The Top Five Luxury Cruise Lines in the World

cruise

Cruising is a favorite pastime for many travelers. It’s a relaxing way to see the world without the constant need to board planes, rent cars and switch hotels if you want to see multiple locations all at once. It’s the kind of vacation that allows you to see multiple international cities and/or islands in one simple vacation while sipping a cocktail and dining in style in between locales. However, all cruises are not created equally. If you’re looking for true luxury, you’re not going to book the same cruise as everyone taking their spring breakers out for a week of fun in the Mexican sun. You’re going to book a cruise on a luxury line on which you will not fight for deck chairs or worry about children running rampant up and down hallways all through the night.

Silversea Cruises

This line has only six ships, and each one is the epitome of luxury. Not one ship in this fleet uses anything short of Bulgari bath products and spa services, Egyptian linens and even private butlers for each guest. These ships serve only five-star meals and cocktails, and each ship is designed with pure luxury in mind, especially when it comes to the ocean front suites that are the only rooms available. Silversea ships are smaller cruise ships, which means they can legitimately dock at any port in the world, though they prefer to take passengers to luxury destinations in the Mediterranean.

Seabourn

Who doesn’t love a ship on which your private minibar is pre-stocked with all your favorite brands of water, wine and spirits prior to your arrival? There are only 225 luxury suites available – at max – on the six Seabourn ships, which makes them relatively small and cozy. The food is supremely prepared, the ships pristine and luxurious. The excursions are second to none; there are no jet skis in Mexico or hairy chest contests on the lido deck on a Seabourn cruise. Instead, your free time is spent riding elephants in Thailand.

SeaDream Yacht Club’s Seadream II

This luxury liner is one of the most elaborate in the world. It’s small, but it’s decked out. With 56 cabins, it’s one of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world. The teak sundeck features a retractable roof for days on which the weather might not cooperate. The floor opens up to reveal a marina with glass-bottom kayaks, sailboats, banana boats and just about everything you could imagine makes for a fun day on the sea. Bulgari bath products and Belgian linens are standard in each guest suite.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The Regent ships carry only 500 to 700 passengers. Each typical room aboard this luxury cruise liner uses Canyon Ranch Spa products. If you book a luxury suite, you’ll be upgraded to L’Occitane bath amenities and a private butler. Book a penthouse suite on this luxury liner and you’re going to spend the week using nothing but Hermes accessories and in-room iPads, along with your personal butler and private dining reservations.

Crystal Cruises

Imagine cruising on a liner on which the staff caters to your every need prior to your realization that you actually need anything. The staff ensures your room is always adorned with fresh flowers, nightly turndown service, frequent champagne refills and even Frette bathrobes. You’ll also receive wellness classes provided by the Cleveland Clinic as well as PGA golf lessons from professionals. You should book the luxury 98-day Pacific tour, which begins at only $33,000 per person.

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Written by Tiffany Raiford

Tiffany Raiford is a lifelong Floridian, wife to my high school sweetheart and mother of four littles (two girls and boy/girl twins...no, they are not identical and yes, I'm sure). My kids love to whine, so I love to wine. My loves include nap time, bed time, date night, travel and evenings and weekends when my husband is home because he handles all diaper changes.