Luxury Cruising | The 10 best Cruise Lines
Luxury cruising has evolved beyond ships with elegant décor and fine dining. Today the best luxury cruise lines combine immersive destinations, boutique‑ship intimacy, world‑class service, and all‑the‑extras built in. If you’re considering your next grand voyage, here are ten of the very best luxury cruise operators – what makes them special, who they're best suited for, and some things to bear in mind.
Silversea Cruises
What makes it special:
Ultra‑luxury “all‑suite” ships, many with butler service.
Strong expedition offerings. They sail remote destinations (Arctic, Antarctica, polar regions, and more).
Gourmet dining, often destination‑inspired; ship interiors leaning toward refined classic luxury.
Best for travellers who: want luxury and elegance but also adventure; who appreciate small‑group warmth, personalized service, and exotic itineraries off the beaten path.
Aqua Expeditions
What makes it special:
More boutique and bespoke; smaller ships, very high staff‑to‑guest ratios, attention to local culture and environment.
Immersive, experiential offerings (river cruises, jungle, etc.), with high emphasis on food, design, and exclusivity.
Best for: those who want intimacy, immersive land/river/wildlife experiences, and who don’t mind foregoing mega‑ship scale in favour of uniqueness and detail.
Crystal Cruises
What makes it special:
Recently relaunched under Abercrombie & Kent; two ocean ships refurbished in 2023.
All‑inclusive, luxury offerings: fine dining, entertainment, spacious suites, excellent service.
Balance between “big‑ship amenities” and intimate luxury. The capacity reductions (renovations) give more space per guest.
Best for: travellers who want the grand cruise experience (multiple dining options, entertainment, longer itineraries) but still expect high standards and fewer crowds.
Aurora Expeditions
What makes it special:
Australian‑owned expedition specialist with over 30 years of experience.
Ships purpose‑built for polar and remote regions (Antarctica, Arctic). They include Zodiac excursions, lectures, gear and everything needed for expedition style travel.
Best for: adventure seekers; people interested in wilderness, wildlife, environmental learning, extreme landscapes; those who care deeply about safety, sustainability, and authentic experiences.
Explora Journeys
What makes it special:
Among the newer players in ultra‑luxury cruise; part of the MSC Group.
Ships and suite categories designed with “residential luxury” in mind: large ocean‑facing accommodations, great public space, high guest service levels.
Inclusive offerings (drinks, spa/thermal‑spa access, WiFi, etc.).
Best for: those who want new‑world luxury, modern design, and inclusivity but also desire many bells & whistles; people who want style and substance and perhaps slightly less “grand tradition” than older luxury lines.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
What makes it special:
Ultra‑luxury, highly all‑inclusive. Suites, gratuities, most dining, drinks, WiFi, shore excursions often included.
Their new ship Seven Seas Prestige (launching in late 2026) will feature one of the largest ultra‑luxury suites ever seen at sea (Skyview Regent Suite) and high crew‑to‑guest ratios.
Best for: travellers who want the peace of mind that comes with true “what you see is what you pay” pricing; those for whom top‑end suites, spacious accommodations, and luxury inclusions are non‑negotiable.
Oceania Cruises
What makes it special:
Sometimes described as “upper premium / luxury blend” — not quite ultra‑small ship, but excellent service, strong food reputation.
Their newest ship, Oceania Allura, received strong reviews: verandas in all cabins, six cabin categories, excellent variety in dining, wellness amenities.
Best for: people who want more ship options, more itineraries, more flexibility; those who want good luxury, superb dining, but perhaps without the highest price tag of ultra‑luxury liners.
Seabourn Cruises
What makes it special:
One of the leaders in ultra‑luxury and expedition luxury: small fleet, very high quality of service, all‑suite accommodations, long track record.
Expedition‑class ships (Seabourn Pursuit, etc.) for polar and remote trips; caviar service, all drinks and wines included.
Best for: travellers who want elegance, comfort, and top‑tier hospitality plus the possibility to explore remote and wild destinations; ideal if you want both pampering and adventure.
Viking Cruises
What makes it special:
Known for refined, Scandinavian minimalist design, strong cultural enrichment, and thoughtful land & sea itineraries.
They are adults‑only on the ocean ships (18+) which adds to a calm, thoughtful atmosphere.
Best for: travellers interested in history, culture, learning; people who like comfort without fuss, elegance without ostentation; those preferring more relaxed settings rather than glitzy glamour.
Ponant Cruises
What makes it special:
French luxury + expedition spirit: small ships or yachts, refined cuisine, elegant “art de vivre” on board.
Some ships are polar capable (e.g. Le Commandant Charcot), underwater lounges, immersive adventures.
Best for: people who want boutique elegance, stylish French flair, expedition style in luxury surroundings; travellers who don’t want to give up gourmet food, design, service for adventure.