Luxury Cruise Line Comparison Guide: Which One Is Right for You?
You Love Five-Star Glamour and Want the Most All-Inclusive Cruise Fare
Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas CruisesChoose: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has always embodied five-star luxury, but its three newest ships — Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor, and Seven Seas Grandeur — take the concept to the max with sparkling interior décor, multi-million-dollar art collections, excellent onboard restaurants, and the most exclusive suite at sea. Regent’s appeal is that it consistently delivers an elevated cruise experience, with incredible attention to detail and pricing that’s ultra-inclusive.
Owned by: Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also owns Norwegian Cruise Line and Oceania Cruises
Ships: Six in total, including the three 750-guest Explorer-class vessels introduced between 2016 and 2023 and three older ships: 496-guest Seven Seas Navigator (1999), 696-guest Seven Seas Mariner (2001), and 698-guest Seven Seas Voyager (2003)
Ambiance: Explorer-class ships are defined by their opulence and combination of traditional craftsmanship with striking contemporary design details: wall-to-wall polished marble, hundreds of glittering chandeliers, eye-catching artwork, and the finest tableware. The three older ships also exude a polished elegance and are all recently refurbished.
Dining: & Entertainment: Restaurants are a big part of the Regent experience, from the Compass Rose main dining room to pan-Asian options at Pacific Rim, the elevated steakhouse menu at Prime 7, superb French cuisine at Chartreuse, and authentic Italian specialties at Sette Mare at La Veranda. The Pool Grill and La Veranda buffet round out the dining options and guests on Explorer-class ships can also take cooking classes in the Culinary Arts Kitchen. Older ships feature fewer dining options (especially Seven Seas Navigator). Nightlife can be on the quiet side, although post-dinner diversions include production shows and guest performers in the theater, live music in several lounges, and a casino.
Accommodations: These range from a 301-square-foot Deluxe Window Suite on Seven Seas Navigator to the over-the-top 4,443-square-foot Regent Suite on Explorer-class ships. All suites feature luxury linens, marble baths, and walk-in closets, and all suites (with the exception of some on Seven Seas Navigator) have a private balcony.
Fares & Inclusions: From $4,199 per person for a seven-night Caribbean sailing to $101,199 per person for a 168-night world cruise; fares include airfare, transfers, dining, beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and free shore excursions in every port.
Best for: Couples and families who enjoy the finer things in life, love to get dressed up, listen to jazz or pop classics at night, and perhaps try their luck at blackjack.
You Want Excellent Service and Incredible Food on a Ship That’s Not Stuffy
Courtesy of CrystalChoose: Crystal
There’s a reason Crystal topped Best Luxury Cruise Line lists for many years: Service. The cruise line’s food is equally exemplary — its ships have an onboard restaurant by legendary Chef Nobu Matsuhisa — but it has always been Crystal’s welcoming crew and convivial onboard vibe that consistently draws guests back. When the cruise line relaunched in July 2023 under new ownership (its Hong Kong-based former parent company was declared insolvent in 2022), 80% of its former crew returned.
Owned by: A&K Travel Group, which also owns luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent
Ships: Two, 740-guest Crystal Serenity and 606-guest Crystal Symphony (launched in 2003 and 1995, respectively). They may be among the oldest in luxury cruising, but each has been extensively refurbished with their guest capacity lowered significantly through the creation of larger suites. As a result, each has a mid-size infrastructure with a small-ship feel. Crystal plans to launch two new 650-guest ocean ships and two 220-guest expedition ships by 2029.
Ambiance: Crystal’s ships don’t have the wow-factor gloss of many new builds. Instead, they’re comfortable and unfussy in a way that blends beloved elements — such as the elegant Palm Court lounge and clubby Avenue Saloon — with the sleeker and more modern décor of recently redesigned restaurants Osteria d’Ovidio (serving exquisitely nuanced Northern-Italian cuisine) and Umi Uma (Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s only restaurant at sea).
Dining & Entertainment: Cuisine is excellent across the board in all seven dining venues, from terrific burgers served poolside at Trident Grill to Nobu’s acclaimed miso cod. There are multiple entertainment options nightly, including musical productions, guest performers, and comedians geared to Baby Boomers. In addition, both the Stardust Club and Palm Court attract couples for cocktails and dancing, and the Pulse nightclub offers DJ-spun revelry. Crystal’s ships no longer have a casino.
