What's onThis week in the world’s cruise lines
Your trusted, one‑stop guide to cruising
The world’s cruise lines, from the big resort ships to the yachts, expedition ships and river boats: their fleets and suites, the restaurants and spas on board, what the fare includes, and where they sail. Then the cruising regions port by port, with what to see ashore and where to stay before you board. We check every listing against the line’s own website or an official source, and we leave out anything we can’t confirm.
Ultra-luxury & yachts
All-suite ships and yachts, most of the drinks included, from Regent and Silversea to Four Seasons and Aman.
Mainstream & family
The big resort ships for first-timers, families and friends: water parks, shows and private islands.
Expedition
Ice-class ships, zodiacs and naturalists for Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos and the Amazon.
River
Floating boutique hotels on the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Nile and Mekong.
Where to cruise
The cruising regions, port by port: what to see ashore, where to eat and where to stay before you board.
Plan your cruise
Getting to the ship, the private islands and the practical things to know.
In depth
Your first cruise, every budget, the suites at sea and when to go where.
ULTIMATE City Guides: Europe & beyond
Planning a longer journey? Each city in the network has its own independent guide, written with the same care and checked place by place. Here are the guides that are live, with more on the way.
SerbiaULTIMATE BelgradeWhere the Sava meets the Danube: a buzzing capital of art, classical music and famous nightlife, with a new waterfront and the mountains of Zlatibor and Kopaonik.Visit the guide HOT TOPICS · Have Your Say
The latest from our readers: visitors and locals talking about the sea, its restaurants, theatres, museums and neighbourhoods.
Every list in the guide
- The Ships229
- Suites131
- Dining at Sea262
- Spas at Sea60
- Private Islands12
- Ports75
- Ashore76
- Hotels48
- Restaurants39
- Shopping25
- Getting There27
- A&K Sanctuary Riverboats guideGuide
- AIDA Cruises guideGuide
- AmaWaterways guideGuide
- Aman at Sea guideGuide
- Aqua Expeditions guideGuide
- Atlas Ocean Voyages guideGuide
- Avalon Waterways guideGuide
- Azamara guideGuide
- Carnival Cruise Line guideGuide
- Celebrity Cruises guideGuide
- Costa Cruises guideGuide
- Crystal guideGuide
- Cunard guideGuide
- Disney Cruise Line guideGuide
- Emerald Cruises guideGuide
- Explora Journeys guideGuide
- Four Seasons Yachts guideGuide
- HX Hurtigruten Expeditions guideGuide
- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises guideGuide
- Holland America Line guideGuide
- Hurtigruten guideGuide
- Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic guideGuide
- MSC Cruises guideGuide
- Marella Cruises guideGuide
- Norwegian Cruise Line guideGuide
- Oberoi Nile Cruises guideGuide
- Oceania Cruises guideGuide
- Orient Express Sailing Yachts guideGuide
- P&O Cruises guideGuide
- Ponant guideGuide
- Princess Cruises guideGuide
- Quark Expeditions guideGuide
- Quasar Expeditions guideGuide
- Regent Seven Seas Cruises guideGuide
- The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection guideGuide
- Riverside Luxury Cruises guideGuide
- Royal Caribbean International guideGuide
- Scenic guideGuide
- SeaDream Yacht Club guideGuide
- Seabourn guideGuide
- Silversea guideGuide
- Star Clippers guideGuide
- Swan Hellenic guideGuide
- Uniworld Boutique River Cruises guideGuide
- Viking Ocean Cruises guideGuide
- Viking River Cruises guideGuide
- Virgin Voyages guideGuide
- Windstar Cruises guideGuide
- Western Mediterranean & the Rivieras guideGuide
- Greek Islands, Adriatic & Eastern Med guideGuide
- The Caribbean & the Bahamas guideGuide
- Northern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords & the Arctic guideGuide
- Alaska & the Pacific Northwest guideGuide
- Asia & the Gulf guideGuide
- The Great Rivers guideGuide
- In depth guideGuide
Who each line suits
A&K Sanctuary Riverboats
Budget: There is no budget A&K, but the cabins on Sun Boat IV or Nile Adventurer are the most accessible way in, with all meals, afternoon tea, guided excursions and entrance fees included. Mid: A suite on the new Nile Seray, with a Juliet balcony and a spa and gym on board, or one of Pure Amazon’s ten Double Suites in the Peruvian rainforest. Luxury: Charter the six-suite Zein Nile Chateau for up to 12 guests, or book a Royal Suite with private balcony on Sun Boat IV.
