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The Expert Guide to Ultra Luxury 6 Star Cruises

Mar 13, 2021 | CRUISE TIPS | 0 comments

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THE FACTS – 6 STAR CRUISES

How does it work.

We all know how the hotel star rating system works and given a choice, we would no doubt choose the 5-star hotel experience. There is no such star rating system for cruises, but an unwritten standard has emerged.

6-star cruises are the ultimate type of cruises that you could ever experience when going on holiday on the water. But what is a 6-star cruise, and which cruise lines can offer you a 6-star cruising experience? Here is our comprehensive guide to why 6-star cruises are the ultimate in cruising.

What are 6 Star Cruises?

6-star cruises are also known as Six Star or Ultra-Luxury cruises, and these relate to a small number of exclusive cruise lines with exquisite cruise ships offering the most amazing food and service. Six-star cruise ships take luxury to a whole new level and, in many cases, far exceeds anything you would find in a 5-star hotel ashore.

Most 6-star cruise ships generally cater to just several hundred passengers with a high ratio of crew to passengers – 1:1 in some cases. (read our article on the Crew to Passenger Ratio ). The Passenger Space Ratio , or the amount of space per passenger, will also be much higher on 6-star cruises.

For in-depth reviews of all the Ultra Luxury Six Star cruises, you might like to buy a copy of the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships which is the ultimate reference guide for serious cruisers.

Cabin or Staterooms are generally referred to as suites, and most have a balcony. The latest Ultra Luxury cruise ships boast “All Balcony All Suites”, and some even have Duplex Appartments and Owners Suites.

The other big differentiator is that Ultra Luxury 6 star cruises are generally all-inclusive, including speciality restaurants, shore excursions, flights, alcoholic beverages and impeccable service from all the crew onboard. It’s essentially as luxurious as you can get but with everything included.

What’s the Difference Between 5 and 6 Star Cruises?

In most industries, a 5 star rating is the best to grade a service or product when you know you’re receiving fantastic products and impeccable services. However, most people don’t know what 6 star cruises are, and it can all become confusing, especially if you’re trying to book your first ever cruise experience.

As you would expect, 6 star cruises are the next step up from 5 star cruises and simply the best kind of cruise you can get. There are notable differences between the cruise experience e onboard a 5 star cruise and a 6 star cruise. The big things that set the two ratings apart include the size of the ship, the space available, and the onboard experience’s general ambience of the onboard experience.

As mentioned, 6 star cruising is where absolutely everything is included in the cruise. With 5 star cruises, many but not all things will be included, such as beverages, shore excursions, speciality restaurants, gratuities and more. You will often find that you need to pay for fine dining, alcoholic beverages, treatments at the spa, flights and other luxuries that you can get on board a cruise ship. At the end of your cruise, be prepared for a large additional bill to settle.

Whichever way you choose to cruise, you’ll fall in love with the exquisite, personalised service you’ll receive, along with amenities onboard that are simply perfection.

Enjoying Caviar in the Pool with 6 Star Cruise line Seabourn

Cruise Lines Offering 6 Star Cruising

6 star cruises are the most ultimate way to cruise the seven seas of the world. Here are some of the main cruise lines that offer 6 star cruises:

There is a huge range of complimentary amenities and enrichment onboard all Crystal Cruises’ cruise ships. There is enough variety for people of all ages and personalities to find individual interests and pursue new hobbies onboard. Crystal Cruises also operate 6 star River Cruises. Read our Crystal River Cruises review .

Watch this space as Crystal cruises is being resuracted by high-end travel company A&K Travel Group who announced it had bought the bankrupt line’s brand name and two biggest oceangoing ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, with plans to relaunch the brand in 2023.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises really does cater for the cruiser looking for the ultimate cruise experience. With Regent Seven Seas, satisfy any travel urge you may have as you can customise your entire cruise experience to meet your exact needs. Read our Regent Seven Seas Cruise Splendor review.

• Silversea Cruises Thanks in part to their partnership with the Grand Chefs of Relais & Chateaux, promises an elegant and refined approach to gourmet cuisine. You can expect astounding cuisine on all their luxury ships where dinner is always open seating with anytime dining. Every need is anticipated with a prompt service delivered with a crew to passenger ratio of almost 1:1.

Seabourn host a range of complimentary special events, including caviar in the surf beach party, extensive enrichment lectures West End quality high-class entertainment and water sports that you can enjoy at your leisure. Unwind in pure relaxation in the award-winning spas and enjoy the most intimate 6-star cruises with plenty of space.

When it comes to dining, SeaDream excel and dining with this 6-star cruise line ensure that every meal is a sumptuous experience for all the senses. The award-winning service and cuisine are unrivalled whether enjoying the elegantly appointed Dining Salon or yacht-casual dining al fresco. There is an all-day menu available as well as unexpected treats from the Chef, whilst the yacht’s resident Sommelier can assist with your selection from SeaDream’s Wine Cellar.

SeaDream operates 2 luxury yacht-style vessels catering for a maximum of 112 guests. 95 highly-trained crew members offer the best possible service.

Each of these cruise lines has its own personality and has something special to offer its guests. Each has its own band of loyal repeat cruisers who like a particular style, ambience and vibe, many of whom have cruised for hundreds of days.

Smaller 6 star ships visit more intimate ports of call

What if I Don’t Want Everything Included in my 6 Star Cruise?

With Luxury 6 star cruises, you don’t have many packages to choose from; you pay upfront for almost everything, and you can pay extra for some onshore excursions and treatments at the spas. If you’re not interested in fine dining or alcoholic packages, then 6-star cruises may not be the cruise for you as you can’t cut these packages from the cruise fare.

In this situation, a five-star cruise may be best for you, allowing you to pay for what you want to use – aka “ Pay as You Go Cruising “. And if you change your mind about alcoholic beverages or fine dining, then in some cases, you can buy a drinks package to enjoy these services at your leisure. If you have received an onboard credit (obc) you can always put it towards a drinks package. But watch out, these are sometimes not the bargains they seem!

Booking your 6 Star Cruise

If you think that a 6 star cruise is for you, it is important to talk to your travel agent about your options. Our article highlights the reasons to book your cruise through a travel agent, particularly when booking a 6 star cruise.

Please contact us if you would like us to recommend suitable travel agents specialising in Ultra Luxury, 6 Star Cruises. Please enjoy.

Best Selling Cruise Travel Gear

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s

What are the 6 star cruise lines.

The expert Guide to 6 Star Cruises highlights the following: Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club

Which Cruise Line is the Most Luxurious?

About Luxury Cruising rates the following 6 Star Cruise Lines as the most luxurious:

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Silversea Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Oceania Cruises

What are the top cruise lines?

It depends on what criteria you are using, but we rate the top cruise lines as follows:

Is Silversea better than Seabourn?

These two cruise lines are similar in that they are both 6-star Ultra-Luxury Cruise lines but have different styles. Seabourn is more relaxed and has a contemporary feel whereas Silversea is a little bit more sophisticated and has a better range of dining options.

Last update on 2024-04-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Welcome all cruise enthusiasts! We’re Mike & Anita, your spirited guides to cruising the high seas (and Rivers), and we’ve clocked in over 600 days at sea.

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Reviews 4.9.

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Knowledge and integrity

Sandie at SixStar Cruise has been my cruise travel concierge for several years now. Her knowledge of the range of upmarket cruise lines has proved invaluable in helping me choose good trips over those years. She is always clear on pricing and what is on offer, which helps me understand the value of my bookings. The resolution of Covid-cancelled or postponed trips, supported by the SIxStar team, was complex but well-handled. I will continue to book through Sandie and SixStar.

Date of experience : 20 January 2024

Age hath no barrier…

Claire Chadburn provided us with the most efficient response to an enquiry since we have been with SixStar cruises. Whilst the team have all performed well in the past she went that bit beyond to meet all our needs. All wrapped up within I HOUR of enquiry. Once again two very satisfied vintage Cruisers.

Date of experience : 22 January 2024

We have been dealing with Elizabeth…

We have been dealing with Elizabeth since we booked , she always answers your e mails even if she is out of the office

Date of experience : 28 February 2024

Claire was very helpful with my recent…

Claire Chadburn was very helpful with my recent request for a quote for a fly, hotel and cruise holiday. She was very prompt with her email replies.

Date of experience : 05 March 2024

SixStar cruises gave excellent service…

We recently enjoyed a Seabourn cruise organised through Six Star Cruises. The cruise was fab and very importantly so was the service provided by Shirley both before the holiday and following up afterwards. I would definitely use them again.

Date of experience : 07 January 2024

Just spoke to Laura Wing today who…

Just spoke to Laura Wing today who remembered an enquiry from me from weeks ago. She followed it up as soon as the cruise we wanted came on line from Cunard which was super efficient and very impressive. Delighted to say we have booked our bucket list cruise to Alaska with Sixstarcruises, all thanks to Laura’s diligence and professionalism. 👏 We are excited about cruising with Cunard again after a poor experience with Princess in Oz and NZ last year. 🙄 Thank you, Laura, With Best wishes, Don & Karen

Date of experience : 06 January 2024

Had to make some enquiries about our…

Had to make some enquiries about our cruise to amend a few things which was dealt with by Lyndsey , she was excellent and made the changes whilst I waited and emailed with the other enquiry the following day , excellent service wouldn't hesitate to recommend her

Date of experience : 14 March 2024

Elizabeth Wright Our personal contact point at Six Star

Our personal contact point at Six Star, Elizabeth Wright has now helped us book and enjoy 3 cruises. She is knowledgeable, caring, reliable and efficient. It always seems as though she has our best interests at heart in assisting with cruise choices, cabin choice, flights, prices and options. People like her certainly give Six Star a competitive edge.

Date of experience : 29 October 2023

Danielle Muldoon helped us plan and…

Danielle Muldoon helped us plan and book our first ever cruise on Seabourn Ovation in the Caribbean. She was attentive, friendly and supportive of all our questions and needs. We are now cruise converts and will be contacting Danielle again for a 2024 experience. Can highly recommend her. Thanks Danielle.

Date of experience : 03 December 2023

Very good booking experience

We have been looking to book an Alaska cruise to celebrate our 40th Anniversary. Shirley from Sixstarcruises has been looking into this for us for a few weeks and has never put any pressure on us to decide. On Shirley's recommendation we have now booked a Silversea cruise + Rocky mountaineer trip which we are very happy with. The booking experience was very good from the start.

Date of experience : 30 December 2023

Service you can trust

Sadly we have just had a cruise cancelled due to the problems in the Gulf. Our concierge, Elizabeth Wright, is always pleasant and helpful, and very speedy in clarifying a situation. Hopefully, we can deal with Elizabeth soon with booking another cruise!

