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The 10 Best Luxury Cruise Lines For Elegance And Exclusivity

Like fine European hotels or the fanciest boutique properties, the ships of the best luxury cruise lines are designed to appeal to people who seek — and can afford — an elegant style of travel.

Champagne flows. You can snack on caviar. Exquisite cuisine is prepared a la minute and accompanied by pours of fine wines. Onboard lounges are wonderfully intimate, with no mass-market anything. When you rest your head, it’s on a luxury mattress topped with the finest linens.

The byword is exclusivity. Perks that come with the cruise fare may include beverages, Wi-Fi, fresh flowers, extraordinary pampering and, in some cases, butler service.

The price to get on board could be $1,000 per person, per day. For top suites, it could be much, much more.

Here are our picks for the top 10 luxury cruise lines currently operating.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

An Atlas Ocean Voyages ship in Antarctica. JUAN MARTIN BERENSTEIN/ATLAS OCEAN VOYAGES

Catering to adventurous luxury cruise travelers with money to spend, the relatively new cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages — which just debuted in 2021 — offers upscale experiences on small ships that carry only 196 passengers.

The brand’s three vessels (World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager) carry their own landing craft, Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards, all of which can be used by passengers wishing for some adventure while exploring the world on itineraries that include the Mediterranean, Portugal and the British Isles, as well as more remote locales like the Arctic and Antarctica.

Although the onboard dress code is casual, the ships are anything but, featuring elegant, retro-chic decor and marble floors.

In addition to including Wi-Fi, crew gratuities, alcohol and some shore excursions in its fares, Atlas provides all passengers with emergency medical evacuation insurance to handle unexpected illness or injury in the remote locations its ships sail.

Overall, Atlas has found a way to seamlessly meld swank and leisure, making it one of our favorite luxury cruise lines.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea has some of the most diverse geographic itineraries, such as the Galapagos. LUCIA GRIGGI/SILVERSEA CRUISES

Silversea, with a dozen 100- to 728-passenger ships, has some of the most diverse geographic itineraries of any line, bringing guests to destinations around the world, including such remote places as the Arctic and Antarctica.

Now owned by Royal Caribbean Group (the same company that owns Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises), the luxury cruise line delivers stylish, contemporary luxury — more streamlined than opulent — complemented by pleasantly extreme pampering.

Every Silversea ship passenger stays in a suite with a butler delivering superb service — even on the 100-passenger Silver Origin in the remote Galapagos, where your butler might take extraordinary care to get a spot off your hiking boots. Suite niceties include Bulgari bath products and marble bathrooms with both tubs and showers.

Silversea ships offer a wide choice of dining venues (some with a fee) designed to satisfy many tastes, whether you prefer sushi, foie gras or a great thin-crust pizza.

Drinks, including a long list of fine wine pours, are on the house. S.A.L.T., a new dining and culinary education concept, brings local tastes on board together with experts who share insight into each dish and beverage. The program also features culinary-focused excursions ashore.

Silversea’s expedition ships are equipped for polar locales. On sailings in those regions, each passenger receives a free jacket to keep them warm and cozy.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Seven Seas Mariner. REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES

Another of our top luxury cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is proudly opulent. Floating palaces are its calling card, along with the most inclusive fares of all the luxury lines. Business-class airfare, precruise luxury hotel stays and shore excursions in every port are on the long list of perks.

The goal is a knock-you-off-your-feet luxury. If you don’t get that point at first, look down at the many yards of Carrara marble under your feet, then gaze up at the Czech crystal chandeliers. Or, spot the Picassos and Chagalls among your ship’s stunning, mostly Latin-focused art collections.

The six 490- to 750-passenger ships in the Regent fleet get fancier as they get larger. On the three newest, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur, everyone stays in a roomy suite with an oversized balcony and a marble bathroom.

The top Regent Suites on these new ships are mansions at sea and come with solariums, private spas with saunas and steam rooms, and Steinway pianos in their living rooms. They also have handmade beds that cost up to $200,000 apiece.

Lavishly decked-out restaurants with cushy bars nearby include Prime 7, a fan favorite for its classic steakhouse menu that includes jumbo lump crabcakes, USDA prime-aged beef and Alaskan king crab legs.

Crystal

A Crystal ship sailing into Sydney. CRYSTAL

Long considered one of the great luxury lines, if not the greatest, Crystal resumed operations in 2023 after shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic. And, as we wrote about at the time, it’s as good as ever.

