1. Summary
This article discusses the best luxury cruise lines in the world, offering unique experiences, exceptional service, and high-end amenities for travelers seeking memorable ocean voyages.
These luxury cruise lines offer stunning suites, fine dining, and exceptional itineraries.
Fact checked by Sarah Cahalan
Cruising is back — and you might even say it’s better than ever. “Vacations at sea are suddenly one of the biggest things in travel,” GoTravelDaily cruise expert Paul Brady reported recently, as summer air travel is looking progressively messier but the cruise industry continues to stabilize post-pandemic.
For those looking to plan a cruise, whether it’s a last-minute trip for the summer or a 2024 around-the-world cruise, we’ve narrowed down the best luxury cruise lines to ferry you to some of the world’s most mesmerizing destinations in comfort. Here, our favorite luxury cruise lines in the world.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
When this luxury cruise line says it’s all-inclusive, it’s not overstating. Everything from shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and laundry to gratuities, top-shelf liquor, and business-class international flights are included with Regent Seven Seas Cruises‘ fares. Each luxurious suite features ocean views, and the epic 4,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Regent Suite stands out with two wraparound balconies, three walk-in closets, two Picasso lithographs, and a grand piano.
Ship Tip
For the best in-suite views, consider a room at the back of the ship, Kelly Cochrane, executive chef of Regent Seven Seas Cruises suggests.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania Cruises has just seven ships, but the recent debut of the brand-new Oceania Vista catapults this cruise line into the luxury division. The cruise line’s new Go Local shore excursions for small groups bring travelers to under-the-radar destinations. Her previous cruise on Riviera included 70 excursions, allowing for adventures ranging from canoeing Croatia’s Cetina River to cooking classes in Athens.
Silversea
If you’ve ever dreamed of having your own butler, Silversea is the luxury cruise line for you. Silversea’s butlers provide exceptional service, handling laundry, curating unique local experiences, and assisting with packing. Additionally, Silversea’s culinary program, S.A.L.T. (for Sea and Land Taste), showcases the flavors of destinations through onboard cooking classes. With several restaurants offering multi-course menus, there’s no need to cook for yourself while on board.
Viking Cruises
Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that has recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. Readers rave about the consistency of Viking’s vessels and their Scandinavian design. Viking consistently ranks among the top cruise lines, known for providing light-filled floating boutique hotels.
Ponant
French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to provide passengers the feel of traveling on their own private yachts. Guests onboard are treated to Ladurée macarons, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and luxurious Hermès bath products. Each ship features an onboard spa with massage cabins and either a Turkish bath or sauna. Ponant’s luxurious small ships sail to remote destinations like Antarctica, offering experiences like eclipse spotting from the edge of the earth.
Seabourn
Seabourn travels to all seven continents and has recently launched the Seabourn Venture, marking the first luxury cruises on an expedition ship built for extreme environments. Known for its onboard service, Seabourn has all-suite ships and offers top-tier food with complimentary caviar and exclusive restaurants like those led by chef Thomas Keller.
Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises‘ luxury small ships call on 150 ports throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific. Onboard menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs ensure that exquisite meals await at every meal. While alcohol incurs additional charges, all meals are inclusive, alongside unique events like a Windstar signature barbecue featuring whole suckling pig and shrimp brochette. Being named a GoTravelDaily World’s Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree, the cruise line boasts a long-standing partnership with the James Beard Foundation, bringing esteemed chefs on board for special culinary voyages.
Scenic
Whether it’s a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. The luxury cruise line operates river cruises in Europe and Asia, while ocean cruises on Scenic Eclipse (and the forthcoming Scenic Eclipse II) can take guests to Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia, South America, and Greenland, among other coveted destinations. Onboard, passengers enjoy fine dining, expansive spas, fitness facilities, and attentive butler service.
Cunard Line
This British luxury cruise line is renowned for its transatlantic service, transporting pets between Southampton and New York City. Cunard operates three ships with a fourth in the works, with the Queen Mary 2 as the only ship on the transatlantic route. The cruise line takes formality seriously, as white-gloved waiters serve afternoon tea daily at 3:30 p.m. State rooms are equipped with 24-hour room service and evening turndown service featuring chocolates. Be sure to pack a tuxedo, as gala nights are black-tie affairs.
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises operates just one ship, but it is exquisite, hosting 330 guests and sailing exclusively in the South Pacific to beautiful destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. The ship’s size allows it to access private ports, leading to untapped, remote beaches. Named the best small-ship ocean cruise line in GoTravelDaily’s 2022 World’s Best Awards, the line is recognized for its Tahitian-inspired massage techniques available in the onboard spa, and travelers particularly enjoy the exceptional staff.
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Cruises‘ new Edge Series ships elevate the cruising experience. The Iconic Suites on board the Celebrity Edge and Apex provide panoramic views from above the ship’s bridge, encompassing more than 2,500 square feet, including expansive 690-square-foot terraces, and feature two bedrooms and two bathrooms. The Celebrity Beyond, launched in 2022, accommodates 3,260 guests and boasts numerous dining options including the renowned Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud.
