luxury cruise market

Luxury Cruise Market Well Positioned for Growth

• March 9, 2022

The luxury cruise market should be well positioned coming out of the pandemic based on pent-up demand from affluent consumers combined with the best space-to-guest ratios in the cruise industry, according to the 2022 Luxury Market Report by Cruise Industry News.

Add in a modern fleet, global deployment, a variety of brands and a differentiated product mix, the luxury market fleet is well poised for a quick recovery and bounce back.

Absorbing Capacity

The market has rocketed upwards in growth, with 51 ships sailing in 2019, to an expected 69 this year and 89 – and most likely more that have yet to be ordered – by 2027.

Helping absorb this capacity will be an affluent and aging American consumer, combined with emerging source markets in Europe, Asia and Australia.

The expedition players that offer a combined luxury/adventure experience have kept guests in the same brand, while offering new deployment options to regions such as Antarctica or the Arctic. Ponant has led the way, as has Silversea, with small-ship five-star luxury expedition programs.

Barriers to Entry

There will be no shortage of investment eyes and other hotel groups watching the start up of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection carefully this year. Despite a multi-year delay for Ritz-Carlton, the fear of missing out may drive more hotel chains and investors into the business in hopes of keeping land-based guests that want to cruise in the brand, so to speak.

Potential new players will be met by shipyards looking for business and willing to cut appealing shipbuilding deals backed up by export financing agreements.

A rushed start up could take place in as little as three years, but still will require a new player to come up with tens of millions of dollars, an operating coming for sales and marketing, and much more.

A secondhand acquisition of ships is even less likely. Cruise lines will be careful to help any competitors get off the ground – hoping to hang onto hardware instead. The pandemic saw only a handful of moves as the Silver Origin took the place of the 100-guest Silver Galapagos and Genting sold the Crystal Esprit to Lindblad. 

The Recovery   

Where do we go from here? Pent up demand will fill luxury ships in a staggered restart that started in 2020, continued into 2021 and looks set to see all ships sailing sometime this spring.

The biggest challenges will come from a smaller world – with certain countries still closed there are less places to deploy ships – thus concentrating supply which could in-turn impact pricing. That should hopefully be a short and temporary problem as the world opens back up.

Crew recruitment and finding qualified and competent officers will continue to be a challenge for the cruise industry as a whole, as will finding new-to-cruise guests coming out of the pandemic.

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Luxury Cruise Ships Market Size & Share, by Cruising Type (Ocean Cruises, River Cruises); Amenities (Restaurants, Bars & Pubs, Water Sports, Adventurous Sports, Planetarium) - Global Supply & Demand Analysis, Growth Forecasts, Statistics Report 2029

• Report ID: 2990
• Published Date: Jan 31, 2023
• Report Format: PDF, PPT

Luxury Cruise Ships Market Highlights 2020-2029

The luxury cruise ships market is estimated to grow with a significant CAGR during the forecast period, i.e., 2021-2029. The increasing number of amenities, innovative services, and themes offered in luxury cruise ships are expected to drive the luxury cruise ships market during the forecast period. The companies are offering various services including thrilling water coasters, skydiving simulators, unlimited in-suite spa treatments, and adventurous activities such as rock climbing and on-board zip lining, which is projected to attract tourists and is anticipated to increase the percentage of tourists in the near future. Furthermore, the growing trend of usage of small luxury yachts and small-ship cruises for luxury tourism is also predicted to magnify the luxury cruise tourism market in a substantial manner. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the total number of global ocean cruise passengers increased from 23.06 million in the year 2015 to 30 million in the year 2019. 

On the basis of type, the ocean cruising segment is expected to capture a significant market share in the forecast period owing to the more facilities which are offered in ocean cruising as compared to river cruising, furthermore the ocean cruises sale for longer time frame along with offering the travellers to sight the unseen destinations and covering different countries.

The market is segmented on amenities into restaurants, bars & pubs, water sports, adventurous sports, planetarium, snow rooms, cruise fares, 4D movie theatres, in-suite spa treatment centers, and others (skydiving simulators, and others).    CLICK TO DOWNLOAD SAMPLE REPORT

Luxury Cruise Ships Market Regional Synopsis

Geographically, the market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa region. The North American market is predicted to grow at the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the rapid upsurge in number of tourists travelling in luxury cruise ships to popular destinations in the U.S., U.K, Caribbean Islands, Canada, Mexico, France, Germany, Italy, and numerous other countries across Europe and North America. The market in Asia Pacific is also estimated to grow with a significant growth rate over the forecast period owing to rapid increase in the number of cruise lines in China, Japan, Thailand, Singapore and Australia, and increase in popularity. According to the Cruise Lines International Association, the largest number of passengers travelled in luxury ships came from United States that is 11.9 million, following China 2.4 million, Germany 3.19 million, UK 1.93 million, and Australia 1.34 million, among others.

