The best luxury cruise lines to embark on this year for an unforgettable vacation at sea.
Last updated: April 2024
Feature image courtesy of Silversea
Dreaming of cruising the high seas, but the thought of big box ships – and overcrowded ports – makes you cringe? Luckily, the days when such an affair were the only option are long gone. Today, luxury cruising is downright robust. Think: boarding a stately high-style liner, ultra-luxe superyacht or small ship exploratory expedition. For the cosmopolitan cruiser, how about a hip, floating boutique hotel? All before setting sail to exclusive destinations as near as little-known Caribbean islands or as far flung as the most remote ports of Asia, Oceania and the Arctic.
Ahead, 12 best luxury cruise lines to embark on this year for an unforgettable ocean or river-borne adventure. All, effortlessly stretching your sea legs with best-in-class service, exceptional itineraries and awe-inspiring views.
Related: These Game-Changing Travel Backpacks, Weekenders & Sling Bags Are Made From Recycled Ocean Plastic
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Silversea
The OG in luxury all-inclusive cruising since 1994, Silversea’s signature intimate luxury ships house anywhere from just 51 to 364 suites each. Twelve floating havens in total sail pole-to-pole – covering 900 destinations in all seven continents – with a crew to guest ratio of nearly 1:1. Sailings include all-ocean view suites (some with private teak verandas), 24 hour butler service in all suite categories, complimentary sustainable caviar, several restaurants and bars on every ship, anytime in-suite dining and fabulous spa and wellness facilities. Plus: three flexible fare options ranging from voyage-only to door-to-door, the latter inclusive of airfare, transfers and immersive shore excursions.
Explore Silversea.
Pro Tip: When you book your Silversea cruise through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
Related: These Are the Most Popular Spring Break Destinations in 2024
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Taking to the seas as of 2022, think of this legendary hotelier’s Yacht Collection as a fleet of floating, five-star hotels. Three extravagant yachts – the Evrima, Ilma and coming-soon Luminara – accommodate just 298 to 452 guests each. Airy, all-terrace suites wrap around each superyacht, complemented by five restaurants and six lounges (on the Ilma and Luminara, a wine vault), an aft Marina-style deck, decadent onboard spa and unrivaled ratio of space per guest at sea. Sailings are offered from five day jaunts to nearly two week sojourns, crossing the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Baltic and Atlantic with plenty of elevated shore excursions and overnight calls. Did I mention that all Ritz-Carlton sailings happen to be all-inclusive?
Explore Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
Pro Tip: When you book your Ritz-Carlton sailing through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges (on top of Marriott Bonvoy Elite benefits). Find out more in The Palm Club.
Related: These 8 New Luxury Resorts are Rebranding Mexico’s Riviera Maya
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Crystal
Cult-following Crystal Cruises may have sent shockwaves around the seas when it temporarily halted its luxury all-inclusive voyages in 2022, but has since made a comeback to equal effect. Reborn as simply (yet lavishly) Crystal, the line now operates under the wing of global travel curators Abercrombie & Kent. The union sets a new standard in high-end cruising seen across two freshly refurbished vessels: Crystal Serenity, accommodating up to 740 guests, and Crystal Symphony, accommodating up to 606.
Both ships boast luxurious, all-butler suites, newly revamped Aurora Spas, the only Nobu dining at sea and an impressive 1:1 crew to guest ratio. And with A&K at the helm, you can expect only the best in exploratory on-shore experiences. Choose to sail destinations stretching from the Americas to Asia to Africa, or go all in with the cruise of a lifetime: a four month around-the-world expedition.
Explore Crystal.
Pro Tip: When you book your Crystal cruise through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
Related: 5 Places to Find Tropical, Turquoise Water Beaches – Without Leaving the United States
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Explora Journeys
If a chic boutique hotel was a cruise ship, it would be Explora Journeys: purveyors of luxury ocean voyages for the modern cruiser. Explora I, the first of a forthcoming fleet of six glamorous superyachts, made its maiden voyage in summer of 2023. The other five are slated to roll out between now and 2028, with plans for the final two – Explora V and Explora VI – to be hydrogen-powered.
