Sailing the seas with the choicest of luxuries onboard, how does that sound? Cruises are known for offering standard luxury services, but how about cruise lines that take it an extra notch further? Exquisite accommodations, refined cuisines, exotic locations and outstanding service, these are all the components for a luxury cruise vacation.
However, some cruise lines are a class apart. Some recreate the very meaning of luxury for their customers. At these cruise lines, you enjoy the privilege of almost no crowds, complete privacy and trips to exotic locales with meticulous attention paid to every detail onboard. In this blog, we tell you about the top luxury cruise lines in the world that show what a luxurious experiences on the sea looks like.
Crystal Cruises
What makes Crystal Cruise the trendsetter in luxury cruise experiences is the particular attention it provides to your needs while prioritizing your preferences. Some of the onboard facilities include fresh flowers, Frette bathrobes and room services. There are two Crystal Ships in particular, both of which offer personality developments which include language classes, golf lessons from PGA pros and wellness seminars sponsored by the Cleveland Clinic.
- Country: USA
- Destinations: Auckland, New Zealand, Sydney, Bali, Hong Kong, Alaska, Los Angeles.
Seabourn Cruise Line
Seabourn Cruise Line boasts almost 104 to 225 suites onboard. Compared to the other cruise lines which are usually enormous, this cruise line’s six ships are relatively small. All the rooms on the cruise are stocked with water, wine and spirits that are stocked keeping in mind your preferences. The shore excursions offered by it leave you wanting for more, and includes elephant rides in Thailand, guided walking tours of the ruins of Pompeii and horseback riding in Chilean Patagonia.
- Country: USA
- Destinations: Hong Kong, Ho Chi Minh City, Singapore, Mumbai, Dubai.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
The Regent Seven Seas cruise line consists of three mid-sized ships (all of them with a guest carrying capacity of 500-700 guests) where luxury finds its presence in various ways. The ships are gifted with Canyon Ranch SpaClubs, L’Occitane bath products, several restaurants and private balconies. If, however, you book a concierge-level suite or higher, you will enjoy the benefit of extra services like free Internet service, discounts on top-shelf liquor and priority dinner reservations. The guests staying in penthouse suites with personal butlers, use of in-room iPads and Herme’s amenities.
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- Country: USA
- Destinations: Barcelona, Rio de Janeiro, Africa, Recife, Brazil
Silversea
Silversea luxury cruise line has six ships in its fleet. Each of these ships offer magnificent ocean-view suites, Bulgari bath products, butler service and Egyptian cotton linens. In addition, the cruise line comes with smaller boats. This means that the majority of the ports are open to this cruise. Silversea travels to worldwide destinations ranging from standard Mediterranean cities (Venice, Barcelona) to locations in Africa (Namibia, Cape Town).
- Country: Monaco
- Destinations: Los Angeles, Fort Lauderdale, Tahiti, Hong Kong, Barbados and other destinations.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin cruise line has a single ship – Paul Gauguin which has a 332-passenger capacity. However, it endears itself deeply to its customers for several reasons. While some love it for the all-inclusive experiences which it provides, others do so due to its amazing hospitality and scrumptious food, which ranges from Polynesian specialties such as poisson cru (marinated raw fish) to lobster with vanilla sauce and beautifully cooked steaks. Further, the Paul Gauguin cruise line also takes you to a private island in French Polynesia, the Motu Mahana.
- Country: USA
- Destinations: French Polynesia, Fiji, Cook Islands
Holland America Line
Holland America line finds a place in this list because of its long-standing association with luxury travel. For over 140 years now, the fleet of Holland America Line consists of 15 spacious and comfortable mid-sized ships which offer more than 500 sailing opportunities every year and travel to all the 7 continents of the world. Which other cruise line can make such claims? This cruise line is more suited to multi-generational families or more seasoned travelers. This is because it pays special emphasis on brilliant professional service and pure relaxation.
