The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Fran Golden

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.

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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 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.

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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.

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Understanding Cruise Words and Lingo To Chat Like a Cruiser

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As you start planning your cruise, you’ll quickly realize there’s a world of cruise words to familiarize yourself with. Some cruise ship lingo might be straightforward, but others could have you scratching your head in confusion. Fear not—we’re here to demystify the jargon for you and quiz you for fun.

Soon, you’ll be chatting like a seasoned cruiser, effortlessly tossing around terms like “port” and “starboard,” “aft” and “bow,” along with “gangway” and “lido deck.” You’ll confidently navigate the ship, knowing your “muster station” from your “tender port” with the ease of a seasoned cruiser.

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We won’t get into cruise vocabulary you may never need to know or use. We’re going to stick to cruise ship terms you’ll find the most useful to have an understanding of. For fun, we’ve added a quiz below.

The most important cruise word you should remember is that it’s a SHIP, NOT a boat .

Table of Contents

Cruise Words and Its Definitions

Fundamental cruise ship lingo you should know from the start.

Let’s start with the basic cruise terms. Familiarize yourself with these keywords to lay the groundwork for your cruise lingo education. You’ll be coming across them frequently as you navigate the planning process.

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  • Ship: a vessel designed for maritime navigation across oceans and large bodies of water, capable of carrying people and cargo long distances. You can fit boats inside a ship, but not vice versa.
  • Bow : The very front of the ship.
  • AFT : The rear or back part of the inside of the ship.
  • Midship (MID): The middle area of the ship is often used to describe cabin locations.
  • Forward (FWD): Refers to the area or direction towards the vessel’s front end.
  • Portside : The ship’s left side, facing forward towards the bow.
  • Starboard : The right side of the ship when facing forward.
  • Port of Call : A port-of-call is a stop a cruise ship makes on its itinerary, where passengers can disembark to explore the destination. Also known as port destination.
  • Tender : A small boat transporting passengers from the ship to the shore when the ship cannot dock at the port directly.
  • Gangway : The entrance or exit ramp is used by passengers to board or leave the ship.
  • Cabin or Stateroom : Your room on the ship can vary from interior rooms without windows to suites with large balconies.
  • Sea Day : A day during the cruise when the ship does not dock at a port, allowing guests to enjoy the onboard amenities.
  • Shore Excursion : Organized tours or activities in the port cities where the ship docks.
  • Deck Plan : A map showing the ship’s layout, including cabins, public areas, and amenities, to help passengers navigate.

graphic card of crusie embarkation definition with an image of kathy walking up the gangway

  • Embarkation : The process of boarding the ship at the beginning of your cruise. You could consider it a happy day because it’s cruise vacation day #1.
  • Disembarkation : The saddest day of a cruise vacation. The process of leaving the ship at the end of the cruise.
  • Gangway : The entrance or exit ramp passengers use to board or leave the ship, typically when docked at a port.
  • Muster Station : Previously defined, this term refers to a designated area where passengers gather during a ship’s emergency drill. Understanding your muster station is crucial for safety.
  • Muster Drill : A mandatory exercise for all passengers and crew conducted at the beginning of the voyage to practice emergency procedures.
  • Lifeboats : Small boats carried on the ship are used during an emergency evacuation. Knowing how to locate and access lifeboats is essential.
  • Life Jackets : Personal flotation devices are provided in each cabin for every passenger. Familiarizing yourself with how to wear it correctly is a key safety measure.
  • Cruise Agent : A travel professional or agency specializing in booking cruise vacations.

Other Cruising Terminology and Phrases You’ll Find Yourself Using Rather Quickly

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Let’s dive further into some other jargon popular in the cruise world.

  • Passenger : That would be you, the cruiser, on a cruise ship.
  • Cruiser : Another way to say a passenger on a cruise ship vessel.
  • Seasoned Cruiser : Someone with extensive experience taking multiple cruises is familiar with the nuances of cruise travel.
  • Cruise Card or Seapass Card: A personalized ID card is given to passengers upon boarding as a room key, onboard payment, and identification for disembarking and reembarking at ports.
  • Cabin Category : The classification of staterooms based on size, location, and amenities, from interior cabins to luxury suites.
  • Inside Cabin: A windowless cabin on the ship. Usually the most budget-friendly cabin.
  • Oceanview (OV): A cabin featuring a window or porthole for ocean views.
  • Veranda or Balcony : A private balcony attached to a cabin where you can step outside for ocean views, port views, and fresh salty air.
  • Guaranteed Cabin (GTY): Cruise lines offer this booking option for a discounted rate where the passenger secures a cabin within a specific category or type at the time of booking. The exact cabin number is not assigned until closer to the sailing date.
  • Freestyle Cruising : A flexible cruising style with no set dining times or seating arrangements and a relaxed dress code. This phrase is synonymous with Norwegian Cruise Line as the originator of freestyle cruising .
  • Guest Services or Relations : The ship’s customer service desk is where passengers can inquire about accounts, lost items, and other services.
  • Onboard Credit (OBC): Prepaid amount that is sometimes given to passengers by a promotion, agent, or cruise line to use onboard towards their bill.
  • Gratuity : A daily tip for cruise staff , often automatically added to your onboard account, acknowledging their service.
  • Itinerary : The cruise schedule detailing the ship’s travel plans includes ports-of-call and sea days.
  • Sail Away Party : As the cruise sails from port on embarkation day, there is usually a huge celebration on the pool deck.
  • Shore Excursion Desk : The place onboard where passengers can book and inquire about guided tours and activities at the upcoming ports of call.
  • Towel Animal: The art of folding towels into various animal shapes is a fun and creative touch the cabin attendant may add to your cabin decor during turn-down service. Unfortunately, most cruise lines have stopped making towel animals, but Carnival Cruise Lines continues the tradition.
  • Cruise Ducks : A fun tradition among passengers who hide and seek small rubber ducks around the ship for others to find.
  • Wave Season : Refers to the time of year (usually January through March) when many people book their cruises, prompted by cold weather in the Northern Hemisphere and the cruise lines offering attractive deals and promotions.
  • The Suite Life : The luxury experience of staying in a suite cabin on a cruise ship, offering VIP treatment, personalized service, and exclusive amenities.
  • Back-to-Back (B2B) : When you book one cruise after another on the same ship when one cruise ends and the other begins.
  • Closed Loop Sailing: When a cruise starts and returns to the same port.
  • Obstructed View: When lifeboats or ship structures partially block a view from a cabin, you do not get a full ocean view.

Cruise Deck Terms

  • Lido Deck : Often the hub of outdoor activities on the ship, the Lido deck is where you’ll find the main pool area, sun loungers, and sometimes, outdoor bars and buffets.
  • Promenade Deck : This deck usually features a wide, outdoor walking area around the ship, perfect for a stroll with ocean views. The promenade might include shops, cafes, and other social spaces.
  • Sun Deck : As the name suggests, this is an open deck area designed for sunbathing, offering plenty of loungers and, often, panoramic sea views.
  • Pool Deck : Similar to the Lido deck, this area is focused on the ship’s swimming pools and accompanying leisure facilities, including hot tubs and poolside bars.
  • Observation Deck : Located at the top of the ship, the observation deck offers the best unobstructed views of the ocean and the ship’s surroundings, making it the perfect spot for sightseeing and photography.
  • Sports Deck : Dedicated to physical activities, the sports deck may include jogging tracks, miniature golf courses, basketball courts, and other sports facilities.
  • Spa Deck : Typically housing the ship’s spa and fitness center, this deck is about relaxation and rejuvenation, offering treatments, massages, and fitness classes.
  • Entertainment Deck : Home to the ship’s theaters, cinemas, nightclubs, and lounges, this deck is the heart of nighttime entertainment.

Cruise Dining Phrases

luxury cruise words

The dining experience is a large part of cruising. You should know These cruise words when delving into the dining scene on a cruise.

  • Main Dining Room (MDR): The ship’s primary dining area, offering seated dining with various menu options, often included in your cruise fare. Sometimes, there is more than one main dining room.
  • Buffet : A casual dining option on a cruise ship offering a wide range of options during breakfast, lunch, and dinner options. It’s self-service and usually included in the cruise fare .
  • Specialty Dining : Onboard restaurants offering gourmet or special cuisine not covered by the cruise fare often require reservations and cost an additional fee.
  • À la Carte : Dining options where each item is priced separately, unlike the set menu prices in the main dining room or inclusive fare at the buffet.
  • Anytime Dining : Also known as “Your Time Dining” is an arrangement that allows you to eat your meals at any time during dining hours instead of scheduled seating times.
  • Fixed Seating : Assigned dining times and tables for the duration of the cruise, offering a consistent dining schedule and tablemates.
  • Room Service : Food and beverages can be ordered and delivered directly to your cabin. Some items and times may be free, while others incur a charge.
  • Galley : The ship’s kitchen where all the food preparation happens. Some cruises offer galley tours.
  • Chef’s Table : An exclusive dining experience offering a multi-course meal prepared and presented by the ship’s chef. It usually requires a reservation and an additional fee.
  • Windjammer : Often the name for the buffet restaurant on Royal Caribbean cruise ships , providing various food options in a casual setting

Cruise Slang Used Regularly Amongst Cruisers

It’s not surprising that cruising has its own slang words. Whether used in a lighthearted manner or with a touch of annoyance, terms like “chair hogs” are part of the cruise community’s lexicon.

  • Cruise newbies: They’re what we call first-time beginner cruises.
  • Washy-washy : A fun phrase that reminds passengers to wash and disinfect their hands.
  • Chair Hog : A person who gets up early to place towels or personal items on poolside loungers to “reserve” them for the entire day, often leaving them unoccupied for long periods.
  • Cruise Control : A humorous term referring to the relaxed state passengers enter once they get used to the leisurely pace and routine of life on board.
  • Landlubber : A playful term borrowed from old sailor vocabulary, referring to someone not accustomed to life at sea or who prefers to stay on land.
  • Pier Runner : A passenger who returns to the ship at the last possible moment before departure, often seen running down the pier to avoid being left behind.
  • Sea Legs : The ability to adjust to the ship’s motion and walk steadily onboard. “Finding your sea legs” means you’ve adapted to the movement and no longer feel unsteady.
  • Shipfaced : A cheeky term for someone who has enjoyed perhaps a bit too much of the ship’s bar offerings.
  • Naughty Room: This is where you’ll find your luggage if prohibited items are packed .
  • One Uppers: Cruisers that brag about the many cruises they’ve taken and their loyalty status.
  • Shipspotting: Watching and taking photos of cruise ships.

Type of Cruising

These are the most commonly discussed types of cruising within the cruise community .

  • Mega Ships : Largest cruise ships worldwide, offering extensive amenities and entertainment options for thousands of passengers. Some of them are like theme parks at sea.
  • Expedition Ships : Designed for adventurous travelers, expedition ships are equipped for exploring remote and off-the-beaten-path destinations, such as polar regions and exotic islands.
  • River Cruises : Smaller vessels designed for navigating rivers, offering scenic voyages through picturesque landscapes and visits to historic towns and cultural sites along riverbanks.
  • Luxury Ships : High-end cruise ships offer unparalleled service, amenities, and accommodations, catering to discerning travelers with refined tastes.
  • Theme Cruise Ships : Specialized ships catering to specific interests or themes, such as culinary cruises, music-themed cruises, or wellness retreats, offering tailored experiences for enthusiasts.
  • Yacht Cruises : Small, luxurious yachts offering exclusive and customized itineraries to exotic destinations, providing an intimate and upscale sailing experience.

Maritime Jargon and Technical Terms You’ll Most Likely to Hear

Although we may not be on the bridge to use these words, we often hear maritime jargon when the captain speaks and provides a daily update.

  • Bridge : The ship’s control center or navigation room, where the captain and crew command the vessel.
  • Berth : Refers to a bed on the ship or the ship’s docking location at port.
  • Bulkhead : A vertical partition wall within the ship, providing structural support and compartmentalization.
  • Stern : The back or aft-most part of the exterior of the ship.
  • Gangplank : A movable bridge passengers and crew use to board or disembark from a ship.
  • Helm : The ship’s steering apparatus or area from where the ship is navigated.
  • Mooring : Securing the ship at a dock or berth with ropes or anchors.
  • Nautical Mile : A measure of distance used in maritime navigation, equivalent to 1.1508 miles or 1.852 kilometers.
  • Knot : A unit of speed equal to one nautical mile per hour used to measure the speed of a ship.
  • Quartermaster : A crew member responsible for steering the ship and assisting with its navigation.
  • Windward : The direction from which the wind is coming. Opposite of leeward.
  • Logbook : An official record of the bridge, documenting the course of the journey, important events, and operational notes.

Crew Titles on a Cruise Ship

We can’t sail anywhere without the crew that not only keeps everything running and in tip-top shape. They also work hard day and night to ensure we have the best cruise vacation. You will often run into, see, or listen to these key cruise members over the ship’s intercom throughout the cruise. It’s good to add the crew titles to your cruise vocabulary/

  • Captain : The highest-ranking officer on the ship, responsible for all operations, including navigation and safety. The captain has the final authority on board. The CEO of the cruise ship.
  • First Officer : Also known as the Chief Mate, this individual is second-in-command and assists the captain in ship navigation and operations.
  • Staff Captain : Often responsible for safety and security aboard the ship, including overseeing the crew involved in these areas.
  • Hotel Director : Oversees all hotel services on the ship, including accommodations, dining, and entertainment, ensuring passengers’ comfort and satisfaction.
  • Cruise Director : Responsible for all onboard entertainment and activities. The cruise director plans and coordinates events and announcements, playing a key role in the cruise experience.
  • Purser : Handles administrative tasks, including passenger services such as billing and customer inquiries. The Purser’s Desk is the go-to place for guest assistance.
  • Chief Engineer : The engineering department maintains and operates the ship’s mechanical and electrical systems.
  • Executive Chef : Heads the culinary team and is responsible for all ship food planning, preparation, and presentation.
  • Maitre d’Hotel : Oversees the dining room staff, reservations, and seating arrangements, ensuring a high-quality dining experience for passengers.
  • Cabin Steward or Stateroom Attendant : Maintains the cleanliness and orderliness of passenger cabins, providing daily housekeeping services.
  • Bartender/Bar Staff : Serves drinks and manages the bars on the ship, offering a variety of beverages to passengers.
  • Deckhands : Perform various tasks related to the maintenance and operation of the ship, including cleaning and minor repairs.

Download a Glossary of Cruise Vocabulary

We created a simple glossary of all the terms mentioned in this post for easy reference. You can download a copy to print or save it.

aft of cruise ship in alaska

Quiz: Test Your Cruise Lingo Knowledge

What is the word for getting on a cruise ship.

The word for getting on a cruise ship is “embarkation.”

What are people on a cruise called?

People on a cruise are commonly referred to as “passengers” or “cruisers.” Virgin Voyages likes to call them “sailors.”

BEFORE YOU SET SAIL, HERE ARE SOME RELATED ARTICLES YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS:

  • Plan a Cruise Trip With These Steps
  • A Cruise Cheat Sheet of Tips
  • Cruise Jokes and Memes That Will Make You Smile
  • Motivating Cruise-Related Quotes

luxury cruise words

Meet Kathy Ava, a food, travel, and cruise writer based in Los Angeles/Pasadena, and the owner and main writer of Tasty Itinerary. With over 20 years of experience planning trips and logistics at her full-time job and for herself, she's become a pro at crafting unforgettable tasty itineraries. She's always on the hunt for delicious, fun travel destinations and cruise itineraries. She firmly believes that life is short and we must make the most of it, so always say yes to dessert.

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20 Best Luxury Cruise Lines In The World (2024)

There are cruise lines, and then there are cruise lines. The top luxury cruise lines involve more than just a boat trip. These are services designed to create unique experiences, with an eye to personal service, luxurious detail, and in most cases, exclusivity. 

What to Expect From a Luxury Cruise Line 

Disney, Carnival, and Royal Caribbean are just a few cruise line names that cater to the general cruise market. In general, these larger ships are designed for families or at least cater to a broad range of ages. 

Premium and luxury cruises tend to focus on an adult market. The boats, ships, and yachts generally have smaller capacities, gourmet and Michelin-star cuisine options, and luxury cruise suites .

The best luxury cruise lines in the world

In some cases, the vessels are also smaller, allowing them to visit places that larger commercial ships cannot. Some luxury ships advertise one crew member for every two passengers. These luxury cruise lines have a real focus on service. 

Another difference in detail is the itineraries. Luxury and premium lines may offer more detailed and longer itineraries – a lot like luxury train lines – and even curated excursions as part of the packages. Here are the best of these high end cruise lines, in no particular order. 

1. Cunard Line

Founded in 1840 by Samuel Cunard, this iconic cruise line established the first regular transatlantic steamship service. The three Cunard ships are named after English Queens – so you’re getting the royal treatment off the bat.

The fleet includes the legendary Queen Mary 2 , Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. The Queen Anne cruise ship is being built in Italy at present, with input from some of the best interior designers in the world.

The Cunard Grill Suites are the last word in luxury, with floor to ceiling windows leading to a balcony, a personal butler, Champagne and chocolates and access to exclusive dining venues. There are also gastro pubs and steakhouse eateries onboard. Afternoon tea is a lovely tradition on board the Cunard fleet, served by white-gloved waiters.

Pamper yourself in The Mareel Spa by purchasing a single or multiday pass. There’s a spacious thermal suite, hydrotherapy pool and relaxation area.

The Mareel Spa

2. Paul Gauguin Cruises

The Paul Gauguin Line demurely places its flagship – the titular Paul Gauguin – as the background for its destination. It believes that the real draw of cruising with this luxury cruise ship is the French Polynesian islands. You’ll enjoy gourmet food and exceptional service on board. 

There is no better way to experience Tahiti, Fiji, and the South Pacific. Beyond the outstanding spa and relaxation options, guests can also engage in rich cultural tours and Polynesian-focused activities, for the cruise of a lifetime. 

The Gauguin cruise ship in Bora Bora

3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

The smallest of the Regent vessels carries 490 passengers, and the largest accommodates 750. These luxury cruise liners focus on relaxation, with world-class spa facilities as part of the all-inclusive offerings onboard. 

A new addition to the fleet, Seven Seas Grandeur will take its place alongside popular liners such as the Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Explorer in November 2023.