The global luxury cruise ships market is further classified on the basis of region as follows:

• North America (U.S. & Canada) Market size, Y-O-Y growth & Opportunity Analysis
• Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Rest of Latin America) Market size, Y-O-Y growth & Opportunity Analysis
• Europe (U.K., Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Hungary, Belgium, Netherlands & Luxembourg, NORDIC, Poland, Turkey, Russia, Rest of Europe) Market size, Y-O-Y growth & Opportunity Analysis
• Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Rest of Asia-Pacific) Market size, Y-O-Y growth & Opportunity Analysis
• Middle East and Africa (Israel, GCC (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman), North Africa, South Africa, Rest of Middle East and Africa) Market size, Y-O-Y growth & Opportunity Analysis

Market Segmentation

Our in-depth analysis of the global luxury cruise ships market includes the following segments:

By Product Type

• Ocean Cruises
• River Cruises
• Others (Small-ship Cruises and Luxury Yachts)

  By Amenities

• Restaurants
• Bars & Pubs
• Water Sports
• Adventurous Sports
• Planetarium
• Cruise Fares
• 4D Movie Theaters
• In-suite Spa Treatment Centers
• Others (Skydiving Simulators, and others.)

  Growth Drivers

• Increase Offering in Terms of Amenities
• Increase in Disposable Income of the People Around the World

 Challenges

• High Travel Costs
• Environmental Concerns Among Tourists

Top Featured Companies Dominating the Market

• Company Overview
• Business Strategy
• Key Product Offerings
• Financial Performance
• Key Performance Indicators
• Risk Analysis
• Recent Development
• Regional Presence
• SWOT Analysis
• Oceania Cruises S. de R.L.
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• Seabourn Cruise Line Limited
• Crystal Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Silversea Cruises
• Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
• American Cruise Lines

In the News

Author Credits:   Harshita Srivastava, Saima Khursheed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Growth Drivers and Challenges -->

What are the major factors driving the growth of the luxury cruise ships market, what would be the cagr of luxury cruise ships market over the forecast period, what are the challenges affecting the luxury cruise ships market growth, which region will provide more business opportunities for growth of luxury cruise ships market in future, who are the major players dominating the luxury cruise ships market, how are the company profiles selected, what are the segments in the luxury cruise ships market, which segment under the end-user segment captures the largest market size in the luxury cruise ships market.

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How Big Is the Luxury Cruise Market? We Want to Find Out

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The luxury cruise segment of the travel industry has grown by leaps and bounds over the past few years, even with the pandemic limiting some of that growth. New ships, new itineraries, and new ideas have driven the luxury segment further, carried by a consumer that is increasingly willing to spend for the kind of vacation they want.

For travel advisors, there is a major opportunity in luxury cruising, with high price points and mostly all-inclusive offerings providing the chance for advisors to boost their bottom line while giving their clients the type of experience that only those luxury cruise lines can offer.

So what makes the travel advisors who specialize in luxury cruises so successful, aside from taking advantage of what the segment already has to offer? Travel Market Report wants to find out.

Starting today, TMR is surveying travel advisors about the luxury cruise market and what their role is in it. All participants in the survey, which is now live here , will be eligible to win a $250 gift card.

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Despite wars and sanctions, superyacht market continues recent growth.

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The Phi has been detained in Canary Wharf since March 2022.

A superyacht is a status symbol and the ultimate pleasure boat. What ordinary people envisage doing on cruise ships, the super-rich do on their mega-yachts. Space and change of scenery have appealed to humans from time immemorial. However, with luxury yacht ownership requiring vast sums of disposable income, one would think that factors putting the global economy under pressure, such as inflation, Houthi terrorists and Somali pirates attacking ships in the Red Sea, sanctions following the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and before that, the COVID-19 pandemic, would slow down the demand for superyachts. Instead, despite severe disruptions, mainly because of the post-Ukraine 2022 Russian invasion sanctions, with billions sloshing around in the global economy, demand for these vessels has reached a high point, driven by changes in the tastes of the ultra-rich, innovative new uses for superyachts, and the number of buyers able to splurge on such craft.