- Country: USA/Britain
- Destinations: Almost all the major ports in the seven continents
Celebrity Cruise Line
Celebrity Cruise line has been voted as the “best premium cruise line” for seven consecutive years according to the Travel Weekly Reader Awards. This statistic is an indication of the high customer satisfaction it provides besides its excellence in this field. Celebrity Cruise Line boasts 10 ships and 3 classes, so finding a ship of your liking is a certainty. This cruise line is perfect for couples, groups and families who seek style, comfort and leisure. However, one of its distinctive achievements lies in its being the first cruise line to grow real grass on board ships and build an impressive board art collection.
- Country: USA
- Destinations: Alaska, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, New England, Caribbean, Dubai, India, Europe, Galapagos, Hawaii, Panama Canal, The Mediterranean, Pacific Coastal, South America, Transpacific
Carnival Cruise Line
Carnival Cruise Line, also known as “the fun ships”, is all about unlimited entertainment and fun. The cruise’s fleet of 24 ships are always immersed in celebrations. Carnival Cruise Line is preferred by those who love to party, extroverts and families with young children. As the name itself suggests, if partying on the cruise is what you are looking for, then this is your best bet.
- Country: USA
- Destinations: Caribbean, The Bahamas, Mexico, Europe, Bermuda, Cuba, Alaska, Canada & New Zealand, Hawaii, Panama Canal, Australia
Princess Cruises
Princess Cruises started with a single ship in 1965, and since then, has expanded to 18 fleet cruises which carry more than 1 million passengers every year to destinations all around the globe. The cruise is highly sought after by families and young and old couples because of its sophisticated approach to cruising. Apart from its excellent services and outstanding facilities, it provides excellent kids programs like Science on the Sea along with the latest movies shown poolside on stylish LED screens.
- Country: USA
- Destinations: California, Alaska, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mexico, Panama, Japan, South America, South Pacific
Star Cruises
Star Cruises has established itself as a pioneer in the Asia Pacific cruise industry and has been operating since 1993. Over the years, this cruise line has won hearts through its immaculate services onboard along with outstanding facilities, both of which are reflected in the several awards and accolades which it has received throughout the years. In the Star Cruise line, you enter into luxury as soon as you step onboard. The cruise is perfect of romantic couples, families and those looking to party hard. Special attractions onboard are Live Bands, MICE, jogging circuits and much more.
- Country: Hong Kong
- Destinations: Hong Kong, China, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand
Dream Cruises
Dream Cruises provide you a unique experience at sea with its two mega-cruise ships. What makes them special is the authentic Asian hospitality provided by them, a hospitality which is shaped by the finest experiences all over the globe. Dream Cruise line boasts one of the largest Asian reflexology lounges at sea in addition to 20 private rooms for Western spa and massage. Whether you come with your family looking for a luxurious stay or come looking for some adventure, this is the place to be.
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- Country: Hong Kong
- Destinations: Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Penang, Phuket, Surabaya, North Bali
What a wonderful post! Thanks for sharing and i loved your article very much!
Despite great strides made by cruise lines in accommodating children onboard in recent years, choosing the best cruises for families with kids is still complicated. Where once it was a struggle to find ships that were kid-friendly, the challenge now is wading through the bevy of activities, kids clubs, family cabins and child-themed bells and whistles many ships offer to determine which cruise ships are best for your youngsters. The ships – and cruise lines – that follow are our top cruises for kids. That said, you know your family”s tastes and preferences better than we ever could. By no means are they the only ships to consider. Think of them as a starting point as you narrow your choices for an unforgettable family vacation at sea.
Hi Linsey,
We agree with the points you’ve made and agree that cruise lines have made great advances when it comes to ships that are family and child-friendly. However, this blog deals with those cruise lines which offer luxury with a difference, thus making them stand out from the rest. Thank you anyway for sharing your views. Stay updated for more blogs on this subject in the future.