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The 11 Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According to T+L's Experts

These luxury cruise lines offer stunning suites, fine dining, and exceptional itineraries.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Cruising is back — and you might even say it's better than ever. "Vacations at sea are suddenly one of the biggest things in travel," Travel + Leisure cruise expert Paul Brady reported recently, as summer air travel is looking progressively messier but the cruise industry continues to stabilize post-pandemic. For those looking to plan a cruise, whether it's a last-minute trip for the summer or a 2024 around-the-world cruise, we've narrowed down the best luxury cruise lines to ferry you to some of the world's most mesmerizing destinations in comfort. Here, our favorite luxury cruise lines in the world.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

When this luxury cruise line says it's all-inclusive, it's not overstating. 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.

For the best in-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship, Kelly Cochrane, executive chef of Regent Seven Seas Cruises tells T+L.

Oceania Cruises

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."

If you've ever dreamed of having your own butler, Silversea is the luxury cruise line for you. In fact, Silversea's butlers take white-glove service to a whole new level — they'll handle your laundry with more care than you do, scour port towns to find your favorite tastes of home, and even help you pack and unpack your suitcase. Further, Silversea's new culinary program, nicknamed S.A.L.T. (for Sea and Land Taste), brings the taste of destinations on board through cooking classes. 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.

Viking Cruises

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."

Laureen Robert / Courtesy of Ponant

French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Guests enjoy Ladurée macarons, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and luxurious Hermès bath products on board. 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. The company also partners with Smithsonian and Disney on certain sailings.

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 sibling ship to Venture , Seabourn Pursuit arrives later this year.) The World's Best Award-winning cruise line has all-suite ships and "is known for its onboard service and over-the-top food including complimentary caviar and Thomas Keller steakhouses on ships such as the  Seabourn Ovation, " Brady said.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises ' luxury small ships call on 150 ports throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific, and there's no way you'll go hungry on the journey. Exquisite onboard menus have been designed by acclaimed chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. (You'll have to pay extra for alcohol, but all meals and a Windstar signature onboard barbecue — a feast of whole suckling pig, shrimp brochette, and more — are included.) The cruise line is not only a T+L World's Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree, it has a "long-standing partnership with the James Beard Foundation ," Brady reported, and regularly brings chefs on board for culinary-focused sailings. Yes, chef.

Courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. The luxury cruise line operates river cruises in Europe and Asia, while ocean cruises on Scenic Eclipse (and the forthcoming Scenic Eclipse II ) can take guests to Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia, South America, and Greenland, among other coveted destinations. On board, you'll find fine dining, expansive spas and fitness facilities, and butler service.

Cunard Line

Jonathan Atkin / Courtesy of Cunard Line

This British luxury cruise line is known for its transatlantic service, which also transports pets between its headquarters in Southampton, England, and New York City. Cunard operates three ships with a fourth in the works, though only the Queen Mary 2 sails the transatlantic route. It's a cruise line that takes formality seriously; white-gloved waiters serve afternoon tea each day at 3:30 p.m. State rooms include 24-hour room service and evening turndown service with chocolates. Don't forget your tux, the gala nights are black tie.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Roger Paperno / Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates just one ship, but it is exquisite, hosting 330 guests and sailing only in the South Pacific to destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. 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.

Celebrity Cruises

Steve Dunlop / Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises ' new Edge Series ships are taking things up a notch. 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. 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. Beyond 's sibling ship, Ascent , will be delivered later this year.

Related Articles

The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Like fine European hotels or the fanciest boutique properties, the ships of the best luxury cruise lines are designed to appeal to people who seek — and can afford — an elegant style of travel.

Champagne flows. You can snack on caviar. Exquisite cuisine is prepared a la minute and accompanied by pours of fine wines. Onboard lounges are wonderfully intimate, with no mass-market anything. When you rest your head, it's on a luxury mattress topped with the finest linens.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The byword is exclusivity. Perks included in the cruise fare may include beverages, Wi-Fi, fresh flowers, extraordinary pampering and, in some cases, butler service.