Expensive Mega-Toys The unique uses of a superyacht are driven by the size and crew demands that separate it from a regular yacht. A superyacht is considered to be a pleasure vessel larger than 24m (80ft) with a full-time captain and crew. This is a costly outlay. There are added costs for not including maintenance, fuel, and expensive power plant, navigation, and communications gear.

The desire for seclusion and social distancing exhibited by the rich since the 2020 pandemic lends itself perfectly to these large, customizable ships that can be taken out to sea. A fully crewed ship is also needed to keep up with for new trend in exploration and environmental sailing, with boat owners venturing outside of the Mediterranean and Caribbean to experience more varied habitats. Other luxury sectors are taking note of these trends driving demand for superyachts, with hotel chains like The Four Seasons and The Ritz-Carlton aiming to offer bespoke superyacht experiences by 2025. By introducing this option, hotel chains are responding to the increased market demand for exploration while creating an experience that is more exclusive and private than a luxury cruise.

Demand has also been driven by an expanding number of prospective superyacht buyers as the number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals continues to increase globally. The growth is primarily driven by American buyers, with significant potential in regions like China and Southeast Asia, where ultra-rich buyers with disposable income are growing at a faster pace than they are in the West. This increase in wealthy customers in Southeast Asia, combined with miles of islands and coastlines, creates the conditions for a robust scene for superyachts in the area. The emergence of a new customer base wealthy enough to purchase super- and mega-yachts has made the industry resilient in the face of government sanctions against one of the industry’s largest consumer bases: Russian oligarchs.

The megayacht Nord, believed to belong to sanctioned Russian oligarch Alexey Mordashov, is seen in ... [+] Hong Kong on Friday, Oct. 7.

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Target: Russia Beginning in the early 2000s, Russian billionaires developed a taste for luxury superyachts, with some like Roman Abramovich (who is reported to own 16 vessels , including the Aquamarine, Eclipse, Garcon, Halo, Pelorus, Solaris and Sussurroo), Alexei Mordashov ( Lady M and Nord ) and Eduard Khudainatov ( Scheherazade , Amadea , Crescent ) placing orders for multiple vessels. According to Superyacht News, an industry publication, Russians account for a significant piece of the world's superyacht market. Their estimated share represents about 10% of superyachts exceeding 40 meters in length. The percentage of Russian ownership rises even further for mega-yachts exceeding 80 meters, where Russians hold the number two spot globally, owning 20% of these vessels. Research by Boat International estimates the contribution of Russian buyers to the global superyacht order book (valued between €35 and €40 billion) to be €3.9 billion.

The popularity of superyachts among Russia’s wealthy has caused them to become a focus of the sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. Alongside traditional targets, including Russian financial holdings, banks, and energy, the assets of oligarchs are actively being seized and frozen by Western powers when possible through initiatives like the Russian Elites, Proxies, and Oligarchs (REPO) task force launched by the G7 and the U.S. Treasury’s Kleptocracy Asset Recovery Rewards (KARR) program.

The seizure of superyachts as assets will likely continue through the end of the invasion of Ukraine and possibly beyond. Recently, there have been increasing calls to sell or transfer these assets, allowing Ukraine to use or sell them to compensate for the damages caused by the war.

Eclipse | 162.5m Built in 2010 , Germany

Europe Suffers Even though the superyacht industry has a sizeable consumer base in Russia, the companies building and managing these yachts are primarily based in Western Europe. Many of these boats are built by shipbuilders such as Lürssen in Germany and Heesen Yachts and Oceanco in the Netherlands. This has led one of the shipyards, Damen, to sue the Dutch government over damages it claims it suffered from the EU sanctions. Additionally, companies like Burgess in the UK, Imperial Yachts and Edmiston in Monaco, and Moran Yacht & Ship in the US, in charge of servicing, managing, and brokering superyachts, are also concentrated in the West.

While Western shipyards and management companies may lose revenue because of sanctions and asset seizure of the Russian oligarchs, keeping the yachts frozen generates additional costs for the countries where they are being held. Some Western countries devised a solution to ease the burden on taxpayers, granting owners and their representatives special licenses to pay for the frozen vessels. Notably, France and Spain have allowed the billionaire owners of at least four mega-yachts to pay for their upkeep. In the UK, the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) has allowed the management company Burgess to pay for pre-sanction crew salaries of a yacht frozen in the UK.

