These are the 10 most luxurious cruise ships in the world

Anyone wanting to explore the world by cruise ship no longer has to forego luxury and the highest level of comfort; quite the opposite: Luxury cruise ships in particular offer travelers a variety of amenities, services, and activities.

The top-class ocean liners usually feature spacious suites with high-quality furnishings and cabins with private balconies or verandas. Fine gourmet restaurants and an extensive entertainment and leisure program are also part of the advantages. In addition, there are often excellent spa and wellness facilities on board.

Since luxury cruise ships are often smaller and accommodate fewer passengers, they simultaneously offer a more intimate atmosphere. The service on board is also often excellent, with sometimes one crew member per traveler. We've compiled a selection of cruise ships where globetrotters are guaranteed not to miss anything.

The luxury cruise line Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers luxurious all-inclusive cruise experiences all over the world. According to their own information, the company even has the 'most luxurious fleet in the world'. It consists of six ships that offer 'style and class from bow to stern.' The motto is 'luxury goes exploring.'

Among the six ships is the 'Seven Seas Splendor'. This relatively small luxury ship offers a relatively intimate atmosphere, as it can accommodate a maximum of 746 passengers. This is relatively few, as some ocean liners like the 'Aida Nova' have a guest capacity of over 5000!

At the same time, there are 548 crew members on the 'Seven Seas Splendor' who look after the well-being of each individual person. The ship has ten decks and 373 suites with private balconies, which are exquisitely appointed. On board, there is, among other things, a gourmet restaurant serving classic French cuisine and one for American cuisine. If you want to relax on board, you can do so thanks to an extensive spa and wellness offering. So-called wellness tours are also offered on land excursions.

The 'Seven Seas Splendor' operates on various routes around the globe: between Athens and Lisbon, Oslo and London, from Cape Town via Maputo in Mozambique and back or from Cape Town through the Drake Passage to Argentina to Santiago/San Antonio in Chile.

Explora Journeys is a luxury cruise line of the Mediterranean Shipping Company. Currently, it has one ship: The 'Explora I' embarked on its maiden voyage departing from Copenhagen in August 2023. According to the cruise line, the ship represents 'a new era of luxury travel at sea.'

Passengers can look forward to a luxurious all-inclusive experience on board. All 461 suites, penthouses, and residences offer unobstructed ocean views. The ocean residences also feature private outdoor whirlpools and butler service. According to the provider, all journeys include a bottle of champagne as a welcome gift, nine culinary experiences, including the finest Pan-Asian cuisine with in-suite dining, access to the thermal spa, and a wellness and fitness program both on board and at destinations.

In total, travelers can dine in six restaurants or relax in twelve bars and lounges (eight indoors and four outdoors). The ship also features three outdoor pools and one indoor pool.

Explora Journeys sails to destinations in the Mediterranean and Western Europe, the Caribbean and Central America, along the U.S. Pacific Coast, in Canada and Hawaii, as well as in the Red Sea and the Arabian Peninsula. There are also Grand Journeys to remote volcanic regions and Caribbean islands. In September 2024, the maiden voyage of the new 'Explora II' is set to take place, paving 'the way for a new kind of travel,' according to the cruise line.

Oceania Cruises has a fleet of eight small, luxurious ships that can accommodate up to 1250 people. The cuisine, inspired by master chef Jacques Pépin, is considered the finest at sea. For example, on the 'Riviera', travelers can choose between several gourmet restaurants. Onboard, there is also a theater and a casino. Wellness and fitness services are offered at the Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center.

In addition, the interior design of the ship is characterized by chic upholstered furniture and fine fabrics. Designer accents are to be found throughout the ship, creating an 'unobtrusively elegant atmosphere.' 800 staff members serve the travelers, who can benefit from personal service.

The 'Riviera' cruises around the globe, for instance, from Rome to Barcelona, from Hong Kong to Tokyo, or from Vancouver to Whitter.

Crystal Cruises offers exceptional suites, first-class cuisine, and nearly one staff member per passenger on its spacious ships 'Crystal Symphony' and 'Crystal Serenity.'

The 'Crystal Symphony' accommodates 606 people, offering travelers a relatively intimate atmosphere. The cabins combine comfort with elegant design. The largest is the Crystal Penthouse Suite with expansive living areas, a private veranda, luxurious furnishings, and butler service. The 'Crystal Serenity' has space for 740 passengers.

Both Crystal Cruises ships feature a Nobu restaurant, unique at sea. The Umi Uma was created by master chef Nobuyuki 'Nobu' Matsuhisa. It is regarded as an innovative Japanese-Peruvian restaurant, inspired by the rich culture of Japanese cuisine and Peruvian ingredients.

The 'Crystal Symphony' sails routes around Europe and the Mediterranean, between Barcelona and La Seyne in Toulon. The 'Crystal Serenity' operates on routes around Africa, in the Indian Ocean, around the Americas and the Caribbean, as well as around North America, Canada, or Alaska.

In 2022, Viking was awarded the title of 'Best Luxury Cruise Line' by U.S. News & World Report. Viking's fleet also triumphed in the Cruise Critic Cruisers' Choice Awards in 2023. Among other things, Viking's ocean and expedition cruises took first and second place in two categories: best cabins and best value for money.

The ocean fleet consists of twelve ships, which, according to Viking, are characterized by 'modern Scandinavian design with elegant accents, intimate spaces, and attention to detail.' Each of the ships can accommodate up to 930 travelers.

All cabins have a private veranda. You can choose from various restaurants. The 'Viking Orion' features The Kitchen Table, The Chef's Table, or Manfredi's Italian Restaurant. Additionally, the ships each have an Infinity Pool, a nordic-inspired spa, and a two-deck Explorers' Lounge with panoramic views.

