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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.

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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She’s the next in a fine line for Cunard, and on 19th April 2024, Queen Anne officially joined the luxury cruise line’s iconic fleet during a historic handover ceremony in Italy. Cunard took ownership of its stunning 3,000-guest ship during a traditional handover ceremony at the Fincantieri Marghera shipyard in Venice, where master shipbuilders have been constructing it. The...

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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.

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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

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

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

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

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

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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13 of the best luxury cruise lines for 2024

While all ultra-luxury cruise lines have fine dining, superb accommodation and impeccable service, each has its own personality, style and devoted following. here are some of the best.

C ruising doesn’t have to mean enormous floating cities with thousands of passengers — there are plenty of ultra-luxury lines offering adventures on small ships with a much more intimate atmosphere. The best of the best has everything from butler service to helicopter flights, from infinity pools to world class cuisine. Their ships sail everywhere from Antarctica to the Caribbean, often calling in at smaller ports for exclusive excursions. Intrigued? Here are the best luxury cruise lines to book with.

Main photo: the Owner’s Penthouse deck on Scenic Eclipse

1. Oceania Cruises

You’ll enjoy some of the best food at sea on this line. The latest addition to the fleet, the 1,200-passenger Oceania Vista, launched in 2023. It became the seventh ship in the fleet and the first of two new Allura-class vessels, with the second scheduled for delivery in 2025. Created to reflect the glamorousbelle époque era of Paris, the Grand Dining Room, with a ceiling that’s almost two decks high, is a standout feature on Vista. There’s also a dedicated cabin category for solo travellers. Suggestions from officers and crew members helped shape Oceania Vista, so you can expect a ship that is full of practical and aesthetic touches.

2. Silversea

Italian flair is part of Silversea’s appeal, with acres of marble and cool design touches adorning its fleet of elegant ships. In 2023, the line launched Silver Nova, with accommodation for up to 728 guests that includes aft suites with 270-degree views; a sister ship, Silver Ray, is due to sail in summer 2024. Silversea service is highly personal, with a butler for every suite, and there’s a wide choice of fine-dining restaurants. These include SALT (Sea and Land Taste) Kitchen, showcasing regional cuisine from the destinations visited. 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. Many cruises include flights and transfers too. On expedition cruises, all activities are included.

There’s new cruising royalty on the horizon with the 3,000-passenger Queen Anne. Setting sail in 2024, the latest flagship is the line’s first new vessel in 12 years and will combine Cunard’s trademark art deco heritage with modern design details. The top suites on Cunard’s current trio of elegant Queens (Mary 2, Victoria and Elizabeth), are graded either Princess Grill or Queens Grill, and represent some of the most prestigious accommodation at sea — particularly the duplex suites that resemble smart private apartments. Each Grill class has its own fine-dining restaurant and Grill passengers have a private cocktail lounge. You’ll enjoy all the features of a big ship too, from top-notch guest speakers to grand theatrical productions and glittering black-tie balls.

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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. Glamorous White Nights deck parties receive rave reviews, while every cruise includes an AzAmazing evening, a spectacular cultural event ashore. Itineraries focus on late departures, or overnights in port. You’ll be spoiled with its choice of restaurants, including a grill, Prime C, and a romantic Italian, Aqualina. Included are crew tips, most drinks and all dining apart from the two speciality restaurants. Suite guests get extra perks, including speciality dining. And, while most fares include flights and transfers, you’ll pay extra for shore excursions, premium drinks and, unless you’re in one of the top cabins, wi-fi.

5. Seabourn

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. All dining, including speciality restaurants, crew tips and a comprehensive menu of cocktails and fine wines is included. Some voyages include flights too. You’ll pay extra for premium wines, wi-fi, access to the Retreat (an exclusive alfresco lounge on the top deck) and shore excursions.

6. Uniworld

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. SS La Venezia, for example, decked out in Murano glass and decadent Venetian detailing, sails only northern Italy, including Venice and its islands. On board, everything is included, including a curated selection of excursions. If you want to do your own thing, there are walking sticks and bicycles you can borrow.

7. SeaDream Yacht Club

The service is what sings on this tiny boutique cruise line, which operates just two 112-passenger megayachts that in 2022 underwent bow-to-stern revamps totalling nearly £10 million. All staterooms on SeaDream I and SeaDream II have been completely refurbished, and there are gleaming new teak decks mirroring the centuries-old yachting tradition. Attentive crew cater to guests’ every whim, while the food is exceptional, not least the imaginative vegetarian and vegan dishes. Life onboard is relaxed and informal, with the dress code best described as chic. Every voyage includes a decadent Champagne & Caviar Splash party, either around the pool or in the surf, with free-flowing bubbles. You can swim off the ship too and, for a touch of romance, sleep on deck under a duvet and a canopy of stars. Dining, crew tips and drinks apart from premium wines are included in the price.

Viking’s nine near-identical, adult-only ships carry 930 passengers and embody Scandi chic with their stylish, soothing interiors, gorgeous light-filled lounges and spacious cabins, every one of which has a private veranda. Highlights include an infinity pool on the aft deck, a superb spa with free access to the hydro pool, saunas and steam rooms, and the Wintergarden — a sunlit space with a retractable roof for warm days. Torshavn, an intimate little nightclub, is as fun as any jazz club you’ll find ashore. The package includes all dining, drinks with meals, wi-fi, crew tips, flights and transfers, and an excursion in every port. Bar drinks and optional excursions cost extra.

9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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. All dining, most wines and spirits, crew tips, gym classes, wi-fi, excursions, flights and transfers, and even pre and post-cruise hotel stays are included. Spa treatments, premium drinks and some of the optional excursions are all you’ll pay extra for.

Megayacht Scenic Eclipse marked the first foray into the luxury ocean cruise scene for Australian-owned Scenic; the 228-guest sister vessel Scenic Eclipse II followed suit in spring of 2023. Every spacious suite has a balcony and you can expect upmarket interiors reminiscent of a contemporary boutique hotel. Standards don’t slip when it comes to gastronomy, where you can take your pick from Asian fusion, classic French and everything in between. Both ships are designed for polar expedition cruising, but also offer warm-water voyages. Whatever the climate, there’s plenty to keep guests entertained, be it e-bikes or stand-up paddleboarding, a helicopter flight or a dive in the submarine, which both cost extra. Practically everything is included: most drinks, all dining, crew tips, a stocked minibar, flights and transfers, excursions and activities.

11. Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the first luxury oceangoing brand from international shipping giant the MSC Group. Explora I, the first of six ships, debuted in 2023, and the rest will follow between 2024 and 2028. The sea-facing cabins — described as homes at sea — have balconies, walk-in wardrobes and heated bathroom floors. Entry level accommodation is larger than average and goes up to a huge Owner’s Residence, complete with a private terrace, hot tub and butler. Restaurants will feature cuisine from around the globe.

12. Swan Hellenic

One for culture hounds, British line Swan Hellenic has itineraries to many adventurous destinations on the cruise circuit, from the polar regions to countries in east Africa and the Indian Ocean. You get to really experience it all, too, as a shore excursion is included for every stop. Its small fleet of three ships has been designed with expeditions in mind, but none of them scrimps on comfort — expect saunas with spectacular views, lounges with cosy fireplaces and cabins furnished with boutique hotel aesthetics.

swanhellenic.com

French-owned Ponant operates a fleet of stylish expedition ships, the smartest of which are arguably the six Ponant Explorers, with clever design features — most notably a multisensory underwater viewing lounge. Every cabin has a balcony and luxurious, tactile finishes in leather and suede. On board you’ll find luxury French brands such as Veuve Clicquot champagne and Hermès bath products, as well as classic French cuisine overseen by the chef Alain Ducasse. The latest addition to the fleet is the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, tailor-made for thrilling polar expeditions. Costs cover dining, most drinks, a stocked minibar, wi-fi, crew gratuities and — on expedition cruises — most activities. You’ll pay extra for excursions and, on some voyages, flights.

Additional reporting by Qin Xie

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What is a seabourn expedition.

Think of it as an ultra-luxury Safari at Sea. Our two, new Polar Class 6 ships are your richly-appointed base camps. Your guides are our elite Expedition Team. Your 4 x 4 is a Zodiac , kayak, or six-person submarine that allows you to encounter rare creatures in the wild where unexpected discovery unfolds every day.

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Ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, PC6 ice-strengthened hull, with advanced maneuvering technology for superior stability, safety and comfort

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Inclusive Experiences at every stop, such as curated shore excursions, cultural tours, guided Zodiac® cruises, hikes, nature walks, snorkeling, and scuba diving

Optional, guided Expedition Experiences include state-of-the-art custom-built 6-guest submarines, providing the option to extend your expedition further for greater ocean exploration, kayaks, and other destination experiences**

Nearly 30,000 square feet of spacious open deck space for optimal nature and wildlife viewing

4K GSS Cineflex camera capable of broadcasting imagery from up to 3 miles away on monitors located throughout the ship

Complimentary Signature Events: Caviar on Ice, Polar Plunge, and more 

Open bridge**, providing firsthand access to the ship’s command center and officers navigating your journey  

Handcrafted itineraries designed to take the luxury traveler further, deeper, and closer to the most coveted and remote destinations in the world

Daily enrichment throughout the ship with expert-led ‘Fireside chats’, daily recaps and briefings, lectures, and Seabourn Conversations®, plus a multifunctional interactive virtual bridge

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Begin your ultra-luxury cruise as soon as you leave home with our executive private transfer service . Then, once on board, you’ll enjoy the 24-hour gourmet dining, butler service, superb entertainment and premium alcoholic beverages that Silversea is known for, as well as a complimentary shore excursion every day! From off-the-beaten-track ports to iconic destinations, we guarantee a vision of travelling like no other. What’s more, all voyages benefit from added extras! From special savings to included airfares and transfers , Silversea has you covered. It simply doesn’t get any better than this.

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Take your Silversea all-inclusive experience to new heights. Start your cruise as soon as you leave home with our new chauffeur service. Taking you from home to your domestic airport and back again, this luxury service is included as part of our all-inclusive offer with all new bookings on all voyages.

All-Inclusive pre/post cruise benefits

Let’s talk about extras! We want your travel experience to be as smooth as possible. And that starts from the moment you book your ultra-luxury cruise with us. Our fares include international roundtrip flights, business class upgrades in selected destinations, in-country flights (when required by the itinerary), and pre and post-cruise hotel nights, according to your flights. But that’s not all! If your preferred flights aren’t available, then we’ll give you an air credit in its place. Our all-inclusive really does have it all.

Butler service in every suite

All guests are pampered equally aboard our ships. We are the only cruise line worldwide to include butler service in every suite and category. A staff-to-guest ratio of nearly one to one ensures that your every wish is fulfilled with earnest precision, from the concierge who can customise your voyage to the butler who serves your breakfast in suite.

Complimentary beverages everywhere

Enjoy a glass or bottle of champagne, wine, beer, or premium spirits on the house. We’ll also ensure you’re well stocked with water, juices and soft drinks in the public bars and your suite. Our Silversea promise is to keep your mini-bar full of your favourite drinks – alcoholic beverages (including wine, spirits and mixers) or cold bottles of water for hot, sunny days! Your butler will replenish daily, but if you want a little extra, ask, and we’ll ensure you get exactly what you want. No wish is too big or too small. Yes, really!

Gourmet dining

Enjoy breakfast in your suite or lunch and dinner in one of our speciality restaurants. Our gourmet dining options welcome you for an unforgettable meal. We aim to create an extraordinary dining experience by making long-lasting gastronomic memories for everyone to enjoy. Our regionally inspired S.A.L.T. Bar, Kitchen and Laboratory concept aboard Silver Moon, Silver Dawn, Silver Nova and Silver Ray offers a deep-dive culinary immersion beyond anything you have ever experienced aboard a cruise ship. Our speciality dining options include local and international dishes for those who take their dining seriously. Buon appetito!

Gratuities and personalised service onboard

Setting sail on Silversea promises peace of mind from start to finish. That means no worrying about tipping the butlers or staff. Our crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1 ensures flawless service from pole to pole, but with us, you never have to think about who should get a tip, how much you should give and when. It’s all included! We believe that not having to deal with tipping helps make your luxury cruise even more special and stress-free. And that is worth every penny.

Shore excursions and onboard lectures

We’ve ensured that you see the best of your itinerary at no extra cost! Every port on every cruise enjoys at least one included shore excursion. Our team of destination architects have carefully chosen onshore adventures that will allow you to get the best out of everywhere you go, where ever you are. Onboard, our knowledgeable lecturers give great talks on the background of your favourite places. And for those who want to immerse themselves even deeper in their destination, we have kept our range of bespoke shore excursions and land programmes just for you!