Though the media associated superyachts with Russian oligarchs, this archetypal image of a superyacht owner may soon grow obsolete if the sanctions regime remains or even strengthens, causing multi-million dollar losses to the industry. Instead, growth in the sector is driven by a new class of rich being created in places like the United States and the Pacific Rim, seeking luxury lifestyles that can be provided by a superyacht. The superyacht industry will capitalize on the unprecedented wave of demand to increase its resilience in the stormy global security and economic environment.

Quin Buckley & Henry Tsai contributed to the production of this article.

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The Luxury Cruise Market Expands

Credit: CovetED Magazine

Luxury cruise lines have long enticed travelers who are seeking a superior experience by offering elegant designs and upscale voyages.  Capacity is the luxury market is projected to double in 9 years, with n ew ships from Viking Ocean Cruises, Compagnie du Ponant, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises and Crystal Cruises driving the luxury cruise market to new heights.  An estimated 73 dedicated five-star ships are set to carry over 1 million passengers by 2027, with capacity projected to double by then.

Luxury Market Capacity in 2018 – 544,900 guests

Luxury Market Capacity in 2027 – 1,095,286 guests

Viking has an agreement with Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for the construction of six more vessels to arrive between 2024 and 2027. This is in addition to six vessels that Fincantieri is already building for the company.  Viking currently owns 26 percent of the luxury market with five ships and 4,650 berths, leading Silversea, Regent and Seabourn in potential passenger capacity, at just under 500,000 guests annually. 

A world leader in luxury expeditions and the only French cruise line and five-star expedition specialist, Compagnie du Ponant plans to grow its fleet to 12 ships by 2021. Ponant’s expansion includes construction of a fifth and sixth vessel in the Explorer series and two new yacht-like ships which will launch in 2020.

Perfecting luxury is a never-ending quest for Regent Seven Seas Cruises.  Regent Seven Seas Splendor will bring her special brand of perfection to iconic ports when she enters service in 2020 and will become the fifth cruise ship in Regent’s fleet.

Silversea Cruises has a fleet of nine ships with a new ship scheduled for delivery in 2020 . The new ship will have a capacity of 596 passengers in all-suite accommodations and will expand Silversea’s fleet to 10 ships.

Crystal Cruises , the world’s most luxurious cruise line, has a major expansion plan that will see the addition of three new ships.   Set to debut in 2020, Crystal Endeavor will be the largest and most spacious ship featuring Crystal’s celebrated service and hospitality.

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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.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

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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• Guide to picking a cruise

Exploring Cruise Line Categories: From Mass-Market to Ultra-Luxury

Choosing the right cruise line isn't easy.

Embarking on a cruise is a thrilling adventure, but with a sea of options, choosing the right cruise line can be as complex as navigating the ocean's tides. To help you steer in the right direction, this guide examines four main cruise line categories – mass-market, premium, entry-luxury, and ultra-luxury. As you journey from mass-market to ultra-luxury, you'll notice a graduated increase in prices reflecting the enhanced amenities, personalized service, and indulgent experiences offered. By understanding these categories, you can better chart a course for the cruise experience that best suits your expectations and budget. Welcome aboard as we set sail into the world of cruising!

Thrill Island on the Royal Caribbean Icon of the Sea

Mass-Market Cruise Lines

Carnival • msc • norwegian • royal caribbean.

Mass-market cruise lines are also known as "mainstream" cruise lines. These are the most popular and widely recognized names in cruising, such as Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, and MSC. They are designed to appeal to a broad demographic and offer a wide variety of onboard activities and amenities.

The ships in this category are often quite large, capable of carrying thousands of passengers. They offer a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly interior cabins to more luxurious suites. These cruise lines feature a variety of dining options, from buffet-style meals to specialty restaurants, as well as numerous bars and lounges.

Entertainment is a key feature of mass-market cruises, with options like Broadway-style shows, live music, comedy acts, and activities like rock climbing walls, water slides, and mini golf. It's all about giving a broad range of passengers lots to do.

Martini Bar

Premium Cruise Lines

Celebrity • cunard • disney • holland america • princess • virgin voyages.