AIDA Cruises
Budget: The LIGHT or CLASSIC tariff on a short cruise from Hamburg: full board, selected drinks with buffet meals and tips are always included, and children under two travel at no charge. Mid: PREMIUM on AIDAcosma or AIDAnova, with all specialty restaurants included, or CLASSIC ALL IN to add the drinks package. Luxury: COMFORT ALL IN in a suite or the two-deck Loft on AIDAcosma: the fullest drinks package, an unlimited internet flat and all specialty restaurants.
AmaWaterways
Budget: First-timers can start with a seven-night Danube or Rhine sailing in a window stateroom on the lowest deck; the fare still covers every meal, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and excursions in every port. Mid: A twin-balcony stateroom, with both a French balcony and a step-out balcony, on one of the Europe ships, or a Douro sailing on a 102-guest ship through the port-wine valley. Luxury: AmaMagna’s 710 sq ft Owner’s Suite or one of its six Grand Suites on the Danube, the 502 sq ft Luxury Suite on AmaDara on the Mekong, or a suite on the new AmaNubia on the Nile.
Aman at Sea
Budget: Amangati has no budget grade, but every suite, even the smallest Deluxe Suite at 60.7 m², has a private terrace, a soaking tub and floor-to-ceiling windows. Gratuities, soft drinks, beer and Starlink Wi-Fi are in the fare. Mid: The Premier and Signature Suites (60.1–85.2 m²) on Decks 5 to 7, which can be joined to adjoining suites for two- or three-bedroom stays with family or friends. Luxury: The Grand Suite (102 m²) at the bow and the Aman Suite (354 m²) at the stern, with an in-suite massage room and a terrace whirlpool; joined to a Premier Suite, it becomes a two-bedroom residence of 416.4 m².
Aqua Expeditions
Budget: Aria Amazon, the original river ship, on a shorter Amazon voyage, or an early-booking offer. Mid: A Design Suite on Aqua Mekong or Aqua Nera, with twice-daily excursions and a celebrated chef. Luxury: The 80 m² Owner’s Suite on Aqua Mare in the Galápagos, or a whole-yacht charter of Aqua Lares in the Seychelles.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Budget: Travellers who want an expedition yacht with everything included: a Signature Collection suite with a picture window, and the line’s seasonal bonus savings. Mid: A Concierge Collection suite with a veranda or Juliet balcony, wash-and-fold laundry and priority access to onboard experiences. Luxury: The Reserve Collection: the largest suites, marble spa bathrooms, an expanded in-room dining menu and a butler.
Avalon Waterways
Budget: Every Panorama Suite is 200 sq ft with the wall-to-wall Open-Air Balcony, so even the entry suite gives you the line’s signature view; wine, beer and soft drinks with meals and up to 28 excursions are included. Mid: A Panorama Suite on a Danube or Rhine sailing, with Avalon Choice excursions mixing Classic, Discovery and Active days, and bikes and e-bikes from the Adventure Center. Luxury: A Royal Suite, which also opens onto an Open-Air Balcony; book a themed or celebrity-hosted Storyteller sailing for something out of the ordinary.