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Get the best from your destination with Silversea Expedition’s superb all-inclusive offering. With a team of industry experts to design our voyages and exciting explorations on land, our ultra-luxury, expedition cruises cannot be beaten. With up to 28 expedition staff per cruise, pole-to-pole itineraries, and zodiac outings to see everything from the wildlife of the Galapagos to the icebergs of Antarctica, we offer a 360˚ immersion in some of the most unreachable places on the planet. Add to that superlative service extreme comfort and gastronomic dining onboard, and we guarantee that exploring has never felt so good with Silversea.

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Welcome to Panache Cruises – the genuine worldwide luxury and ultra-luxury cruise specialists.

If you’re looking to book your next luxury or ultra-luxury cruise, you’re in exactly the right place – we’ll look after you from your very first contact, through to your return home to ensure you have the most amazing trip possible.

Our highly trained, friendly and experienced Cruise Connoisseurs are here to ensure you book the perfect cruise and with decades of cruise curation at your disposal, you can be certain that when you book through us, you’ll get the best possible adventure for you and the people you love to be with.

Book with Panache Cruises today and benefit from:

• Decades of experience in luxury cruising and our ‘nothing is too much trouble’ service.
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Life on Board

Curate your onboard experience. Blend immersive dining with sophisticated lounging. Rejuvenate with Ocean Wellness, energise in open air fitness.

View the ocean, from your suite.

A celebration of talents, cultures and passions. 

An elegant, cosmopolitan atmosphere in which to discover, enjoy and appreciate diverse flavours and talents from around the world.

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The ocean-inspired wellness philosophy of Explora Journeys, embracing a mystical power of the sea to invigorate our senses and lift our spirits.

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Shuttle services from port to city centre**

Authentic, cultured, intuitive service

Plus additional benefits for guests staying in Ocean Grand Terrace Suites, Ocean Penthouses and Ocean Residences.

*  Fine wines and premium spirits, speciality coffees, teas and soft drinks available anytime, including in-suite mini-bar. For fine wine and spirits connoisseurs or those wishing to elevate their experience or celebrate a special occasion, an ultra-exquisite selection of wines, spirits, and liqueurs, will also be available for an additional fee. 

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Experience a culinary journey unlike any on land with innovative menus capturing cultural traditions of each port visited.

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Designed for the comfort of luxury travelers and each with its own terrace, the yacht's suite experience is unparalleled at sea.

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With nearly as many staff members as guests, our unwavering commitment to service takes to sea.

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Feel at ease in your private oasis at sea, with included service and amenities that set a new standard for luxury travel.

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The onboard spa is the ultimate in relaxation at sea, inviting guests to indulge in scents and delights from around the world.

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Discover curated experiences designed to ensure each moment ashore is uniquely rewarding.

Amenities Abound

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Luxury Cruises Aboard

A voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an unprecedented opportunity to be untethered. Here, freedom and flexibility allow immersion in life's exceptional experiences; exploration of earth's exquisite and unexpected hideaways; and stirring of passions and curiosities that create new and deepened connections.

All of this delivered in an intimate setting with a heightened level of care and attention. Enlivened and enlightened, marvel at the beauty of the world through fresh eyes. Live untethered, live fully.

Luxury Caribbean Voyages

The turquoise waters of the Caribbean beckon to sun-drenched islands where history, culture and traditions combine.

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Experience the romantic beauty and history of the Mediterranean Sea's colorful coasts and hidden harbors.

Luxury Crossing Voyages

Unplug from everyday life when you cross vast oceans, with time to enjoy the laid-back, unhurried life on board.

Cunard added a 4th luxury cruise ship to its famous fleet — see what it'll be like on the new Queen Anne

• Cunard  welcomed its fourth ship and newest in 14 years, the 2,996-guest Queen Anne.
• The 114,000-ton vessel has amenities like an Indian restaurant and pool under a retractable glass roof.
• Queen Anne's 2024 itineraries, primarily in Europe, start at $300 per person for a two-night cruise.

Cunard has operated 249 ships throughout its 184 years in operation, including the famous Queen Mary and Queen Mary 2. But it's been 14 years since the cruise line has launched a new vessel — until now.

Luxury cruisers , meet Queen Anne. It's Cunard's latest 2,996-guest ship, replete with 4,300 art pieces, archery, and the company's signature high-end flair. Its arrival was so highly anticipated that every cabin on its May 3 maiden voyage was fully reserved in minutes, the BBC reported.

The Carnival Corp. brand may be storied, but that doesn’t mean it’s past its prime.

Katie McAlister, president of Cunard, recently told the BBC that its bookings have grown 25% since the beginning of 2024 and are now the best they've been in a decade.

So it should come as no surprise that several of Queen Anne's 2024 itineraries are almost sold out.

Cunard isn’t in the business of building bigger.

Luxury cruise lines are beloved for their small-ship experience. Cunard is no different.

The new 114,000-ton cruise liner is the company's second-largest, although it can carry more guests than any of its other ships.

However, at a 2,996-guest and 1,225-crew capacity, Queen Anne is still tiny compared to the mass-market cruise industry's newest ships , the largest of which can carry 10,000 people.

Queen Anne's cabins are divided into four categories, listed from most to least luxurious: Queens Grill, Princess Grill, Britannia Club, and Britannia.

Despite being the cheapest option, the Britannia accommodations have high-end amenities like sparkling wine, Penhaligon toiletries, and tea and coffee machines.

That's nothing compared to the most luxurious Queens Grill suites, where guests get amenities like pillow menus, stocked mini-bars, a butler, fruit, and pre-dinner canapes.

Forget the sparkling wine — Queens Grill travelers get a bottle of Champagne.

Cabin categories are especially important for Cunard, not for reasons you might expect.

Besides how luxurious your hotel room at sea is, your cabin influences where you have breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Guests in the Princess Grill suites dine at the Princess Grill restaurant, while Britannia Club guests stick to the Britannia Club restaurant, and so on.

Guests in the higher-end Princess and Queens cabins also get a pretty sweet bonus: an exclusive lounge with infinity hot tubs.

