2024…Worlds Best Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury cruise lines are plentiful, and all offer varying degrees of pampering, experiences and exotic voyages to the most unique and glorious destinations.  Here are our picks for the brands, one new ( RITZ CARLTON) small and big, but mostly for being consistent across all areas including price, value, food, on board / off board activities and delivering on an unforgettable LUXURY experience. 

RITZ CARLTON YACHT –  The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an unprecedented opportunity to be untethered. Here, freedom and flexibility allow immersion in life’s exceptional experiences; exploration of earth’s exquisite and unexpected hideaways; and stirring of passions and curiosities that create new and deepened connections. All of this delivered in an intimate setting with a heightened level of care and attention

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Viking Ocean Cruises, With 250 awards to its name, “Luxury” should be its middle name. Currently operating a fleet of state-of-the-art ships that have received numerous accolades, including the second year in a row, Viking was voted the #1 River Line and  Ocean Line by Condé Nast Traveler in the publication’s 2023 Readers’ Choice .

Azamara, It’s been said that guests sail with Azamara for the destinations, but come back for the staff and crew. Luxury comes in small packages, And we couldn’t agree more. Whether you’re greeted with a cool towel, a warm smile, or a glass of sparkling wine after a rewarding day spent onshore, their staff and crew are always ready and waiting to welcome you home.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises® consistently delivers unmatched luxury cruises with the very best value for over thirty years. Unrivaled onboard space. Unforgettable shoreside excursions. Incomparable culinary experiences. Exceptional personalized service. Every lavish amenity is included when cruising aboard The World’s Most Luxurious Fleet™

Silversea Cruises, small luxury ships, There is something uniquely satisfying about a smaller ship. The intimacy. The friendly camaraderie. The excitement of exploring secluded harbours where others cannot go. The intimate, ultra-luxury ships can sail up narrow waterways into the heart of a city, or tie up right at the pier while others must anchor off shore. And for those who yearn to explore the new and unknown, Silversea’s 4 expedition ships can transport you to the furthermost boundaries of the planet. Travel is the elixir of life at Silversea and every cruise is a voyage of discovery. 

Oceania Cruises, their unique itineraries are specifically designed to showcase the most fascinating destinations across the globe. As RegattaInsigniaNauticaSirenaMarinaRiviera and Vista are all small and luxurious, each ship can call on the world’s most desirable ports, from historic cities to modern meccas to charming seaside villages nestled along sparkling coastlines.

Seabourn, Cruising on a Seabourn ship is unlike any other form of travel. The experience is luxurious, yet relaxed — elegant, yet casual — sumptuous, yet understated. Our intimate ships visit the most desirable destinations worldwide, sailing to the heart of landmark cities, as well as to hidden gems where larger vessels cannot follow.

10 Free Apps to Download Before Your Next Cruise

Thanks to technology, organizing your cruise, saving money, and finding the best-hidden gems in port is a breeze. Whether you’re looking to find a WiFi spot in port or translate commonly used phrases, there’s an app for that. We’ve done the research, all you need to do is download these free apps before your cruise. The following apps are available for both Android and iOS.

PackPoint

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Let’s start with step one: packing. PackPoint organizes a custom packing list according to your destination, activities, length of stay, and weather. Your list even gets its own website so that you can share with other members in your party.

TripIt

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TripIt consistently ranks as the best travel planning app. It’s an excellent resource for keeping all your itineraries, flights, and tickets, in one place. Once you forward your confirmation emails to TripIt, the app organizes the information into a master itinerary and will even send reminders on upcoming events.

Shipmate

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Voted the #1 cruise app, Shipmate is your cruise dashboard. Download it before your cruise and use the deck maps ahead of time to get familiar with the ship’s layout. Access excursions, itineraries, reviews, and more. Once you are in port, check reviews on the destination’s activities, restaurants, and shops. Not only does Shipmate provide information on almost all cruise ships, but it also gives you options on excursions, sends alerts on price drops, and lets you chat with other passengers.

