As we wind up our series on Choosing the Best Cruise for You, we will cover some of the Luxury lines. Several cruise lines vie for the reputation as the most luxurious cruise line, including Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Silver Sea, and Seabourn.

Regent Seven Seas Explorer is known for its all-inclusive pricing, which covers everything from business-class airfare to fine dining, entertainment, and unlimited internet access, as well as gratuities and pre-cruise hotel stays. Their ships offer spacious, all-suite accommodations, many with private balconies, and a high passenger-to-crew ratio, ensuring personalized service. They are owned by parent company Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, which also owns Oceania Cruises, another upscale line that appeals to foodies.

The average age of a Regent Seven Seas passenger is 60 to 75 years old.  Most of its passengers are retired and enjoy luxury. Though on some itineraries, you will find active working people who skew a bit younger. However, cruise itineraries on Regent tend to be longer voyages since its retired passengers have more time and net worth to enable them to travel longer and farther. 

Rich and I sailed on the Regent several years ago to Alaska. We appreciated that it was all-inclusive, offered great service, fine dining, and the smaller size of the ship allowed us to get very close to Hubbard Glacier, which is a phenomenal natural wonder to behold of gargantuan ice over 76 miles long and over 2,000 feet deep in parts. Interestingly, despite global warming, Hubbard Glacier is advancing and not retreating, at a rate of about 80 feet per year since 1895.

Silverseas is Royal Caribbean Group’s luxury offering, which includes amenities like gratuities, butler service, premium beverages, and a wide range of dining experiences. Their fares also cover a variety of extras like unlimited Wi-Fi and select shore excursions, offering a comprehensive and personalized travel experience. 

Seabourn is Carnival Cruise Lines upscale offering. The company's five ships welcome 458 or 600 guests and offer a variety of luxurious amenities. Seabourn features ocean-front suites and personalized service. They also include complimentary premium spirits and wines, caviar, and world-class dining, along with curated voyages to diverse destinations, including expedition cruises.  They offer a luxury experience in remote areas, utilizing purpose-built ships equipped for Polar Class environments, Zodiac boats, and guided excursions. 

The newest major entry into the luxury cruise market is Explora Journeys, a brand launched by the MSC Group in 2023. Their first ship, Explora I debuted in July 2023 sailing in Northern Europe. Explora Journeys is known for its focus on luxury and offers a more exclusive experience compared to some other major cruise lines.  Explora features ocean-front suites, impeccable design, and a curated collection of elevated culinary, wellness and entertainment experiences. What’s not included are shore excursions or as Explora calls them ‘destination experiences.’  These must be booked separately.

Ritz Carlton entered the luxury cruising market in 2019, with its first ship, Evrima, launching in October 2022. The Evrima has 149 cabins and accommodates 298 passengers. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection distinguishes itself with its focus on all-inclusive luxury, small-ship intimacy, and personalized service, offering a unique blend of yachting and The Ritz-Carlton's renowned hospitality. They cater to discerning travelers seeking a bespoke experience with curated itineraries, gourmet dining, and immersive entertainment. The average age of its passenger is mid-50s, who rave about the comfort of the Mattermoll beds with their Frette bedding and robes.

Bon voyage and happy cruising!