Azamara
Budget: Travellers who want a small ship and long port days without luxury prices: an inside or ocean-view stateroom, with gratuities and house wine, beer and spirits already in the fare. Mid: A veranda stateroom or Continent Suite, with butler service, in-suite dining and daily specialty dining included in the suite. Luxury: The World Owner’s, Ocean and Spa Suites, with unlimited Wi-Fi, onboard credit and an exclusive Acamar Experience dinner, or the new Panorama Suites on Azamara Quest from December 2026.
Carnival Cruise Line
Budget: A three- to five-night Bahamas or Mexico cruise on an older ship from a drive-to port: Carnival has some of the lowest fares at sea, and the main dining room, Lido buffet and Guy’s Burger Joint are included. Mid: A week on an Excel-class ship from Port Canaveral, Miami or Galveston, with a balcony, a FunPack of extras and a day at Celebration Key. Luxury: A balcony or suite on an Excel-class ship and a day at Pearl Cove Beach Club, the adults-only club at Celebration Key with its 11,000 sq ft infinity pool.
Celebrity Cruises
Budget: First-timers who want a big ship with a grown-up feel: an inside or veranda stateroom on a Solstice or Millennium Series ship, with the All Included drinks and Wi-Fi rate chosen at booking. Mid: AquaClass, with the Blu restaurant and the SEA Thermal Suite or Persian Garden, or Concierge Class on an Edge Series ship. Luxury: The Retreat: a butler, Luminae, a private sundeck and lounge, and at the top the two-bedroom Iconic Suite above the bridge or a two-storey Edge Villa with its own plunge pool. In the Galápagos, Celebrity Flora is all suites.
Costa Cruises
Budget: A Mediterranean week in an inside cabin, with children under 18 sharing with two adults paying no cruise fare on Costa’s family offer, and hotel service charges already in the UK price. Mid: A balcony on Costa Smeralda or Costa Toscana with the My Drinks package added at booking. Luxury: A suite, which includes My Drinks Plus, and an evening at Archipelago, the 12-course tasting menu by three star chefs.
Crystal
Budget: Look at the shorter sailings, such as Crystal Serenity’s four nights from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan from £1,900 per guest (crystalcruises.com, 22 Oct 2026), in a Deluxe or Premium Veranda room; the butler, drinks and tips are still included. Mid: An Aquamarine or Sapphire suite on a week in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, with one or more included reservations at Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio. Luxury: The Penthouse Suite on Crystal Serenity, with unlimited specialty dining, or, from 2028, the Crystal Owner’s Suite on Crystal Grace with its own hot tub on a vast aft terrace.
Cunard
Budget: First-timers who love the idea of an ocean liner: a Britannia stateroom on a short break from Southampton or a Transatlantic Crossing, dining in the Britannia Restaurant included. Mid: Britannia Club Balcony staterooms, with their own Britannia Club Restaurant, and a Cunard Signature Package for drinks, Wi-Fi and alternative dining credit. Luxury: The Grill Suites: priority embarkation, a dedicated concierge, the Princess Grill or Queens Grill restaurant and, in Queens Grill Suites, a butler; on Queen Mary 2, the Duplex Suites.
Disney Cruise Line
Budget: A three- or four-night Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral with a day at Castaway Cay, in an inside stateroom: the restaurants, shows and kids’ clubs are in the fare. Mid: A five- to seven-night cruise on a Wish-class ship with a verandah, dinner at Palo and a day at Lookout Cay. Luxury: Concierge staterooms and suites, with priority boarding, a private lounge and sundeck and a dedicated Concierge team.
Emerald Cruises
Budget: Good value for a first river cruise: a picture-window Stateroom on a Star-Ship still comes with ESPA toiletries, Wi-Fi, wine, draught beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, transfers and gratuities. Selected ships have cabins built for solo travellers. Mid: A Panorama Balcony Suite with the all-weather balcony system, whose floor-to-ceiling window lowers at the touch of a button, or a Balcony Suite on one of the yachts. Luxury: An Owner’s One-Bedroom Suite with a separate living room on a Star-Ship, or the largest yacht suites, on the Pool Deck, of 108–130 m² including a private terrace.