The price to get on board could be $1,000 per person, per day. For top suites, it could be much, much more.

Here are our picks for the top nine luxury cruise lines currently operating.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Catering to adventurous luxury cruise travelers with money to spend, the new cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages , which debuted in the summer of 2021, offers upscale experiences on small ships that carry just 196 passengers.

World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager, the first three of five planned vessels in the fleet, carry their own landing craft, Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards, all of which can be used by passengers wishing for some adventure while exploring the world on itineraries that include the Mediterranean, Portugal and the British Isles, as well as more remote locales like the Arctic and Antarctica.

Although the onboard dress code is casual, the ships are anything but, featuring elegant, retro-chic decor and marble floors.

In addition to including Wi-Fi, crew gratuities, alcohol and some shore excursions in its fares, Atlas provides all passengers with emergency medical evacuation insurance to handle unexpected illness or injury in the remote locations its ships sail.

Overall, Atlas has found a way to seamlessly meld swank and leisure, making it one of our favorite luxury cruise lines.

Related: 5 fabulous destinations for luxury cruise fans

Silversea Cruises

Silversea , with a dozen 100- to 728-passenger ships, has some of the most diverse geographic itineraries of any line, bringing guests to destinations around the world, including such remote places as the Arctic and Antarctica.

Now owned by Royal Caribbean Group (the same company that owns Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises ), the luxury cruise line delivers stylish, contemporary luxury — more streamlined than opulent — complemented by pleasantly extreme pampering.

Every Silversea ship passenger stays in a suite with a butler delivering superb service — even on the 100-passenger Silver Origin in the remote Galapagos, where your butler might take extraordinary care to get a spot off your hiking boots. Suite niceties include Bulgari bath products and marble bathrooms with both tubs and showers.

Silversea ships offer a wide choice of dining venues (some with a fee) designed to satisfy many tastes, whether you prefer sushi, foie gras or a great, thin-crust pizza.

Drinks are on the house, including a long list of fine wine pours. S.A.L.T., a new dining and culinary education concept, brings local tastes on board together with experts who share insight into each dish and beverage. The program also features culinary-focused excursions ashore.

Silversea's expedition ships are equipped for polar locales. On sailings in those regions, each passenger receives a free jacket to keep them warm and cozy.

Related: Why Silversea's new Silver Nova is a game-changer

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Another of our top luxury cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is proudly opulent. Floating palaces are its calling card, along with the most inclusive fares of all the luxury lines. Business-class airfare, pre-cruise luxury hotel stays and shore excursions in every port are on the long list of perks.

The goal is knock-you-off-your-feet luxury. If you don't get that point at first, look down at the many yards of Carrara marble under your feet, then gaze up at the Czech crystal chandeliers. Or spot the Picassos and Chagalls among your ship's stunning, mostly Latin-focused art collections.

The six 490- to 750-passenger ships in the Regent fleet get fancier as they get larger. On the three newest, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur everyone stays in a roomy suite with an oversized balcony and marble bathroom.

The top Regent Suites on these new ships are mansions at sea and come with solariums, private spas with saunas and steam rooms and Steinway pianos in their living rooms. They also have handmade beds that cost up to $200,000 apiece.

Lavishly decked-out restaurants, with cushy bars nearby, include Prime 7, a fan favorite for its classic steakhouse menu, including jumbo lump crab cakes, U.S.D.A. prime-aged beef and Alaskan king crab legs.

Related: 5 secrets to getting a luxury cruise for less

Long considered one of the great luxury lines, if not the greatest, Crystal just resumed operations in 2023 after shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic. And as we wrote about recently, it's as good as ever .

In the wake of its comeback, Crystal is operating just the two biggest ocean ships from its past: the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony and 740-passenger Crystal Serenity (though it already has plans for an expansion ). Both of the vessels, which globetrot around the world, are all-inclusive and on the glitzy side — perfect for a crowd looking for a throwback. Passengers make appearances walking down grand staircases dressed to the nines, meet for afternoon tea and dance the night away.