Accommodations: Seven stateroom/suite categories range from 215-square-foot Double Guest Rooms with Ocean View (some are also designed for single travelers) to 1,265-square-foot Crystal Penthouse Suites — and all bathrooms have been extensively refitted. Top suite categories have butler service.
Fares & Inclusions: From $3,400 per person for a seven-night Caribbean cruise to $29,000 per person for a 60-night exploration of the Mediterranean; fares include all dining, beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.
Best for: Couples and multigenerational families seeking a spacious ship with a classic approach to luxury centered on personal service, excellent dining options, and old-school entertainment.
You’re Seeking an Adults-Only Cruise Experience With a Focus on Culture and Learning
Courtesy of Viking ExpeditionsChoose: Viking
River-cruise leader Viking launched its first ocean ship, Viking Star, in 2015, and has since become one of the fastest-growing players in luxury ocean cruising. While the company downplays the word “luxury,” its ships offer a sleek and relaxing setting — including a Nordic-inspired spa, a dreamy aft infinity pool, and a panoramic Explorer’s Lounge — as well as diverse cultural perspectives from expert lecturers. The company calls itself “the thinking person’s cruise,” and it’s also the sole adults-only luxury cruise line (guests must be 18 to sail).
Owned by: Norwegian businessman Torstein Hagen, who launched the private company in 1997 and took it public in 2024.
Ships: 12, with 10 of them virtually identical ocean ships carrying 930 guests — you can step aboard and not be certain if you’re on Viking Star or Viking Venus — and two 378-guest expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which cruise Antarctica, the Arctic, the Great Lakes, and other regions, and feature two onboard submarines for underwater exploration. The line’s next two ocean ships, Viking Vela and Viking Vesta, will be slightly larger and carry 998 guests when they debut in late 2024 and 2025.
Ambiance: There is both a warmth and an airiness to Viking’s ships, which feature modern Scandinavian décor with lots of blonde wood, textural fabrics, and touches of soothing blue. Public spaces are welcoming and serene, especially the Wintergarden, Aquavit Terrace, and the sanctuary-like spa, and the dress code is relaxed and casual.
Dining & Entertainment: Food-wise, Viking doesn’t focus on global trends or Michelin-starred chefs. Instead, you can expect delicious classic and regionally-inspired cuisine with menus that change nightly at The Restaurant, superb Italian at Manfredi’s, themed tasting menus at Chef’s Table, an impressive buffet at World Cafe, and Norwegian treats (actually Torstein Hagen’s mother’s recipes) at Mamsen’s. Nightlife can be on the quiet side. There’s no casino and entertainment is low-key (an acoustic guitarist, a vocal duo, stage shows designed for a mostly 55-plus demographic), although a live band plays in the club, Torshaven, until around midnight.
Accommodations: These range in size from 270-square-foot Veranda Staterooms to the 1,448-square-foot Owner’s Suite; bathrooms feature spacious enclosed glass showers and heated floors, and all accommodations have a private veranda.
Fares & Inclusions: From $2,229 per person for a seven-night cruise off-season in the Mediterranean to $79,999 per person for a 180-day World Cruise; fares include all onboard dining, complimentary wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi, and one shore excursion in each port.
Best for: Couples aged 50 and up who are culturally curious and seeking a cruise with lots of daytime touring options and relatively low-key evenings.
You’re a Foodie Who Loves To Try Locally Inspired Ingredients and Flavors When You Travel
Courtesy of SilverseaChoose: Silversea
Globe-trotting foodies can unpack once and experience an array of regional cuisines both onboard and ashore as part of Silversea’s S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program. This innovative mix of cooking classes, specially designed menus, and cocktail preparations is designed to enhance appreciation for the culinary specialties of the region visited on the cruise. Beyond food, Silversea is known for gracious service, in-depth global itineraries (to more than 900 destinations, including Antarctica and the Arctic), highly inclusive cruise fares, and a new ship design in its Nova-class vessels that dazzles with natural light and outdoor deck space.
Owned by: Royal Caribbean International, which also owns Royal Caribbean Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruises
Ships: 12, including the summer 2024 debut of Silver Ray. Vessels range from 100 guests (Silver Origin in the Galapagos) to 728 guests (Silver Nova and Silver Ray), and while several Silversea ships are equipped for expedition cruising, 220-guest Silver Endeavour is the newest addition, built in 2020.