Regent packages include flights, shore excursions, and activities as unusual as glass-blowing lessons. They also offer additional value with what they call behind-the-scenes activities – showing you how things are done. It’s a curious travelers’ dream!

Seven Seas Grandeur Regent Suite bathroom

4. SeaDream Yacht Club

This luxury cruise line offers an intimate experience, catering only for a maximum of 112 guests at a time. With a crew of 95, you’ll be well looked after on board SeaDream Yacht Club.

But the experience is also different in terms of location – these smaller boats can go where larger ones can’t. This all-inclusive yachting experience includes all gratuities, dining and complimentary shore-side activities.

Depending on the time of year, SeaDream yachts are either on Caribbean or Mediterranean cruises . So you can explore a small island, drop off the back of the yacht for a swim, go for a cycle, or join the regular champagne and caviar party on the beach. 

SeaDream beachside barbecue

5. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic offer a wide range of all-inclusive ocean cruises, river cruises and also land journeys. They refer to their vessels as space-ships to give you an idea of the space they provide.

Scenic Eclipse is the flagship vessel, billing itself as the world’s first discovery yacht. With a maximum of 228 guests and 114 luxurious suites, this is a true bucket list experience.

One of the luxury amenities on Scenic’s river cruises is the ability to use a provided e-bike when on a shore excursion. Scenic also provide butler service on their cruise ships, who will attend to your every need.

The Spa Vitality Pool on board Scenic Eclipse

6. Emerald Cruises

Part of the Scenic Group, Emerald Cruises offer luxurious river cruises in Europe and Southeast Asia and yacht cruises in a variety of destinations. This is an all-inclusive experience, with return flights, gratuities, delicious dining and excursions to enjoy.

The chefs use local ingredients to reflect the destinations that guests are travelling to. From their river Star-Ships to their two luxury yachts, the amenities on board are first-class and include complimentary Wi-Fi.

7. Holland America Line

This premium line has options for both elegant upmarket dining and casual dining – both are highly rated. Ships such as the Oosterdam have stunning Art Deco style features and the shore excursions are particularly well organized.

Aside from what one might expect from a top-class cruise line, there’s a telling statistic here. Most of Holland’s staff are long-term members of the crew. They bring a wealth of knowledge and experience about the ships and the destinations, and the fact that they stay with the team so long indicates absolute job satisfaction. 

Oosterdam Pinnacle Suite verandah with private hot tub

8. Seabourn Cruise Line

All accommodations on Seabourn cruises are suites. This makes an ocean-facing luxury experience a guaranteed item on your checklist. There’s also a particular focus on providing ample deck space, top-class food and fine wines in elegant dining rooms. 

Seabourn also prides itself on the age of the fleet – this is one of the most modern, youngest fleets in the sector. The new ships all feature private suite verandahs leading off a spacious stateroom. 

These luxurious cruise ships are known for their guest speakers and lecturers who include renowned chefs, artists, scientists and explorers.

A Wintergarden Suite on board Seabourn Ovation

9. Viking Ocean Cruises

This award-winning small-ship ocean cruising line has a fleet of over 70 vessels. In 2022, Viking launched new expedition voyages to the Arctic, Antarctica and the Great Lakes of North America. They also now offer Mississippi River cruises on board the Viking Mississippi , the company’s first custom vessel.

The jewel in the crown with Viking is the 93-day cruise from Auckland to Vancouver, which visits 13 countries along the way. There are few better ways to see so many sights around the world. 

Rendering of the Deck 2 Aft area, Finse Terrace, on the Viking Expedition

10. Silversea Cruises

One of the best luxury cruise lines, the unique appeal of Silversea is the inclusion of unusual destinations like Russia, West Africa, and Bangladesh. There’s a good range of regular cruise destinations available, and you can also experience places off the usual track via Silversea Expeditions . Like all the other luxury lines, the service is top-notch, with a loyalty program that encourages return guests.

Travelers who have set their sights on embarking on a luxury Silversea cruise will be pleased to find out about the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) programme offered on their new Silver Dawn vessel. This programme offers guests the opportunity to fully immerse themselves in the local cuisines and cultures of the destinations that they visit.

Cooking a local dish in the S.A.L.T. Lab on board Silver Dawn

Curated in collaboration with the renowned food writer Adam Sachs, the S.A.L.T. Lab is a unique onboard space where guests can learn culinary techniques, taste fresh ingredients, and attend workshops and talks by local chefs. Guests will also enjoy locally inspired drinks in the S.A.L.T. Bar and gourmet dining in the S.A.L.T. restaurant.

By tapping into the rich culinary history found on the regions they visit, Silversea offer an exclusive and authentic experience that will leave guests feeling like they have truly explored a destination’s culture.

Outdoor jacuzzi at Zagara Beauty Spa on board Silver Muse

11. Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara is a perfect example of smaller ships offering specific advantages. The shore excursions feel a lot more personalized with this cruise line. 

Azamara prides itself on its patented Destination Immersion program. This is where certain activities are included or complimentary. Imagine experiencing the St Petersburg Symphony Orchestra free of charge!

There are currently four cruise ships in their luxury fleet: Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, and the latest addition, Azamara Onward. These intimate ships can dock at locations that large ships can’t reach.

12. Oceania Cruises

If you’re specifically into top-class food, Oceania has a focus on creating incredible culinary experiences. Their food workshops and food-focused shore excursions are exemplary. 

Four of the six ships also only take 684 passengers at capacity – the remaining two can hold 1250. This low-capacity policy means that there’s a specific and personal service focus once again.

The company is based in Miami, with trips to Australia, Africa, Europe, the South Pacific , and the Americas ranging between 10 and 195 days.

Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center on board Oceania Cruises Vista

13. Riverside Luxury Cruises

This new luxury river cruise line has an exciting program of 32 different cruises to choose from. Their Riverside Mozart ship was purchased from Crystal Cruises, who went into liquidation in 2022. This is the most spacious river ship in Europe.

Riverside Cruises pride themselves on their ability to exceed the 1-2 ratio of staff to passengers. That means that, for the most part, there’s one crew member for every guest.

This is a six-star VIP level offering, with activities and excursions designed to be unique and activity-based. There are various packages including an all-inclusive option.

Note: Looking for a great river cruise? Try a Bangkok River Cruise next time you’re in Thailand.

14. Atlas Ocean Voyages

Experience the adventure of a lifetime with Atlas Ocean Voyages . Specializing in luxury adventure travel, they offer a variety of cruises to some of the most remote and pristine areas of the world, providing travelers with an intimate look at our planet’s natural beauty.

Their ships are smaller than average, so you can get to know your fellow guests and feel right at home. World Navigator boasts a fitness studio, two hot tubs, a pool, infrared sauna, and the only L’Occitane spa at sea.

Whether you’re exploring the icebergs of Antarctica or the rainforests of Costa Rica, Atlas Ocean Voyages will take you to places you never thought possible. With experienced guides and a focus on sustainable tourism, Atlas is dedicated to providing travelers with an unforgettable experience.

World Navigator by Atlas Ocean Voyages

Boasting a fleet of 13 small ships, Ponant is a leading light in luxury expedition cruises. With their elegant design and state-of-the-art amenities, Ponant’s ships offer an unparalleled experience for travelers who want to explore the world in comfort and style.

From the pristine waters of the Caribbean to the icy landscapes of Antarctica, Ponant takes you on an unforgettable journey through some of the most stunning destinations on the planet. Whether you’re in the mood for a relaxing day at the spa or an adventurous expedition on shore, you’ll find everything you need to make your trip a memorable one.

The luxurious Le Commandant Charcot cruise ship

16. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Luxury travel just got an upgrade with the launch of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Known for their impeccable service and opulent accommodations, the Ritz-Carlton has extended their brand to the high seas.

Guests can expect the same level of luxury and attention to detail on board one of their three ultra luxury cruise ships. Each yacht offers sumptuous staterooms, world-class cuisine, and a plethora of onboard activities. The spa has a sauna, steam room, beauty lounge, gentleman’s grooming salon and five private rooms.

From exploring hidden coves to indulging in spa treatments, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the ultimate in indulgence at sea. This is a vacation experience unlike any other, where guests are treated to the level of attention that the Ritz-Carlton brand is famous for, all while sailing to exotic destinations around the world.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection marina

17. Explora Journeys

With a strong focus on sustainability, Explora Journeys has one of the finest hydrogen-powered ships in the world. EXPLORA I launched in August 2023, with more ships to be added to the fleet soon.

EXPLORA I is not just your typical cruise ship. As a luxury vessel, it sets itself apart by offering guests a unique and luxurious experience on the high seas.

Guests can indulge in 9 different culinary experiences and relax and rejuvenate in the 3 outdoor and 1 indoor pool. The wellness program is inspired by the ocean and encompasses a spa, indoor and outdoor fitness centres plus in-suite fitness, a running track and sports court.

With state-of-the-art facilities and unparalleled service, EXPLORA I promises to create unforgettable memories for all who embark on its voyage.

EXPLORA I pool - most luxurious cruise ships

18. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

You’d be forgiven for not having heard of this luxurious cruise line company, which is part of the TUI Cruises group. Based in Germany, their main clientele are German speaking although the cruises they offer are bilingual.

MS Europa 2 is their flagship vessel, with almost 900 artworks on board and a stylish Ocean Spa. They also offer a new expedition class, on board the HANSEATIC nature, HANSEATIC inspiration and HANSEATIC spirit.

19. Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises is a renowned luxury cruise line known for its small ships and intimate sailing experiences. Their fleet of 6 small luxury cruise ships has capacities ranging from 148 to 342 guests. This allows for a more personalized and upscale experience compared to larger cruise vessels.

Windstar specialize in sailing ship cruises, with 4 of their ships being luxury sailing yachts with computer-controlled sails. Their Itineraries focus on smaller ports and destinations that larger ships cannot access in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, Tahiti, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal.

This small luxury cruise line’s focus is on a relaxed, casual environment. There are no formal nights, and an open bridge policy means that guests can visit the bridge, and attentive service from the staff.

Windstar Star Legend cruise ship

20. Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is another top luxury cruise line known for its modern and upscale cruise experiences. Their ships feature stylish, contemporary design and high-end amenities like plush staterooms, upscale restaurants, expansive spas, and landscaped pool decks.

Dining is a focal point, with diverse restaurants ranging from casual to fine dining by renowned chefs like Daniel Boulud. The Retreat is an exclusive suite-class experience with private restaurants, lounges, sun decks, and dedicated concierges.

Celebrity Beyond Iconic Suite

The Last Word on the Best Luxury Cruise Lines

These upscale cruise lines offer Michelin-star level cuisine, suites and spacious standard cabins, and excellent person-to-person service. Most of these luxury cruise lines have all-inclusive fares, high staff to passenger ratios and outstandingly curated excursions.

If luxury cruising is on your radar, these are all great options. Take a look at this in-depth Scarlet Lady cruise ship review for more. 

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1 thought on “20 Best Luxury Cruise Lines In The World (2024)”

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Avoid Crystal al all costs. They pretty much screwed over their clients during Covid while all other cruise lines were accommodating. Wife is a travel agent, no less. She wont book them any longer.

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Cruising For All

The Ultimate Cruise Glossary

Welcome to our comprehensive alphabetical cruise glossary. In this free A to Z guide on Cruise terminology we have done the research for you. We have used our extensive knowledge of cruising to share an ultimate list of cruising and ship lingo in this cruise dictionary.

When you book at cruise for the first time it can be a bit daunting with all of those cruise ship terms and their meanings. So scroll though our cruise glossary and hopefully we have covered all the cruise lingo to help you with your next cruise vacation.

In this A to Z guide on cruising we have covered almost everything cruise related in our cruise glossary including shop features, cruise lines, river cruise lines and port lingo.

Welcome to the ultimate Cruise glossary, the A to Z terminology of cruising

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Cruise Glossary A

Starting with A on our cruise glossary lets discover all the cruise words associated with A

Accomodation

The room or cruise cabin you stay in during the duration of your cruise. There are a choice of accommodations on cruise ships from inside cabins, sea view, balconies, mini suites and suites. This ensures there is something to suit every budget.

Cruise ships not only take you from port to port, but also plan a full schedule of activities for all ages from culture and art talks, auctions to kids clubs, Karaoke, theatre, cooking lesson and theatre, the list goes on. But if you choose your cruise line correctly you will never get bored.

Adds on are extras the cruise line charges above and beyond your cruise fare. This could include drinks although some cruise lines now include drinks in the price of the cruise. Also gratuities are often add ons, as are some activities and speciality dining restaurants . It’s always a good idea to check up on whats included and what’s extra on your cruise to allow you to budget.

Surf and Turf in the crown grill

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The Aft is the back of a cruise ship. This is where you go to see the wake waves and watch the ship leave a port behind. It really is a very relaxing spot to stand.

An aft cabin is a cabin at the back of the ship. Check the position as it may be towards the back or at the very back. Although these cabins are a bit of a longer walk from the main areas and lifts, they are generally more peaceful. If you book a wake view aft cabin at the very back of the ship the cabins are often a little more spacious with larger balconies. It’s also a wonderful place to chill and enjoy the sea views.

Ahoy is a tradition nautical term which means hello or hi its a term used to greet somebody.

Alcohol Policy

Every cruise line has an alcohol policy, some such as Princess Cruises , P&O and Carnival have a limit of how many alcoholic drinks you can drink as part of your drinks package. However don’t worry it’s a lot, Alcoholic drinks are limited to 15 drinks in every 24-hour period.

Cruise lines also have cruise policies on drinking age that fit in with the region you are cruising. Therefore you have to be 18 to drink alcohol on South America, Europe, Asia, Australia and New Zealand cruises, 21 to drink on US and the Caribbean cruises.

All Inclusive

Some cruise lines offer all inclusive packages, these usually include drinks and some wifi, speciality dining and sometimes gratuities. However do check your cruise line as these offers of all inclusive options vary wildly.

When a cruise ship docks in port it docks alongside the jetty to allow passengers to disembark for port day activities and tours.

Amazon River Cruise

Amazon cruises sail through and from Peru and Ecuador.

AMA Waterways

AMA Waterways is a Luxury California based river cruise company that offers cruises in Europe, Southern Africa, Southeast Asia, South America, and Egypt.

Ambassador Cruise Line

Ambassador Cruise Line is a new cruise line who have 2 extensively refurbished retired ships that sail out of the UK.

Amplification 

Amplification is Royal Caribbean’s refurbishment programme . Royal caribbean refurbish ships and add on brand new activities and dining experiences.

This is usually a piece of metal with a v shaped tip which is bottom heavy. This is attached to chains that reach to the sea bed to hold the ship in position whilst it is docked in port. Most modern day cruise ships have more than one anchor due to the sheer size of the ship and can be anything from 10ft to 20ft in length and weigh 10–12 tonnes.

Anytime Dining

Anytime dining is another option to fixed dining. With anytime dining you can choose to eat at whatever time you wish. You can also choose to eat alone or with a group of people. If the restaurant is busy when you arrive, you simply take a pager and head to the bar for a drink whilst you wait.

Free Restaurants on Royal Caribbean

Art Auction

Most cruise ships have art auctions and feature certain artists such as; Peter Max, Romero Britto and Michael Godard to name a few. There is a huge variety of art to suit all tastes, its certainly worth checking out the gallery even if you’re not intending to buy. In fact art on cruise ships is a big thing!

Ashore is the term used on board your cruise ship for the land. If you are heading off the ship for a tour or to explore you are going ashore.

ATOL is the UK’s financial protection scheme. This protects you when you book an ATOL protected holiday with an ATOL holding travel agent. It will provide support so that you are not at a financial loss or without help and assistance abroad if your ATOL holder ceases trading before or whilst you are traveling.

Many ships have an atrium but not all, the Atrium is usually the centre of the ship, where you will find bars, cafes and snacks. The Atrium is generally the hub of of ship and a great place to people watch and mingle.

Grand Atrium on Princess

Avalon Waterways

Avalon Waterways are a river cruise company offering river cruises throughout river networks worldwide. The ships are luxurious and intimate offering a more personal experience and access to wonderful cities and villages around the world.

Azamara is a small luxury cruise brand with 4 cruise ships offering inclusive features such as certain drinks and facilities as part of the package. They offer worldwide cruise destinations and sailings of various lengths.

Cruise Glossary B

Cruise Ship glossary words beginning with B

Balcony Stateroom

Balcony Staterooms otherwise known as Verandah Staterooms have doors opening to private open seating area overlooking the sea. These are perfect for morning coffee and breakfast or indeed an afternoon chilling in the sun.

Champagne on the balcony along the fjords

Most cruise ships have theatres, back stage can be behind the theatre scenes or indeed just back stage of the public areas of your cruise ship. If this is something that interests you, you can book backstage tours on many ships.

The Beam is the width of a cruise ship, it is usually measured at the widest point.

The bearings are part of the propellor shaft, the main function of the propellor shaft is to turn the propeller. Bearing can also be an angle and location between 2 ships.

Family cabins on NCL Encore

Berth is a bed, so for a family of 4 you would want a 4 berth cabin. A large percentage of cabins on ships are 2 berth. However berths up to 10 are available. 3,4 and 5 in regular cabins, but any larger are usually suites. If you are travelling as a family you can also book connecting cabins with an opening internal door. These are great for more space and to fit larger families, or families with teens who want a little privacy.

Boardwalk is the main public area on many Royal Caribbean Cruise ships. This is where you will find bars, cafes and entertainment. Royal Caribbean reinvented the traditional atrium and created something a little more fun and quirky and it works really well. The Boardwalk is open air and even has a full size carousel!

Symphony or the seas carousel on the Boardwalk

Newer cruisers often call ships boats, however they are very different. Ships are much larger and the rule of thumb is a ship can carry a boat, but a boat can’t carry a ship. When a vessel reaches 100 ft long (This varies between 97 ft-120 ft depending what you read) then the boat becomes a ship.

A Boat Drill otherwise known as a Muster Drill, it is law for every passenger to complete the drill before the ship sets sail. This outlines the safety drill, procedures and lifeboat meeting points should the ship come into difficulties.

Is a term to wish good wishes and goodbye often used on sail away parties. The sailaway is when the ship leaves port, in past years sailings were for function ie moving country or transportation. Thus there were many friends and relatives in port waving and wishing Bon Voyage.

Booze Cruise

Also known as a party cruise aimed at groups going to party for normally a weekend.