Date of experience : 15 January 2024

Claire Chadburn at 6 Star has made all…

Claire Chadburn at 6 Star has made all the difference to our cruise booking experience. We have previously used other agencies with decent success. In this instance, Claire had made the all-important difference. Always available to assist, she does so with patience and understanding. Her knowledge is excellent. She is always personable. We have booked in the knowledge we have secured a cost effective price knowing we can contact Claire if needed. First class service.

Date of experience : 02 January 2024

We have been using Six Star cruises for…

We have been using Six Star cruises for many years . Sandie Collier is amazing . Nothing is too much trouble for her . She is knowledgeable and super efficient and deals with everything in a truly professional many whilst at the same time making you feel that she is a family friend

Have booked a cruise today with Claire…

Have booked a cruise today with Claire Chadburn She was professional, efficient and sorted flights, hotels and the cruise itself with ease She even managed to find the cabin we wanted, the whole process was effortless and it was a pleasure to speak with her Thankyou Claire!

Date of experience : 14 January 2024

A great person to know

Sandie has been organising the majority of my cruising for many years now and I have always found her to be proactive and thorough on whatever we have been discussing offering useful insights and information. Sandie is a brilliant representative for Sixstar cruises embodying everything one would wish for in someone organising a holiday responding quickly to emails and calls. I can only thank Sandie for all the help she has been over the years.

Date of experience : 23 February 2024

Excellent Service

Although we have cruised many times, this was our first time booking with Six Star Cruises. I was lucky to connect with Claire Chadburn, who is extremely helpful and efficient. She immediately assessed what we were looking for and she made the booking process so easy. I would not hesitate to contact Claire again to arrange future cruises. Thank you Claire.

Date of experience : 01 January 2024

Excellent service from Stacey

Excellent service from Stacey. Stacey has spent a lot of time ensuring that we book the right cruise. We discussed a number of cruise companies and ended up booking a Silversea cruise. Stacey has been very understanding and her knowledge and advice has been excellent.

Date of experience : 27 January 2024

A successful holiday.

Sixstar Cruises in particular Shirley our cruise adviser were excellent in getting us a really fabulous cruise holiday with Silversea. Shirley sorted out all our flights and transfers and even our cruise excursions which made booking a holiday so stress free. Calls and emails were answered with promptness and clarity and I would like to thank Shirley for all her help and guidance. The holidays success was down to her. Lynn Hewison

Date of experience : 23 November 2023

Great Service

We have booked cruises with Rebecca and Shirley. A testimony to their commitment and professionalism is the way we were dealt with when our cruise was cancelled due to global conflict. Communication was excellent and both were proactive... new cruise booked quickly and without fuss. I would recommend Six Star without reservation.

Date of experience : 11 January 2024

Friendly and helpful service

Our first time using Sixstarcruises and so far very happy with the service provided. We dealt with Elizabeth Wright who was very friendly and helpful from the first contact. We have not yet been on our cruise but so far we have received regular emails and easy access to all cruise information through the website. I would definitely recommend giving sixstarcruises a try.

Date of experience : 28 September 2023

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Reviews 4.9.

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First class service from Elizabeth Wright

We booked with Elizabeth who offered us an extremely competitive deal and provided us with first class service and advice. The whole cruise including flights, hotels and transfers was seamless. The cruise was wonderful and Elizabeth advised and booked us in a great cabin in a great location. Can’t wait to book the next one. Thank you Elizabeth

Date of experience : 30 March 2024

Sian Halliwell is brilliant

Sian Halliwell is brilliant. Knows her stuff and comes back to you with prices and revisions very quickly. Organisers every thing from hotel stays and transfers as needed. An excellent experience dealing with Sian all round.

Date of experience : 27 March 2024

Thank you Claire Chadburn our T A

Our TA Claire Chadburn, was great ,she is a Cheery can do lady, she made good suggestions & was very helpful, it was a pleasure talking to her.

Date of experience : 14 March 2024

Excellent service

Claire Chadburn was extremely helpful and efficient in deak8ng with our booking. We encountered problems with a pre cruise tour and Claire and her colleagues did their best to resolve the issue for us despite the obduracy of the cruise company concerned. There is now a lot of online administration necessary when booking a cruise and Claire was very helpful in navigating that aspect and reminding us when we needed to complete the various stage online. I would certainly recommend her and Sixstar to anyone booking a cruise.

Date of experience : 04 March 2024

Cruise questions

A couple of questions regarding our upcoming cruise answered easily and quickly by Claire Chadburn. Excellent service.

Date of experience : 01 April 2024

Claire Chadburn is very knowledgeable

Claire Chadburn is very knowledgeable, listened and quickly worked out an itinerary for us, which was just what we wanted. I'm used to booking holidays privately on line, and all the organisation that entails, but I've found it quite hard coordinating and checking into the various elements of the trip. Claire, as the concierge, has tried hard to simplify things for me, but lots of information and downloads are tucked away on Six Seas website, and I found these by accident!! Its been confusing knowing what I should be doing and what is the responsibility of the TA

Date of experience : 26 March 2024

Great customer service

Claire Chadburn has been very helpful with my Regent Seven Seas booking. And very patient answering my queries and questions. I would recommend both her and Six Star.

Date of experience : 25 March 2024

Excellent booking experience

We have recently booked a cruise with Azamara for September (not our first cruise but first through Six Star Cruises) and we were fortunate to have Shirley McCue handle our booking. What a pleasant and easy process thanks to Shirley's friendly professionalism and knowledge - just what you need in a cruise adviser. Thank you Shirley.

Date of experience : 13 February 2024

Elizabeth Wright moved mountains after our cruise cancellation

I found out our Silversea cruise to Seychelles and Dubai was cancelled at 10.00 pm on a Friday evening from the Facebook roll call, after 9 months of planning. Silversea made no contact with us or Six Star. We spent the weekend looking for an alternate cruise. I emailed Oceania on Sunday afternoon and someone in the US replied. I reserved the last Concierge cabin and researched flights. Monday morning I emailed Elizabeth with the news. It was her day off but she immediately contacted Oceania and also looked at flight availability. By 11.00 am everything was confirmed. We left our house at 3.00 pm same day for Heathrow to fly to Madrid. We had the last 2 seats on a connecting flight to Santiago, Chile. Elizabeth booked an overnight stay at the Ritz Carlton Santiago, which was wonderful. The following day we boarded Oceania Marina and sailed the Chilean Fjords, also visiting Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Antarctica, the Falklands Islands (we were able to tender) Montevideo and Buenos Aires. We had no Pesos, excursions or dinner reservations and sorted everything on board! We also booked 3 extra nights in Buenos Aires and flew to Iguazu Falls, a truly stunning natural wonder. We had the trip of a lifetime, visiting two continents. We saw icebergs, whales, penguins and seals. None of this would have been possible without Elizabeth’s help. The situation really was a case of “if life gives you lemons, make lemonade”.

Date of experience : 12 February 2024

Our exciting Seabourn cruise was…

Our exciting Seabourn cruise was cancelled at the last minute due to the unrest in the Middle East. I was recommended to six star by a pal and within a couple of hours Claire Chadburn came up with some options. We booked the following day and have had constant attention to make the paperwork simple for us technophobes. I will certainly use six star in the future and hopefully Claire will be there to look after us.

Date of experience : 17 March 2024

We booked our Seabourn cruise with Claire Chadbur

We booked our Seabourn cruise with Claire Chadburn. This will be only our third Seabourn so we are still feeling our way through the process. Claire was very patient and extremely helpful - guiding us through the suite options and available locations - and all the other options and choices open to us. 10/10.

Exceptional service.

Booked a cruise through 6 star cruises and couldn’t have had a better service. Claire Chadburn did a brilliant job answering e-mails outside her normal hours of working, and sorting things out before we went away. Well done Claire and 6 star.

Date of experience : 02 March 2024

Good experience yet again!

On March13, 2024, we booked a cruise on Oceania with Rebecca Rimmer. We had used Rebecca for a previous cruise. As usual, she was very focussed and thought of all the details. She was very patient in finding us flights that were of a convenient time and good price. Thank you, Rebecca.

Date of experience : 13 March 2024

Could not have wished for better.

In December last year or January this year (I can't remember the exact date) we decided to make an urgent amendment to our BA flights in the run up to our Seabourn cruise last month. Unfortunately our original Consultant was away from the office. Very fortunately however, my call was picked up by a young man called Sam (whose surname I forgot to ask for). We were on the line quite a while and he made it his business to make sure that all was sorted out for us. Thank you Sam, I hope you - and others - know who you are! Penny, March 2024.

Date of experience : 12 December 2023

Excellent support

I must say that I have telephoned Six Star Cruises on numerous occasions to ask difficult questions referring to my cruise, and most times have. Spoken to Lindsey McCracken- Specialist Support. She has been excellent, and has answered every question with patience and kindness. I am most grateful that you employ such an excellent Person that has taken time to assure me when I have been very worried that I am getting everything in place for my cruise. Regards Crystal Jones.m

Truly excellent professional service from Rebecca Rimmer.

I booked a cruise two days ago however my friend and myself continued to have doubts regarding the location, size, standard and quietness of our selected cabin. Our original sales contact had spoken to Cunard to three different people regarding these potential issues. We were unable to speak to him again due to holidays so we then called a Cunard ourselves. We discussed our options, proposed choices and concerns that we had during our booking process with someone who had actually sailed on the ship.We then knew we needed to change our cabin selection something we had been advised during the booking process would be possible. We were unable to speak to our original contact again due to holidays but felt we needed to resolve straight away before cabin options became limited. I called Six Star Cruises and thankfully my call was answered by Rebecca Rimmer (Specialist Concierge) who went out of her way to ensure we changed our booking to a cabin (subject to availability) that suited our needs. Rebecca also ensured that our upgrade enjoyed the same offer terms. I can’t thank Rebecca enough for her care and attention. A true asset to the company. C.Stuart

Once again Sandie Collier gets 5*’s

Once again Sandie Collier of Sixstarcruises has come up with a five star review. I have called other cruise companies but would not book anything until I have spoken to Sandie. Her knowledge, experience and general approach takes some beating. A great ambassador for cruising !! Mel Child

Date of experience : 01 March 2024

All the help we required on hand

Just like to thank Shirley McCue for her help and patience in booking our exciting cruise taking in Easter and Pitcairn Islands. I was pleased to get her check in call to make sure all of the necessary travel requirements had been correctly completed. Will certainly ask for her next time we book a cruise.

Date of experience : 16 January 2024

RSSC Valentine's promotion

Sandie Collier has guided me along the selection of our cruise in August. Although we had completed the booking with RSSC they were now offering a Valentine's on board spending promotion which Sandie managed to secure for us. Can't speak too highly of her.

