Five Most Luxurious Cruise Ships in the World

Built on the monumental success of her sisters Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor, Seven Seas Grandeur is the true epitome of Regent Seven Seas’ heritage of perfection. The brand is known for delivering the Most Inclusive Luxury Experience® on land and at sea, promising guests relaxed elegance and comfort from the moment they step aboard. With the all-inclusive cruise fare, guests can enjoy spacious all-balcony suites, unlimited premium beverages, unlimited shore excursions, unlimited Wi-Fi, pre-paid gratuities, unlimited access to spa facilities, valet laundry service and more!

This all-suite ship takes the luxury cruise experience to new heights, with transformative spaces and elaborate design that resemble the leading hotels in the world. Modern style meets sophistication throughout, from the original artworks of Picasso and Miro adorning the walls and the only Fabergé egg display at sea to the exquisite Italian marble flooring and ornate chandeliers suspended from the ceiling. The vessel’s unparalleled glamour extends to the dining venues, as seen on the futuristic design of Compass Rose and its Versace dinner sets and plush seating.

After a day of immersive experiences in every port of call, guests can retreat to one of the 373 all-veranda suites, spanning up to 413 square metres, for an exceptionally restful stay. Every journey with Grandeur is nothing short of sumptuous and fulfilling with nine dining options, three lounges, a lavish pool, whirlpools and aft infinity-edge plunge pool, as well as a state-of-the theatre, culinary arts kitchen and spa and wellness centre. As the most recent addition to the World’s Most Luxurious Fleet and the third vessel in Regent’s ground-breaking Explorer Class, Grandeur truly lives up to her name! 

Explora Journeys ushers a new era of luxury ocean travel, helping guests to attain an ‘Ocean State of Mind.’ Inspired by the mystical powers of the sea, the luxury cruise brand of the MSC group introduces a unique wellness concept that focuses on providing guests with restorative and rejuvenating experiences on board through a holistic approach. Explora I is the flagship vessel in the fleet and the first ship to embrace the ‘Ocean Wellness’ philosophy.

Spanning over 700 square metres, Ocean Wellness – The Spa perfectly mirrors the hypnotic effect of the ocean, where the endless blues are accentuated with a cool earth tone palette and natural textures and patterns. This indulgent sanctuary for pampering and relaxation invites guests to immerse themselves in tranquillity and disconnect from the daily pressures of life. The lavish spa and wellness haven features treatment rooms, a beauty studio, and a thermal wellness area – complete with a wide array of therapeutic facilities such as hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and more! 

For those seeking to stay active during sea days, over 350 square metres of space for indoor and outdoor fitness facilities are available, including a dedicated fitness centre and studio, sports court, running track, plus cutting-edge Technogym® training equipment.  Guests can also partake in an array of wellness programmes and activities, such as yoga sessions and sleep retreats, all aimed to soothe senses, improve sleep, and boost the immune system. 

Curated with the world’s foremost superyacht and luxury hospitality designers, guests can expect home-like comforts on board this state-of-the-art ship. All 461 ocean-front suites feature private terraces and large floor-to-ceiling windows, creating a greater connection between the guests, sweeping ocean views, and every breath-taking sight in the horizon! Combined with several indoor and outdoor whirlpool baths on the promenade deck, the ship is strategically designed to make guests feel closer to the sea… 

Embark on an extraordinary gastronomic journey on board Silver Moon, the first ship in the Silversea fleet to launch the award-winning Sea And Land Taste® (S.A.L.T.). Now, S.A.L.T. can also be enjoyed on Silver Dawn, Silver Nova, Silver Ray, and soon on Silver Muse. This multifaceted culinary program gives guests an incredible opportunity to taste the local flavours and immerse themselves deep into the cultures of the destinations they will visit even without leaving the ship.

S.A.L.T. Kitchen is the only complimentary restaurant at sea with an ever-changing destination-inspired menu. The dining venue also serves a range of regional specialities and local fare, tastefully made and prepared with locally sourced ingredients, perfectly paired with an excellent selection of regional wines! Guests of Nova-class ships, Nova and Ray, are granted an exclusive chance to take the front row seat and watch as professional chefs exhibit a spectacular yet unpretentious cooking show. Offering an intimate space to unwind and sample premium drinks, S.A.L.T. Bar brings regional flavours and culinary traditions on board through signature ship cocktails and regionally inspired libations, carefully blended by expert mixologists. 

