Sometimes travel is well and truly about the journey and not the destination, especially when speaking of cruise travel. Today’s cruise ships are modern marvels, costing over a billion dollars to construct and stretching over 350 metres in length.
As an example, the Titanic, the largest ship of its time, wouldn’t even come close to ranking in the top 50 largest cruise ships of today. Today’s cruise ships are floating palaces that offer first-class service and sheer opulence. From personal butlers to onboard helicopters, cruise ships offer a new level of luxury travel. Come aboard as we explore the world’s most luxurious cruise ships you just have to experience. Bear in mind that this class of luxury cruising comes with a hefty price tag, making comprehensive cruise insurance even more vital.
Seven Seas Explorer
What better way to start than with the “world’s most luxurious cruise ship ever built”, run by Regent Seven Seas Cruises. With marble floors throughout and nearly 500 chandeliers, the ship looks more like a massive Ritz Carlton.
Travellers will enjoy an all-suite cabin arrangement which come with some of the largest balconies you will find on any cruise ship. Your ticket comes with complimentary meals, drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, unlimited shore excursions, and sometimes even free international round-trip business-class air travel. Itineraries include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.
Seabourn Encore
The Seabourn Encore has just a little over a year’s experience under its belt, offering cruises for up to 600 passengers. The ship’s humble size gives it more of a luxury yacht feel where you’ll enjoy more personalised service.
The ship’s highlight is The Retreat offering a canopy which shields wind and sun so guests can fully enjoy their journey. The Retreat offers 15 private cabanas with fridges and flat screen TVs as well as spa treatments on deck. The ship explores Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles, and the Middle East.
Viking Star
Viking River Cruises have long been popular with the over 50 demographic and have recently launched their ocean cruises which attract a more diverse crowd. The ship prides itself in not being over the top and provides guests with a quiet and relaxed journey. You won’t find a casino onboard nor will you find anyone under the age of 16 as it is prohibited.
The ship offers a luxury feel and nice touches throughout the cabins such as anti-fog mirrors in the bathrooms. Enjoy a wealth of inclusions such as Wi-Fi, specialty dining, and tours. Viking Ocean Cruises sail into unique ports of call in which they spend extended time, sometimes overnight, in order to give its passengers a true feel for the destinations they travel to.
Silver Muse
The largest ship in the Silversea’s fleet, the Muse excels when it comes to its dining arrangement. They have exchanged the traditional large dining rooms for a greater number of smaller restaurants offering varied cuisine. You even have your very own butler that will assist with unpacking your bags, booking shore excursions, and will serve you meals in your suite.
The ship which launched in 2017 continues to provide a small-ship intimacy up to roughly 600 guests along with spacious all-suite accommodation. The ship has itineraries around the world throughout the year.
Scenic Eclipse
For a truly unique cruise experience, the Scenic Eclipse offers luxury at a 6-star level. More of a very large yacht than a cruise ship, the vessel’s construction is being finalised this year and will make its maiden voyage this 08/when it sails the waters from Istanbul to Venice. From there it will embark on a journey around the world including itineraries to Antarctica where it will offer a maximum of 200 travellers numerous cruises that range from 1-3 weeks.
The ship offers a wide range of experiences not found on many if any cruise ships such as onboard helicopters, discovery zodiac boats, kayaks, scuba diving, snow shoeing adventures, e-bikes, personal butler service, and even their own submarine.
Symphony of the Seas
Taking the title away from its sister ship Harmony of the Seas, Royal Caribbean’s newest addition to its fleet will officially become the world’s largest cruise ship. Offering accommodation for nearly 7,000 passengers, the ship is truly a city on the sea.
The ship is scheduled to makes its maiden voyage on March 31, where all 228,000 tons will take to the Mediterranean seas. Passengers can enjoy a few new upgrades such as two-story family suites complete with an in-between floor slide, upgraded ship boardwalk, and new restaurants.
This ship is perfect for those wanting a mega resort complete with so called neighbourhoods which include numerous lounges, shops, 2,000 trees and plants, restaurants, and endless entertainment options.