Everything operates in the upper-tier way, from the spa and expansive fitness offerings to the restaurants — which include a Nobu eatery.

Those booked in penthouses and higher-category suites receive service from a tuxedo-clad butler who will do everything from unpacking your luggage to helping you set up a private cocktail party. A particular perk is having the butler bring Nobu sushi on a silver tray.

Owned by Carnival Corporation, Seabourn 's top-of-the-line, 264- to 600-passenger ships deliver comfortable, modern luxury that can be as fancy or casual as you like.

If you want to show off your heirloom jewels, go ahead, but on most nights, a jacket is optional in the ship's restaurants. If you prefer not to dress up for formal night, you can still eat well at casual alternatives.

High service is a trademark of this luxury cruise line. Your suite steward will draw you a bath scented with your choice of bath oil. For a snack, order the complimentary caviar.

Dining is over the top at the restaurants, such as the retro-chic steakhouses with menus created by famed chef Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame). When you tire of prime beef, order lobster thermidor or sink into the delicious comfort of Keller's roast chicken. All dining is included in your fare.

Throughout the ship, complimentary spirits, fine wines and house Champagne flow freely. This leads to easy socializing in the bars and lounges on board.

The line's two newest ships, the 264-passenger Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, are built with a tough "polar class" design to operate in the ice-filled waters of the Arctic and Antarctica. They're equipped with state-of-the-art submarines for undersea views.

A 26-person expedition team runs the two dozen Zodiacs that get you up close to glaciers and icebergs.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Looking to sail through romantic French Polynesia in complete luxury? Look to South Pacific-based Paul Gauguin for an all-inclusive, high-end home base.

The ship is immersed in all things Polynesian, with a troupe of local performers on board to entertain guests with local song, dance and craft lessons.

Couples can embrace the romance of the region by participating in a Polynesian blessing ceremony. Paul Gauguin gives its guests special access to a secluded beach on Bora Bora and a private island off the coast of Taha'a, where you can indulge in water sports, a gourmet barbecue and bar service.

To make the most of the aquamarine waters, complimentary water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, are available straight from the ship's marina and every guest receives snorkel gear for use during the cruise, free of charge.

On board, guests enjoy five-star French and Polynesian cuisine, with all beverages complimentary throughout the ship and in your in-room minifridge.

With 209 crew members on hand to serve 330 passengers, service is top-notch and full of Polynesian hospitality, but all gratuities are already included in your fare.

Not all cabins are suites, but the top suites on the ship come with butler service. Also, should you dare to consider the outside world, you can connect with friends and family back home with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Related: 7 things to do in French Polynesia that don't involve romance or over-water bungalows

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours puts the elegance into adventure with its two 228-passenger expedition yachts, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II.

Sure, its ships have reinforced hulls capable of breaking through ice, but they also feature chic bars serving 130 different kinds of whiskey (all included in your fare) and high-end onboard spas (treatments cost extra, alas).

For small ships, Scenic's yachts still manage to offer five gourmet dining venues, plus additional private dining options (such as a chef's table or teppanyaki grill), room service and culinary masterclasses in a show kitchen.

Sample candied foie gras, daily risottos or sushi made with fish flown from Japan, all while sailing through remote waters. Wash it down with whatever you like because all but the most premium beverages are included.

After a long day of Zodiac, submersible or helicopter rides (yes, all these high-tech exploration toys are on board), you can retreat to your well-appointed suite, with distinct sleeping and living areas, plus a balcony.

Thoughtful touches include Illy coffee machines, Dyson hair dryers, remote-control adjustable beds, plentiful outlets and USB ports, and umbrellas and binoculars for use on your vacation. Did we mention you also have access to a butler for all your onboard needs?

Scenic's all-inclusive fares include dining and drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, airport transfers and shore excursions led by the line's knowledgeable expedition leaders.

Related: I didn't think I'd like my first Arctic expedition cruise; here's what proved me wrong

Oceania Cruises

Sometimes luxury means more space to spread out and multiple onboard options for a truly outstanding meal.