Explora Journeys
Budget: An Ocean Suite (35–39 m²) on a short Mediterranean journey is the way in; drinks, Wi-Fi, the spa’s thermal area and nine culinary experiences are already in the fare. Mid: An Ocean Penthouse (43–69 m²) for more space, early dining reservations and laundry, perhaps on a family journey with the Nautilus Club for children aged 6 to 17. Luxury: An Ocean Residence (65–149 m²) with ground transfers and a Residence Host, or the 280 m² Owner’s Residence across the full width of the aft, with its own infinity whirlpool.
Four Seasons Yachts
Budget: There is no budget way aboard, but there are shorter ways: three-night Lesser Antilles voyages from $12,200 per suite for up to two adults and an infant (Nov 2026), and the Seaview Suites at 44 m². Breakfast, Wi-Fi, marina water sports and the children’s club are in the fare; lunch, dinner and drinks are à la carte, so you spend as you choose. Mid: The Superior Seaview (66 m²) and Ocean Suites (71 m²), with dining tables and larger terraces; the Studio versions add a connecting room for children or a travelling companion, priced per suite rather than per person. Luxury: The six Signature Suites, from the two-bedroom Saint Barths Suite to the three-bedroom Loft Suite with its own sauna and steam room, each with a private splash pool, and the four-level Funnel Suite at the top of the yacht.
HX Hurtigruten Expeditions
Budget: A Polar Inside cabin on MS Fram or MS Spitsbergen, or a Norway winter voyage when HX runs flight offers. Mid: An Arctic Superior cabin on a hybrid ship, with daily excursions, drinks and gratuities already included. Luxury: An Expedition Suite with a hot tub on Roald Amundsen or Fridtjof Nansen in Antarctica, with every meal at Lindstrøm.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
Budget: A HANSEATIC outside cabin (22 m²) or panoramic cabin (21 m²) on a shorter expedition in European waters: the same Zodiacs, experts and 230-guest ship as the suites, with a soft-drinks minibar included. Mid: A 35 m² Veranda or Ocean Suite on EUROPA 2, where seven restaurants come at no extra charge and English is an official on-board language, or a Balcony cabin on an expedition ship. Luxury: The 114 m² Owner’s Suite on EUROPA 2, or the 85 m² Penthouse Grand Suite above EUROPA’s bridge, with butler service, its own Finnish sauna and priority at THE GLOBE by Kevin Fehling.
Holland America Line
Budget: First-timers and older travellers who like a traditional, unhurried ship: an interior or ocean-view stateroom on a Vista or R Class ship, with 24-hour room service included. Mid: A verandah stateroom with the Have It All package (from £60–65 per person per day, hollandamerica.com, Oct 2026) for drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, shore-excursion credit and crew appreciation. Luxury: The Neptune Suites with concierge, the new 900 sq ft Bridgeview Suites, or the 1,290 sq ft Pinnacle Suite on the Pinnacle Class ships.
Hurtigruten
Budget: A Polar Inside cabin on an Original voyage, or a short port-to-port section of the coast. Mid: An Arctic Superior cabin on the full 12-day Coastal Express, adding the Kysten dining upgrade. Luxury: An Expedition Suite on an all-inclusive Signature voyage on MS Trollfjord or MS Midnatsol, with Røst included.
Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic
Budget: First-timers on a shorter voyage aboard one of the 100-guest coastal ships, watching Lindblad’s family, solo and back-to-back offers. Mid: A cabin on National Geographic Explorer in the Arctic or Antarctica, with drinks and crew gratuities already in the fare. Luxury: A category 6 or 7 suite on Endurance or Resolution deep in the polar regions, or the Islander Suite in the Galápagos.