WiFi Map

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While we all want to disconnect during our cruise, there are situations in which accessing the internet is essential. Download WiFi Map to find and obtain fast and free internet via a VPN secure connection. The app lets you discover more than 100,000,000 WiFi locations in more than 100 countries around the globe.

XE Currency Converter

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Not only will XE Currency Converter do the obvious, but the app lets you monitor your money, and even make transfers without any fees.

Google Translate

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By far, the most used language app, Google Translate lets you translate between 103 languages. Offline, the app will convert into 59 languages. Type or speak into the app for immediate translation. The coolest feature is the instant camera translation. Just point your camera at the sign and voila, instant translation.

What’sApp

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Whatsapp is a great, economical way to message while onboard and overseas. It uses little data, letting you communicate with friends and family for free. Share messages, photos, and even do voice and video calls, at no charge.

TripAdvisor

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Looking for the best local cuisine or quant coffee shop in port? TripAdvisor gives you a range of options in the category you select based on millions of reviews from travelers and locals.

Spendee

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Avoid sticker shock at the end of your cruise by keeping track of your expenses with the Spendee. The app even lets you set a daily budget. It’s user-friendly and enables you to convert currency and save receipts with photos. If you don’t feel comfortable synching your bank, you have the option to enter information manually.

Flush Toilet Finder

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There’s nothing worse than searching for a public restroom in an unfamiliar locale. The Flush Toilet Finder App, shows the closet restroom. With more than 190,000 bathrooms, the app works without an internet connection. Thank goodness!

Hopefully, these handy apps will make your cruise that much better!

Add These Cruises to Your Bucket List

While any cruise can make for a fantastic travel experience, there are some truly incredible adventures out there that are waiting to be booked. If you’re in search of a once-in-a-lifetime cruise experience, you’ll want to check out our bucket list cruise destination list. These destinations are sure to please any traveler who is seeking a memorable experience.

Take an Amazing Trip to Antarctica

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The average person never gets a chance to step foot on (let alone cruise throughout!) Antarctica. If you’re dying to see this gorgeous continent, you’ll be happy to know that many cruise lines have journeys that go here. If you’re looking for a bucket list option, we recommend booking one of Silversea’s Antarctica cruises. Their luxury cruises are all-inclusive, so you can sit back and relax and have a fantastic vacation. Plan to see local wildlife like whales, seals, and penguins up close and take part in culture and adventure activities, too!

Explore the Famous Galapagos Islands

Another bucket list cruise experience you should consider is the Galapagos Islands. For a luxury option, we suggest you hop aboard the mid-size Celebrity Xpedition ship. With room for only 48 passengers, you’re sure to have a more intimate experience as you enjoy an all-inclusive adventure. As you explore each island, you’ll learn that each has its own unique landscape, creatures, and things to love. While on a Galapagos Islands cruise, plan to snorkel with sea turtles, go bird watching, and hike as you take in incredible views—and much, much more!

Voyage Through Africa by Cruise

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Another continent that is begging to be explored by cruise is Africa. With Crystal Cruises, you can explore many amazing African ports while on a luxury cruise adventure. Visit incredible destinations like Walvis Bay, Cape Town, Dakar, and the Cape Verde Islands. There are so many breathtaking natural wonders to explore, and, of course, wildlife. If you’ve ever dreamed of taking a safari, you can do that, too! Crystal Cruises has several Africa cruise journeys.

Take a Northern Europe Cruise to Explore All Things Scandinavian

Scandanavia is another bucket list cruise destination that you’ll want to explore. You’ll quickly see why these countries have some of the happiest people in the whole world. We recommend booking a cruise with Seabourn to see the best popular Northern Europe destinations and hidden gems. Wondering what kind of excursions you’ll be able to book? Culture and history walking tours, local farm visits, kayaking adventures, craft brewery tours, and picturesque helicopter rides are some available options.

