Fresh food, fabulous accommodations and world-class entertainment, cruise lines have found plenty of ways to help travelers experience a taste of luxury while sailing the seven seas. See why these five popular brands stand out above the rest when it comes to lavish experiences on the water.
Regent Seven Seas Explorer
Dubbed the “most luxurious ship ever built,” everyone is treated like royalty aboard the Regent Seven Seas Explorer. Expertly decorated from deck to hull, the Seven Seas Explorer is tricked out with granite, marble and nearly 500 Czech crystal chandeliers. Artsy folk can browse the 2,500 pieces of fine art and specially commissioned paintings across the ship including works from Eduardo Arranz-Bravo and Picasso. A favorite among foodies, the ship’s two main restaurants, Compass Rose and La Veranda/Setta Mari, offer fabulous buffet and a la carte options. Those looking to satisfy a specific craving can head to one of the Seven Seas Explorer’s specialty restaurants: Chartreuse for French flair, Pacific Rim for Pan-Asian flavor or Prime 7, Regent’s signature steak house.
Crystal Serenity
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From astronauts and politicians to golf pros and guest speakers, Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity is recognized by people from all walks of life as a top tier ship for luxury travel. One area where the Crystal Serenity especially excels is in entertainment. Live music in the lounge and shows on the deck, passengers aboard this vessel will enjoy jazzy hits, Broadway tunes and string quartets as they sip their afternoon tea or indulge in a fabulous dinner. After dark, travelers can party the night away with their best karaoke songs or partake in some dancing at the popular disco, Pulse. Not your idea of a good time? Crystal Serenity is also equipped with an on-site casino for those who like to test their luck.
Seabourn Ovation
The Seabourn Ovation is famous for its VIP-access-only outdoor lounge, The Retreat. Outfitted with high-end cabanas, couples can enjoy the lounge for $350 a day for full access to a ballin’ hot tub, flat-screen TVs, Evian misters, beverage-filled mini fridges and oodles of fresh fruit. And, as with every Seabourn ship, passengers on the Ovation are privy to Seabourn’s signature champagne and caviar experience. Type “Seabourn Champagne and Caviar in the Surf” into Google and you’ll be met with endless results of ship reviews and travel accounts documenting how this special ritual defines the brand's commitment to luxury.
Silver Muse
One look at Silversea Cruises’ Instagram and it’s abundantly clear that the Silver Muse is ready to take its guests to every amazing corner of the globe and beyond. Not only is Silver Muse the largest luxury cruise ship in Silversea’s fleet, but it's also applauded for its impeccable dining which includes eight small restaurants instead of the traditional a la carte dining hall. Six of the restaurants are complimentary while Kaiseki and La Dame by Relais & Chateaux cost an additional $60 per person. It’s also worth mentioning that each Silver Muse suite is extremely expansive and comes handy with a personal butler.
Viking Star
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Those looking for a more intimate luxury cruise experience may consider Viking's Viking Star. Thoughtfully created by nautical architects and designers, the Viking Star can carry up to 930 guests at any given time and is popular for its fashionably designed lounges and shared spaces. Rooms come in a variety of sizes ranging from 270 square feet to 757 square feet, and each suite is furnished with nifty details including USB ports, heated bathroom floors and anti-fog mirrors. Plus, all of Viking’s ships now include an Aquavit Terrace, an outside deck made for the most beautiful al fresco dining.
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