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The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Like fine European hotels or the fanciest boutique properties, the ships of the best luxury cruise lines are designed to appeal to people who seek — and can afford — an elegant style of travel.

Champagne flows. You can snack on caviar. Exquisite cuisine is prepared a la minute and accompanied by pours of fine wines. Onboard lounges are wonderfully intimate, with no mass-market anything. When you rest your head, it's on a luxury mattress topped with the finest linens.

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The byword is exclusivity. Perks included in the cruise fare may include beverages, Wi-Fi, fresh flowers, extraordinary pampering and, in some cases, butler service.

The price to get on board could be $1,000 per person, per day. For top suites, it could be much, much more.

Here are our picks for the top nine luxury cruise lines currently operating.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Catering to adventurous luxury cruise travelers with money to spend, the new cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages , which debuted in the summer of 2021, offers upscale experiences on small ships that carry just 196 passengers.

World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager, the first three of five planned vessels in the fleet, carry their own landing craft, Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards, all of which can be used by passengers wishing for some adventure while exploring the world on itineraries that include the Mediterranean, Portugal and the British Isles, as well as more remote locales like the Arctic and Antarctica.

Although the onboard dress code is casual, the ships are anything but, featuring elegant, retro-chic decor and marble floors.

In addition to including Wi-Fi, crew gratuities, alcohol and some shore excursions in its fares, Atlas provides all passengers with emergency medical evacuation insurance to handle unexpected illness or injury in the remote locations its ships sail.

Overall, Atlas has found a way to seamlessly meld swank and leisure, making it one of our favorite luxury cruise lines.

Related: 5 fabulous destinations for luxury cruise fans

Silversea Cruises

Silversea , with a dozen 100- to 728-passenger ships, has some of the most diverse geographic itineraries of any line, bringing guests to destinations around the world, including such remote places as the Arctic and Antarctica.

Now owned by Royal Caribbean Group (the same company that owns Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises ), the luxury cruise line delivers stylish, contemporary luxury — more streamlined than opulent — complemented by pleasantly extreme pampering.

Every Silversea ship passenger stays in a suite with a butler delivering superb service — even on the 100-passenger Silver Origin in the remote Galapagos, where your butler might take extraordinary care to get a spot off your hiking boots. Suite niceties include Bulgari bath products and marble bathrooms with both tubs and showers.

Silversea ships offer a wide choice of dining venues (some with a fee) designed to satisfy many tastes, whether you prefer sushi, foie gras or a great, thin-crust pizza.

Drinks are on the house, including a long list of fine wine pours. S.A.L.T., a new dining and culinary education concept, brings local tastes on board together with experts who share insight into each dish and beverage. The program also features culinary-focused excursions ashore.

Silversea's expedition ships are equipped for polar locales. On sailings in those regions, each passenger receives a free jacket to keep them warm and cozy.

Related: Why Silversea's new Silver Nova is a game-changer

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Another of our top luxury cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is proudly opulent. Floating palaces are its calling card, along with the most inclusive fares of all the luxury lines. Business-class airfare, pre-cruise luxury hotel stays and shore excursions in every port are on the long list of perks.

The goal is knock-you-off-your-feet luxury. If you don't get that point at first, look down at the many yards of Carrara marble under your feet, then gaze up at the Czech crystal chandeliers. Or spot the Picassos and Chagalls among your ship's stunning, mostly Latin-focused art collections.

The six 490- to 750-passenger ships in the Regent fleet get fancier as they get larger. On the three newest, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur everyone stays in a roomy suite with an oversized balcony and marble bathroom.

The top Regent Suites on these new ships are mansions at sea and come with solariums, private spas with saunas and steam rooms and Steinway pianos in their living rooms. They also have handmade beds that cost up to $200,000 apiece.

Lavishly decked-out restaurants, with cushy bars nearby, include Prime 7, a fan favorite for its classic steakhouse menu, including jumbo lump crab cakes, U.S.D.A. prime-aged beef and Alaskan king crab legs.

Related: 5 secrets to getting a luxury cruise for less

Long considered one of the great luxury lines, if not the greatest, Crystal just resumed operations in 2023 after shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic. And as we wrote about recently, it's as good as ever .

In the wake of its comeback, Crystal is operating just the two biggest ocean ships from its past: the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony and 740-passenger Crystal Serenity (though it already has plans for an expansion ). Both of the vessels, which globetrot around the world, are all-inclusive and on the glitzy side — perfect for a crowd looking for a throwback. Passengers make appearances walking down grand staircases dressed to the nines, meet for afternoon tea and dance the night away.

Everything operates in the upper-tier way, from the spa and expansive fitness offerings to the restaurants — which include a Nobu eatery.

Those booked in penthouses and higher-category suites receive service from a tuxedo-clad butler who will do everything from unpacking your luggage to helping you set up a private cocktail party. A particular perk is having the butler bring Nobu sushi on a silver tray.

Owned by Carnival Corporation, Seabourn 's top-of-the-line, 264- to 600-passenger ships deliver comfortable, modern luxury that can be as fancy or casual as you like.

If you want to show off your heirloom jewels, go ahead, but on most nights, a jacket is optional in the ship's restaurants. If you prefer not to dress up for formal night, you can still eat well at casual alternatives.

High service is a trademark of this luxury cruise line. Your suite steward will draw you a bath scented with your choice of bath oil. For a snack, order the complimentary caviar.

Dining is over the top at the restaurants, such as the retro-chic steakhouses with menus created by famed chef Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame). When you tire of prime beef, order lobster thermidor or sink into the delicious comfort of Keller's roast chicken. All dining is included in your fare.

Throughout the ship, complimentary spirits, fine wines and house Champagne flow freely. This leads to easy socializing in the bars and lounges on board.

The line's two newest ships, the 264-passenger Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, are built with a tough "polar class" design to operate in the ice-filled waters of the Arctic and Antarctica. They're equipped with state-of-the-art submarines for undersea views.

A 26-person expedition team runs the two dozen Zodiacs that get you up close to glaciers and icebergs.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Looking to sail through romantic French Polynesia in complete luxury? Look to South Pacific-based Paul Gauguin for an all-inclusive, high-end home base.

The ship is immersed in all things Polynesian, with a troupe of local performers on board to entertain guests with local song, dance and craft lessons.