Silversea Savings, 2022-2023 Voyages

Whether you dream of a luxury voyage with lavish surroundings or a thrilling expedition to some of the most remote places on the planet, take time now to plan ahead and save 10% on voyages departing from January 2023 With voyages sailing to over 900 immersive destinations on all seven continents, the choices are remarkable and the savings are, too. Silversea fares include, ocean-view suites, wines and spirits throughout the ship to free WiFi, included gratuities, a butler for every suite and more.

OCEANVIEW SUITES

 

Be the First to Experience Silversea’s Groundbreaking Expedition World Cruise 2022

If you’re the type of person that likes to get in on “firsts,” then you’re going to jump at the chance circumnavigate the far corners of the globe, on one spectacular vacation. Silversea’s Cruises just launched its First Ever Expedition World Cruise 2021. You’ll be able to book this once in a lifetime experience, sailing to 107 dazzling destinations.

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This experience of a lifetime affords guests such intimate and privileged access to exclusive events like a private dinner at Robert Louis Stevenson’s former home in Apia, Samoa Islands, a night at the illustrious China Club where you will enjoy a spectacular dinner on the 52nd floor of Singapore’s Capital tower and a bespoke banquet on the walkway of London’s most famous landmark, the Tower Bridge. More than simply pulling into port and embarking on an excursion, Silversea’s has dreamt up the most illustrious experiences meant to enhance the voyage, and elevate the senses.

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Curated to bring the beauty of the world to you, the Uncharted World Tour departs from Ushuaia, Argentina on January 30, 2021. The prestigious ice-class ship, Silver Cloud, will spend over 167 days at sea, covering 30 countries across six continents. If you’re familiar with the Silversea’s fleet, you’re aware of the unprecedented service and accommodations that lie ahead. Your home away from home boasts a serious interlude of exceptional epicurean fare, around the clock butler service for suite guests, and customized suite amenities from toiletries down to personalized stationery. Let your personal butler take pampering to the next level by chilling your preferred beverage, polishing your shoes, organizing and in-suite cocktail party and drawing a scented whirlpool bath. And that’s just on the ship. What lies ahead is a cultural mélange beyond the imagination.

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Explore the frozen continent of Antarctica, spend two days on Easter Island in French Polynesia and meet the descendants of the Bounty Mutineers in Pitcairn. Zodiacs allow for on water exploration of Australia’s Kimberley region. Come face to face with orangutans in their natural surroundings in Malaysia’s Borneo and experience a behind the scenes exploration of Luxor, Egypt before turning back the clock with the historical highlights of Greece, Albania, Tunisia, and Spain. But that is just the beginning. You will visit the ancient monastery of Mont St. Michel and all that the United Kingdom has to offer, concluding your trip by traveling deeper into Northern Europe’s impressive landscapes of Iceland, Svalbard and Norway’s North Cape.

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What does a trip of a lifetime cost? While Silver Cloud’s two-bedroom Owners Suite comes in at roughly $404,000 per person, the ships vista suites begin at $99,000 per person. The price includes business class air and charter flights from Santiago to Ushuaia as well as your expedition gear (commemorative World Cruise Polar exploration parka, a waterproof backpack, and various other items of clothing and accessories). delivered directly to their suites. But, can you really put a price on a journey around the world?

“The Expedition World Cruise 2021 has been specially crafted to unlock the world’s most amazing deep travel experiences for our guests,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea’s Senior Vice President Expeditions and Destination Experiences. And that it does.

Silversea Announces Lineup of Culinary and Wine Enriched Voyages

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With the importance of food in Italian culture you would expect dining to be a high priority at Silversea. And it most assuredly is. Moreover, gastronomic excellence is a given, thanks to our recipes that reflect heritage and revamp tradition. No matter where you dine, destination influence is readily apparent in the great diversity and freshness of your selections. And every ship also features an array of dining venues. The main dining room, The Restaurant, is an open-seating venue where you can dine whenever you please, and where impromptu dinners with new-found friends is a matter of course. After all, with our worldly crowd of international travellers, socialising is one of the things people love most about our luxury cruise ships. Per guest reservation fee for specialty restaurants. Please visit MySilversea to make your reservations.

