10 New Luxury Cruise Ships Worth Trading Your Birkin Bag For
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Suites with private pools, fine wine, intimate lounges with no crowds, private VIP excursions – and sometimes butler service at sea? Say hello to the chic new era of luxury cruising!
These sleek ships are designed for travelers who crave yacht-style exclusivity with five-star hotel polish. Fares can top $1,000 USD p.p., per day (but you can score deals and better value with a few smart cruise hacks).
We’ve sailed on dozens of deluxe yachts and ships – from Seabourn’s champagne-filled vessels to a luxurious phinisi in Indonesia (where we spied Komodo dragons!) to a Caribbean cruise on the Viking Sea (just for adults).
And with Four Seasons Yachts debuting in 2026 (with splash pool suites and outdoor showers) and Aman’s ultra-exclusive 47-suite Amangati setting sail in 2027, the future promises next-level travel by sea.
So, are you ready to discover the best new luxury cruise ships? From ultra-luxury experiences to more affordable deluxe cruises, your dream voyage starts here.
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Contents: “Best of the best” new cruise ships
10 Stunning new cruise ships for luxury lovers
What do we mean by “luxury cruises”?
They’re a world apart from mainstream – even premium – cruising. Think bigger suites, smaller ships, more space and highly personalized service. Fares often include extras like fine wines, WiFi and gratuities.
Luxury cruise ships vs. expedition ships?
We’re not including luxury expedition ships in our list of the latest luxury cruises (though several lines covered here have sailed into that territory with shiny new exploration vessels).
Those ships are built for adventure in far-flung places like Antarctica. Shore excursions are included – often by Zodiac for shore landings (and sometimes by helicopter too!).
They belong in a whole class of their own, so we’ll save them for another article.
1) Viking Vesta
When Viking Star set sail in 2015, she made waves in the cruise world with her serene light-filled design, all-veranda staterooms and inclusive perks like complimentary wine and beer at meals.
We sailed her ourselves – and loved the relaxed elegance she introduced to Viking Ocean Cruises!
Fast forward, and the new Viking Vesta (the 12th ship in the fleet) sticks to the winning playbook. (If the formula was good the first time, why fiddle with it?) She’s just a touch bigger, carrying 998 guests instead of 930.
Staterooms and suites
Every stateroom (minimum 288 sq. ft.) has a balcony, heated bathroom floors and Scandinavian touches like leather-wrapped drawer handles.
Dining is a highlight
Themed menus at The Chef’s Table, handmade pasta at Manfredi’s and waffles (with Norwegian goat’s cheese and berries) at Mamsen’s are all part of Viking’s ocean-going dining experience.
Afternoon tea in the glass-roofed Wintergarden is also a must – and yes, there’s full room service too.
To up your sipping game, Viking offers an optional premium drinks package.
Who’s it for
Prefer longer two-week immersive itineraries? Love learning about history and culture through enrichment lectures? Happily give up a casino (there’s not a slot machine in sight) for free self-serve laundry?
Then Viking is very much your style!
Highlights
- What’s wow: We loved winding down before dinner in the complimentary Nordic spa on our cruises. It features a hot-and-cold water circuit, a swim-against-the current pool, underwater massage roller beds and even a real snow cave for chilling!
- Good to know: Each itinerary includes a free shore excursion in every port. Viking also has an adults-only policy (minimum age 18).
- Launch date: July, 2025
2) Windstar’s Star Seeker
We’ve sailed several times on Windstar’s boutique fleet – including their romantic “Wind Class” sailing ships that offer some of the dreamiest cruises in French Polynesia.
Now Windstar is raising the bar with their brand-new Star Seeker. Carrying just 224 guests, she’s an upgraded take on Windstar’s three “Star Plus” ships (see our Star Pride review), but with an unmistakably Windstar spirit.
Staterooms and suites
Nearly all 112 suites have either a private veranda or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window.
There are 12 accommodation categories – from Infinity Suites (280 sq. ft.), where the top half of the window opens to the sea breeze, to Horizon Owner’s Suites with wraparound balconies. Veranda Suites (268 sq. ft. plus a 55 sq. ft. balcony) are the standard choice.
Higher suite categories add extra luxuries such as an Illy espresso machine, canapé service and fresh flowers.