Couples can embrace the romance of the region by participating in a Polynesian blessing ceremony. Paul Gauguin gives its guests special access to a secluded beach on Bora Bora and a private island off the coast of Taha'a, where you can indulge in water sports, a gourmet barbecue and bar service.

To make the most of the aquamarine waters, complimentary water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, are available straight from the ship's marina and every guest receives snorkel gear for use during the cruise, free of charge.

On board, guests enjoy five-star French and Polynesian cuisine, with all beverages complimentary throughout the ship and in your in-room minifridge.

With 209 crew members on hand to serve 330 passengers, service is top-notch and full of Polynesian hospitality, but all gratuities are already included in your fare.

Not all cabins are suites, but the top suites on the ship come with butler service. Also, should you dare to consider the outside world, you can connect with friends and family back home with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Related: 7 things to do in French Polynesia that don't involve romance or over-water bungalows

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours puts the elegance into adventure with its two 228-passenger expedition yachts, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II.

Sure, its ships have reinforced hulls capable of breaking through ice, but they also feature chic bars serving 130 different kinds of whiskey (all included in your fare) and high-end onboard spas (treatments cost extra, alas).

For small ships, Scenic's yachts still manage to offer five gourmet dining venues, plus additional private dining options (such as a chef's table or teppanyaki grill), room service and culinary masterclasses in a show kitchen.

Sample candied foie gras, daily risottos or sushi made with fish flown from Japan, all while sailing through remote waters. Wash it down with whatever you like because all but the most premium beverages are included.

After a long day of Zodiac, submersible or helicopter rides (yes, all these high-tech exploration toys are on board), you can retreat to your well-appointed suite, with distinct sleeping and living areas, plus a balcony.

Thoughtful touches include Illy coffee machines, Dyson hair dryers, remote-control adjustable beds, plentiful outlets and USB ports, and umbrellas and binoculars for use on your vacation. Did we mention you also have access to a butler for all your onboard needs?

Scenic's all-inclusive fares include dining and drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, airport transfers and shore excursions led by the line's knowledgeable expedition leaders.

Related: I didn't think I'd like my first Arctic expedition cruise; here's what proved me wrong

Oceania Cruises

Sometimes luxury means more space to spread out and multiple onboard options for a truly outstanding meal.

That's the approach upscale cruise line Oceania Cruises takes with its fleet of seven 648- to 1,238-passenger ships (the last of which, Oceania Vista , just debuted in May 2023 and is its most elegant yet).

Foodies will drool over menus overseen by Master Chef Jacques Pepin in all-included venues specializing in French, Italian, Asian and steakhouse cuisine.

Cruisers truly passionate about food and wine will want to splurge on wine-paired dinners at La Reserve by Wine Spectator or enjoy a gourmet, multi-course menu with an intimate group at Privee.

Get hands-on cooking experience with a class in The Culinary Center or explore the food culture ashore with a Culinary Discovery Tour.

Oceania also embraces wellness with its Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center. Treat yourself to a decadent spa treatment or wellness-themed shore excursion, or take care of your body with complimentary fitness classes and plant-based menus at onboard restaurants.

Oceania's fares are not as inclusive as some of the small-ship lines mentioned above, but guests can choose a higher-priced fare that is more inclusive with the line's "simply MORE" promotion. These fares include free airfare and airport transfers, complimentary Wi-Fi and a choice of a select number of free excursions, as well as free specialty dining reservations, Champagne and wine.

Viking does not like to call itself a luxury cruise line, but we'd definitely put it in that category for the inclusive fares, fine dining and smart design of its ocean-going ships.

Its 10 traditional cruise ships are nearly identical, each carrying 930 guests, while two expedition vessels carry 378 guests and combine elegant design with the latest technology in polar exploration.

Viking's fares are inclusive but not all-inclusive, and its ships sport clean Scandinavian design rather than opulent decor. Necessities such as Wi-Fi and self-serve laundry are complimentary, as are all nonalcoholic beverages and beer and wine with lunch and dinner.

Guests can enjoy dining in multiple onboard venues, plus room service, for no extra cost. Don't miss the Italian Manfredi's or a gorgeous afternoon tea spread in the glass-enclosed Wintergarden.

Cabins may not have an overtly opulent feel, but they have all the right touches, including balconies in every room, quiet-closing drawers, heated bathroom floors and plentiful USB ports and outlets.

The destination-focused cruise line adds as many days in port as it can to each itinerary and offers a free shore excursion in every port.

Viking ships have a large presence in Europe, sailing the Mediterranean and in northern Europe, but also explore the world from Alaska and the Caribbean to Asia and Australia.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Its expedition ships, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis, explore Antarctica, as well as the Great Lakes and Canada.

The ships boast several expedition cruising firsts, including a boarding area for excursion craft that's inside the ship (rather than docked outside it) and cabins with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that slide open to let in the fresh air.

Like the ocean ships, they feature Scandinavian design, a glass-walled Explorers' Lounge and signature Viking restaurants Manfredi's and Mamsen's (offering Norwegian specialties).

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13 of the best luxury cruise lines for 2024

While all ultra-luxury cruise lines have fine dining, superb accommodation and impeccable service, each has its own personality, style and devoted following. here are some of the best.

C ruising doesn’t have to mean enormous floating cities with thousands of passengers — there are plenty of ultra-luxury lines offering adventures on small ships with a much more intimate atmosphere. The best of the best has everything from butler service to helicopter flights, from infinity pools to world class cuisine. Their ships sail everywhere from Antarctica to the Caribbean, often calling in at smaller ports for exclusive excursions. Intrigued? Here are the best luxury cruise lines to book with.

Main photo: the Owner’s Penthouse deck on Scenic Eclipse

1. Oceania Cruises

You’ll enjoy some of the best food at sea on this line. The latest addition to the fleet, the 1,200-passenger Oceania Vista, launched in 2023. It became the seventh ship in the fleet and the first of two new Allura-class vessels, with the second scheduled for delivery in 2025. Created to reflect the glamorousbelle époque era of Paris, the Grand Dining Room, with a ceiling that’s almost two decks high, is a standout feature on Vista. There’s also a dedicated cabin category for solo travellers. Suggestions from officers and crew members helped shape Oceania Vista, so you can expect a ship that is full of practical and aesthetic touches.

