Luxury cruising is about space, service and simplicity: small all-suite ships, more crew per guest, exceptional food and fares that include almost everything. But the luxury lines are not all the same. Some include flights and unlimited excursions, some feel like private yachts, and some sail to Antarctica with a submarine on board.
Here are nine of the best, and what makes each one different.
You’ll find on this page
- A comparison table of every cruise line in this guide
- Nine luxury lines and what sets them apart
- How to choose
- Answers to the questions we’re asked most
- How to book or get expert advice at the end of the page
At a glance: compare the cruise lines
| Cruise line | Style | Fleet | Best for | Included highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Luxury ocean | 6 All-suite all-balcony ships | Everything included | Business-class flights, Pre-cruise hotel, All dining |
| Silversea | Luxury ocean | 12 All-suite ships in the fleet | Ocean and expedition luxury | Door-to-door transfers, Flights, Premium drinks |
| Seabourn | Luxury ocean | 6 All-suite ultra-luxury ships | Food lovers | Premium drinks, All dining, Gratuities |
| Explora Journeys | Luxury ocean | 3 Ships delivered (6 planned by 2029) | New-generation luxury | All dining, Premium drinks, In-suite minibar |
| Crystal | Luxury ocean | 2 Refurbished ships | Classic luxury | All-suite accommodation, All dining, All drinks |
| The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Luxury ocean | 3 Luxury yachts | Hotel-brand service | All-suite accommodation, All dining, Drinks throughout |
| Hapag-Lloyd Cruises | Luxury ocean | 5 Six-star ships | European elegance | All dining, All drinks, WiFi, gratuities, port charges |
| SeaDream Yacht Club | Luxury ocean | 2 Twin yachts | A private-yacht feel | All dining, All drinks, Marina watersports |
| Scenic Ocean Cruises | Luxury ocean | 2 Discovery Yachts | Luxury adventure | All-suite accommodation, All drinks, all day, All dining |
Fleet sizes and inclusions are from each line’s own information and can change; inclusions often depend on the fare you book.
Quick verdicts
Nine luxury lines
1. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
- Luxury ocean
- 6 All-suite all-balcony ships
- 700-746 Guests per ship — small-luxury scale
Six all-suite, all-balcony ships of 700 to 746 guests, with unlimited shore excursions, premium drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and, on most UK itineraries, business-class flights and a pre-cruise hotel.
Best for: Everything included
2. Silversea
- Luxury ocean
- 12 All-suite ships in the fleet
Twelve all-suite ships, eight ocean and four expedition, with butler service in every suite, premium drinks, gratuities and a door-to-door programme.
Best for: Ocean and expedition luxury
3. Seabourn
- Luxury ocean
- 6 All-suite ultra-luxury ships
- 232 To 600 guests — yacht-scale
Six yacht-scale ships of 232 to 600 guests, with premium drinks, gratuities and in-suite dining included, and the Restaurant by Thomas Keller fleet-wide.
Best for: Food lovers
4. Explora Journeys
- Luxury ocean
- 3 Ships delivered (6 planned by 2029)
- 922 Maximum guests — super-yacht scale
MSC Group’s ultra-luxury brand, launched in 2023: all-suite, all-balcony ships for up to 922 guests, designed for slower voyages, with dining, premium drinks and gratuities included.
Best for: New-generation luxury
5. Crystal
- Luxury ocean
- 2 Refurbished ships
- 700 Max guests / ship
The legendary line reborn with two fully refurbished ships, ultra-spacious and with white-glove service, all dining, drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities included.
Best for: Classic luxury
6. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
- Luxury ocean
- 3 Luxury yachts
- 298 Max guests (Ilma)
The luxury hotel brand at sea, with yachts of around 200 to 300 guests, every suite with a balcony, and dining, drinks and watersports included.
Best for: Hotel-brand service
7. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
- Luxury ocean
- 5 Six-star ships
- 516 Max guests (Europa 2)
German ultra-luxury, including Europa 2, plus three Hanseatic-class expedition ships, with dining, drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities included.
Best for: European elegance
8. SeaDream Yacht Club
- Luxury ocean
- 2 Twin yachts
- 112 Max guests
Two 112-guest twin yachts with a near one-to-one crew ratio, watersports from the marina and Balinese DreamBeds on deck.
Best for: A private-yacht feel
9. Scenic Ocean Cruises
- Luxury ocean
- 2 Discovery Yachts
- 228 Max guests
Two 228-guest Discovery Yachts carrying a submarine and two helicopters, ice-classed for Antarctica and the Arctic, with all drinks and excursions included.
Best for: Luxury adventure
How to choose
Want everything included, flights too? Regent Seven Seas. Food first? Seabourn or Explora. Smallest ships? SeaDream or Ritz-Carlton. Polar luxury? Silversea’s expedition ships or Scenic Eclipse. Classic grand-hotel service? Crystal or Hapag-Lloyd. Always compare what’s included: some luxury fares cover flights and excursions, others don’t.
How we chose these cruise lines
We compared the ultra-luxury lines we sell by ship size, inclusions and style. We sell more than 60 cruise lines, from big family ships to tiny expedition vessels, so these recommendations are based on what each line actually offers: ship size, what’s included in the fare, who it suits and who it doesn’t. Fares, inclusions and ships change, so always check the details for your sailing, or ask a Travel Designer to compare them for you.
Frequently asked questions
What is the most all-inclusive luxury cruise line?
Regent Seven Seas, which includes unlimited shore excursions and, on most UK itineraries, flights.
Which luxury cruise line has the best food?
Seabourn (with the Restaurant by Thomas Keller) and Explora Journeys are standouts.
Are luxury cruises worth it?
If you value space, service and having almost everything included, yes; the gap with mainstream fares narrows once extras are added.
Do luxury cruise lines take children?
Most allow them but have no kids’ clubs; they are designed for adults.
Find your cruise
Browse every cruise line we sell, or ask a Travel Designer to compare ships, cabins and itineraries for you.
Keep planning
Updated October 2026. Cruises can be booked through Travelisto, with flights and hotels added where you need them.
