Did you know there are over 20 luxury and premium cruise lines to choose from?
How can you be sure you are choosing the right one?
There are several factors to consider when making your decision, not the least of which involves your personal preferences and holiday aspirations.
This guide will help you sort through your options and serve as a handy reference for your research or conversations with a cruise specialist who can assist you in planning and booking your dream voyage.
Feel free to use this form to keep track of your thoughts and choices.
Define Your Preferences
Type of Cruise
Cruising can be broken into three main types:
- Ocean - set sail on the high seas with luxury cruise lines offering world-class amenities, gourmet dining, and stunning ocean views.
- River - an intimate experience allowing travellers to explore picturesque landscapes and charming destinations along serene waterways.
- Expedition - a high-end adventure to remote and pristine destinations, providing thrilling exploration and unparalleled natural encounters.
 Image by kelly-1179532 Pexels |  Image by Diogo Oliveira Unsplash |  Image by Bob Brewer Unsplash |
Destination
Different luxury cruise lines focus on specific regions. Decide if you want to explore the islands of the Indonesian archipelago, French Polynesia, the Arctic/Antarctic, Galapagos Islands, or a more traditional destination such as the Mediterranean, Alaska, or elsewhere. Perhaps you'd prefer to sail along one of the world's renowned rivers such as the Danube, Mekong, or Nile River.
Wherever you choose, you will want to research which luxury cruise line best serves the destination. For example, you would be wise to consider a smaller, more intimate vessel when visiting Raja Ampat in Southwest Papua, such as the boutique motor yacht Paspaley Pearl.
The m/s Paul Gauguin is purpose built to navigate the shallow waters of French Polynesia, allowing access to less-visited, off-the-beaten path places. Additionally, their cruises emphasise cultural immersion with onboard enrichment programs and exclusive shore excursions that highlight local customs, traditions, and natural beauty.
 Image by Tom Donders Unsplash |  Image by user32212 Pixabay |  Image by Russell Yan Pixabay |
Itinerary Length
Determine how long you want to sail. Some cruise lines offer shorter, more intimate cruises, while others provide longer, more comprehensive grand voyages or around the world cruises.
Cruise durations can range from 2 days to 250+ days, with the most popular being 7 to 14 days.
Those who love cruising typically prefer longer itineraries with more days at sea. Some cruises are more destination-intensive, meaning you will see many places in a relatively short space of time with less days at sea.
With longer cruises, you may want to consider what onboard activities and entertainment is offered and the variety of dining options. On destination-intensive cruises, keep in mind the ship size and how long it might take to embark/disembark the ship, as the more time it takes, the less time you have to spend at the destination.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises have introduced the Immersive Overnights collection. These voyages feature extended stays and multiple days in port, giving you ample opportunity to explore and experience each destination thoroughly. For an even deeper dive into the location, you can enhance your trip with a Pre-Cruise or Post-Cruise Land Programme.
Activities and Excursions
Consider what kind of activities you enjoy—whether it's cultural excursions, adventure sports, or relaxation and wellness.
Some luxury river cruise operators carry their own push bikes, enabling you to explore the countryside independently. Other cruise lines might include a visit to a local food market with the onboard chef, allowing you to select produce that the chef will prepare for you once you are back onboard. Yet others, will host private functions at amazing locations such as Seabourn's Evening at Ephesus. It is these types of unique experiences that you will remember for many years to come.
 Image by WFranz Pixabay |  Image by Erad Pixabay |  Image by ottawagraphics Pixaby |
Assess Ship Size and Style
Ship Size
Luxury cruises vary from small, intimate ships to large ocean-liners.
Small ships often offer a more personalised experience and access to less-visited ports.
As previously mentioned, the size of the ship may also impact how long you get to stay in port as the more passengers the vessel carries the more time the embarkation/disembarkation process will take.
If you are visiting Antarctica, you need to know about the IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) regulations that determine how often, how long, and how many guests can visit each Antarctic site. At any given time, no more than 100 visitors are permitted to land at a single location. This means that if you are on a ship carrying more than this number of guests, not everyone will be able to go ashore at the same time. Some guests will go ashore while others will do zodiac excursions to look at ice structures and wildlife. After a while the groups will swap so that everyone gets an opportunity to go ashore. However, if the weather changes, some people might miss out. Note that vessels that carry more than 500 passengers are not allowed to land any passengers while in Antarctic waters.
Ambiance and Decor
Each cruise line has a distinct style. Some might be ultra-modern and sleek, while others have a classic or traditional feel.
