Are you preparing to set sail on a luxury cruise? Deciding where to cruise and which cruise line is best for you can be overwhelming.
The bar has been raised. Luxury cruising has evolved to offer everything we have come to expect from travel at the top end of town. Refined accommodation, Michelin star dining, immersive on-shore excursions and indulgent spa experiences marry high-end service and inclusions.
The range of destinations on offer is as vast as the ocean itself. Cruise by medieval villages in Europe, sail the Panama Canal, explore the Great Barrier Reef or discover the untamed Arctic.
We’ve curated a list (in no particular order) of the Top 7 Luxury Cruise Lines to help you select a voyage that will take you to somewhere new, and indulge each of your senses along the way.
Crystal Cruises offers small to mid-sized ships that are synonymous with luxury cruising. The cruise line has cultivated a loyal following of repeat customers – and with good reason.
Crystal has long been associated with refined cruising, and today its luxury voyages are offered aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, with a new ship, Crystal Grace, set to join the fleet in 2028.
What to expect aboard Crystal Cruises
Despite operating a fleet of smaller ships, space is plentiful and cruises are well-staffed. Onboard you will find stylish décor, fine dining, extensive facilities and a touch of luxury everywhere. Cabins are plush and range from more affordable window-only cabins to lavish Penthouse suites.
Dining is one of the highlights, with an impressive selection of restaurants and culinary experiences. Aboard Crystal Serenity, for example, guests can choose from venues including Umi Uma, Osteria d'Ovidio, Beefbar and Waterside Restaurant, as well as 24-hour in-suite dining.
The experience extends well beyond the dining room. Wellness facilities, fitness programs, entertainment and enrichment complement plenty of inviting spaces in which to simply relax and watch the world go by.
Unlike many other luxury cruise lines, Crystal welcomes families. A playroom and babysitting service is available on all cruises, along with a variety of fun activities for older kids. Arts, crafts, PlayStation, dance classes, board games and more await eager children of all ages.
For adults, onboard enrichment courses are offered, including language classes, film making and dance classes. Take a golf lesson with a PGA pro, enjoy a Broadway-style show or play a game of tennis on a full outdoor court. If you’re in the mood for more low-key entertainment, you can unwind at the Hollywood Theatre or visit the equally-impressive onboard library.
Crystal also works with luxury travel specialist Abercrombie & Kent on its shore experiences, creating further opportunities for guests to explore the destinations they visit.
Our pick close to home:
Discover Northern Europe in style aboard Crystal Serenity, departing 2 August 2028. Journey from Copenhagen to Portsmouth, exploring Norway’s dramatic coastline, Iceland’s breathtaking landscapes and the vibrant cities of Belfast and Dublin, with relaxing days at sea to enjoy the Crystal experience. Baltics & Northern Europe itinerary
Seabourn operates a fleet of award-winning, ultra-luxury small ships made up of 300 suite-only accommodations.
Exotic destinations, innovative cuisine and exemplary service are all hallmarks of the Seabourn experience. Avidcruiser.com defines Seabourn as “one of the world’s finest.”
What to expect aboard Seabourn
Life aboard Seabourn is about understated luxury. From the moment you step onboard, you will be greeted with champagne, formally dressed staff and first-class touches at every turn. Spacious, contemporary suites fitted with high-end European amenities, fresh fruit replenished daily, a desk with personalised stationery and so much more.
Its five-ship fleet combines all ocean-front suites with a private, yacht-like atmosphere, premium beverages, excellent dining and attentive service. Seabourn also operates two purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, opening up opportunities to explore some of the world's more remote destinations in luxury.
Expect elegant suites, thoughtful service, sophisticated food and beautifully designed spaces catering to a relatively intimate number of guests.
The cruise line also places a strong emphasis on enrichment and destination discovery. Its ocean and expedition itineraries collectively reach every continent and more than 400 ports, spanning famous cities, lesser-known harbours and remote wilderness destinations
For adventurous travellers, Seabourn's expedition ships introduce another dimension, with Zodiac boats, kayaks and expert expedition teams helping guests explore destinations that larger conventional ships may struggle to access
Cruises to Alaska, Patagonia, Antarctica, Panama and beyond are available year-round one of Seabourn's striking vessels.
Our pick close to home:
Discover the Caribbean aboard Seabourn Ovation, departing 5 February 2028. Sail roundtrip from St. Maarten, exploring secluded yacht harbours and beautiful islands including Bequia, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Jost Van Dyke, with leisurely days at sea to enjoy Seabourn’s intimate, ultra-luxury experience. 14-Day Caribbean Yacht Harbors In Depth
The epitome of old-world cruising, Cunard’s ships, complete with iconic red and black stacks, define sophisticated ocean travel and own their place among the most famous ocean liners in the world.