Premium cruise lines, such as Holland America, Cunard, Disney, Princess, Celebrity, and Virgin Voyages, offer a step up in terms of accommodations, food, and service compared to mass-market cruise lines. They are designed for passengers looking for a more refined and sophisticated cruising experience, but still at an accessible price point.

The ships tend to be slightly smaller than those of mass market lines, and the focus is on a more upscale, intimate experience. Accommodations are more spacious and well-appointed, and dining options often include upscale fare and more inclusive offerings. The onboard entertainment is also typically more sophisticated, featuring guest lecturers, cooking demonstrations, and live music.

Premium lines often feature itineraries that are slightly more exotic or unique than those offered by mass-market lines, appealing to more experienced travelers looking for something different.

Viking Ocean's Explorer Lounge

Entry-Luxury Cruise Lines

Azamara • cunard  • oceania • viking ocean • windstar.

Entry-luxury cruise lines, like Azamara, Oceania, and Viking Ocean, provide an even higher level of cuisine, service, amenities, and personal attention. They are designed for discerning travelers who value a more luxurious and inclusive cruising experience, but who may not be ready to commit to the price point of the ultra-luxury lines.

These cruise lines typically operate smaller ships, allowing for a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere. The passenger-to-crew ratio is generally lower, meaning more attentive service. Dining is a highlight, often featuring gourmet, destination-focused cuisine, and all-inclusive fare.

Entry-luxury cruise lines also offer more in-depth itineraries, with longer stays in ports and more overnight visits, allowing passengers to explore destinations more fully.

Ritz-Carelton Yacht Collection

Ultra-Luxury Cruise Lines

Crystal • explora journey • regent seven seas • ritz-carlton yacht • seabourn • silverseas.

Ultra-luxury cruise lines, like Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Silversea, Crystal Cruise Lines,  Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, and Explora Journey represent the pinnacle of luxury cruising. These lines are designed for the most discerning passengers who expect the highest level of luxury and service.

The ships in this category are typically small to mid-size, allowing for an extremely high level of personal service. Accommodations are often suite-only, with high-end amenities and personal butler service. Dining is of the highest caliber, often designed by celebrity chefs, and includes complimentary fine wines and spirits.

Ultra-luxury cruises often include a range of all-inclusive amenities, such as shore excursions, gratuities, and even airfare in the cruise fare. Itineraries are often unique and exotic, with a focus on immersive, destination-focused experiences.

As you move up from mass-market to ultra-luxury, you can expect an increase in price and the level of luxury and inclusivity, and a corresponding increase in price. The choice between these types of cruises ultimately depends on your personal preferences, budget, and what you hope to get out of your cruise experience.

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I've been on 2 ultra-luxury cruise ships — endless caviar and free flights make the $685 per day worth it

• The cruise industry's  new ultra-luxury ships  could be worth the expensive fares.
• Wealthy cruisers get high-end amenities like complimentary flights, caviar, and wine.
• Luxury small-ship cruising has becoming increasingly popular. 

Say goodbye to questionable lunch buffets and tiny, windowless cabins. On ultra-luxury cruises , travelers get mountains of caviar, roundtrip business-class flights, and floating Rolex stores.

When you think of a cruise, you might picture the giant ships run by companies like Royal Caribbean and Norwegian. On these family-friendly floating resorts, activities like go-kart tracks, waterparks, and virtual reality arcades are commonplace.

On smaller, more expensive cruises, these large and loud amenities are replaced with peace, quiet, and foie gras.

Cruises are generally considered an affordable vacation option, with necessities like food and a cabin included in the base fare.

However, many mass-market cruise companies are increasingly following the budget airline model : Charge a cheap fare and pile up plenty of irresistible pay-to-play amenities.

Travelers could easily accidentally blow past their budget by the end of the vacation.

But guests luxuriate on high-end cruises, many of which are all-inclusive and don't have this problem.

Sure, luxury cruises have a higher base fare. But you'll never have to reach for your wallet once on board.

That's about as stress-free as you can get with a vacation.

"I'd rather have a few empty beds and get the right guests at the right price," Michael Ungerer, CEO of MSC Group's new luxury cruise line , Explora Journeys, told Business Insider in 2023. "Most of [the amenities] are already included, so we don't have to upsell."

After going on two luxury cruise ships, I now understand why so many wealthy travelers are splurging on these vacations at sea.

In 2023, I spent one night on Explora Journeys' Explora I while it was docked in New York and three nights on Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Grandeur while it sailed roundtrip from Miami. Both were complimentary non-revenue events for travel agents and media.

