Drawing on the expertise of over 300 professional travel advisors who specialise in cruising, Virtuoso®, the global leader in luxury and experiential travel, has found that 58% of respondents believe that cruising will emerge as the biggest tourism sector in 2024-2025. With the luxury market predicted to be the second strongest in terms of demand, we highlight here five cruise brands that go the extra knot when it comes to style and sophistication.
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
Australian-based Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours operates a fleet of 15 generously proportioned river ships that sail in five-star luxury in Europe and South East Asia. In 2019, the company launched its first ultra-luxury ocean going ship – and the world’s first discovery yacht – the 228-guest Scenic Eclipse, and in 2023 launched its second yacht, Scenic Eclipse II. With an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio and private butler service, guests receive an extraordinary level of personalised service. Flights, transfers, fine dining experiences, premium branded beverages and once in-a-lifetime immersive experiences are included in the price of all cruises, meaning guests can relax, knowing everything is taken care of.
Silversea is recognised as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels. With the inclusion of its four expedition ships, the brand’s itineraries now encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galápagos, both Polar Regions and over 700 fascinating destinations in between. Silversea’s Nova Class – comprising Silver Nova and Silver Ray (the latter launched in May 2024) – marks a new take on luxury at sea, thanks to the ships’ asymmetrical design and 4,000 square metres of exterior glass, as well as their eco-friendly credentials.
Regent Seven Seas
Regent Seven Seas’ spacious and stylish ships explore more than 550 immersive destinations globally. Guests enjoy sumptuous all-suite accommodations, which are among the largest at sea, as well as highly personalised service throughout the lavish public areas and expansive outdoor spaces. Unique to Regent Seven Seas Cruises, unlimited complimentary shore excursions are available in every port. The newest addition to the family, Seven Seas Grandeur, offers unrivalled space, a breathtaking 412 square metre Regent Suite and transformative dining experiences. The ship is also home to a 1600-piece art collection, the pièce de résistance of which is the first Fabergé egg to permanently reside at sea.
Seabourn
Seabourn pioneered small-ship, ultra-luxury cruising, and continues to represent the pinnacle of high-end ocean and expedition travel. The brand’s seven all-inclusive, boutique ships – including its two latest purpose-built expedition ships, Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit – offer all-suite accommodations with oceanfront views; award-winning dining; renowned service provided by an industry-leading crew and an extraordinary array of offerings and programmes. Seabourn takes travellers to every continent on the globe, visiting more than 400 ports including lesser-known hideaways.
SeaDream Yacht Club
Established in 2001, SeaDream Yacht Club launched with twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, both designed to visit the most intimate ports, harbours and yachting playgrounds that larger ships cannot reach. All guest rooms have an ocean view, and the experience is fully inclusive. SeaDream Yacht Club also supplements guests’ holistic wellness lifestyles, offering both the first and largest plant-based food menu and the only Thai-certified spa at sea. From May through October, the vessels sail the Mediterranean Sea and from November through April, they visit the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. All itineraries significantly reduce fuel consumption and emissions compared to traditional cruises.