2. Silversea

Italian flair is part of Silversea’s appeal, with acres of marble and cool design touches adorning its fleet of elegant ships. In 2023, the line launched Silver Nova, with accommodation for up to 728 guests that includes aft suites with 270-degree views; a sister ship, Silver Ray, is due to sail in summer 2024. Silversea service is highly personal, with a butler for every suite, and there’s a wide choice of fine-dining restaurants. These include SALT (Sea and Land Taste) Kitchen, showcasing regional cuisine from the destinations visited. Fares include all dining (except La Dame, which offers the finest French cuisine), a wide range of spirits and fine wines, crew tips, most gym classes and excursions in every port. Many cruises include flights and transfers too. On expedition cruises, all activities are included.

There’s new cruising royalty on the horizon with the 3,000-passenger Queen Anne. Setting sail in 2024, the latest flagship is the line’s first new vessel in 12 years and will combine Cunard’s trademark art deco heritage with modern design details. The top suites on Cunard’s current trio of elegant Queens (Mary 2, Victoria and Elizabeth), are graded either Princess Grill or Queens Grill, and represent some of the most prestigious accommodation at sea — particularly the duplex suites that resemble smart private apartments. Each Grill class has its own fine-dining restaurant and Grill passengers have a private cocktail lounge. You’ll enjoy all the features of a big ship too, from top-notch guest speakers to grand theatrical productions and glittering black-tie balls.

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Azamara’s four mid-sized luxury ships — most recently joined by Azamara Onward, which shares the same DNA as its fleetmates — offer affordable, destination-focused cruising with plenty of flair. Glamorous White Nights deck parties receive rave reviews, while every cruise includes an AzAmazing evening, a spectacular cultural event ashore. Itineraries focus on late departures, or overnights in port. You’ll be spoiled with its choice of restaurants, including a grill, Prime C, and a romantic Italian, Aqualina. Included are crew tips, most drinks and all dining apart from the two speciality restaurants. Suite guests get extra perks, including speciality dining. And, while most fares include flights and transfers, you’ll pay extra for shore excursions, premium drinks and, unless you’re in one of the top cabins, wi-fi.

5. Seabourn

A fleet of contemporary small ships offering intuitive, all-inclusive service, sumptuous all-suite accommodation and superb dining. Seabourn offers un-stuffy luxury with a vibe that’s more superyacht than luxury cruise ship. The line has some impressive partnerships, not least with the renowned chef Thomas Keller, Sir Tim Rice and the wellness guru Dr Andrew Weil. All dining, including speciality restaurants, crew tips and a comprehensive menu of cocktails and fine wines is included. Some voyages include flights too. You’ll pay extra for premium wines, wi-fi, access to the Retreat (an exclusive alfresco lounge on the top deck) and shore excursions.

6. Uniworld

Specialists in river cruising, Uniworld has cornered the market for extravagant ships that are inspired by their itineraries — and they have vessels all over the world, covering Europe, Asia, Africa and South America. SS La Venezia, for example, decked out in Murano glass and decadent Venetian detailing, sails only northern Italy, including Venice and its islands. On board, everything is included, including a curated selection of excursions. If you want to do your own thing, there are walking sticks and bicycles you can borrow.

7. SeaDream Yacht Club

The service is what sings on this tiny boutique cruise line, which operates just two 112-passenger megayachts that in 2022 underwent bow-to-stern revamps totalling nearly £10 million. All staterooms on SeaDream I and SeaDream II have been completely refurbished, and there are gleaming new teak decks mirroring the centuries-old yachting tradition. Attentive crew cater to guests’ every whim, while the food is exceptional, not least the imaginative vegetarian and vegan dishes. Life onboard is relaxed and informal, with the dress code best described as chic. Every voyage includes a decadent Champagne & Caviar Splash party, either around the pool or in the surf, with free-flowing bubbles. You can swim off the ship too and, for a touch of romance, sleep on deck under a duvet and a canopy of stars. Dining, crew tips and drinks apart from premium wines are included in the price.

Viking’s nine near-identical, adult-only ships carry 930 passengers and embody Scandi chic with their stylish, soothing interiors, gorgeous light-filled lounges and spacious cabins, every one of which has a private veranda. Highlights include an infinity pool on the aft deck, a superb spa with free access to the hydro pool, saunas and steam rooms, and the Wintergarden — a sunlit space with a retractable roof for warm days. Torshavn, an intimate little nightclub, is as fun as any jazz club you’ll find ashore. The package includes all dining, drinks with meals, wi-fi, crew tips, flights and transfers, and an excursion in every port. Bar drinks and optional excursions cost extra.

9. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent’s classy ships have touches reminiscent of grand hotels, with elegant cocktail lounges and imaginatively designed restaurants. The suites on the two newest ships, Seven Seas Explorer and Seven Seas Splendor, are especially covetable, with opulent decor and butler service. Regent is arguably the world’s most luxurious — and most inclusive — of the luxury lines. All dining, most wines and spirits, crew tips, gym classes, wi-fi, excursions, flights and transfers, and even pre and post-cruise hotel stays are included. Spa treatments, premium drinks and some of the optional excursions are all you’ll pay extra for.

Megayacht Scenic Eclipse marked the first foray into the luxury ocean cruise scene for Australian-owned Scenic; the 228-guest sister vessel Scenic Eclipse II followed suit in spring of 2023. Every spacious suite has a balcony and you can expect upmarket interiors reminiscent of a contemporary boutique hotel. Standards don’t slip when it comes to gastronomy, where you can take your pick from Asian fusion, classic French and everything in between. Both ships are designed for polar expedition cruising, but also offer warm-water voyages. Whatever the climate, there’s plenty to keep guests entertained, be it e-bikes or stand-up paddleboarding, a helicopter flight or a dive in the submarine, which both cost extra. Practically everything is included: most drinks, all dining, crew tips, a stocked minibar, flights and transfers, excursions and activities.

11. Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the first luxury oceangoing brand from international shipping giant the MSC Group. Explora I, the first of six ships, debuted in 2023, and the rest will follow between 2024 and 2028. The sea-facing cabins — described as homes at sea — have balconies, walk-in wardrobes and heated bathroom floors. Entry level accommodation is larger than average and goes up to a huge Owner’s Residence, complete with a private terrace, hot tub and butler. Restaurants will feature cuisine from around the globe.