Lina colada sunglasses and menu on a bar in yacht club msc

Bottomless bubbles

Bottomless bubbles is an unlimited soda package on Carnival cruises . Carnival do a package for kiddies and adults with different price levels.

The forward part of the hull of a ship, this is usually the most forward part of the ship.

Some cruise ships have bowling alleys or bowling areas.

The bulkheads are the inner wall in the hull of a ship, these are designed to either fill or overflow to cope with waves at rough sea. Some are designed to create watertight compartments. They can also be used to form tanks for fuel.

A Buoy is a floating device which are usually anchored in ports and used for lanes and port guidance for the port pilots.

Some newer ships have onsite Breweries, you will find one on Norwegian Encore , here beer is freshly brewed at sea.

The Bridge is at the front of the ship and where the captain and his crew navigate the ship from.

Disney Cruise Ships By Age and Size

The buffet is an area usually on a high deck where you can go to eat. The choice on cruise ship buffets is huge and they are often open for many hours during the day.

Butlers on cruise ships are generally found in top suites. They can assist with packing and unpacking, concierge services, make reservations in restaurants or on shore excursions. The Butlers on cruise ships can also escort you to dinner, shore excursions and shows as well arrange special celebrations or organise laundry services.

Cruise Ship Glossary C

Cruise glossary words beginning with C

A cabin is a room on a ship you will stay in, much like a hotel room. Although cabins are smaller than hotel rooms they are well planned to allow maximum storage and comfort during your cruise.

Inside Cabin In Symphony of the Seas - source Royal Caribbean

Cabin Steward

A Cabin Steward is your room attendant that cleans and services the cabin. You will have the same cabin steward for the duration of your cruise who will clean every day and turn down down your bed and prepare the cabin for the night.

Capacity is the maximum amount of people that are are allowed on a cruise ship at any one time. There are two capacities, one when every cabin has two people staying in, and in the school holidays when the extra berths are used for families so many cabins will have 4 or 5 people staying in, this is known and full capacity.

The captain also known as the skipper is the ship’s captain. The ships captain has the ultimate responsibility for the care and safety of the vessel.

Captains Circle

The Captains circle is the Princess Cruises loyalty programme. It is a four tier loyalty program for passengers who have cruised with Princess. Passengers earn cruise credits in order to start receiving Captain’s Circle benefits the more points the more benefits and the higher the tier. Passengers must have completed their first cruise and registered on the Princess Cruises website in order to gain their first points. The Captain’s Circle tiers are….

  • Gold, After Your First Cruise
  • Ruby, After Your 3 Cruise or 30 Cruise Days
  • Platinum, After completing 5 cruises or 50 cruise days
  • Elite, After completing 15 cruises or 150 cruise days.

Cruise Glossary , The Ocean Medallion

Captains Club

The Captains Club is the Celebrity Cruises passenger loyalty rewards programme. You earn points on every sailing and can enjoy discounts, offers, and perks such as spa discounts and complimentary laundry services. The Celebrity Cruises Captains club can also offer passengers loyalty stateroom upgrades, access to exclusive voyages, and exciting cruise club events on board and has 6 levels.

Captains Table

The Captains table is the table that the Captain sits at for dinner on a cruise ship. This is generally a formal occasion and occasionally passengers are invited to sit at the captain’s table during their cruise. The Captains table is normally located in the centre of the main dining room and is reserved exclusively for the captain, senior officers and their invited guests.

Carnival Cruise lines

Carnival Cruise lines is a Cruise line with head offices in Florida, they are known as the fun cruise line and have 25 ships in service, mostly in the Caribbean.

Carnival Cruise Ships by Age and How many passengers do Carnival Ships Hold

Most Cruise lines and Ships have a Casino onboard for playing roulette, slot machines or poker.

Casual Dress

Casual dress means the dress code onboard a cruise ship in the main dining area. This usually means you can wear items such as jeans and collared shirts for men. Woman can wear dresses or trousers. You are not allowed to wear baseball caps, bathing attire or shorts in the reaturnat and must always wear a top onboard the ship. Shorts, flip flops or sliders are are not allowed during dinner in main dining.

Castaway Club

Castaway Club is the Disney Cruise Lines reward programme. The 3 membership levels are based upon the total number of completed eligible cruises. For Silver Castaway you must complete 1 cruise. Gold Castaway is 5 completed cruises. Platinum Castaway is from 10 completed cruises.

Celebrity Cruise lines are a cruise line company with headquarters in Miami they own 16 cruise ships and are constantly renovating the fleet. The cruise line is owned by Royal Caribbean Group.  The vibe is refined quality.

Celestyal Cruises

Celestyal Cruises is a cruise line who sails Greece and run a variety of short cruises right through to 14 nights.

The Centrum is the central hub area of a ship and another name for the Atrium. This is where you will find bars, cafes and snacks.

Atrium on Celebrity Edge

A Charter is when a company block books a cruise ship sailing, it could be the whole ship for a themed cruise or private event.

Cheers is Carnival cruise’s alcoholic drinks package

Cococay 

Cococay is Royal Caribbean’s private island in the Bahamas, here cruisers will find a private beach, endless pools and waterslides, activities and dining exclusively for Royal Caribbean guests.

A cruise concierge is someone onboard a cruise ship, generally in concierge class or suite class who will arrange dinners, shows and excursions for passengers they are caring for during a sailing.

The suite lounge is it worth booking a royal suite on Royal Caribbean? Cruise ship glossary Concierge

Costa Cruises

Costa Cruises is an Italian Cruise Line, Costa has 12 ships in all in the fleet.

A Crossing is when a ship crosses across an ocean, an example of this is a Transatlantic crossing where a ship crosses for Europe to the US.

Crown And Anchor

The Crown and anchor is the Cruise loyalty programme on Royal Caribbean. The Crown and Anchor Society is a way of building recognition the more you cruise and has 6 tier levels to and reward brand loyalty the highest being Pinnicle. Booking under the Crown and Anchor means you sometimes get on board credits or special discounts.

There is also a champagne reception on every cruise for Crown and Anchor members. Crown and Anchor loyalty levels will also show in your Celebrity Cruise Captains Club account too.

Cruise Crew To Passenger Ratio

This is the amount of crew onboard to passengers. The ratio highlights how many crew members there are per passenger. This ratios are usually far higher than land based hotels.

Cruise Card

Your cruise card is the key to your room but also your payment method. All of your info is stored on the cruise card including any drinks packages and dining packages.

Cruise Casual

This is another word for Casual dress code onboard a cruise ship. Casual cruising steps away from traditional cruise attire and formal nights for a more relaxed cruising experience.

Cruise Director

A cruise director is the person onboard responsible for all onboard hospitality, entertainment and social events. The cruise director makes announcements throughout the day for entertainment purposes. They also organise public events and introduce the theatre shows, and parties onboard.

Cruise Loyalty Programme

A Cruise Loyalty Programme is a point programme which rewards passengers for each cruise they go on. It is a way that cruise lines can retain their loyal customers  them gaining points and receiving onboard benefits. The more your cruise the more enticing offers come your way. Passengers get specialty dining areas, discounts, VIP lounge access, complimentary drinks and lots more.

Cruise Planner

A cruise planner is an agent who plans your cruise for you. A cruise planner is also often the name of your daily planner that you will receive daily in your cabin.

A Cruiser is a person who cruises the ocean or rivers.

Cuisine means a style or method of cooking, especially as characteristic of a particular country, region, or establishment. Many cruise lines have many different cuisines onboard. Dining at seas is some of the best I have ever experienced whilst on vacation.

Specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean

Cunard Line is a British cruise line based at Carnival House at Southampton, England. You will find a more formal form of sailing on Cunard. Who keep to the traditional roots of ocean liners, offering transatlantic Southampton to New York round trips as part of its offering. They have 3 ships, The Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victorial.

Croisi Europe Cruise

Croisi Europe Cruise is Europes largest cruise line which is French owned and based in Strasbourg.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is a cruise line with headquarters in Miami, Florida . They are also the World’s Most Awarded Luxury Cruise Line.

Cruise Ship Glossary D

Days at seas.

Days at sea means the number of days on the itinerary that the ship is at sea and not in port.

Danube River Cruise

A Danube River Cruise takes you down the Danube River, usually between German and Hungary and through Austria. This scenic cruise stops at some incredible towns and cities such as Linz, Vienna and Budapest.

The AmaMagna docked in Budapest

Debarcation

Debarkation or disembarkation is the process of leaving the cruise ship to debark.

The Deck plan is the plan of the layout of the ship by drawing. The drawing represents the location of the decks, public rooms, cabins, an all areas on the cruise ship.

Departure Port

The departure port is the port in which the ship leaves and departs.

A deposit is usually required to secure your cruise booking. Cruise lines offer lots of low deposit deals so keep an eye out for those if you are planning cruise. You usually have to settle your cruise balance 12 weeks before your sail date.

Dining Plan

Many cruise lines have cruise dining plans where you can pay extra for dining packages and use the speciality restaurants. This is usually cheaper to book in advance.

Direct Booking

A direct booking is to book directly with the cruise line thus cutting out the travel agent or middle man.

Disembark or debark is the process of leaving the cruise ship to go home.

Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line is a cruise line owned by The Walt Disney Company. The company headquarters are in florida. Featuring all the amazing things from Disney such as Mickey Mouse and Disney shows. They have 5 ships in the fleet but have more planned.

Which Is Disney's Newest Ship

The dock is where the ships stops and anchors in port. The dock is an area ships and cargo ships unload cargo whether that is cruise passengers or goods.

Double Occupancy

Double occupancy is two people in a cruise cabin. Most cruise lines require cabins to be booked at least double occupancy or they charge a fee. However some cruise lines do offer single occupancy supplements or single occupancy cabins.

Drinks Package

Purchasing a drinks package is a way of paying for all of your drinks up font. You pay daily for your drinks package up front but must purchase for all the days of your sailing and also for every person in your cabin. There are drinks packages available for all cruises including a kids softs drinks package and non alcoholic package which normally includes speciality coffees, water and smoothies.

luxury cruise words

Check out our guide for information on all cruise line packages. However the key to remember here to assess if a drinks package is worth it, it to look a the drinks prices on your cruise, again we have most of that information on cruise drinks prices. Next work out how many drinks you will drink in a day, but don’t forget hot drinks, soft drinks and water.

A dry dock is where a cruise ship goes for an upgrade, this can be anything from an complete overhaul such as Oasis of the Seas in 2019 or mechanical upgrades and a hull repaint.

Duty Free Shopping

A duty-free shop is a retail outlet whose goods are exempt from the payment of certain local or national taxes and duties. Most ships have duty free shops on board. Duty-free Cruise ships shops are legal as the products aren’t sold to the people who live in the destinations.

Cruise Ship Glossary E

Elevator also known as a lift is a means of travelling through to different floors of a ship.

Embarkation

Embarkment or embarcation, embarkation, is the process of loading persons on a passenger ship.

Entertainment

Most cruise ships have lots of different types of cruise ship entertainment . The types of entertainment can include, magic shows, theatre shows, ice skating shows and comedy acts.

Disneys beauty and the beast on Disney cruise line

Is a trip the cruise line offers in port. Cruise lines offer a selection of excursions in each port to reach a variety of tastes and budgets.

Cruising Ship Glossary F

Lets find all of the words beginning with F in our cruise glossary

Family Cabin

A cabin offered to accommodate families, sometimes up to 5 , some more. These range from inside to suites depending on budget. Norwegian cruise line offer great ocean view cabins with 5 berths for families.

Goodbye, whether its farewell to land port or the ships, grand farewells are a big deal at sea and mostly celebrated.

Final Payment

This is the final payment of your cruise vacation, the final balance is usually required 12 weeks before your sailing.

This is a collection of ships owned by one cruise brand. The collective of cruise ships is called a fleet.

Oasis Of The Seas Refurbishment

The float out is the first ever time a cruise ship leaves the dock, usually to check its seaworthy. Although there will of course be many checks before this moment. However the float out is the first moment the ship in its entire form sails.

The FlowRider is a surf simulator designed to replicate surfing and bodyboarding with realistic waves. These can be found on many of Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships

Formal Night

Formal night on a cruise ship is the gala evening where the suggested dress code in black tie and cocktail dresses. This tends to be a bit more relaxed now with many men preferring a shirt and blazer.

Forward on a cruise ship means in the direction of the bow, the front of a ship.

Freestyle Cruise

Freestyle cruising means having the ability to choose on your cruise. Choosing when to dine and when and what shows or activities to do and when.

Free at Sea

Free at sea is Norwegian cruise lines offers when booking a cruise. With Free At Sea And Choose 2 Offers such as Open Bar, Dining and Wifi.

French Balcony

A cruise french balcony is a balcony that you can not step out in to. French Balconies have floor to ceiling sliding doors with a rail across the middle for safety.

Fun ships is an program idea devised by Carnival Cruise Lines. The program is said to dramatically transform its on-board guest experience to deliver even more memorable vacations.

Carnival crusie ships by age

Fun Times is the Carnival Cruise daily newsletter that is delivered to your stateroom.

Cruise Glossary G

Galapagos islands cruise.

A Galapagos Islands River Cruise starts in Quito, Ecuador and cruises from island to island, discovering the rare wildlife and scenery.

The Galley is the section of the ship that has houses the kitchen of the ship. A galley is also referred to in the shipping world as a ship which is propelled mostly by oars ( hence not a cruise ship )

A cruise ship Gang way is a walkway or bridge to get on and off of a ship.

Ganges River Cruise

A Ganges River Cruise takes you down the Ganges River through the heart of India.

Cruise Gratuities are tips that are automatically added onboard account. The fee is usually for each passenger each day and can vary. Some cruise lines let you pay these tips in cash and some cruise lines offer free Gratuities or you can pay them upfront. The cruise line then divides the money between all of the staff and crew.

Gross Registered Tons

Gross registered tons or tonnage is a ship’s total internal volume in “register tons”, each of which is equal to 100 cubic feet. Tonnage is the measure of the volume of certain enclosed spaces.

A guest is a paying passenger on a cruise ship. Passengers are guests on a cruise ship.

Guest Services

Guest services is the reception area of the ship where guests can get help throughout their stay. The Guest Service area is normally open at all hours and they provide they provide answers to many questions and problems onboard.

Cruise Ship Glossary H

A harbour is an area of water where ships, boats, and barges can be docked and moored. A port is a man-made harbour built for loading and unloading vessels and dropping off and picking up passengers. A Harbour can be natural or man made.

How near is the The Port in Vigo Spain to the cruise ship?

Haven is the Luxury Suite class area on Norwegian Cruise line. Here you will find a dedicated restaurant, bar and many of the newer ships have a pool area.

Height restriction

Some slides and activities have Height restriction s on board such as Ziplines or Slides .

Holland America Line

Holland America is a cruise line is owned by Owned by Carnival Corp. & plc, whos headquarters are based in Seattle. However all of their cruise ships and vessels are registered in the Netherlands.

Hotel Manager

A Hotel manager is a manager who oversees the operation of a hotel. In the case of a cruise ship the Hotel Manager is in charge of all the passenger cabins and crew servicing and maintaining the cabins.

Housekeeping

Housekeeping is another word for cleaning your room and is Responsibility for the cabins or staterooms on a cruise ship fall under the housekeeping department. This division is responsible for making passengers comfortable while they are in their rooms, and includes the care of the cabins, room and messenger service, and laundry pick up and delivery.

The Home Port is the port a ship is sailing from for a given season. The home port is also where the ship will refuel and restock ready for the next sailing and where passengers will board and disembark for their sailing. Some ships have a home port in Spain or it could be anywhere in the world!

The horizon is the point the seas or land meet the sky. The visible point where the sun sets and rises on the earth. Views of the the horizon at sunrise and sunset are partially stunning at sea.

View of the sea

The Hull is the structural watertight body of the ship. We have found a really informative article that explains it far better than we ever could.

Hurricane Season

As a rule the Hurricane Season goes from June to the end of November, however the high risk months are mid-August to early October. But Hurricanes can occur at any time within those dates and do. It really depends how active the season is, we have always been lucky and avoided Hurricanes on our travels, but know others who have not.

The only way to truly avoid hurricanes is to book outside of those dates. Or if not be prepared for itinerary changes and cancellations. Captains are excellent at avoiding weather situations, however this also means ports can be missed too.

Hurtigruten Cruise Line

Hurtigruten Cruise Line is an expedition cruise line that specializes in discovering areas many cruise lines can’t reach.

Cruising Ship Glossary I

Inside cabin/inside stateroom.

Inside cabins are situated on the inside of cruise ships meaning they don’t have a window. Because of this choosing an inside cabin makes it a much more economical way to enjoy a cruise vacation.

Some cruise lines also have virtual cabins, these have simulated windows, where you can enjoy real-time views of the ocean and destinations from your interior stateroom.

Virtual Balcony Royal Caribbean

Internet Package

To enjoy internet at sea you must purchase the cruise lines internet package. (Some offer these free of charge) It really important to remember to turn off data roaming on all devices when you are at sea or you will incur huge roaming charges. Thus you need the ships data packages.

International Date Line

The International Date Line is an imaginary line that runs between the North and South Poles, which crosses time. When you cross the line you either gain or lose a day. But travelling east across the date line, will take you back in time by 24 hours. However when traveling west, you will travel 24 hours ahead. However when cruising as it is at a slower pace you generally lose or gain an hour each day.

An inaugural cruise the first time a cruise ship sails with paying passengers. This is a huge deal in the cruise industry, especially with loyal cruise line fans who want to experience a new ship.

The Itinerary is the route and ports a cruise ship will take on a given sailing. This is always pre determined, however due to environmental factors such as weather this is never set in stone and can change. Although as a rule this is something cruise lines do try to avoid.

Cruise Ship Glossary J

Jules verne cruises.

Jules Verne are a cruise and tour company who tailer make holidays and cruises.

The journey is the cruise you will take during your sailing.

Junior Suite

A junior suite or mini suite is mostly larger than a balcony cabin and often comes with certain extras, but not as many as a full suite. For example on Royal Caribbean you will enjoy double cruise reward points, be able to book the suite dining area, but not have exclusive access.

Cruise Glossary K

The keel is a vertical lowest point of a cruise ship that sits in the ocean, it works to slice through the water. The keel also helps the ship maintain balance and prevents the ship from capsizing.

Cruise ships have extensive kids clubs and programmes . These vary from nurseries for babies on some ships, stay and play sessions for parents and kids club sessions daily and nightly. Here parents can leave their children to enjoy structured activities with qualified staff.