Date of experience : 20 February 2024

An excellent professional service from…

An excellent professional service from Sandie. Knowledgeable about the ship and cruise. Nothing was too much trouble. Someone you can trust to help you not just sell to you. Highly recommend

Six Star Cruising

Luxury travel has long had an appeal for many, thanks to the promises it purports. Sumptuous décor, fine dining, premium wines and good service are all par for the course. But the interpretation of ‘luxury’ differs amongst us all and it is for that reason terms such as ‘elite’ and ‘six star’ exist. For the holidays that can be called truly six star are in a different league to the rest. This is luxury which is simply unparalleled. It isn’t just that everything is included within the price you pay, and we mean everything, but it’s the standard of what is included.

Champagnes, caviar, immersive excursions, butler service – these are just a few of the extras you can expect when six star cruising that won’t cost you a penny more. But more than that, it’s the feeling that you will enjoy throughout the duration of your holiday. You will feel indulged at every moment. There will be no request too great for the crew to assist you with. Your every need will be attended to. You will be an absolute priority from the moment you step on board, to the moment you disembark.

Six star cruising is a luxury holiday with a difference. Exquisite dining is taken to a new level with world-renowned chefs defining menus and using a farm to table ethos that means your palate will be delighted at every meal. Fine wines and premium spirits follow Champagne and cocktails created by expert mixologists.

Your in-suite butler will cater to your every request at the drop of a hat. They will get to know any personal preferences you have and tend to your suite accordingly, as well as make any necessary arrangements you need. Your name will be remembered by the crew and staff throughout the ship and your personal preferences will be met in your suite.

Most importantly, six star cruising will take you on a real voyage of discovery, for that is what is at the heart of every cruise. The destination is the focal point and with good reason; the itineraries are carefully curated by experts in order that guests can see the very best of the region they are visiting.

In addition, you will be offered an extensive range of shore excursions – many of which are included in the price – to ensure you have complete destination immersion.

You will be able to pick from a choice in each port so that you can have the sort of experience you prefer, and allowing you to personalise your holiday even more. The luxury cruise lines work extremely hard to keep their itineraries up to date so you even if you have sailed a certain area before, the next time you choose an itinerary there could take you to different places. They are consistently adding new ports and new excursions to their programmes to keep their guests exploring, year after year.

There are different degrees of six star cruising, from premium luxury to ultra-luxury which are highlighted below. You will often find that even with the premium luxury cruise lines, an ultra-luxury experience can be had when you opt for one of the higher-grade suites.

Six star cruising involves taking a luxury cruise with a difference and if you have yet to step aboard, we can promise you that you will have an experience you will never forget. Read our guide below and find out everything you need to know before getting in touch with one of our expert Connoisseurs to start planning your luxury adventure.

Six Star Cruise Lines

All of the cruise lines we offer at Panache Cruises are brilliant examples of luxury cruising. Many of our partners are classified within the six star cruising category, with superior, ultra-luxury offerings even in the lower grade of suites. Read on to see the highlights of each luxury cruise line...

Elite Ocean Cruise Lines

Azamara offers premium luxury cruising but would not be known as ‘ultra-luxury’ until you start choosing one of the higher end suites. However, Azamara still offers six star cruising for a variety of reasons. Firstly, this is boutique cruising so your ship will be stylish and welcoming.

Secondly, there is a real focus on the destination when you sail with Azamara and you’ll feel it from the moment you set sail. Their ethos on destination immersion and the opportunity to stay longer in ports with events such as AzAmazing Evenings is a six star cruising luxury that won’t be afforded to you by all cruise lines. You can also enjoy plenty of inclusions such as drinks throughout your cruise.

Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the fantastic new luxury brand from MSC Cruises, which will be debuting its first ship, Explora I, in Spring 2023, followed by a new ship each year for three consecutive years. With a capacity of 922 passengers across 461 all-balcony suites and exquisite European design, the Explora ships are firmly positioned in the luxury segment.

Explora Journeys prides themselves on creating cosmopolitan, relaxing voyages at sea. A journey of the mind of the soul, their beautiful fleet offer guests space to restore balance and combine discovery and appreciation for wellbeing and nature.

Oceania Cruises

A laid back, country club style ambience awaits you on your Oceania cruise and you will not be disappointed when you step onto one of their stylish fleets.

Whilst Oceania would classify within the premium end of the six star cruising category, you can upgrade your experience by adding in drinks packages and choosing a higher grade suite.

Food is one of the key focuses on your Oceania cruise and you will enjoy excellence overseen by Masterchef Jacques Pépin.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This is where six star cruising really comes into its own with the most inclusive cruise experience offered by Regent.

The fabulously appointed ships (some known as the most luxurious in the world), welcome you with style and grace as do the well-trained staff.

You will find more inclusions on a Regent cruise than you would have thought possible, from your pre-dinner Champagne to the most incredible shore excursions, and a wide range of choice too.

If you’re seeking ultra-chic six star cruising, then Seabourn is the way to sail. They have the youngest and arguably the most modern fleet of all the luxury ocean cruise lines and you’ll fall in love.

Fully inclusive, the staff offer excellent service as well as added extras such as ‘Seabourn Moments’ – personal touches designed to make you feel special and create a lasting memory. You’ll also benefit from excellent staff to guest ratios.

Silversea are one of the mor adventurous cruise lines, heading to over 900 destinations across all seven continents of the world, so your itinerary will be one of the best.

Not only that, you’ll find your suite has a dedicated butler who will tend to your every wish and ensure you have a fully personalised experience for the duration of your cruise.

You’ll enjoy fine wines, fine dining and luxurious facilities which are all included when six star cruising with Silversea.

River Cruise Lines

Amawaterways.

AmaWaterways sail the waterways of the world in moderate luxury but as we focus on six star cruising at Panache Cruises, we only offer the newest ship in their fleet, AmaMagna.

This is a double width river ship that sets it apart from the others in the market and allows it a great deal of extra space in order to house many more facilities, some which are highly innovative.

You won’t have a fully inclusive cruise experience but the special nature of this ship and the excellent itineraries she sails mean your river cruise with AmaWaterways will give you a six star cruising experience.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon provide a premium luxury experience on board in that not everything is included. For example, you’ll have drinks with lunch and dinner included and excursions but should you wish to have any extra drinks, you will need to pay for these on disembarkation.

However, Avalon have been sailing the world’s waterways for many years and as such have award-winning ships. There is plenty of space per guest on board and you’ll also be tended to by an excellent team of crew and staff. Your itinerary is what will set the holiday apart too.

Crystal Cruises

The service offered on the elite ocean ships is mimicked on the river cruise ships to ensure you have an excellent experience.

Fully inclusive, these beautiful ships will take you to the stunning ports on their itinerary and you’ll be immersed thanks to the excellence of the excursions included.

Crystal’s reputation precedes itself on the rivers and you will have nothing but a fine six star cruises experience if you take a river cruise with them.

Emerald Cruises

Whilst Emerald technically offer a premium luxury experience when you sail the rivers with them, the ships themselves are state-of-the-art which is what helps to ensure your cruise is six star.

Emerald have lots of experience in sailing to the heart of destinations and showing their guests the best parts of the region and this will add to your time on ship to create a fantastic luxury river cruise holiday.

Scenic River Cruises

This will be a true six star, fully inclusive river cruising experience. Scenic is one of the best providers of river cruising thanks to the ultra-modern Space Ships which will sail you to every port in absolute style and luxury.

Scenic offer a signature service which excels beyond other providers on the waters to ensure that guests receive everything they want and more whilst on board.

Your excursions are included and you can pick and choose the ones which are right for you to give yourself and even more personalised experience.

This is six star cruising with a difference. Each Uniworld ship and suite is individually designed to reflect the itinerary it is sailing, which gives the ships a very boutique feel.

No two suites are alike and this, combined with the excellent service of the staff and crew on board, means you will feel extremely special throughout the duration of your cruise.

With everything you would need included, you’ll want for nothing at all.

Expedition Cruise Lines

Aurora expeditions.

Aurora offer some truly incredible itineraries around Antarctica, which in itself would offer a six star cruising experience. They have purpose-built ships for this region so that the environmental impact is reduced – conscious cruising immediately increases the luxury level to six star cruising standard!

You’ll be guided by an expert expedition team whilst you meet the local cultures and wildlife and enjoy the scenery and it is this kind of memorable experience which sets a cruise like this apart.

Celebrity Cruises

A mainstream cruise line on the whole, Celebrity have actually got an excellent luxury offering for their expedition cruises. Award-winning ships have been designed with the Galapagos in mind (which is where they explore exclusively) and as such, have won numerous awards.

They also have a fully inclusive offering which leaves you wanting for nothing. A Celebrity expedition is the perfect way to explore one of the most magical places on earth so you’ll really feel you’re having a six star holiday.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

This is a cruise line well-known for exploring the most remote and even coldest parts of the earth in rustic style. However, they have recently added two ships to their fleet which enables us at Panache Cruises to offer them as part of our suite of expedition cruises.

If you sail on board MS Roald Amundsen or MS Fridtjof, you’ll have a superior level of comfort and you will even find many of the suites have hot tubs for you to recharge in. Polar region sailing doesn’t get much more six star than that!

Offering expedition and yacht-style cruising, what makes Ponant a six star cruising experience is their dedication to the French way of life and their focus on reaching the most stunning destinations. One of the leading expedition cruise lines in the endeavour to make cruising more sustainable and recognised for a second year running with a Green Marine certification, Ponant prides itself on laying the foundations for responsible tourism. Leading the way for more than 30 years in the field of eco-responsible cruises, PONANT takes actions on a daily basis, particularly through the Ponant Foundation.

They are the only cruise line to sail under the French flag and the influence is evident throughout your time on board. They truly embrace the chic French way of life and you’ll have meals and service to suit.

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions are the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who want an immersive expedition experience with multiple polar landings. Quark Expeditions is profoundly committed to environmentally responsible tourism.

They aim to work with other leaders in the industry and with our guests to address the complex and challenging issues facing the polar regions. The newest ship in the fleet, Ultramarine, is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.

Scenic Eclipse

Already legendary in the luxury river cruise world, Scenic ventured into an unknown world with the launch of the World’s First Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. This incredible ship is perfect for six star cruising from every angle you look at it. The facilities on board are simply excellent, from an impressive range of exquisite dining opinions, to suites which are extremely well-appointed. The service will astound you for all the right reasons as you realise there is no request too large or small and you’ll find opportunities to learn exceed others.

A qualified, expert expedition team will be on board, and you’ll benefit from highly immersive enrichment programmes to ensure you get the most out of the places you visit, aided by the support of an on board science centre. The excursions will be enough to create lasting memories but if you really want a little more, you could take a trip in the helicopter or submarine which the ship carries with it. This could be one of the most exciting cruise experiences you’ll ever hope to have!