Seven Seas Grandeur's least expensive 2024 cruise is a seven-night roundtrip Miami voyage in December, starting at $4,800 per person — about $685 per day. (Travelers can book their own flights and pre-cruise hotels for a discounted fare.)

Meanwhile, Explora I's most affordable itinerary is a $3,030-per-person, 10-night November sailing from Barcelona to Bridgetown, Barbados.

Expensive? Yes. But on a cruise, money buys happiness.

On both ships, the fare includes complimentary bottles of Champagne, WiFi, endless alcoholic beverages, and access to the spa.

With Regent Seven Seas, pre-cruise hotels, every on board restaurant, flights to and from the ship (business class if international), and most excursions are also included.

Ironically, a higher price means a smaller ship.

The 922-guest Explora I stands at 813 feet and 63,900 gross-tons. The 746-guest Seven Seas Grandeur is smaller at 735 feet-long and 55,000 gross-tons.

To compare, Royal Caribbean's most popular and the world's largest cruise ship, the 7,600-guest Icon of the Seas , is a casual 1,196 feet long and 248,663 gross tons.

We’ll likely never see Icon of the Seas’ waterslides and theme park amenities across Regent Seven Seas' or Explora’s fleet.

But small ships have two big benefits: exclusivity and the ability to fit in more desirable ports.

The Grandeur is scheduled to sail to destinations like Oranjestad, Aruba, and Castries, Saint Lucia, while Explora I is planned for Hawaii and Casablanca, Morocco.

Icon of the Seas is exclusively sailing in the Caribbean this year.

Luxury ships still have some traditional amenities like pools, restaurants, and bars — just with an upscale flair, of course.

Instead of arcades, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have cigar lounges.

Instead of a kid's playground, the latter has a quiet library.

Even the drinking water is better: No need to travel to Erewhon to sip on crystal-infused water. Just head to Explora I's spa instead.

The devil (quiet references to quiet luxury) is in the ships’ details.

Explora I has the first Rolex store at sea. The Cartier boutique is right next door.

Up a few decks, travelers can workout at the Technogym Artis Line-supplied gym, where a treadmill costs $20,250 and an elliptical $15,500.

Meanwhile, Seven Seas Grandeur is decorated with 503 chandeliers and a $6 million art collection that includes several original Pablo Picasso pieces and a custom Fabergé egg.

As expected, the food on these luxury ships are comparable to Michelin-starred restaurants.

Both floating five-star resorts have lunch buffets of raw seafood, lobster tails, and crab legs.

For dinner on the Explora I, travelers can dine on the six restaurants' wagyu tataki, grilled octopus, and aged prime rib with potatoes and caviar.

The Seven Seas Grandeur's five restaurants all serve some form of black truffle, sturgeon caviar, or foie gras.

For a 10-night cruise, Regent Seven Seas says its new ship carries 1,200 pounds of lobster, 20 pounds of caviar, and 5,000 bottles of wine — the most pricey at $2,500.

Expensive food means expensive service: Like many high-end on-land restaurants, the hostess always offered me a black napkin when I wore dark pants.

Dinners of steak tartare, lobster, and wine were as commonplace as the scrambled eggs at the breakfast buffet.

And, they're free, according to the laws of " girl math ."

By the end of my second night on the Regent Seven Seas ship, "I'm tired of eating caviar" went from being a joke to a serious statement.

If we're stereotyping, cruise ship bars can be less-than-luxe.

But don't call Explora I's Lobby Bar, which looks like it came out of an actual hotel bar, "trashy." After all, its background music comes from the overhead Steinway piano.

Starbucks outposts are becoming increasingly popular on mass-market ships.

But wealthy cruisers don't get to wake up with green siren-decorated cups of caffeine.

Instead, Explora I and Seven Seas Grandeur have their own coffee shops serving delectable espresso-based drinks and a separate afternoon tea service.

Like the lack of mediocre coffee, travelers on these fine ships will never be stuck in a tiny windowless interior cabin.

The smallest stateroom on the 461-cabin Explora I starts at 377 square-feet and flexes high-end amenities like a Dyson hairdryer.

The 373 cabins on the Seven Seas Grandeur start a bit smaller at 307 square-feet. At least it comes with L'Occitane en Provence products.

Both options have walk-in closets, floor-to-ceiling windows, and balconies. That's unheard of in the cheapest cabin on most mega-ships.

