Category: Europe

Europe

SeaDream, Intimate Yachting

Named “Best Small Luxury Cruise Ship of 2015” in ForbesLife, twin mega-yachts SeaDream I & II are intimate boutique ships that provide a unique travelling experience unlike any other cruise vacation. The expression “yachting” is not only a statement about size; it’s a lifestyle aboard our intimate vessels. with the service of 95 crew members and 112 guests that make each guest feel like they are on their very own private luxury yacht. Chic and stylish, SeaDream’s 56-stateroom yachts are favored for its elegant informality, highly personal service. Inclusive items include  open bar and gratuities, all ocean views staterooms and suites, luxury accommodations and world-class cuisine. VIEW SEADREAM 360°

SeaDream Yacht Club offers a unique and intimate luxury cruising experience aboard its two boutique mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. Here’s what makes SeaDream Yacht Club stand out:

  1. Intimate Yacht Experience: SeaDream’s vessels are more akin to private yachts than traditional cruise ships, accommodating a maximum of around 112 guests each. This creates an intimate and exclusive atmosphere, allowing for personalized service and a sense of camaraderie among passengers.
  2. Luxurious Accommodations: The staterooms and suites aboard SeaDream yachts are elegantly appointed and feature upscale amenities such as marble bathrooms, plush bedding, and flat-screen TVs. Many accommodations offer stunning ocean views and some even have private verandas.

  1. Exceptional Service: SeaDream is renowned for its attentive and friendly service, with a high staff-to-guest ratio. This ensures that every need is met promptly and with a smile. The crew members are known for their professionalism and hospitality going above and beyond to create the most memorable experience for every guests.
  2. Culinary Excellence: SeaDream yachts offer gourmet dining experiences inspired by the flavors of the Mediterranean. We focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients and deliver the most creative epicurean experiences on the seas. Guests can enjoy exquisite meals and service in the elegant Dining Salon or al fresco on the Topside Restaurant deck.

  1. Open-Air Activities: SeaDream yachts are equipped with water sports marinas, allowing guests to enjoy a variety of activities directly from the ship. From kayaking and stand-up paddleboarding to swimming and snorkeling. There’s always plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun in the pristine waters of the destinations visited.
  2. Exclusive Itineraries: SeaDream Yacht Club offers itineraries to some of the world’s most desirable and off-the-beaten-path destinations. Think, the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe. With smaller ships, SeaDream can access smaller ports and harbors that larger cruise ships cannot reach, providing a more immersive and authentic experience.

  1. Wellness and Relaxation: SeaDream yachts feature a full-service spa and fitness center, allowing guests to indulge in pampering treatments and stay active while at sea. Yoga and tai chi sessions are often offered on deck, providing opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation against the backdrop of the ocean.

Overall, SeaDream Yacht Club offers a luxurious and intimate cruising experience tailored to discerning travelers who seek a blend of comfort, adventure, and personalized service. Whether exploring hidden coves in the Caribbean or picturesque ports in the Mediterranean, guests can expect a memorable journey aboard SeaDream’s boutique mega-yachts.

The Best in Luxury Cruising Europe and the Caribbean

Europe offers a blend of opulence, comfort, and cultural immersion. Here’s a glimpse into what you might expect:

Destinations:

  1. Mediterranean: Explore the stunning coastlines of Italy, Greece, Spain, and France, visiting iconic cities like Rome, Athens, Barcelona, and Marseille.
  2. Baltic Sea: Cruise to Northern Europe, visiting cities like St. Petersburg, Stockholm, Copenhagen, and Helsinki, while experiencing the rich history and culture of the region.
  3. British Isles: Sail around the UK and Ireland, exploring historic ports such as Edinburgh, Dublin, Belfast, and London.
  4. Adriatic Sea: Discover the beauty of Croatia, Montenegro, and Slovenia, with stops in Dubrovnik, Split, and Venice.
  5. Scandinavia: Journey through the fjords of Norway, stopping at picturesque towns like Bergen and Geiranger, as well as vibrant cities like Oslo.