Ambiance: Silversea’s brand of luxury is a bit more formal than some other luxury lines, with interior design that leans toward classic rather than cutting-edge. While service levels are consistently excellent across the fleet, ship décor has evolved as its older ships (Silver Cloud and Silver Wind date to 1994 and 1995, respectively) have been extensively refurbished with palettes and materials that feel more contemporary, in line with the lighter, airier décor of its Nova-class ships. While daytime dress codes are relaxed, jackets are still required for men in certain restaurants on “formal optional” nights.
Dining & Entertainment: Culinary excellence has always been a bragging point for Silversea, and its restaurants won’t disappoint. The cruise line’s 14 dining concepts range from international cuisine at The Restaurant and destination-focused menus at S.A.L.T. Kitchen to pan-Asian dishes at Indochine and Italian classics at La Terrazza. Foodies should lean toward booking one of the four newest ships with the S.A.L.T. program (Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Nova, and Silver Ray). Entertainment-wise, Silversea doesn’t break any new ground, offering standard musical performances for its generally 55-plus demographic, although guest performers and onboard lecturers add to the line’s cultural focus.
Accommodations: These range from 240-square-foot Vista Suites to the 1,324-square-foot Otium Suite (available on Silver Nova and Silver Ray). Both new ships are all-balcony ships, while older ships feature mostly balcony suites and some ocean view suites.
Fares & Inclusions: From around $3,000 per person for an 8-night cruise to South America to $89,900 per person for a 140-night World Cruise; fares include roundtrip airfare, transfers, butler service, beverages, most dining (with the exception of La Dame, Kaiseki, and S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table), gratuities, Wi-Fi, and one shore excursion per port.
Best for: Mature, culinarily curious couples seeking a more in-depth exploration of local cuisines, both on board and ashore, during longer regional or expedition itineraries.
You Want the Ambiance of a Private Yacht and a Jet-Setter Itinerary
Courtesy Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionChoose: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, a newcomer launched in 2022 with the 298-guest Evrima, promises a relaxing journey filled with five-star pampering, a generous space-to-guest ratio, and itineraries geared to couples and families seeking a 5-to-11-night cruise experience in yachting playgrounds in the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
Owned by: Luxury hotel brand Ritz-Carlton and joint operating partner The Yacht Portfolio
Ships: Three are planned; while Evrima offers luxury on a fairly intimate scale, the next two ships, Ilma, debuting in 2024, and Luminara, scheduled for 2025, will accommodate 448 and 452 guests respectively.
Ambiance: Evrima features the sleek lines, modern décor, and upscale amenities of a superyacht with lots of airy spaces and windows offering sea views, two pools, an aft marina and terrace for enjoying dips while at anchor, a Ritz-Carlton Spa, and a Ritz Kids space with fun and educational programming. The brand attracts a sophisticated clientele and dress codes range from Yacht Casual by day to Yacht Sophisticated (collared shirts for men are not required, but highly recommended at night).
Dining & Entertainment: Beyond the main dining venue, the Evrima Room, restaurant options include Talaat Nam for Southeast Asian cuisine, Mistral for Mediterranean flavors, The Pool House for casual poolside dining, The Living Room for coffee and pastries, and S.E.A. for extra-charge specialty dining created by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany. Evening entertainment is low-key with piano and jazz music in the lounge-like Living Room.
Accommodations: Six suite categories range from The Terrace at 300 square feet (plus a 54-to-81-square-foot terrace) to the 1,091-square-foot The Owner’s, which features an additional 635-square-foot terrace.
Fares & Inclusions: From $4,600 per person for a 6-night Caribbean sailing to $15,300 per person for an 11-night itinerary in Northern Europe; fares include most dining (S.E.A. costs extra), beverages, gratuities, Wi-Fi, and access to a personal onboard concierge.
Best for: Affluent couples and families seeking a highly personalized cruise experience with a leisurely pace and itinerary options lasting 10 nights or less.
You’re Looking for a Relaxing Cruise Experience — or a Polar Adventure
Seabourn Cruise LineChoose: Seabourn
Seabourn has spent almost 40 years developing a loyal clientele for the global itineraries it offers, for its small luxury ships that are known for attentive but not stuffy service, and for its elevated but unfussy cuisine. And yet, like almost all luxury cruise lines, Seabourn has segued in recent years into expedition cruising with the introduction of two smaller polar-ice-rated ships that cruise to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Amazon, the Northwest Passage, and other remote regions.