That's the approach upscale cruise line Oceania Cruises takes with its fleet of seven 648- to 1,238-passenger ships (the last of which, Oceania Vista , just debuted in May 2023 and is its most elegant yet).

Foodies will drool over menus overseen by Master Chef Jacques Pepin in all-included venues specializing in French, Italian, Asian and steakhouse cuisine.

Cruisers truly passionate about food and wine will want to splurge on wine-paired dinners at La Reserve by Wine Spectator or enjoy a gourmet, multi-course menu with an intimate group at Privee.

Get hands-on cooking experience with a class in The Culinary Center or explore the food culture ashore with a Culinary Discovery Tour.

Oceania also embraces wellness with its Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center. Treat yourself to a decadent spa treatment or wellness-themed shore excursion, or take care of your body with complimentary fitness classes and plant-based menus at onboard restaurants.

Oceania's fares are not as inclusive as some of the small-ship lines mentioned above, but guests can choose a higher-priced fare that is more inclusive with the line's "simply MORE" promotion. These fares include free airfare and airport transfers, complimentary Wi-Fi and a choice of a select number of free excursions, as well as free specialty dining reservations, Champagne and wine.

Viking does not like to call itself a luxury cruise line, but we'd definitely put it in that category for the inclusive fares, fine dining and smart design of its ocean-going ships.

Its 10 traditional cruise ships are nearly identical, each carrying 930 guests, while two expedition vessels carry 378 guests and combine elegant design with the latest technology in polar exploration.

Viking's fares are inclusive but not all-inclusive, and its ships sport clean Scandinavian design rather than opulent decor. Necessities such as Wi-Fi and self-serve laundry are complimentary, as are all nonalcoholic beverages and beer and wine with lunch and dinner.

Guests can enjoy dining in multiple onboard venues, plus room service, for no extra cost. Don't miss the Italian Manfredi's or a gorgeous afternoon tea spread in the glass-enclosed Wintergarden.

Cabins may not have an overtly opulent feel, but they have all the right touches, including balconies in every room, quiet-closing drawers, heated bathroom floors and plentiful USB ports and outlets.

The destination-focused cruise line adds as many days in port as it can to each itinerary and offers a free shore excursion in every port.

Viking ships have a large presence in Europe, sailing the Mediterranean and in northern Europe, but also explore the world from Alaska and the Caribbean to Asia and Australia.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Its expedition ships, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis, explore Antarctica, as well as the Great Lakes and Canada.

The ships boast several expedition cruising firsts, including a boarding area for excursion craft that's inside the ship (rather than docked outside it) and cabins with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that slide open to let in the fresh air.

Like the ocean ships, they feature Scandinavian design, a glass-walled Explorers' Lounge and signature Viking restaurants Manfredi's and Mamsen's (offering Norwegian specialties).

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• The ultimate guide to picking a cruise line
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Best Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury cruise lines have long enticed travelers seeking a superior experience. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway

Luxury cruise lines have long enticed travelers seeking a superior experience. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with opulent cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. But with cruise lines continuously upping the industry standard, how do you know which one will deliver the best experience? Based on a methodology that factors in price class, health ratings and approval among experts and travelers, U.S. News determined the best luxury cruise lines.

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Viking Ocean Cruises

Smaller ships (with verandas in every cabin) and destination-focused itineraries set Viking Ocean Cruises apart from other cruise lines. Viking's emphasis on cultural enrichment means you can expect activities like TED Talk screenings, cooking classes and riveting stage performances, as well as shore excursions like exclusive after-hours museum visits or culinary tours.

• 4.57 Overall Rating
• 9 Ships in Fleet

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn treats travelers to a luxury cruising experience with its all-oceanfront suites, personalized service and excellent upscale dining options. Cruisers sailing with Seabourn can relax knowing that almost everything is covered in their cruise rate, including meals, fitness classes, enrichment activities and nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

• 4.39 Overall Rating
• 4 Ships in Fleet

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Travelers can indulge in excellent food and drinks at Regent's sophisticated dining venues and enjoy various spa treatments at the decadent Serene Spa & Wellness center. Onboard enrichment programs offer culinary and cultural history lessons, and travelers will have access to unlimited complimentary shore excursions, such as vineyard tours in Bordeaux, France.