Kids club cruise ship glossary K Grandiosa kids club on MSC

Knot is the speed a cruise ship sails at, this is the nautical equivalent of Miles Per Hour. The average cruise ship sails at 20-30 knots, which is 23-35 miles per hour.

Cruise Glossary L

Labadee is a private port resort leased to Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd in Haiti. The Island is for the exclusive use of passengers of the three cruise lines. Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Club Cruises.

A landmark is an easy recognisable building or features of a city or landscape that is easily recognisable from a distance. Examples of landmarks include the Empire State Building in New York, the Brooklyn Bridge or the Parliament buildings in Budapest.

A lanyard is a fabric neck cord which goes around your neck and used to clip on a carry your cruise card. The cruise card can be used as a key to your stateroom or to order drinks and purchase from the onboard shop so it’s always good to have it handy. Thus a lanyard is a great option, you can usually purchase these from the onboard shop.

Latitude is the measurement of distance north or south of the Equator, it is measured in 180 imaginary lines vertically around the globe. This tells you exactly where you are between the North Pole and the South Pole.

Latitude rewards

Latitude is Norwegian cruise lines reward programme for loyal returning guest’s. Where perks for points gained on their previous sailings. There are 7 loyalty levels to the Latitudes Reward Club.

Lido means outdoor pool, the lido deck on a cruise ship is usually the main pool deck. Most ships will label this as the lido deck.

Cruise Ship Glossary, ultimate cruise line lingo guide

A cruise ship with a capacity of 4000 passengers must have have at least 20 lifeboats onboard to accommodate everyone onboard. You will find lifeboats at each side of the ship ready to launch, these can carry between 150-370 people. There are also inflatable lifeboats onboard.

Is a round floating ring that is attached to the side of ships, boats and swimming pools. This is to aid someone who gets into trouble in the water.

Life Jacket

A life jacket is a jacket that acts as a floating aid when wearing it, you will find enough for each passenger in your cabin. Many cruise lines also have swimming life jackets by the swimming pools for children.

A lighthouse is a tall thin circular building that sits on the edge of land, islands or peninsulas. They have a light on top that alerts ships or boats of land.

A lock is something a ship transits through between areas of river that are or different lengths. River Cruise Locks are huge and it’s an incredible experience to travel through one.

Locks on the Danube river

Longitude measures the earth in the opposite direction to Latitude, it is the angular distance of a location measured to the east of west of the meridian at Greenwich, England. Where Latitude runs in an imaginary line horizontally, Longitude runs vertically. But both at a 360 degree angle around the earth.

Loyalty Programme

Many cruise lines offer a loyalty programmes where the more you sail the more perks you get when you sail. This encourages loyalty to a certain brands. Some also offer double loyalty points when you book jnr suite cabins and above.

Luggage is your belongings you take on your cruise. Before you get on the ship you hand your luggage into the the luggage handlers who process the luggage, security scan it and leave it outside your cabin, this can take a few hours. However you are free to get on the ship enjoy lunch and explore.

On the last night of your cruise you must leave your luggage outside your stateroom to be processed for the next day. When you get off the ship it is there waiting for you in a large holding area.

Luxury cruises

A Luxury cruise is a cruiseline that goes above and beyond. They have a more refined onboard experience, luxury spacious cabins and a higher level of personalised services. These cruises are the finest there are usually cost a bit more. There are many different luxury cruises so there is lots to choose from for all budgets.

Cruise Glossary M

Maiden call.

A maiden call is the first time ever a ship calls at a port. The maiden call is usually a big day for cruise fans. And indeed cruise enthusiasts in port.

Maiden Voyage

The maiden voyage is the very first sailing of a new ship, this is a huge deal in the cruise industry and for cruise passengers.

Main Restaurant

The main restaurant is usually the largest restaurant on a cruise ship and can be spread over 2 or 3 floors. Dining in the main restaurant, otherwise known as the “MDR” is always free for food, but not drinks unless you have a drinks package. However there are sometimes the option to upgrade a meal to surf and turf on steak night. This depends on the cruise line, but that aside the quality of the MDR is in our experience always great.

A UK owned cruise line owned by Tui Travel. Marella markets at a British audience and offers an affordable way to cruise. As a company they buy out of service ships from other cruise lines and renovate to fit their own style.

Marina Society Programme

Holland and America’s loyalty programme, the more you cruise you build up perks.

A mate is a deck naval officer aboard a vessel. The job duties of a shipmate include working as part of a crew.

Main River Cruise

The Main River cruise takes you through central Germany and is formed by the joining of the Red Main and the White Main, meeting the Rhine River at the town of Mainz. The Main-Danube canal, which joins the Main River and Danube River, stretches for a length of 106 miles from Bamberg to Regensburg, with a total of 16 locks, thus making it possible to travel via a river cruise ship from the North Sea to the Black Sea.

The definition of maritime is something nautical or related to the sea.  The laws and rules set in place are for commerce that takes place on oceans and seas  thus making them are an example of maritime laws. Anything relating to the sea or the enjoyment maritime activities such as yachting and deep sea diving is considered a maritime activity.

Mediterranean cruise

A Mediterranean cruise is a cruise that takes place around the Mediterranean sea, starting points may vary and sailings can go anything from 2 days to 30 days.

Mekong River Cruise

The Mekong River flows for over 3,000 miles through Asia, and stops in exciting countries such as Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Midship means the middle of the ship. This point of reference is used often during a cruise to describe locations and netting points.

A mini suite or jnr suite is mostly larger than a balcony cabin and often comes with certain extras, but not as many as a full suite. For example on Royal Caribbean you will enjoy double cruise reward points, be able to book the suite dining area, but not have exclusive access.

The mini bar is located in your cabin. Most cabins have a mini bar where you can put cold drinks.

Main Seating

Main seating is located in the main dining room. You are normally allocated main dining room seating on arrival of your cruise.

Moselle River Cruise

The Moselle River runs through France , Luxembourg and Germany, and known for its picturesque castles and fine wines.

Motion is the movement of the ship when it is cruising. Some people can suffer from motion sickness when cruising. If you do then it is better to book a cabin mid-ship on a lower deck where you will feel the motion less.

A Maître d is the head waiter in the main dining room. The Maître d oversees service and all of the waiters to ensure that service is smooth and all diners are happy.

MSC Cruise line are are an Italian based shipping company that have 21 cruise ships

Great cruise ships for babies, MSC BELLISSIMA (2

The MSC S tatus M atch

MSC will match your cruise loyalty status from other cruise lines such a Royal Caribbean. MSC Cruises Status Match Program will match your frequent traveler status from other cruise lines, hotels and tour operators

Muster Drill

A muster drill is a mandatory safety exercise required by law to ensure the safty of passenger , guests and staff. The main objective is to familiarise guests and crew with the location (muster station) see below. During this drill you will be shown additional safety information such as where your lifeboat is and how to wear a life jacket. No ship can cruise without passengers being given a muster drill when sailing.

Muster Station

A muster station is a point on the ship you should meet in the the unlikely event of an emergency. This will be displayed on your cabin card and will be explained on your arrival.

My time dining

My time dining is dining at anytime of your choice in the main dining area on a Royal Caribbean cruise. You can select times to eat between the hours of 6:00 and 9:30 p.m.

Cruise Glossary N

This is a term people use to associate with the seas, sailing, cruising and ships.

Nautical Mile

Nautical miles are used to measure the distance travelled in water, a nautical mile is equivalent to around 1,852 meters.

Navigate means to plan a route or direction, the navigational route of a ship is always meticulously planned to calculate timings in shipping lanes, arriving and leaving ports and fuel requirements.

Nickel and Diming

Nickel and diming is a term used by passengers when a cruise line adds lots of extras onto your cruise or is constantly trying to upsell whilst you are onboard to generate more income.

Nile River Cruise

A Nile river cruises offer cruises at different locations down the longest river in the world. Flowing north from Lake Victoria through Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt the Nile drains into the Mediterranean Sea.

Noble Caledonia River Cruises

Noble Caledonia is a small luxury cruise line who specialises in worldwide, small ship cruising, including river cruises, and escorted tours. 

Norovirus is a stomach flu that is easily spread. This spreads on land as well as ships. However seems more reported at sea, due to the reporting procedures of cruise lines. Cruise lines do an awful lot to minimise infections and help stay safe on a cruise but they do inevitably spread. However this also relies on passengers being vigilant with hand hygiene.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is a cruise line who offer a relaxed freestyle form of cruising, with options for relaxed cruising and dining or more of an upscale experience. NCL have 17 ships, 19 if you include the imminent launch of Norwegian Prima who launches in August 2022 and Viva in June 2023

Norwegian Fjords Cruise 

A Norwegian Fjords Cruise sails between and through the Fjords, check out our review of a Norwegian Fjords cruise to find out some of the incredible ports a Fjords Cruise stops at.

Norway Instagram Photo

Cruise Glossary O

Obstructed view cabin.

And obstructed view cabin is a cabin whether it be an ocean view or balcony cabin has an obstruction in front of the window or balcony. This is usually a lifeboat, but can be part of fully blocking the view.

Oceanview Cabin

And ocean view cabin is a cabin with a window which has views of the ocean. These are a great option when cruising with younger children.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is a cruise line based out of Miami. They have six cruise ships which run on worldwide itineraries. It offers cruises that last between 10 and 14 days, but is also known for its longer cruises.  

The Ocean is the expanse of water between the and Continents which covers more than 70% of the Earth’s surface. There are 5 Oceans…

  • The Arctic Ocean
  • The Southern Ocean
  • The Indian Ocean
  • The Atlantic Ocean
  • The Pacific Ocean

The Ocean and Sea are different the Sea is usually where the land meets the ocean.

Is MSC cruise lines private island in the Bahamas. Cruisers can visit having access to private pools and beach areas exclusively for passengers.

Ocean Cruise

An Ocean cruise is exactly what it says it is! a cruise around the ocean!

Oceania Cruises is a cruise line based in Miami in Florida, they operate six cruise ships on worldwide itineraries. 

A Ship’s officer  navigate’s and supervise’s the safe operation of ships at sea. They also oversee the operations in port and when the anchor is dropped. They help coordinate the activities of the crew under the captains supervision.

The term Onboard means being on a ship and actually inside or on deck.

Onboard Entertainment

Many cruise ships have onboard entertainment this includes , quiz’s, shows, live music and other performances.

Cruise glossary O onboard entertainment Aqua Theatre Royal Caribbean

Onboard Credit (OBC)

  OBC otherwise known as onboard credit is money that is offered free from the cruise line you are travelling with. It can be an incentive to book a cruise or be offered as a resolution to something. You can spend the onboard credit on the ship on drinks, excursions or in shops.

Onboard Shopping

Onboard Shopping is shopping whilst onboard a cruise ship. Shops generally open when the ship leaves port.

Open Seating

Open Seating is unassigned seating this generally happens in bars on cruise ships but not in restaurant’s.

Orientation

Orientation means position or positioning with relation to the points of the compass or other specific directions. You can adjust your positions using orientation to continue a ships route.

Outside Cabin

An outside cabin is a cabin that has a a window or porthole to view the outside. This does not mean that the cabin is outside with a balcony only a view.

Owners Suite

Owners Suite is a suite on a cruise ship typically Royal Caribbean. It is normally a luxury suite with panoramic balcony, concierge service, and access to suite services such as the coastal kitchen.

Cruise Glossary P

A package is when certain elements of travel are bundled together in one price. This could be the price of a cruise, drinks or dining packages.

A passageway is a route cruises take on Alaskan cruises, Alaska’s Inside Passage is a the route between the Gulf of Alaska and Puget Sound. Whilst the Northwest Passage connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Canadian Arctic. The Northeast Passage is a route between Europe and Asia along the northern shores of Russia.

Passengers are paying guests on a cruise.

Passenger Capacity

The Passenger capacity is the maximum amount of passengers the cruise ship will hold. This is calculated on occupancy of cabins, thus there is a capacity for double occupancy (2 people in as cabin) or full occupancy ( This is where the 4 berth cabins are all full too, this is is generally in School Holiday time.)

Passenger Crew Ratio

This is how many passengers there are per crew member, the average ration on a cruise ship is around 2.5-1. This depends on the cruise line however the lower it is the better.

Passenger Space Ratio

This is how much space there is on a ship per passenger.

A pier can be found in port, these usually protrude from the land, although not always, sometimes they are flush. Cruise ships dock alongside the pier to allow the passengers on and off the cruise ship.

Pilots work in docks and ports and come out of dock to board the ship to steer the ships in and out of port. They will also steer out of the port then leave and return to port.

Pinnacle Club

Pinnacle Club is the highest Royal Caribbean Loyalty level, to reach Pinnacle level you must have 700 cruise points. you build 1 night for every night cruised, or 2 if you stay in a suite or junior suit.

Benefits of Pinnacle Club include a dedicated check in, private lounge bar onboard many ships, gifts and discounts.

Every cruise line has an online planner app booking system to plan activities, show and dining. However there is also a daily planner with all onboard activities. This is usually get left in your cabin every night.

P&O is a cruise line owned by the Carnival Corporation, they have 7 cruise ships in total including Arvia which launches in 2022. The brand P&O is mostly aimed at a British audience but sail worldwide.

Ponant Cruise

Ponant is a French cruise line. It was founded in April 1988 by Philippe Videau, Jean-Emmanuel Sauvé, and other officers of the French Merchant Navy and launched the first French cruise ship. The ships are smaller and more intimate offering a luxury experience.

Is a cruise line that offers a refined relaxed service. The cruises are great quality, offering delicious food and surroundings. Princess have Princess Cruises have 15 cruise ships as of 2022 after selling 5 during the 2021,22.

Princess Patter

The Princess Patter is the daily news onboard Princess Cruise Ships. This is left in you cabin every night during turn down and tells you everything you need to know about what’s going on onboard the next day.

A policy is a set of guidelines a cruise lines works towards and follows, these are usually set in stone and linked to a law or just a rule a cruise line aims to keep to maintain standards.

Cruise ships have several types of pools, check your ship for pool info on your sailing. However larger ships often have family and kids pools with slides and splash areas. A main pool for sunbathers, where all the fun and music happens. And an adult only pool or spa pool for child free chill time. Some larger ships have pools in the suite areas too.

A port is a maritime facility that has one or more wharves where ships can dock to load cargo and let passengers embark and disembark.

Marseille Cruise Port in France

A porthole is a window in a circular window on the hull of a ship. An outside cabin has a porthole

The port side is the side of the vessel which is to the left of the ship when facing forward towards the direction the ship is travelling.

Port Charges

These are charges are the fees that shipping operators and their customers pay to port authorities for the use of the port’s facilities and services. 

Port Of Call

A port of call is a port that a cruise ship is stops at on an itinerary.

A Porter is someone that transports and handles luggage on and off of a cruise ship.

A programme is a schedule of events for passengers set out by a cruise line often called a planner

A promenade deck on a cruise ship is an outdoor walkway that circles the ship. It is also sometimes referred to as the promenade that runs in the centre of a ship from bow to stern where shops and Restaurant are.

Prepaid gratuities 

Prepaid gratuities are tips that have been paid by the cruise line as special offer for you . Meaning you will not you be charged for tips. 

Private Island

A private island is an island owned privately by a cruise line to be used by its passengers.

luxury cruise words

A pub is a public house that serves beer. Many cruise ships have a pub.

A ship’s purser is the person on a ship who is responsible for the handling of money and accounts on board.

Cruise Glossary Q

Quadrant Australia is a specialist travel company offering group tours and travel services in the Australian and international marketplace.

A quay is a stone or metal platform lying alongside or into the into water for loading and unloading ships.

Cruise Glossary R

Radiance of the seas.

A Royal Caribbean Ship, Radiance of the Seas was launched in 2001, holds 2466 passengers and has a crew of 894.

Refurbishment

Cruise ships are renovated and updated all the time, some are just minor mechanical updates, whilst some are huge overhauls.

Repositioning cruise 

Repositioning cruises are where a ship relocates from one continent to another. This usually happens when ships move for a new season. Repositioning cruises can be really good value but have more sea days as they cross between continents.

Rhine River Cruise

A Rhine River cruise takes you through central Europe, where you will get to visit cities in Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands.

Rhone River Cruise

A Rhone River Cruise will take you through the heart of France down to the South of France and depending on your route can take in Paris, Burgundy and Provence.

River Cruise 

River cruises sail down rivers on smaller ships. Because rivers are smaller, river boats are ships are smaller. However many still maintain a feel of opulence and quality. You will find River Cruising brings you into the heart of cities and towns, many of which will be walking distance. They are much more intimate affairs, many offering free tours and other extras.

Riviera Cruises Travel

Riviera Cruises are a UK based cruise travel brand offering options to River Cruise, Expedition Cruising and Yacht worldwide.

Royal Caribbean 

A cruise line offering fun multigenerational cruising with an upscale feel. Royal Caribbean offer possibly some of the best entertainment at sea with dining options and chill out child free areas too.

Royal Suite 

The Royal Suite is generally one of the best suites on offer on a cruise ships. Booking a Royal Suite also offers other benefits such a butler or concierge, free drinks packages dedicated dining and bars for suite guests only.

Royal Caribbean sometimes offer the opportunity to bit for an upgraded cabin before your cruise. The bids are for the first 2 people in the cabin, this is by invitation only. If you are fortunate enough to win a bit upgrade to suite class, you get to enjoy all the perks of suite cruising but will not get the double booking points perk.

Cruise Glossary S

Sail date .

You sail date is the date your cruise sets sail. This is the day you have booked your cruise to start, you. usually have to pay your final bill 12 weeks before, but final payment date can vary.

Sailaway Party 

A sailaway is a party traditionally on the top decks around the lido deck. The Sailaway party happens as a ship leaves port and sails out to sea. This is traditionally on the first sailaway of a cruise. However some cruise lines do it for every sailaway.

Saone River Cruise

 The Saone runs southwest of Épinal in the Vosges Mountains of eastern France to meet the Rhône at Lyon. There is a 233 mile navigable portion of the Saone with 30 locks, which is linked through canals to the Loire, Rhine, Seine and Marne Rivers.

Saga River Cruises

Saga River Cruises are a River Cruise company aimed at the over 50s, offering river cruises with chauffeur pickups, all inclusive packages and fine dining.

The Sea is an expanse of water between the Ocean and land, there are seven seas in the world.