Owned by: Carnival Corp., which also owns Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cunard Line, and others.
Ships: Six across three classes (Seabourn Odyssey, its oldest ship, has been sold and will leave the fleet in August 2024). Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation, launched in 2016 and 2018, respectively, are 600-guest sister ships. Smaller in size, 2010’s Seabourn Sojourn and 2011’s Seabourn Quest each accommodate 458 guests. Seabourn’s newest ships are its 264-guest expedition vessels, 2022’s Seabourn Venture, and 2023’s Seabourn Pursuit, both of which feature two onboard submarines.
Ambiance: The onboard vibe of Seabourn’s traditional ocean ships is on the subdued side. You shouldn’t expect the show-stopping glitz that some of the line’s competitors offer — except perhaps the Guggenheim-like spiral staircase and the vaulted ivory ceilings of The Restaurant on Encore and Ovation, both designed by Adam Tihany — but that doesn’t mean boring either. Seabourn’s ships mix classic and contemporary elements for an understated effect well-suited to mature guests seeking a comfortable environment for enjoying good conversation and creating new friendships. Seabourn’s expedition ships offer the same take on décor: familiar and occasionally eye-catching, but never over-the-top.
Dining & Entertainment: One of Seabourn’s signatures is caviar whenever you want it, so if this salty delicacy is your thing, you’re in luck. The cruise line offers six dining venues — The Restaurant, Sushi, Earth & Ocean, The Colonnade, The Patio, and the new modern Mediterranean venue, Solis (which has replaced The Grill by Thomas Keller) — with Encore and Ovation featuring all of them. Sojourn and Quest feature four (excluding Sushi and Earth & Ocean) and Venture and Pursuit offer just The Restaurant and the buffet-style Colonnade.
Accommodations: These range in size from 295-square-foot Oceanview Suites (on Sojourn and Quest — the suites on newer ships all feature balconies) to the 989-square-foot Wintergarden Suite. All suites feature spacious bathrooms and walk-in closets.
Fares & Inclusions: From $2,399 per person for a 7-Day Alaska Fjords & Canadian Inside Passage sailing to $80,999 for the 129-Day Ring Of Fire: Hidden Gems itinerary; fares include all dining, beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.
Best for: Retired couples seeking an ocean voyage lasting a week to 145 days, and younger (40s and 50s) adventurers looking to make expedition memories.
You Want the Feel of a Land-Based Resort Combined With the Thrill of an Ocean Journey
Courtesy of Explora JourneysChoose: Explora Journeys
When a cruise line opts not to use the word “cruise” and positions itself as the equivalent of a luxury resort, you know it’s trying to do something different. Does Explora Journeys, which launched in 2023 with the 922-guest ship, Explora I, deliver on its promise? If creating a ship that looks and feels like a floating Italian luxury hotel (there’s not even a main dining room) and employing non-cruise lingo (crew members are referred to as “hosts”) is a measure of success, then yes. Unless guests venture to the spacious outer pool decks — which are among Explora I’s most inviting spaces on warm-weather itineraries — they could believe they’re in a luxury resort lobby or dining in a restaurant in a city like Milan or New York.
Owned by: MSC Group, parent of MSC Cruises
Ships: Two, Explora I and Explora II (which debuted in summer 2024), each identical and featuring 461 suites, four pools (including one indoors), and a spacious spa and fitness center.
Ambiance: Tonal décor — mostly shades of gray, black, brown, and ivory — and lots of polished stone give Explora’s ships a feel of modern chic meets understated elegance. Everything, from the boutique hotel-style lobby to the onboard luxury shops, has been carefully curated and there are multiple daily activities/experiences to keep guests educated (onboard lectures), active (a 2,900-square-foot Technogym-equipped fitness center), and indulged (complimentary access to the thermal area in the 7,535-square-foot Ocean Wellness Spa).