Premium ocean cruise line Viking offers a tranquil space called the Wintergarden. The spacious area is canopied by Scandinavian trellised wood which draws inspiration from Yggdrasil, the Tree of Life in Norse mythology. Enjoy a tranquil afternoon tea while you relax and unwind.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection combines the luxury and sophistication of the Ritz-Carlton hotel brand with a boutique yacht experience. Their yachts offer a more intimate and refined atmosphere, with a guest capacity of around 300, allowing for a more exclusive and tailored experience.
 Viking Wintergarden |  Ponant Le Lapérouse Restaurant |  Seabourn Pool Deck |
Evaluate Onboard Experience
Accommodations
Look at the types of staterooms and suites available, their size, amenities, and level of luxury.
River Cruise operator AmaWaterways offer "twin balcony" cabins that allow you to choose between an indoor (French) balcony or an outdoor balcony meaning you can enjoy the views regardless of the weather. Learn more about AmaWaterways here.
Another river cruise operator, Avalon Waterways, has Panorama Suites that feature beds that face their floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing an uninterrupted view of the ever-changing landscape.
Some luxury cruise lines offer "all veranda" suites, meaning every cabin onboard has a balcony. These include Regent Seven Seas, Ritz-Carlton and Viking. Others offer "all oceanview, many with balconies". These include Seabourn, Silversea and Crystal.
Most luxury cruise lines offer larger, premium suites that can include separate bedrooms, dining and entertainment areas, large balconies, hot tubs, and luxurious furnishings. These are often referred to by names such as "Owner's Suite", "Grand Suite", "Royal Suite" and so on.
 Seabourn Penthouse Suite |  Ponant Prestige Suite |  Paspaley Pearl Horizon Suite |
Dining Options
Check the variety and quality of dining experiences. Some cruise lines offer gourmet restaurants, while others provide a range of dining options including specialty and casual eateries.
For the foodies, premium cruise line Oceania Cruises boasts to have The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. Their gourmet restaurants serve delectable dishes created à la minute and offer a remarkable array of choices, from Continental cuisine to authentic Italian to classic steakhouse fare. Every restaurant on board is complimentary and features open seating so you may dine wherever and whenever suits your taste and schedule.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is the most all-inclusive luxury cruise line and features a diverse range of fine dining choices, each showcasing a range of cuisines from around the world. The extensive culinary variety is a key reason why Regent Seven Seas is often mentioned as providing one of the premier dining experiences at sea.
Onboard Silversea you will find the "S.A.L.T. Lab" (Sea and Land Taste), an immersive culinary space where guests can participate in cooking classes and food-related experiences.
 Seabourn Colonnade Lifestyle |  Silversea SALT Lab |  Oceania Toscana Zabaione |
Amenities and Services
Consider onboard amenities such as spas, fitness centres, pools, entertainment and enrichment programs.
Most luxury cruise lines include lounges, bars and theatres that feature a host of musicians and artists, from Paul Gauguin's troupe of Tahitian performers to pianists and harpists onboard Viking, and cabaret-style performances, Broadway medleys, and other entertainment offered on Seabourn, Regent, Oceania, or Silversea. SeaDream Yacht Club's pool deck becomes your cinema under the open night sky.
On most expedition cruises, naturalists, historians, earth scientists, and guest lecturers will host information evenings and presentations offering in-depth knowledge, personalised exploration, and safety. They provide valuable context on cultural, historical, and scientific aspects, enrich itineraries with unique experiences, and ensure a more engaging and educational journey.
Onboard wellness programs include: Seabourn's Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil which features a certified yoga and meditation Wellness Guide who will inspire and educate all guests through various complimentary classes and gatherings throughout the voyage; Oceania Cruises Aquamar Spa and Vitality Centre which has been carefully crafted to elevate your experience with a range of wellness opportunities; and Viking's Nordic Spa that provides a comprehensive wellness experience featuring sauna and steam rooms, thermal pools, hot tubs, cold-water buckets, and a Snow Grotto!
 Seabourn Spa & Wellness |  Ponant Gym |  Viking Spa |
Consider Service Levels
Crew-to-Guest Ratio
Higher crew-to-guest ratios often mean more personalised service.
Luxury cruise lines including Seabourn, Silversea, Ritz-Carlton Yacht Club, and Seadream offer 1-to-1 crew to guest ratio, while Regent Seven Seas, Ponant, Paul Gauguin, Explora Journeys, and Windstar offer up to a 1-to-1.5 crew to guest ratio.
Reputation
Look into the cruise line’s reputation for service and guest satisfaction. Reviews and testimonials can provide insight.
Check Inclusions and Extra Costs
What’s Included
Luxury cruises often include many perks like gratuities, excursions, beverages, and sometimes even flights. Compare what’s included versus what’s extra.
