Best Luxury cruise lines
Luxury cruises are an entirely different experience from mass-market lines like Carnival, Norwegian, and Royal Caribbean. The first (and most obvious) difference is the price tag: luxury cruises often cost three to four times more than a regular cruise, but it is worth noting the higher fares almost always include drinks, butler service, tips, and other amenities that cost extra on non-luxury lines. Luxury ships also tend to be much smaller, generally carrying 500 or fewer travelers compared to the 5,000 passenger megaships from Royal Caribbean. You won’t find huge water slides, IMAX theaters or extensive childcare options—these lines are very adult-focused, and many don’t even allow children—but a luxury cruise will treat you to far superior dining and more personalized service on board, as well as finely curated cultural excursions like wine tastings and art tours in port.
Discover what it means to see the world on an intimate mega-yacht. Visit the yachting playgrounds in...
Best for:
SeaDream is a match for young-at-heart couples who want service without stuffiness.
Not for:
People who like formal nights and musical productions.
Caribbean Caribbean - Bahamas Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Transatlantic
Top ship:
SeaDream II
<p> Ponant, a French luxury cruise line, has a unique variety of vessels sailing to far-flung desti...
Alaska Canada, New England, New York Caribbean Caribbean - Eastern Europe Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East) Panama Canal, Central America South America South Pacific South Pacific - Australia Transatlantic Transpacific
Top ship:
L'Austral
Charmingly intimate and lavishly appointed, each of Seabourn's all-suite yachts is a private pleasur...
Best for:
Couples or friends traveling in pairs who like customized service.
Not for:
Families or those who prefer formal luxury.
Alaska Alaska - Inside Passage Canada, New England, New York Caribbean Caribbean - Southern Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Hawaii Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East) Panama Canal, Central America South America South Pacific South Pacific - Australia Transatlantic Transpacific World Cruise
Top ship:
Seabourn Odyssey
Sail in supreme comfort on a line that consistently garners six-star ratings. Experience yacht-like...
Best for:
Couples and singles who like comfort, but not pretention.
Not for:
Families with children or those who love the intimacy of small ships.
Alaska Canada, New England, New York Caribbean Europe Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Hawaii Mexico Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East) Panama Canal, Central America South America South Pacific South Pacific - Australia Transatlantic Transpacific World Cruise
Top ship:
Seven Seas Voyager
Take a journey above and beyond all expectations on Silversea. Sumptuous accommodations consist of s...
Best for:
Couples in their 40s and older who like a formal approach to luxury.
Not for:
Casual types who like to let their hair down and party, or families traveling with children.
Alaska Bermuda Canada, New England, New York Caribbean Europe Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Galapagos Hawaii Other (Asia/Africa/Middle East) Panama Canal, Central America South America South Pacific South Pacific - Australia South Pacific - Tahiti Transatlantic Transpacific World Cruise
Top ship:
Silver Spirit
Caribbean Caribbean - Bahamas Caribbean - Southern Europe - Eastern Mediterranean Europe - Mediterranean Europe - Northern Europe Europe - Western Europe Europe - Western Mediterranean Transatlantic
Top ship:
Evrima