The World’s Best Luxury Cruises: 5 Voyages of a Lifetime

1. Explora Journeys – EXPLORA I: Mediterranean to the Middle East

Explora Journeys is the new face of ultra-luxury cruising, and EXPLORA I is setting new standards. Its 14-night journey from Barcelona to Dubai is a masterclass in refined travel, (think immersive cultural excursions by day, and Michelin-level dining by night). The design is akin to a boutique hotel at sea, with European elegance infused into every detail, making it feel ultra-luxurious.

Route: Barcelona – Port Said – Suez Canal – Jeddah – Muscat – Dubai
Price: From £7,800 per person (Ocean Terrace Suite)

Top Selling Points:
• All-suite accommodations with private terraces
• 10 culinary experiences curated by world-renowned chefs
• Holistic wellness centre with ocean-facing spa
• Personal concierge service

2. Regent Seven Seas – Seven Seas Explorer: Southeast Asia Immersion

Known as 'the most luxurious ship ever built,' Seven Seas Explorer lives up to the title. This 16-night itinerary from Singapore to Tokyo takes passengers through ancient temples, buzzing metropolises, and serene islands. On board, expect fine dining, designer furnishings, and one of the highest staff-to-guest ratios at sea to handle all your needs around the clock.

Route: Singapore – Ho Chi Minh City – Hanoi – Hong Kong – Shanghai – Nagasaki – Tokyo
Price: From £11,500 per person (Concierge Suite)

Top Selling Points:
• Unlimited shore excursions included
• Canyon Ranch spa and wellness programming
• Fine dining in multiple speciality restaurants
• Business-class flights included in fare

3. Seabourn – Seabourn Venture: Arctic Expedition

For those seeking ultra-luxury with a taste of adventure, the Seabourn Venture delivers. This expedition ship blends 6-star service with cutting-edge exploration, taking just 264 guests on a 14-night journey through the Norwegian Arctic. Merging the best of nature and luxury, expect polar bear expeditions by day and caviar service by night.

Route: Tromsø – Svalbard – Greenland Sea – North Cape – Return to Tromsø
Price: From £9,300 per person (Veranda Suite)

Top Selling Points:
• Custom-built for polar expeditions with two submarines onboard
• All-inclusive gourmet dining and premium spirits
• Expert expedition team with daily guided adventures
• Personal suite stewardess service

4. Silversea – Silver Nova: South American Grand Voyage

Silversea’s new flagship, Silver Nova, is redefining sustainable luxury. This 18-night cruise sails along the dramatic coastlines of South America, with immersive cultural experiences in ports like Rio de Janeiro and Buenos Aires. The ship’s asymmetrical design means every suite has panoramic ocean views to admire the ocean's beauty at all times.

Route: Lima – Santiago – Buenos Aires – Montevideo – Rio de Janeiro
Price: From £10,200 per person (Deluxe Veranda Suite)

Top Selling Points:
• All-suite ship with butler service for every guest
• Shore excursions and flights included
• Otium wellness programme and infinity-edge pool
• Eco-conscious hybrid power technology

5. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection – Evrima: Caribbean Chic

Blending the intimacy of a private yacht with the service of a five-star resort, Evrima offers a chic 7-night Caribbean itinerary ideal for winter escapes. With just 298 guests, the onboard experience is personal and indulgent, making it perfect for those who prefer relaxed elegance over traditional cruising.

Route: San Juan – St. Barts – Anguilla – Antigua – Tortola – San Juan
Price: From £6,400 per person (Terrace Suite)

Top Selling Points:
• Sleek, yacht-style design with floor-to-ceiling windows
• Signature Ritz-Carlton spa and marina with water-sports
• Curated dining by Michelin-starred chefs
• Personal concierge for every suite