Many luxury river cruise lines offer alcoholic drinks with lunch and dinner while some, like Avalon Waterways, also include "happy hour" cocktails as a way to encourage guests to mingle and share stories of their adventures at the end of each day.
Butler service is included in all suite categories on Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Crystal, and Seadream Yacht Club, while other luxury cruise lines offer personalised concierge services.
Not all luxury cruise lines offer self-serve laundry facilities or a free send out service. Those that do include Seabourn, Silversea, Explora Journeys and Azamara Club Cruises.
Pricing
Understand what is and isn’t included in the base price to avoid surprises.
It is worth researching the various types of fares offered by each luxury cruise line.
Ultra luxury cruise line Silversea offer 3 types of fares: the Door-to-Door seamless roundtrip experience directly from your doorstep with private executive transfers from/to home, economy airfare, shore excursions, and all onboard inclusions; the Port-to-Port fare with included shore excursions in every port and all onboard inclusions; or the Essential fare featuring shipboard inclusions only; shore excursions are not included.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an all-inclusive fare. They offer unlimited shore excursions, unlimited beverages, fine wines, craft cocktails, specialty coffees and more, in room mini-bar, all specialty restaurants included, unlimited Wi-Fi, unlimited access to spa facilities, valet laundry service, plus 1-night pre-cruise hotel in concierge suites and higher.
Seabourn offer all ocean-front suites, most with a private veranda, complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times, all dining venues are complimentary, welcome champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences, with shore excursions being an optional extra.
Look into Special Features
Unique Experiences
Some luxury cruise lines offer unique experiences such as private tours, exclusive shore excursions, or themed cruises.
You can enhance your ultra-luxury Scenic Eclipse adventure by opting for an extraordinary flightseeing in the Kimberleys or an exclusive remote ice landing excursion in one of their two onboard helicopters, or venture underwater in their custom-designed submersibles.
SeaDream Yacht Club’s Champagne and Caviar Splash™ is a highlight of their Caribbean voyages. Let the champagne flow and savour caviar at a special beach party and barbecue, embracing the ultimate yachting lifestyle.
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises provides unique, chef-led small-group experiences tailored for culinary enthusiasts. Explore lively markets, taste exceptional cuisine, and apply new skills in the kitchen. These exclusive experiences are available on Seven Seas Explorer®, Seven Seas Splendor®, and Seven Seas Grandeur™ and come with an additional discounted fee.
Seabourn offer complimentary Signature Events that include Marina Day, Caviar in the Surf®, an Evening at Ephesus, Shopping with the Chef, Caviar on the Ice, Polar Plunge, and more.
Sustainability
If environmental impact is important to you, check if the cruise line has sustainability initiatives. Examples include:
In 2018, the PONANT Foundation was established with the aim to make impactful use of resources by concentrating on tangible actions to safeguard and restore ecosystems. It is dedicated to advancing scientific knowledge and supporting initiatives that promote human development.
The Regent Seven Seas, Oceania and Norwegian Cruise Line sustainability initiative, Sail & Sustain, focuses on making a positive difference for both society and the environment. This program is inextricably linked to the preservation of our planet and the protection of our shared resources.
Seabourn's Operation Oceans Alive initiative is a program dedicated to environmental compliance and stewardship. It encourages all employees to actively protect our oceans, seas, and waterways from harm, ensuring that their ecosystems, plant life, and marine life continue to thrive now and in the future.
Research and Compare
Cruise Line Websites
Visit the official websites of various cruise lines for detailed information on their offerings.
Cruise Specialist
Consult with a travel agent who specialises in luxury cruises. They can provide personalised recommendations based on your preferences.
Cruise Forums, Groups and Reviews
Explore forums, review sites, and social media to see what other travellers have experienced.
Summary
By considering the above factors, you will be well on your way to finding a luxury cruise line that best fits your expectations and will provide a memorable and enjoyable experience. Complete this form and send yourself a copy of your responses. You can then refer to this when furthering your research, or share it with a cruise specialist.
Planning a luxury cruise is more than just picking a destination - it’s about choosing the right ship, suite, and experiences that suit your personal style. With so many choices, it’s easy to feel unsure about what’s best for you. That’s where my expertise comes in! As a top 100 Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) Master cruise consultant in Australia, I can help you make informed decisions, ensuring that every detail of your journey is perfectly tailored to your needs. I can help make the planning and booking process as effortless as your cruise will be extraordinary - allowing you to simply relax and indulge in the luxury that awaits you at sea.
Turn your luxury cruise dreams into reality! |