MSC Cruises
Budget: A Mediterranean week from a European port or a short Bahamas cruise via Ocean Cay: MSC’s kids’ club activities are included and UK fares already include service charges. Mid: A balcony on a World Class or Meraviglia-class ship, with a drinks package booked online before you sail. Luxury: The MSC Yacht Club: suites with round-the-clock butler service, an all-inclusive offer and private venues, and the Grand Hamptons Villa on MSC World Atlantic.
Marella Cruises
Budget: A seven-night Canaries sailing in winter: Marella published fares from £879pp for November 2026 to April 2027 (tui.co.uk, Oct 2026), with drinks and tips in the price. Mid: A week in the Mediterranean on Marella Voyager, the fleet’s biggest choice of restaurants, in a balcony cabin with a hammock. Luxury: Marella Explorer and its Dining Club fine-dining experience and the fleet’s biggest spa, or a 14-night Caribbean fly-cruise.
Norwegian Cruise Line
Budget: An inside or Studio cabin for solo travellers on an older ship such as Norwegian Gem or Jewel, eating in the complimentary restaurants and buffet. Mid: A balcony on a Prima-class ship with the line’s package offer, which bundles a drinks package, specialty dinners, Wi-Fi and excursion credit. Luxury: The Haven: a keycard-only enclave with its own restaurant, lounge, sundeck and a 24-hour butler, with Garden Villas of up to 454 m² on some ships.
Oberoi Nile Cruises
Budget: A Luxury Cabin on a short two-night cruise is the gentlest way into Oberoi’s Nile: the same pool, spa, restaurants and guided temple visits as every suite. Mid: A Luxury Suite on The Oberoi Philae, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a living room and a standalone bathtub, on a three- or four-night cruise. Luxury: A Luxury Suite with a private terrace and heated whirlpool on either cruiser, or the Zahra’s two-bedroom suite with its own living and dining room for a family.
Oceania Cruises
Budget: Food lovers who want small-ship itineraries without luxury prices: an inside or veranda stateroom on Insignia, Nautica or Sirena, with every specialty restaurant, gratuities and Wi-Fi already included. Mid: Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms, with laundry and pressing, access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace and, on Vista, staterooms for solo travellers. Luxury: Penthouse, Oceania, Vista and Owner’s Suites with 24-hour butlers, the Executive Lounge and course-by-course dinners in the suite from any restaurant; Vista’s Owner’s Suites span the full beam of the ship.
Orient Express Sailing Yachts
Budget: The shortest voyages are the best way in: three nights in the Caribbean or on the Adriatic from €16,500–€17,100 per suite including taxes (orient-express.com, Oct 2026), with gratuities, transfers, most drinks and included excursions in the fare. Mid: The Suites with Terrace on Decks 5 and 6, with a private terrace, high ceilings and Art Deco detail, on a five- to seven-night Mediterranean voyage. Luxury: One of the six Penthouse Suites with Terrace on Deck 7, which can be combined into one large private deck, with dinner at La Table de l’Orient-Express by Yannick Alléno.
P&O Cruises
Budget: A short break or a week from Southampton with no flights to book, eating in the included Freedom and Club restaurants and the buffet; tipping isn’t needed. Mid: A balcony on Arvia or Iona, with a speciality dinner at Sindhu or The Glass House and a drinks package. Luxury: A suite on Britannia or Arvia, a Celebration Night in black tie, and dinner at Epicurean or The Limelight Club.
Ponant
Budget: First-timers who want a small ship: a lower-deck balcony stateroom on a PONANT EXPLORER, booked early for the PONANT Bonus, or a departure with the single supplement waived. Mid: A Deluxe or Prestige Suite on the Explorers or Sisterships, on a Mediterranean or Caribbean voyage with an included activity at every stop. Luxury: The Owner’s or Duplex Suite on Le Commandant Charcot in the high Arctic or the Weddell Sea, with dinners at Le Nuna.
