We won’t lie: there’s a certain element of luxury to every cruise that sets sail. But then there are those that go a little bit further than the rest – the ones that take your journey to a whole new level.
A luxury cruise does just that, letting guests go all out at sea. Think of it as cruising evolved. The service more attentive. The food more gourmet. The wines even finer. Just about everything, from cabins to entertainment, is a higher calibre, making them a true treat for anyone who’s looking to splash out when it’s time to set sail.
But what else can you expect from a luxury cruise, and which lines are the experts when it comes to offering these incredible experiences? We’ll take at everything you need to know below…
There’s no doubt that a luxury cruise optimises everything you’d expect from a mainstream cruise – and we’ll get to those later. But there are other traits that separate them from the cruises you might be used to travelling on.
For starters, luxury cruise ships tend to be on the smaller side, with a capacity of fewer than 1,000 people. Not only does this mean that their itineraries plot a course to more off-the-beaten-track destinations – the kind of places that larger ships simply can't reach – but it also adds a sense of exclusivity and intimacy you won't enjoy with other cruise lines.
The service is another stand-out feature of luxury cruises. Although service on mainstream cruises is of a high standard, the 2:1 staff-to-passenger ratio of luxury cruises raises the bar to new heights. Expect butlers, concierge services and staff to remember everything from your name to the way you like your drink orders. Basically, you’ll be waited on hand and foot.
With that said, there’s a reason for all of this opulence. Luxury cruises, compared to regular ones, don’t come cheap. So if you’re looking to push the boat out, it does mean you’ll have to fork out too.
Even amongst other luxury cruise lines, some say that Regent Seven Seas stands out as the most luxurious of them all. Its ships, which are more like floating grand hotels, are furnished with lavish décor, elegant cocktail lounges, and restaurants that treat the eyes just as much as they do the tastebuds.
It’s also one of the most inclusive too, with very few optional extras that will sting your purse.
Seabourn dial down the grandeur in favour of something a little more relaxed – but it’s no less luxe, of course! Think chic superyacht instead, complete with some big-name co-signs from chef Thomas Keller, Sir Tim Rice and Dr Andrew Weil (for a bit of added wellness to all that relaxation).
La dolce vita is all over Silversea’s fleet of Italian-inspired ships; marble is very much the go-to for décor. Butler service also comes as standard, with a highly personalised service afforded to every suite for that VIP touch.
A special mention needs to go to the 200-guest Silver Endeavour, a ship which seems dedicated to all things exploration. Seriously: it has two helicopters and a six-passenger submarine, so if you like your luxury with a touch of plucky expedition thrown in for good measure, this is the line for you.
With just two “megayachts” that it operates, SeaDream Yacht Club is definitely more on the exclusive side. But for the 112 passengers lucky enough to step onboard, that means unrivalled service courtesy of a dedicated crew who won’t be happy until you are.
The food here is another highlight too, thanks in no small part to a newly curated vegan and vegetarian menu that’ll have even carnivorous cruisers salivating.
And because it’s more yacht than cruise ship, the vibe is about as chilled as it gets. Dress code? What dress code?
Viking’s ships might be at the higher end of the passenger capacity (around 930) but there’s still space to spare. And that's good news since their vessels are all about Scandi vibes, well-lit lounges and a calming feel that keeps spirits high. Oh, and did we mention that every one of their guest rooms comes with its own private veranda?
Its spa credentials are some of the best too, with the hydro pool, saunas and steam rooms all free to use. The perfect way to end the day.