12. Swan Hellenic

One for culture hounds, British line Swan Hellenic has itineraries to many adventurous destinations on the cruise circuit, from the polar regions to countries in east Africa and the Indian Ocean. You get to really experience it all, too, as a shore excursion is included for every stop. Its small fleet of three ships has been designed with expeditions in mind, but none of them scrimps on comfort — expect saunas with spectacular views, lounges with cosy fireplaces and cabins furnished with boutique hotel aesthetics.

swanhellenic.com

French-owned Ponant operates a fleet of stylish expedition ships, the smartest of which are arguably the six Ponant Explorers, with clever design features — most notably a multisensory underwater viewing lounge. Every cabin has a balcony and luxurious, tactile finishes in leather and suede. On board you’ll find luxury French brands such as Veuve Clicquot champagne and Hermès bath products, as well as classic French cuisine overseen by the chef Alain Ducasse. The latest addition to the fleet is the icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, tailor-made for thrilling polar expeditions. Costs cover dining, most drinks, a stocked minibar, wi-fi, crew gratuities and — on expedition cruises — most activities. You’ll pay extra for excursions and, on some voyages, flights.

Additional reporting by Qin Xie

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What goes into a four- or five-star cruise ship rating?

Patti Pietschmann

Los Angeles

CruiseClout score: 95.0

When you're looking to take a cruise, there are a number of things you likely take into account: the style of the cruise line (family friendly? luxury? expedition?), the itinerary, the price. But a major factor comes down to the ship itself. You really only want to go on a ship that rates three, four or five stars, and nothing below that.

So what ingredients go into a top-rated vessel? 

Well, five stars are usually awarded by cruise writers to ships for excellence in everything from accommodations to food and service. It's a somewhat subjective rating system, given that every cruise is different, even on the same ship. Crews and chefs change or have a bad day or two. Weather and itineraries play big influences, too. But over time, reputations become formed and repeat cruisers gravitate to one or more favorite cruise lines and perhaps a favorite ship or two. My three-and-a-half star experience could be your five-star dream cruise.

That said, Cruiseable's readers might like to know how I come to evaluate and rate cruise lines and ships after having taken well more than 300 cruises over the years. You'll notice that every cruise ship on Cruiseable has an overall rating assigned — use the Bliss Filters at the top right to compare different cruise ships and itineraries. 

Here are some of the factors I take into account in assigning a ship rating.

Service is often a key indicator of what kind of cruise you can expect, because any top-notch cruise itinerary is going to start with a professional and motivated crew. Do crew members consider passengers pleasures and comforts first and try never to say no to a reasonable request?

I've been fortunate to have cruised on all the top luxury lines, and in my experience, the staff of Crystal Cruises , Seabourn , Silversea , Oceania and Regent Seven Seas all rate five stars for the stellar service accorded to passengers. Crew members go above and beyond to accommodate requests.

One time we asked for a press coffee pot on Seabourn and the hotel manager went out in port and bought one for us. Another time on Silversea, we put in a special request for Patron tequila, and the barkeep went into port and got us a special bottle. However, it didn’t work on a recent Silversea Silver Muse voyage where there was no 100 percent agave tequila (anything else gives me a big headache), so we went off and got our own.

On the mainstream cruise lines' ship, we'd generally give Princess a rating of four stars for service. While they do try hard, it’s difficult to please passengers on larger ships. (You can check out Cruiseable's Ship Discovery Tool and notice that while ships like Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper offer one crew member for every 1.3 passengers, larger ships such as Golden Princess and Grand Princess have a ratio of one crew member for every 2.2 passengers.) Carnival generally gets a rating of three stars in this category.

Cuisine is one of the most important factors in a ship's overall star rating. My five-star culinary selection starts with Oceania and Regent because of the high quality of the food, presentation and creativity. Crystal gets five stars for its alternative dining venus Prego and Silk Road and four for its main dining room. Silversea merits five stars as does Seabourn, which often offers six star cuisine, but we stop at five.

Princess chefs do a four-star job (sometimes five) in alternative dining venues and three in the main dining room. Don’t get me wrong, we have had some tasty meals on Princess but not consistently, and we’ve taken more than 30 cruises with the line going way back when.

Accommodations

Accommodations are also key and hard to beat in the Penthouse decks of Crystal, Silverseas' top suites, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn. The cabins are spacious, well equipped with free drinks in mini bars on Silversea and Seabourn and on Crystal in Penthouse deck rooms. Also look for creature comforts such as robes, slippers, beautiful bathrooms, walk-in closets top toiletries and many balconies or all balconies, depending on the vessel. So high fives go to each of them.

Princess has some of the best suites and mini-suites, especially ones in the back of the ship with balconies overlooking the wake. Those are high five worthy. In this category, cabin stewards and attendants play a central role. To merit five stars, these crew members need to do a good job tidying up and going the extra yard.

On lines such as Silversea, Regent Seven Seas and Seabourn, they'll clean your eyeglasses and even fix them when broken or fold your nightgown pretty on your bed and decorate the cabin on a special occasion. Usually, the butlers on Crystal (on Penthouse deck only), Silversea and Regent Seven Seas do go out of their way to please and help the line up those stars. Our last butlers on Silver Muse and Silver Whisper were especially solicitous, but they almost always are on Silversea. The same with our Crystal butlers, couldn’t be better.

I haven’t mentioned Cunard and Celebrity yet, but both are solid four-star operations for the most part. A recent transatlantic trip on Cunard's  Queen Mary 2 was definitely worth four nods and even five for some exceptional dinners. Same for a cruise to Hawaii aboard a Celebrity ship.

Onboard activities

Another major factor that determines our ratings system is onboard activities. Princess probably gets a five for having the most options from bingo to disco. Crystal has the gamut of games and sports plus one of the best lecture and enrichment programs, including a Computer University at Sea that can’t be beat (I learned a lot going to those classes). So five stars to them in this category. Seabourn and Silversea offer a more laid back cruise with fewer options. Silversea and Crystal both have do have swimming-size pools. Crystal, Princess and Carnival have the best fitness centers and spas. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Carnival, of course, are all about the onboard activities so are good choices for travelers looking for nonstop action.

One of the standards of rating anything is value for the fare or you get what you pay for. Which you do on the five-star carriers.

Entertainment

I could go on and on. Entertainment, for example, sets some cruise lines above their peers, such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises , which have breathtaking theatrical performances, some of them outside on deck. Even some of the smaller cruise lines, such as Viking Ocean Cruises , are getting into the act with some nice stage shows. Again, use the Bliss Filters at the right to zero in on the factors that are most important to you. 