Princess Cruises
Budget: First-timers, families and Alaska travellers: a balcony stateroom (Princess was, in its own words, first to introduce affordable balconies) with Princess Plus for drinks, Wi-Fi and crew appreciation. Mid: A Mini-Suite or Reserve Collection Mini-Suite, with Princess Premier for unlimited specialty dining at Crown Grill and Sabatini’s. Luxury: The Sanctuary Collection on Sun or Star Princess: Sanctuary Restaurant, Sanctuary Club and, at the top, the two-bedroom Signature Sky Suite for up to five guests.
Quark Expeditions
Budget: First-timers on an Antarctic Express or a shorter Arctic voyage aboard Ocean Explorer, in a lower-category cabin. Mid: A balcony cabin on World Voyager or Ocean Explorer, adding a kayaking or camping Adventure Option. Luxury: The Owner’s Suite on Ultramarine, with helicopter landings in Antarctica.
Quasar Expeditions
Budget: An 8-day voyage on Evolution, watching Quasar’s seasonal offers that sometimes include island flights. Mid: A premium cabin on Grace for the 8-day route, with a guide for every eight guests. Luxury: The Grace Kelly Suite, or the whole of Grace chartered for a family or friends.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Budget: Regent has no budget fares, but its inclusions go further than most: on a week such as Seven Seas Grandeur’s Athens (Piraeus) to Rome (Civitavecchia) voyage from £6,369 per person (rssc.com, 22 Oct 2026), excursions, drinks, specialty dining and gratuities are all in. Mid: A Concierge Suite, which adds a one-night pre-cruise hotel package and priority restaurant reservations, or a Penthouse Suite with a butler. Luxury: The Regent Suite at the bow of Seven Seas Grandeur, Splendor or Explorer, with a private car and driver in every port, an in-suite spa with sauna, and two daily treatments at Serene Spa & Wellness.
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Budget: There is no budget route aboard, but the shorter voyages cost least: Ilma’s four nights from Miami, with a Marina Day at Sandy Point, from £4,100 per person (ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com, 22 Oct 2026). Drinks and gratuities are included. Mid: A Terrace Suite on a Caribbean week aboard Ilma, calling at Gustavia, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, with a dinner at Seta Su Ilma for the occasion. Luxury: The Owner’s Suite on Luminara, up to 99 m² with a terrace of up to 97 m², on an Asian voyage between Hong Kong, Bali and Phuket with business-class air included.
Riverside Luxury Cruises
Budget: Short itineraries make Riverside approachable: a four-day Passau to Wachau escape or a five-day Habsburg-capitals cruise is a taste of a 5-star ship, and even the smallest suite (from 18–20 m²) has a king-size bed, a marble bathroom and a butler. Mid: A mid-category suite on Riverside Ravel for the food and wine of the Rhône and Saône, or a wine-themed Danube sailing through the Wachau on Riverside Mozart. Luxury: The largest suites, of 70 and 82 m² (753 and 883 sq ft), with the Vintage Room’s six- to seven-course wine-paired dinner for up to 12 guests on selected evenings.
Royal Caribbean International
Budget: Three- and four-night Bahamas sailings from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral, with a day at Perfect Day CocoCay; an inside or ocean-view room still gets the waterparks, shows and main restaurants. Mid: A week on an Oasis- or Icon-class ship with a balcony or Surfside family room, a dining package for the specialty restaurants and a cabana day at CocoCay. Luxury: The Suite Neighborhood on Icon-class ships, with its own restaurant, The Grove, and two-storey sun deck, or the three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse.
Scenic
Budget: A first river cruise on a Space-Ship on the Rhine or Danube, with drinks, excursions and gratuities included. Mid: Scenic Azure on the Douro or Scenic Gem on the Seine, or a Verandah Suite on a Mediterranean Eclipse voyage. Luxury: An Owner’s Penthouse Suite on Scenic Eclipse, or the 247 m² Two-bedroom Penthouse on Eclipse II, in Antarctica with a helicopter flight to Snow Hill Island.