Cunard's small fleet comprises Queen Elizabeth, Queen Mary 2, Queen Victoria & Queen Anne.
What to expect aboard Cunard
Old meets new on a Cunard cruise where “White Star Service” (the cruise line’s premium brand of unparalleled customer service), decadence and time-honoured traditions are complemented by contemporary facilities and activities. Cunard cruises are ideal for the discerning, tradition-seeking traveller and aim to make an indelible mark on even the most experienced travel-goers.
Suites boast a regal charm you won’t find on any other cruise line and offer 20th Century-style service and amenities. Three different classes of accommodation are available, offering varying levels of access to amenities, restaurants and VIP levels/perks. Staterooms are linked to their own exclusive dining areas, including the Brittania Restaurant and Club, Princess Grill and Queens Grill.
During the day, classical music plays softly throughout common areas and traditional afternoon tea is served daily. Once evening falls, guests don their finest ball gowns for dinner service and enjoy fine dining with entrees like pan-seared cod, grilled pork chop, wild mushroom ragout and Thai marinated prawns.
Activities and facilities vary between ships but are abundant and varied nonetheless. Children are welcomed in various “play zones” and a night nursery babysitting service is available on select cruises.
Enjoy high-end shopping from brands including Harrods and H.Stern, entertainment the likes of Shakespeare classics and musical productions, and an extensive library that’s home to over 6,000 books.
Onboard Queen Elizabeth, you’re invited to attend the Black and White Ball, Royal Ascot Ball or Buccaneer Ball – all set in the stunning Queens Ballroom. A passenger highlight includes regular garden parties – country club-style deck gatherings that keep cruise-goers talking for years to come. Queen Victoria’s Wine Program is also a highly regarded thanks to a program of lectures, tastings and wine dinners.
Queen Anne is the newest build in the fleet (2024) and she combines the line's rich heritage and White Star Service with modern accommodation, dining, wellness and entertainment. Don’t miss Bright Lights Society, an intimate entertainment venue combining immersive performances, cabaret and cocktails, bringing a fresh and contemporary twist to the classic Cunard experience
Queen Mary 2 is undisputedly the legendary jewel in the crown. The ship underwent a dry-dock refurbishment in 2020 that has reaffirmed her excellence. She now houses the largest library at sea, the only pet kennels at sea and a planetarium.
Our pick close to home:
Journey from Sydney to Hong Kong aboard Cunard’s Queen Victoria, departing 27 February 2028. Sail north along Australia’s spectacular coastline, with calls at Airlie Beach, Townsville and Cairns, before discovering Indonesia and the Philippines en route to vibrant Hong Kong. A wonderful combination of tropical destinations, fascinating cultures and relaxing days at sea, all with Cunard’s signature sense of occasion. 17 nights Repositioning cruise from Sydney to Hong Kong
Azamara takes a different approach to premium cruising. Here, the destination is every bit as important as the ship. The cruise line boasts a range of small-sized vessels that strike the perfect balance between being intimate but not too small, with a boutique hotel atmosphere.
“Club cruises” is aptly named because Azamara ships are designed to create a sense of camaraderie alongside space to also relax in private.
What to expect aboard Azamara
The Azamara Quest , Azamara Journey, Azamara Pursuit & Azamara Onwards are all impressive vessels. Featuring four different types of contemporary suites with all the creature comforts, passengers indulge in French bath products, fresh flowers, plush cotton robes and slippers, healthy snacks delivered daily and an afternoon tea service in their suites.
Onboard, you’ll find a selection of excellent restaurants, premium entertainment, a fine wine cellar, boutique retail stores and daily fitness classes. If you’re planning to celebrate a special occasion, then the Nights in Private Places package is a unique way to enjoy a break from your suite and indulge your senses.
Azamara is particularly appealing to travellers who don't simply want to tick destinations off a list. Immerse yourself in local culture, cuisine and scenery, thanks to Azamara’s Destination Immersion program that includes overnight port stays longer than any other cruise line. Longer stays can mean having time to enjoy dinner ashore, experience a city after dark or delve further into a region rather than rushing back to the ship in the afternoon. Azamara offers signature AzAmazing Evenings, are designed to give travellers special access to cultural performances and experiences connected to the places they are visiting
Azamara is also embarking on Azamara Forward, a significant fleet-wide enhancement program. Beginning with Azamara Quest in December 2026, the program introduces refreshed accommodation and public areas alongside reimagined dining, bar and entertainment spaces
Our pick close to home:
10-night New Zealand North Island Intensive Voyage – Auckland return, including Norfolk Island. Departing 4 february 2028 you will explore New Zealand in all her glory and get to know Maori culture along the way. Stop also at Norfolk Island, a small island that is big on history and underrated for its beauty. 10 night New Zealand itinerary
Regent specialises in ultra-luxury cruising, combining elegant all-suite accommodation with sophisticated dining, personalised service and an extensive program of destination experiences. Regent will take you on an exploration of discovery to more than 300 ports on all seven continents.