Dining & Entertainment: Several luxury cruise lines feature a restaurant by a Michelin-starred chef, but Explora has a restaurant, Anthology, that offers a rotating roster of menus by Michelin-starred chefs that changes every few months. The Anthology dining experience requires an extra charge, but there are also five complimentary restaurants: Fil Rouge, serving modern French-inspired international cuisine; Marble & Co. Grill, a European-style steakhouse; Sakura, a Pan-Asian eatery with a Japanese focus; Med Yacht Club, serving an extensive menu of Greek, Italian, Spanish, French, and North African specialties; and Emporium Marketplace, a buffet-style space featuring 18 cooking stations. Entertainment, on the other hand, is less diverse, with “Evening Experiences” in the Journeys Lounge featuring live music and “Resident Artistes” playing the ship’s three Steinway Spirio pianos in the lounges.
Accommodations: These are generously sized from 377-square-foot Ocean Terrace Suites to the 3,014-square-foot Owner’s Residence. One caveat: bathrooms in all but the top three categories (Serenity Residences, Cocoon Residences, and the Owner’s Residence) are the same configuration (large walk-in shower, heated floor, and a single sink). That means booking a pricier Ocean Penthouse or Ocean Residence won’t score you added bathroom perks.
Fares & Inclusions: From $3,100 per person for a 6-night Caribbean voyage to around $15,000 per person for Grand Journeys lasting 28 to 30 nights; fares include all onboard dining (with the exception of Anthology), beverages, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.
Best for: Travelers who love a leisurely pace with more sea days, since Explora Journey’s intent is to create “an ocean state of mind.
You Love All Things French and Have an Adventurous Spirit
Ponant / François LefebvreChoose: Ponant
French cruise line Ponant has been a luxury yacht leader since its founding in 1988 by a group of French sailors, but in recent years has grown its international passenger base via a serious foray into small-ship expedition cruising with a fleet designed for extreme polar journeys. Among them is the 245-guest luxury icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, which launched in 2021 and can take guests on immersive polar experiences — including to the North Pole — all while they sip Champagne and dine on signature dishes by Chef Alain Ducasse.
Owned by: Artemis, a holding company of the Pinault family
Ships: 12, including Le Commandant Charcot; six Ponant Explorers that each accommodates 184 guests and features a unique Blue Eye underwater observation lounge; four Sister Ships that carry 244 to 264 guests and are designed for global cruising; and the original sailing ship, Le Ponant, built in 1991 and recently refurbished to carry just 32 guests. Ponant also owns the 330-guest Paul Gauguin, which exclusively cruises Tahiti and the South Pacific.
Ambiance: Modern and minimalist, Ponant’s ships are as sleek and sophisticated as they come. Décor is mostly airy white-on-white, often accented by shades of blue. The effect is tranquil, ideal for relaxing, reading, and conversation — although the vibe on expedition itineraries is charged with anticipation and excitement both before and after Zodiac landings.
Dining & Entertainment: Gastronomy is a pillar of the Ponant cruise experience, which is centered around the French “art of living” and incorporates quality ingredients and exquisite presentation. Since 2016, Ponant has partnered with Ducasse Conseil, a catering enterprise by world-renowned chef Alain Ducasse, to ensure exceptional culinary standards. Each ship features a Gastro Restaurant and a Grill Restaurant, while Le Commandant Charcot also offers Le Nuna, Chef Ducasse’s first restaurant at sea. There is a surprising array of evening entertainment — lively production shows, vocalists, and pianists — even on expedition voyages, but Ponant ships do not have a casino.
Accommodations: These range from 204-square-foot Deluxe Staterooms on the six Ponant Explorers to the 1,200-foot Owner’s Suite on Le Commandant Charcot.
Fares & Inclusions: From $4,090 per person for a 7-night Adriatic cruise to $50,140 for a 24-night Northwest Passage itinerary; fares include all dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, gratuities, all expedition outings by Zodiac, and some expedition airfares.
Best for: Couples who enjoy meeting other adventurous, food-loving international travelers.
You Want a Small-Ship Experience With Both Expedition and Epicurean Options
Photo courtesy of Atlas Ocean VoyagesChoose: Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages sailed onto the luxury cruise scene with the introduction of three expedition-style ships in 2021 and a fourth planned for 2025. The line’s pitch to travelers looking for a small-luxury cruise alternative is that they can choose between more remote and adventurous Polar Expeditions to Antarctica, the Arctic, the Norwegian Fjords, Iceland, and Greenland, and Epicurean Expeditions centered on the gastronomy and culture of the Mediterranean, Caribbean, South America, Greek Isles, British Isles, and Northern Europe.