Regardless of your cabin, the 14-deck ship has plenty of areas for all guests to relax under the sun.

For example, the Pavilion. It's one of Queen Anne's go-to places for an afternoon swim, nighttime movie viewing, silent disco, and not-so-silent live music, all under a retractable glass roof.

The ship's pool club also has plenty of lounge seats for a more traditional pool deck experience. For something indoors, head to the drawing and game rooms instead.

Like every new cruise ship, Queen Anne has a pickleball court.

But unlike every new cruise ship, it also has archery — coaches, bows, and arrows included.

Travelers looking for a less intense afternoon can instead try their hand at the putting green, shuffleboard, or quoits.

Not confident in your athletic abilities? Don't worry — there's a bar nearby, too.

If you lose your pickleball match, you can retail therapy your pain away at Queen Anne’s high-end stores.

Travelers have been splurging big on their cruise vacations . On Queen Anne (and with help from one of the ship's personal shoppers), this could include a Bremont watch or Chanel makeup.

Or, do as cruisers do: Eat and drink the pain away.

The ship has 15 eateries. Unfortunately, you'll have to pay extra for the Mediterranean, Indian, Japanese, steakhouse grill, alfresco, and British restaurants.

Thankfully, the food hall-style buffet, room service, and cabin-assigned dining rooms are included in the fare.

Feeling peckish in the afternoon? Afternoon tea is held in the Queens Room, the same venue that hosts events like ballroom dancing and Cunard's signature black-tie galas.

Of course, a cruise wouldn’t be complete without a casino, spa, and nighttime shows.

Queen Anne is showing two new productions, including an adaptation of the classic British film "Brief Encounter."

For more casual entertainment, the ship also has a "show bar" helmed by a variety of musicians and entertainers.

For a more relaxing afternoon, try the spa's cryotherapy, "experience showers," and salt saunas.

Afterwards, to keep the wellness trend going, grab a healthy bite at the veggie and "sustainably sourced protein"-forward Wellness Cafe. Its kombucha bellinis are technically good for you, right?

Cunard is beloved for its regular transatlantic cruises on its Queen Mary 2 ocean liner.

In 2025, Queen Anne will embark on its first three-month around-the-world cruise. However, for the most part, it's not scheduled for repeat long-haul journeys .

Instead, in 2024, the ship will be homeported in Southampton, UK and travel on two- to 19-night itineraries across Europe.

The cheapest way to experience the new ship is a two-night summer cruise from Southampton to Hamburg, Germany, which currently starts at $300 per person.

But if money is no problem, the 18-night roundtrip Hamburg cruise during Christmas and the New Year might pique your interest — and your wallet. The itinerary's luxurious Queens Grill suites start at $19,350 per person.

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The best river cruises for boutique European cruising

From wine tasting along the Douro to Italian feasts with top chefs in Venice, browse the most amazing river cruise itineraries

From the Douro to the Rhine , Europe has some of the world's most scenic rivers that are best experienced on a small ship, where you can sail from little towns to historic cities via relaxing long stretches of countryside.

We've rounded up the best river cruises for boutique sailing, selecting those that combine the most carefully put-together itineraries aboard the loveliest ships, including a super-luxe option to explore the Venetian Lagoon in autumn 2024.

River cruises are also the perfect introduction to cruise holidays for first-timers, while those who already know and love the joy of discovering destinations by small ship will enjoy exploring new itineraries accompanied by famous faces, such as chef James Martin and historian Lucy Worsley .

Here are Good Housekeeping's pick of the best river cruises for exploring Europe's wonderful rivers, plus a few options for those who want to travel further afield.

Sail the magical Venetian Lagoon and hear Russell Watson sing

Venice is a captivating city, almost frozen in time, where astoundingly beautiful buildings line a maze of canals — it's no wonder the sheer decadence of this place captures the hearts of so many. Part of the thrill of visiting Venice is getting swept up in its narrow streets, peering into windows displaying intricately painted masks and feasting on plates of risotto in piazzas. Join Good Housekeeping's fantastic music-themed Venice cruise with world-renowned tenor Russell Watson, which includes an exclusive intimate concert in this stunning and historic city and seven nights on board a luxury ship. You'll explore the lagoon's elegant waterways aboard S.S La Venezia. It's an incredible eight-day itinerary that takes you around the Venetian Lagoon to visit places such as Chioggia, Torcello, Mazzorbo and Burano.

S.S. La Venezia matches Venice's splendour in its opulent fittings, filled with accents that honour its location, including exquisite Venetian masks and Murano glass. Everything's included on this five-star cruise, from delicious food and wines to a choice of excursions around the islands.

When? October 2024

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Taste Portuguese wines on a Douro River cruise

The gorgeous Douro Valley is an enchanting and peaceful pocket of Portugal, famed for its port wine and loved for its storybook-style beauty. Terraced vineyards rise steeply from the winding river and are dotted with whitewashed Quintas - the region's terracotta-roofed wine estates - making it a particularly scenic area for a relaxing river cruise.

Sit on the sundeck of a ship to watch the scenery pass by, and delight your palate with some of Portugal’s most sensational wines on an eight-day round-trip cruise on the Douro River. You'll be able to explore the area and learn more about its port production — with plenty of opportunities to sample it yourself on visits to rustic Quintas

After arriving in Porto to board the A-ROSA ALVA, you’ll sail to Régua, a pretty riverfront town that’s produced port since the 18th century. You'll follow the Douro, hopping from place to place to where Portugal borders Spain before turning back. A highlight is visiting a Quinta in Pinhão where, depending on the season, you might get to take part in the traditional grape harvest, picking and crushing the grapes underfoot .

When? June and September 2024

Visit Germany's famous Christmas markets along the Rhine

There are so many enchanting cities and villages along the banks of the Rhine, and they really come into their own in December. Germany is famed for its atmospheric Christmas markets, and many of the best in the country can be found along the Rhine, making a Christmassy cruise a fabulous way to explore them.

There's Mainz, one of the oldest cities in Germany, where you can visit a historic Christmas market on the Domplatz, set against a backdrop of the illuminated Mainz Cathedral. You'll want to visit Koblenz too, a city considered to have one of the most beautiful Christmas markets in Germany, and one of the largest in the Rhineland.

Join Good Housekeeping for a festive voyage along the Rhine on the the beautiful ship A-ROSA Aqua and you'll visit Mainz and Koblenz as well as Frankfurt and Cologne, where the market takes place right in front of the famous Cologne Cathedral.

