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Silversea also loves to throw a good soiree and does so on every warm-weather cruise in the form of its deck party. Chefs spend the day preparing for this pull-out-all-the-stops event at which they serve roast suckling pig, carved meats, pasta, salads and an array of mouth-watering desserts. Suites are also a highlight, with more than enough space plus personal butlers and large bathrooms complete with bathtubs and separate showers. All cabins also have a neat hidden TV feature -- flat-screen televisions are embedded into huge mirrors, and when they're turned off, you can't even see them. Seabourn Ovation also features The Retreat, a private, VIP-access-only outdoor lounge area on Deck 12 that's unique to the Encore Class.
Best Luxury Cruise Overall: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima
Each of the company's ships 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, incorporating once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as eclipse spotting from the edge of the earth. For instance, SeaDream's intimate yachts can stealthily visit ports that large ships can't manage. Regent Seven Seas packs all-inclusive gourmet dining and suites into their luxury offerings.
Oceania Riviera, Oceania Cruises
All 300 suites have balconies that are perfect for enjoying breakfast, drinks or dinner alfresco. If you like spending the evening outdoors but prefer to sleep inside, check out the line's Starlit Movies series. On balmy evenings, the crew pops copious amounts of popcorn for cruisers who show up on the Pool Deck to enjoy a film as part of this program. Keeping in line with the line's luxurious reputation, Silver Moon has lovely, understated public spaces, including an expansive pool deck featuring comfortable lounge chairs, a large pool and dedicated pool stewards ready to cater to any needs that arise. There's also a cool Arts Cafe, where coffee- and tea-drinkers can feed their habit while noshing healthy bites amid funky art.
Best Luxury Cruise For Small Groups: Windstar Cruises, Star Pride
While Scenic Eclipse makes adventurous expedition sailing a posh white-gloved affair. To help you navigate the waters of luxury cruises (and to help you find the best pampering cruise ship), check out the seven best luxury cruises sailing right now. It doesn’t get much more luxurious than white-glove-garbed, tux-attired butlers—and that’s exactly what you’ll find on Silversea’s Silver Endeavor, all in addition to world-class service. Even more, with a one-to-one passenger-to-crew ratio, the service truly feels like a seven-star yachting experience—leaving less time worrying about unnecessary details and more time to spend together. The real star of the show, however, is Crystal’s exceptional dining, anchored by the only Nobu restaurant at sea, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which can be found on both ships.
But cruise ships -- even the world's most luxurious -- have their own unique personalities and some will be more suited to your vacation style than others. Oceania Cruises has just seven ships, but the debut of the brand-new Oceania Vista catapults this cruise line into the luxury division. The cruise line's relatively new Go Local shore excursions for small groups bring travelers to under-the-radar destinations, T+L contributing editor and long-time cruiser Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon reported recently. Her 2022 cruise on Riviera included 70 excursions "from canoeing Croatia’s Cetina River to cooking classes in Athens." A 312-passenger, all-suite vessel, Star Pride feels large enough for small groups where they won’t feel too-close-for-comfort and can have their own privacy, but intimate enough where they can welcome outside connections.
Oceania Cruises
And if you love balconies, the suites on Regent Seven Seas Splendor are some of the largest afloat, ranging from 83 to 1,292 square feet. Granite and Italian marble are found all over, and there are almost 500 chandeliers made of Czech crystal and glass throughout the ship. There are also 2,500 pieces of art on display, including works by masters such as Pablo Picasso and Joan Miro. Fares include transfers, complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, no-fee specialty restaurants and free unlimited internet.
The ship is small enough to access private ports at remote beaches and take travelers well off the beaten path. Named the best small-ship ocean cruise line in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards, Golden said the line is known for Tahitian-inspired massage techniques in the onboard spa and noted that cruisers particularly love the wonderful staff. Spaces inside are contemporary, and the ship is easily one of the best expedition options for adventurous luxury travelers. Every suite has its own balcony and separate lounge area, and you can expect fine-dining quality meals at spots like the Chef's Table.
Best Luxury River Cruise: Viking River Cruises,Viking Osiris
Aside from the ship itself, what makes Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima stand out from the rest is its sheer amount of itinerary options. You can explore the European Mediterranean and the enclaves of Canary Islands on one charter, then see the Caribbean’s greatest hits like San Juan and St. Barts on the next. Thanks to the Ritz-Carlton’s world-renowned reputation, Evrima is drawing younger crowds to the luxury cruising scene, creating a more diverse experience. More than just a vacation, luxury cruises are designed to cater to the whims and desires of its discerning guests (caviar and Champagne on-demand, anyone?).
