silversea Cruises also offer trips with a spirit of exploration at their core.

Best cruise line for letting loose

▶ Virgin Voyages offers adults-only sailings and a unique onboard atmosphere with its immersive Scarlet Night celebration and innovative performances . There is also no main dining room or buffet, with a focus on a variety of different food and drinks instead.

▶ Guests can also find parties on other lines, such as Carnival . But the length of the sailing and the time of year play a role in a cruise's vibe. Spring break cruises, for instance, may be rowdier than times when school is in session.

▶ Parties can take different forms, too. Cunard Line , for example, hosts formal gala nights .

Best cruise for rest and relaxation

Upscale cruise lines can lend themselves to a more relaxed and pampering experience. Guests are less likely to encounter rock-climbing walls or ice-skating rinks but will find amenities like pools and carefully curated dining. The following operators are all in that category:

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Oceania Cruises
• The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

However, even on mainstream lines, guests can often get away from the bustle of the ship in onboard spas and adults-only areas. Luxe ship-within-a-ship concepts like Norwegian's The Haven or MSC's Yacht Club can also offer a more intimate, laid-back experience.

What should I pack for a cruise?: Here are 5 essential items to bring

Best lines for river cruising

River cruising tends to be small-scale and destination-focused.

▶ European river itineraries from lines like AmaWaterways, Uniworld Boutique River Cruises and Viking often stop at a mix of marquee and less-visited ports, so guests aren't fighting crowds the whole time.

▶ In the U.S., American Cruise Lines offers a diverse selection of itineraries, from sailings on the Columbia and Snake Rivers to round-trip cruises from Washington, D.C. Viking also has a ship purpose-built for the Mississippi River .

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

The Key Points at the top of this article were created with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and reviewed by a journalist before publication. No other parts of the article were generated using AI. Learn more .