• 6 Ships in Fleet

Oceania Cruises

Oceania's gourmet dining, cooking classes and culinary shore excursions cater to foodies. Plus, Oceania's midsize ships offer a high level of personalized attention, with four of its seven vessels hosting less than 700 passengers each. Passengers also praise the ships' elegant decor and onboard activities.

• 4.30 Overall Rating
• 7 Ships in Fleet

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises specializes in exclusivity and personalization, with all-suite accommodations, exotic itineraries and gourmet restaurants. While its ships are smaller, Silversea still sets the bar high for upscale cruising. On board, you can attend stimulating lectures or take advantage of butler service while in your suite.

• 4.26 Overall Rating
• 8 Ships in Fleet

Azamara's small ships can reach off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing the cruise line to offer unique shore excursions. Thanks to the AzAmazing Celebrations program, guests can enjoy immersive experiences day and night in their destinations, at no additional cost (available on most cruises). Azamara also offers outstanding service and elegant suites.

• 4.05 Overall Rating

Disclaimers about ship ratings: A ship’s Health Rating is based on vessel inspection scores published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). If a ship did not receive a CDC score within 22 months prior to the calculation of its Overall Rating, its Health Rating appears as N/A; in such a case, the ship’s Overall Rating is calculated using the average Health Rating of all CDC-rated ships within the cruise line. All ship Traveler Ratings are based on ratings provided under license by Cruiseline.com.

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World's Best Luxury Cruise Lines, Ranked

Cruising is already one of the best ways to travel — all of your luggage stays in one place while you sail from destination to destination, you’re guaranteed at least three top-notch meals each day and there’s always something to do onboard, whether it’s a live show, a massage at the spa or hanging out by the pool.

But taking a luxury cruise? Now that’s really something special. Luxury cruise lines pull out all the stops, offering intimate ships with just a few hundred people on board, itineraries to jaw-dropping destinations and impeccable, personalized service. Of course, you’ll pay top dollar for all of these perks, but on the best lines, the splurge is worth it. 

So, which cruise line is the most above-and-beyond extraordinary? U.S. News & World Report compared luxury cruise lines based on a combination of approval from experts and travelers as well as health ratings (a must after the past few years).

Which ones made the cut? These are the seven best luxury cruise lines in the world. 

7. Oceania Cruises

Year founded:  2002

Headquarters:  Miami, Florida

Number of destinations:  330

*This data comes from the U.S. News & World Report's 2022 ranking .

Bottom Line: Oceania Cruises

You’ll find a mix of retirees, young couples and solo travelers on Oceania Cruises .

Four of Oceania’s ships can accommodate 684 guests, while two larger ships set sail with 1,250 passengers aboard. Despite being considered a mid-sized cruise line, Oceania maintains a 2-to-1 passenger-to-crew ratio, which makes it feel more intimate and personalized.

Oceania offers unique amenities onboard its ships, including art classes, a library and a card room complete with board games and bridge. 

This is also the cruise line to book if you want to break your diet. U.S. News notes that Oceania "caters to foodies," with gourmet dining, cooking demonstrations, wine and martini tastings, and more. Some ships also have a cooking school where you can learn to make delicious dishes.

What Travelers Say About Oceania Cruises

"We ate meals at seven restaurants & they were all delicious. Constantly changing menus provided a wide array of choices each day. Menus are available on your cabin TV so you always know what is available. Grilled Lobster, Lamb Chops, and Steaks were available every night in the Terrace restaurant Grill in addition to the ever changing evening selections. Service was very good throughout the ship and some of the staff are truly exceptional. Everyone was very friendly & always willing to help." — BobC1950

*Note: Reviews may be edited for punctuation, spelling and other grammatical errors.