Ship Tip
7 Best Luxury Cruises - Cruise Critic
7 Best Luxury Cruises.
Posted: Thu, 07 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
One meal at Umi Uma is included with your sail (per person, on sailings 11 days or shorter) with each additional visit available for a charge of just $50 per person—incredible value to experience fan favorites like miso-marinated black cod. Aside from a night at the most luxurious specialty restaurant you can find on a cruise ship, the rest of Crystal’s dining offerings are equally superb, from seasonal dishes at Waterside to classic Italian fare at Osteria D’Ovidio. Seabourn cruises to all seven continents, and most recently launched Seabourn Venture, "marking the first time the Carnival Corporation–owned luxury cruise line will offer adventurous sailings on an expedition ship built for extreme environments," Brady reported. The line's ships are sleek and modern, and sail to some of the world's most interesting ports of call. A focus on the destination at hand means that Viking Ocean Cruises stay longer in port -- often overnight -- so passengers can get a true taste of the destination. As a tip of the hat to its river cruise roots, the line offers a choice of included tours in every port (though there are for-fee options available as well).
Plus, it boasts the tallest dry slide at sea in the world—a must-do for families. There’s also a Family Zone that caters to every age range, from infants to teenagers, with dedicated sections per group. Celebrity's signature Iconic Suites on board the Celebrity Edge and Apex offer panoramic views from above the ship's bridge; each suite boasts more than 2,500 square feet of space, including expansive 690-square-foot terraces, and comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms.
Nearly 30 Silverseas cruise passengers fall ill with diarrhea at sea - New York Post
Nearly 30 Silverseas cruise passengers fall ill with diarrhea at sea.
Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 23:44:00 GMT [source]
Known for its educational programming, the ship features lectures and informative guides that highlight seemingly endless knowledge on everything Egyptian (ancient to modern). Paired with the Nile as a backdrop, you’ll find yourself absorbing more than you can have possibly imagined. Built for just 82 passengers, the intimate ship is a modern vessel built specifically for the Nile, with intentional Scandinavian design details. It has a light and bright feel, encouraging outdoor exploration of the riverbanks through plenty of outdoor decks. Guests must be 18 years or older, which makes this a great option for couples or older families who can truly appreciate the experience. All restaurants are included in the cruise fare on Viking Venus, except The Kitchen Table.
Of course, there's no need to cook for yourself aboard a Silversea ship, as each one features several restaurants with multi-course menus to whet your appetite every night. 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. While each luxurious suite features ocean views, nothing beats the view from the epic 4,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Regent Suite, which has two wraparound balconies, three walk-in closets, two Picasso lithographs, and a grand piano. The first ocean cruising vessel for Australian company Scenic, Scenic Eclipse offers the experience of a luxury yacht as opposed to an oversized cruise ship. It’s a ship with super luxury features like two helicopters and a submarine on board, plus eight restaurants and modern suites. First-class service, fine wines and gourmet cuisine, picture-perfect itineraries, and high crew-to-passenger ratios are just some of the hallmarks of the best luxury cruise ships.
On the flip side, onboard daytime and evening entertainment options are limited. The Ritz-Carlton has built a brand on its premier white-glove service on land, which now extends to sea following the launch of its Yacht Collection late last year. Its 298-passenger ship, Evrima, marries a yacht-like experience with access to even more amenities (six restaurants, four pools, suite-style sea-facing cabins, salon, spa, fitness center and more).
Celebrity Beyond, which debuted in 2022, accommodates 3,260 guests has 32 bars and restaurants, like Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud, and two-story villas on board. Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year. Viking came in at No. 1 in T+L's best mid-size ship category and river cruise category. Golden said the WBA Hall of Fame honoree's 50 river "longships" are "light-filled floating boutique hotels." Time spent on Viking River Cruises’ Viking Osiris is not only a retreat, but an enlightening experience.
The ship is notable for its many dining venues, including a restaurant by Thomas Keller(the famed chef known for his restaurants Per Se in New York and The French Laundry in Napa Valley). You'll also find a sushi venue, new and upscale alfresco dinner option on the pool deck, plus the main restaurant and buffet/casual dining venue. As with all Seabourn ships, Champagne and caviar are available, gratis, at all times and in any spot onboard. Long gone are the days where overcrowded ships with overstimulating amenities are your only cruising option.
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