But one of the most pleasant differences between ultra-luxury and mid-tier cruises isn't in the amenities or dining.

It's the general ambiance.

Ultra-luxury ships aren't designed for cruising families with young children . The two ships didn't have cartoonish decor, loud lounges, or an unbearable number of children that could've kicked my fight-or-flight response.

Instead, the high-end vessels' common spaces were modern, mature, and relaxing.

If it seems like everyone you know has recently booked a cruise, you’d be correct.

Popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival have recently seen off-the-charts bookings.

The same applies to the industry's more niche and expensive peers — especially as travelers have increasingly splurged on luxurious vacations like small-ship cruising.

In February, Harry Sommer, president and CEO of Regent's parent company, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings , said demand for its luxury brands has been "very high."

After eating caviar and black truffles for every dinner on the Grandeur, I now understand why.

• Main content

Luxury cruise line selling world cruise suite for $1.7 million

C ruise vacations cover a range of budgets, with some bargain jaunts costing a few hundred dollars, while more upscale, longer voyages lay on more perks to justify the big expense.

But a new offering by luxury operator Regent Seven Seas Cruises raises the price tag to eye-watering levels, with a suite on an upcoming 140-day world voyage costing $1.7 million.

The cruise line is pitching this 2027 voyage as a “once-in-a-lifetime experience” on board its Seven Seas Splendor liner. Over 20 weeks, this cruise ship will visit 71 ports, including stopovers in Bali, Sydney and Mumbai.

Andrea DeMarco, president of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, told CNN Travel the cruise line has seen a “fantastic response” since announcing the voyage earlier this week, and that there’s been “strong interest” among prospective passengers in the $1.7 million Regent Suite.

Whatever room guests opt for, there are steep costs involved, with the most affordable room on board starting at $91,499 per guest. Meanwhile, the 4,443 square feet Regent Suite is designed for two people, so that high price tag works out as $839,999 per guest.

Prospective passengers willing to splash that kind of cash get what DeMarco calls a “palatial” apartment in which to ride out the world cruise – think original Picasso art on the wall, 14th-deck ocean views and a grand piano.

The heady price also includes first class air tickets for cruise-associated domestic US flights, and business class tickets for all international flights. Plus, Regent Suite guests have access to a variety of perks including a personal tour guide at each destination, in-suite spa services, an on-call butler and personalized stationery for writing dispatches home.

The two-bedroom suite is also kitted out with a vast living room, three walk-in closets and an in-suite spa with a sauna, steam room and jetted tub.

Regent Seven Seas’ 2027 world cruise officially opens for reservations on April 10, 2024, but prospective guests have been able to preregister since Wednesday.

Onboard decadence

Whether guests opt for the Regent Suite or not, prospective Regent Seven Seas Cruises travelers should expect onboard decadence.

The Seven Seas Splendor ship hosts an art collection worth $5 million, including two works by Joan Miró, the aforementioned Picasso hanging in the Regent Suite, and another Picasso adorning the walls of the onboard steakhouse.

Speaking of food, the cruise line’s pledged to carry 13,000 pounds of lobster, 14,000 pounds of filet mignon, 3,600 pounds of smoked salmon, 150 pounds pounds of caviar and 14,000 bottles of champagne for its 2027 world cruise.

Flights, excursions and alcohol are included in all ticket prices. And every suite has a private balcony for travelers to enjoy.

Popularity of world cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises, a subsidiary of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, is one of several cruise lines that operate annual around-the-world cruises. Every world cruise comes with a pretty steep price tag, with Regent Seven Seas’ offerings at the priciest end of the spectrum.

Cruise line president DeMarco told CNN Travel that the fact Regent Seven Seas’ world cruise is “truly all-inclusive” means there’s “value” associated with these high costs.

The cruise line is currently operating a sold-out 2024 world cruise on board its Seven Seas Mariner cruise ship, while its 2025 world cruise also sold out in what Regent Seven Seas’ claimed was “record time .” The cruise line’s 2026 world voyage still has suites available at time of writing.

Regent Seven Seas’ announcement comes at a time of high interest in world cruises. Royal Caribbean’s Ultimate World Cruise, currently circumnavigating the world’s oceans, unexpectedly captured the internet’s imagination earlier this year , with passengers on board documenting their experience via viral TikTok videos.