Known for their appreciation of the far-flung corners of the globe, it is no wonder Silversea are so adept at exploring via their expeditions. Your voyage can be any number of discovery missions, and not one of them will disappoint you.

The first destination specific ship built by Silversea, Silver Origin is the height of experiential travel in the Galapagos. A team of Ecuadorian national expert guides, the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos, 8 Zodiacs, and seamless hybrid spaces all offer an extraordinary voyage – for extraordinary people.

Yacht-Style Cruises

Already featured in expedition cruising above, Ponant also have a range of sailing type ships that will add immeasurably to that French charm. You’ll sail the high seas in intimate luxury, tended to by a service that is quintessentially French, exploring the world in ultimate luxury.

The World’s First Discovery Yacht tends more towards the expedition style of cruising but it absolutely offers a yacht-style experience too. Regardless of how you sail on board this impressive ship, you will be in a true six star cruising dream thanks to the service, inclusions, facilities and destinations you can take advantage of.

Your World Cruise frequently asked questions answered...

Seadream yacht club.

SeaDream Yacht Club is dedicated to yacht-style six star cruising and they are absolutely experts in it. Their smaller, intimate ships are perfectly sized to sail right to the heart of destinations and the itineraries will take you to places you never thought you’d see on a cruise. Visit the smallest Caribbean islands such as Jost Van Dyke, a port of call unique to SeaDream cruises.

Recently refurbished, SeaDream yachts are now beautifully light and accentuate the space on board in every cabin and public space. Soak up the sun by the pool or swim with beautiful sea life on an excursion before dining under the stars and enjoying a sublime evening on board.

Specialising in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, this is an all-inclusive cruise holiday with genuine service that you will want to repeat again and again.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar’s small yachts and personalised approach to cruising brings guests closer to each destination than ever before, creating intimate moments and allowing full immersion into the world’s most unique and exotic cultures. With fewer than 350 guests onboard each vessel, a voyage with Windstar will feel like you are on your own private yacht.

Shore excursions and destination immersion are at the heart of Windstar Cruises’ ethos. Choose from the Essentials collection, ideal for first-time cruisers and includes must-see sights; the Concierge collection involving smaller groups for hands-on cultural and culinary themed activities; or the Beyond Ordinary collection, featuring extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the most enthusiastic and adventurous travellers.

With their slogan “180° from ordinary”, Windstar Cruises prides itself on outstanding service, destination authenticity, and exclusively personal travel experiences.

Destinations for Six Star Cruising

You can sail all over the globe in luxury when six star cruising, especially when you choose one of the cruise lines offered by Panache Cruises. The cruise lines that we work with sail to all the corners of the world in complete style and luxury so are the perfect way for you to head to new and exciting locations. The main benefits of a luxury cruise holiday are that you get to see more of the regions you are visiting thanks to itineraries which are designed to take you to as many places as you can reasonably see.

Not only that, whilst in port, you will be offered a choice of expertly curated shore excursions, which have different experiences for you to see the parts you are really interested in. The ability to see so much on one holiday is what sets six star cruising apart from a more traditional land-based holiday and you’ll also only have to unpack once! From a logistical point of view, this makes life much easier and more pleasurable.

When you couple this with the fact you will be indulged with the most fantastic service, fine dining, premium wines and spirits whilst on board, not only will you see more but you’ll enjoy the travelling part too!

So if you’re starting to think about six star cruising, it’s important to consider a few things. Firstly, you’ll need to consider what type of cruise holiday you want, whether it’s ocean, river, expedition or yacht-style. Secondly, you’ll need to consider the level of luxury you wish to travel in. Thirdly, you’ll need to decide exactly where in the world you would like to see. But if all this sounds a little daunting then there is no need to worry.

As experts in six star cruising, your Connoisseur at Panache Cruises is perfectly placed in order to get to know you, your likes and dislikes and the standards you wish to enjoy. And they will then be able to suggest the perfect cruise to suit your needs.

Northern Europe

Staying within easy reach of your home doesn’t mean you cannot have an ultra-luxury experience. In fact, only travelling a short distance may well help you have a better holiday in general as you won’t have long flights, time differences and potential jet lag to deal with. In some cases, you will be able to sail straight from Southampton which means you won’t need to worry about how much luggage to take either! But aside from the logistical benefits, there is a great deal to see in Northern Europe and it starts right here at home.

You can circle the British Isles, stopping off at multiple ports, visiting cities you never ordinarily would. Alternatively, you could head to the shores of Northern France and Spain. Dine on their delicious local cuisine, see their stunning architecture and even head to historic sights to learn more about our continent’s past. Scandinavia and the Baltics also sit under the umbrella of Northern Europe and it is here where your soul will be truly set alight. From ornate churches, to colourful buildings, majestic scenery and cosmopolitan capital cities, you can have a range of very diverse outings all on the same trip. There’s much more on your doorstep than you might have realised!

Rivers of Europe

If you’d like to get right to the heart of the countries you want to see, sailing on the waterways which traverse them is a fantastic way to do it. And it’s just as easy to have a six star cruising experience thanks to how many of the ultra-luxury cruise lines sail this region throughout the summer months. There are far more choices than you might realise too. You can sail through France, whether it is to see Paris and the Landing Beaches of Normandy or to sample the local wines in Bordeaux.

Sail along the Douro in Portugal and you will be able to see the breath-taking scenery whilst sampling the regions different ports. Further east you can sail the Rhine, Danube or Main and see spectacular scenery, ancient castles, quaint towns and capital cities. And if flowers are your passion, head to the Dutch Waterways in April and you’ll see the tulips in bloom. There are so many rivers, so many itineraries and so many ships that you’ll no doubt need the help of a Connoisseur to decide!

Mediterranean

Elite ocean cruise lines sail around the Mediterranean all through the peak summer months, taking in ancient sights such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens and the city walls of Dubrovnik. You can hop between Greek Islands dotted in the crystal-clear sea.

Cruise the glamorous rivieras of France and Italy and explore the simply stunning Amalfi Coast. But an elite ocean ship is not the only way to see this place in style, as you can also take to the water like a true sailor by heading off yachting. These stunning yachts will glide you into the smaller ports larger ships can’t reach and will add that extra edge of glitz to your itinerary as you wander the streets and return to your excellent accommodation in luxury yacht-style form.

The Middle East

Six star cruising in the Middle East should be par for the course given the standards of service that can be seen in certain parts of this impressive region.

On the other hand, you’ll be seeing ancient sights in all their rustic glory; but you’ll no doubt appreciate your ship even more when you return to it! Pick your time to travel here wisely as the climate can be rather oppressive and won’t suit every traveller.

But when you do go at the right time of year for you, you’ll see palaces and mosques, giant shopping malls and towering buildings, waterparks and deserts, outdoor adventures and chic indoor temptations.

All of it combines to ensure you’ll have a culturally enriching and historically educational time. But you’ll also have some fun too!

Africa & the Indian Ocean

Africa conjures different pictures for different people and for many it is the thought of safari that might resonate the most. And whilst it may seem unlikely that you could have a safari as part of a cruise holiday, if that’s what you want then Panache Cruises can make it happen!

Most ocean cruises on this vast continent circle around South Africa, but with so much culture and history to see here, it really is a great itinerary to pick.

You’ll often sail north from Cape Town and stop off at many points along the way where you’ll see evidence of the difficulty history, new signs of its emergence to a culturally vibrant country and have a hint of some of the spectacular wildlife that call this place home.

Why Elite Ocean

Being so close to many game reserves, it would be wise to take advantage so we can help ensure you spot the Big Five whilst you’re on your travels. And if you’re six star cruising, there is no reason why this part of your holiday shouldn’t also be six star.

Many African cruises sail parts of the Indian Ocean too but if you’d like to explore it more, you can do so on a luxury cruise.

You’ll be able to sail around island paradises such as the Seychelles and you can pick your vessel – choose between an ocean ship or a yacht. Neither option will compromise your enjoyment or service levels so it really is just a case of personal preference.

Rivers of Africa

For something more certainly off the beaten track, why not opt for six star cruising on the rivers of Africa? There are two main regions to explore here, the Nile River in the north and the Chobe and Zambezi rivers in the south. If you take the north option, you’ll see pyramids and ancient stone structures. Sphinxes and ancient civilisations, tombs and deserts all await you and you’ll return home feeling thoroughly educated.

If you choose a more southerly sailing on the other hand, you’ll find a different kind of appeal. You’ll start perhaps in Johannesburg where you can soak up the culture before setting sail for several days taking in a great deal of the nature on the river banks along the way. You’ll eventually arrive at the incredible Victoria Falls, the largest waterfalls in the world in terms of volume, where you’ll be able to explore. These adventures are filled with wonder that will only be enhanced by the fact you’ll be in full six star cruising luxury.

A continent so vast you could visit it 100 times over and still see something new on each trip, the beauty of six star cruising here is that you’ll be able to see more all on the same trip and have your batteries fully recharged each evening to prepare you for the next day’s adventures. There are different regions to choose from for you to visit. Starting in India, we could enhance your trip by adding on a luxury land stay so you can see more of the famous landmarks such as the Golden Triangle.

Voyages from here tend to pass by Sri Lanka and the wonderful nature that is found here before ending in South East Asia, such as Thailand. Alternatively, you could choose to explore the famous skylines of the east, including those of Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. All with their own obvious modern improvements but with a distinctive and interesting history too. Indonesia and the Philippines can also be explored from the comfort of the ships offering six star cruising so the opportunities really are endless – you’ll certainly need more than one voyage here!

Rivers of Asia

Visiting a continent from the sea can be a fabulous way to tour it but if you’d like to see more of what goes on deep within these lands themselves, you can choose six star cruising on the rivers here instead. You’ll be cutting across dramatic landscapes, seeing paddy fields in all their glory and the other scenery which is found there.

You’ll be able to visit monasteries, temples, cities and more and whilst you’re sailing, you’ll see traditional boats on the rivers and floating markets. You’ll enjoy all the vibrancy of colourful countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar and you’ll learn of their beautiful cultures and complex histories.

Australia & New Zealand

Heading to the land Down Under is one experience that many of us would like to enjoy at least once in our lifetimes. But the distance and the time it takes to get there can be off-putting, as well as the fact that in order to see a lot of it, you’d have to constantly up sticks and move to the next place. That’s where a cruise can help, as six star cruising can take a lot of this pain away.

When you arrive you will be welcomed on board your ultra-luxury ship and the service will ensure you are left wanting for nothing at all. This means that you can save all your energy to enjoy the places you are visiting, and you won’t even need to keep packing and moving on as you’ll be staying put in your suite!

You can visit all the main sights of Australia from Tasmania, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and even Darwin, having multiple experiences along the way. If you’d like to spend time in New Zealand, you can do that too with a comprehensive itinerary that covers both islands. You’ll learn about the Maori culture, see the influences of the British, sail through majestic landscapes and so much more on your Kiwi adventure.

