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Aside from the ship itself, what makes Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima stand out from the rest is its sheer amount of itinerary options. You can explore the European Mediterranean and the enclaves of Canary Islands on one charter, then see the Caribbean’s greatest hits like San Juan and St. Barts on the next. Thanks to the Ritz-Carlton’s world-renowned reputation, Evrima is drawing younger crowds to the luxury cruising scene, creating a more diverse experience. Staterooms are eye-opening as well, featuring transformational cabin beds that allow guests (referred to as “Sailors”) to customize their space. Opt for a suite and you’ll be considered—and treated like—”Rock Stars,” given VIP access to everything from onboard entertainment and restaurants to exclusive amenities like your own wardrobe team. With a huge selection of fitness classes, 20 included places to eat and drink, and original out-of-the-box shows, this adults-only line is likely to turn a whole new generation of cruise virgins into sailors.
Silver Moon, Silversea Cruises
Spend evenings dining under the stars in La Terrazza, the ship’s Italian restaurant, or share the best pizzas at sea in Spaccanapoli. French-owned Ponant operates a fleet of stylish expedition ships, the smartest of which are arguably the six Ponant Explorers, with clever design features — most notably a multisensory underwater viewing lounge. Every cabin has a balcony and luxurious, tactile finishes in leather and suede. On board you’ll find luxury French brands such as Veuve Clicquot champagne and Hermès bath products, as well as classic French cuisine overseen by the chef Alain Ducasse. The latest addition to the fleet is the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, tailor-made for thrilling polar expeditions.
Oceania Cruises
The eight restaurants are overseen by master chef Thomas Goetter, who offers (in our opinion) the best Chef's Table experience at sea, where he makes the food come to life with tales of his youth. SeaDream operates just two small (around 100-passengers) ships SeaDream 1 and SeaDream II) with fiercely loyal followings. The ships are getting on, and no cabins have balconies, yet passengers don't seem to care when they are spending most of their time outside anyway. Having said that, the ships stand the test of time, with breathtaking interior design, top-notch food and the aforementioned service levels. Seabourn has three ship sizes -- the 354-passenger vessels, the 600-passenger ships and an expedition ship, Seabourn Venture, which carries 264 passengers.
Mekong Navigator, Lotus Cruises
Travelers on Cunard’s cruises get to immerse themselves in a traditional mise en scene, with activities such as ballroom dancing, symphonies, and attending lectures with veterans from WWII. Although Cunard is a British cruise line, like most other foreign cruise lines it offers several different tours to accommodate American passengers. Cunard is set to launch its new ship, Queen Anne, this May which will be the first time this century that the company will operate with a fleet of 4 ships. While country-hopping ocean cruises have become the favorable option for many, there are still a wealth of luxury river cruises traversing along the world’s most famous waterways. And thanks to the limited room, you’ll often find that river cruise ships are far smaller meaning that there are fewer people onboard and more intimate experiences to be had. Sample your way across global delicacies in the upscale Main Dining Room, or fall in love with flavors that take you from the New England coast to the hills of Tuscany at one of our specialty restaurants.
Seabourn — 79.6%
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. 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. 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. Suite niceties include Bulgari bath products and marble bathrooms with both tubs and showers. Perks included in the cruise fare may include beverages, Wi-Fi, fresh flowers, extraordinary pampering and, in some cases, butler service.
Azamara’s four mid-sized luxury ships — most recently joined by Azamara Onward, which shares the same DNA as its fleetmates — offer affordable, destination-focused cruising with plenty of flair. Glamorous White Nights deck parties receive rave reviews, while every cruise includes an AzAmazing evening, a spectacular cultural event ashore. You’ll be spoiled with its choice of restaurants, including a grill, Prime C, and a romantic Italian, Aqualina. Included are crew tips, most drinks and all dining apart from the two speciality restaurants.
Scenic
The first is the S.A.L.T. (Sea & Land Taste) food program, overseen by Adam Sachs, ex-editor of gourmet food magazine Saveur, which aims to take guests deeper into the places they are visiting by means of food. Well, it could mean exclusivity to some, privacy to others, a private Learjet experience or watching the sun rise over Macchu Pichu. 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. 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. Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents.
12 Most Luxurious Cruise Lines - Yahoo Finance
12 Most Luxurious Cruise Lines.
Posted: Sat, 22 Jul 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Virgin Voyages
In addition to its presence in the Caribbean and the Bahamas, Virgin Voyages is now offering seasonal sailings in the Mediterranean and voyages to Australia and New Zealand. With its upscale atmosphere, Michelin-star chef-curated menus, and wellness activities, Virgin Voyages’ three-ship line stands out. The Crown & Anchor® Society is our way of recognizing and rewarding our most loyal guests. The more you sail with us, the more points you earn toward exclusive benefits and privileges you can enjoy before and during your next luxury cruise with Royal Caribbean®.
For instance, SeaDream's intimate yachts can stealthily visit ports that large ships can't manage. Regent Seven Seas packs all-inclusive gourmet dining and suites into their luxury offerings. While Scenic Eclipse makes adventurous expedition sailing a posh white-gloved affair. To help you navigate the waters of luxury cruises (and to help you find the best pampering cruise ship), check out the seven best luxury cruises sailing right now.
The ships are even equipped with kayaks or paddleboards, snorkeling gear and Zodiacs, and hydrophones and underwater cameras for further exploration. If you’re looking for something a little more kitsch, these themed cruises will be right up your alley. A unique, fun and educational option for families with older kids who want to experience nature with a touch of Disney magic, these expedition cruises are the stuff of lifelong memories. Small, purpose-built ships are designed to access the remote landscapes of the Polar Regions and the Galápagos Islands—and to appeal to both kids and adults. While most ocean cruise liners will have similar stopping points (meaning all but guaranteed crowds when you embark) river cruises have the luxury of calling at lesser-visited cities and destinations along their route.
Seabourn Ovation also features The Retreat, a private, VIP-access-only outdoor lounge area on Deck 12 that's unique to the Encore Class. A daisy-shaped canopy stretches over The Retreat so you'll find both sun and shade. Fifteen cabanas are available, and come outfitted with flat-screen TVs, Evian misters, a beverage-filled mini-fridge and fresh fruit. The cabanas are conveniently arranged around the hot tub, which is a focal point of The Retreat, but expect a hefty daily fee to use them. Seabourn's newest ship, Seabourn Ovation, is the second in the line's Encore Class, the next generation of Seabourn's popular Odyssey-class ships. The line also makes the point of immersing you in French Polynesia culture with native crew onboard doing lectures, dancing, and talking about their culture.
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." My husband and I scouted out the best cruises for kids when our own children were young, and since becoming empty nesters, we’ve found the best adults-only cruises and couples cruises. Options include Norwegian Cruise Line's The Haven, Royal Caribbean's Royal Suite Class and MSC Cruises' Yacht Club. Travelers who book these suites get VIP treatment compared to their shipmates. By definition, small ships hold fewer than 1200 passengers, usually making the cruise experience more intimate with more individualized service.
Explore the area’s natural beauty on Zodiac boat excursions, and back on board, you’ll get to relax while kids are treated to special activities including themed dinners, games and movie nights. A luxury cruise will never be cheap, but you can find ways to spend less when you travel on high-end ships. Booking early and taking advantage of limited-time promotions will also help you save when you sail in style.