This report is purely subjective and based on my own experiences. How about yours? Leave a comment below.

Patti Pietschmann I'm the LA Travel Diva and spend time cruising with first mate Richard, traveling the world, reviewing fine restaurants, going to plays, movies and events. It's the good life.

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Cruise 5 Days in Luxury with These Cruise Lines

by Contractor | Dec 14, 2020 | resources | 0 comments

Most cruise bookings include basic meals, admission to most onboard features, and even some beverages. But luxury cruise lines take all these benefits and takes them ten steps further. The seemingly limitless ocean ahead of you and the prospect of a spectacular trip filled with new destinations and views unlike any found on land

Luxury cruise lines are the best of the best that a vacation on the water can offer. Renowned cruise lines such as Crystal, Azamara, and Cunard go above and beyond the average cruise line, as demonstrated by their extravagant accommodations, highly personalized experiences, and unbeatable destinations.

To most, when you hear the word luxury, the first thing you think of is mass amounts of dollar signs. But, if you read on, you’ll learn why investing in a luxury cruise line is well worth the extra cash and more realistic of an option than you initially thought.

3 Best Luxury Cruises for your 5 Day Trip

There are a plethora of luxury cruise lines you could choose from for your brief but fulfilling vacation. These are the top 3 we recommend that demonstrate the most personable and intimate services with the best features, amenities, and cost inclusions.

Crystal Cruises

After 30 years of perfecting their luxury services, Crystal Cruises boasts some of the most acclaimed awards for “Best Medium-Ship” and “Best Small-Ship,” from Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards as well as Travel & Leisure’s World’s Best River Cruise Line.

Maintaining a 1:1.7 staff-to-passenger ratio guarantees that guest needs are always met immediately, and their experience is highly personalized and stress-free. Crystal Cruises also offers top-of-the-line features such as Michelin-inspired cuisine, their feng shui-inspired Crystal Life Spa, and exquisitely decorated penthouses and suites.

Ships and Cruise Types

Crystal Cruises owns some of the most awarded cruise ships that will take from the vastness of the ocean to the niche realms of countless rivers.

You also can board their luxurious yacht, which possesses limited space for a highly personable and private experience. Or you can traverse exclusive locations few can witness on their expedition ship.

• Crystal Serenity (Ocean)
• Crystal Symphony (Ocean)
• Crystal Bach (River)
• Crystal Debussy (River)
• Crystal Mahler (River)
• Crystal Ravel (River)
• Crystal Esprit (Yacht)
• Crystal Endeavor (Expedition)

Destinations

Arguably the most significant factor in choosing a luxury cruise is your destination options. With Crystal, you can choose from one of the most expansive itinerary lists of any luxury cruise line.

One of the perks that set luxury cruises apart is their high-end features. Crystal ensures 100% guest satisfaction with these unique features guaranteed to fulfill any passenger’s onboard expectations.

• Umi Uma , chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s only sea-going restaurant
• Crystal Life Spa
• Connoisseur Club for cigars and cognac
• The Hollywood Theatre for newly released films
• Golf-driving ranges
• Shopping arcade
• Onboard yoga

Average Stateroom Cost

Crystal provides exceptional staterooms and suites that are elegantly designed and decorated for ultimate guest comfort and satisfaction. Here are examples of average boarding costs for a five day trip along with contact information for booking ease.

Best 5- Day Cruise: Enchanting Adriatic- Venice to Catania

Board the Crystal Symphony as you explore the culturally and historically enriching towns and cities spanning from Venice to Catania. Witness famed locations such as Sicily’s Mt. Edna, Diocletian’s Palace, and a whopping 21 UNESCO-listed sites as well.  Fare prices range from $5,000 for a deluxe stateroom to $27,000 for a penthouse with a verandah.

Port Destinations

In addition to sea days, there are six major port destinations on route for this cruise trip. Be sure to book onshore excursions to further enrich your experience.

• Venice, Italy
• Split, Croatia
• Kotor, Montenegro
• Corfu, Greece
• Valetta, Malta
• Catania, Sicily, Italy

Excursions on Offer

Whether you’re a highly active explorer or you prefer a more relaxing, low-key option, Crystal offers a wide range of excursions to please any passenger’s trip specifications.

A significant competitor for luxury cruise lines everywhere, Azamara prides itself on authentic service and immersive experiences. Some of the most unique destinations on offer, such as Mozambique, Myanmar, Curacao, and many more.

This company strives to incorporate your cultural itinerary into your onboard experience. Classes and meals centered around your destinations are on offer, as well as a wide range of excursions to ensure you have the most unique experience possible.

Azamara also offers free transportation from your ship to the closest port towns to ensure you take the opportunity to explore independently if you desire. Additionally, all Azamara’s ships are decorated according to modern elegance, and their features and amenities are simply unmatched

Azamara’s fleet consists of three highly-rated ships that are guaranteed to meet any passenger’s expectations. These ships are designed to exude an air of elegance while also maintaining a homey atmosphere for all passengers.

• Azamara Pursuit (Ocean)
• Azamara Journey (Ocean)
• Azamara Quest (Ocean)

The list of Azamara destinations is borderline limitless, reaching nearly every corner of the world. You’ll be hooked on traversing the world with Azamara after just one boarding.

• Australia & New Zealand
• Mediterranean
• Northern & Western Europe
• Panama Canal, Central & North America
• South America
• Transoceanic
• Maiden Ports

While you’re looking forward to your onshore excursions, be sure to take full advantage of Azamara’s exceptional features, from gourmet cuisine to classes with expert instructors to sports with family members. If you’re at a loss for what to do, be sure to ask your concierge or any onboard service members for their advice. They’ll never steer you wrong.

• Aqualina, authentic Italian cuisine
• Cabaret Lounge
• White Night party and buffet
• Onboard shopping
• Enrichment program and classes

For those of you ready to book your first trip with Azamara, here are the average rates for staterooms during a 5-day cruise. For any questions or concerns, use the contact of the official website listed below.

Best 5-Day Cruise: 5-Night Grand Prix Weekend Voyage

Explore the highlights of the Mediterranean’s most iconic ports. Bask in the beauty of Toulon’s wilderness where the scent of lavender envelopes you, then work on your tan or explore the wildlife found on St. Tropez’s beaches and shores.

Later, enjoy the nightlife as you walk amongst the architectural splendor of Nice, and lastly, shop in luxurious boutiques of Barcelona and discover its impeccable art and history.