Cruise Lines:

Regent Suite Credit: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Known for its all-inclusive luxury experience, offering spacious suites, gourmet dining, and personalized service.
  2. Seabourn: Renowned for its intimate ships and attentive service, with luxurious amenities and unique itineraries.
  3. Silversea Cruises: Offers ultra-luxury cruising with all-suite accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and immersive shore excursions.
  4. Crystal Cruises: Known for its elegant ships, top-notch service, and diverse itineraries, including river cruises in Europe.
  5. Viking Ocean Cruises: Combines luxury with cultural enrichment, offering destination-focused itineraries and inclusive shore excursions.
Credit: Silversea

Onboard Experience:

  1. Luxurious Accommodations: Expect spacious suites with elegant furnishings, plush bedding, and attentive butler service.
  2. Gourmet Dining: Indulge in culinary delights prepared by world-class chefs, with multiple dining venues offering diverse cuisines.
  3. Entertainment and Enrichment: Enjoy Broadway-style shows, live music performances, guest lectures, and cooking demonstrations.
  4. Wellness and Spa: Relax and rejuvenate with spa treatments, fitness classes, and wellness programs designed to pamper guests.
  5. Exclusive Experiences: Access unique shore excursions, private tours, and VIP experiences tailored to luxury travelers.

Tips for Luxury Cruising in Europe:

  1. Book Early: Secure your preferred cabin and itinerary well in advance, especially for popular destinations and peak seasons.
  2. Pack Appropriately: Bring elegant attire for formal evenings and comfortable clothing for daytime excursions.
  3. Plan Shore Excursions: Research and book shore excursions in advance to ensure you don’t miss out on exclusive experiences.
  4. Take Advantage of Onboard Amenities: Make the most of included amenities such as specialty restaurants, spa treatments, and onboard activities.
  5. Relax and Unwind: Allow yourself to immerse in the luxury experience, savoring every moment both onboard and onshore.

 

When it comes to luxury cruises to the Caribbean, several cruise lines offer exceptional experiences tailored to discerning travelers. Here are some of the top luxury cruise options for exploring the Caribbean:

  1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Regent Seven Seas Cruises is renowned for its ultra-luxury, all-inclusive voyages. Their Caribbean itineraries often feature visits to both popular destinations and hidden gems, with luxurious accommodations, gourmet dining, and included shore excursions enhancing the experience.
  2. Seabourn Cruise Line: Seabourn is synonymous with luxury cruising, offering intimate ships with spacious suites, personalized service, and gourmet dining experiences. Their Caribbean cruises combine visits to iconic ports with off-the-beaten-path destinations, providing guests with a curated and enriching voyage.
  3. Crystal Cruises: Crystal Cruises offers luxury voyages to the Caribbean aboard their elegant ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity. Guests can expect spacious accommodations, world-class dining, and enriching onboard activities, including lectures, workshops, and entertainment. Crystal’s Caribbean itineraries often include exclusive experiences and overnight stays in select ports.
  4. Silversea Cruises: Silversea Cruises provides all-inclusive luxury voyages to the Caribbean, with intimate ships featuring spacious suites and personalized service. Their itineraries explore the Caribbean’s diverse islands, offering guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the region’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
  5. Oceania Cruises: Oceania Cruises combines luxury with immersive experiences on their Caribbean voyages. With mid-sized ships boasting elegant accommodations and gourmet dining options, Oceania’s itineraries often include visits to lesser-known ports alongside popular destinations, allowing guests to discover the Caribbean’s hidden treasures.
  6. Ponant: Ponant offers boutique luxury cruises to the Caribbean aboard their fleet of small expedition ships. With a focus on immersive exploration and personalized service, Ponant’s itineraries showcase the region’s natural wonders, from pristine beaches and vibrant coral reefs to lush rainforests and historical sites.
  7. Windstar Cruises: Windstar Cruises provides a luxurious sailing experience in the Caribbean aboard their fleet of elegant sailing yachts and small ships. With itineraries featuring both iconic ports and secluded anchorages, Windstar offers guests the chance to experience the Caribbean’s charm and beauty in an intimate setting.