The Pacific

There is much more to the huge expanse of water than meets the eye as you sail to its very heart. You will find islands treasures with beauty that is almost unparalleled and you’ll be sailing in style to make it all the more special. You’ll see the underwater worlds that live just beneath the surface, with bright corals and vibrant fish, turtles, rays and more. You’ll also learn about the myths and legends which surround the islands and see impressive structures and volcanic heights.

Palm trees will fringe the beaches and the waters will be calm and clear. You can opt to take an elite ocean cruise here or even try yacht-style cruising if you want to feel even more at one with the natural world you’re entering. So whether its French Polynesia or Hawaii you’re encircling, you can see it in a way that suits you.

The Americas

As you head across the Pacific, you’ll eventually land in the Americas and there are plenty of cruise options to explore here. In the north, you’ll of course find the USA and Canada and all the diversity they offer. You could take a voyage up the West Coast from San Diego, past LA and San Francisco up to Vancouver and see part of the Gold Rush trail, albeit in a little more decadent accommodation!

Sailing around Alaska will allow you to see the natural beauty of its landscapes, giving you the chance to spot whales and seals, birds and bears. On the East Coast, you can sail north from New York, past Boston and Maine and again arriving in Canada. Along the way you’ll see the quaint cobblestone streets and lighthouses, sample the chowder and if you head there in Autumn, you’ll see New England in the Fall with all its radiant colours.

Further south, you can explore the tropical and exotic countries of Central America which are filled with wildlife and exciting cultures. Spot brightly coloured birds on either an ocean or even an expedition style cruise as both will be readily available in this region. You might even be lucky enough to take the iconic voyage transiting the Panama Canal.

If you’d prefer to spend your time in South America, you can tour the west or east coasts, taking in the amazing sights along the wall. See the Falkland Islands, add on a trip to Machu Picchu, dance to tango beats, see Christ the Redeemer – there are so many incredible places to see here that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Until you let your Panache Cruises Connoisseur help, that is! We might even convince you that an expedition to the Galapagos Islands is the way forward!

One of the most well-known and popular cruise destinations with good reason, for this charming place is filled with islands to tempt you, people to delight you and experiences to entertain you. There are plenty of old favourites you can visit on your travels here, but the best part of six star cruising is that the cruise lines put a lot of effort into ensuring they offer the most cutting edge itineraries possible.

If you choose to, you can see the lesser visited Grenadines and British Virgin Islands and uncover their beautiful secrets. It’s the perfect place to try your hand at watersports and learn more about the laid-back island life. If you’d like to explore it in a more involved way without compromising on the six star cruising luxury, you can also opt for a yacht cruise here. There are so many to choose from thanks to the stunning location being so perfect for yachting that it really is a holiday you should enjoy at some point, and we can help you plan it all.

Transatlantic

A transatlantic voyage will always sound a glamorous affair and it certainly will be if you opt to sail across this vast ocean when six star cruising. You’ll be able to do much more than the sail the well-trodden path of those of yesteryear, as now you can take a much more exciting trip.

Why not sail from Brazil to Europe on a journey that stops off in Bermuda and possibly even the Azores? Or sail from Spain to Miami? The time spent at sea on your cruise ship will be extremely well spent when you sail in luxury with plenty of time to experience all of the facilities and enjoy the exceptional service.

Polar Regions

These are perhaps best conquered from an expedition cruise ship which will take you as close to the natural landscapes as is physically possible. When you take a six star expedition, you’ll head out on Zodiacs, guided by an expedition team of experts and you’ll be learning all the time.

You’ll come face to face with seals, whales, penguins and more and when you’ve finished your day of adventure, you’ll recline in complete luxury. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you should take if you are able to and the best way to do it is six star cruising.

World Cruises & Grand Voyages

There are few holiday choices you can make that are more indulgent than a world cruise on an elite ocean cruise ship. These voyages take several months and will take you to many continents and so many ports and countries you’ll no doubt lose count. Six star cruising around the world is an adventure of a lifetime and will require careful thought to ensure you choose the right one for you.

If you would like to try something a little less involved before you opt for a full world cruise, there are other itineraries which will give you a flavour of them. You could take a Grand Voyage, for example which is a more intensive cruise, lasting longer and seeing more. These can range from a couple of weeks to much more and will give you a real taste of how you might feel on a world cruise.

And you can even try parts of a world cruise, with a world cruise sector. The full itineraries are broken down into sections and you can join at any one of these points, sail for a while and then off again. So you’ll really see what the ambience on board a world cruise feels like.

FAQs about Six Star Cruising

What is life on board like.

The short answer to this, is completely and utterly luxurious. The whole ethos behind six star cruising is to treat the guests in the very best way possible and provide them with facilities, amenities, services, food and drinks which are practically unrivalled in even the best of the world’s hotel. You can expect an extremely warm welcome from all the staff and crew on board and this will continue throughout the duration of your itinerary.

There will be extra care and attention paid to you at every turn, from your personal preferences in the bars being remembered, to your name and to the attentive nature of your butler. Even the other passengers will be warm and welcoming as you join them on board. It is probable that you’ll find a lot of like-minded people within your ship so it might be an opportunity to make new friends.

Life will be sophisticated but relaxed. It is unlikely you’ll find a lot of formality so there shouldn’t need to be any reason to pack your tuxedo and cocktail dress! Instead, you’ll find an atmosphere of country club, elegant chic for you to enjoy your trip. You will have the opportunity to do as much or as little as you like with the facilities but they are all there, waiting for you to take advantage of whenever you’re ready.

The real feeling you will get from six star cruising is that the experience is personalised to you. That comes mainly from the attentive service, but also from the different dining and drinks options on board. It also comes from the ability to pick and choose from a variety of different excursions.

Whichever type of cruise you choose, whether it be elite ocean, luxury river, expedition or yacht-style, when it’s six star cruising you’ll find yourself experiencing similar feelings of inclusion, attentiveness and enjoyment.

What are excursions like when six star cruising?

Regardless of the type of cruise you choose, you will be offered a whole range of excursions that are included within your cruise fare. Every itinerary is very carefully put together by experts who know the regions extremely well and who will get the most out of every stop. The time in port is maximised so you can see, and do more, and in some cases, you’ll even have the option for extended stays, including overnights.

When it comes to the excursions, you will not find better in the cruise industry than six star cruising, simply because the cruise lines are so dedicated to offering you the best service. With many of the cruise lines, and certainly with the river providers, you will find that there are several options available whichever port you stop in. These are offered in order to show you different areas and provide you with a choice of experiences so you can pick the one which suits your individual preferences the best.

When it comes to expedition cruises, your excursions will be even more exciting and dramatic. You’ll have access to Zodiac boats which take guests out in small groups so you can land on shore lines you would never otherwise be able to reach. You will be taken on tours with expert members of the expedition team who not only know exactly where to take you, will educate you along the way. You’ll meet the local cultures and see the sort of wildlife species you have only ever seen in books or on the television. The whole point of an expedition cruise is to learn more about the natural living world around us and the excursions are put together to ensure you do exactly that. It is six star cruising at their finest!

In addition to the excursions that are included, you will have the option to add on some different ones too, that the cruise line will either create just for you so they are private, or that might be deemed as an extra special indulgence. At Panache Cruises, we can also help to plan certain events or additions that you would like adding in. Perhaps it’s a private tour of somewhere that means a lot to you. Or maybe a meal in a romantic location. There are so many things we can include on all the different types of cruises on offer, you will never be disappointed.

What can I expect of the dining?

Delicious, indulgent, exquisite gourmet cuisine is what awaits you when six star cruising and this is true of all the cruise lines. Dining is such a huge focus on board that it plays an important role with cruise lines going above and beyond to ensure theirs is the best it can be.

It is certainly the case that there will be more dining options on board the larger of the cruise ships, with the much smaller yachts and river ships only tending to have one main dining location. This doesn’t compromise the quality of the food and there will always be a full menu to choose from so you will have plenty to choose from. However, when it comes to certain expedition ships, you will find that the dining on board is as accomplished and plentiful as on the larger ships. Scenic Eclipse, for example, has as many as ten dining experiences!

On some of the larger ships, you will be treated to specialty dining which, when you go six star cruising, is included within the fare you pay or within the upgrades. You will find there are cuisines from around the world served in the different restaurants, as well as classics and favourites on offer. If there is something in particular you fancy too, you can always request it and the chef may well be able to accommodate your desires.

What is most important about the dining on board is that the quality of the meals is second to none. Many of the ships have a ‘farm to table’ ethos that means the produce used is fresh, sourced locally to ensure the best finished result. In some cases, you can even head off on a shopping trip with the chef where they will browse local markets and purchase artisan items which will then be used in the meals that evening. For that’s one of the elements many cruisers love; tasting locally inspired dishes, perhaps even specialties recreated in order for your destination immersion to continue that bit further.

If you don’t wish to dine in one of the restaurants on board, you will find that six star cruising often includes 24-hour in suite dining. This will allow you to have a meal in the privacy of your own company so might be a welcome change after a long day seeing the sights.

What are the facilities like?

Even on the smallest of the ships offering six star cruising, such as the yachts, you will still find certain facilities of which you can make use throughout the duration of your cruise. Even if they are small, you will find they are of an exceptionally high standard, as you would expect on a luxury holiday.

You will invariably find fitness facilities which include a well-equipped gym with state-of-the-art machinery. The fitness facilities can often extend out onto the deck with other activities being possible outdoors. You’re likely to be able to borrow bikes and Nordic walking poles on many of the river cruises too, to get your activity levels up. There will usually be several bars and lounges in which you can spend time relaxing or meeting new friends, and some of these might even be on the deck for some al fresco time. There are often pools, whether they be for swimming or more of a plunge size, and some feature hot tubs.

Entertainment tends to be on offer on most of the ships, dependent on their size, and on the larger cruise ships you will find auditoriums in which you can watch shows and hear lectures. In some cases, there are outdoor screens to watch films under the stars! There might be a library filled with books and possibly even computers and some have games to play too although you might find these out on deck on other ships. Generally speaking, most ships will offer some kind of spa services in very well-appointed facilities and there might even be a beauty salon too. This will allow you to feel truly pampered whilst away on your trip. Boutiques are likely to be found on the larger ships too, if you’d like to buy yourself or your loved ones a few treats.

One of the most impressive features on any ship though, tend to be the science or discovery centres on the expedition ships. These will allow an interactive experience through which you can learn more about the destinations you are visiting. All in all, you will be pleasantly surprised not just by the standard of the facilities available but also by how plentiful they are on what you thought was going to be a small ship.

Are there wellness facilities on board?