Instantly recalling images of the sea in all her watery majesty, the Atlantides are the seven nymph daughters of Atlas. Creative muses, known for their wisdom and beauty, the sisters were granted immortality in the form of stars and can be seen today in the constellation of Taurus. Pivotal to Silver Muse dining experience, this elegant bar and grill incorporates the best that the sea has to offer. Created to temper your taste buds, designer dishes such as royal crab, blue lobster and Verbena infused red snapper in a sea salt crust are showcased alongside the best steaks offshore.

Evoking a sense of exotic mystery, the Asian-accented Indochine embarks you on an exquisite journey of culinary discovery. Unlock the hidden treasures of the spice markets of Mumbai, whet your appetite with the exoticism of Thailand and temper your taste buds with the cuisine of Vietnam. Elegant and exquisite dishes bursting with Asian essence awaken your gastronomic senses and immerse you in an expansive tapestry of the palate. Savour the fusion of flavours of a vast continent that defies definition — in a stylish restaurant that pays homage to its delectable cuisine.

 

Silversea’s Newest Ship to Sail the Galapagos

The Galapagos Islands, may be the ultimate bucket list destination for many travelers. However, to lessen environmental stress to the islands, the government highly regulates tourism and boats. Enter Silver Origin, Silversea’s first ever destination-specific ship that will unleash meaningful travel experiences for guests in the Galapagos Islands starting in summer 2020. “Silver Origin will elevate our industry-leading offering in the Galapagos Islands, unlocking meaningful experiences for guests, as they travel in ultimate luxury,” says Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s CEO.

Silver Origin will be one of the most environmentally-friendly cruise ships ever built, thanks to state-of-the-art technology and solutions designed specifically for sailing the Galapagos Islands.

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Silver Origin will see the highest crew-to-guest ratio (1:1.16) and the highest ratio of qualified guides per guest (1:10) in the Galapagos Islands. This will extend to the in-suite experience, as Silver Origin will be the only ship in the Galapagos Islands to offer butler service to all suites.

The same level of understated elegance evident throughout the Silversea fleet carries over to this intimate ship. But it’s the unique regional materials and bright, colorful motifs, borrowed from the Galapagos’ natural environment, that sets Silver Origin apart from its sister ships. Here’s an inside look into Silversea’s newest build.

Basecamp

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The perfect space for socializing and the site of educational activities on board, Basecamp just may be one of Silver Origin’s most innovative areas. Basecamp features a large, interactive digital wall — through which guests will be able to access destination-related content, including pictures, videos, excursion previews, and scientific presentations.

Explore Lounge

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An elegant hideaway for guests showcasing incredible views of the destination, Explore Lounge is the ideal place for guests to relax with a book from the library’s destination-focused collection.

Suites

Silver Origin will feature eight different suite categories — the largest of which, the Owner’s Suite, will feature panoramic views. Guests in every suite will enjoy the use of a private balcony, while specific suite categories even feature an innovative Horizon Balcony, which easily converts to enclose the terrace with a floor-to-ceiling window. Plus, a first for Silversea, selected suite categories will incorporate an ocean-view bathtub, as well as an ocean-view shower that is accessible from the balcony.

Dining

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Expert local chefs will take guests on a journey of culinary discovery with fresh local ingredients and regional wines in Silver Origin’s two dining venues. Plus, there will be a focus on authentic Ecuadorian flavors.

With so many firsts, Silver Origin is leading the way on the exploration of the Galapagos. There’s no better time to set off for an idyllic adventure than with the launch of this innovative new ship.

Antarctica Cruises, 2023

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Trade in your sunscreen and sandals for icebergs and adventures when you head for the untouched beauty of the White Continent. With less crowded ports, unprecedented expeditions, and the natural beauty of icy waters and wildlife, Antarctica is quickly becoming a top cruise destination. Check out the top three luxury liners that will sail you to the South Pole.