These luxury cruise lines offer a range of Caribbean itineraries, from short getaways to extended voyages, allowing travelers to tailor their cruise experience to their preferences and interests. Whether you’re seeking relaxation on sun-drenched beaches, cultural immersion in historic towns, or adventurous exploration of natural wonders, these top luxury cruises to the Caribbean promise an unforgettable journey.

Seabourn Unveils Dining Options on New Ships

Seabourn Cruise Line has a reputation for offering incredible ultra-luxe cruise experiences. If you’re a fan of Seabourn, they have a treat in store for you. The cruise line is introducing eight fantastic dining experiences on future voyages. These experiences will be available on their brand-new ships, which set sail in June 2021 and May 2022. Check out the details (and get ready to drool!).

These new dining options will provide incredible delicious possibilities for travelers during breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Since Seabourn is an ultra-luxury cruise brand, all experiences are of these complimentary to cruise-goers. These new experiences will be available on the upcoming brand-new ultra-luxury expedition ships.

Check out the eight experiences:

  1. The Restaurant will offer an open-seating fine dining experience. It will be open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals.
  2. The Colonnade will provide a casual dining outlet for travelers — and will offer both table service or buffet dining or table service during breakfast and lunch hours. A themed table-side dinner is also served here, and family-style menus will be available.
  3. The Patio is a casual alfresco dining experience which can be enjoyed during lunch hours when the weather cooperates.
  4. Sushi in the Club will offer made-to-order sushi during the evening hours.
  5. Seabourn Square provides a hangout space and will serve up coffee, sandwiches, pastries, and homemade gelato. This spot will be open during the day and into the evening hours.
  6. Constellation Lounge offers a place for those who want to start their day early. Beverages and pastries will be served. Afternoon tea and cocktail-hour tapas are also available.
  7. Pantry in the Bow Lounge is a grab and go freshly prepared light fare and refreshments spot.
  8. 24-Hour In-Suite Dining is another option for cruise-goers. Varied menus are available at any time of the day or enjoy The Restaurant menu (which is served course by course) in your suite or veranda.

As you can see, there are so many dining options on these new cruise ships. If you enjoy cruising and like taking part in incredible dining experiences, we have a feeling you’ll want to hop aboard these expedition cruises.

Silversea 2026 – 17 Voyages.

Silver Whisper
 Silversea has announced its first-ever full summer season in French Polynesia, opening an exclusive pre-sale on 17 voyages between April and September 2026 aboard Silver Whisper. The line will offer deep immersion into 11 of the world’s most remote destinations in three of the region’s five archipelagos—the Society, Tuamotu and Marquesas Islands.

From April 6, 2026, the 392-guest Silver Whisper will undertake 17 voyages in French Polynesia, Papeete, Tahiti. Travelers can choose from seven- or 14-night itineraries—both of which aim to foster meaningful connections with the destination.

The shorter of the two itineraries sees Silver Whisper journey among the Society Islands’ most iconic destinations, as well as off-the-beaten-path gems. From Papeete, guests will journey to Moorea on an overnight call, besides Huahine and Bora Bora. Three late departures maximize guests’ time in Papeete, Moorea and Huahine. Hosted by an expert guide aboard a traditional boat in Bora Bora, guests will learn about the important role of storytelling in local culture and how early navigators used the stars to sail through the Pacific Ocean. In Huahine, travelers can join a cultural nature walk to discover the archeological sites of the village of Maeva, while admiring tropical plants and treetop views of the coastline. In Moorea, Bora Bora and Huahine, guests can snorkel in crystal-clear waters for the chance to witness hundreds of fish species and corals. Guests will also have the option of relaxing on a private island or motu, enjoying a traditional barbecue and local music.