Best Oceania Cruises Trip

Oceania also offers aptly named “grand voyages,” which are essentially itineraries that combine multiple regional cruises together into one incredible, super trip. Among the most memorable of these uber-journeys is a jaunt from Rome, Italy, to Miami, Florida, over the course of 24 days, starting at $3,399 per guest.

You won’t just be traipsing across the Atlantic on this action-packed trip — you’ll get to visit ports in Italy, Spain, France, Monaco, Antigua and Puerto Rico.

You'll also have two non-consecutive days in Barcelona, Spain. You can choose from myriad excursions, including seeing the city highlights and a chocolate and cava foodie experience. If you are already familiar with this beautiful city, we suggest taking a tour to the Monastery of Montserrat, a Benedictine monastery perched on the side of a mountain.

6. Silversea Cruises

Year founded:  1994

Headquarters:   Fontvieille, Monaco

Number of destinations:  900

Bottom Line: Silversea Cruises

The 10 small ships that set sail for Silversea Cruises are luxurious and intimate, with 51 to 304 suites.

Silversea’s all-inclusive cruises appeal to travelers over the age of 50 as well as groups, couples and solo travelers who are looking for small ships and luxurious accommodations. All of the cabins are posh suites, and they boast ocean views and butler service. The all-inclusive aspect makes the steep price tag worth it, with no limit on premium wines and spirits, in-suite dining or entertainment.

One perk of sailing with Silversea is its flexible dining schedule, which means you can eat whenever you feel like it with anyone you want. Cruises also feature onboard lecture series and expert guides, so you won’t have a chance to get bored while sailing — ever.

U.S. News & World Report singled out the line's focus on "exclusivity and personalization" as well as its "exotic itineraries and gourmet restaurants." 

What Travelers Say About Silversea Cruises

"We simply cannot imagine that any other operator delivers better tours in as much comfort...We can strongly recommend this cruise. I cannot claim to have sampled a variety of Galapagos tours. But based on discussions with guides (who had worked on other tour boats) I feel confident Silversea offers the best planned and most luxurious tours." — Twinklles

Best Silversea Cruises Trip

For a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience, consider a compelling 18-day itinerary focused on the frozen north with fares starting at $17,550. After departing from Nome, Alaska, you’ll visit several Russian destinations, including Provideniya, Lorino Village and Cape Kuyveveem.

You’ll also get to explore dozens of ports in Alaska. The cruise will take you to places like St.Paul Island, Elfin Cove and Sitka. Cruise past Hubbard Glacier, the largest glacier in North America, and sail along Point Adolphus, where you might get the chance to see humpback whales or orcas. Finally, you'll disembark in Vancouver, Canada.

5. Crystal Cruises

Year founded:  1988

Headquarters:  Los Angeles, California

Number of destinations:  1,000

Bottom Line: Crystal Cruises

You’ll find extremely personalized attention and elegantly designed vessels when you opt to sail with Crystal Cruises . The cruise line has eight ships, and most of them only include 461 or 535 cabins, meaning you won’t be battling crowds at any point during your journey. You can choose between deluxe staterooms (with or without verandas) and penthouse cabins on the Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

Crystal cruises range from six to 140 days and venture to destinations all over Europe, Africa, North America, Asia, Australia and even Antarctica. Since the cruise line keeps its passenger-to-crew ratio very low (nearly 1-to-1), you’ll likely never have to wait for service when you’re sailing. 

U.S. News also highlights the line's "engaging enrichment programs," which range from the heady (workshops led by thought leaders) to the fun (dance lessons).

What Travelers Say About Crystal Cruises

"The big difference from a mainstream cruise is that things seem to happen easily. For example when we sat down to breakfast someone was over in a minute to see if we wanted coffee and juice rather than having to go look for it. The quality of the food was outstanding, and interesting. The unlimited internet worked smoothly, and quick. Having everything included meant you were not constantly bombarded with people asking you to buy something, and there was not a blizzard of flyers delivered to the cabin with sales, and offers. At dinner every night we were offered a selection of special wines. The crew made us feel very welcome, and pampered." — JCMass.