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LATTE chats with Andrea Kunse, Director S&M, Europe, Australia, South Africa

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Riverside Luxury Cruises is looking to generate more noise in the Australian market, with two senior executives from the line plotting a visit to Australian shores in the coming months, LATTE can exclusively reveal.

Speaking with LATTE at Serandipians’ recent Essence of Luxury Travel conference in Marbella, Andrea Kunze, Director of Sales & Marketing, Europe with Riverside Luxury Cruises foreshadowed a visit Down Under was in the pipeline. Beyond Europe, Kunse’s remit includes Australia and South Africa.

While the US and European markets are the major source markets for Riverside, the brand is taking the Australian market seriously and sees the potential.

Subscribe to LATTE Cruise’s free eNewsletter to keep up to date with everything in the luxury cruise space.

“Most of our guests in our first season were English, German, American and Spanish,” Kunse said. “But the Australian market is coming. We want to be prepared.”

She said a handful of agencies in Australia were actively promoting Riverside Luxury Cruises’ offering in the market, including Savenio and Luxury Escapes.

Kunse, who had previously worked at TUI Cruises for over 8 years, the bulk of which as Head of Sales, Travel Agencies, told LATTE she was intent on visiting Australia on a sales mission in the “coming weeks”, likely alongside US-based counterpart, Jennifer Halboth, CEO Riverside Collection, Americas . A potential sales mission would encompass Australian east coast capitals.

Riverside’s parent company, the Spanish hospitality group Seaside Collection, acquired the vessels of Crystal River Cruises in 2022 and 2023 – the 160-passenger Crystal Mozart , 110-passenger  Crystal Bach and  Crystal Mahler,  106-passenger  Crystal Debussy  and 84-passenger  Crystal Ravel.

The start-up river cruise line launched operation last spring initially with  Riverside Mozart and Riverside Ravel on the Danube and Rhone. Last month, Riverside Debussy was christened by Emmy Award-winning host, producer and travel expert, Alle Pierce, before her inaugural sailing with Riverside Luxury Cruises on 23 March.

Riverside Luxury Cruises offers a selection of 3-, 4-, 5-, 6-, 7-, 10-, 11-, 14- and 21-night itineraries. Munze says the shorter three- and four-night sailings have been popular with the German markets seeking a long weekend sailing.

The two other vessels in Riverside Luxury Cruises’ fleet have been chartered by Uniworld, via Seaside Collection. Crystal Bach  and  Crystal Mahler will operate as Uniworld’s two new Super Ships in Europe, S.S. Victoria  and  S.S. Elisabeth , respectively, in Europe for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.

Riverside Luxury Cruises is a member of the global luxury travel community, Serandipians.

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• Passenger capacity of luxury cruise brands worldwide 2022

In 2022, Celebrity Cruises - a luxury brand owned by Royal Caribbean Cruises - reported the highest passenger capacity among the selected cruise brands. That year, the combined passenger capacity of Celebrity Cruises' vessels was approximately 32.5 thousand. Comparatively, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises - a joint venture of Royal Caribbean and TUI - recorded the lowest figure, with a passenger capacity of 1,590. In 2022, Celebrity Cruises also had the highest number of ships among the selected global luxury cruise brands, ahead of Ponant and Silversea Cruises.

Passenger capacity of selected luxury cruise brands worldwide in 2022

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For the purpose of the statistics, figures have been compiled from the following sources: Seabourn, Cunard: Carnival Corporation Form 10K 2022 Celebrity Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Form 10-K 2022 Oceania Cruises: nclhltd.com . Regent Seven Seas Cruises: nclhltd.com Ponant: Ponant Sustainable Development Report 2022 Viking: vikingcruises.com Azamara: Azamara 2023-2024 Destination Guide

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Moscow Excursion

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HistoricRoswell

Has anyone ever purchased the Moscow excursion on the 2 day Saint Petersburg port of call. Would love to see if anyone thought it was worth it. I would really like to do it.

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17 minutes ago, HistoricRoswell said: Has anyone ever purchased the Moscow excursion on the 2 day Saint Petersburg port of call. Would love to see if anyone thought it was worth it. I would really like to do it.

There is another thread on the topic you might want to check out.

Aus Traveller

I suggest you spend the two days in St Petersburg rather than taking the tour to Moscow. There is so much to see in St Petersburg that two days are hardly enough. It is a very long drive to Moscow and you would not have much time in the city - not enough to see even the highlights.

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