In addition to the fitness on offer, there tends to be a focus on wellness too, especially when six star cruising. This has become an increasingly popular topic in recent years with more and more guests placing an emphasis on it by having a desire to ‘reset’ themselves whilst away. Wellness facilities will include various elements such as the option to take part in certain classes, for example, yoga on the deck at sunrise. On some cruises, you will find that there are fully developed enrichment programmes to ensure you get the most out of the cruise too with areas to focus on wellness, lectures, wellness treatments in the spa and even juices and so on.

Wellness can of course come in many forms and is to be interpreted by the individual, but self-care is one of the most important ways to get the most out of any holiday so six star cruising should be no different. You’ll be able to speak with the fitness professionals on board who will be able to give you some tips regarding your general well-being and you’ll even be able select healthier options in the dining rooms to ensure you don’t over indulge too much!

What is service like when six star cruising?

Six star cruising service is so called because it exceeds any other type of service you might encounter, particularly on a holiday. It is the kind of service that no matter how many others might be on the ship, makes you feel well-cared for and attended to. It is a highly personalised service and many of the cruise lines say theirs is intuitive, meaning that guests will find their needs are being met before they have even identified them themselves. It’s also a promise that nothing is too much trouble, with no request too big or too small to be taken seriously.

This carries over into the butler service, which is often included when six star cruising. You’ll have 24-hour access to a highly trained butler who will always ensure they are on hand to cater to any request you might have. This might be something for your suite, help with a reservation, or simply just information about the ship’s facilities.

Six star cruising service is the type where you’ll find the crew remember your name, as well as your preferences, such as how you like your evening turn down or which drink you prefer before dinner.

It’s also the kind where you’ll have some fantastic added extras which will delight and surprise you, such as ‘Seabourn Moments’. These will be little things done just for you to make you feel extremely special when you least expect it.

Six star cruising service is all you would believe it could be and much more besides – you’ll never be disappointed with it.

How should I book to go six star cruising?

At Panache Cruises, we would of course always recommend you use the services of a trusted, experienced and reputable travel agent but with good reason. The essence of six star cruising is that it should suit your individual requirements perfectly and the only way you will ensure your cruise does that is by speaking with someone impartial who can offer all of the relevant cruise lines. It will require six star service from the agent themselves (which is exactly what our Connoisseurs provide) in order to fully understand who you are as a person and what you are looking for out of your holiday.

When booking with an agent such as Panache Cruises, you also have access to exclusive pricing and offers that cannot be found elsewhere, making your holiday better value for money. The agents also have the knowledge required to allow you to travel at the right time of year to your chosen destination.

Your Connoisseur will quite literally guide you every step of the way to not only ensure you choose a cruise which is right for you, but that every part of the process is as easy for you as possible. You will only ever deal with one person, there won’t be any call centres for you to speak to, and you’ll be supported with all the admin and extras you require such as transfers, excursions and special requests.

At Panache Cruises, we always recommend booking a cruise such as a six star one as early as possible. This will not only give you access to the best price, but will also mean you could get some extra benefits (especially if you book when the itinerary first goes on sale). Prices tend not to drop for six star cruising as the demand for them is so high and there are so few suites available. This also means you need to book early in order to avoid disappointment! The suite you want might not be available for long, after all. When you’re planning a holiday as luxurious as six star cruising, you deserve the booking experience to match and at Panache Cruises, that’s exactly what we provide.

Panache Cruises' Top Tips for Six Star Cruising

This is supposed to be a luxury holiday so you need to ensure it will be of the standard you are expecting otherwise you will be disappointed. It really is that simple. In the holiday world especially, many claims are made towards ‘luxury’ and ‘six star’ cruises but the reality can be far from the truth and standards can differ wildly. To avoid this issue, it would be highly recommended to use the services of a professional who can appropriately advise you on the level of service and inclusions you will be getting from your holiday and that way, you’ll have only good memories from your trip.

If you are going six star cruising then why not ensure every part of it is exactly as you desire, and not just the cruise itself? Your Panache Cruises Connoisseur will be able to curate your holiday in a way that suits you entirely. Whether it’s an executive car service transfer to your domestic airport, reservations in the lounge, seat upgrades on the flight, pre-cruise stays in excellent hotels and possibly even a land tour, your Connoisseur can arrange it all. They can also assist with any other special requests – just leave it all up to them and you’ll have a holiday which perfectly matches your requirements.

It is very easy to put off trying them and think you’ll use them later in the week, and before you know it, your trip is over and you never did have a massage or use the hot tub. You should easily be able to get your bearings as the ships are smaller and this means you’ll easily be able to find all the different areas, so make sure you use them! You don’t want to leave having any regrets so put that bit of time aside and go for it!

This starts when you first make your enquiry with Panache Cruises and does not end until you return home. If you have never cruised before, or never taken that particular type of cruise it is far better to ask questions than miss out on things. We can assure you, the crew will have heard it all before and are there to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible so ask away and you will not be disappointed!

The thought of chatting to strangers might fill you with dread but if you can start a little conversation, we would highly recommend it. You’re on board with people who clearly have some similar interests to you otherwise you wouldn’t be on the same itinerary, on the same ship, at the same time! You never know, you may really hit it off with these people and make some lifelong friends. But even if you don’t the likelihood is that you’ll get chatting to people from all walks of life which can be very interesting. And you might even get some tips about your cruise from them!

A cruise holiday is one which is based around the destination and this is even more true of six star cruising – the places you see really are the stars of the show. As such, it would be a terrible waste not to take part in as many of the excursions as you possibly can to see more of the areas you’re visiting. The excursions have been carefully put together to ensure you see intriguing places, learn fascinating facts and general have an experience to remember so take part in as many as you can.

Whilst we are not suggesting you habitually do things on your holiday that you don’t enjoy, it is often very rewarding to try new things once in a while. And it’s a great time to do it on a luxury cruise. It could be something like a new activity or even just opting for a different type of excursion than you might otherwise have chosen. It might be jumping off the marina platform into the sea beneath you or taking a flight in the on board helicopter. Even if you don’t end up loving the change, at least you will have tried it and know for next time it’s not for you. You’ll also no doubt feel a little proud of yourself and have a great memory too!

If you travel a lot, you might think you’ll remember all the elements of your holiday and will be able to recount them at the drop of a hat. However, memories fade with time so it is important to preserve them properly. One of the most effective ways of doing this of course is by taking plenty of pictures but even then, they days can blur together. It is a great idea to make some notes too and include descriptions of the clothes you were wearing on certain days so that you can immediately identify where you were at the time the picture was taken.

Why you should choose six star cruising

Six star cruising will show you the world in absolute style, with the kind of service you would expect from a six star proposition. You will be indulged in every whim, every desire, every luxury you could expect and it will make all the difference to your holiday. Six star cruising can be tailored to your needs and dependent on the type of cruise you choose, really could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.

Six star cruising is a highly personalised experience thanks to the attentive crew who will serve you on board and the range of options you will be faced with ashore. It isn’t simply that you’ll be in a floating hotel either, six star cruising is about much more than that. It’s the opportunity to enjoy new experiences, and explore new places in a way that suits you and it can take you to the far reaches of the globe in absolute style and luxury. There are many different types of six star cruising available so you will absolutely be able to find one which is just right for you. Let our expert Connoisseurs at Panache Cruises help you and you certainly won’t be disappointed.

6 Star Cruise Ship: Unveiling Luxury and Top-Notch Services for Your Cruising Trip

Welcome to the amazing world of 6 star cruise ships, where everything speaks of luxury. These ships are just like your favorite high-end hotels, but even better. They offer the best services, top-quality amenities, and stunning views of the ocean.

In this article, we’ll guide you through these floating luxury hotels, showing you what they offer and the incredible experience they promise.

The Evolution of the Cruise Ship Industry 

The cruise ship industry has evolved tremendously over the years. The transformation is significant from the rudimentary ocean liners of the 19th century to today’s floating cities. 6 star cruise ship lines are the crown jewels of this evolution. Developed as a response to the rising demand for uber-luxurious sea travel, these ships redefine grandeur with their exceptional amenities, setting new industry standards.

From the First Ship to the 6 Star Cruise Experience

The very essence of the term cruise paints a canvas of expansive oceans, breathtaking views, and an allure of uncharted adventures. Since the inception of the first ship , the cruise line industry has been on a relentless journey, perpetually striving to redefine the standards of luxury. Today, we stand on the pinnacle of this evolution with the introduction of the 6 Star Cruise Ship — the embodiment of maritime magnificence.

The Intricacies of Star Ratings in Cruise Lines

A star cruise rating, akin to that of hotels, offers a glimpse into the ship’s offerings. While any star cruise evokes an image of opulence, the 6 Star Cruise Ship is in a league of its own. Every corner of a 6 Star Cruise Ship resonates with sophistication. As a passenger aboard such a ship, you aren’t just traveling; you’re embarking on a journey of unparalleled indulgence.

Oceania Cruises

Among the elite names in the world of cruising, Oceania Cruises carves its distinct mark. While they offer an experience reminiscent of a luxury cruise , it’s the 6 Star Cruise Ship where the boundaries of luxury are truly tested and redefined. Every detail, from the gourmet delicacies to the lavish suites, on a 6 Star Cruise Ship or with operators like Oceania Cruises , showcases the zenith of cruising opulence.

Shore Excursions: The 6 Star Cruise Ship’s Extension of Luxury

Every cruise offers a promise of exploration. Shore excursions , carefully curated by experts, provide passengers the golden key to immerse in the essence of every port of call. Aboard a 6 Star Cruise Ship , these excursions transcend ordinary sightseeing. They evolve into unparalleled journeys tailored for the most discerning of tastes, ensuring that the luxury of the 6 Star Cruise Ship extends beyond its decks.

Today’s Passenger and Their Tryst with the 6 Star Cruise Ship

The modern passenger doesn’t merely seek a voyage; they desire an experience worth reminiscing. This aspiration has catalyzed the cruise line industry’s transformation, incessantly pushing the boundaries of luxury . It’s no longer about the grandeur of a ship ; it’s about the exclusive experiences, the intricate details, and the unparalleled services that a 6 Star Cruise Ship promises at every turn.

In essence, as we sail into the future of cruising, one aspect remains unwavering: the quest for unmatched luxury. With the 6 Star Cruise Ship leading the way and stalwarts like Oceania cruises enriching the journey, every passenger can revel in an ocean of opulence.

The Concept of a 6 Star Cruise Ship 

Imagine everything you’d find in a 5-star hotel, then add a star – that’s a 6 star cruise ship for you. These state-of-the-art ships offer expansive suites adorned with the finest furnishings, gastronomical delights curated by award-winning chefs, top-tier entertainment, tailored services, and sometimes even your private butler.

Every corner of these ships is meticulously designed to cater to the discerning tastes of its guests, making for an unforgettable voyage.