A Sea Bands is a knitted elasticated wristband that works because of a plastic knob sewn into the side of the inside of the wrist-band which put pressure and on an acupressure point. It is said that pressure on this point relieves seasickness, nausea and vomiting.

Seine River Cruise

A Seine river cruise is a river cruise along the Siene river in France

Scenic Luxury Cruises And Tours 

A luxury all inclusive river cruise company who offer sailings luxury

Scenic Sun Lounge System

Scenic Sun Lounge System is a Scenic cruises balcony. The Scenic Sun Lounge’ system transforms your balcony into an all-weather conservatory style space.

Serenade Of The Seas

Serenade of the Seas is a Radiance class cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International. She was completed in 2003

Shipping Lane

A shipping lane is a sea lane or a sea road. A shipping lane is a regularly used navigable route for large water vessels. Shipping lanes are seen on wide waterways such as oceans, seas, rivers and large lakes.

A ship tour is a tour of the cruise ship. These are often given on special occasions such as moving up a loyalty teir.

Shuttle bus

A shuttle bus is a passenger bus that operates between the cruise terminal and the port entance.

Silent Disco

Many cruise ships have silent discos as entertainment on the ship. Dancers wear headphones and can choose which music

Shore Excursion 

A shore excursion is an organised trip ashore. These are organised by the cruiseline and you are fully escorted at all times and usually go on a coach

Barcelona Instagram Photo

Most cruise ships have a Spa area. In the Spa area you can have beauty treatments or use the water spas facilities

Splashaway Bay

Splashaway bay is the kid friendly water themed splash park on Royal Caribbean ships

Kids Splashaway Bay on Independence of the Seas.

Splash Park 

A Splash park is the kid friendly water themed splash park on top deck of a ship

Specialty Restaurants 

Specialty restaurants  are restaurants that are an extra charge. These are normally different themed restaurants and cuiseines.

Stabilisers 

Ship stabilisers are fins or rotors mounted beneath the waterline on a cruise ship hull. They are used to reduce the ship’s roll due in wind or waves. The fins are controlled by a gyroscopic control system

Starboard 

The Starboard side is the side of the vessel which is to the right of the ship when facing forward towards the direction the ship is travelling.

Stateroom 

A stateroom is another word for your cabin or room on a cruise ship .

Family Balcony Cabins Onboard Norwegian Encore

Stern 

The rear of a boat is called the stern.

Steward 

A Ship’s Steward is a person who in charge of organizing and preparing dinner arrangements on a ship

What is a suite? A suite is an extra large room on a cruise ship. It is normally a luxury or top tier cabin. Guests staying in a suite normally receive extra special facilities such separate restaurants and pool area, butler service and priority boarding.

Symphony of the Seas 

Symphony of the Seas is an Oasis class cruise ship owned and operated by Royal Caribbean International. She was built in 2018 and is one of the largest ships in the world

Cruise Glossary T

Taxes on a cruise can have many meaning, some ports charge additional tax on drinks and purchases. Be aware that services and products may have taxes on.

Teeming River Cruises

A river cruise company based in Florida offering affordable river cruises in Europe and Africa. The ships are more basic but offer an affordable option.

Tender  

A tender is when a cruise ship docks out at sea and send passengers into port on the lifeboats. This is usually when ports don’t want to overburden with ships ort the ship is too large for smaller ports. Tenders can sometimes take a little longer, however sometimes you can book slots or times.

Tauck River Cruises

A river cruise line offering high end River Cruises who claim to offer lots of extras for a more luxury intimate experience.

Also otherwise known as gratuities, many cruise lines charge tips up front. Tips are charged per person, per cabin this covers gratuities for cabin stewards, restaurant and waiting staff. However bars and speciality dining venues also charge tips on top of this. You can choose to remove tips from your booking and tip staff individually. However you can also choose to reward outstanding service on top of the. standard tipping rate.

The Perfect Storm (Slide)

The Perfect Storm is a combination of 3 action packed waterslides known as Typhoon, Cyclone and Supercell. These create the next level of pool fun for all thrill seeking members of the family.

Themed Cruise 

Many cruise lines offer themed cruises with special speakers and artists. These range from theatre cruise, 80s, craft and scrapbooking and comedy cruises. There are so many options to suit many enthusiasts.

Transfer 

A transfer if arranging transport from your ship to a port, hotel or airport. There are many types of transfers. Some ports put on transfers to get cruisers into town, or in cargo ports ships sometimes provide free transfers in. However you can also book private transfers and taxis or seats on buses.

Tonnage 

Tonnage is the weight of a cruise ship, this is used to measure a cruise ship and indicates the size of a cruise ship.

Towel Animal 

Some cruise lines make animals out of your towel to leave in the cabin when they turn it down at night. This is not as common as it used to be, which is a shame as it’s a great touch.

Cruise glossary T Towel Animal on Navigator of the Seas

Transatlantic 

A term for cruises sailing across the Atlantic Ocean between Europe and the US, these cruise can be anything from 6 night on Cunard with no stops to 16 with stops at European and Caribbean ports. Transatlantic cruises are often great value, however do have more sea days.

Turn Down Service 

A turndown service is where your cruise cabin attendant prepares you room for the evening. This included turning down the bed, making up sofa or fold down beds and refreshing towels.

Turnaround Day

Turnaround day is the day that passengers disembark and new passenger’s board. Crew spend the day moving luggage on and off of the ship and cleaning cabins for new guests

Cruise Glossary U

Words beginning with U in cruise glossary

An upgrade to your room is often offered free in certain circumstances such as sailing in low demand or booking a free upgrade promotion

Uniworld river cruises 

Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is a river cruise company located in Los Angeles, California. The company operates a fleet of 21 river cruising cruise ships which operate along the rivers of Europe.

Ultimate Abyss

The Ultimate Abyss is a slide on the Oasis class ships of Royal Caribbean. It is 10 stories high and 150 feet above sea level. The Ultimate Abyss on Oasis Class ships is the tallest slide at sea and ends on the boardwalk.

Symphony of The Seas teens guide , Huge abyss slide

Cruise Glossary V

Vantage deluxe world travel .

Vantage Deluxe World Travel is a cruise company in Boston, Massachusetts. It operates Expedition Cruises as well as Small Ship Ocean Cruises and River Cruises.

A veranda is an extension of your stateroom or cabin that is outside and exposed to the sea. You can open the door to the cabin and step out to the veranda which the area which is encapsulated by a balcony

Virtuosa is a ship in the MSC cruise line

VIFP club 

VIFP club is Celebrity Cruises loyalty programme which stands for Very Important Fun Person Club.

Virtual balcony

A virtual balcony is a cabin with a virtual balcony view. On Royal Caribbean 80-inch high-definition screens are inside the interior staterooms with real time views of the ocean.

Viking cruises

Viking is a river cruise company with operations in Basel, Switzerland and marketing headquarters in Los Angeles, California.

A Voyage is to travel from one destination to another for example on a cruise

Cruise Glossary W

The wake is the area of moving water that is propelled from the stern (rear) of the ship. Caused by the flow of water displacement as the ship moves.

Wave Season

Wave season is a busy booking period of around three months from January 1 to March 31 when cruise lines and travel agents normally book the largest number of cruise holidays or vacations.

Weight Restriction

Weight restrictions are usually in place on certain activities on a cruise ship such as slides or rides 

Windward 

The Windward Passage is a strait of sea in the Caribbean Sea which lies between the islands of Cuba and Hispaniola. 

Wonderland 

Wonderland is a Alice in wonderland style specialty restaurant on Royal Caribbean Oasis class ships.

Have you tried a Royal Caribbean speciality restaurant? Royal Caribbeans Wonderland restaurant is a totally different  concept in dining on a cruise. The Wonderland speciality restaurant is a take on Alices adventures in a toasty turvy world and is aimed at people of all ages including children. The whole atmosphere is magical from start to finish. From the moment you venture down the rabbit hole, you will experience a complete new world. What is real? and what is imagined?

Cruise Glossary X

Cruise glossary y.

Yacht club is MSC’s luxury ship within a ship experience with suites and private dining areas just for Yacht club guests. These cabins also have butlers and priority boarding.

Butler serving Ice cream on MSC Yacht Club One Pool on Bellissima

Cruise Glossary Z

Many cruise lines have zip lines on deck such as Royal Caribbean’s oasis class ships. 

Zodiac 

Zodiac are a boat range known and recognized by professional experts as a famous rigid inflatable boat. These Zodiac inflatable boats are used in over 90 countries worldwide.

Thank you for reading our cruise glossary

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Donna and Sarah ( Cruising For All ) Sarah Christie and Donna Vallance are experienced travel writers and cruise enthusiasts specializing in cruising. They are passionate about exploring new destinations and have dedicated themselves to sharing their knowledge and insights with fellow travellers. They provide valuable information, tips, and recommendations for all cruisers. They strive to make cruising accessible and enjoyable for everyone, regardless of their interests, budgets, or accessibility needs. Their articles and reviews are well-researched, comprehensive, and written to help readers make informed decisions and have unforgettable cruise adventures.

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scenic luxury cruises and tours veranda luxury cruise lines

10 Luxury Cruise Lines That Will Make You Want to Ditch Plane Travel Forever

Explore cruise lines that embody the VERANDA spirit, offering luxury and well-appointed design around every corner.

silversea veranda luxury cruise lines

Silversea is the “jewel in the crown” of the Royal Caribbean Group, not to mention the original luxury cruise line, first entering the space in 1994. The company touts 12 all-inclusive ships with destinations all over the world. Whether you want to explore the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe and the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to fit your fancy.

Speaking of fancy, the most luxurious cruise that Silversea offers is its 125-Day Chile to Norway sail, which rings up at $94,700. You don’t have to invest that much to enjoy a Silversea cruise, though. No matter which type of suite you book, you can expect butler service, optional 24/7 in-suite dining, endless access to premium beverages and craft cocktails, and complimentary caviar around the clock.

Paul Gauguin

paul gauguin cruises veranda luxury cruise lines

Paul Gaugin stands out for its single-ship escapade into the luxury cruise space. With a variety of cruises that explore French Polynesia and the South Pacific, Paul Gauguin is a small-ship cruise line with 7-, 10-, 11-, and 14-night itineraries that focus on intimate experiences, delectable cuisine, stunning stateroom balcony views, butler service, and more. With a 1:1.5 crew-to-guest ratio, you can rest assured knowing that all of your needs will be met aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin.

Explore Paul Gauguin Cruises

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

scenic luxury cruises and tours veranda luxury cruise lines

Scenic is unique in that it not only offers luxury ocean cruises but river cruises, too. The brand prides itself on operating and innovating with guest experience in mind. As such, all of its cruises have so much to offer voyagers, from extensive dining, leisure, and wellness options to striking design elements that will make you want to stay aboard for much longer than your itinerary.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours has nine ships with oceanic destinations spanning from the Arctic and Europe to the Caribbean and Australia. Meanwhile, if you find yourself in France, you may want to check out Scenic’s beloved river cruises, in which you can tour the Seine in the utmost style.

Explore Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

ponant veranda luxury cruise lines

Ponant has a fleet of 13 luxury cruise ships with destinations dotting the globe. The award-winning French cruise line is beloved for its tailor-made voyages, in which guests have access to myriad bespoke experiences both on and off board, from in-room dining to once-in-a-lifetime immersive excursions.

Since Ponant ships offer smaller capacity—more akin to a private yacht experience—they’re able to navigate private ports and preserved locations that large-scale cruise ships are unable to access. While aboard Ponant’s all-inclusive ships, you can anticipate exceptional French cuisine, delicious fine wines, complimentary Champagne and spirits, room service, and more.

Of course, if you need further inspiration to look into the cruise line, perhaps the fact that three-mast yacht, Le Ponant, is part of the Relais & Châteaux portfolio will do the trick.

Explore Ponant Cruises

crystal cruises veranda luxury cruise lines

Crystal is renowned for its personalized voyages all over the world, not to mention its palatial suites that will leave you picking your jaw up off the floor. In addition to well-appointed design, the cruise line offers an impressive dining experience, with authentic cuisines from all over the world. So whether you’re in the mood for American, Italian, Peruvian, or Japanese food, you’ll have ample options to choose from.

It’s also worth mentioning that the luxury cruise line took it to the next level with its spa, Aurora Spa. The gorgeous, sea-view spa offers a variety of face, body, salon, and healing treatments, including massages, facials, acupuncture, Chinese herbal medicine, and even IV drip therapy—so you won’t have to worry about feeling hung over at sea (especially considering the cruise line offers complimentary Champagne, fine wines, and premium spirits).

Explore Crystal

Windstar Cruises

windstar cruises veranda luxury cruise lines

Windstar Cruises operates a six-ship fleet dedicated to extraordinary sailing experiences. With small ships that carry less than 350 passengers, Windstar prides itself on offering guests intimate, aesthetic, unforgettable voyages spanning from Asia and Australia to Italy and Iceland.

While the staterooms and suites are stunning and the shore excursions are aplenty, it’s the food that really stands out aboard Windstar. As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar offers a number of themed culinary cruises with food and bev from some of the most notable chefs of today, including Maxime Bilet (The Cooking Lab) and Jose Mendin (Pubbelly Noodle Bar, Habitat, Baja Bao).

Explore Windstar Cruises

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

the ritz carlton yacht collection veranda luxury cruise lines

The Ritz-Carlton is synonymous with luxury, so it’s no surprise that the company extended into oceanic adventures with a fleet of three superyachts. Where the Evrima was built in 2021, the Ilma and Luminara yachts are forthcoming in 2024 and 2025.

While classic cruise lines have a capacity in the thousands, often edging upward of 4,000, the Ritz-Carlton superyachts offer a more curated experience to 500 passengers or less. From the outside, the yachts are sleek and serene, fitting in beautifully with the sea. Within Evrima’s walls, though, moody modern interiors with magnificent ocean views await.

Guests can look forward to soaking tubs, expansive private balconies complete with sun beds and a whirlpool, walk-in wardrobes, and more. As far as destinations are concerned, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection embarks on oceanic adventures in the Mediterranean and Caribbean.

Explore The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Cruises

seabourn veranda luxury cruise lines

Seabourn is a luxury cruise line that speaks to our soul—and for more reasons than the simple fact that it touts a “Veranda Suite Upgrade.” The luxury cruise line sets sail in the Arctic, Canada and New England, the Amazon, Arabia, Africa, and India, and more.

Each of the fleet’s yachts, which carry between 458 and 600 guests, is outfitted with ocean-view suites only, so no matter what excursion you book, you can anticipate traveling in luxury style with a picturesque backdrop. You can also look forward to mouth-watering cuisine courtesy of renowned chef Thomas Keller.

Explore Seabourn Cruises

cunard veranda luxury cruise lines

Cunard is known for its iconic black funnels, yes, but more so for its unparalleled large-scale onboard experiences. Although each of the cruise line’s ships carries upwards of 1,500 passengers, the four-ship fleet is adored for its luxury itineraries, stylish design, tranquil spa offerings, delectable cuisine, and unmatched comfort at sea.

Truly, if your goal is to book an unforgettable, Instagram-worthy cruise, Cunard is the way to go. From the stunning suites (decked out in pops of rich color, sumptuous textiles, and spectacular lighting) to the picturesque destinations, Cunard has it all.

Explore Cunard Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

regent seven seas cruises veranda luxury cruise lines

If you want to get the most bang for your buck when booking a luxury cruise, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is a prime pick. The all-inclusive cruise line crafts a new definition of the category with complimentary roundtrip airfare, free unlimited shore excursions, include 2- to 3-night land programs, on-the-house bar and lounge experiences, and more.

The six-fleet cruise line is also known for its gorgeous interiors, complete with modern aesthetics, Art Deco embellishments, stunning chandeliers, and more. When traveling with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, guests can traverse the seven seas, with destinations in Africa and Arabia, Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Caribbean and more. And if you don’t want to pick a single destination, there’s always the option to book a grand voyage or world cruise, which can last up to 168 days and cost upwards of $100,000.

Explore Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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The Definition of a Luxury Cruise

The title of this article might seem like the slogan of a luxury cruise line, perhaps appearing in a context such as this: Eternity Cruises, the definition of a luxury cruise. (Eternity Cruises is not actually a company – it just sounds like the type of name a luxury cruise line might have.) However, we are after the literal definition of “luxury cruise.” What exactly qualifies a cruise as “luxurious?” Is there any reason for a non-luxury cruise line to pretend as if it is a luxury cruise line? What, in short, is a luxury cruise?

Diving into the definition of “luxury” might seem like a mere semantic exercise of little importance. While we concede this is a semantic exercise – what else could defining a word be? – we don’t believe it’s of little importance for at least two reasons. The first is broad and philosophical: words matter, and language is good and beautiful essentially to the extent that it is precise and meaningful. When a word can mean everything, it ceases to mean anything. (The inverse of this phrase is also true, a point we made in connection to the quite different matter of the definition of a worm on our website devoted to worms.) The second reason we think the definition of a luxury cruise is important is because it will probably influence your cruise vacation decisions. A company that calls itself a luxury cruise line may draw you to it because of the first-rate service it claims to have or it might repel you because you think you can’t afford to take one. In either case, it’s good to know what constitutes a luxury cruise.

That said, is there really any way to definitively declare one cruise line luxurious and another not? Definitively, probably not, but fortunately cruise lines, or at least the major cruise lines, have a fairly strong incentive to accurately categorize themselves for reasons related to what has already been said; there is little reason to deceive people about the nature of the cruise they are taking. All the major luxury cruise lines – Silversea Cruises , Oceania Cruises , Regent Seven Seas Cruises , Seabourn Cruise Line , and Azamara Club Cruises – go after a very small segment of the market. They tend to have smaller ships with fewer rooms and they cost a lot more to book than regular cruises. They are clearly targeting themselves to elite individuals (financially speaking) who want a high-end cruise experience and can afford it. A luxury cruise is an expensive cruise. So, luxury cruise lines aren’t afraid to attach what is essentially a synonym for “expensive” to their cruise offerings – the people they are going after are prepared to pay these higher prices. For this same reason, “regular” cruise lines wouldn’t want to pretend their cruises are luxury cruises. They are offering a different product to different people.

