Table Of Content
Seabourn's newest ship, Seabourn Ovation, is the second in the line's Encore Class, the next generation of Seabourn's popular Odyssey-class ships. 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. 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).
Silversea
When you tire of prime beef, order lobster thermidor or sink into the delicious comfort of Keller's roast chicken. On sailings in those regions, each passenger receives a free jacket to keep them warm and cozy. 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.
Viking Venus, Viking Ocean Cruises
The company also partners with Smithsonian and Disney on certain sailings. 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. First-class service, fine wines and gourmet cuisine, picture-perfect itineraries, and high crew-to-passenger ratios are just some of the hallmarks of the best luxury cruise ships. But cruise ships -- even the world's most luxurious -- have their own unique personalities and some will be more suited to your vacation style than others.
Viking Cruises
Oceania Riviera dining is legendary across all of the cruise ship's dining venues, including complimentary specialty restaurants. The line's ships are sleek and modern, and sail to some of the world's most interesting ports of call. A focus on the destination at hand means that Viking Ocean Cruises stay longer in port -- often overnight -- so passengers can get a true taste of the destination. As a tip of the hat to its river cruise roots, the line offers a choice of included tours in every port (though there are for-fee options available as well). Itineraries range from eight-night voyages to cruises of more than a month.
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. 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." For those who want to relish the high life on the high seas, luxury cruises spoil passengers with five-star ships, unique destinations and unparalleled service. An all inclusive luxury cruise is the standard, so rest assured you won’t have to worry about nickel and diming.
Explora Journeys Review: A New Cruise Line for Luxury Family Travel - Bloomberg
Explora Journeys Review: A New Cruise Line for Luxury Family Travel.
Posted: Fri, 01 Mar 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]
All restaurants are included in the cruise fare on Viking Venus, except The Kitchen Table. The Restaurant (the main dining room) and The World Cafe (buffet) serve international menus in light-filled venues, with options to open floor-to-ceiling windows on balmy days. Manfredi's is arguably the best restaurant onboard andoffers Italian fare, while you can sample Norwegian dishes inspired by the mother of Viking chairman Torstein Hagen at Mamsen's.
Fares include all dining (except La Dame, which offers the finest French cuisine), a wide range of spirits and fine wines, crew tips, most gym classes and excursions in every port. Regent’s classy ships have touches reminiscent of grand hotels, with elegant cocktail lounges and imaginatively designed restaurants. The suites on the two newest ships, Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor, are especially covetable, with opulent decor and butler service. Regent is arguably the world’s most luxurious — and most inclusive — of the luxury lines.
Oceania Cruises
All dining, including speciality restaurants, crew tips and a comprehensive menu of cocktails and fine wines is included. You’ll pay extra for premium wines, wi-fi, access to the Retreat (an exclusive alfresco lounge on the top deck) and shore excursions. Azamara’s four mid-sized luxury ships — most recently joined by Azamara Onward, which shares the same DNA as its fleetmates — offer affordable, destination-focused cruising with plenty of flair.
DISCOVER WHAT OUR GUESTS ARE SHARING
Recall the day’s adventures with good friends and exquisite food at our specialty cruise restaurants, then dance or delight in the rhythm of the evening’s onboard entertainment before settling into your private oasis at sea. Spaces inside are contemporary, and the ship is easily one of the best expedition options for adventurous luxury travelers. Every suite has its own balcony and separate lounge area, and you can expect fine-dining quality meals at spots like the Chef's Table. 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.
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. Throughout the ship, complimentary spirits, fine wines and house Champagne flow freely. 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. 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.
Beautiful interiors and intuitive spaces that are designed for the way people want to gather and relax are hallmarks of Seabourn Ovation's indoor and outdoor public areas, which were created by renowned designer Adam D. Tihany. All 300 suites have balconies that are perfect for enjoying breakfast, drinks or dinner alfresco. Fares include transfers, complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, no-fee specialty restaurants and free unlimited internet. Oceania also embraces wellness with its Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center.
Business-class airfare, pre-cruise luxury hotel stays and shore excursions in every port are on the long list of perks. Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. On board, you'll find fine dining, expansive spas and fitness facilities, and butler service.
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. 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." Specialists in river cruising, Uniworld has cornered the market for extravagant ships that are inspired by their itineraries — and they have vessels all over the world, covering Europe, Asia, Africa and South America.
Classes focusing on a variety of topics do incur an extra fee, but get rave reviews from past participants. 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. 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.
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. 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. Sail Into Savings of Up To 30% on select 2024 Alaska and Europe voyages. Get an up-close view of incredible wildlife, or choose to explore UNESCO World Heritage sites in complete and total luxury. Seabourn Ovation also features The Retreat, a private, VIP-access-only outdoor lounge area on Deck 12 that's unique to the Encore Class. A daisy-shaped canopy stretches over The Retreat so you'll find both sun and shade.
A fleet of contemporary small ships offering intuitive, all-inclusive service, sumptuous all-suite accommodation and superb dining. Seabourn offers un-stuffy luxury with a vibe that’s more superyacht than luxury cruise ship. The line has some impressive partnerships, not least with the renowned chef Thomas Keller, Sir Tim Rice and the wellness guru Dr Andrew Weil.
No comments:
Post a Comment