The Sea And Land Taste® program goes beyond the ship and extends to the shores, allowing guests to dive deep into the culinary traditions of the destinations they will visit. From engaging culinary tours in Northern Europe to discovering the rich cultural tapestry of Mediterranean cuisine, there’s something for every food enthusiast! For an interactive and rewarding culinary experience, how about joining an intimate cooking class and learning about the traditional techniques from expert hosts and regional specialists?  

Exceptional dining experience is a high priority at Silversea, and the scrumptious slate of dining options on board Silver Moon is a true recipe for gastronomic excellence! 

Azamara Onward is a mid-sized ship, offering intimate voyages that serve as a passport to some of the world’s most sought-after hidden gems and culturally-rich cities! Azamara Cruises focuses on Destination Immersion®, crafting port-intensive cruise itineraries that feature extended stays, overnights and endless cultural engagements. Their carefully curated itineraries allow guests to enjoy an in-depth exploration of every port at a leisurely pace. Across the brand’s ultra-luxurious fleet, authentic and personalised service from attentive staff will surely exceed the expectations of even the seasoned cruisers! 

Built to sail along oceans and scenic waterways, this stunning vessel can transport guests in style to less-visited locations beyond the reach of larger ships. Marvel at the ancient Greek landmarks, visit the smaller ports in Europe, or experience the tropical charm of Asia, all on board the exquisite Azamara Onward. A choice of over 12,000 thoughtfully-planned land programmes are designed to elevate every day spent on shore, from exclusive local-led small group tours to night time excursions like catching sunsets in Dubrovnik, Croatia.

After an action-packed day discovering the treasures of each destination, guests can retreat to their seaside sanctuary for panoramic ocean views, saltwater breezes, and every imaginable lush amenity. Designed to meet every need, sea days will be complete with out-of-this-world dining options, relaxing spa treatments and world-class entertainment. The brand-signature AzAmazing Evenings is a stand-out included feature aboard Onward, showcasing the best of local culture and cuisine through bespoke events, dining and productions, inspired by the spectacular ports visited by this ship.

Committed to providing immersive port experiences and bringing the spirit of the shore to ship, Azamara Onward is a destination in itself. 

Dreaming of taking a Mekong River cruise to explore the best of Vietnam and Cambodia? AmaDara is the only ship in the luxurious AmaWaterways fleet that offers bucket-list-worthy voyages through the heart of Southeast Asia at present. This river cruise ship is elegantly designed with French colonial decor, complemented by carved wood furniture that reflects Southeast Asia’s rich woodworking traditions and local artefacts by native craftsmen. A Mekong River cruise is not any less than scenic and sensory, taking every passenger through the Indochina region’s awe-inspiring nature, culture and history, all wrapped in one unmissable journey…

This luxury adventure allows guests to trace the diverse cultures, fascinating history and breath-taking landscapes surrounding the mighty river. Guests are granted an unmissable opportunity to see the striking landmarks like the UNESCO-listed Angkor Wat, Royal Palace of Cambodia and the Cu Chi Tunnels in Vietnam. Mekong River cruises also include a myriad of immersive cultural experiences, such as exploring Phnom Penh on board a traditional tuk-tuk, observing the silk weaving process in the small villages of Vietnam, and visiting a colourful floating market on the Mekong River! The best part? All these tours are done in the presence of expert local guides, equipped with informed insider knowledge and personal perspectives of Vietnam and Cambodia.

This fascinating tour of different and exotic cultures is one that guests will surely remember for years to come – especially on board the amenity-packed, well-loved ship that they’ll call home – Amadara! She is lavishly appointed with the lushest amenities one could think of, from palatial twin-balcony suites overlooking the ever-changing scenery of Southeast Asia to award-winning dining venues serving authentic regional classics!

With inviting shared spaces for soaking in the passing scenery and spa & fitness facilities for the ultimate pampering and staying active, every guest will never have a dull moment with lifestyle and entertainment possibilities as endless as the views! Delivering an intimate and enriching experience whilst winding through one of the world’s most captivating waterways, Amadara is truly a class of her own!