SeaDream Yacht Club
Budget: A Yacht Club Stateroom on a short Caribbean or Mediterranean voyage: the same open bar, marina, open-seating dining and included gratuities as the suites, with every stateroom facing the sea. Mid: The Commodore Suite, two Yacht Club Staterooms joined into one with two marble bathrooms, which suits two friends or a family travelling together. Luxury: The Owner’s Suite, the most expansive accommodation on board, or a whole-yacht charter for a celebration of up to 112 guests.
Seabourn
Budget: The least expensive way aboard is an Ocean View or Veranda Suite on a shorter voyage; even here the open bar, fine wines and every restaurant are in the fare, and no tipping is expected. Mid: A Penthouse Suite on Seabourn Encore or Seabourn Ovation, with a cabana at The Retreat for a sea day, or a Veranda Suite on an expedition voyage aboard Seabourn Venture. Luxury: The Wintergarden Suite with its glass solarium, or the Signature Suite with a 46 m² veranda, both with private car transfers within 50 miles of the pier.
Silversea
Budget: A first taste of Silversea costs least on a short Classic voyage in an Oceanview or Veranda suite; every suite still comes with a butler, the drinks and onboard gratuities. Mid: A Veranda or Medallion suite on Silver Dawn, Silver Moon or Silver Muse, with S.A.L.T. Kitchen dinners and the shore-excursion credit of the All-Inclusive Plus fare. Luxury: The Otium Suite on Silver Nova or Silver Ray, with its 270-degree view and whirlpool on the balcony, or an Owner’s Suite on Silver Endeavour bound for Antarctica.
Star Clippers
Budget: Sailors at heart who want a real tall ship without yacht-charter prices: an inside or outside cabin (most 12–14 m²) on Star Flyer or Star Clipper, on a three- to seven-night voyage. Mid: An outside cabin on Royal Clipper, with three pools, the Captain Nemo Underwater Spa and the watersports platform at the stern. Luxury: The suites on Royal Clipper, with whirlpool baths, direct access to the deck and mini-bars, or the Owner’s cabins on the two barquentines.
Swan Hellenic
Budget: An Oceanview stateroom on a non-polar cultural voyage, or a family booking with children aged 6–16 at 35% of the adult fare. Mid: A Balcony stateroom on SH Diana in the Arctic, with drinks, gratuities and a shore excursion in every port included. Luxury: A Premium Suite on SH Vega or SH Minerva in Antarctica and South Georgia.
Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
Budget: Uniworld recommends a Danube cruise for a first river journey; a Classic stateroom (from about 15 m² on the Super Ships) gives you the same art-filled public rooms, unlimited drinks and included gratuities as every suite. Mid: A French Balcony stateroom on one of the Super Ships, or a Suite on S.S. Joie de Vivre, which docks in the heart of Paris, with butler service and a stocked mini-bar. Luxury: A 47 m² (506 sq ft) Royal Suite on S.S. Victoria or S.S. Elisabeth, which can be joined to the Suite next door to make a two-bedroom 759 sq ft apartment; on the Mekong, the Royal Suites of Mekong Jewel measure 85.8 m².
Viking Ocean Cruises
Budget: First-time cruisers who want one fare to cover flights from London, transfers, an excursion in almost every port, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and gratuities. A standard Veranda Stateroom (288 sq ft) gives you the same ship as every suite. Mid: Penthouse Veranda (360 sq ft) or Penthouse Junior Suite (432 sq ft), with earlier boarding and priority bookings at Manfredi’s and The Chef’s Table. Luxury: The Explorer Suites (808–1,215 sq ft) and the 1,448 sq ft Owner’s Suite, with the Silver Spirits beverage package included, a private car and driver in a port of your choice, and first priority at the spa.