Windstar’s cuisine always shines
They’re the official cruise line of the James Beard Foundation. On Star Seeker, you’ll find:
- Amphora – The main dining room (with new alfresco seating)
- Star Grill – A specialty restaurant, also with outside seating (we’ve had some seriously good steaks here!)
- Basil + Bamboo – A brand-new Asian-inspired venue debuting on this ship
- The Yacht Club – A casual café for breakfast and lunch
Who’s it for
If you’d rather pay only for the extras you actually use (instead of shelling out a bigger all-inclusive fare upfront), Windstar is a great fit.
Alcoholic beverages, WiFi and gratuities aren’t included in the base price, keeping fares more reasonable than ultra-luxury lines like Silversea (#5), Regent Seven Seas (#10) and Seabourn – though you can opt for their All-In Package to bundle those extras.
Also, while not strictly adults-only, the intimate small-ship vibe makes Windstar one of the best luxury cruise lines for couples (mostly aged 40 to 60).
Highlights
- What’s wow: There’s a watersports platform at the stern, where you can kayak, paddleboard and swim right off the ship.
- Good to know: The hull is ice-strengthened, so Star Seeker can venture from Alaska to Asia and beyond.
- Launch date: December, 2025
3) Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara
The Ritz-Carlton name has always been shorthand for luxury – and now it’s sailing the seas.
Luminara, the third ship in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, carries 452 guests in supremely elegant style. Think curated art by Andy Warhol, Henri Matisse and Alexander Calder… and bartenders who know your favorite drink before you even ask.
Staterooms and suites
Spacious entry-level suites start at 312 sq. ft., each with a private terrace, oversized tub and even Dyson hairdryers (they’ve thought of everything). You’re assigned a personal assistant to smooth your trip too, whether booking dinner or planning a private tour ashore.
Dining
With five restaurants and seven bars, menus designed by Michelin-starred chefs and everything from poolside bites to multi-course tasting menus, your tastebuds are in very good hands.
Marina Beach – your playground at sea
When Luminara anchors, the stern transforms into a full watersports Marina Beach.
Custom inflatable AquaBana platforms link together to create floating patios – so you can cool off in the shade with your toes in the water. From there, you can slip straight into the sea for a swim, or kick things up with toys like SeaBobs and electric hydrofoil boards.
Who’s it for
Guests skew younger – mostly 30s to 60s – entrepreneurs and professionals who collect passport stamps the way others collect sneakers. Over dinner with friends the other night, we learned their daughter and son-in-law (both doctors in California) had just sailed on the yacht and raved about it.
Highlights
- What’s wow: Tucked away, the Humidor lounge serves up hand-rolled cigars and smoky Scotch in polished wood surroundings – a glamorous nod to old-school yachting.
- Good to know: Luminara will cruise Africa and the Indian Ocean before debuting Asia-Pacific itineraries (calling in at places like Ha Long Bay, Osaka and Bangkok).
- Launch date: July, 2025
4) Crystal Serenity
After going famously bankrupt in 2022, Crystal made a glamorous comeback under Abercrombie & Kent in 2023 – polished and better than ever!
Crystal Serenity (one of the line’s two luxury ships) now carries just 740 guests. And with 655 crew, that means an enviable 1.13 guest-to-crew ratio and one of the most generous passenger space ratios at sea.
What’s more, about 80% of the original team returned, reviving Crystal’s hallmark “know your name” service.
Staterooms and suites
Choose from ocean-view staterooms, spacious veranda suites or sprawling penthouses. (For the veranda suites, we prefer the newly redesigned ones, with walk-in showers, over the classic design with a separate shower and bath.)
All suites come with tuxedo-clad butlers – who might even deliver Nobu sushi on a silver tray!
Bathrooms impress too. Rainfall showers with body jets feel more spa-like than ship-like.
Crystal’s culinary program is top tier
Standout restos include:
- Waterside – The elegant main dining room, with favorites like mushroom soup served in a bread bowl, fresh pastas and Dover sole
- Umi Uma by Nobu – Japanese-Peruvian fusion where the miso black cod is unforgettable
- Osteria d’Ovidio – Italian fine dining with house specialties like beef tartare.
- Beefbar – Monte Carlo–born concept, serving premium steaks and upscale street food.
Who’s it for
Classic elegance reigns here – afternoon tea, paddle courts and putting greens, a spa with separate men’s and women’s steam rooms, and a gym with all the bells and whistles.