On board your ship you'll find a sauna, fitness area, and whirlpool to enjoy between your market trips, and ample breakfast, lunch and dinner buffets in the ship's lovely dining venues.

When? December 2024 FIND OUT MORE

Glide along the Danube and see the Lipizzaner horses in Vienna

The banks of the Danube have seen the rise and fall of empires and provided inspiration to some of Europe's greatest artists and composers. This grand river winds its way past mysterious hillside castles and ancient medieval towns and meanders through a range of culture-rich cities, including four European capitals . A river cruise is an unbeatable way to explore some of the cities straddling the Danube, allowing you to visit several towns, villages and cities on one trip, without having to organise local transport yourself.

One of the finest cities that the Danube flows through is Vienna, once the home of Mozart, where manicured gardens, chic coffee houses and baroque palaces will have you feeling like you've stepped back in time. It's also the home of the Royal Lipizzaner Stables at the Spanish Riding School, where grand Lipizzan horses perform a mesmerising type of equine ballet. On Good Housekeeping's Danube River cruise you can visit the Royal Lipizzaner Stables with historian Lucy Worsley. You'll enjoy an aperitif and a talk before watching the training of the young stallions in the imperial atmosphere of the Baroque winter riding school, as classical Viennese music plays.

When? September 2024

Sail further afield with a cruise through Vietnam and Cambodia

While Europe has more than its fair share of enchanting rivers, you're also spoilt for choice if you fancy a river cruise further afield.

Asia has several waterways which provide ideal routes for discovering new countries and cultures. Flowing through Myanmar, China, Laos, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the Mekong is one of the longest rivers in the world and home to an incredible range of wildlife.

It makes the ideal destination for a river cruise that combines culture, delicious cuisine and wildlife-spotting. You might spot species like the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, giant freshwater stingray and giant catfish swimming alongside you.

Good Housekeeping is offering an immersive adventure along the Mekong through Cambodia and Vietnam. You'll sail in a Luxury Balcony suite aboard the Mekong Jewel, a luxurious and beautifully decorated ship, to visit unforgettable sights like the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat temples and incredible cities like Phnom Penh and Hanoi.

There'll be ample opportunities to learn about the turbulent history of the region too, with visits to the infamous Killing Fields and a glimpse of the Viet Cong's network of tunnels dating back to the Vietnam War.

When? December 2024

Enjoy an Italian feast with James Martin in Venice

One thing that's synonymous with Italy is good food, and that's exactly what you can enjoy on this eight-day sailing around Venice and the Veneto region.

Tick off Venice's spectacular sights, including the Grand Canal, Rialto Bridge and St Mark's Basilica, which you'll visit after dark on our Good Housekeeping cruise . As part of our GH trip, you'll also get VIP access to the Doge's Palace, the stunning Venetian Gothic palace that dates back to 1340.

Sailing on the luxurious S.S. La Venezia , which accommodates only 126 guests and has a wonderfully intimate feel, you'll also visit the colourful, charming islands of Burano (pictured above), Mazzorbo and Torcello, all situated in the Lagoon of Venice.

If all of that wasn't exciting enough, the cherry on top will be meeting acclaimed chef James Martin, who will join you on board for the day to give a talk and partake in a Q&A and book-signing session. In addition, the much-loved Saturday Morning host will cook a delectable gala dinner one evening, too.

Discover local traditions as you sail the Ganges in a luxury ship

Another Asian adventure awaits on the Ganges, India's most sacred river. Sailing along this important body of water allows you a unique insight into life along its banks. It meanders 2,500km through the country from its starting point high in the Himalayas down through sprawling cities, tiny villages, and spectacular nature.

A Ganges cruise is a wonderful way to see some of India's best attractions, with highlights including the Rajbari temple complex in Kalna, the artisan village of Matiari, and the neoclassical Hazarduari Palace in Murshidabad.

Join Good Houskeeping's once-in-a-lifetime tour of India , which includes seven-night cruising in luxury down the Ganges. After exploring India's Golden Triangle – including a trip to witness both sunset and sunrise over the iconic Taj Mahal – you'll board the opulent Ganges Voyager II, a spectacular ship adorned with hand-painted murals, to explore the culture and history on the river banks. Of course, another highlight of India holiday is the cuisine, and you'll be joined on board by Michelin-starred British-Indian chef Atul Kochhar, who will share his passion for Indian cooking in a live demonstration.

When? November 2024

Discover the wonders of Egypt and sail the Nile

A brilliant option if you're itching to explore another continent is Egypt, where the Nile holds awe-inspiring archaeological treasures along its banks.

A cruise along this fabled river allows you to easily visit magnificent temples like Kom Ombo, Philae, and Edfu and to see the Valley of the Kings, the ancient burial grounds of Egyptian royalty. There are several more fascinating monuments to see along the way, including the towering twin statues known as the Colossi of Memnon. Join a cruise along the Nile with Good Housekeeping and you'll see all this and more while sailing on board the exceptional luxury ship, River Tosca. Making this river cruise even more special is the company of historian and author Lucy Worsley.

Lucy is an expert in Agatha Christie, who took inspiration from this region for one of her most famous works, Death on the Nile. You'll have afternoon tea at the hotel which features in the novel and Lucy will share her knowledge of the famous author's work during several Q&As and talks.

More cruise ideas:

- The best cruises for couples

- A guide to Northern Lights cruises

- The most beautiful Danube cities and towns

- A guide to Japan cruise holidays

- The most beautiful rivers in Europe

- The best small ship cruises

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Wealth of Geeks

12 Most Expensive Cruises (Outrageously Pricey and Ridiculously Luxurious)

Posted: May 17, 2024 | Last updated: May 17, 2024

Cruises are expensive. Not only do you have to pay for the trip, but also any additional excursions and souvenirs. Still, they don’t compare to the most luxurious cruises in the world.

As someone who cringes at paying $500 for a cruise, million-dollar cruises sound like a fantasy. But they are very real.

We chose expensive cruises with itineraries costing more than $1,000 per person and filled with luxurious features and activities.

Here are the 12 most expensive cruises.

1. Queen Elizabeth Luxury Cruise Ship

One of the most luxurious cruises in the world is the Queen Elizabeth Luxury Cruise Ship. This beautiful and elegant cruise ship is about 964 feet long and holds 2,081 guests and 911 crew.