Life on a 6 Star Cruise Ship 

Life on a 6 star cruise ship is akin to stepping into a luxurious wonderland, where every day brings many unique experiences. Enjoy the finest dining experiences with menus from Michelin-starred chefs, relax with soothing spa treatments in serene wellness centers, and get entertained by Broadway-caliber performances. Or you can unwind on your private balcony, soaking up stunning oceanic views. Every day on a 6 star cruise ship is an exciting adventure where luxury and comfort take center stage.

6 Star Cruise Ship Lines

1. regent seven seas regent seven seas.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive cultural experience, traveling solo, or desiring a genuinely all-inclusive package. As a pioneer in luxury sea travel, Regent Seven Seas boasts of offering the crème de la crème of cruise experiences with its exceptional 6 star cruise ship lines.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises provides:

• Unrestricted access to shore excursions
• 5-star hotel stays before or after your cruise
• Specialty dining experiences
• Included flights

All these features combine to make your journey more than just a voyage; it becomes an epitome of luxury and comfort.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises ensures that every cruiser gets the ultimate experience. Its customizable options allow you to tailor your entire cruise experience to meet your specific preferences and desires. Whether indulging in gourmet cuisine, exploring new cultures onshore, or enjoying solitary moments of peace while gazing at the sea, Regent Seven Seas ensures every travel impulse is catered for with its comprehensive offerings.

2. Silversea Cruises

Their collaboration with the esteemed Grand Chefs of Relais & Chateaux has led to an elevated and sophisticated dining experience. Here’s what to expect from their luxurious fleet:

• Exceptional Gourmet Cuisine : Every meal onboard promises a culinary masterpiece thanks to their partnership with Relais & Chateaux’s Grand Chefs. It’s not just dining; it’s an extraordinary gastronomic journey.
• Flexible Dining Options : Forget strict dining times. With open seating and anytime dining, you decide when it’s dinner time. This flexibility allows you to dine at your leisure, whether it’s a late breakfast or an early dinner.
• Unparalleled Service : They pride themselves on their almost 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio. This ensures that every need you might have is met promptly. From the moment you step onboard, you’ll experience attentive, personalized service, always delivered with a smile.

3. Seabourne

Seabourn stands tall as one of the premier ultra-luxury 6 star cruise ship lines. This cruise line particularly shines when it comes to its gourmet food and drink options, along with its spa and pampering services. Each of Seabourn’s 6 star cruise ships boasts no more than 300 suites, ensuring a high guest-to-space ratio for maximum comfort.

• Seabourn takes pride in offering a series of complimentary special events, adding a unique charm to your journey. One is the extravagant “caviar in the surf” beach party.
• An extensive array of enrichment lectures provides an opportunity to learn and grow during your voyage.
• The entertainment on board rivals West End productions, making your evenings genuinely magical.
• The cruise line also offers a variety of leisurely water sports for you to enjoy at your own pace.

After an eventful day, you can retreat to Seabourn’s award-winning spas for ultimate relaxation. Seabourn offers the perfect blend of intimacy and grandeur if you’re seeking a private and spacious 6 star cruise ship experience.

4. SeaDream Yacht Club

Whether immersing yourself in the rich Mediterranean heritage or attending an exclusive beach party in the Caribbean, every aspect of the SeaDream experience is meticulously curated to surpass your wildest dreams.

When it comes to dining:

• SeaDream’s prowess is evident, transforming every meal into an extravagant sensory delight aboard this 6 star cruise ship line.
• You can savor unrivaled, award-winning services and culinary masterpieces in the elegantly designed Dining Salon or relish yacht-casual dining under the open sky.
• An all-day menu is at your service to cater to your hunger pangs, complemented by Chef’s occasional surprise treats.
• And to perfectly pair your meals, the onboard Sommelier is ready to help you select the ideal wine from SeaDream’s exclusive Wine Cellar.

SeaDream manages two luxury yacht-style vessels, each designed to accommodate no more than 112 guests. With a dedicated crew of 95 highly-trained professionals, you can expect nothing but the highest standard of service during your voyage.

5. Ambassador Cruise

The Ambassador Cruise is a revered 6 star cruise ship stationed in Ha Long Bay. Launched in November 2018, the ship has quickly gained popularity among tourists, providing top-tier services and superb facilities.

One of its standout features is a sizeable swimming pool catering to adults and children. Furthermore, it takes pride in owning the bay’s largest sunbathing deck, measuring 87 meters.

The cruise ship, built with sturdy steel, houses 46 luxurious rooms. Each room features a private balcony and elegant wooden floors and delivers stunning panoramic views of the bay. With sizes varying from a comfortable 30 to a generous 90 square meters, these rooms offer guests a sanctuary of luxury and relaxation.

Various amenities are available onboard, including restaurants, bars, sunbathing zones, and shops. A unique glass bridge system facilitates the check-in process, and there are well-equipped spas for relaxation. The ship’s high-class restaurants serve refined dishes from carefully curated menus. Special dining experiences, like the lobster party and an exclusive seafood tower, are also offered to delight the guests’ culinary senses.

Cunard is one of the best cruise lines around. They do everything well, from tasty, fancy meals to well-planned travel routes and amazing facilities.

They also might be the top cruise line for large luxury ships. They have three ships holding 1,988, 2,068, and 2,691 passengers. These ships are like the famous old cruise ships that used to travel between Southampton and New York City.

Cunard aims to give passengers a feel of the “Golden Era”. They do this through:

• Beautiful interiors and top-notch service.
• Design details like elegant arches, clean decks, golden curtains, soft lighting, formal events, and classy evening get-togethers.

If you ever wanted to take a trip on a big ocean liner, Cunard is as close as possible.

Cunard’s entertainment and facilities are like what other luxury cruise lines offer. But Cunard does everything with an extra bit of class and style. You can watch Shakespeare plays, listen to jazz music, and eat world-class meals on their ships.

Related: Best Month for Mediterranean Cruise , Best Cruise in the World , Cruise Sites

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

You can expect sumptuous suites and staterooms, often with private balconies, butler service, and high-end amenities.

6-star cruise ships feature gourmet restaurants with diverse cuisine options, often curated by renowned chefs. Passengers can expect world-class dining experiences.

While they cater to couples and adults seeking luxury, some 6-star cruise lines offer family-friendly amenities and activities.

Most 6-star cruise lines have formal and informal dress codes for certain restaurants and events, ensuring an elegant atmosphere.

Yes, 6-star cruise itineraries often include exclusive and less-traveled destinations, providing passengers with immersive and culturally rich experiences.

Did you know?

6-star cruise ships redefine luxury on the high seas. For their opulence, they are often called “floating palaces” because of their lavish decor and luxurious amenities. Passengers in the highest suites enjoy personalized butler service, organizing everything from exclusive excursions to bubble baths. Michelin-starred restaurants offer gourmet options led by celebrity chefs. These ships double as art galleries, housing priceless collections. As a result, they can explore hidden gems in exclusive ports. With advanced treatments and meditation gardens, onboard spas are havens of relaxation. High-speed internet and sustainable practices, like reducing single-use plastics, round out the experience. A 6-star cruise offers upscale shopping, making it a luxurious journey like no other.

A 6-star cruise ship is the epitome of luxury and excellence in the cruise industry. It offers the highest level of service, amenities, and experiences for passengers. Expect opulent cabins, gourmet dining, world-class entertainment, and personalized attention. These ships often visit exclusive destinations and provide a truly indulgent and unforgettable travel experience.

6 star cruise ships offer a world of luxury that is truly unmatched. As we’ve discovered in this article, these floating hotels provide the best of everything – from top-quality services and features to stunning ocean views.

We’ve seen how the cruise industry has evolved, with 6 star cruise ships now setting the standard. They offer everything you would find in a top hotel, ensuring a trip you’ll always remember.

We’ve looked at a range of these cruise lines – Regent Seven Seas, Silversea Cruises, Seabourn, SeaDream Yacht Club, Ambassador Cruise, and Cunard. Each one brings something unique to the table under the banner of 6-star luxury.

These cruise ships offer a mix of services, amenities, and views that beat any luxury hotel on land. They focus on every little detail to give you the best experience possible. So, if you’re thinking about your next holiday, consider a 6 star cruise ship. It’s the best way to travel in style.

Christian Petzold is a successful touristic entrepreneur, experiential traveller and round-the-world backpacker. He holds an academic degree in tourism management.

His touristic expertise has been covered in radio, newspaper and television.

Read more on him here…

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The very best 6-star cruises for 2021

As 2020 cruises by with barely a holiday in sight thanks to the current Covid-19 pandemic, many of us are beginning to look ahead to 2021 and plan a truly spectacular getaway to make up for the ones we’ve missed. And, when it comes to getting the rest, relaxation and all out luxury you crave, what could be better than the prospect of a luxury six-star cruise?

Yes, you heard that right – six-star. Gone are the days when a five-star experience was as good as it got, and in 2021, it’s all about pushing the boat out and going one bigger and better. The highly coveted six-star recognition is awarded only to the most exquisite cruise ships around the world, so book onto one, and you’ll be guaranteed only the finest in everything, from the moment you set foot on board, to the moment you disembark.

Six-star cruise ships offer a slightly more intimate experience than their five-star counterparts, with a maximum of only 800 passengers on board at any one time. Cabins already start at suite level – balcony included – with all-inclusive food (fine dining, of course), drinks and spa access with your stay. And, of course, the service is second to none, with a greater crew-to-passenger ratio than you’d find on any other cruise – so you’re guaranteed to want for nothing at any point on this truly lavish trip.

So, where exactly can you find yourself one of the best six star cruises to book for 2021? We’ve rounded up five of the best.

Crystal Cruises

Popular amongst families and solo travellers alike, the Crystal Cruises experience is perfect for those in search of an off-the-beaten-track adventure. Taking you to harder to reach destinations like Antarctica, the Crystal Endeavour offers impeccable service, mouth-watering cuisine and a huge array of complimentary amenities on board. And, with an emphasis on entertainment, you can enjoy cabaret and bingo by night. It’s definitely worth brushing up your skills and checking out some bingo offers online beforehand, because the sizeable prizes on offer on board are not to be sniffed at.

A top choice amongst foodies, Seabourn cruises offer an extra-intimate experience, with just 300 suites on board each ship in total, and an impressive crew-to-passenger ratio (the highest in the industry, in fact) to guarantee impeccable service throughout.

Pushing the boat out on entertainment, Seabourn cruises offer special events such as beach parties and steel band performances, while watersports are available to enjoy at your leisure. The spas on board are not to be missed, either, offering guests hours of rest and relaxation with opulent massages, facials and other treatments all included.

With their unrivalled sense of style and elegance, Seabourn’s luxury cruise ships will take you to far flung destinations around the world, from Asia to Alaska, offering a feeling of real exclusivity with its highly personalised service.