Departing from Papeete on a 14-day voyage aboard Silver Whisper, guests will explore Moorea on an overnight call, besides visits to Fakarava, Nuku Hiva, Fatu Hiva, Atuona, Tahuata, Rangiroa and Bora Bora, before returning to Papeete. In addition to discovering the peaks of the Society Islands and snorkeling to admire the archipelago’s abundant marine life, guests on both itineraries can spot whales (August to November), accompanied by expert guides; learn about local culinary traditions in a test kitchen in Moorea; and discover Raiatea by electric bicycle, among other immersive experiences. As on the seven-day itinerary, guests will also have the chance to relax on a private island, as a highlight experience.

Additionally, a 21-day Easter Island sailing, departing Valparaiso on March 16, and two combination voyages broaden the regional offering for guests.

Silversea Announces Lineup of Culinary and Wine Enriched Voyages

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.
Atlantide

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.

Indochine

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.

 

2024 Luxurious Brands and Ships

The most luxurious brands and ships of 2024!

Credit: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady (Photo: Virgin Voyages)

Cruise Critic has released its  highlighting the best in cruising and cruise travel as selected by Cruise Critic’s international editorial team.

Credit: Virgin Voyages

Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady claimed top honors this year as Best New Ship. The line’s first vessel, Scarlet Lady, charmed Cruise Critic’s editors enough that the vessel was awarded Best New Ship in 2021. Now, sister-ship Resilient Lady, which has just arrived Down Under for the season, sweeps to victory for the line once again.

Other winners in the Ocean Cruises category included Disney Cruise Line as Best for Families; Celebrity Cruises for Best Cabins; MSC Cruises for Best Nightlife; Holland America Line for Best Service and Carnival Cruise Line for Best Value for Money.

“This was a banner year for the cruise industry,” said Colleen McDaniel, Editor-in-Chief of Cruise Critic. “On Cruise Critic, we saw demand for cruises surpass pre-pandemic times, and a number of lines reported ships sailing at over 100% capacity. Cruising has always been a high-value vacation, but with costs of land- and air-based travel through the roof, the true value of a cruise really hit home this year.

“The value of a cruise doesn’t stop with mainstream sailings. From the fare inclusions on river and luxury sailings, to those on expedition sailings to farther-flung destinations like Antarctica and the Galapagos, you’d be hard-pressed to find a land-based vacation that delivers the experience and value that a cruise offers,” McDaniel said.

Cruise Critic has been releasing its highly anticipated Editors’ Picks Awards for 15 years. This year’s awards are the most thorough to date, naming winners across four key areas – Ocean, River, Luxury and Expedition.

This Year’s Awards Saw the Return of Best Ship Refurbishment

Crew assemble to welcome the first guests onboard Carnival Venezia

Main Atrium on Carnival Venezia (Photo: Adam Coulter)

Cruise Critic also brought back a heralded category in 2023: Best Ship Refurbishment, which went to the gorgeously decorated Carnival Venezia. The former Costa Venezia was refitted prior to entering service with Carnival Cruise Line, leaving it with a fascinating blend of Italian-style interior décor courtesy of the line’s longtime design guru Joe Farcus, along with a blend of Carnival favorites tweaked ever-so slightly.

Port Miami was named best North American Homeport thanks to an abundance of innovation and investment that has come out of the new and improved terminal structure and growing improvements to the passenger experience.

Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors’ Picks Awards Include New Categories, a Return of Awards for River Cruises

American Serenade docked in Paducah, KY (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

American Serenade docked in Paducah, KY (Photo: Aaron Saunders)

Cruise Critic’s 2023 Editors’ Picks Awards is noteworthy for the return of the River Cruise awards for the first time since the global health pandemic shut down travel three years ago. In that category, river cruising giant Viking took top honors as the Best River Cruise Line, while the Best New River Cruise Ship was awarded, for the first time, to an American river cruise ship – American Cruise Lines’ American Serenade.

Other winners in the River Category included AmaWaterways for Best for Active Cruisers, Avalon for Best Cabins, Riverside for Dining and Tauck for Enrichment.