Don’t miss your chance to explore these four incredible port destinations. Feel free to take the trip into your own hands and visit your most desired attractions alone or purchase an onshore excursion through Azamara in a package deal or for a separate cost.

• Province (Toulon), France
• Tropez, France
• Nice, France
• Barcelona, Spain

For those of you that prefer the ease of boarding your ship and having everything taken care of for you, consider purchasing some of these excursions offered by Azamara to enrich your traveling experience with very limited planning effort on your part.

They will ensure you explore these regions to the fullest and cover any transportation or tour fees in their listed price.

The Cunard experience is unlike anything offered by other luxury cruise lines. Here, you can slip into a state of complete ease as you are treated to afternoon tea, you can revel in professional entertainment akin to Broadway performances, and you can dance the night away in the Queens Room at a sublime Gala Ball.

Since its establishment in 1840, Cunard has had 180 years to perfect its guest-oriented service and impeccable amenities. All of this, paired with exceptional itineraries and excursions, renders Cunard one of the most successful and highly rated luxury cruise lines in the world.

Cunard’s expanding fleet with enveloping you in the finest services and elegant atmosphere money can buy. Each ship has its own unique design, and some even have distinctive features limited to that ship alone, so be sure to research what each has to offer before choosing your voyage.

• Queen Mary 2 (Ocean)
• Queen Victoria (Ocean)
• Queen Elizabeth (Ocean)
• *Fourth unnamed ship currently in progress

The potential trip itineraries and destinations are endless with Cunard. This luxury cruise line is unique in that you are free to visit various destinations in as short as two days or travel the world over one to two months.

• Africa and the Indian Ocean
• Australia and New Zealand
• Canary Islands
• Northern Europe
• Panama Canal and Central America
• South Pacific
• Transatlantic
• USA and Canada
• Western Europe
• World Voyage

A Cunard experience isn’t complete without witnessing their unmatched features. Start your day exploring the upper deck and bask in the ocean view, then play some deck games with your loved ones before you head off to satiate yourself in one of Cunard’s many gourmet restaurants. Finally, end your evening at one of the ship’s outstanding evening shows, or explore any of the options listed below.

• Britannia Restaurant
• Princess Grill
• Commodore Club
• Sporting activities
• Guest choir
• Onboard classes (dance, art)

Arguably one of the most affordable luxury cruise lines, Cunard provides extraordinary accommodations at a fraction of its competitors’ costs. Here is an example of the average boarding costs for a 5-day trip with Cunard and their company information.

Best 5-day Cruise: South Australia, 5 Nights

Don’t miss your chance to explore the southern region of Australia on Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth. Start in the coastal capital of Melbourne, a city rich in all forms of the arts where you can wander through Federation Square or visit the Royal Botanical Gardens.

You’ll then travel to Adelaide, where you can’t walk five steps without setting your eyes on a vast expanse of wineries. Be sure to pour yourself a glass while you walk through its charming towns or bask on its sandy beaches.

Finally, you’ll hop off at Kangaroo Island, one of the largest and most naturally beautiful regions in all of Australia.

Don’t let the few port destinations fool you. There is plenty of enriching experiences to have in each location that the time you have onshore is not enough.

• Melbourne, VIC, Australia
• Adelaide, SA, Australia
• Kangaroo Island, SA, Australia

Don’t just walk the gorgeous streets and beaches of these unique locations. Let Cunard take you on life-altering excursions to help you learn about the culture and history that surrounds you. These excursions range in price and activity level to adhere to the needs of any passenger’s ambitions.

Final Thoughts

Luxury cruises are an exceptional travel form where you are pampered and prioritized on a beautifully decorated ship with high-class features.

When you aren’t relaxing in your suite, enjoying the culinary cuisine on offer, or participating in the endless entertainment options, you are on land in some of the most unique and profound locations in the world.

Not only can luxury cruises be cost-effective as a result of their highly inclusive rates, but they can also be impeccably immersive, on and off the ship.

Luxury cruises are more accessible than some might think, so don’t be hasty and rule them out for your next vacation. A brief but fulfilling 5-day trip on a luxury cruise might just be the perfect vacation for you and your loved ones.

Considering the number of discounts and package deals they offer, in addition to what is already including in your booking, it is absolutely worth investigating if you can have this life-altering experience for yourself.

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The Best Luxury River Cruises

Thought ocean liners were the only option? Think again.

By Elite Traveler

While country-hopping ocean cruises have become the favorable option for many, there are still a wealth of luxury river cruises traversing along the world’s most famous waterways. And thanks to the limited room, you’ll often find that river cruise ships are far smaller meaning that there are fewer people onboard and more intimate experiences to be had. 

The more intimate feel extends to the ports of call too. While most ocean cruise liners will have similar stopping points (meaning all but guaranteed crowds when you embark) river cruises have the luxury of calling at lesser-visited cities and destinations along their route.

Read on to discover the world’s best luxury river cruises, from expeditions along the Nile to meanders down the Seine.

[See also: The Top Cruises for an Adventure in 2023]

Crystal River Cruises

No matter what voyage you embark on with Crystal Cruises , be it ocean or river, you’re in for a five-star experience, think: butler service, a one-to-one (or more) guest to staff ratio, in-room technology, world-class wine and champagne and Michelin-inspired dining. Its five fleet sail through Vienna, Amsterdam, Budapest and Basel, all varying in duration of trip. On any cruise, you will sail the Rhine, Main and Danube and get up close and personal with the quaint villages in Germany, Belgium, Slovakia, Hungary, Austria and the Netherlands. crystalcruises.com

Tauck River Cruises

Tauck offers European river cruises, small-ship cruises, land journeys, group trips and special events. The river cruises in particular are focused on cultural immersion in smaller medieval villages and quaint towns along the way with a strong focus on art and culture along the way. While Tauck hosts trips on the Danube, through Budapest and Amsterdam, through the Douro River Valley and the Seine and through the Swiss Alps, the Savoring France: Paris, Lyon and Provence excursion is perfect for food and wine lovers.