Regent Seven Seas

If immersing yourself in culture is one of your favourite ways to spend your luxury getaway, then don’t hesitate t book yourself onto a six-star cruise with Regent Seven Seas. The most luxurious cruise line currently at sea provides an intimate and exclusive space on board, with the Executive Collection offering an even greater level of exclusivity than other passengers. You’ll get to enjoy numerous shore excursions, five-star hotel stays and fine dining experiences, all included in your package – plus, your trip is entirely customisable, allowing you to tailor it to suit your own personal tastes.

Regent offers some great itineraries, and is a great choice if you’re keen to take in some of the most glamorous cities in Europe in style, with trips touring the likes of Barcelona, Montecarlo, Stockholm and more. If you’ve got plenty of time on your hands, then why not take the Barcelona to Auckland or Lisbon to Cape Town route, both of which will allow you to take in multiple continents?

Silversea Cruises

Offering gourmet dining, sprawling luxury suites and world class service, a Silversea cruise is guaranteed not to disappoint. With over 900 destinations on its roster, highlights include the Galapagos Islands and South America, and with a crew to passenger ratio of almost 1:1, you’ll practically have your own personal butler throughout.

Offering an extra attractive package for those opting to cruise solo, you can even book yourself a dinner host and a dance partner for the evening, in an intimate setting where you’ll never feel short of company and conversation.

Our top pick? Cruising the South Pacific Islands, where you’ll take in the likes of Easter Island, Tahiti and Valparaiso. Paradise beaches don’t get much better than this.

If you’re planning a getaway to end all getaways in 2021 after a year of standing still, then a six-star cruise is a great way to go. Offering all the convenience of a standard cruise and opulence coming as a premium throughout, it’s the perfect way to see the world, soak up a little culture and relax in all-out luxury.

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About Six Star Luxury Cruises

In 1990 Bill McCormack, a retired Fortune 500 Marketing Manager, and lifetime world traveler, founded Six Star Luxury Cruises. We have remained, as one of the only Cruise Agencies in the world specializing in selling luxury cruises. Not only do we travel on the ships frequently, but we visit the destinations, and remain well informed by booking luxury cruises every day. Our service includes assisting you in finding the perfect luxury world or area cruise, during the absolute best season, on the size ship you prefer. We also provide all airline options and reservations, travel insurance, pre and post cruise hotel and tour programs, custom vacation options, general information and helpful tips. We place our specialized cruise services at your disposal and all the effort to exceed your expectations.

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OUR GUARANTEE...Within 30 days after booking any cruise, if you find that cruise advertised & available for less, send us the ad and we will refund the price difference to you.

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Breaking news, stranded norwegian cruise lines passengers missed ship ‘by more than an hour,’ company claims.

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The six American and two Australian passengers who were stranded on an African island when a Norwegian Cruise Line ship sailed off without them have returned to the vessel to continue their African voyage, as the cruise line revealed that the group caused their travel headaches over the past few days by missing their departure time by over an hour.

The eight passengers reboarded the ship making a 20-day journey across Africa on Tuesday morning in Dakar, Senegal, a spokesperson for Norwegian confirmed to The Post.

Kurt Gies, the son-in-law of an elderly woman who was also left behind by the ship after she suffered a stroke on a tour, also said he received a text message from one of the group members, Jill Campbell, saying she and her husband reboarded the ship but have not yet spoken with anyone from guest services or Norwegian Cruise Line.

“The only thing we have received so far is [a] small note from the food and beverage director with six little treats left in our state room,” Gies said she texted him.

The crew had to race through seven different countries in 48 hours to meet the ship in Senegal on Tuesday.

But by the time South Carolina couple Jill and Jay Campbell arrived in the country, they said, they weren’t even sure whether they even wanted to get back on the ship.

“After what we witnessed, we truly believe there is a set of rules or policies that the ship may have followed — they followed those rules too rigidly,” Jill Campbell  told the “Today” show.

“I really feel that they forgot they are people working in the hospitality industry and that really the safety and well-being of their customers should be their first priority,” she added, claiming the crew of the ship had a “basic duty of care that they had forgotten about.”

Keep up with The Post's coverage of the Norwegian Cruise debacle

• Eight Norwegian Cruise passengers, including a pregnant woman and an elderly man with a heart condition, were stranded on an African island without money and vital medications after the vessel left port without them.
• A spokesperson for the cruise line claimed the passengers were left on the island “on their own or with a private tour” and missed the “all-aboard time” by over an hour, according to the company.
• Americans Jill Campbell and her husband, Jay Campbell, said they are unsure whether they even want to resume the 20-day voyage after Norwegian Cruise Lines forgot about its “basic duty of care.”
• The eight passengers raced through seven different countries over a span of 48 hours to make it to Senegal, where the ship docked Tuesday morning,
• Doug and Violeta Sanders, a stranded Australian couple, have spoken out about their ordeal , saying it was “the worst experience of our lives.”
• Julie Lenkoff, 80,  suffered a stroke during an excursion on the cruise — and was left “alone” and “helpless” to find her way back to the US, according to her family.
• COLUMN: Cruise ship was right to ditch the late passengers in Africa

Check out The Post’s tips on what to do if you’re left stranded like the Norwegian Cruise passengers

The eight passengers — including a pregnant woman and an elderly man with a heart condition — claimed they were left behind with no money and without vital medications after the Norwegian Dawn left São Tomé without them.

The Campbells claimed the ship was still anchored off the coast of the Central African island when they showed up on Friday, but the skipper refused to let them board.

A spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Line, however, said the group had missed the all-aboard time by more than an hour after taking a private tour of the island.

“When they missed the all-aboard time of 3 p.m. by more than an hour, their passports were left with the local port agent for retrieval when they returned to the port from their private tour (not organized by us), per the protocol,” the spokesperson said.

The Campbells have acknowledged there was “an issue” on their tour of the island, and that the guide “didn’t get us back” to the ship in time on Friday.

“We were like, ‘Our time is getting really short,’ and they were like’ ‘No problem, we can get you back within an hour,’” Jay said, adding that the tour operator contacted the captain to let them know about the delay.

In its statement, the company said that “once the guests did not make it back to the ship at the previously communicated all aboard time, we worked with them and the local port agent to assist with obtaining the necessary visas for them to rejoin the ship at the next available port.”

Attorney James Diamond from TWC Lawyers said it is a “hard and fast rule” that a ship can leave once a final call has been made.

“They pay a lot of money for docking fees, and renting out the space,” he told ”Seven’s Sunrise.”

“They have times that they have to leave, those times are published and unfortunately, I know it’s morally incorrect, but they do have the right to leave,” he said.

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How these cruise passengers missed boarding, got stranded in Africa

Both Americans and Australians were left at port after an excursion ran long.

After what seemed like a dream trip, several American travelers were left stranded at port in West Africa mid-cruise while traveling from Cape Town, South Africa, to Barcelona, Spain.

Jay and Jill Campbell told ABC News Myrtle Beach affiliate WPDE that they were in the first week of a three week voyage aboard Norwegian Cruise Lines when they stopped just off the coast of West Africa.

The couple and others opted to tour the nearby island of São Tomé and Príncipe on the afternoon of March 27, and when the excursion ran late, they said they brought it to the guides' attention.

"We were like, 'our time is getting short,'" Jay Campbell recalled, at which point he said the guide let them know, "'No problem we can get you back in an hour.'"

Upon their return, the passengers said cruise officials refused to let them aboard the ship, even as the local Coast Guard had ferried the group to the anchored vessel.

"The harbormaster tried to call the ship. The captain refused the call. We sent emails to NCL the customer service emergency number," Jay Campbell said. "They said the only way for us to get in touch with the ship is via email. They're not responding to our emails."

The Campbells say they were left stranded along with four other Americans and two Australians -- of whom one is a paraplegic, one has a heart condition and one is pregnant. Some did not have credit cards or medication that was left on board.

Cruise expert Stewart Chiron, known as The Cruise Guy, told ABC News that "the bottom line was, they were hours late, the ship was ready to go."

MORE: Norwegian Cruise Line passengers claim Antarctica voyage was rerouted mid-trip

"More than likely that the anchor was already up, and the ship was already possibly moving," he said.

He continued, "Any operation at that point to get these passengers back on the ship would have caused tremendous delays, and safety would have been a major concern."

In a statement to ABC News, a spokesperson for Norwegian Cruise Lines said, "On the afternoon of March 27, 2024, while the ship was in São Tomé and Príncipe, an African island nation, eight guests who were on the island on a private tour not organized through us missed the last tender back to the vessel, therefore not meeting the all aboard time of 3 p.m. local time."

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They continued, "While this is a very unfortunate situation, guests are responsible for ensuring they return to the ship at the published time, which is communicated broadly over the ship's intercom, in the daily communication and posted just before exiting the vessel."

The spokesperson added that the passports for the passengers who did not return at the all aboard time "were delivered to the local port agents to retrieve when they returned to the port, as per the regular protocol."

"Our team has been working closely with the local authorities to understand the requirements and necessary visas needed for the guests to rejoin the ship at the next available port of call," they said.

The Campbells said that their eight person group spent 15 hours traveling through six countries in an attempt to rejoin the Norwegian Dawn ship in Banjul, Gambia, on April 1. However, the ship couldn't dock due to low tide, so they are now trying to get to Senegal where the ship is meant to dock on Tuesday.

The Norwegian spokesperson said, "Unfortunately the ship was unable to safely dock in the destination due to adverse weather conditions, as well as tidal restrictions that require specific timing for safe passage. While we share in our guests' disappointment, this modification was made with great consideration for their safety and that of our crew, which is our top priority."

The cruise line contacted the guests "regarding this itinerary adjustment and provided them with authorization to rejoin the ship at Dakar, Senegal on April 2, 2024."

In light of the "series of unfortunate events outside of our control," the spokesperson said Norwegian Cruise Lines "will be reimbursing these eight guests for their travel costs from Banjur, Gambia to Dakar, Senegal" and are still in communication with the guests to provide additional information as it becomes available.

MORE: Meet the cruise couple who have spent over 450 days at sea so far

In a separate, unrelated situation that took place coincidentally on the same day of the voyage, the spokesperson said, "An 80-year-old woman was medically disembarked after being evaluated by our onboard medical team, who thought it best that she receive further assessment and treatment as needed from a local hospital."

"In instances such as these, as the guest was released from the hospital and in a coherent state, our protocol is to contact the guest directly, as we would not have the authority to share any medical details with anyone else without their expressed consent," the spokesperson added, saying they worked with the port agent to receive updates.

"The guest has since been escorted on a flight to Lisbon, Portugal, and then put in the care of airport staff to continue her journey to the United States, where she has now made a safe return," they said.

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