Prices vary for this cruise. A 10-night Alaska cruise can start at at least $1,000 per person.

2. Seven Seas Explorer

Another incredibly expensive and luxurious cruise is the Seven Seas Explorer. The Seven Seas Explorer is smaller than the Queen Elizabeth but even more stunning. The ship is about 735 feet long and carries 746 guests and 548 crew members.

Suites are stylish and start at about 307 square feet. While prices can vary, they begin around $6,499. This is a lot more expensive than the Queen Elizabeth.

3. Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises are beautiful. These all-inclusive luxury cruises are held on a 504-foot ship with a capacity to hold 330 guests and 217 crew members.

So, how much does it cost to enjoy a trip on this cruise? These cruises start at about $3,600 but can jump to nearly triple this price.

4. Royal Clipper

One of the most unique cruises on this list is the Royal Clipper from Star Clippers. It is 439 feet long and features 19,000 square feet of open deck. It also has a total of 42 sails.

The price for this cruise depends on the destinations and the dates. Still, they range from $1,500 to over $5,000.

5. Seabourn Encore

Seabourn Encore is stunning. It’s a modern luxury cruise that is filled with elegance. The ship is nearly 700 feet long and includes 300 luxurious suites. 

Suites on this cruise start at $3,000 to $8,000. Fine dining experiences and personalized service are also included.

6. S.S. Maria Theresa

River cruises are a wonderful experience and offer some of the most luxurious cruises in the world. One such cruise is the S.S. Maria Theresa by Uniworld. This European river cruise is about 443 feet long and only welcomes 150 guests.

The inside of the ship is breathtaking, filled with 18th-century decor. This river cruise starts at around $2,500 but can easily reach over $10,000 a person.

7. Viking Osiris

Another river cruise to make our list is the Viking Osiris. This upscale shift has so many gorgeous features. It’s small, at about 236 feet long, with a capacity of 82 guests and 48 crew members.

There aren’t many itineraries on this new ship. A trip per person can start from $5,999.

8. Silver Dawn

Silver Dawn is an ultra-luxury cruise ship that I can only dream of going on. This newer ship is elegant and modern and welcomes up to 596 guests and 411 crew members.

A lot of trips on this cruise have a waitlist. However, they start from about $7,000 to $10,000.

9. Mekong Navigator

The Mekong Navigator is a unique experience. It’s small and charming, with only 34 suites, but these suites are luxurious, comfortable, and grand.

This stunning cruise ship was built in 2014 and is 230 feet long. It holds 68 guests and 24 crew members. Guests can spend their day at the cruise’s stunning library, spa, restaurants, and lounge areas.

10. Azamara Quest

Also on our list is the exquisite Azamara Quest. This Azamara cruise ship is a mid-sized ship full of life. While on here, guests can enjoy spa treatments, bars, fine dining, and incredible entertainment.

So, what does it cost to book a cruise on Azamara Quest? The price starts at about $1,500 but goes up from there.

11. Sylvia Earle

For adventure seekers, the Sylvia Earle Aurora cruise ship is a blast. It’s an elegant and luxurious way to see the world. The ship is small and pays tribute to marine biologist, oceanographer, and explorer Dr. Sylvia Earle.

Since these are not traditional relaxing cruises, but expeditions, they are a lot more expensive. You can expect to pay at least $9,000 per person. This is just the lower end as some cruises start at $22,000.

12. Crystal Serenity

Lastly is Crystal Serenity. This breathtaking cruise ship drips with luxury and elegance. It holds 740 guests and has a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1.

Award-winning restaurants and cuisine are found throughout the ship, including Umi Uma and Osteria D’Ovidio. Crystal Serenity cruises aren’t cheap. They start at around $3,600 a guest but rise quickly.

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Meet the 81-year-old CEO who built a $10.4 billion luxury cruise line tailored just for baby boomers: ‘They’re the richest group we have around’

A veteran cruise attendee at just 24 years old, Julia Wilcox is used to her inbox flooding with promotional emails from cruise lines courting loyal customers. But Wilcox, who vlogs her cruise experiences on TikTok , said one cruise line takes a more idiosyncratic approach to their marketing: Two or three times a month, she’ll get thick and glossy paper envelopes in the mail from Viking Cruises, the luxury cruise line which with she took a 10-day trip in January 2023. It’s the only cruise company that sends her paper mail—and it does so persistently.

“I get so much paper mail from Viking. I’m like, this is insane,” she told Fortune . “You could send me on a free cruise for the amount of paper and things that you send me.”

While anomalous in its marketing strategy, the logic behind Viking’s insistence on sending snail mail makes more sense after Wilcox, a Gen Z TikToker, admitted she’s not the company’s target audience. In fact, she was four decades younger than the cruise guests’ median age of 60 or 70. That’s just how Viking wants it.

“They’re the richest group we have around,” Viking CEO Torstein Hagen said in a May 1 CNBC Squawk on the Street interview . “They have the money; they have the time.” 

Hagen, who at 81 surpasses his baby boomer target audience, has tailored the cruise to the tastes of the older demographic that holds 70% of the country’s disposable income . There are no kids under 18 allowed, and no casinos aboard. Instead, Viking’s line of 92 vessels—traveling to all seven continents and employing a staff of 10,000—offers walking tours of European cities and cheese tastings.

“It’s a quite serene environment for people up in their ages,” Hagen said, “and for curious people who want to go to destinations, not [who want] to go on waterslides and the like.”

Hagen’s strategy has certainly worked thus far. Viking, with a $10.4 billion valuation , raised $1.5 billion in its initial public offering on May 1, the highest of any company this year. Per an SEC filing from last month, Viking experienced 14.4% growth from 2015 to 2023, the biggest leap of any luxury river or ocean cruise during that period.

“We have a very, very clear focus, and that is reflected in all our customer ratings, the rewards we get, and so forth,” Hagen told CNBC. “It doesn’t make us as large as the others, but it certainly makes us more attractive to the consumer.” 

Viking did not respond to Fortune ‘s request for comment.

The precision and analytical approach Hagen brings to the company reflects his initial pursuit of physics from the Norwegian Institute of Technology before he came to the U.S. and got his MBA at Harvard. Originally from outside of Oslo, the Norwegian developed his business intuition through failure before success. As CEO of cruise line Royal Viking in the 1980s, Hagen arranged for a $240 million management buyout that failed when a competitor made a surprise purchase of the company. He was soon ousted from the role .