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Exploring Greenland in Luxury on National Geographic Endurance

[See also: Explora Journeys Announces Inaugural Cruise Itinerary]

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways has debuted three new ships:  AmaMagna , twice the width of traditional cruise ships;  AmaMora , a twin balcony ship; and AmaDouro , sailing exclusively on the Douro River. There are plenty of exciting additions to each ship, including a Zen Wellness Center and more spacious staterooms and full-balcony suites. AmaWaterways sails on rivers worldwide, including the Mekong in Cambodia and Vietnam, Botswana; Chobe River in Africa; and rivers in Europe, including the Rhine, Danube, Douro, Seine, Moselle and more. There are specific wine tours, speciality tours and Christmas tours to book, too.

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Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

Uniworld’s Boutique River Cruise collection offers some of the most luxurious amenities in the world paired with custom itineraries you’d be hard pressed to find anywhere else. It’s one of the most sought-after river cruise lines for its boutique-hotel-like aesthetic, bespoke shore excursions, wellness programming and gastronomy. Travel to India on the sacred Ganges River or on the Yangtze in China. There are also Russian excursions; Italian journeys and themed cruises that allow you to connect with your heritage, learn more about local cuisine and wine or focus on culture through a Uniworld Signature Lecture Series. Floating Art Workshops are also a unique offering.

uniworld.com

[See also: Orient Express to Launch World’s Largest Sailing Ship]

Aqua Expeditions

Boutique luxury river and yacht cruise line, Aqua Expeditions, sails the Peruvian Amazon, Mekong River and East Indonesia, offering something different than your traditional European cruises. There is a one-to-one guest to staff ratio on each ship and the line has a strong focus on sustainable practices. A sleek, modern design feels like you’re in a five-star boutique hotel or on a yacht, and with Aqua Blu, you actually are on a yacht. Aqua Blu will launch in November 2019 and is Aqua Expeditions’ first ocean explorer yacht. Every inch of all the cruise ships and yacht are ultra-luxe, with a private cinema, sun deck and spa.

aquaexpeditions.com

[See also: Ship Mates: Cruise Lines Joining Forces with Celebrity Partners]

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This Small-ship Cruise Line Just Announced 2 New All-suite Vessels Will Join Its Fleet

Windstar Cruises is scheduled to launch Star Seeker in 2025 and Star Explorer in 2026.

Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

Boutique small-ship cruise line Windstar Cruises is growing its fleet, adding two 224-passenger vessels — both acquisitions from Mystic Cruises —  in the next two years. Star Seeker is slated to make its debut in December 2025 and Star Explorer is scheduled to follow a year later in December 2026. 

Star Seeker is under construction, while Star Explorer is currently sailing as Quark Expeditions' World Explorer. B oth ships will be reworked to include signature features of Windstar ships, from a watersports platform to Owners Suites with wraparound balconies to a whirlpool on the bow. 

Dining, in particular, will be a main focus on the ships, as Windstar has a partnership with the James Beard Foundation. The ships' dining options spaces will be expanded to include the on-deck Star Grill, the casual Yacht Club café and lounge, and a re-imagined Amphora main dining room, which will now have outdoor seating.

“Our goal was to ensure these ships are unmistakably Windstar, and a significant amount of effort has gone into achieving this,” Christopher Prelog, Windstar Cruises’ president, said in a statement provided to Travel + Leisure . “We are thrilled for this expansion, building on the success of our game-changing Star Class in small-ship cruising with guests and travel partners, while offering new experiences. This growth reflects the dedication of our incredible crew and team, allowing us to broaden our destination portfolio and even bring one of our Wind Class sail ships back to Tahiti.”

Though both ships have ice-strengthened hulls capable of sailing in the polar regions, Windstar doesn't currently operate such itineraries, focusing primarily on the Americas, Europe, and the Pacific Islands. But these new ships may open doors to adventures in the years to come.

“As part of our company’s expanding portfolio, Windstar Cruises is poised for remarkable growth and an exciting future ahead," Andrew N. Todd, president and CEO of parent company Xanterra Travel Collection, said in a statement. "We’re excited about the possibilities of where Windstar will sail and the opportunities it brings our officers, crew and staff, and our guests.”

Itineraries and booking information for Star Seeker will be announced in June 2024. You can sign up for updates at windstarcruises.com/newships .

Princess Cruises

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24305 Town Center Dr

Santa Clarita, CA 91355

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Overall Princess cruises is good, however their customer service and reduced services that are part of the basic (expensive) fare is disappointing. They will frequently nickel and dime you for things that were previously included in the base fare. Also frustrated that the centrally located casino is totally smoking. Would be nice if there were designated closed areas with casino games for smokers, as it causes problems for people with respiratory problems.

My wife and I had booked a cruise with Princess and then given them our credit card to both pay the deposit and then to make the final payment. Our cruise assistant indicated she had a credit card on file and if that should be used to make the final payment. I responded "That will work". Then she never made the final transaction and we were not notified so the cancelled us. Well my wife was able to call and get our reservation reinstated, but with a lot of upselling of stuff we did not need. I asked the cruise planner, if I cannot trust you to assist me with my cruise and you work for Princess, who can I trust. Obviously not Princess!!!!!!!!!

I wrote a review from my experience and it must have been removed. Basically, I bought a trip and they canceled it a week later. Their system had a system failure. They say they restored the reservation and the air tickets. They didn't restore the air tickets. We are at the airport and we are told Princess canceled your air. They offered to fly us to Juneau to where the ship was going to dock, the problem was due to bad weather, it did not dock in Juneau. If it hadn't been for our shipmate friends telling us that the ship was bypassing Juneau, we would have gone there. It took 5 hours of waiting for Princess Cruises to know that important fact. Oh they offered to fly us to the final port so we could enjoy a two day trip. They make it sound like it's your choice not to sail. No one cares. Managers, sales people, even customer relations people don't care. Do not use this company!

Just finished a 7day Caribbean cruise on the Sky princess out of Fort Lauderdale this morning. I'm so disappointed that I wasted 7days in the Caribbean on a Floating Mobile home / Nursing home. I would have never thought it was like that. Buffets and cafeteria dining rooms. I was in shock. If I had that moment to re do i would have not stayed. It was horrible. I can't even begin to tell you about the horrible service, food etc. I'm telling you GOLDEN CORRAL GRADE FOOD. HORRIBLE . 20 min or more to get drinks The lines at all bars had max 3 bartenders. 5,000 ppl to serve. Unbelievable. Do yourself a favor and go directly into the resorts of the Island of choice. Never again

Do not get married or bring a group of friends on this cruise, it is a nightmare! -They have NO ONE reliable to set you up on any type of wedding package that doesn't "Jump Ship" and completely ghost you after supposedly setting up a wedding event. -They have no respect to Dinner reservations you set up months in advance for you and your group to eat together. If you set up a specific time reservation, they will change it on you without notifying you. -They say you get credit for bringing friends/family with you, but that is a lie. We still haven't gotten our credit for the 25 people we are bringing. Getting a hold of a human being who works for Princess to deal with all the problems they cause is impossible!

