10 Luxury Cruises That Are Worth Every Penny

luxury cruises

North Americans take more cruises than the rest of the world combined. Almost 14 million North American passengers took a cruise in 2018.

Cruises are the epitome of a worry-free vacation. Don’t worry about driving, accommodations, restaurants or what evening entertainment to enjoy.

Read on for your top 10 list of luxury cruises that will make you want to pack your suitcase.

1. Oceania Cruises

Oceania cruise is a culinary star with a 15 years track record. If you want to amaze your palette, this is the cruise for you.

There are more than 330 ports around the globe for you to choose from. Itineraries combine the perfect mix of must-see marquee and boutique, with off-the-beaten-path ports for a truly unforgettable experience.

You have 6 ships to choose from: Oceania Marina, Riviera, Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, and Sirena.

The Marina and Riviera ships also have a Food Network-style kitchen lab where you can learn to cook like a 5-star chef. That way you can enjoy the style of cooking when you get home, too.

2. Seadream Yacht Club

Like the name implies, if you want to experience the Mediterranean and Caribbean on a yacht, choose Seadream Yacht Club.

Both ships accommodate only 112 people. So if you’re looking for an intimate, exclusive experience, this is it. This is yachting, not cruising the website says.

The food also mirrors the same experience. All produce is bought locally and menus can be highly customized. It’s almost like having a private yacht and crew.

Have a special diet? Raw, vegan, sugar-free meal plans are no problem here.

You’ll visit remote, smaller ports for a more intimate experience. Choose from either simply named vessels: SeaDream I, SeaDream II.

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3. Viking Ocean Cruises

Viking Ocean is another small ship cruise line. They pride themselves on cultural immersion with extensive (sometimes exclusive) content and regional cuisine.

The Scandinavian spaces on board are serene and blissful. You probably know that Scandinavian spas are the gold-standard of spas.

The Nordic wellness rituals, many based on alternating exposure to heat and cold, are truly incredible for body and mind. Check out the science behind thermotherapy spa treatments.

Then head over to one of several beautiful rooms on board: the library or the living room. This is the best luxury cruise lines for couples who want to get away from the mundane.

4. Ponant

The French cruise line, Ponant has 30 years of taking passengers to both famous, well-known ports of call and secret, stops accessible only to low-capacity boats.

Choose from expedition, themed or luxury cruises a la Francaise.

The discovery expeditions will take you to the majestic landscapes of the Far North and the Arctic. Or head to the Mediterranean, Celtic coasts or beautiful islands of the Pacific.

The cruise line has partnered with a Paris-based spa to offer excellent massages, facials, aromatherapy baths, hair treatments, even seawater bathing.

There’s a new ship for 2018 called Le Laperouse. Or choose from 5 other established boats.

5. Crystal River Cruises

If you want to avoid the big blue ocean, Crystal River Cruises may be just what you need.

Onboard you’ll follow the Danube, Rhine, Main, and Moselle rivers. Visit castles and palaces, vineyards and forests, monuments and art.

Extraordinary personal attention, butler service for every suite and superb farm-to-table cuisine are their signature hallmarks. Get ready for 6-star service here.

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Crystal also offers yacht and ocean cruises if you prefer.

6. Regent Seven Seas

Choose from 450 destinations worldwide aboard the luxurious Regent Seven Seas. When they say all-inclusive, they mean it. Your flight, hotel before you board and unlimited off-ship excursions are included.

Is this the most luxurious cruise ship in the world? Well, if it’s not, it certainly comes close.

With under 400 suites per ship, they are perfectly sized to offer you space, and superb attention. Choose from one of 5 ships.

The Explorer features a running track. Why not get your steps in with a beautiful ocean vista? The Canyon Ranch spa is exceptional.

7. Abercrombie & Kent

Want intimate? A&K cruises are capped at 24-passengers for their river cruises. The European canal trips accommodate more individuals and the ocean cruises allow up to 199 guests. Yup, under 200.

Looking for a trip where you do more than sunbathe?

Head to the islands of the Galapagos with just 47 others for the experience of your life. Get ready to be active. You will hike over lava flows, kayak among orcas and snorkel.

Traveling with youngsters? Families can split up for age-appropriate adventures as needed. You will also appreciate the connecting cabins if you are traveling with your family.

8. Lindblad-National Geographic Expeditions

You guessed from the name that you will be exploring the natural world up close on this cruise. The word expedition rings true for this luxury adventure.

Discover the planet’s most remarkable places, accompanied by experts that will offer a wealth of knowledge as you explore the world’s greatest natural treasures up close.

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This line is well-renowned for its guides and ice masters and pioneered kayaking among glaciers expeditions.

Choose from two ships: National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Orion.

9. Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruise was voted world’s best small cruise line by Conde Naste Traveller.

The elegant, 148 – 310-guest cruise ships open up new worlds you won’t experience elsewhere.

For example, on the Panama-Costa Rica cruise, you’ll visit iconic stops such as the Panama Canal and Panama City’s old quarter, but the rest is all unexpected.

From the former banana exporting town of Quepos to Panama’s Isla Parida, part of a 50-island nature preserve, you will get to know your destinations intimately.

Choose from a yacht or a sailing vessel.

10. Cunard Luxury Cruises

Traveling with kids? The Cunard ship Queen Mary 2 will please pint-size travelers and their parents.

Cunard employs real British nannies for the youngest guests so you can sip their signature cocktail in peace.

In the evening, tiny tikes in mini ball gowns and tuxedos can be spotted dancing with their parents at fancy balls. During the day, little ones will enjoy the planetarium or a children’s high tea.

Adults, with or without kids, will appreciate the fine dining, impeccable service, and lux accommodations.

Final Thoughts on Luxury Cruises

We hope we instilled an added measure of wanderlust with our list of top 10 luxury cruises.

Cruising is a great way to vacation because it combines, history, exercise, luxury. Best of all, you can visit many different places but only have to unpack your suitcase once!

Next, check out 5 luxury vacation ideas.