Layer on cultural enrichment programs, showstopping entertainment and globe-spanning itineraries, and you’ve got refined cruising at its best.
Sound good? Then Crystal’s calling your name.
Highlights
- What’s wow: Crystal boasts the only Nobu restaurants at sea – dining here is truly world-class.
- Good to know: There are solo cabins, plus Crystal often runs no single supplement promos. (Meet-ups and hosted tables make it easy to mix and mingle.) For families, there’s a kids’ zone with supervised activities.
- Launch date: Relaunched in July, 2023, under Abercrombie & Kent
5) Silversea’s Silver Ray
Silversea calls its style “whispered luxury” – and their newest ship, Silver Ray, takes that ethos into bold new waters.
She flaunts a striking new asymmetrical design, 43,000 sq. ft. of exterior glass and next-gen eco-tech.
The result? A light-filled vessel that feels yacht-chic and modern, with the sea always in view.
Suites, just suites!
Gigantic suites (minimum size 357 sq. ft.) with verandas are de rigueur, along with designer Bulgari toiletries and butler service. Ask for the “pillow menu” – a presentation box of minis to sample before choosing your favorite.
Master Suites (721 to 826 sq. ft.) wrap around the stern. And get this… Their bathrooms have panoramic sea views – maybe spot whales while soaking in the tub?
Otium Suites (1,326 sq. ft.) take things to a new high, with separate living rooms and sprawling balconies kitted out with private hot tubs.
There are no less than ten restaurants
Don’t miss:
- La Dame – French haute-cuisine worth the surcharge (check out the resto’s handmade Lalique crystal panels!)
- Kaiseki – Sushi and sashimi by day, teppanyaki artistry by night
- La Terrazzino – Elegant Italian classics (with alfresco dining)
- Silver Note – Small plates accompanied by live jazz and blues
- S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table – Exclusive tasting menus with regional wines ($180 USD p.p. surcharge p.p.)
S.A.L.T.
Silver Ray is seasoned with plenty of S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) – Silversea’s foodie-forward program, dreamed up with former Saveur editor Adam Sachs.
Join market tours and culinary excursions ashore, then roll up your sleeves in the S.A.L.T. Lab for hands-on classes. Perhaps fold phyllo for spanakopita in Greece, whip up Andalusian tapas in Spain or mix ceviche in Central America.
Who’s it for
Carrying 728 guests, Silver Ray attracts a slightly younger, more energetic crowd than her Silversea siblings (who are usually 60-plus).
Evenings pulse with live music in the Venetian Lounge, while the vast 1,400-square-foot pool deck – the largest in the fleet – is made for daytime laps and late-night cocktails under the stars.
Highlights
- What’s wow: Silver Ray’s asymmetrical layout – glass elevators on the sides, the pool shifted starboard and deck chairs angled outward – means sweeping sea views from nearly every spot.
- Good to know: Renowned for offering some of the best luxury cruises, Silversea gives guests three fare options: Door-to-Door (transfers and excursions included), Port-to-Port (shore excursions included, travel on your own) and Essential (onboard inclusions only).
- Launch date: June, 2024
6) Oceania Allura
Oceania Allura (1,200 passengers) is designed to dazzle.
From marble bathrooms and buttery leather seating to a soaring atrium with a crystal waterfall chandelier, she looks and feels every inch an ultra-luxury ship. The gleaming white-and-silver Grand Dining Room is equally breathtaking – and that’s before the first course arrives.
Staterooms and suites
Choose from seven categories of staterooms and suites, from French Veranda rooms (290 sq. ft.) to jaw-dropping Owner’s Suites (2,400 sq. ft.) that span the ship’s width. (We’d happily move into one of those if given the chance!)
New Concierge Level Solo Veranda Staterooms pamper single travelers.
All feature plush carpets, high-thread-count linens and cooling seventh-generation mattresses.
Oceania proudly claims to have the “finest cuisine at sea”
Allura boasts an impressive 12 dining venues – from Red Ginger’s new Japanese and Peruvian specialties to Aquamar Kitchen (a new healthy eating option) to Jacques, complete with a faux fireplace for extra coziness (and that must-try lobster Thermidor).
Add La Reserve wine-paired dinners, Privee’s intimate suppers and hands-on classes in the Culinary Center for serious culinary bragging rights.
