Thursday, April 18, 2024

2023 Cruise Critic Editors' Picks Awards: Best New Ship luxury

best luxury cruise line

The difference between a luxury cruise and a regular cruise extends beyond varying price points. A regular cruise often comes with all of the standard amenities and service levels, while a luxury cruise takes the experience a step further by offering an unparalleled level of opulence and refinement. Luxury cruises often include gourmet dining experiences, unique amenities, and VIP privileges, including priority embarkation and access to exclusive events. It doesn’t get much more luxurious than white-glove-garbed, tux-attired butlers—and that’s exactly what you’ll find on Silversea’s Silver Endeavor, all in addition to world-class service. Even more, with a one-to-one passenger-to-crew ratio, the service truly feels like a seven-star yachting experience—leaving less time worrying about unnecessary details and more time to spend together.

Viking Cruises

Both of Crystal’s ships feature solo accommodations that truly are spacious, and they come with butler service. Crystal also offers a variety of activities to help guests socialize and get to know one another. From mixers to bridge tournaments and bars that are cozy and collegial, solo travelers will have plenty of opportunities to meet new friends. Cunard is known for its iconic black funnels, yes, but more so for its unparalleled large-scale onboard experiences. Although each of the cruise line’s ships carries upwards of 1,500 passengers, the four-ship fleet is adored for its luxury itineraries, stylish design, tranquil spa offerings, delectable cuisine, and unmatched comfort at sea.

Crystal

To attract guests, the cruise lines add interesting onboard activities and guest lecturers to the voyage, and they lower prices. If you love relaxing sea days and would revel in spending day after day in the middle of the ocean, an ocean crossing is a surefire way to get a luxury cruise experience for less. Silversea Cruises was founded in 1994, so they have decades of experience providing luxurious travel for passengers. These cruises offer an intimate setting with ships that accommodate anywhere from 100 to 600 people. In addition to being one of the best small luxury cruise lines, they also have one of the best crew-to-guest ratios to ensure passengers receive the attention they deserve. Sailing on an Emerald cruise ship feels a lot like seeing the world on your personal yacht.

Best cruise lines in the Caribbean

All restaurants are included in the cruise fare on Viking Venus, except The Kitchen Table. The Restaurant (the main dining room) and The World Cafe (buffet) serve international menus in light-filled venues, with options to open floor-to-ceiling windows on balmy days. Manfredi's is arguably the best restaurant onboard andoffers Italian fare, while you can sample Norwegian dishes inspired by the mother of Viking chairman Torstein Hagen at Mamsen's.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur

best luxury cruise line

As you can imagine, the wine pairings are of special note there and three menus are available. On board, guests enjoy five-star French and Polynesian cuisine, with all beverages complimentary throughout the ship and in your in-room minifridge. 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. 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.

On board you’ll find luxury French brands such as Veuve Clicquot champagne and Hermès bath products, as well as classic French cuisine overseen by the chef Alain Ducasse. The latest addition to the fleet is the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, tailor-made for thrilling polar expeditions. Costs cover dining, most drinks, a stocked minibar, wi-fi, crew gratuities and — on expedition cruises — most activities. Viking Ocean Cruises epitomizes the pinnacle of luxury travel on the high seas, seamlessly blending Scandinavian elegance with high-quality service and innovative design. With its fleet of state-of-the-art ships, Viking Ocean Cruises offers spacious accommodations, refined amenities, and several fun onboard activities.

These Are the Best Cruise Lines for Adults in 2024 Condé Nast Traveler - Condé Nast Traveler

These Are the Best Cruise Lines for Adults in 2024 Condé Nast Traveler.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

The best luxury cruise lines

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. 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.

best luxury cruise line

Since 1840, the Cunard Line has been known for its British elegance by offering passengers an experience of peak sophistication. While you don’t have to be British royalty to book your voyage, members of the royal family like Princess Diana and the Queen Mother have traveled on ships in the Cunard Line’s fleet. Most luxury cruise lines allow kids, though they often don't cater to them the way the larger lines do. Smaller cruise lines — with ships that fit hundreds rather than thousands of guests — dominated U.S. Crystal has built a reputation on exceptional service, and it comes down to the crew onboard, who are empowered to keep guests happy and satisfied no matter the issue.

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

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

Prior to the pandemic, cruise ships were one of the most desirable avenues for entertainment, leisure, and luxury. Each year, cruise lines would dispatch hundreds of ships, each packed with hundreds or thousands of travelers, sailing into the seven seas for weeks at a time. However, come 2020, the allure of clinking glasses and poolside sunbathing dissipated into thin air as these luxury watercrafts became hotspots for COVID-19 infestation.

Surprisingly, there is a long list of TSA prohibited items that are strictly banned from being stowed away in the checked compartment of a plane. So, before you zip up your suitcase and bid farewell to your checked bag, let’s explore what items must remain out of sight during your journey. Known for an elegant yet intimate travel experience, Seabourn is also the official cruise partner of UNESCO World Heritage. Crystal Cruises travels to 818 different locations and offers 2,000 different excursions.

It offers all-inclusive trips at a price point more economical than most of its competitors. If you’re a solo traveler or a libidinous couple interested in a salacious holiday, you might wonder which is the best cruise line to travel with in such circumstances. Being an adult only cruise, it offers a very party-centric experience in the form of raves, musicals, nightclubs, and casinos.

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