In the wake of its comeback, Crystal is operating just the two biggest ocean ships from its past: 606-passenger Crystal Symphony and 740-passenger Crystal Serenity (though it already has plans for an expansion). Both of the vessels, which globe-trot around the world, are all-inclusive and on the glitzy side — perfect for a crowd looking for a throwback. Passengers make appearances walking down grand staircases dressed to the nines, meet for afternoon tea and dance the night away.

Everything operates in an upper-tier way, from the spa and expansive fitness offerings to the restaurants, which include a Nobu eatery.

Those booked in penthouses and higher-category suites receive service from a tuxedo-clad butler who will do everything from unpack your luggage to help you set up a private cocktail party. A particular perk is having the butler bring Nobu sushi on a silver tray.

Seabourn

Seabourn Sojourn. MICHEL VERDURE/SEABOURN

Owned by Carnival Corporation, Seabourn’s top-of-the-line, 264- to 600-passenger ships deliver comfortable, modern luxury that can be as fancy or casual as you like.

If you want to show off your heirloom jewels, go ahead, but on most nights, a jacket is optional in the ship’s restaurants. If you prefer not to dress up for formal night, you can still eat well at casual alternatives.

High service is a trademark of this luxury cruise line. Your suite steward will draw you a bath scented with your choice of bath oil. For a snack, order the complimentary caviar.

Dining is over the top at the restaurants, such as the retro-chic steakhouses with menus serving prime beef and lobster thermidor. Your fare includes all dining.

Complimentary spirits, fine wines and house Champagne flow freely throughout the ship, making socializing in the bars and lounges easy.

The line’s two newest ships, 264-passenger Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, are built with a tough “polar class” design to operate in the ice-filled waters of the Arctic and Antarctica. They’re equipped with state-of-the-art submarines for undersea views.

A 26-person expedition team runs the two dozen Zodiacs that get you up close to glaciers and icebergs.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

The cruise ship Paul Gauguin. PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES

Looking to sail through romantic French Polynesia in complete luxury? Look to South Pacific-based Paul Gauguin for an all-inclusive, high-end home base.

The ship is immersed in all things Polynesian, with a troupe of local performers on board to entertain guests with local song, dance and craft lessons.

Couples can embrace the romance of the region by participating in a Polynesian blessing ceremony. Paul Gauguin gives its guests special access to a secluded beach on Bora Bora and a private island off the coast of Tahaa, where you can indulge in water sports, a gourmet barbecue and bar service.

To make the most of the aquamarine waters, complimentary water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, are available straight from the ship’s marina, and every guest receives snorkel gear free of charge for use during the cruise.

On board, guests enjoy top-notch French and Polynesian cuisine, with all beverages complimentary throughout the ship and in your in-room minifridge.

With 209 crew members on hand to serve 330 passengers, service is elevated and full of Polynesian hospitality, but all gratuities are already included in your fare.

Not all cabins are suites, but the top suites on the ship come with butler service. Also, should you dare to consider the outside world, you can connect with friends and family back home with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Eclipse in the Arctic. ASHLEY KOSCIOLEK/THE POINTS GUY

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours puts elegance into adventure with its two 228-passenger expedition yachts, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II.

Sure, its ships have reinforced hulls capable of breaking through ice, but they also feature chic bars serving 130 different kinds of whiskey (all included in your fare) and high-end onboard spas (treatments cost extra, alas).

For small ships, Scenic’s yachts still manage to offer five gourmet dining venues, plus additional private dining options (such as a chef’s table or teppanyaki grill), room service and culinary master classes in a show kitchen.

Sample candied foie gras, daily risottos or sushi made with fish flown from Japan, all while sailing through remote waters. Wash it down with whatever you like because all but the most premium beverages are included.

After a long day of Zodiac, submersible or helicopter rides (yes, all these high-tech exploration toys are on board), you can retreat to your well-appointed suite, with distinct sleeping and living areas, plus a balcony.

Thoughtful touches include Illy coffee machines, Dyson hair dryers, remote-control adjustable beds, plentiful outlets and USB ports, and umbrellas and binoculars for use on your vacation. Did we mention you also have access to a butler for all your onboard needs?

Scenic’s all-inclusive fares include dining and drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, airport transfers and shore excursions led by the line’s knowledgeable expedition leaders.

Oceania Cruises

OCEANIA CRUISES

Sometimes luxury means more space to spread out and multiple onboard options for a truly outstanding meal.