Hagen, who operates the company alongside daughter Karine Hagen, founded Viking in 1997 at 54. He considered it a humble venture composed of  “two guys with two mobile phones and four river ships,” according to the company prospectus . From its maiden voyage, Viking’s goal was, in Hagen’s words , to be a thinking person’s cruise, not a drinking person’s cruise.

Viking has benefited from opportune timing for the cruise industry, namely its recovery from pandemic lockdowns that had wealthy vacationers itching for indulgent respites. Patrick Scholes, managing director of lodging and leisure equity research at Truist Securities, is bullish on the industry’s future because of that high demand.

“People want a vacation,” he told Fortune . “They’re looking for something different that they hadn’t done for the first two, three years of COVID, which certainly was going on a cruise ship.”

Cruises developed a reputation during the pandemic, as their closed quarters, conducive to contagious disease, sometimes resulted in boats docking early . Even Viking took a hit after 100 passengers on a June 2023 cruise battled norovirus. Companies sweetened deals to win back customers, offering discounts and promises of private beaches. While restaurants and hotel resorts were slow to recover from the pandemic because of labor shortages , cruise ships’ presence on foreign waters meant not having to abide by U.S. wages and employing ample staff of mostly foreign workers. During Wilcox’s Viking cruise, she marveled at the consistent and frequent turndown and cleaning services.

“In that value proposition is the high, consistent level of staffing and service on a cruise ship,” Scholes said. “You’ve been to a restaurant, you’ve been to a hotel—staffing is a problem, is a challenge after COVID. And cruise lines have not had that problem.”

Bob Levinstein, CEO of travel agency CruiseCompete, told Fortune Viking especially lives up to its value promise, mastering food, service, excursions, and communication into a reliable product.

“They just really have it nailed down,” he said.

More growth for the company is on the way. Having weathered the pandemic, Viking has 24 ships on order , an option for another dozen, and ambitious plans to expand its Chinese customer base to 150,000 passengers by 2025. Viking’s resilience in a tough time for the industry made the decision to go public a no-brainer for Hagen.

“The private equity firms, at some stage, have to create liquidity from their investments, and they’ve been in now for eight years—so it was as good a time as any,” Hagen told Fortune last month. “During the pandemic, it was not easy, and I think now coming out of that and having good results, that was the natural thing to do.”

But tides turn, and the economic waters buoying the cruise business are no exception. As cruise companies accommodate growing demand by commissioning more ships, the promotional packages and companies’ pricing power will ebb, Scholes predicted.

“This is just economic capitalism,” he said. “Come 2029, we’re going to see a lot of new ships, and that’s going to be a lot of cabins to fill. It’ll be difficult to raise prices.”

There’s a reason for Viking to stay level-headed through the industry’s maturation, Levinstein argued. The company’s $1.5 billion IPO was well timed, he said, but it likely won’t make waves for Viking’s future. It’s likely just a way for ownership to stay liquid and pad their wallets.

“That’s only about four of the ocean ships—maybe a little less if prices have gone up since they made their last deal,” he said. “But it’s not game-changing money.”

The cruise’s humble but established amenities aren’t foolproof, either. “The food definitely was a miss,” Wilcox said of her time aboard a Viking, resulting in the “worst” room service hot dog she’d “ever had.” She heard from other cruisers that the specialty menus the cruise promised to change nightly, but the food items offered have been the same for a decade.

The slip-up in Viking’s reputation of rock-solid amenities may be a strike against the “cookie-cutter” model Hagen touts as a reason for the cruise line’s success, but the CEO remains clear-eyed on the company’s philosophy of streamlined, steadfast service.

“In my belief, the moment you try to do everything for everybody, you know what happens?” he said. “You do nothing well.” 

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Cruise line offers retirees concerned about inflation a 'new way of life'

Retirees worried about inflation, cost of living are invited to sail on the odyssey cruise.

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A luxury cruiseliner is now offering retirees the chance to live on its ships and travel the world for a flat sum – and it may be more economical than keeping a home.

Villa Vie Residences's new Endless Horizons program requires a one-time payment of $299,999 for single-occupancy. For a double-occupancy cabin, the price increases to $499,999.

Passengers will sail on the Villa Vie Odyssey ship, which embarks on a seven-continent adventure on May 30. The ship is currently docked in Belfast, Northern Ireland.

In a press release, the company explained that the "lifetime access" deal caters to individuals who "envision their retirement years as a time for exploration and personal growth."

NOROVIRUS OUTBREAKS LINKED TO 2 CRUISE SHIPS WITH OVER 150 INFECTED  

A luxury cruiseliner is now offering retirees the chance to travel the world for the rest of their lives. (iStock / iStock)

"Villa Vie Residences makes this possible by combining the comforts of home with the excitement of travel," the statement explained.

"Residents will enjoy a guaranteed Outside Cabin and access to more than 50 active interest groups ranging from culinary arts to fitness and purposeful exploration, ensuring a vibrant and engaging community atmosphere."

CARNIVAL FREEDOM PASSENGER ONBOARD DURING FIRE RECOUNTS ‘DANGEROUS, TERRIFYING’ EXPERIENCE  

For budget-conscious seniors who are concerned about rising inflation and the cost of maintaining a home, Villa Vie Residences believes that the Endless Horizons may be the right fit for them.

The Endless Horizons program is primarily aimed at retirees who would prefer living on a cruise than in their homes. (Villa Vie Residences via PR Newswire / Fox News)

"One aspect most people nearing retirement age are concerned about is ongoing living expenses and the possibility of outliving their savings," Chief Operating Officer of Villa Vie Residences Kathy Villalba said in a statement. "This program eliminates that concern altogether while offering the ultimate dream: exploring every corner of the world by sea."

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR LIFESTYLE NEWSLETTER

Chief Executive Officer of Villa Vie Residences Mikael Petterson explained that his business's mission is to "offer a seamless solution for those looking to retire on a fixed budget to never worry about ongoing expenses again."

"This is more than just a travel opportunity; it's a new way of life," he said. "For less than the price of an average home, you can secure a lifetime of experiences."