While on Enchanted Princess cruises to the Mediterranean in May 2023, I booked a cruise to the Panama Canal for May 9th 2024. Booking number 5WGL5T. When I made the booking on May 5th 2023, I paid $200 dollars deposit and was never explained, that they require the Yellow Fever vaccine, which we can't have because we are over 60 and the side effects can be fatal.When I found out about the vaccine, I called Princess Customer service and canceled the cruise and requested a refund. I was told by a service rep in the Philippines I should receive the $200 deposit within 15 business days( that was on June 27th 2023). I called them again on July 26th 2023 because I haven't received my deposit and was told by someone on the Philippines im not entitled to a refund because that deposit is for a future cruise, but they didn't wait for the future cruise to take the $200 out of my account, it was taken by princess cruises right away. I don't recommend Princess cruises and their future cruise dept.

All our Princess cruises from Vancouver have been wonderful. Had one bad experience which had to deal with embarkation. That was more the fault of the Port of Vancouver, though, because there were not enough Customs agents to assist the 3 ships full of passengers that day. Princess Cruises really provides a nice experience. I would consider it a mid level cruise line. Meaning it is not an expensive luxury cruise line, but it is not a cheap cruise line either. The clientele tends to be older, but that does not bother my wife and I. Princess provides us what we need which is a complete escape from our normal life. After the cruise, we return to our regular life recharged and new.

See all photos from PatrickJ T. for Princess Cruises

This was my second cruise with Princess and while I've departed in the Port of Angeles previously, this was my first time doing so in the city of Vancouver. The line was pretty hectic. There were lengthy wait times just to get through Customs. I have Global Entry but my friend did not and she unfortunately could not go with me so I stayed with her. Once we got to the Customs kiosk, everything was smooth. We had our carry-on items with us as we checked our other luggage but we were able to board without issue. Once we got to our room, it was a matter of making sure our medallions worked. The medallions are a new thing and pretty cool since all transactions are done through the medallions and charged to your personal account. If you utilized the apps on board, you get a free cocktail of your choice! That was pretty nice. We didn't do the unlimited drink option because it was a rip-off. Who's going to drink that much on a cruise? My liver would not survive. We ended up with a few drinks per day and brought two bottles of wine which were served to us in the dining rooms. This was the best option for us since it was cost effective and healthier. The food was fine. I didn't have any issues but it wasn't what I'd say super fine dining. It was nice though. We opted for the buffet a few times and decided the anytime dining rooms were a better bet. Despite the set menus, you could order multiple entrees if you wanted. We did utilize the coffee package because espresso is life! Our Alaskan cruise was definitely memorable. We hit 2 of the 3 ports. We were turned away from Juneau due to high winds. Our excursions for that city had to be canceled but we were able to rebook for the next port. It was a hectic day at sea but it was exciting to say the least. I celebrated a milestone birthday in Alaska so I can't really complain. While I've only cruised with Princess, I feel like they have the best bang for your buck if you're looking for consistency. I may have to try a different cruise line in the future but at least this trip was special.

See all photos from Trina D. for Princess Cruises

If you plan a trip to Vancouver be prepared to wait over an hour for a taxi. The system is horrible and i won't return to Vancouver again.

I am a Platinum member with Princess Cruises, meaning I've sailed with them over 10 times and these past four months have been the absolute worst for their customer service. We cruise at least annually and I wrote and e-mailed them a letter regarding a recent cruise my husband and I took and had no response, other than an automated response stating they would get back to me within a month, which never happened. Recently, I received an e-mail from an employee at Princess stating he was my new vacation planner, so I called him to complain about Princess customer service and he had his supervisor contact me. I sent the letter to the supervisor, who forwarded it to their customer relations dept twice and still no response. It is evident that Princess Cruises doesn't care about retaining their loyal customers and I am extremely disappointed with their cruise line since the pandemic.

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Disney Cruise Line names its newest cruise ship

I t was bound to happen sometime, but Disney Cruise Line waited until its last of three new sister ships to name one Disney Destiny.

The sister ship to Disney Wish, which debuted out of Port Canaveral in 2022 and the soon-to-debut Disney Treasure arriving in Central Florida this December, the third ship in what was originally called the Trident class had its keel laying ceremony Wednesday at the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany.

It won’t start sailing until 2025, and its home port has yet to be named, but among the details revealed for what will be the eighth ship in the cruise line’s fleet was the theme of the vessel, “Heroes & Villains.”

As such, the filigree artwork for the bow will be of Minnie Mouse wearing a superhero-style outfit complete with a cape.

The cruise line said among the characters from which it will mine features on board will be classic Disney animation films, “The Lion King,” “Hercules” and “One Hundred and One Dalmatians.”

Disney of course owns plenty of good vs. evil intellectual property including Star Wars and Marvel.

“The Disney Destiny will celebrate our most legendary Disney stories and characters, bringing them to life in new and exciting ways exclusively for Disney Cruise Line guests,” said Sharon Siskie, senior vice president and general manager for the cruise line, in a press release. “As we continue to expand our fleet, the Disney Destiny will further strengthen our position as a leader in family cruising.”

Just like Disney Wish and Treasure, Disney Destiny will be powered by liquefied natural gas, a cleaner burning fuel that’s part of the cruise industry’s efforts to reduce emissions.

All three are the 144,000 gross-ton, 1,254-stateroom vessels but still targeting the 4,000-passenger capacity of its older ships, 2011’s Disney Dream and 2012’s Fantasy. The line’s first ships are the smaller Disney Magic that debuted in 1998 and Disney Wonder in 1999. They come in at 84,000 gross tons with 875 staterooms.

The line also is finishing construction for an Asia-bound cruise ship named Disney Adventure that will be the largest in the fleet at 208,000 gross tons.

Disney Wish became the line’s first new ship in more than a decade. It continues to do short three- and four-night Bahamas sailings while Disney Treasure will pick up seven-night trips to the Caribbean.

©2024 Orlando Sentinel. Visit orlandosentinel.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

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