That’s the approach upscale cruise line Oceania Cruises takes with its fleet of seven 648- to 1,238-passenger ships (the last of which, Oceania Vista, just debuted in May 2023 and is its most elegant yet).

Foodies will drool over menus overseen by famed chef Jacques Pépin in all-included venues specializing in French, Italian, Asian and steakhouse cuisine.

Cruisers truly passionate about food and wine will want to splurge on wine-paired dinners at La Reserve by Wine Spectator or enjoy a gourmet, multicourse menu with an intimate group at Privee.

Get hands-on cooking experience with a class in The Culinary Center, or explore the food culture ashore with a Culinary Discovery Tour.

Oceania also embraces wellness with its Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center. Treat yourself to a decadent spa treatment or wellness-themed shore excursion, or take care of your body with complimentary fitness classes and plant-based menus at onboard restaurants.

Oceania’s fares are not as inclusive as some of the small-ship lines mentioned above, but guests can choose a higher-priced fare that is more inclusive with the line’s “Simply More” promotion. These fares include free airfare and airport transfers, complimentary Wi-Fi and a choice of a select number of free excursions, as well as free specialty dining reservations, Champagne and wine.

Viking

Viking Sky in Geiranger, Norway. ALASTAIR MILLER/VIKING

Viking has traditionally shied away from calling itself a luxury cruise line, but we’d definitely put it in that category for the inclusive fares, fine dining and smart design of its oceangoing ships.

Its 12 traditional ocean vessels are nearly identical, with all but one carrying 930 guests, while two expedition ships carry 378 guests and combine elegant design with the latest technology in polar exploration.

Viking’s fares are inclusive but not all-inclusive, and its ships sport clean Scandinavian design rather than opulent decor. Necessities such as Wi-Fi and self-serve laundry are complimentary, as are all nonalcoholic beverages and beer and wine with lunch and dinner.

Guests can enjoy dining in multiple onboard venues, plus room service, for no extra cost. Don’t miss Italian-focused Manfredi’s or a gorgeous afternoon tea spread in the glass-enclosed Wintergarden.

Cabins may not have an overtly opulent feel, but they have all the right touches, including balconies in every room, quiet-closing drawers, heated bathroom floors and plentiful USB ports and outlets.

The destination-focused cruise line adds as many days in port as it can to each itinerary and offers a free shore excursion in every port.

Viking ships have a large presence in Europe, sailing the Mediterranean and in northern Europe, but also explore the world from Alaska and the Caribbean to Asia and Australia.

Its expedition ships, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis, explore Antarctica, as well as the Great Lakes and Canada.

The ships boast several expedition cruising firsts, including a boarding area for excursion craft that’s inside the ship (rather than docked outside it) and cabins with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that slide open to let in the fresh air.

Like the ocean ships, they feature Scandinavian design, a glass-walled Explorers’ Lounge and signature Viking restaurants Manfredi’s and Mamsen’s (offering Norwegian specialties).

Explora Journeys

GENE SLOAN/THE POINTS GUY

Explora Journeys is setting a new bar for luxury travel by ship — even as it remains almost unknown to most luxury-loving cruisers.

Just launched in 2023, the new-kid-on-the-block in the world of luxury cruising operates two super-high-end vessels that feel more like the most sophisticated luxury hotels and resorts on land than traditional luxury ships.

Dubbed Explora I and Explora II, the nearly identical ships have spacious, upscale accommodations that look more like those you’d find at an ultraluxury One&Only property, a Six Senses resort or a Four Seasons hotel than on a luxury cruise ship. They don’t read as cruise ship cabins.

Like at a luxury hotel or resort on land, you’re also not bombarded with announcements throughout the day on the ships. And you won’t find a lot of traditional cruise ship entertainment. Even the signage is hotellike (and minimalist).

In all this, Explora Journeys is targeting the (very large) subset of wealthy travelers who are used to jetting around the world to the finest resorts on land but until now have never considered a cruise — in fact, they may have been disdainful of the very idea of one.

It’s a subset of travelers that, notably, are younger on average than the typical customers of luxury cruise brands such as Seabourn and Silversea Cruises — brands that are the almost exclusive domain of wealthy retirees.

Just be prepared to pay about $1,000 per cabin, per day for the experience — and that’s just the starting price.

For now, the line’s itineraries are limited mostly to sailings in Europe and the Caribbean. But expect that to change in the next few years as Explora Journeys grows quickly with the unveiling of four more ships already on order.

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