Luxury cruises are meant to satisfy the whims and needs of their affluent patrons, providing more than simply a vacation (caviar and Champagne on demand, anyone?). Exquisite living is redefined, both on land and at sea, with these cruises offering one-to-one crew and passenger ratios, shimmering chandeliers, private cabins with sumptuous furniture, and well-planned excursions. We have chosen the finest luxury cruises of 2024.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima
The elite white-glove service that has helped The Ritz-Carlton establish its reputation on land is now offered at sea thanks to the debut of its Yacht Collection in the fall of 2022. With six restaurants, four pools, suite-style seaside cabins, a salon, spa, fitness center, and more, its 298-passenger ship, Evrima, combines a yacht-like experience with access to even more amenities. Beyond the ship itself, the sheer variety of route options aboard the Ritz-Carlton Evrima sets it apart from the others. On one charter, you may view the European Mediterranean and the Canary Islands’ enclaves; on the next, you can see the Caribbean’s biggest attractions, like San Juan and St. Barts.
Viking River Cruises, Viking Osiris
The ship is well-known for its educational programming, which includes talks and instructional guides that highlight an almost limitless amount of knowledge on all things Egyptian (from ancient to the present). When the Nile serves as the background, you’ll discover that you’re taking in more than you ever could have anticipated. With deliberate Scandinavian design elements, the compact ship is a contemporary vessel designed especially for the Nile, with enough for just 82 guests. With so many outside decks, it encourages outdoor exploration of the riverbanks with a light and airy ambiance. This is a terrific option for couples or families with mature children who can genuinely appreciate the experience, as guests must be 18 years of age or older.
Crystal, Crystal Serenity And Crystal Symphony
In 2023, Crystal Cruises returned to the sea as Crystal—Exceptional at Sea, under the auspices of the Abercrombie & Kent tour company. In addition to rebranding, Crystal also updated the entertainment and events schedule, added more roomy rooms, and redesigned the spa aboard its two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, bringing them back to the realm of luxury. The true highlight of the show, though, is Crystal’s superb dining options, which are highlighted by Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar, the only Nobu restaurant at sea that is available on both ships. On sailings lasting 11 days or less, one supper at Umi Uma is included with your sail (per person). Each extra visit is available for just $50 per person, which is a great value to experience fan favorites like the miso-marinated black cod.
Seabourn, Seabourn Pursuit
The newest ship to join the Seabourn fleet, the 264-passenger, 132-seaside suites-only Seabourn Pursuit, is scheduled to set sail in August. Pursuit is a full luxury cruise experience, with multiple fine dining options, formal supper nights, complimentary caviar and Champagne on demand, and an attractive decor that reads like a yacht. You won’t find many late-night partygoers aboard, partly because the ship doesn’t have any onboard youth activities (though kids are still welcome). Instead, the clientele is well-traveled and leans older. Yet there is entertainment on board the ship that is worthwhile to enjoy, including singers and pianists.
Silversea Cruises, Silver Ray
This summer, Silversea’s second ship of the Nova class, the 728-guest Silver Ray, will set sail and create an impression in the Mediterranean before sailing across the Atlantic to spend the winter in warmer climes. She offers the same caliber of service that Silversea is known for, just as her sister ship, Silver Dawn. Roman baths, free caviar, white-gloved butlers, and suite-only rooms are just a few of the amenities that make Silversea’s Silver Ray the ideal place for a stress-free retreat for indulging couples. Silver Ray’s itineraries take her passengers on genuine experiences that highlight the beauty of the world beyond the ship. Couples may feel that traveling with no kids is the perfect option because most of the passengers are over the age of 55.
Bottom Line
Every cruise is intended to deliver an incredibly luxurious and one-of-a-kind vacation experience, complete with exquisite facilities and attentive service. So, keep these recommendations in mind when you organize your next trip to make sure your time at sea is just as amazing as the places you’ll see. Cheers to heading on a cruise that transforms each moment into an unforgettable experience.