As a final, related point, it is also basically impossible to deceive people about the nature of the cruises they are taking because they’ll obviously be aware of the price of the cruise they are taking, and they’ll also almost certainly be aware of what other cruises cost. If a cruise line is charging twice as much as most other companies, they better be offering a vastly superior experience – one that is highly personalized and involves fine dining experiences, upscale spa treatments, and similar such things. Often luxury cruise lines also offer many things for free. (Regent Seven Seas Cruises, for instance, is almost entirely all-inclusive.) If they do not offer this sort of experience, word will get out and no one will cruise with them again. So, once more, there is really no reason for a cruise line to deceptively market itself as a luxury cruise line.

So, the definition of a luxury cruise is basically “any cruise offered by a self-declared luxury cruise line.” The issue becomes a little more nebulous when dealing with companies that describe themselves in a way that implies a luxury cruise experience – they might say something like “you’ll feel pampered from the moment you step on board” – but never actually use the word “luxury.” In these instances, a company is probably avoiding the word on purpose, meaning that they do not think of themselves as a luxury cruise line. Basically, luxury cruise lines are one thing and regular cruise lines are another, and neither party has a clear motivation to blur the distinction between the two categories.

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World's Best Luxury Cruise Lines, Ranked

Azamara Club Cruises

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

Oceania

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

Oceania Cruises pool deck

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

Customer on 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

Sagrada Familia in Barcelona

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

Silversea Cruises

Year founded:  1994

Headquarters:   Fontvieille, Monaco

Number of destinations:  900

Bottom Line: Silversea Cruises

Silversea interior

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

Silversea passenger

"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

Hubbard Glacier

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

Crystal Cruises

Year founded:  1988

Headquarters:  Los Angeles, California

Number of destinations:  1,000

Bottom Line: Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises room

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

Passenger 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

Moai at Easter Island Chile

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

Azamara Club Cruises

Year founded:  2007

Number of destinations:  260

Bottom Line: Azamara Club Cruises

Azamara cruise at night

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

Azamara entertainment

"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

Cape Town, South Africa

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

Regent Seven Seas

Year founded:  1992

Number of destinations:  450

Bottom Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent lounge

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

Regent passenger

"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

Lagoon in Curacao

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

Seabourn Cruise Line

Year founded:  1986

Headquarters:  Seattle, Washington

Number of destinations:  464

Bottom Line: Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn lounge

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

Seabourn expeditions

"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

Sydney

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

Viking Ocean Cruises

Year founded:  1997

Number of destinations:  200

Bottom Line: Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking cruise ship interior

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

Yoga on Viking cruise

"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

Aurora borealis in Scandinavia

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.

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.

Read Best Cruises Methodology

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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

luxury cruise words

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
  • 5 Ships in Fleet

luxury cruise words

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

luxury cruise words

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

luxury cruise words

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

luxury cruise words

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
  • 4 Ships in Fleet

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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9 of the world's most luxurious cruise ships

Published 12th April 2023 in Cruise Advice By Alex Loizou /cruise-news/cruise-advice/worlds-most-luxurious-cruise-ships

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The idea that there is such a thing as 'the world's most luxurious cruise ship' is a little problematic, not least because the definition of 'luxury' is so subjective. Read on to discover the world's most luxurious cruise ships.

On top of this you have the many different types of cruising to consider: there are classic ocean cruise ships, but also river and expedition cruise ships, along with ships that specialise in specific destinations, and there is huge variation in the size of these ships. At Mundy Cruising we firmly believe that a smaller ship offers a more luxurious experience, and while there are many superb vessels that fit into this 'small ship' category, there are a few that really stand out as contenders for the title of 'world's most luxurious'…

Most luxurious décor: Seven Seas Explorer & Seven Seas Splendor

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor have been the subject of not just one but three TV documentary series, starring in 'Building the World's Most Luxurious Cruise Ship', 'The World's Most Expensive Christmas Cruise' and 'Secrets of the World's Most Expensive Cruise Ship'. The 750-guest Seven Seas Explorer , which launched in 2015, and sister ship Seven Seas Splendor , which followed in 2020, both offer the perfect balance of space and intimacy.

Regent Seven Seas Splendor - Pool deck

Guestrooms are large and lavish, ranging from a generous entry-level 300 square feet to the extraordinary Regent Suite, which clocks in at over 4,000 square feet on Splendor and includes your own bar, in-suite spa and Steinway piano. All suites open onto a private balcony, a concept that Regent pioneered with the Seven Seas Mariner in 2001, the world's first all-balcony ship. There are plenty of dining choices, with specialty restaurants offering superb food in stylish surroundings, and the all-inclusive fares are the most inclusive of all any luxury line, with even your shore excursions included in the price.

Regent Seven Seas Explorer - Regent Suite bar

Most luxurious according to the critics: Europa 2

The launch of the 500-guest Europa 2 in 2013 was eagerly anticipated by those in the know, as it marked German cruise line Hapag-Lloyd's entry into the international market. At the time of launch the original 400-guest Europa had the highest rating of any ship in the noted Berlitz Guide in 2020, so the bar was high, but for once the sequel was even better than the original.

most-luxurious-cruise-ships

Europa 2 brings a fresh and contemporary look to cruising, with light-filled public spaces, elegant suites (all with balcony), and an inviting combination of blonde woods and muted earthy tones, the definition of 'Scandi chic'. It's no surprise that Europa 2 has now usurped her predecessor, acclaimed by the Berlitz Guide 2020 as the best cruise ship in the world.

most-luxurious-cruise-ships

Most luxurious expedition ship: Scenic Eclipse

When Scenic revealed the specifications of Scenic Eclipse , their first discovery yacht, they ruffled a few cruise industry feathers. Many wondered how a ship of just 200 guests could offer so many dining choices (10 experiences across 7 venues), along with a spa, lounge, theatre, plus a submarine and two helicopters.

Scenic Eclipse in Valletta, Malta

When she finally launched in 2019 we were thrilled to see Scenic Eclipse deliver on all this and more, with all-balcony accommodation and a sleek and stylish interior that makes this ice-class expedition vessel just as suited to the yachting ports of the Mediterranean as the ice-filled bays of Antarctica. Sister ship Scenic Eclipse II has just been launched and builds on the technological advances of the original ship, with a new sun deck pool and a larger submarine.

most-luxurious-cruise-ships

Most luxurious icebreaker: Le Commandant Charcot

Very few ships can truly reach the ends of the earth, but Ponant's icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot is no ordinary ship, able to reach the geographic North Pole and parts of Antarctica that are way beyond the reach of other expedition ships. Until now, the only passenger vessel regularly offering such remote expeditions was the formidable Russian nuclear icebreaker 50 Years of Victory, but the hybrid LNG/electric-powered Le Commandant Charcot brings a new level of luxury to polar travel.

most-luxurious-cruise-ships

The ship's high-tech features go well beyond the propulsion system, and there is even a scientific research laboratory on board. The ship's 270 lucky guests can enjoy French culinary flair, spacious guestrooms with private balconies, indoor and outdoor pools, a wellness area, fitness centre and even a winter garden. This promises to be the most exciting addition yet to the Ponant fleet.

Ponant - Le Commandant Charcot - Blue Lagoon pool

Most luxurious in the Galapagos: Silver Origin

To cruise in the Galapagos, ships quite rightly have to abide by the stringent policies set by the Ecuadorian government to preserve this incredible habitat. Guest numbers are capped at 100 and ships are restricted to operating solely around the Galapagos, and until recently you had to choose from a selection of older vessels and ships that have been converted to operate here. Then came the introduction of Silver Origin , Silversea's stunning ship purpose-built for this unique environment.

Silver Origin - Royal Suite bedroom

This intimate 100-guest ship is supremely comfortable, with all balcony accommodation, plenty of deck space, two restaurants, outdoor whirlpool, observation lounge with a well-stocked library and a fitness centre with panoramic views. As well as the extensive shore programme and onboard lectures there's the chance to learn more about the archipelago's flora and fauna at the Basecamp, with its amazing interactive wall. In the evening you can enjoy socialising over cocktails at the Explorer Lounge, and cosy up around the outdoor firepit after dinner.

Silver Origin - Marina and Zodiac

Most luxurious river cruise ships: Riverside Luxury Cruises' Riverside Mozart

After the collapse of Crystal Cruises in 2022, German owned hospitality brand Seaside Collection acquired all of Crystal's river ships and have joined the river cruising industry as Riverside Luxury Cruises. The refurbished Riverside Mozart, as well as Riverside Debussy and Riverside Ravel - stand out as something a little different than other ships in the river cruise industry.

most-luxurious-cruise-ships

Riverside Luxury Cruises have maintained Crystal's genuinely open seating dining, Michelin-inspired cuisine, alternative casual dining in the Bistro and Marketplace, excellent crew-to-guest ratios and spacious accommodation, with most suites offering floor-to-ceiling balcony windows allowing natural light to flood in. Mozart's wraparound deck around the entire ship is a particular stand out. Other spaces on board include the exclusive Vintage Room for private dining, plenty of outdoor deck space with comfortable loungers, an indoor swimming pool in the spa and, on Riverside Mozart, barbecues on the upper deck alongside a pop-up bar.

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Most luxurious fleet: Seabourn

Seabourn currently operate the most modern fleet of all the classic ultra-luxury cruise lines, and we particularly love Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation .

Seabourn Encore - Pool deck

Building on the successful Seabourn style and sophistication that makes their three 'Odyssey class' ships so popular, these slightly larger vessels have interiors by designer Adam D Tihany and a speciality restaurant in collaboration with Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, which you'll find across the fleet. On the top deck you'll find The Retreat, where 15 private cabanas, each with flat screen TVs and a refrigerator stocked with a personalised selection of beverages, surround a central whirlpool.

Seabourn Ovation - Wintergarden Suite

Alex is Director of Sales & Marketing at Mundy Cruising, having worked with the company for 10 years and in travel for over 18 years. Most recently he's cruised on Regent Seven Seas and has also sailed with Seabourn, Crystal, SeaDream, Tauck and Ponant. His favourite destination is South America however he's also enjoyed cruises in the Western Mediterranean, Middle East, East Africa & Indian Ocean, India, Myanmar, South East Asia and Antarctica. When he’s not travelling he loves walking holidays; a favourite included a trek to Everest Base Camp.

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Luxury Words

Words related to luxury.

Below is a massive list of luxury words - that is, words related to luxury. The top 4 are: premium , opulence , elegant and luxury . You can get the definition(s) of a word in the list below by tapping the question-mark icon next to it. The words at the top of the list are the ones most associated with luxury, and as you go down the relatedness becomes more slight. By default, the words are sorted by relevance/relatedness, but you can also get the most common luxury terms by using the menu below, and there's also the option to sort the words alphabetically so you can get luxury words starting with a particular letter. You can also filter the word list so it only shows words that are also related to another word of your choosing. So for example, you could enter "premium" and click "filter", and it'd give you words that are related to luxury and premium.

You can highlight the terms by the frequency with which they occur in the written English language using the menu below. The frequency data is extracted from the English Wikipedia corpus, and updated regularly. If you just care about the words' direct semantic similarity to luxury, then there's probably no need for this.

There are already a bunch of websites on the net that help you find synonyms for various words, but only a handful that help you find related , or even loosely associated words. So although you might see some synonyms of luxury in the list below, many of the words below will have other relationships with luxury - you could see a word with the exact opposite meaning in the word list, for example. So it's the sort of list that would be useful for helping you build a luxury vocabulary list, or just a general luxury word list for whatever purpose, but it's not necessarily going to be useful if you're looking for words that mean the same thing as luxury (though it still might be handy for that).

If you're looking for names related to luxury (e.g. business names, or pet names), this page might help you come up with ideas. The results below obviously aren't all going to be applicable for the actual name of your pet/blog/startup/etc., but hopefully they get your mind working and help you see the links between various concepts. If your pet/blog/etc. has something to do with luxury, then it's obviously a good idea to use concepts or words to do with luxury.

If you don't find what you're looking for in the list below, or if there's some sort of bug and it's not displaying luxury related words, please send me feedback using this page. Thanks for using the site - I hope it is useful to you! 🐥

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  • rolls royce phantom
  • amelioration
  • have it easy
  • lamborghini
  • something sweet
  • delicious food
  • become rich
  • peace on earth
  • good spouse
  • happy marriage
  • big paycheck
  • fast internet connection
  • affectionate relationship
  • enough to eat
  • be well receive
  • good teacher
  • take vacation
  • spell checker
  • pat on back
  • good memory
  • strong body
  • positive reinforcement
  • be independent
  • watch sport
  • digital good
  • good education
  • be recognize
  • ostentatiousness
  • summerhouses
  • individualisation
  • bargain basement
  • upwardly mobile
  • nouveau riche
  • conspicuous consumption
  • creature comforts
  • convenience
  • fractional ownership
  • automobiles
  • unnecessary
  • fully furnished
  • condominium
  • diamond jewelery
  • recreational
  • luxury sedan
  • discretionary
  • rolex watches
  • plasma televisions
  • opportunity
  • exclusivity
  • designer handbags
  • saintliness
  • self-indulgence
  • expensiveness
  • serviced apartments
  • desirability
  • fashionable
  • condominiums
  • restaurants
  • leathergoods
  • accessories
  • destination
  • accommodations
  • inexpensive
  • attractions
  • dealerships
  • quality of life
  • leather seat
  • good fortune
  • goody goody
  • self gratification
  • capital good
  • finish good
  • smooth sail
  • lot of money
  • green thumb
  • indoor plumb
  • pay off debt
  • good conversation
  • more information
  • warm weather
  • have good memory
  • acquire wealth
  • love each other
  • good taste food
  • love and respect
  • college degree
  • be celebrate
  • clear vision
  • sound sleep
  • be intelligent
  • good relationship
  • love relationship
  • clean cloth
  • logic and reason
  • touch each other
  • positive thing
  • good family
  • cool summer
  • conflict resolution
  • lot of window
  • sweet fruit
  • free refill
  • everlasting life
  • sense of purpose
  • purpose in life
  • make others happy
  • save environment
  • eat ripe apple
  • good salary
  • achieve enlightenment
  • feel important
  • fast computer
  • warm clothe
  • cable modem
  • financial security
  • make contribution
  • snow in winter
  • happy child
  • make more money
  • ice cream sundae
  • fame and fortune
  • self actualization
  • job security
  • strong relationship
  • go to france
  • fresh produce
  • status symbol
  • single malt scotch
  • french food
  • common good
  • good credit
  • time to relax
  • life forever
  • strong bone
  • love family
  • many different thing
  • beautiful day
  • see clearly
  • good night's sleep
  • good manner
  • watch good movie
  • fight good fight
  • run business
  • health insurance
  • perform well
  • ostentation
  • hospitality
  • spaciousness
  • spa treatments

That's about all the luxury related words we've got! I hope this list of luxury terms was useful to you in some way or another. The words down here at the bottom of the list will be in some way associated with luxury, but perhaps tenuously (if you've currenly got it sorted by relevance, that is). If you have any feedback for the site, please share it here , but please note this is only a hobby project, so I may not be able to make regular updates to the site. Have a nice day! 🐃

NBC 6 South Florida

From ultra-luxury to megaships, a look at all the ways to cruise in 2024

If you're new to cruising or have only been on a couple of caribbean adventures, you may not realize how many different types of cruises and ships there are, by kris anderson • published march 24, 2024 • updated on march 24, 2024 at 7:22 am.

If you live in South Florida you've no doubt seen cruise ships docked or out on the open seas, heading to or coming from somewhere nearby or far away.

And if you're new to cruising or have only been on a couple of Caribbean adventures, you may not realize how many different types of cruises and ships there are.

From huge ships like the Icon of the Seas that can hold up to 7,600 passengers to smaller luxury vessesl with fewer than 100 passengers on board, and from heading up and down Florida's coast to across the world, the types of ships and destinations are nearly limitless.

When many think of cruising, they might picture big beautiful ships that are resorts at sea, with thousands of passengers on board enjoying the food, drinks and entertainment.

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"For a lot of people that megaship experience is really what they’re looking for. This is the big cruise ships, you see them all the time out of South Florida," said Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of the Cruise Critic website.

From Carnival to Norwegian, MSC, Royal Caribbean, Princess, Disney, Celebrity, Holland America, Virgin and more, all of the major cruise lines are right in South Florida's backyard.

luxury cruise words

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Ken Muscat, the managing director of Scenic Group and someone who's worked in the cruise industry for 30 years, said that means more options for cruisers.

"I think that's one of the greatest things about the cruise industry. It's so diverse and there really is something for everybody," Muscat said.

Muscat said the bigger ships may have more appeal for a wider range of travelers.

"I think the big ships are catered best towards multigenerational travel," Muscat said. "You've got families, you've got the grandparents that are coming along from both sets of parents, you've got the young kids and these big ships offer so many different alternatives for everybody."

He also said the smaller ships have something to offer as well.

"Now, we're also seeing this trend of smaller ships and new brands that are coming into the industry that are offering these ultra luxury or very premium kind of products," Muscat said.

McDaniel agreed.

"They are very inclusive. The service is top notch, and the dining is excellent," she said. "These small ships can take you to more remote places around the world, smaller ports. So you’re going to see different places than you might see with some of these megaships."

Smaller ships might provide a sunset sailing into St. Barts or a stroll in the sand on Jost Van Dyke in the British Virgin Islands.

Companies like Scenic, Regent Seven Seas, Emerald, Ritz Carlton, Silversea and Explora Journeys offer these five-star sailings out of South Florida and other ports in the Caribbean, just a short plane ride away.

If you're up for a longer plane ride, you can venture on board a river cruise to explore the winding waterways of Asia and Europe.

"The food is wonderful, the wine is flowing. But every day you're in these small little ports," said Michelle Fee, CEO of Cruise Planners. "And you get to experience that by stepping off the ship and you're right in the little, quaint town."

And since there are two international airports in South Florida, there's another cool cruising option: expedition cruises.

These are bucket list trips with exotic, once-in-a-lifetime destinations.

"They typically will do longer cruises, world cruises, or visit places all over the Med[Mediterranean], Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galapagos, very exotic ports of call," Muscat said.

With more and more companies offering expedition excursions, these remote destinations are more accessible than ever before.

"I’m a firm believer that there is a cruise and a cruise ship for every single person on the planet," McDaniel said.

This article tagged under:

luxury cruise words

Synonyms of cruise

  • as in voyage
  • as in to roam
  • as in to flow
  • as in to sail
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Thesaurus Definition of cruise

 (Entry 1 of 2)

Synonyms & Similar Words

Thesaurus Definition of cruise  (Entry 2 of 2)

  • knock (about)
  • gad (about)
  • kick around
  • mill (about or around)

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

Thesaurus Entries Near cruise

cruelty-free

Cite this Entry

“Cruise.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cruise. Accessed 26 Mar. 2024.

