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There are almost always opportunities to level up for a price, like opting for a bigger suite, super premium beverages, a more exciting shore excursion or an extra dining venue that comes with a fee. Skipping those extras, however, is not likely to leave you feeling like you’ve missed out on anything. On a luxury Mediterranean cruise, port calls tend to be longer or even offer overnight stays, making it possible to sightsee all day and into the evening. This flexibility is a luxury in itself -- most mainstream lines provide only a few hours in each port of call, with tight turnaround times for tours and rarely a chance to experience dinner or nightlife on shore. For some, exceptional service, world class comforts and exclusive access represent ultimate luxury.
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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. Overall, Atlas has found a way to seamlessly meld swank and leisure, making it one of our favorite luxury cruise lines. The ship is notable for its many dining venues, including a restaurant by Thomas Keller(the famed chef known for his restaurants Per Se in New York and The French Laundry in Napa Valley). You'll also find a sushi venue, new and upscale alfresco dinner option on the pool deck, plus the main restaurant and buffet/casual dining venue. As with all Seabourn ships, Champagne and caviar are available, gratis, at all times and in any spot onboard. And if you love balconies, the suites on Regent Seven Seas Splendor are some of the largest afloat, ranging from 83 to 1,292 square feet.
Oceania Cruises
Virgin Voyages is another possibility for creating your own luxury Mediterranean cruise, especially for those who aren’t into the traditional cruise vibe. The line is known for its "non-cruisey" cruise, and that applies to its suites as well. Mega Rock Star Suites (yes, that’s what they are really called) get you early access via a VIP entrance, a members’ only outdoor lounge area and bottomless beverages. Many people choose a luxury Mediterranean cruise even when they typically opt for mainstream cruising elsewhere. It can feel like a once in a lifetime kind of trip that calls for a step up to a more luxurious way of cruising, where the nickel-and-diming is non-existent or minimal and the port immersion is deeper. The ship's crew is there to make sure you have the best holiday cruise.
Best Luxury Cruise Overall: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima
Ponant's luxurious small ships sail to remote destinations like Antarctica, incorporating once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as eclipse spotting from the edge of the earth. The company also partners with Smithsonian and Disney on certain sailings. The only things you’ll pay extra for on these ships are select specialty dining, high-end shore tours and spa treatments.
The 10 Most Luxurious Cruises You Can Take Around the World - Veranda
The 10 Most Luxurious Cruises You Can Take Around the World.
Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
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. The Ritz-Carlton has built a brand on its premier white-glove service on land, which now extends to sea following the launch of its Yacht Collection late last year. Its 298-passenger ship, Evrima, marries a yacht-like experience with access to even more amenities (six restaurants, four pools, suite-style sea-facing cabins, salon, spa, fitness center and more).
Seabourn — 79.6%
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.
The cruise line equivalent of glamping, National Geographic Expeditions gives you the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of nature without skimping on comfort. Choose from more than 90 itineraries that let you visit some of the most remote destinations in the world and focus on everything from photography and history to marine biology and conservation. Cunard has been sailing for more than 180 years, and you could say they’ve perfected it. Food options include gourmet specialties, quick-serve bites and 24-hour room service, so you and your family can eat anytime you're hungry. Parents can even book a romantic dinner while the kids have fun at one of the supervised youth clubs.
What to Expect on a Luxury Cruise to the Mediterranean
Traveler Editors' Favorite Cruise Ships in the World: Gold List 2024 - Condé Nast Traveler
Traveler Editors' Favorite Cruise Ships in the World: Gold List 2024.
Posted: Wed, 13 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
News' luxury list last year too — despite Chairman Torstein Hagen indicating he isn't a fan of the word. Here, average daily rates accounted for 60% of scores, while expert, traveler and health ratings accounted for the other 40%. Cruise lines with average daily rates of $300 or more did not qualify for this category.
National Geographic Expeditions
The line’s nearly identical ships feature modern Scandinavian décor and even better, a truly Scandinavian thermal suite with saunas, snow rooms and a thalassotherapy pool. Oceania offers relatively longer near-luxury Mediterranean cruises, ranging from ten to 30 nights. The line is known for its add-on fare packages that often include shore excursion credit and even Wi-Fi. Seabourn Cruise Line visits the Greek Isles, sailing the Adriatic and the Aegean, and offers longer itineraries (seven to 30 days) cruising Spain, France, Italy, Greece, Turkey, Portugal and Croatia. Determined to dispel the myth that cruising is only for seniors, Richard Branson has shaken up the industry with a cruise line geared toward millennials—and the young at heart.
Families can experience Disney magic by booking a cruise through Disney Cruise Lines. With over 19 ports of departure to choose from, your family can take a Disney cruise from almost anywhere in the world. Departure cities include Barcelona, Rome, Fort Lauderdale, Sydney, New Orleans and San Diego. Enjoy a thrilling night out at the casino or a leisurely afternoon shopping in the onboard boutiques.
Our world-class dining experience brings the flavors and food of our destinations right onto your plate. Savor delicious cuisine at our main restaurants, where menus are updated daily with global dishes and tried-and-true favorites. Plan a special evening at a specialty restaurant, like Fine Cut Steakhouse, Tuscan Grille, and Le Petit Chef®. Foodies can try signature dishes by Daniel Boulud, our Global Culinary Brand Ambassador, at The Retreat’s private restaurant, Luminae, or enjoy a five-course meal at the Chef’s Table by Daniel Boulud. 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.
As you can imagine, the wine pairings are of special note there and three menus are available. I'm a writer, editor and consultant who has covered luxury travel and cruising for the last ten years. Formerly, I was an editor at Departures, Travel + Leisure, Glamour and more, and I now contribute regularly to both Forbes and Forbes Vetted.
Azamara is well known for providing a choice of guest-pleasing cruise extensions and overnights in ports. Mediterranean cruises run between five and 14 nights on ships carrying only 700 guests. Standard beer, wine and select spirits by the glass are included in the cruise fare.
For the best in-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship, Kelly Cochrane, executive chef of Regent Seven Seas Cruises tells T+L.
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