Silversea Scoops Best Luxury Cruise Line

Silver Nova sails under a blue sky. (Photo: Silversea)

Silver Nova sails under a blue sky. (Photo: Silversea)

In the Luxury Cruise category, Silversea Cruises was named Best Luxury Cruise Line, thanks to its tireless dedication to service, its modern fleet, and continually innovative offerings. Its Silver Nova was Cruise Critic’s pick for Best New Luxury Ship, while Oceania snapped up Best Dining. The luxury category even held a bit of nostalgia, as restarted (and beloved) brand Crystal took two categories: Best Service and Best for Solo Travelers.

Credit: Crystal Cruises

(Credit: Scenic Cruises) 

Finally, the Expedition Cruise market continues to expand and mature at a rapid pace. Some of the most hotly deliberated categories were found here, but Cruise Critic’s editors came to consensus: Scenic Eclipse II was named

Best New Expedition Ship, while Quark, Seabourn, Silversea, Viking and UnCruise Adventures, among others, walked away with honors this year.

One thing that was apparent for the entire editorial team in selecting this year’s winners was how close many of these categories were for the ships and lines in the running. Few were easy choices – and that’s good for cruisers. With cruise lines of all shapes and sizes delivering stellar experiences across the oceans and rivers of the world, it’s never been a better time to take a cruise.

  1. The Full 2023 Cruise Critic Editor’s Picks Awards List
  1. Best New Ship: Virgin Voyages’ Resilient Lady
  2. Best Ship Refurbishment: Carnival Venezia
  3. Best Cabins: Celebrity Cruises
  4. Best Dining: Virgin Voyages
  5. Best Entertainment: Virgin Voyages
  6. Best for Families: Disney Cruise Line
  7. Best Innovation/Tech: Princess Cruises
  8. Best for LGBTQ+ Travelers: Virgin Voyages
  9. Best Nightlife: MSC Cruises
  10. Best Service: Holland America Line
  11. Best for Solo Travelers: Norwegian Cruise Line
  12. Best Spa: Norwegian Cruise Line
  13. Best Specialty Dining: Norwegian Cruise Line
  14. Best Suites: Royal Caribbean International
  15. Best Suite Complex: MSC Cruises
  16. Best Value for Money: Carnival Cruise Line
  17. Best App: Royal Caribbean International
  18. Best North American Homeport: Miami
  • Luxury Category
  • Best Luxury Cruise Line: Silversea Cruises
  • Best New Luxury Ship: Silver Nova
  • Best Cabins: Viking Cruises
  • Best Dining: Oceania
  • Best Enrichment: Windstar Cruises
  • Best Itineraries: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Best Service: Crystal
  • Best Shore Excursions: Oceania Cruises
  • Best for Solo Travelers: Crystal
  • Best Spa: Viking Cruises
  • Best Value for Money: Emerald Yacht Cruises
  • Expedition Category
  • Best New Expedition Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
  • Best for Adventure: Quark Expeditions
  • Best Cabins: Seabourn Cruise Line
  • Best Dining: Scenic
  • Best for Light Expedition: Viking Cruises
  • Best for Luxury: Silversea Expeditions
  • Best Science Offerings: Hurtigruten
  • Best Service: Silversea Expeditions
  • Best Spa: Viking Cruises
  • Best Value for Money: Atlas
  • Best in Alaska: UnCruise Adventures
  • Best in Antarctica: Scenic
  • Best in the Arctic: Ponant Cruises
  • Best in the Galapagos: Lindblad Expeditions
  • River Category
  • Best River Cruise Line: Viking Cruises
  • Best New River Cruise Ship: American Cruise Lines’ American Serenade
  • Best for Active Cruisers: AmaWaterways
  • Best Cabins: Avalon Waterways
  • Best Dining: Riverside Luxury Cruises
  • Best Enrichment: Tauck River Cruising
  • Best for Families: Adventures by Disney/AmaWaterways
  • Best for First-Timers: Viking Cruises
  • Best for Luxury: Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection
  • Best Service: Viking Cruises
  • Best for Solo Travelers: Avalon Waterways
  • Best Value for Money: Emerald River Cruises
HTML Snippets Powered By : XYZScripts.com