Silversea
All-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising on small ocean and expedition ships, butler service throughout.
Cruise lines by category
Ultra-Luxury Cruises
The top tier of ocean cruising: all-suite ships, butler service, signature dining and fares that include far more than most.
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Ultra-Luxury Cruises with Travelisto
Ultra-luxury cruising is the top tier of ocean travel. Ships are small and all-suite, crew numbers are high relative to guests, and the fare covers far more than on any other kind of cruise. Depending on the line and fare, that can mean drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, speciality dining, shore excursions, and on many fares flights and transfers too. The aim is simple: no surprises on your on-board account.
This tier suits travellers who value space, quiet and service over big-ship entertainment. It is popular for milestone birthdays, anniversaries, honeymoons and long voyages, and for anyone who wants a holiday where the details are handled for them. Butler service is common in suites, dress codes tend to be elegant rather than formal, and evenings are more about dinner and conversation than theatre shows.
Each line has its own style. Silversea offers butler service throughout on small ocean and expedition ships. Seabourn combines all-suite small-ship cruising with Restaurant by Thomas Keller and a global reach. Crystal is known for wide suites and refined worldwide itineraries. Ritz-Carlton Yacht brings a boutique resort feel to yacht-style cruising, and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises runs a German ultra-luxury and expedition fleet.
Itineraries usually run 7 to 14 nights, with longer voyages and world cruises for those with time. Small ships can reach harbours and smaller islands that big ships cannot, and many sailings overnight in key ports. The Mediterranean and Northern Europe are popular from May to September, the Caribbean from November to April, and expedition-style sailings head to the polar regions in their summer seasons.
Our Cruise Experts Love
Lines we recommend
The cruise lines our Travel Designers suggest most often for this kind of trip. Tap a line for the full guide.
Silversea
Seabourn
Ultra-luxury all-suite small-ship cruising with Restaurant by Thomas Keller and global reach.
Crystal
Six-star ocean cruising rebooted — all-inclusive, wide-suite ships, refined global itineraries.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht
Three luxury yachts under the Ritz-Carlton brand — boutique resort experience at sea.
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
German ultra-luxury and expedition fleet — Europa 2 ranks among the world's top ships.
Which line suits you?
| Cruise line | Best for |
|---|---|
| Silversea | Travellers who want butler service on small ocean and expedition ships. |
| Seabourn | Couples who want all-suite small ships and a global choice of voyages. |
| Crystal | Travellers who want spacious suites and a refined worldwide programme. |
| Ritz-Carlton Yacht | Anyone who wants a yacht-style experience with hotel-level service. |
| Hapag-Lloyd Cruises | Travellers who want small luxury ships, including expedition voyages. |
What ultra-luxury usually includes
- Suites
- All-suite ships, with butler service common on many lines and in the higher suite categories.
- Drinks and dining
- Drinks and speciality dining are often included in the fare.
- Gratuities and Wi-Fi
- Commonly included, so there are fewer extras on your onboard account.
- Excursions and flights
- Included on some lines or fares, so it is worth checking each voyage.
How to choose an ultra-luxury line
Look closely at what each fare includes. Inclusions differ between lines and between fare types, and the difference can be significant on a long voyage.
Consider the ship and the style. Some lines feel like a small private club, others like a yacht, and some offer expedition voyages as well as classic routes.
Think about where you want to go. Ultra-luxury lines sail worldwide, from the Mediterranean and Northern Europe to long voyages and polar expeditions. Our Travel Designers can compare the lines and suites side by side.
Who an ultra-luxury cruise suits
An ultra-luxury cruise suits travellers who value space, quiet and personal service, and who want a holiday where almost everything is taken care of. It is popular for milestone celebrations, honeymoons and longer voyages.
FAQ
Ultra-Luxury Cruises: your questions answered
What is the difference between luxury and ultra-luxury cruises?
Luxury lines offer smaller ships, high-quality dining and usually included drinks and gratuities. Ultra-luxury goes further, with all-suite ships, butler service, complimentary excursions on many lines and, on most fares, flights and transfers too. The result is a holiday where almost everything is covered before you step on board.
Are ultra-luxury cruises really all-inclusive?
They come closer than any other type of cruise. Drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and most dining are typically included, and many fares also cover excursions, flights and transfers. Some extras still cost more, such as premium wines, spa treatments or special experiences ashore. We go through the inclusions line by line before you book.
Who are ultra-luxury cruises best suited to?
They suit travellers who want space, quiet and attentive service, and who prefer small ships and interesting ports to big-ship entertainment. Couples celebrating a milestone, experienced cruisers and those planning a longer voyage are typical guests. Families are welcome on most lines, although there are fewer facilities aimed at children.
Which ultra-luxury cruise line should I choose?
It comes down to style. Silversea suits those who want butler service throughout and the option of expedition sailings. Seabourn is a strong choice for food lovers. Crystal is known for spacious suites, and Ritz-Carlton Yacht feels more like a boutique resort at sea. A Travel Designer can compare them for your dates and route.
Too many options? We'll narrow it down
Tell a Travel Designer where you want to go, when, and what kind of ship suits you. Three honest recommendations, same business day.