Best Crystal Cruises Trip

Crystal Cruises offers some of the most extraordinary itineraries in the world, including a 140-day trip that will take you from Miami to Barcelona for $69,489. 

But don't think that this will be a straightforward transatlantic trip. Rather, you'll spend almost half a year sailing to the Caribbean, down Central and South America to then head to the Pacific Islands. You'll visit Australia and other countries in Oceania before going up to Southeast Asia, exploring the Indian Ocean and the East Coast of Africa. The trip then goes into the Middle East and the Mediterranean, stopping in several European countries before ending in Barcelona. Highlights include visiting the paradisal beaches of Tahiti, going on an African safari and stopping on Chile's Easter Island. 

For a less ambitious, but no less extraordinary trip, you can spend 19 days sailing from Argentinean Patagonia to Cape Town .

4. Azamara Club Cruises

Year founded:  2007

Number of destinations:  260

Bottom Line: Azamara Club Cruises

With incredible trips that visit more than 80 countries, Azamara Club Cruises earns high marks from luxury cruisers. The 45-and-up crowd in particular loves Azamara, with longer cruises typically booked by retirees who have spent years saving for relaxing vacations after the 9-to-5 grind.

In addition to snagging the No. 4 spot for luxury cruises, Azamara earned the third spot for best cruise line for couples and for best cruise line in the Mediterranean.

Azamara’s staff-to-passenger ratio is low — there’s roughly one staff member for every two passengers — so you’ll get personalized service when you set sail with this line. Cruises start at three nights and go all the way up to 26 nights on four ships.

This is a cruise line that also understands that size matters. U.S. New notes that boats are small enough to "reach off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing the cruise line to offer unique shore excursions." No ship has more than 700 passengers. 

On board, you'll have the opportunity to participate in activities like wine tastings, lectures and cooking demonstrations.

What Travelers Say About Azamara Club Cruises

"This was our first Azamara cruise and we were so impressed with everything, we decided that we will be an Azamara Customer for life. The service was fabulous and with a smile. The food in the dining room was fabulous and the menu had many choices.

The pool area had some shade with lounge chairs to get out of the sun. The gym was great with a view, plenty of equipment and an area for yoga and Pilates classes, spin cycle classes. They offered watercolor painting , jewelry making and needlepoint classes at no charge." — Pboothe

Best Azamara Club Cruises Trip

One of Azamara's most distinctive trips is a 21-night West Africa voyage that starts at $5,159 and visits ports Cape Town, Takoradi in Ghana, Banjul in the Gambia, Grand Canaria in Spain and Lisbon, Portugal. Along the journey, you’ll taste local food, explore UNESCO World Heritage sites and visit open-air markets.

If you’re an adventure junkie, you’ll want to book a kayaking excursion in Namibia's Pelican Point. Travelers who want an immersive experience can do a drumming and dancing workshop in Ivory Coast.

3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Year founded:  1992

Number of destinations:  450

Bottom Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Come aboard one of the five ships under the Regent Seven Seas cruise-line banner and you won’t be disappointed. It’s the No. 3 pick for luxury cruises thanks to its quality service, low staff-to-passenger ratio (there's rarely more than two guests per staff member) and deluxe accommodations (all the cabins are suites).

Plus, you can really immerse yourself in the cities you visit and try many exciting new things. All shore excursions are complimentary, and you can participate in as many as you have time for at every port.

Regent Seven Seas prides itself on offering all-inclusive cruises all over the world, which means your fare covers everything from airfare and hotels before and after the cruise to alcoholic beverages, specialty restaurants, Wi-Fi and gratuities once onboard the ship.

What Travelers Say About Regent Seven Seas Cruises

"The accommodations are very nice (especially after getting bumped up two levels), the food is very good, and the crew is exemplary! ...The numerous free excursions were top-notch and the shipboard entertainment was amazing. The cruise director even sang and has a voice bar none. The free wine and liquor was also top notch and flowing...I highly recommend this ship and crew to anyone wanting a great voyage. It was worth every penny." — Erndog72

Best Regent Seven Seas Cruises Trip

Looking to soak up culture? During a 12-night journey throughout the Caribbean , you’ll visit San Juan as well as a handful of ports in places like St. Lucia, Barbados, Grenada and Colombia. Fares start at $6,499 and include excursions like snorkeling in a marine reserve in Guadealoupe and a 4x4 safari in Bridgetown. 