The fleet is also entering a new era with Seven Seas Prestige, a new class of ultra-luxury ship due to begin sailing in late 2026.
The ambience onboard is “upscale but not uptight,” with attentive, personalised service.
What to expect aboard Regent
The majority of the fleet includes suite-only accommodation with private balconies and caters from 450 up to 700 guests. Suites are spacious and offer King-sized beds, pressed linens, a minibar that’s replenished daily and bathrooms stocked with L’Occitane® products. Concierge and Penthouse suite guests enjoy a range of add-ons, including a personal butler, a free pre-cruise night in a luxury hotel and complimentary Hermès®products.
Regent knows that food and travel go hand-in-hand, so dining experiences are always top of the line. Among those are Prime7, the “steakhouse at sea,” and the caviar brunch available at two separate venues.
One of Regent's biggest attractions is its highly inclusive approach to travel. Regent is the only line to offer free, unlimited shore excursions in every port on offer, so be sure to take advantage of this incredible opportunity.
Our pick:
Sailing newest Vessel, Seven Seas Prestige, around Canada & New England, departing 10 September 2028. Discover the scenic beauty of Canada and New England aboard Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Prestige. Journey from Montréal to Boston, exploring Québec’s spectacular landscapes, charming Charlottetown and the maritime cities of Sydney, Halifax and Saint John, with leisurely days at sea to enjoy Regent’s ultra-luxury experience. Maple & Mist itinerary
As the world’s only upper-premium cruise line, Oceania has created a 5-star product with much to offer. Refined and elegant, yet casual and intimate best describe the fleet of small to mid-sized ships, catering to up to 1,250 guests.
The cruise line places cuisine and destination discovery at the heart of its experience, combining smaller ships with extensive itineraries and an impressive culinary program.
As with many smaller fleets, Oceania’s ships can slip into boutique ports usually off-limits to larger vessels. With this convenient versatility, Oceania is able to offer cruises to over 300 destinations, worldwide.
What to expect aboard Oceania
Suites are spacious, welcoming and varied. Exclusive to Oceania, a Prestige Tranquility Bed awaits you in each suite and stateroom and features 1,000-thread-count linens. For an added touch of elegance, you’ll find plush towels and Bulgari amenities in each room.
Veranda Staterooms onboard Marina and Riviera are said to be the largest at sea, measuring 282 square feet. The high-end Penthouse-style suites also offer an extended butler service including garment pressing and in-suite dining.
For foodies, the culinary program is a major attraction. Oceania's Culinary Center pioneered the concept of a hands-on cooking school at sea, while selected sailings feature special culinary personalities, demonstrations, dinners and destination experiences
Music abounds in the form of classical string quartets and headline acts around the ships and guest lectures are available by historians, naturalists and ambassadors eager to share insider knowledge.
Our pick close to home:
Discover the Mediterranean aboard Oceania Sonata. Sail from Barcelona to Rome, exploring Mallorca, the French Riviera, Tuscany, Corsica, Sardinia and Sicily along the way. With an overnight stay in Marseille and calls in Cannes, Palermo and Naples, this 10-night voyage blends beautiful coastlines, fascinating cities and wonderful Mediterranean flavours. Riviera Harbors & Isles
Star Clippers is an excellent choice for unique sailing adventures. While they don’t fulfil all the criteria of a luxury cruise, their fleet of tall ships is awe-inspiring and worth consideration. Think traditional, masted ships with a touch of old-world charm.
With sails reaching high into the sky, you can’t help but feel like you’re about to embark on a magical adventure to a faraway land.
What to expect aboard Star Clippers
Onboard, the experience is unpretentious. Unwind in a wide hammock, join the staff and learn to sail, participate in a variety of watersports, get lucky during a crab race or relax in your traditionally appointed cabin.
The cuisine is delicious and varied; from fine dining to beach barbeques and seafood buffets. Day trips include stops at private islands, hard-to-access towns and many points of interest. You can expect a daily briefing on the deck, that’s as informative as it is entertaining.
Star Clipper and Star Flyer are trumped by the Royal Clipper, as it is the largest fully rigged sailing ship in the world, today. Destinations include The Caribbean, Mediterranean, Europe, Cuba and Asia.
It's worth noting that Star Clippers offers a very different kind of premium experience from the likes of Regent or Seabourn. Travellers choose it for its intimacy, sense of adventure and the sheer romance of travelling under sail.
Our pick: Ask us about the special New Years Caribbean Crossing. Aboard the Star Flyer, you’ll visit the British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Montego Bay and more.