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Nglish: Translation of cruise for Spanish Speakers

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Business Insider

Business Insider

I've been on 2 ultra-luxury cruise ships — endless caviar and free flights make the $685 per day worth it

Posted: March 26, 2024 | Last updated: March 26, 2024

<ul class="summary-list"><li><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/ultra-luxury-cruise-stateroom-not-favorite-regent-seven-seas-review-2023-12">Regent Seven Seas Cruises</a> recently launched a new ultra-luxury ship, the Seven Seas Grandeur.</li><li>To attract wealthy travelers, the cruise ship is filled with luxuries like caviar and a $6 million art collection.</li><li>Its 2024 itineraries, which range from $4,115 to $84,000 per person, are worth the price — if you can afford it. </li></ul><p>I vacationed how the "other half" vacations — aboard <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/new-luxury-cruise-ship-wealthy-travelers-regent-seven-seas-grandeur-2023-12">Regent Seven Seas Cruises' newest ship, the ultra-luxury Grandeur</a>.</p><p>Unfortunately, I loved it.</p><p>After three nights aboard the $525.4 million vessel during its non-revenue "christening" sailing, I now understand why <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/luxury-cruise-line-regent-its-longest-world-cruise-yet-2023-3">wealthy travelers are shelling out</a> over $4,000 for one week on the floating resort.</p><div class="read-original">Read the original article on <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/review-ultra-luxury-cruise-wealthy-travelers-regent-seven-seas-2023-12">Business Insider</a></div>

  • The cruise industry's  new ultra-luxury ships  could be worth the expensive fares.
  • Wealthy cruisers get high-end amenities like complimentary flights, caviar, and wine.
  • Luxury small-ship cruising has becoming increasingly popular. 

Say goodbye to questionable lunch buffets and tiny, windowless cabins. On ultra-luxury cruises , travelers get mountains of caviar, roundtrip business-class flights, and floating Rolex stores.

When you think of a cruise, you might picture the giant ships run by companies like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. On these family-friendly floating resorts, activities like go-kart tracks, waterparks, and virtual reality arcades are commonplace.

On smaller, more expensive cruises, these large and loud amenities are replaced with peace, quiet, and foie gras.

<p>However, many mass-market cruise companies are increasingly following the <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/cruise-industry-business-model-changing-bad-news-for-travelers-2023-4">budget airline model</a>: Charge a cheap fare and pile up plenty of irresistible pay-to-play amenities.</p><p>Travelers could easily accidentally blow past their budget by the end of the vacation.</p>

Cruises are generally considered an affordable vacation option, with necessities like food and a cabin included in the base fare.

However, many mass-market cruise companies are increasingly following the budget airline model : Charge a cheap fare and pile up plenty of irresistible pay-to-play amenities.

Travelers could easily accidentally blow past their budget by the end of the vacation.

<p>This includes crystal-infused water, a sauna, a steam room, and a hydrotherapy pool (as if the ship's four other pools weren't enough).</p>

But guests luxuriate on high-end cruises, many of which are all-inclusive and don't have this problem.

Sure, luxury cruises have a higher base fare. But you'll never have to reach for your wallet once on board.

That's about as stress-free as you can get with a vacation.

"I'd rather have a few empty beds and get the right guests at the right price," Michael Ungerer, CEO of MSC Group's new luxury cruise line , Explora Journeys, told Business Insider in 2023. "Most of [the amenities] are already included, so we don't have to upsell."

<p>From the coffee "store" to the many lounges with live entertainment, it's not hard to find pockets of space for yourself.</p><p>Or you could just sit in your suite's balcony with the pair of binoculars that come in every cabin.</p>

After going on two luxury cruise ships, I now understand why so many wealthy travelers are splurging on these vacations at sea.

In 2023, I spent one night on Explora Journeys' Explora I while it was docked in New York and three nights on Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Grandeur while it sailed roundtrip from Miami. Both were complimentary non-revenue events for travel agents and media.

Seven Seas Grandeur's least expensive 2024 cruise is a seven-night roundtrip Miami voyage in December, starting at $4,800 per person — about $685 per day. (Travelers can book their own flights and pre-cruise hotels for a discounted fare.)

Meanwhile, Explora I's most affordable itinerary is a $3,030-per-person, 10-night November sailing from Barcelona to Bridgetown, Barbados.

<p>On October 12, I spent one night in the Explora I as it was docked in New York City for its naming ceremony.</p>

Expensive? Yes. But on a cruise, money buys happiness.

On both ships, the fare includes complimentary bottles of Champagne, WiFi, endless alcoholic beverages, and access to the spa.

With Regent Seven Seas, pre-cruise hotels, every on board restaurant, flights to and from the ship (business class if international), and most excursions are also included.

<p>This includes an infinity pool overlooking the ocean and one under a retractable glass roof. The latter looks like a cruise <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/photos-my-first-cruise-10-years-celebrity-cruises-new-ship-2021-11#i-didnt-have-time-to-go-for-a-swim-but-i-could-definitely-picture-myself-lounging-around-the-multiple-pools-especially-the-adults-only-solarium-for-a-couple-of-hours-20">solarium</a>.</p>

Ironically, a higher price means a smaller ship.

The 922-guest Explora I stands at 813 feet and 63,900 gross-tons. The 746-guest Seven Seas Grandeur is smaller at 735 feet-long and 55,000 gross-tons.

To compare, Royal Caribbean's most popular and the world's largest cruise ship, the 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas , is a casual 1,196 feet long and 248,663 gross tons.

<p><span>But </span><a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/small-cruises-surprising-advantages-over-mega-ships-2023-10"><span>small ships</span></a><span> have two big benefits: exclusivity and the ability to fit in more desirable ports.</span></p><p><span>The Grandeur is scheduled to sail to destinations like Oranjestad, Aruba, and Castries, Saint Lucia, while Explora I is planned for Hawaii and Casablanca, Morocco.</span></p><p><span>Icon of the Seas is exclusively sailing in the Caribbean this year.</span></p>

We’ll likely never see Icon of the Seas’ waterslides and theme park amenities across Regent Seven Seas' or Explora’s fleet.

But small ships have two big benefits: exclusivity and the ability to fit in more desirable ports.

The Grandeur is scheduled to sail to destinations like Oranjestad, Aruba, and Castries, Saint Lucia, while Explora I is planned for Hawaii and Casablanca, Morocco.

Icon of the Seas is exclusively sailing in the Caribbean this year.

<p>Instead of arcades, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have cigar lounges.</p><p>Instead of a kid's playground, the latter has a quiet library.</p><p>Even the drinking water is better: No need to travel to Erewhon to sip on crystal-infused water. Just head to Explora I's spa instead.</p>

Luxury ships still have some traditional amenities like pools, restaurants, and bars — just with an upscale flair, of course.

Instead of arcades, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have cigar lounges.

Instead of a kid's playground, the latter has a quiet library.

Even the drinking water is better: No need to travel to Erewhon to sip on crystal-infused water. Just head to Explora I's spa instead.

<p>Regent isn't shy about the Grandeur's $6 million art collection, which includes a custom Fabergé egg.</p>

The devil (quiet references to quiet luxury) is in the ships’ details.

Explora I has the first Rolex store at sea. The Cartier boutique is right next door.

Up a few decks, travelers can workout at the Technogym Artis Line-supplied gym, where a treadmill costs $20,250 and an elliptical $15,500.

Meanwhile, Seven Seas Grandeur is decorated with 503 chandeliers and a $6 million art collection that includes several original Pablo Picasso pieces and a custom Fabergé egg.

<p>But on the Grandeur, this schedule comes with a splash of luxury: The buffet could have crab legs and raw oysters, poolside lounging could include unlimited cocktails, and dinner will most definitely have caviar. And lots of it.</p>

As expected, the food on these luxury ships are comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Both floating five-star resorts have lunch buffets of raw seafood, lobster tails, and crab legs.

For dinner on the Explora I, travelers can dine on the six restaurants' wagyu tataki, grilled octopus, and aged prime rib with potatoes and caviar.

<p>It wouldn't be a luxury cruise without luxury products: Compass Rose's decorative and smaller bread and butter plates were made by Versace.</p>

The Seven Seas Grandeur's five restaurants all serve some form of black truffle, sturgeon caviar, or foie gras.

For a 10-night cruise, Regent Seven Seas says its new ship carries 1,200 pounds of lobster, 20 pounds of caviar, and 5,000 bottles of wine — the most pricey at $2,500.

Expensive food means expensive service: Like many high-end on-land restaurants, the hostess always offered me a black napkin when I wore dark pants.

<p>It turns out there is such a thing as "too much caviar" — I, a greedy diner, was tired of it by the second day.</p>

Dinners of steak tartare, lobster, and wine were as commonplace as the scrambled eggs at the breakfast buffet.

And, they're free, according to the laws of " girl math ."

By the end of my second night on the Regent Seven Seas ship, "I'm tired of eating caviar" went from being a joke to a serious statement.

<p>In place of the typical cruise atrium, the "Lobby Bar" looks more like an actual hotel bar.</p>

If we're stereotyping, cruise ship bars can be less-than-luxe.

But don't call Explora I's Lobby Bar, which looks like it came out of an actual hotel bar, "trashy." After all, its background music comes from the overhead Steinway piano.

<p>But let's be real, most people aren't going on a cruise to drink coffee, especially when booze is included in the fare.</p>

Starbucks outposts are becoming increasingly popular on mass-market ships.

But wealthy cruisers don't get to wake up with green siren-decorated cups of caffeine.

Instead, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have their own coffee shops serving delectable espresso-based drinks and a separate afternoon tea service.

<p>The cheapest of these cabins often have no windows.</p>

Like the lack of mediocre coffee, travelers on these fine ships will never be stuck in a tiny windowless interior cabin.

The smallest stateroom on the 461-cabin Explora I starts at 377 square-feet and flexes high-end amenities like a Dyson hairdryer.

The 373 cabins on the Seven Seas Grandeur start a bit smaller at 307 square-feet. At least it comes with L'Occitane en Provence products.

Both options have walk-in closets, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies. That's unheard of in the cheapest cabin on most mega-ships.

<p>Here, there are options like a jogging track and a bocce court.</p>

But one of the most pleasant differences between ultra-luxury and mid-tier cruises isn't in the amenities or dining.

It's the general ambiance.

Ultra-luxury ships aren't designed for cruising families with young children . The two ships didn't have cartoonish decor, loud lounges, or an unbearable number of children that could've kicked my fight-or-flight response.

Instead, the high-end vessels' common spaces were modern, mature, and relaxing.

If it seems like everyone you know has recently booked a cruise, you’d be correct.

Popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival have recently seen off-the-charts bookings.

The same applies to the industry's more niche and expensive peers — especially as travelers have increasingly splurged on luxurious vacations like small-ship cruising.

In February, Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Regent's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , said demand for its luxury brands has been "very high."

After eating caviar and black truffles for every dinner on the Grandeur, I now understand why.

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All four corners, one epic voyage.

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Or call your local travel advisor . For more information, call the Ultimate World Cruise Contact Line at 800-423-2100.

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Then your journey continues to even more destinations known for their storied history — like the fortified walls of Split, Croatia and the cobblestoned streets of Barcelona, Cannes and Provence.

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Blue Lagoon geothermal spa in Iceland

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Go from taking in fjords in Norway to biking through Copenhagen. Finally, experience another natural marvel — the other-worldly geothermal seawater at The Blue Lagoon in Iceland before stopping in New York and Perfect Day at CocoCay on your way back to Miami.

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A World Wandering Fleet Favorite

Designed with acres of glass offering panoramic vistas of sea, sky and land, Serenade of the Seas® is the perfect ship for scenery-scoping. Take in captivating views of Norway’s majestic fjords, gaze at glaciers in Antarctica, and soak up the sun and the sights while cruising through French Polynesia. In between adventures onshore, you can unwind poolside or tee off on the mini golf green. Settle in for dazzling entertainment or dance until dawn beneath the stars. And with top-notch restaurants onboard, every meal turns into a global taste-tour that’s as immersive as your Ultimate World Cruise.

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Cruise Details & Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Ultimate World Cruise?

The Ultimate World Cruise is a never-before-offered Royal Caribbean adventure that takes you on a 274-night journey around the world from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024. The adventure begins and ends in Miami, Florida, visiting all 7 continents, 65 countries, 150 ports of call, with 16 overnights and 8 World Wonders. More than 40 of the ports you’ll visit are either rarely available on our other itineraries or brand new to Royal Caribbean, so get ready for the exploration of a lifetime. Book The Ultimate World Cruise early to ensure the best accommodation throughout the entire voyage.

What is the starting price for the Ultimate World Cruise and its 4 individual segments?

Ultimate World Cruise Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your 274-night Ultimate World Cruise fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate World Cruise complimentary amenities like business class airfare, pre-cruise hotel and gala, Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, wash and fold laundry service, and more.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses of $4,667 USD per person are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

Ultimate World Cruise Segments Starting Price

Considering all that’s included in your Ultimate Cruise segment fare, you’ll enjoy an incredible value. No matter which stateroom you choose, your fare includes Ultimate Cruise segment complimentary amenities like Deluxe Beverage Package, gratuities, VOOM internet package, and wash and fold laundry service.

*Taxes, fees, and port expenses are additional and are subject to change at any time. All starting prices listed are per person, in USD, cruise only, based on double occupancy and are subject to change at any time.

What are the 8 World Wonders the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments will visit, and on what dates?

Ultimate Americas Cruise: December 10, 2023 – February 11, 2024

Chichen Itza: via Cozumel Dec 13, 2023

Christ the Redeemer: via Rio de Janeiro Dec 31, 2023

Iguazu Falls: via Buenos Aires Jan 5, 2024

Machu Picchu: via Lima Jan 29-30, 2024

Ultimate Asia Pacific Cruise: February 11, 2024 – May 9, 2024

Great Barrier Reef: via Airlie Beach and Cairns March 13-14, 2024

Great Wall of China: via Beijing April 7-8, 2024

Taj Mahal: via Cochin May 1, 2024

Ultimate Africa & Med Cruise: May 9, 2024 – July 10, 2024

Colosseum: via Rome July 1, 2024

Ultimate Europe & Beyond Cruise: July 10, 2024 – September 10, 2024

There are no World Wonders visited during this Ultimate Cruise segment.

What benefits are included when booking the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

Guests who join us for the entire Ultimate World Cruise will receive the following inclusions:

Embarkation Amenities

Round-trip business class airfare

Pre-cruise hotel and gala

Premium transfers between airport, hotel and ship

Onboard Amenities

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire voyage

VOOM Wi-Fi internet for entire voyage

Gratuities for entire voyage

Wash and fold laundry service

Our Crown & Anchor Society guests who hold Platinum status and above will also receive the exclusive benefit of included excursions to the 7 New World Wonders.

Guests who join us for one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments will receive the following inclusions:

Deluxe Beverage Package for entire segment

VOOM Wi-Fi for entire segment

Gratuities for entire segment

Wash and fold laundry service for entire segment

Will I receive the same stateroom for the entire duration of my Ultimate World Cruise or Ultimate Cruise segment?

Our Ultimate World Cruise team will ensure that you get the same stateroom for the entirety of the cruise when purchased within the exclusive booking window through November 2021. If you are purchasing your Ultimate World Cruise after the Ultimate Cruise segments have opened for sale, our team will work with you to make every effort to secure the same stateroom for your entire time onboard, based on the remaining available inventory.

What is the payment schedule for the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

To reserve a stateroom on the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments a non-refundable deposit is required. Final payment must be received by Royal Caribbean 180 days prior to cruise departure. For bookings created within 180 days prior to cruise departure, final payment must be received within 48 hours of booking.

How long do I have to place my deposit for the Ultimate World Cruise or one of the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

If outside of final payment, our Ultimate World Cruise and Ultimate Cruise segment guests are able to place a two-week hold to lock in their preferred stateroom and price before deposit is required. Your deposit must be placed within the two-week offer period to secure your selected stateroom.

Are there travel insurance options available on the Ultimate World Cruise or the four Ultimate Cruise segments?

There are travel insurance options available to guests who meet certain qualifications. For more information, please call 800-423-2100 or contact your Travel Advisor.

Why are the Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments only offered as nonrefundable?

Our Ultimate World Cruise and the four Ultimate Cruise segments are a unique adventure that has never before been offered by Royal Caribbean and we want to ensure that our guests who are committed to sharing this experience with us receive priority placement. To preserve this unique experience, all sailings onboard Serenade of the Seas from December 10, 2023 – September 10, 2024, will be offered as exclusively nonrefundable.

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Frontier Airlines Is Adding a Pair of New Nonstop Flights to Puerto Rico 

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St Barth, Aruba to Headline Four Seasons’ Luxury Caribbean Cruises 

Following the lead of Ritz-Carlton, whose Yacht Collection is already sailing the region, Four Seasons is getting into the ultra-small-ship luxury cruising space, with its first “yacht” under construction in Italy. 

Now, the company has announced its first lineup of destinations for its Caribbean sailings, which will begin in 2026. 

Four Seasons’ first Caribbean season will run from January to March 2026, with stops in St Barth, Nevis, the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Martinique, Curacao, Aruba and Guadeloupe. 

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It’s a mix of large and small ports, from the Caribbean capital of chic in St Barth to the rich, diverse attractions in the French Caribbean departments of Martinique and Guadeloupe. 

Each ship will have just 95 suites, with what Four Seasons claims is “50 percent more living space per guest” than any other cruise brand. 

Every room will have floor-to-ceiling windows, double vanities in the bathrooms and private terraces. 

“Our teams are dedicated to innovating and delivering genuine service, ensuring each journey is defined by comfort, elegance, and personalization, setting a new standard for luxury hospitality experiences at sea,” says Alejandro Reyna, the president and CEO of Four Seasons. 