Viking River Cruises
Budget: First-timers who want one price to cover the essentials: an eight-day Rhine Getaway or Danube Waltz from £1,695 in a Standard Stateroom (vikingrivercruises.co.uk, Oct 2026), with an excursion in every port, wine and beer at lunch and dinner and the onboard gratuities included. Mid: A Veranda Stateroom or a two-room Veranda Suite (275 sq ft on the Longships), where the fare adds noon embarkation and you can step outside as the Danube or the Rhine slides past. Luxury: The Explorer Suites: 445 sq ft with a wraparound balcony at the stern of every Longship, 677 sq ft on the new Nile ships and 735 sq ft on the Mekong, each with the Silver Spirits beverage package, in-suite breakfast, laundry and private transfers included.
Virgin Voyages
Budget: A four- or five-night Caribbean voyage from Miami in an Insider or Solo Insider cabin: the eateries, Wi-Fi, essential drinks and fitness classes are already in the fare. Mid: A Sea Terrace cabin, with its hand-woven hammock, on a seven-night Mediterranean or Caribbean voyage. Luxury: RockStar Quarters: suites by Tom Dixon with a stocked bar, Richard’s Rooftop, a personal RockStar Agent and, in the Mega RockStar suites, a daily bar tab.
Windstar Cruises
Budget: Couples who want a small ship without luxury prices: an ocean-view stateroom on a Wind Class sailing yacht, and an early-booking offer that adds the All-Inclusive Package. Mid: A Star Class suite of 225–288 sq ft with a balcony or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window, on the Mediterranean or in Tahiti. Luxury: The 548 sq ft Owner’s-level suite on Star Seeker or Star Explorer, with a 248 sq ft wraparound balcony, separate dining and living areas and a powder room.
Our favourites right now
The Ships
- 1Sun Boat IVA&K Sanctuary Riverboats · Nile riverboat
- 2Nile SerayA&K Sanctuary Riverboats · Nile riverboat
- 3Zein Nile ChateauA&K Sanctuary Riverboats · Dahabiya
Suites
- 1Royal Suite (Sun Boat IV)A&K Sanctuary Riverboats · Signature suite
- 2Presidential Suite (Nile Seray)A&K Sanctuary Riverboats · Signature suite
- 3Royal Suite (Sun Boat III)A&K Sanctuary Riverboats · Suite
Dining at Sea
- 1Dining aboard A&K’s Nile boatsA&K Sanctuary Riverboats · Dining
- 2Peruvian cooking aboard Pure AmazonA&K Sanctuary Riverboats · Dining
- 3Time Machine RestaurantAIDA Cruises · Dinner show · AIDAcosma
Spas at Sea
- 1Spa and gym (Nile Seray)A&K Sanctuary Riverboats · Spa
- 2Spa pool and massage room (Pure Amazon)A&K Sanctuary Riverboats · Wellness
- 3AIDA spa suitesAIDA Cruises · Spa
Private Islands
- 1Celebration KeyCarnival Cruise Line · Exclusive destination · Grand Bahama
- 2Disney Castaway CayDisney Cruise Line · Private island · the Bahamas
- 3Disney Lookout Cay at Lighthouse PointDisney Cruise Line · Island destination · Eleuthera, the Bahamas
Ports
- 1SeattleAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Home port · Washington, USA
- 2Vancouver: Canada PlaceAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Home port · British Columbia, Canada
- 3KetchikanAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Port of call · Alaska
Ashore
- 1Mendenhall Glacier Visitor CenterAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · National forest · Juneau
- 2Goldbelt TramAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Tramway · Juneau
- 3White Pass & Yukon Route RailwayAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Scenic railway · Skagway
Hotels
- 1Fairmont Olympic HotelAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Luxury hotel · Seattle
- 2The Edgewater HotelAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Waterfront hotel · Seattle
- 3Pan Pacific VancouverAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Luxury hotel · Vancouver
Restaurants
- 1The Pink DoorAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Italian-American · Seattle
- 2CanlisAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Fine dining · Seattle
- 3Skagway Brewing CompanyAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Brewpub · Skagway