The 'Viking Orion's routes include journeys between Australia and New Zealand, Bangkok and Bali, or a journey along the North Pacific Passage from Tokyo to Vancouver.

You won't encounter children on board. Viking enforces an 'adults only' policy on all ships, making it one of the best cruise providers just for adults.

Silversea claims to have been founded in 1994 as the world's first ultra-luxury cruise line with all-inclusive service. Now part of the Royal Caribbean Group, the cruise company offers luxury cruises to over 900 destinations worldwide.

According to the luxury liner, Silversea's small ships are the right choice for those who love adventure and want to indulge their mind and body. Travelers are offered 'home-like comfort and adequate privacy.' All suites offer plenty of space, sea views, and include butler service, often with their own veranda.

The Silversea fleet consists of seven classic ships and four ultra-luxurious expedition ships. The 'newest flagship' and 'inspiring work of art' is the 'Silver Moon.' It offers space for 596 passengers who stay in spacious all-suite accommodations.

The ship has eight restaurants. The 'Silver Moon' features the innovative Sea and Land Taste (S.A.L.T.) Program. It aims to provide travelers with 'the richest gastronomic experience available.' The philosophy is that the travel destination is also reflected in taste: authentic ingredients are used and traditionally prepared. The program also includes market excursions and special dinners at the S.A.L.T. restaurant. In the 'cooking laboratory' S.A.L.T. Lab, there are cooking demonstrations with local chefs.

From 2024 to April 2026, the 'Silver Moon' will complete over 70 cruises. Travelers can sail on the luxury cruiser, for example, from Auckland to Sydney or around Japan.

The 'Celebrity Edge' is part of the luxury fleet of the cruise line Celebrity Cruises, which, like Silversea, belongs to Royal Caribbean. According to Celebrity Cruises, the fleet, consisting of 15 ships, combines 'the most advanced technology with cozy interiors and revolutionary venues.' The ships have elegant cabins and offer style, comfort, and service at the highest level. There is also a care and entertainment program for children of all ages.

The 'Celebrity Edge' can accommodate 2918 passengers. The place to be on board is the Grand Plaza, a majestic open venue spanning three floors. There are also some of the 29 lounges, bars, and specialty restaurants.

An oddity on deck is the so-called Magic Carpet, a floating platform that hovers about 13 stories above sea level. It scores with breathtaking views accompanied by live music and cocktails:

Entertainment on board is also provided by a theater and events at the club. On the Resort Deck, travelers will find, in addition to the main pool area, a tropical rooftop garden and a multi-tiered jogging track. The spa offers a nature-inspired wellness concept. Shopping fans of luxury brands and products will get their money's worth in the Celebrity Shops.

The 'Celebrity Edge' is on cruise routes around Alaska in 2024. From Seattle, Washington, it heads to Ketchikan in Alaska, through the Inside Passage, which is considered one of the world's most beautiful fjord coasts, and back to Washington.

The 'Queen Mary 2' is the flagship of the Cunard Line. Known as the 'last ocean liner in the world,' it is well-known for its transatlantic crossings. From August 23 to 30, 2024, the 400th crossing will take place. The historic journey starts in New York and ends in Southampton, England. It's the same route the ship took on its maiden voyage in 2004. Back then, around 20 years ago, the ship made headlines as the world's largest luxury liner.

Although nowadays overshadowed by cruisers like the 'Wonder of the Seas' or 'Icon of the Seas' in terms of opulence, the 'Mary' has retained its classic charm to this day. The ocean giant offers up to 2691 travelers traditional luxury, first-class service, and an elegant atmosphere. The cabins and suites boast exquisite interiors, combining the best of comfort and functionality. Numerous splendid restaurants and bars invite guests to relax.

The ship also features numerous refreshing pools and whirlpools, including a terrace pool, a Minnows pool for kids, a luxurious spa pool, and a pavilion pool with a retractable roof on deck twelve.

SeaDream Yacht Club is an ultra-luxurious private cruise line. The twin mega yachts 'SeaDream I' and 'SeaDream II' include top-notch cuisine.

If you want to admire the starlit sky over shimmering waters, you can do so from Balinese beds on deck six. Film screenings take place on the pool deck. On deck four, a library, a piano bar, and a casino can be found.

In addition, each yacht features a retractable water sports platform, allowing guests to partake in water activities right from the stern. You can grab paddleboards or banana boats for excursions, go jet skiing, or diving. Afterwards, massages in the onboard spa offer relaxation.

From May to October, 'SeaDream I' and 'SeaDream II' sail the Mediterranean. From November to April, the yachts visit the turquoise waters of the Caribbean, calling at remote ports and anchoring at places like Jost Van Dyke, one of the British Virgin Islands.

The 'Azamara Pursuit' is a luxury cruise ship of the Azamara Club Cruises line. It accommodates 702 passengers. Travelers can enjoy culinary delights in elegant gourmet restaurants such as Aqualin with Italian-inspired cuisine or Prime C, where classic steak tartare, filet mignon, or black cod are on the menu.

For entertainment, the Cabaret Lounge offers bands and solo artists performances. On deck nine, there is a Sunset Bar, the Sanctum Spa, the pool, and the fitness center. Known as the 'quiet jewel' of the ship, the tastefully furnished Drawing Room invites guests to relax with piano music or read by the fireplace after meals.

The 'Azamara Pursuit' sails various destinations in the Mediterranean region. It travels from Barcelona to Mallorca, then on to Sardinia, through Malta, and to Greece.

Want to read more about cruising? Visit our themed special page here

Travel Reporter