Modeled after Europe’s stylish boutique hotels, the vibe on board is distinctly cosmopolitan. 461 sea-facing suites boast tufted leather headboards, Frette robes and spacious private terraces. Nine dining venues (plus twelve bars and lounges) present cuisines from Pan-Asian and Mediterranean to a rotating chef’s tasting concept, while indoor and outdoor wellness facilities count a spa with Himalayan salt cave, several included fitness classes and four heated swimming pools. Where to? Destinations run the gamut from the near tropics to the Mediterranean to the Red Sea, plus transatlantic Grand Journeys.
Explore Explora Journeys.
Pro Tip: When you book your Explora journey through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
Related: A Five-Star Wellness Resort Just Opened on its Own Island in the Caribbean – and it’s All-Inclusive.
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: PONANT
If inclusions such as French fine dining, Veuve Clicquot champagne, luxurious Dyptique bath products and Turkish hammams sound like your kind of sailing, step aboard PONANT: a French luxury cruise line committed to meaningful voyages on small capacity ships (that are meant to feel like private yachts). A fleet of twelve accommodates guest counts from 32 to 264, though for the most exclusive experience you’ll want to book the former. A journey on the legendary Le Ponant sees just 16 staterooms and suites, a 1:1 crew to guest ratio, heated saltwater swimming pool and glass-bottomed kayaks.
Just as important as an innate sense of joie de vivre? A commitment to sustainable cruising and ethical exploration on each and every sailing, whether seeking a secluded port in Northern Europe, a forgotten beach in the Caribbean or a secret sea in the Arctic. The line has even partnered with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, on a series of upcoming experiential sailings centered on cultural deep dives.
Explore PONANT.
Pro Tip: When you book your PONANT sailing through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
Related: These Stunning Overwater Resorts in the Caribbean Are Bringing the Maldives to You
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Viking
Even the most novice of cruisers has likely heard of Viking. The luxury small ship experts sail all seven continents, and happen to hold the #1 title across river, ocean and expedition cruising in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s the first time a cruise line has been voted #1 in all three categories at the same time. Emphasizing destination-focused journeys for curious travelers, immersive voyages range from two-night European jaunts to two-week journeys down the Mississippi River to month-long Grand Journeys traversing the likes of Australia, Scandinavia or Southeast Asia. Voyages are always all-inclusive (oftentimes including free or reduced airfare) with optional pre and post-cruise land extensions.
Explore Viking.
Pro Tip: When you book your Viking cruise through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
Related: The Best Rolling Carry-On Luggage You Can Buy Right Now, According to Amazon Reviews
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Seabourn
With inclusions like all-ocean view suites, an open bar policy serving premium wine, champagne and spirits, complimentary caviar and a world-class culinary partnership with Chef Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame), it’s easy to see why Seabourn has developed a devoted following of ultra-luxury cruisers since its maiden voyage in 1988. Seven intimate ships make up Seabourn’s distinguished fleet today, carrying no more than 600 passengers each to such destinations as Northern Europe, India, Africa, the Amazon and the Arctic.
Several enriching shore excursions are offered at every port of call, organized into seven curated collections ranging from cultural to adventure to epicurean. That is, if you can tear yourself away from your luxurious suite, featuring a marble bathroom, fluffy all-season duvet, Molton Brown amenities and Swarovski Optik binoculars (best used on your private veranda, naturally). Plus: a Personal Suite Host, who will even draw a customized bath for luxurious, post-excursion relaxation.
Explore Seabourn.
Pro Tip: When you book your Seabourn cruise through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Cunard
The James Bond of cruise lines, Cunard celebrates over 180 years of sea-faring history stretching back to the first transatlantic crossing in 1840 and the first world voyage in 1923. Four stately vessels make up Cunard’s fleet, representing a long-standing history with the British Royal Family. All, named in homage: the Queen Elizabeth, Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2 (the only remaining ocean liner at sea) and Queen Anne. The latter, embarking on her maiden voyage in 2024.
Worldwide sailings are underscored by the heritage line’s distinctive White Star Service, resonating throughout elegant staterooms and butler-serviced suites (all equipped with Penhaligon’s amenities), daily afternoon tea, fabulous entertainment counting a games deck and onboard planetarium and restorative wellness facilities complete with hydrotherapy pools. Plus: Cunard’s famed, black-tie Gala Evenings.
Explore Cunard.
