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
.
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™
Oceania Cruises, their unique itinerariesare specifically designed to showcase the most fascinating destinations across the globe. As Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, Sirena, Marina, Riviera 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.
The highly anticipated, 298-passenger Evrima just set sail the week of October 22nd. (updated)
The 298-passenger Evrima aspires to bring Ritz-Carlton hotel comfort and service to sea. With sleek modern design, rich materials, plenty of lounge space, personalized service, and a restaurant with menus designed by a Michelin three-star chef—and after a nearly three-year delay—the first ship of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is ready for its debut. The 298-passenger Evrima will sail seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Nice in October.
The well-regarded maritime architecture and design firm Tillberg of Sweden worked with a team from the hotel company to create a floating Ritz-Carlton hotel.
Guests stay in suites with ceilings that are higher than the cruise ship norm, with king-size beds, double-vanity bathrooms, and private outdoor “terraces” overlooking the sea. Also on offer are resort like features such as a supervised Ritz Kids program with its own playroom ($45 per three-hour session) and a Ritz-Carlton-operated spa with indoor and outdoor treatment rooms—as well as indulgences such as a $395 non-surgical lift facial. The 623-foot ship has more space per passenger than any other luxury cruise ship.
Guests may take in ocean views while sipping complimentary champagne on loungers around the infinity pool or get even closer to water’s edge on the Marina Terrace, where handcrafted cocktails and light bites will be served when the ship is at anchor. From the marina, there are paddleboards, windsurf boards, kayaks, sailboats, and snorkeling equipment to borrow. Four plunge pools scattered around Evrima afford more intimate opportunities to take a dip with views.
The large Evrima Room, the yacht’s main restaurant, features dishes inspired by the line’s destinations. A five-course tasting menu with wine and champagne pairings at S.E.A. (Sven Elverfeld Aboard) was created by Chef Sven Elverfeld of the three-Michelin-starred Aqua at the Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany . At the Talaat Nam restaurant, dine indoors or out on Southeast Asian dishes—or head to the sushi bar. Room service is available 24/7.
The top-deck Observation Room is a socializing and cocktail spot that morphs into a nightclub in the late hours.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Nightlife
The ship’s Deck 10 indoor and outdoor Observation Terrace is a social hub—a place to take in views by day and to sip cocktails and enjoy live entertainment by evening. Late at night, the space morphs into a nightclub, with an opportunity to dance under the stars. Evrima has its own resident jazz and classical musicians, and local entertainers will come aboard to perform at select ports of call.
Outside the Observation Room, enjoy views by day, dancing under the stars by night.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Ritz-Carlton service
Every suite on Evrima comes with access to a personal concierge for requests from a cup of coffee to help organizing your shore excursions, as well as a separate concierge ashore to handle requests for private experiences and reservations on land. The goal is the kind of personalized service you expect to find at a Ritz-Carlton hotel: The ship has nearly as many crew members as guests.
Before or after your treatment at the Ritz-Carlton Spa, hang out on the spa’s hot tub-equipped terrace.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Destination focus
In its first year, Evrima sails the Mediterranean and Caribbean on 7- to 10-night itineraries—following the yachting crowd to such hotspots as Ibiza, St. Tropez, Bequia, and St. Barts. Overnights afford time to play on land, and there’s a focus on beyond-the-norm shore excursions. For example, a tour of the Aruba Aloe facility is followed by an aloe-based treatment at the Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, while an evening excursion in Tenerife focuses on cocktail culture. Cruise fares are from $1,000 per person, per night—though you can find some sailings for less.
At the poolside Mistral, grilled seafood and steaks will be on the menu at lunch and dinner.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
The competition
Leading luxury cruise bands such as Seabourn (Carnival Corp.) and Silversea (Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd) won’t be the only competition. Late last month, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts announced Four Seasons Yachts, three 190-passenger ships to be built by Italy’s Fincantieri, in partnership with Nadim Ashi, owner of Miami-based Fort Partners (Four Seasons Surf Club in Sunrise, Fla.), and Philip Levine, a former Miami Beach mayor. The first is due in late 2025.
The yacht’s main Evrima Room restaurant serves locally inspired menus based on cruising destinations.
Photographer: Christopher Cypert
Bonvoy points
Members of the Marriott Bonvoy program can redeem 180,000 points for $1,000 in savings on the cruise fare, with increments of 90,000 points for $500 after that, It’s possible to pay for a 10-day cruise with about 2 million points See participating Marriott Bonvoy hotels booked through the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection for more information. There are elite credits, too, those with Elite status will receive perks such as an invite to a special cocktail party and, depending on your member status, free laundry.