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A New All-Inclusive W Hotel Is Opening This Year in Punta Cana 

The first-ever all-inclusive W Hotel in the Caribbean is opening this year in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Journal has learned.  The hotel, part of a broad expansion for parent company Marriott International, is on the list of expected 2024 […]

Why Grenada Is a New Caribbean Luxury Hotspot

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From its world-renowned chocolate to its pristine beaches to a region-leading focus on sustainability, Grenada is as fascinating and unique as destination as you’ll find in the Caribbean.  But in the last few years, the lush Eastern Caribberan island has […]

5 Adults-Only Resorts to Visit Right Now in the Caribbean 

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This Former Caribbean Rockefeller Resort Is for Sale

In 1986, Laurance Rockefeller, the founder of Rock Resorts, developed 27 acres of prime beachfront land into what was for decades one of the sought after places to stay in the Caribbean. Now, the four-star, 150-room resort is for sale, […]

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This ultra-luxury, 6-star cruise trip usually costs $102,780 — but it’s 64% off

Jen Allen

If you want the ultimate vacation and at a fantastic discount, Gilt has a spectacular offer on a fantastically luxurious cruise. Right now, you can enjoy travels around the Arctic Circle and Northern Europe for 17 nights for $35,990, for two people (that’s $17,995 per person) instead of the usual $102,780 that Gilt says it would cost. That means a huge saving of 64% off the regular price and the chance to enjoy a vacation and cruise of a lifetime. It’s all thanks to Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and we’ve got all you need to know about this phenomenal cruise. There’s just one space left on this highly exclusive cruise.

Why you should travel on the Scenic Cruise

This time around, there’s hardly any need to read up on cruise ship packages and add-ons worth paying extra for as this Scenic Cruise has everything you could need to be included. All you need to do is make sure you have a passport . You get 17 nights on board the Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours ultra-luxury yacht, the Scenic Eclipse. It leaves from Tromso, Norway on June 25, 2024. The small-ship experience has room for just 228 guests so it’s an exclusive trip.

You get spacious verandah 6-star luxury suite accommodation while there are meals at up to 10 dining venues on board with it all part of the deal. There’s also butler service for every guest while there’s an almost 1:1 crew-to-guest ratio. Complimentary beverages are available in your suite and the mini bar includes alcohol.

  • Fairmont Grand Del Mar: Get 64% off a stay at the five-star hotel and spa

The cruise price includes a selection of Scenic Freechoice shore excursions if you want to explore. All airport transfers to and from the ship are included, as well as port taxes and charges, and tipping and gratuities.

On your 18-day trip, you can see the stunning Arctic Circle along with Northern Europe in style. There are incredible views from the ship along with state-of-the-art technology. Iceland and Greenland are particular highlights looking like nothing you’ve seen before. There’s the chance to enjoy experienced guided walks with options for a more relaxed or active pace. It’s also possible to fly on one of two helicopters to check out Iceland’s volcanoes and fjords.

This is truly the chance of a lifetime for anyone keen to go on an ultra-premium yacht. Right now, you can do so at a considerable discount with the sale at Gilt bringing the Scenic Cruise down to $35,990 from $102,780. There’s only one slot left so you’ll need to be speedy to enjoy a fantastic vacation. Check it out now by tapping the button below.

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Traveling by air doesn't come without its physical tolls. Hours spent in a pressurized cabin with limited movement and dry hydration levels can negatively impact our skin and immune system in ways we don't immediately notice. One of the simplest yet surprisingly effective ways to counteract these effects is by taking a cold shower after a flight. While it might not be the most appealing thing in the world to do after a flight, the cold exposure might just be worth it. Let's explore how this simple act can be a game-changer for frequent flyers. Benefits of cold showers after a flight

Revitalizing the skin One of the most notable changes that you may have experienced after air travel is how harsh it can be to the skin. The low humidity levels in airplane cabins can harm the natural moisture barrier on your skin and lead to dehydration or even breakouts. A cold shower can work wonders in this scenario.

If you're planning on traveling to an international destination, getting a passport is one of the first things on your to-do list. A U.S. passport is required to enter any other country, including Mexico and Canada. However, the U.S. Department of State also offers a passport card -- a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport. While it might seem intriguing to opt for a passport card over a standard passport book, the smaller price comes with some limitations to consider. Below, we'll break down the differences between a passport card vs. book and how to determine which option is best for you. Passport card vs. book A standard passport book is required to enter any country by air travel. This means if you're planning on heading to the airport, you'll need to get a passport book regardless of your final destination. A passport card is a smaller, wallet-sized version of a passport that allows entry only into Mexico, Canada, Bermuda, or the Caribbean. A passport card cannot be used for air travel and is only valid for land or sea travel. For this reason, the passport card is a great option if you're planning on driving into Mexico or Canada. Many people who live in states that border these countries opt for a passport card so they can easily enter bordering countries.

A passport card is also a good option for those who want to get a valid form of ID to travel domestically. If you don't have a driver's license (REAL ID), a passport card can be used instead for domestic air travel.

Traveling to Canada from the United States is relatively straightforward, but the documentation required can vary depending on your mode of transportation and citizenship status. While a passport is the most widely accepted form of identification for international travel, alternative options are available for U.S. citizens entering Canada by land or sea.

What you need to know about traveling to Canada So, what exactly do you need to cross into Canada? It really depends on how you're getting there. What documents do I need to cross the Canadian border by car? If you're a U.S. citizen traveling to Canada by land or sea, you have a few options for acceptable documentation:

Concert promoter Live Nation is getting into the ultra-luxury cruise business — see what it'll be like on weeklong superyacht sailings starting at $3,000 a person

  • Live Nation's Vibee is getting into the ultra-luxury cruise business.
  • The music event curator says it'll charter two superyachts for three weeklong Croatia cruises this summer.
  • Like other vacation operators, Vibee says it's seen increasing demand for cruise and yacht-based trips.

Insider Today

Forget concerts — Live Nation wants music fans to start going on yacht vacations .

In 2023 and amid a boom in experiential travel , the entertainment company established Vibee, a music-based event curation arm. Less than a year later, Vibee has already executed affairs like a weekend Bahamas getaway headlined by singer Lionel Richie and a three-day Cabo San Lucas, Mexico party featuring DJ Tiësto.

Now, it's moving off-land and to the high seas with its new segment: Vibee Yacht Club.

This summer, Vibee says it'll charter two superyachts for three weeklong Croatia itineraries that are set to be, of course, centered on music.

Vibee is capitalizing on yet another increasingly popular concept: themed cruises.

luxury cruise words

Themed cruises can vary vastly, from Star Trek-centered sailings to itineraries helmed by famous comedians. And as of late, many of these niche voyages have been selling out faster than ever before.

Themed cruise operator Sixthman's November 2023 hip-hop itinerary sold out in less than five days with no publicly announced lineup.

Similarly, Vibee's first cruise, the 2023 EDSea — a wordplay on the electronic dance music festival Electric Daisy Carnival, or EDC — was fully booked in three days, again with an undisclosed lineup.

Armed with EDSea’s success, Vibee wants to dive deeper into the cruise segment — this time with a luxurious spin.

luxury cruise words

"We see the desire for cruise and yacht experiences continuing to rise," Harvey Cohen, president of Vibee, told Business Insider, echoing sentiments of the cruise industry's booming demand.

And not just the mass-market players: Over the last year, luxury cruise lines have also seen a rise in interest.

In its fourth-quarter earnings report from February 2024, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings said its two high-end brands, Oceania and Regent Seven Seas, had both seen "strong demand."

The latter had launched its latest $517.9 million luxury ship a few months prior, complete with caviar and a $6 million art collection.

Luxury cruises and superyachts aren’t known to be super-affordable.

luxury cruise words

Vibee says it's chartering the 141-foot-long Lupus Mare and nearly 161-foot-long Prestige for its three yacht sailings.

Vibee Yacht Club's cheapest option starts at $3,100 per person for a two-person cabin. Comparatively, EDSea's 2024 itinerary starts at $1,405 per person for a double occupancy interior cabin.

Yet, it could be a bargain for some superyacht fans: Weeklong charters for Lupus Mare start at about $71,000 a week, according to YachtCharterFleet.

Everything is better on a yacht. Champagne? Tastes better on a yacht. Cruises in general? Better on a yacht.

luxury cruise words

Going to an international music festival? Well, Vibee thinks it would be better to stay on a yacht than in a hotel.

On July 13, the first itinerary would start on day two of Ultra Europe, a popular three-day electronic dance music festival in Split, Croatia.

luxury cruise words

Following the event, the two yachts would sail to three Croatian islands before concluding in Hvar, Croatia. Along the way, the itinerary would include daytime swims, a sunset winery visit, and several parties (day and night).

Unsurprisingly, Vibee expects the itinerary to draw in younger travelers, specifically Gen Zers and millennials.

Lupus Mare is set to be chartered for two more itineraries: “Rock the Med” and “Marafiki on the Adriatic.”

luxury cruise words

A three-person cabin for both starts at $3,500 per person.

On Rock the Med, the week is set to begin with VIP tickets to a Lenny Kravitz show at the historic Pula Arena.

Afterward, it would sail to Croatian destinations with an itinerary that would include beach excursions and clubs.

Marafiki on the Adriatic isn’t centered on a single music event.

luxury cruise words

Instead, the roundtrip Split itinerary would feature on-board musical performances, daily yoga, "cultural outings," and, of course, beach clubs.

A bonus trip to Sonus Festival, a five-day rave, is an optional add-on.

Like a typical luxury cruise, travelers would have preorganized water taxis, chefs to prepare daily breakfasts and lunches, and all the yacht amenities.

luxury cruise words

The 20-cabin, 40-guest Prestige flexes indulgences like an indoor lounge, a hot tub, and a sundeck with plenty of beds.

Meanwhile, the 15-cabin, 34-guest Lupus Mare has comforts like a sauna and gym.

luxury cruise words

Travelers could wind down in the yacht's movie theater or hot tub. Or, they could take a slide into the water.

It’s no surprise Vibee is going the more sumptuous route with its itinerary-focused yacht concept.

luxury cruise words

" Revenge travel " might as well be known as "regular travel" at this point: People have continued to spend big on extravagant vacations, especially on luxury small cruise ships and trips planned around experiences and adventures.

Both are niches Vibee is trying to carve out for itself: Looking ahead, the new brand is already planning more music and sea-based vacations, Cohen told Business Insider.

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Home Trends Inspiration Blogs Viking World Cruises For Citizens Of The World

Viking World Cruises: For Citizens of the World

By Tully Luxury Travel | 03-26-2024 |

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W hen you embark on a world cruise, you are not just signing up for an adventure. You’re also marking the occasion of a both a travel milestone and a personal watershed moment. As the old, simple phrase goes – you’ve made it. Viking and the Tully Travel Designers make it all happen in flawless perfection. Aboard the luxurious, multi-award-winning Viking Sky , you visit iconic, cosmopolitan cities and engaging small ports, the world at your fingertips. The ship has the exceptional ability to dock in smaller, more intimate ports that are inaccessible to the larger cruise ships. And despite this being an adults-only epic adventure, with Viking, you feel as if you are relaxing at home at the same time. The whole world is – your home!

luxury cruise words

Discover something new every day

One of the biggest benefits of embarking on a Viking world cruise is that you stay in one gorgeous place, while the scenery changes all around you, every day. You experience in-depth cultural immersion, able to explore six of the seven continents in one glorious, long-lasting vacation. And with three durations – 138 days, 163 days and 180 days – passengers sail from Fort Lauderdale or Los Angeles , visiting dozens of countries, tripping through a multitude of guided tours – one cruise itinerary has more than 80 different shore excursions in all. And you can just imagine the UNESCO World Heritage Sites! In the capable hands of the Viking Sky crew, you will see the exotic islands of the South Pacific, reach into the New Zealand fjords and sail up to the Sydney Opera House. You will marvel at the treasures of Asia, witness the Komodo dragon in its natural Indonesian habitat, and visit the temples of Mumbai and Ho Chi Minh City. You will embrace the joie de vivre of Paris , see the landmarks of London and haggle with the market vendors of Istanbul . Dive into island life in the Caribbean and the biodiversity of the rainforests of Costa Rica . These are luxury cruises that comb through thousands of years of history, yet let you live in the moment.

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Surrender to total Viking luxury

As mentioned, all Viking world cruises are serviced by the incomparable Viking Sky , sailing with 930 guests. Viking is well-known for its thoughtful blend of understated elegance, natural colors and thorough functionality with regard to its contemporary Scandinavian design, and the Viking Sky is no exception. The accommodations are some of the best designed at sea. All-veranda suites are roomy and bright – the smallest is 270 square feet. Penthouse Junior Suites and Explorer Suites feel as if you’ve walked into a higher-end home. Expect luxury linens, spacious bathrooms with large showers, premium toiletries and massive closets. Little things like twice-daily housekeeping, direct-dial satellite phone service and free internet round out the comfort factor. And with the all-inclusive nature of Viking's onboard experience, you don’t have to worry about paying extra for restaurants or wine or room service or laundry. They have indeed thought of everything. A resort-style atmosphere permeates throughout the Viking Sky , too – casual yet refined, cozy and peaceful. Manfredi’s Italian Restaurant and The Chef’s Table let you explore the flavors of the destinations you visit, while The Nordic Spa and Fitness Center bring wellness into full focus. Add in a gorgeous indoor pool, an outdoor infinity pool and dozens of relaxing nooks and lounge areas, and you have the full picture – and it is panoramic. But when you get right down to it, the enriching cultural experiences you will experience on a Viking world cruise will be what you remember for many years to come. This crucial attribute is what has made Viking the “thinking person’s” cruise line. We think you’ll agree.

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Why you should add a land extension to your alaska cruise.

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The breathtaking scenery is reason enough to visit Alaska.

Alaska cruises are so popular because they’re an easy way to surround yourself with some of the country’s most beautiful scenery while taking advantage of all the perks of a luxury ship – like top notch accommodations, fun activities and great food.

To give you an even more immersive Alaska experience that goes beyond shore excursions, many cruise lines offer land and sea packages so you get to enjoy the best of both worlds. Your week-long cruise is followed by (or preceded by) a five-day land tour that takes you on a deep dive into Denali National Park and areas you otherwise wouldn’t get to explore on the ship.

Princess , a leader in this area, actually owns and operates five unique Wilderness Lodges which you get to call home each night as you’re whisked around the state, taking in wildlife sightings and mountain views along the way.

The gorgeous, ever-changing landscape of Denail National Park.

If you don’t have time to add a land portion to your cruise, don’t worry. Princess is an expert in Alaska and, in addition to an extensive selection of shore excursions, they offer exclusive onboard activities to help immerse you in the culture, including the always popular Puppies in the Piazza, which features a visit from the cutest future four-legged Iditarod champions, and a fascinating presentation by Libby Riddles, the first woman to win the prestigious sled dog race.

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I did a Princess Alaska Cruisetour two summers ago and am seriously considering planning another one. I’ve done Alaska cruises before but this one was extra special – both onboard, thanks to the amazing Princess crew who literally treated everyone like royalty, and on land, where I got to experience parts of The Last Frontier I’d never had access to on a ship.

You probably don’t need more reasons to book an Alaska cruise but, if you want to know what to expect on the land portion, here are just a few of the reasons you should start thinking about a Princess Alaska Cruisetour :

The intrepid explorer for whom Hotel Captain Cook is named.

You’ll start your extension in Alaska’s largest city, with an overnight at the legendary Hotel Captain Cook , a member of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Collection. The historic hotel features an extensive art collection, four restaurants and a dozen shops. Plus, its Athletic Club is a great place to get in a swim, workout or massage after a long flight. Centrally located downtown, it makes an ideal homebase from which to explore the city like the hotel’s namesake.

Princess Wilderness Lodges

A magical view of Mt. McKinley from Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Because Princess owns their own properties throughout Alaska, Cruisetour guests are treated like family as they’re welcomed to different lodges along their journey. Every lodge has its own distinct personality but all offer cozy rooms and delicious meals along with stunning scenery. They also offer a variety of activities and places to just sit by the fire so you can be as busy or as relaxed as you choose. At Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge, you can take a glass class from a local artist and at Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, you can enjoy the views from the floor to ceiling windows in the communal Great Room or get outside and take a hike up to the Treehouse to try to get a glimpse of the peak in person.

Talkeetna was the inspiration for the hit TV show, "Northern Exposure."

The town that inspired the hit TV show, Northern Exposure , Talkeetna is quirky and charming and, thanks to its strong artist community, a great place to shop for local art. We took a fun ride with the sled dogs of Sun Dog Kennel , led by Iditarod musher Jerry Sousa, and loved meeting the newest additions to their furry family! Unfortunately, we didn’t get to meet the mayor of Talkeetna — who, um, is a cat — but that’s just another reason to come back and spend more time in this unique town.

Direct-To-The-Wilderness Railway

The views are everywhere on Princess' glass domed railway.

Princess uses its own luxury train to transport guests from Talkeetna to Denali and it’s proof that the journey is as important as the destination. The glass domed railway cars provide all-around views – and you won’t know where to look first. (It’s similar to the Rocky Mountaineer experience, which is also a must-do.) You’ll enjoy a made-to-order lunch in the dining car and snacks and drinks are always available. The ride is lovely and you won’t want to close your eyes to rest because there’s always so much to see.

Denali National Park

The highlight of our visit to Denali National Park.

It’s impossible to describe a visit to Denali because it is constantly changing but just know that it is magnificent in every iteration. The scenery is just breathtaking and we got to see lots of wildlife but the hands-down highlight was when a bear came right up to our bus. Everyone went silent and just watched as it sauntered by without a care in the world. This is something every traveler should experience.

Discovery Riverboat Cruise

Don't miss a Discovery cruise on the Chena and Tanana rivers..

Take a riverboat ride on an authentic sternwheeler – which is a totally different experience than your Princess cruise ship! This slow-moving steamboat will show you a fascinating side of Fairbanks, making stops for you to get up close and personal with sled dogs and to tour a replica of an Athabascan Indian Village. You’ll also get to watch a bush pilot demonstrate their skills while you enjoy a snack.

Running Reindeer Ranch

Running Reindeer Ranch in Fairbanks gives you a once-ina-lifetime opportunity to get up close and ... [+] personal with these magnificent creatures.

Visiting this family-run reindeer ranch in Fairbanks is like walking into a fairy tale and you won’t stop smiling the whole time you’re there. Not only do you get to take a leisurely stroll through the beautiful boreal forest with actual reindeer but you get to know them individually and can even take photos with them. You’ll learn so much about these magnificent creatures and, depending on the time of year, you may also be able to sign up for reindeer yoga or reindeer music. This is an unforgettable experience and the animals are just pure joy.

Lois Alter Mark

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