Owned by: Portugal-based Mystic Invest Holding, of which Atlas is a U.S. subsidiary headquartered in Fort Lauderdale
Ships: Three, each accommodating 196 guests: World Navigator, launched in 2021; World Traveller, launched in 2022; and World Voyager, launched in 2023. A fourth ship, World Seeker, is scheduled to debut in 2025. All are Polar Category C- and Ice Class 1B-certified.
Ambiance: Luxury yacht lifestyle amenities meet expedition-cruise credentials aboard Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ships, which feature modern-classic décor that includes Art Deco-inspired blues and greens amid a palette of contemporary neutrals. They also carry 18 Zodiacs for remote exploration and a panoramic lounge and a heated pool and whirlpools add to the relaxing vibe.
Dining & Entertainment: Guests enjoy complimentary dining in two main onboard restaurants as well as two quick-bite options. Each ship has a main gastronomic restaurant serving five-course regional menus and named for a destination in Portugal — Lisboa, Porto, and Madeira — as well as the 7AFT Grill specializing in grilled meat and fish. Drop-by options are The Dome Observation Lounge for afternoon tea and Paula’s Pantry for a light breakfast, wrap, or snack. Guest speakers add to the cultural immersion with presentations in the ship’s auditorium, and a half-dozen lounges with open bars foster pre- and post-dinner conversation as entertainment is minimal and there’s no onboard casino.
Accommodations: There are eight categories, all featuring an ocean view (90% have a balcony) and ranging from 183-square-foot Adventure Staterooms with a large picture window to 465-square-foot Navigator Suites with a spa shower, bathtub, and 106-square-foot veranda.
Fares & Inclusions: From around $5,999 per person for a 7-night Mediterranean sailing to $20,499 for an 18-night Nordic Route to Svalbard itinerary; fares include all dining, beverages, in-room minibar, butler service, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, as well as additional dining experiences, wine tastings, and cultural immersion on Epicurean and Cultural Itineraries; guests on Antarctic and select Arctic sailings also receive private charter jet service, group transfers, an Atlas Ocean Voyages parka and vest, and guided Zodiac landings.
Best for: Couples looking to check off bucket-list destinations — and do it while enjoying the relaxed camaraderie of an intimate luxury yacht.
You want an intimate ambiance that’s casual yet culinary-focused.
Courtesy of Windstar CruisesChoose: Windstar Cruises
Windstar Cruises is unique in that it operates two very different types of small ships: classic sailing yachts and all-suite motor yachts. All accommodate 148 to 342 guests and offer itineraries that call on smaller ports — such as Patmos in the Greek Islands, Trapani on Sicily, and Jost Van Dyck in the British Virgin Islands — that many larger ships don’t visit. Windstar also sails year-round in Tahiti, offering 7- and 11-night cruises roundtrip from Papeete. Destinations visited by its ships include the Mediterranean & Greek Isles, Northern Europe & Iceland, Costa Rica & the Panama Canal, the Caribbean, Mexico, South America, the South Pacific, and Canada & New England.
Owned by: Xanterra Travel Collection, which also operates iconic lodges in national parks such as Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, and Glacier; Xanterra is a subsidiary of the Anschutz Corporation, which owns The Broadmoor and Sea Island resorts.
Ships: Windstar’s six ships were all built between 1986 and 1992, but have recently been extensively refurbished—with the three motor yachts lengthened to create additional cabins and public spaces. Windstar launched in the 1980s with 148-guest Wind Star, 148-guest Wind Spirit, and 342-guest Wind Surf. The three Star Plus Class motor yachts — Star Pride, Star Legend, and Star Breeze — were added in 2013 (all were formerly Silversea vessels), and after undergoing a $250 million Star Plus Initiative, each now carries 312 guests in all-suite accommodations.
Ambiance: If your ideal cruise involves sharing your travels with others who enjoy a casual and convivial onboard setting that’s centered around authentic experiences, Windstar’s intimate ships could be a terrific fit. This brand’s luxury is rooted in welcoming service and comfortable, unpretentious gathering spots, creating a relaxed onboard vibe.