Who’s it for
Oceania Allura appeals to a 55-plus crowd – retirees who enjoy the good life but value Oceania as a more affordable alternative to ultra-high-end all-inclusive lines.
Highlights
- What’s wow: The serene Aquamar Spa Terrace, with whirlpools and plunge pools overlooking the sea, is the cherry on top of the ship’s glittering design.
- Good to know: Oceania’s fares aren’t as inclusive as some lines. They include specialty dining, gratuities, WiFi, specialty coffees, sodas and bottled water. And for bookings after September 17, 2025, Your World Included adds a choice of a shore excursion credit or beer and wine with meals.
- Debut: July, 2025
7) Explora II
The 922-passenger Explora II feels more like a Four Seasons hotel than a cruise ship.
And that’s the point.
Explora Journeys – from the MSC Group (which owns MSC Cruises) – aims to lure younger affluent travelers who might never have considered cruising, calling voyages “journeys” instead.
All oceanview “homes at sea”
All 461 ocean-facing suites feature private terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, wood paneling and contemporary furnishings with leather accents. From the 377 sq. ft. Ocean Terrace Suites to expansive Residences, they’re crafted to feel like elegant homes, not cruise cabins.
There’s no main dining room
That’s right. You choose instead from six restaurants including pan‑Asian, Mediterranean, French and Italian. The Emporium Marketplace is a gourmet buffet, with pizza, seafood, grilled items, gelato and crepes.
It’s easy to find a quiet corner
Five pools – including a conservatory pool with a retractable roof and one just for adults – plus multiple infinity hot tubs, 64 cabanas and endless loungers ensure plenty of personal space.
Who’s it for
Explora Journeys targets well-heeled younger travelers, couples and families – who want the polish of a boutique hotel, paired with the thrill of exploring the world by sea.
Highlights
- What’s wow: With so many pools and outdoor spaces, you can always find a serene spot to relax, even on sea days. The complimentary Wellness Area also impresses with a thermal pool, sauna, steam room and Himalayan salt room.
- Good to know: Families are covered with a solid kids’ club. Entertainment is leaner than on a traditional larger cruise ship. And casual attire is okay for dinner.
- Launch date: September, 2024
8) Sea Cloud Spirit
Sail on the Sea Cloud Spirit and make like American heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post!
Back in 1931, Post commissioned a lavish barque that became the original Sea Cloud – later transformed into a deluxe cruise ship by Sea Cloud Cruises. Ever since, they’ve been proving that sailing never goes out of style.
The glamorous Spirit is the line’s first fresh build in almost 20 years. With three towering masts, gleaming brass, polished wood and white-tablecloth dining, she carries 136 guests in classic nautical elegance.
Staterooms and suites
All 69 cabins face the sea. Entry-level staterooms are bright and nautical, while Junior and Owners’ Suites spoil you with walk-in closets, jetted tubs, faux fireplaces and even private balconies (a rare treat on a sailing ship).
Dining at sea
Breakfasts and lunches are buffet style in the main Restaurant or outside on the Lido Deck.
Evenings bring barbecue feasts under the stars (think lobster grilled on deck) or four-course dinners paired with fine wines – all included.
Who’s it for
One of the best small-ship cruise lines, Sea Cloud Cruises appeals to experienced travelers in their 50s to 70s – who love the majesty of sailing on authentic tall ships and visiting smaller less-traveled ports in the Caribbean and Europe.
Highlights
- What’s wow: Talk about “green” cruising! Sea Cloud Spirit flaunts more than 44,000 sq. ft. of sails, and her itineraries are designed so she can catch the wind and sail most of the time.
- Good to know: Outlets are European style, so bring a converter. Also, there’s no pool onboard.
- Launch date: September, 2021
9) Emerald Sakara
If you’ve ever wanted to cruise on a head-turning superyacht, here’s your chance!
The 100-passenger Emerald Sakara (from Emerald Yacht Cruises) looks every bit the part, with its elongated bow, terraced aft decks and interiors decked out in mirrors, chrome and colorful pop art.
Staterooms and suites
Most cabins have balconies, with standard 300 sq. ft. Balcony Suites featuring king beds, smart storage and minimalist décor. From there, you can size up to the grand 1,165 sq. ft. Owner’s Suite – complete with a sprawling terrace made for showing off.