Tickets on Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey ship range from $300k to half a million. (Villa Vie Residences via PR Newswire / Fox News)

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ON FOX BUSINESS         

Information about booking is available on Villa Vie Residences' website. Fox Business reached out to Villa Vie Residences for a statement, but did not immediately hear back.

For more Lifestyle articles, visit foxbusiness.com/lifestyle.

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Gucci brings glitz and glamor to London’s Tate Modern museum with star-studded fashion show

A model wears an outfit for the Gucci Cruise fashion show in London, Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP)

Models showcase outfits for the Gucci Cruise fashion show in London, Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP)

From second left, Paul Mescal, Selma Hayek, François-Henri Pinault and Dua Lipa attend the Gucci Cruise fashion show in London, Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP)

Paul Mescal attends the Gucci Cruise fashion show in London, Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP)

The party after the Gucci Cruise fashion show in London, Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP)

Dua Lipa, center, attends the Gucci Cruise fashion show in London, Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP)

Guests attend the party after the Gucci Cruise fashion show in London, Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP)

Gucci’s creative director Sabato De Sarno receives applause at the end of the Gucci Cruise fashion show in London, Monday, May 13, 2024. (Photo by Alberto Pezzali/Invision/AP)

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LONDON (AP) — For one night only, the utilitarian, concrete basement of London’s Tate Modern museum was transformed into a lush green jungle — and it was the hottest fashion ticket in town.

Luxury Italian fashion house Gucci hosted its star-studded cruise collection catwalk at the Thames-side modern art museum Monday, showing a series of delicate sheer outfits, relaxed denim and daywear, all adorned with the brand’s coveted leather bags and other accessories with the double-G logo.

Singers Dua Lipa and Solange Knowles were on the front row with supermodel Kate Moss and her daughter Lila, along with actors Demi Moore, Paul Mescal and Andrew Scott. Also in attendance were Salma Hayek and her husband, Francois-Henri Pinault, who is chair and CEO of Kering, Gucci’s parent company.

It was a big-budget event and the first cruise collection by Sabato De Sarno, who was named Gucci’s creative director last year and debuted his womenswear designs in September.

Gucci normally stages its shows in Milan, but like other fashion powerhouses it chooses locations around the world to show off its cruise, or resort, collections — the shows in between the main spring and autumn displays. Last year’s destination was the Gyeongbokgung Palace in Seoul, South Korea.

On Monday, models meandered down a runway that wound its way around hundreds of ferns, overhanging plants and mossy paths, the mass of green a contrast to the grey, industrial show space. De Sarno said that contrast extends to his latest designs, which paired luxurious evening looks and floral embroidery with casual jackets and slouchy denim.

And what of the footwear? Comfort comes first, with all outfits, even the most glamorous evening gowns, paired with Mary Jane shoes, ballet flats or platform loafers worn with little white socks.

“Rigor and extravagance, strength in delicacy, Englishness with an Italian accent,” the show notes read.

De Sarno featured a few checked jackets in a nod to British style, though some other designs were a much more subtle tribute. Dresses and coats covered with squares made of a shimmering bead fringe were a reference to Scottish plaids.

Titled “We’ll always have London,” the show was partly a love letter to the British capital, which the brand says plays a key role in its founding story more than a century ago. Its founder, Guccio Gucci, traveled to London as a teenager and had a stint working as a bellhop in the Savoy, the luxury London hotel.

The brand says Guccio took inspiration from that experience when he opened his first store in Florence in 1921 to sell luggage. The rest, as they say, is history.

Rotary volunteers stranded after Air Vanuatu collapse offered luxury cruise home as P&O comes to the rescue

A group of Australian volunteers stranded on the island of Tanna following the collapse of Air Vanuatu last week have been offered a way to get home, and they'll be travelling in style. 

The contingent of young volunteers from the Albury-based Hive Rotary Club were volunteering in the Pacific when Air Vanuatu collapsed.

The group has now managed to secure a charter flight from Tanna to Port Vila and will then board a P&O cruiseliner to Sydney after the shipping company reached out to them.

Hive president Kellie Kadoui said the group was "rapt" to have found a way home.

"Once we learnt that Air Vanuatu weren't flying, it's almost impossible to get off Tanna unless you charter a very expensive plane," she said.

"We finally got a charter flight out on Wednesday through Vanuatu Tourism, so they paid for that cost.

"And then P&O reached out to us and said, 'We are actually docking in Port Vila on the 17th. Can we take you home?'"

Twenty members of the group are expected to board the Pacific Adventure today and will arrive back in Sydney on May 23.

An expensive trip home

The volunteers heard the airline was in trouble after they flew into Port Vila on Sunday, May 5.

On Thursday, May 9, the airline announced that all of its international flights were cancelled .

The next day, Ernest & Young confirmed that it had been appointed as administrators for the airline, which has been supported by the Vanuatu government for some time.

The young volunteers were scheduled to fly with Air Vanuatu from Tanna to Port Vila on Saturday, May 18, and then take a connecting flight back to Australia.

But, Ms Kadaoui said, once the airline's flights were cancelled, the volunteers only had two options — either to wait for a boat that made two trips a week from Tanna to Port Vila, or pay for an expensive private charter flight that would cost $5,000 for the whole group.

It was a relief when Vanuatu Tourism and P&O came to their rescue.

Twenty-year-old Sarah Long, one of the volunteers on the trip, said the uncertainty had been "a little chaotic for a while" and that it was nice to know that they finally had a way to get home.

"We were sort of up in the air and unsure what was going on but I think we're all very thankful for P&O coming to the table," she said.

However, Ms Kadaoui said the group still faced out-of-pocket expenses totalling about $10,000 because their travel insurance would not cover extra expenses accrued during their unexpected stay in Port Vila, or the rescheduling costs of their domestic flights in Australia once the group arrives back in Sydney. 

Airline in 'significant financial distress'

Ernst & Young have told creditors Air Vanuatu is in "significant financial distress".

A liquidators' report outlined the airline's debts, which total $110 million.

"The company's financial position is dire, and it clearly cannot fund its own operations," the report said.

Ernst & Young thanked Vanuatu's government for its financial support, without which they said there would be "no other choice" but to shut the airline down.

The report also revealed Air Vanuatu's staff doubled as essential ground operations personnel at several of the country's airports.

Only two of the airline's planes remain flight-ready, with a Boeing 747 repossessed, and three other aircraft needing maintenance.

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