Silversea Cruises: Silver Cloud

silversea butler use
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With the highest space-to-guest and crew-to-guest ratios in expedition cruising, Silver Cloud offers unprecedented comfort to travelers looking to explore Antarctica and beyond. Upon arrival, guests are met by Silversea’s attentive staff and a flute of champagne as they are escorted to their suite by their butler. Onboard, guests enjoy four world-class restaurants. At The Grill, guests dine under the moonlit sky and have the opportunity to cook their food on sourced volcanic rock right at the table. Aside from adventure and aperitifs, the ship boasts the serene Zagara Spa, industry-leading service (be met with a towel as you emerge from the pool), and – unique to Silver Cloud – a state-of-the-art photo studio where budding photographers can transform prints from their cameras.

Abercrombie & Kent’s Le Lyrial

Antarctica, Le Lyrial Cruise Ship
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Abercrombie & Kent’s newest charter ship from Ponant is an expeditioner’s dream. Aside from the sleek style and sophistication of the ship itself, and of course the balcony staterooms and suites, the real distinction of traveling on an A&K charter of Le Lyrial is the award-winning team of experts. Akin to an education at sea, A&K’s expeditions are led by the most experienced marine biologists, ornithologists and geologists, along with a shipboard historian who shares tales from Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. When you’re done exploring, your private butler will tend to your every need, from cocktails on your balcony to arranging for your personal hairstylist.

Quark Expeditions

Antarctica for Quark
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Set for sail in 2023 Quark Expeditions unveiled its newest ship in polar explorations. Cutting edge technology, advanced safety measures and a vastly experienced expedition team are just a few reasons to set your sights on this ship. Think of it as a 5-star hotel on the sea. Leaving no stone unturned, guests will have access to dual helicopters, indoor / outdoor dining,  spa and fitness, and a rapid Zodiac.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between an ice-strengthened ship and an icebreaker ship?

An ice-strengthened ship is a ship made of steel. These ships are made to get through the ice at Antarctica and the Arctic. Nowadays, most of the ships that cruise to Antarctica and the Arctic are ice-strengthened ships. Ortelius and Plancius Read more »

What kind of clothing should I take during my expedition cruise?

We require you to bring a waterproof jacket and pants (minimum 15,000mm rating) for Zodiac cruises to shore. You will also need high rubber boots for trips on Rembrandt van Rijn. Apart from that, our advice is to take warm, windproof, waterproof Read more »

You must be in good general health, and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible on shore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship i

Read more »

21 photos of Oceanwide Expeditions
About Oceanwide Expeditions

Passionate

Taking you closer to the heart of the polar regions has been our driving passion at Oceanwide Expeditions for over twenty years. Our knowledgeable cruise leaders, committed staff, and thoroughly outfitted vessels are our way of expressing what we care about most: making your cruise to the Arctic and Antarctic truly unforgettable. When you sail with us, you experience a part of the world that is unlike any other. Mountainous glaciers, snow-swept shores, whales and polar bears and vast colonies of penguins make up this world, and they are all part of the surreal ecosystem you can watch unfold before you on your future Oceanwide expedition.

Adventurous

Providing you a travel experience that inspires (and is inspired by) you, that’s what taking you closer to the heart of the polar regions means to us. We get you away from the vessel and into the action as fast as possible: up to two landings per day in the morning and afternoon, with a fleet of inflatable Zodiacs ready to shuttle you past the ice floes and onto the shore. We keep our programs flexible so that you get the most out of whatever surprises nature has in mind. When you sail with us, the cruise is just the tip of the iceberg.

Pioneering

So what exactly is beneath the tip of that iceberg? The pioneering spirit, which all travelers to the polar regions (regardless of age and background) have in common. Guiding our expeditions with passion, tapping into the desire for inspiration and beauty, and always taking you closer to the heart of the Arctic and Antarctic – at Oceanwide Expeditions, that is our promise to you.

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