Dining & Entertainment: As the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation, Windstar takes its culinary program seriously, featuring menus in the Amphora main dining room focused on fresh seasonal ingredients and themed culinary sailings with top chefs. Its Star Class ships recently added two new dining venues: Cuadro 44 by Michelin-starred Chef Anthony Sasso for modern Spanish cuisine and Star Grill by global grilling master Steven Raichlen for al fresco global grilled and barbecue favorites. Onboard entertainment is low-key, primarily live music each evening in the lounges and guest lecturers that vary by itinerary.
Accommodations: There is a distinct difference in the staterooms offered on Windstar’s sailing yachts vs. its motor yachts, with the latter (Star Pride, Star Legend, and Star Breeze) featuring roomier suites, the smallest measuring 277 square feet and the largest (the three-bedroom Grand Owner’s Suite) offering 1,374 square feet; only Balcony Suites and higher feature a veranda and six categories are ocean-view only. On Wind-Class ships (Wind Star, Wind Spirit, and Wind Surf), oceanview staterooms are snugger but well-designed at 188 square feet, while suites range from 220 to 495 square feet; there are no balcony accommodations.
Fares & Inclusions: Windstar offers both cruise-only and all-inclusive fares, which range from $2,899 per person ($3,522, all-inclusive) for a seven-day Mediterranean cruise on a Wind-Class ship to $5,559 per person ($6,845, all-inclusive) for a 14-day Tahitian Treasures & Magnificent Marquesas sailing on Star Breeze. Guests who book all-inclusive, get the following: Wi-Fi, gratuities, and unlimited beer, wine, and cocktails.
Best For: Couples, groups of friends, and solo travelers seeking a cruise experience that relaxes rather than overwhelms and visits more off-the-beaten-path ports in the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, Caribbean, and South Pacific.
You want expedition-style adventure and some very cool onboard “toys.”
Courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & ToursChoose: Scenic
Scenic Cruises & Tours, which has offered river cruises in Europe since 2008, entered the luxury ocean cruise realm in 2019 and quickly made a name for itself among international travelers by offering expedition itineraries that fulfill bucket-list destination dreams. Scenic’s ocean ships cruise to Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia & the South Pacific, Europe & the Mediterranean, Asia, the Caribbean, South America, and Canada & New England.
Owned by: Australia-based Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours, which was founded in 1986 and offers travel to more than 60 countries on all seven continents.
Ships: Scenic currently has two nearly identical 228-guest (200 when in Antarctica) polar-ice-rated ships: Scenic Eclipse I, launched in 2019, and Scenic Eclipse II, which debuted in 2023. Both feature two onboard submersibles for underwater exploration and two Airbus H130-T2 helicopters for sky-high sightseeing excursions.
Ambiance: Guests aboard Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II, which the cruise line refers to as “Discovery Yachts,” enjoy a blend of excitement and indulgence as they explore destinations that are both remote (such as the Ross Sea and East Antarctica) and familiar (including the Italian and French Rivieras) with the added luxury of exemplary cuisine, five-star service, airy contemporary décor, nine bars and lounges, and a well-trained expedition team. Itineraries that cruise less-remote locales still keep more adventurous guests satisfied with underwater and flight-seeing excursions.
Dining & Entertainment: Dining venues onboard the two ships include Lumiere for contemporary French fine dining, Elements for Italian and international favorites, and three pan-Asian options (Koko’s, Sushi @ Koko’s, and Night Market @ Koko’s) serving fusion dishes, sushi, and teppanyaki tasting menus, respectively. The ultimate culinary adventure is the invite-only Chef’s Table, featuring creative cuisine served over 11 indulgent courses. There isn’t all that much in the way of onboard activities and entertainment, with the theater mainly hosting enrichment lectures, film screenings, and occasional performances by the cruise director; a house pianist also provides live music in the ship’s lounge.
Accommodations: The 114 suites on both ships range from 344-square-foot Verandah Suites to 2,099-square-foot Owner’s Penthouse Suites, and all feature a private veranda or terrace and a complimentary mini-bar stocked with wines and spirits personalized to guests’ preferences. All suites also feature butler service.
Fares & Inclusions: Scenic’s ocean cruises range in price from $8,990 per person for a 12-day itinerary in Canada & New England to $24,195 for a 20-day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands sailing. Fares include all dining and beverages, excursions (submersible and helicopter tours are extra, however), access to spa facilities, gratuities, and Wi-Fi.
Best For: Adventurous couples who enjoy being pampered with exceptional food, fine wines, and the chance to explore some of the world’s most fascinating destinations.