Dining
La Cucina, the main dining venue, serves Mediterranean-leaning global fare inside and alfresco, while the Aqua Pool Café keeps things casual by the pool. Dinner is a lingering multi-course affair.
Adventure and play
Emerald Sakara keeps you busy with “plus” tours (which take in the main sights) and “active” options (like guided hikes, bike rides and watersports).
You can also opt for extra-charge tours like nighttime kayaking in a bioluminescent bay in Puerto Rico or river-rafting near Split, Croatia.
And when anchored (and the weather is good), the aft marina becomes a floating playground. Paddleboards, inflatable kayaks, mats, a trampoline and even SEABOBs are set up for hours of water fun.
Who’s it for
Expect a mix of active travel-savvy adults in their 40s through 60s, plus younger couples and the occasional multigenerational group.
Highlights
- What’s wow: Along with the Med and Caribbean, Emerald Sakara sails to the Indian Ocean (hello tropical Seychelles!) and Red Sea (ancient Petra, anyone?).
- Good to know: Fares include drinks, gratuities, transfers and shore excursions (“plus” and “active”). But there are no butlers, and service is more casual than on ultra-luxury lines.
- Launch date: August, 2023
10) Regent’s Seven Seas Grandeur
For all-inclusive luxury, Regent Seven Seas sets the gold standard.
The line boldly calls its ships “the most luxurious in the world.” And with inclusions like unlimited shore excursions, premium wines and spirits, WiFi, valet laundry, gratuities, spa access and even a pre-cruise hotel night (for Concierge Suites and above), we can see why.
The 746-passenger Seven Seas Grandeur radiates opulence.
Original Picassos decorate the walls. But the showstopper is a specially commissioned Faberge Egg (crafted in shimmering blue enamel and adorned with diamonds, opals and pearls) on display in the atrium.
Staterooms and suites
All suites (starting at 307 sq. ft.) come with large balconies. Concierge Suites and higher have king-size beds.
Dining choices are plentiful
You’ll find four specialty restaurants – a New York-style steakhouse, an Asian-fusion venue, a Parisian-inspired French bistro (a guest favorite) and an Italian resto – plus a beautiful international dining room.
Serene spa
The beautiful spa lives up to its name, Serene, with high ceilings, white marble and a butterfly motif. Eight treatment rooms include a couples’ suite with a jetted Jacuzzi, while therapies range from aromatherapy to seaweed wraps.
Complimentary? A thermal suite with saunas, a snow room, steam rooms and heated loungers. An infinity-edge plunge pool at the stern is the perfect post-treatment relaxation area.
Who’s it for
Travelers aged 55+ who appreciate luxurious all-inclusive and stress-free cruise vacations – and who see the ship itself as the ultimate destination – will love Seven Seas Grandeur.
Highlights
- What’s wow: The Regent Suite is the most talked-about accommodation at sea. Priced from $11,000 USD a night, it spans a whopping 4,500 sq. ft. and features two balconies (complete with a heated mini-pool and spa), a Steinway baby grand piano and a $200,000 mattress.
- Good to know: Expect a more upscale dress code than, say, Explora Journeys. After 6:00 pm, “elegant casual” attire is required.
- Launch date: November, 2023
Other standout luxury cruise lines to know
Not every luxury cruise line has splashed out with a brand-new (non-expedition) ship recently – but don’t mistake “not new” for “not fabulous.”
Seabourn
Seabourn made its name with refined small ships (458 to 600 passengers). Nearly every suite has a private veranda and the service is exceptional – your stewardess may surprise you with a rose-petal bath after a shore excursion.
And then there’s the free-flowing champagne. We’ve sailed Seabourn twice now and have never sipped so much bubbly before!
Ponant
France’s boutique luxury line, Ponant, oozes European sophistication with sleek yacht-style ships carrying 92 to 264 guests. We’ve loved the French touch on Le Boreal and Le Austral! We’re talking French-inspired cuisine and luscious French wines.
Staterooms are smaller than on Silversea or Seabourn. But who cares, when every port includes a free shore excursion and the dining is superb?
SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream Yacht Club has two yachts for just 112 guests (and 95 crew). Sleep under the stars on a Balinese bed (champagne and embroidered PJs included!), jet ski from the watersports marina and join the captain on a hike or bike ride ashore (mountain bikes are carried onboard).
