Take Your Cruise Adventure to Another Level
Cruising is an ever-popular vacation choice, and there are all kinds of options, from riverboat cruises to ocean liners, transatlantic adventures and short trips close to home. When taking a cruise vacation, you may think you know what to expect since many larger ships and cruise lines offer similar experiences, such as onboard amenities, various restaurants, pools, kids clubs and regular entertainment. If you’re looking for a cruise that’s a truly different, once-in-a-lifetime experience, luxury cruises might be for you.
Their price point means they’re reserved for the most discerning traveler, special occasions and trips you’ll remember forever. From private butlers and helipads to cruising with celebrity chefs and onboard jetskis - luxury cruises ensure your every wish is their command. Find out more about the ultimate luxury cruises below.
1. The Ritz-Carlton Cruise Line
Embarking on a journey with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection unveils a Caribbean cruise like no other. Beyond the allure of sugary sands, turquoise waters and vibrant marine life, this voyage promises an enriching experience.
Embrace the liberating yachting lifestyle, which allows you to fully immerse yourself in the diverse culture and delectable cuisine, explore ancient temples, traverse lush volcanic landscapes, and wander through the charming colonial cities scattered across this captivating region. From the Eastern Caribbean islands to the shores of Central America and the iconic Panama Canal, the possibilities are boundless, making for an unforgettable and extraordinary expedition.
2. Revel in Reykjavik, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas have a reputation for luxury, with their all-inclusive offerings doing exactly what they say: shore excursions, high-end liquor and business class flights are par for the course when you book one of their luxury cruises. Reykjavik, Iceland, is a real bucket list destination that is worth doing in luxury. Their 8-Night tour includes up to 19 shore excursions and starts at $10,699.
After the capital city, you’ll get to visit the incredible glaciers, mountains, volcanoes and geothermal landscape across Iceland, and excursions on offer include bird watching, kayaking through fjords, whale watching and polar flights. If you decide to really push the boat out and book a penthouse suite, starting at $14,999, you’ll also have your own personal butler and a pre-cruise hotel stay. While at sea and in the evenings, you can enjoy cabaret shows, delicious dining, afternoon tea, a luxury spa and onboard boutique, or unwind with a wine tasting at the bar.
3. King George Island to Punta Arenas, Silversea
Antarctica is perhaps the ultimate goal for all cruise aficionados, however, it’s tricky to find a reputable high-end cruise line that doesn’t skimp on amenities and isn’t packed with passengers, offering a less personal experience. Silversea’s incredible 15-Day cruise traveling from King George Island to Punta Arenas includes everything from private transfers, food and top-shelf beverages, charter flights, shore excursions and expedition gear. On the cruise, you’ll visit four countries: Chile, Antarctica, the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, see majestic whales, penguins and other wildlife, pass through the infamous Drake Passage and experience the otherworldly Antarctic landscapes.
Fares for the cruise start at $30,000, although they offer further luxury in their onboard suites, which cost as much as $93,000. On the expedition ship, you can enjoy fine dining at two restaurants, hear lectures in the Explorer’s Lounge or relax with a treatment in the Otium Spa. All of this is on top of the pool, library, private lounge, observation deck and beauty salon. This is without a doubt, one of the best luxury cruises in the world and the only way to experience such a bucket-list destination.
4. Twice the Tahiti, Windstar Cruises
Windstar is one of the best luxury cruise lines in the world thanks to their ultra-exclusive ships, which welcome less than 300 guests. Standout features include menus curated by Michelin-starred chefs, an onboard watersports platform and the opportunity to go shopping with the chef. Their amazing Tahiti cruise, which starts from and returns to Papeete, is 17 days and is surprisingly affordable, starting at $5,399 for a Porthole Suite. If you need a little more space than the 277sq/m rooms, the gorgeous balcony suites start at $9,000.
On the journey, you can snorkel in blue lagoons, dive with marine life, swim at the largest coral atoll in the world and visit a working pearl farm. Additionally, you’ll be able to circumnavigate Bora Bora, admiring its lush jungle and mountains from your own personal watercraft. Although you’ll be busy soaking up the sunshine and crystal waters, there are cooking demonstrations, live music sailing excursions, a spa and Windstar’s signature onboard barbecue experience to fill your free time.
5. Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji, Paul Gaugin Cruises
The beauty of luxury cruises is that they often travel to lesser-visited destinations, and the spectacular Cook Islands, Tonga and Fiji in the unexplored South Pacific are the ultimate dream destinations. Over 15 days, you’ll explore white sand beaches, the world’s clearest waters, one of the world’s largest barrier reefs and a day spent at Paul Gaugin Cruises’ private islet paradise, Motu Mahana. Some of the most unique excursions on offer include an aqua-safari, a glass-bottom boat trip, and a private helicopter ride over Bora Bora.
Your ship, The Gaugin, has been newly renovated, with almost all suites having private balconies. The ship also features its own watersports marina, three restaurants, a spa and a staff made up of friendly local Tahitians. The ship’s suites range from Porthole Staterooms to Grand Suites, the former beginning at $8,400 while the latter tops $20,000, however even in the Porthole Suites your 200sq/ft room comes with 24/7 room service, dressing room, minibar and flatscreen TV. Not only is Paul Gaugin one of the best high-end cruise lines, but this Tahiti sailing has got to be one of the best luxury cruises on earth.
6. Bordeaux Affair, Scenic Luxury Cruises USA
Few things can top private butlers and private water marinas, but onboard Scenic’s Bordeaux Affair, your amazing 8-Day French river cruise will be spent with celebrity chef Bryan Voltaggio. During the voyage, you’ll be able to spend one-on-one time with the chef, attend a welcome champagne reception, take part in a Q&A with Voltaggio and attend a cooking demonstration to learn his techniques. Although Voltaggio may distract you from the world outside, you’ll also get to visit beautiful the French destinations of Libourne, Blaye, Cadillac and Bordeaux to stroll around vineyards and attend wine tastings, attend classical concerts or go on a cycling tour.
The ship has just 159 guests, making it an exclusive experience, with only two room types: Standard Suites or Balcony Suites. There are five onboard dining experiences, all premium drinks are included, and every suite has butler service - they’ll even hand deliver your morning coffee. The standard rooms and itinerary start from $5,600, giving you access to the Scenic app if you’d like to do solo exploring, expert local guides and airport transfers. If you’re looking to visit Europe with an exclusive and unique twist, then Scenic’s French cruise is without a doubt, the best luxury cruise on offer.