Pro Tip: When you book your Cunard sailing through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
Related: These Are the Best Spa Resorts for Hydrotherapy & More Water-Based Wellness in the United States
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruise
A bucket list experience such as cruising the legendary Nile is best checked-off aboard The Oberoi Zahra: a five-star luxury Nile cruiser. The glamorous vessel is your front-row seat to Ancient Egypt’s most significant cultural and historical sites, unfolding before your eyes along the banks of the River Nile over the course of four or eight-day journeys sailing out of Aswan.
After unforgettable days of exploring such wonders as Thebes, Luxor Temple and The Valley of the Kings, you’ll retreat to one of just twenty-seven cabins or suites. All come equipped with mesmerizing River Nile views; suites further boast private terraces and heated outdoor whirlpools. The Restaurant plays host to elevated international cuisine, The Club Lounge to high tea, cocktail receptions and traditional dance performances and the 24-hour Library and Cigar Lounge to leisurely conversations with fellow travelers.
Explore The Oberoi Zahra.
Pro Tip: When you book your Oberoi Zahra river cruise through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
Related: 9 Best Resorts Around the World For a Romantic Getaway
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Windstar Cruises
Hailing itself 180 degrees from ordinary, you’ll be hard-pressed to question otherwise aboard a Windstar Wind Class sailing yacht or all-suite Star Plus Class superyacht. All, accommodating just 148 to 342 seafarers each. Itineraries run the gamut from island-hopping in Tahiti to cruising Norwegian fjords, placing an emphasis on unique, crowd-free ports, enriching on-shore excursions and flexible onboard itineraries.
An outstanding culinary program is held in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, extending on-land with the opportunity to visit local markets with your sailing’s world-class chef. Plus: jumping platforms and water trampolines, a champagne welcome reception and thoughtful luxuries like L’Occitane bath products, nightly turndown treats and gratis shoe polishing service.
Explore Windstar.
Pro Tip: When you book your Windstar cruise through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
Related: 20 Island-Inspired Beauty Buys Giving Endless Summer, Head to Toe
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Four Seasons Explorer, Palau
It doesn’t get much more exclusive than the Four Seasons Explorer: a floating enclave taking the form of an 11-room, 22-guest luxury catamaran. This year, you’ll find the intimate vessel in the little-known waters of Palau: a far-flung Micronesian marvel hailed as one of the Seven Underwater Wonders of the World. What you won’t find? Set itineraries. Just like it’s on-land counterparts, the cruising Four Seasons resort offers rolling check-in and check-out: speedboat transfers are offered daily to/from Koror marina, home to Palau’s tiny airport.
Choose to stay in one of ten sunlit State Rooms or the singular Explorer Suite – the latter boasts panoramic windows and a private sundeck. Either way, you’ll have access to several onboard amenities including a sunbathing and wellness deck, dive and recreation deck, indoor and outdoor dining, two bars, a library and even a PADI 5-Star Dive Center. Beckoning off-the-beaten-path adventurers, divers and cultural explorers alike, several culture rooted on-shore excursions await alongside a myriad of awe-inducing marine activities. Think: astonishing reefs, breathtaking lagoons and UNESCO World Heritage islands home to ancient cave paintings and rich Palauan traditions.
Explore Four Seasons Explorer, Palau.
Pro Tip: When you book your Four Seasons Explorer stay through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: AmaWaterways
Oceans may take you to countries, but rivers take you through them. For those dreaming of an unforgettable and ultra-luxe river cruise, look no further than AmaWaterways. The family owned and operated cruise line calls on two decades of experience on the world’s rivers, curating high touch itineraries with all-included shore excursions (choose from several offered at each port of call). Plus: robust on-board wellness programming, award-winning regionally inspired cuisine and a fleet of 29 floating sanctuaries carrying an average of just 156 guests each.
No river overlooked, you can wind your way through the Danube, Rhine or Moselle in the heart of Europe, glide down the Mekong or explore Columbia’s lush terrain on the majestic Magdalena. Oenophiles can even board a specialty wine cruise, while those seeking the magic of Europe’s Christmas markets can join a festive seasonal sailing.
Explore AmaWaterways.
Pro Tip: When you book your AmaWaterways river cruise through me, I’ll be able to VIP your experience with insider perks and privileges. Find out more in The Palm Club.
You must be logged in to post a comment.