The scene feels a bit like a house party at sea, attracting mostly couples in their 40s and 50s.
Azamara
Not in the same league as the ultra-luxury heavyweights, Azamara still delivers great value with included drinks, gratuities, good food and personalized service. Their four older but well-kept ships (about 700 guests each) have cozier cabins, but fares reflect the difference.
Where Azamara excels is in their “destination immersion” focus – offering longer port days and overnights than most other lines, often in smaller or better-located harbors.
Your luxury cruise questions, answered
1) Which lines offer all-inclusive luxury cruises?
Many lines roll alcohol, WiFi and gratuities into their fares:
- Azamara (includes standard spirits, wine and beer)
- Crystal
- Emerald Yacht Cruises
- Explora Journeys
- Ponant
- Regent Seven Seas
- Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- Seabourn
- Sea Cloud Cruises
- SeaDream Yacht Club
- Silversea
- Viking Ocean Cruises (house wine and beer at lunch and dinner only)
2) Are luxury cruises worth the higher price tag?
Often, yes.
With fares that can run into the tens of thousands, luxury cruises aren’t cheap. But the value lies in what’s included.
While upfront costs are often double or triple those on lines like Celebrity, Holland America or Princess, luxury cruise fares usually bundle in fine wines and cocktails, WiFi, gratuities, specialty dining and sometimes even shore excursions. On mainstream ships, those extras add up fast.
Luxury vessels also carry fewer guests, so you enjoy more space, attentive service and indulgent perks – like butlers, spacious suites and no waiting in line.
For savings, watch for promotions and sign up for your favorite lines’ newsletters (which offer exclusive deals).
3) What are the most affordable luxury cruises?
If you’re curious about luxury cruising but want to ease in without eye-watering fares, a few lines are more budget-friendly than others.
Azamara is typically the most affordable option – and we’ve seen great early-booking rates (for instance, $3,400 USD p.p. for a 14-night “Spain Intensive” cruise in April).
Other lines to look at include:
- Oceania Cruises
- Viking Ocean Cruises
- Windstar Cruises
4) Which of the newest luxury cruise ships are best for first-time luxury cruisers?
If you’re stepping up from premium lines like Celebrity or Holland America – or even mainstream lines like NCL or Princess – some of the newest luxury ships make the transition especially smooth:
- Oceania’s Allura is ultra-polished yet still familiar, with standout dining. Because alcohol, WiFi and gratuities aren’t bundled in, the upfront fare looks more approachable – similar to what you may be used to.
- Viking’s ocean ships, including the new Viking Vesta, have all-veranda staterooms, include complimentary wine and beer at meals, and offer great value with a luxury feel.
- Windstar’s Star Seeker suits slightly younger travelers (40s to 60s) who want a yacht-like atmosphere while cruising exotic destinations (like Japan and Vietnam).
- Azamara’s ships are older (and fares lower) than others here, but they shine for destination-focused cruising. Offering more time ashore, they’re a good “luxury-lite” step up if you’re more interested in the ports than flashy onboard amenities.
- Explora II welcomes families – rare for luxury cruising – with kids’ programming and a casually luxe feel.
Which of these deluxe new cruise ships floats your boat?
We’d love to hear from you. Let us know in the Comments section below!
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→ General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, offering loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
→ Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. (We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy!) You can also find great discounted rates on Expedia, especially for hotels in the U.S. and Mexico.
→ Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
→ Flights: For the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets are often non-refundable. If you want more flexibility, it’s usually worth booking directly with the airline, even if it costs a bit more.)
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→ Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
→ Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
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Photo credits: 1 Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Other photos courtesy of the respective cruise lines
About the authors
My wife and I have been cruising since 2001 on multiple cruise lines.
Since 2018, we have chosen Viking and Oceania as the only cruise lines we will be booking in the future. We enjoy their smaller ships; destinations and ports; service; quality of dinning; cabins; relaxation and other passengers.
We enjoy reading your articles.
All the best that life has to offer to you.
Viking and Oceania are both wonderful choices — we’ve sailed on Viking several times now and love the light and bright interiors, the lovely suites, the extra perks and the focus on destinations.
It sounds like you and your wife have found your perfect cruising style!
Wishing you many more smooth seas and memorable voyages ahead — and thanks for reading and sharing your thoughts. We really appreciate it! 😊