In Curacao, a Dutch island in the Caribbean, you can view the beautiful marine life and coral reefs from a semi-submarine or do a wine and cheese tasting.

2. Seabourn Cruise Line

Year founded:  1986

Headquarters:  Seattle, Washington

Number of destinations:  464

Bottom Line: Seabourn Cruise Line

Coming in at No. 2, Seabourn is a lavish cruise line based in Seattle with a fleet of six super-intimate ships.

Each Seabourn vessel can accommodate just 458 to 600 guests, so you definitely won’t feel like just another face in the crowd on one of their journeys. All the rooms are suites, and they all feature ocean views, so you’re sure to be cruising in comfort. Though if you want an upgrade, you can opt for a luxury suite. Come mealtime, you can expect impeccable menus, including several created by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller . 

Given all that, it should come as no surprise that Seabourn also landed high on the list in other categories — it also came in second place for best cruise lines in the Mediterranean and best cruise lines for couples, and in third for best cruises line in the Caribbean.

What Travelers Say About Seabourn Cruise Line

"The staff is tremendous. Some of the most attentive I have encountered. The food and ship wines were okay, not great. We do not cruise to eat so we didn't mind. The grill by Thomas Keller is outstanding, one of the top ten meals of my life...the wines off of their premium menu are fantastic. The stops were great. The tours(we only do half day) were well organized, interesting and fun." — kandylandmo

Best Seabourn Cruise Line Trip

Seabourn has a 30-day trip of the southern seas starting at $14,499. Over the course of a month, you’ll travel aboard the cozy 229-suite Seabourn Odyssey and visit various ports in New Zealand, Australia, East Timor and Indonesia. See komodo dragons on Komodo Island, jumping crocodiles in the Northern Territory of Australia and exotic wildlife in the Great Barrier Reef.

The prospect of visiting East Timor is particularly exciting. Having gained independence in 2002, it is one of the least visited countries in the world . As you enjoy land excursions around Dili, you can feel lucky to be one of the 75,000 yearly visitors the country gets. 

1. Viking Ocean Cruises

Year founded:  1997

Number of destinations:  200

Bottom Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking got its start with river cruises but began offering luxury ocean journeys in 2015. Since then, it's proven that its ocean trips are just as posh as its river jaunts. The cruise line was not only named as the best luxury cruise line, but it’s also been named the No. 1 line for couples, thanks to amenities like fireplaces, infinity pools and deluxe spa services, and for Mediterranean cruises.

Viking has nine, 930-passenger ocean vessels, each offering verandas for all cabins and seven dining venues. There are no children’s activities on Viking ocean trips — in fact, all passengers must be at least 18 — so you’ll find a calm, relaxing environment perfect for active adults and retirees.

Viking’s typical ocean cruise options range from eight to 93 days, though you can spend up to 138 days aboard a world cruise . 

What Travelers Say About Viking Ocean Cruises

"Food was first rate, pools were open and clean, entertainment was good. The speakers were very knowledgeable and entertaining at the same time...Embarkation was a dream - I never touched a bag and I was in my Cabin 90 minutes after my plane touched down in Barcelona." — Katootsie

Best Viking Ocean Cruises Trip

For a totally unique experience, consider Viking's northern lights cruise . This 13-day journey, which starts at $4,999, departs from London, England, and visits numerous ports in Norway, all the way up to the Arctic Circle.

This trip has a seriously exciting array of excursion offerings: You can explore snow-covered Arctic towns on dog or reindeer sled, do snowshoe hikes and explore the Norwegian wilderness on snowmobile. The most elusive but rewarding excursions center around chasing the aurora borealis. Though this unpredictable phenomenon cannot be guaranteed, if you are lucky enough to see it, it will be an experience you will never forget.

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