Sunday, April 21, 2024

The 18 best small cruise ships sailing the world

small luxury cruise lines

Its first "super yacht", Emerald Azzurra, has 50 cabins and suites; 88 percent with balconies or terraces. Passengers can relax on the sun deck and take a dip in the infinity-style pool or head to the marina platform to enjoy various water sports. Australian river cruise and tour company Scenic made its ocean cruising debut with the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse offering all-inclusive itineraries to destinations including Antarctica, the Arctic, South America and the Baltic.

Shoreside

The ship combines all the trappings of luxury with the thrill of expedition sailing. Standout features include two onboard helicopters and a submarine, Scenic Neptune, which can carry six passengers and dive to a depth of nearly 1,000 feet. What’s more authentic—and sustainable—than setting sail on a tall ship where the sails are hoisted up each day by hand? Although not technically new (it was launched in 2021), the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit and its two sister ships, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II, are upping their game in a push to introduce Sea Cloud Cruises’ unique product to North American travelers.

These Are the Best Cruise Lines for Adults in 2024 Condé Nast Traveler - Condé Nast Traveler

These Are the Best Cruise Lines for Adults in 2024 Condé Nast Traveler.

Posted: Wed, 28 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

No. 4: Seabourn Encore - Seabourn Cruise Line

Small Cruise Ships Are Taking A Big Lead On Sustainability. Here's How - Forbes

Small Cruise Ships Are Taking A Big Lead On Sustainability. Here's How.

Posted: Sat, 09 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

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. Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry since 1994. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created Your Cruise Coach and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian and American travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets.

Destination

The German company has traditionally catered to German and British passengers. As part of its effort to expand its reach and appeal, Sea Cloud is adding wellness programs with daily onboard yoga and guest fitness gurus, in addition to special food- and wine-focused sailings with well-known chefs making appearances. The first of its kind to join the Crystal Cruises' fleet, the 62-passenger Crystal Esprit is a luxury yacht with multiple restaurants offering top-notch cuisine, a gym, a spa and an expansive sun deck with a plunge pool and lounge. Its superb crew is consistent with the line's reputation for attention to passengers and detail.

The vessel carries just 227 guests with luxurious accommodations and modern amenities like three swimming pools, relaxed dining and a marina platform for water sports. Viking Star was Viking’s first oceangoing vessel and remains one of the world’s best small ships. While you won’t find casinos or amenities for young children, you will find a Nordic spa with a “snow grotto” at sea, several dining options, and onboard extras like free Wi-Fi and complimentary wine and beer at mealtime. Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year.

Expedition cruising with Silversea means you'll visit a good mix of mainstream and less-crowded destinations (Galapagos, Polynesia, Micronesia and more) throughout the world's seven continents. Itineraries include complimentary shore excursions, such as Zodiac tours, nature hikes with certified guides, snorkelling and kayaking. Like any good expedition ship, Ocean Victory has one lounge dedicated to lectures with large flat screens to view presentations. You'll find an ocean-view fitness center, a small spa and an outdoor pool with two hot tubs. Not just a pretty ship, Seabourn Venture is tough, built to PC6 Polar Class standards for a focus on expedition cruising in the polar regions.

Seabourn's Ultra-Luxury Cruise Ships

This intimacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space, and freedom to immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination - in ways you may never have imagined possible. You’ve got a city in mind and you’re searching for the best Labor Day sale on a cruise that will take you there! Lauderdale, or if you’d like to fly to an exciting city around the world and spend time there before embarking on a cruise ship, we have some tips on what to look for when choosing your cruise deal. On World Vegetarian Day, we wanted to delve into the world of vegetarian and vegan dining onboard Azamara Cruises.

Ships & On Shore

Windstar cruises offer great value fares for experiencing the charm of small cruise ships Mediterranean style, but note that drinks and gratuities are not included.. Spaces inside are contemporary, and the ship is easily one of the best expedition options for adventurous luxury travelers. Every suite has its own balcony and separate lounge area, and you can expect fine-dining quality meals at spots like the Chef's Table.

EARTH & OCEAN

As the number of adventure-focused ships and yachts has exploded in recent years, these cruises are no longer just about extreme voyages in polar regions. They are also about offering a deeper look into the culture, food, history, and environmental fragility of remote wonders of the world. Designed after the tall ship Preussen, the Royal Clipper is the world’s largest full-rigged sailing ship, complete with 42 sails.

Here, you can explore the charming town of Taormina or visit the ancient Greek ruins at the Valley of the Temples. Overall, small cruise ships Mediterranean offer a more personalized and luxurious experience. A small cruise ship might be the perfect fit if you’re looking for an intimate and elegant adventure. These ships are designed to provide a refined and sophisticated experience. You’ll find elegant decor, stylish furnishings, and high-end finishes throughout the ship. No. 3 Australis moved up two spots this year, which is perhaps an indicator of readers’ eagerness to see Tierra del Fuego up close.

It is packed with onboard amenities including a small spa, fitness center, library and even an infinity pool (which lies at the back of the top deck next to an open-air bar). Viking also is going small and upscale with a new cruise vessel for the Mekong River in Southeast Asia. The river ship also has a swanky sun deck where you can kick back on shaded loungers while enjoying 360-degree views of the ancient Egyptian temples that line the waterway. The views are almost as grand from its main restaurant, which sits high on the ship and features floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Welcoming a maximum of 228 passengers, the ‘six star’ yachts are all about embracing the finer side of life, with all-inclusive dining, drinks and wellness treatments, together with butler service for all guests. One of our favourite features -- available on each of Windstar's vessels -- is the water sports platform, with its range of complimentary activities  such as snorkelling, wind-sailing, paddle-boarding and even water skiing).

small luxury cruise lines

Essentials include comfortable footwear, a light jacket, and sunscreen. Weather can swiftly change, and being prepared for sudden shifts is wise. The bustling peak cruising season unfolds between June and August, boasting warm, sun-drenched weather.

The first ocean cruising vessel for Australian company Scenic, Scenic Eclipse offers the experience of a luxury yacht as opposed to an oversized cruise ship. It’s a ship with super luxury features like two helicopters and a submarine on board, plus eight restaurants and modern suites. Another newcomer to luxury small-ship cruising is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which debuts its second ship, the Ilma, this year. With 224 suites, the ship is larger than the original Ritz-Carlton yacht, the 149-suite Evrima, which launched in October 2022. On the Ilma, all the suites will have private terraces, including a two-story suite with soaking tub; the coveted, 1,000-square-foot owner’s suite has a private outdoor whirlpool.

The vessel also carries kayaks, paddleboards and snorkeling equipment for watery adventure; diving is an option. River cruise giant Viking is calling its new river ship the most upscale cruise vessel on the Nile, and from what we've seen of it so far, it's a boast that's hard to dispute. Designed to hold just 82 passengers, Viking Osiris features an entire deck of sprawling suites with two full-size rooms apiece; two suites even have stunning glass walls that wrap around the front of the vessel.

All 300 suites have balconies that are perfect for enjoying breakfast, drinks or dinner alfresco. 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). 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). 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. 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.

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