Who doesn’t love a cruise? Destination Luxury has found the best of the best, and is proud to present the our top picks.
14. CELEBRITY REFLECTION
From Celebrity Cruises comes the Celebrity Reflection. With over ten restaurants, this 2012 built vessel features some of the largest staterooms available, and also one of the most affordable at only $1899 for a Suite. With some amazing night-time entertainment and plenty of daytime trips, along with offerings of Transatlantic Cruises and simple Caribbean getaways, the Celebrity Reflection takes our number 14 spot.
13. DISNEY DREAM
The largest of the Disney fleet (which is just as weird to write as I’m sure it is to read), this art-deco masterpiece is great for the young at heart, the adventurer, and the whole family. The Disney Dream features the patented Disney whimsy along with night clubs, some amazing day actives, and a roller-coaster at sea. We highly recommend you spring for the Concierge Suite: room enough for five and access to a private sun deck are only some of the neat features you get from such a fun room. Say “hi” to Mickey for us!
12. SILVER SHADOW
Alaska is all the rage right now, and for good reason; some of the best preserved and untouched natural beauty of North America is up there. Why not go see it yourself on the Silver Shadow, brought to you by Silver Sea Cruises? Refurbished in 2011 with some amazing modern amenities, this cozy and quaint cruise gives you the opportunity to enjoy the scenic beauty of nature while staying in the lap of luxury.
11. DISNEY FANTASY
Another Disney? So soon? Yes, almost identical to the Disney Dream is the Disney Fantasy, featuring an Art Nouveau inspired aesthetic to it. With a full theater, exotic dining, pools, and a three-to-one ratio of crew to guests, it offers you the fun (and availability) of a mega-ship while still allowing plenty of customization for your travels.
10. INSIGNIA
Barcelona to Singapore? Sydney to Papeete? Shanghai to Miami? Traveling through international waters in the lap of indulgence is one of the most amazing experiences one can take. Not for the inexperienced cruiser, as it’s geared for more mature travelers, the Insignia from Oceania had a $50 Million makeover back in 2014 to bring it into modern day luxury. With a 1:2 ratio for passenger to crew, you can rest easy knowing you’re going to have everything taken care of as you gamble away or enjoy 5-star dining.
9. CELEBRITY EQUINOX
From family to singles to romance, we check out the Celebrity Equinox from Celebrity Cruises. Modern and chic, the Equinox goes on such stunning and romantic destinations as Barcelona or Athens, and offers an amazing three-night transatlantic trip with full spa. Enjoy the beauty of the ocean while working on your game at the putting green, or take in some shopping with nearly 20 stores (including some brand-name fare such as Michael Kors)
8. PRIDE OF AMERICA
Aloha! The Pride of America by Norwegian Cruise Lines is the only ship that sails the beautiful island of Hawaii year-round. With an Americana-infused charm to it (check out the New York inspired art gallery) this cruise lets passengers learn about the history and culture of Hawaii while enjoying such amenities as the Conservatory or its 18 restaurants. It’s also a wonderful trip for singles with the 100-foot studio cabins and perks like the Studio Lounge.
7. CROWN PRINCESS
Travel the scenic parts of Mexico with the Princess Cruise’s Crown Princess. With a poolside theater and plenty of clubs and a casino, the Crown Princess is more like a Vegas resort on water than a traditional cruise liner. With plenty of places to party and plenty of places to relax (such as the Library and adult-only Sanctuary), the Crown Princess manages to be enjoyable and accessible at our number seven spot.
6. RIVIERA
Launched in 2012, this thoroughly modern cruise has been voted by U.S. News to be the best cruises for singles, and with such amazing voyages as “25 Night Seaside and Cityscapes” from Venice to Miami to the much smaller “7 Night Colorful Caribbean” trip, it’s easy to see why. Featuring only about 630 cabins, the Riviera by Oceania Cruises is perfect for those getaway vacations. With a heated pool and several restaurants (a personal favorite being the Red Ginger’s Asian-focused fare), it’s a cruise you wish will never end.
5. ROYAL CLIPPER
With only room for 227 guests, the Royal Clipper stands out for it’s beauty and being the only cruise ship with masts. The elegant Royal Clipper by Star Clippers, stops at small, exclusive ports like Bequia, Tobago Cays and Îles des Saintes. A trip for the sophisticate, this cruise offers fine wine and stunning dinners before some star gazing with the grand piano.
4. VIKING LONGSHIP
Relive the majesty of old world Europe with Viking River Cruises. While a River Cruise hardly sounds desirable, the Viking Longships feature an innovative layout and and an intimate setting with destination-inspired cuisine and plenty of regional wines and beers. Romantic and small, the Viking Longships offer something that can’t be replicated with major cruises.
3. SILVER SPIRIT
Offering such amazing trips as a 43-Night, Back-to-Back, Auckland to Los Angeles cruise, the Silver Spirit is the largest, and newest, of the Silversea Cruises fleet. With a less than one-to-two crew-to-passenger ratio and all-suite accommodations, over 95 of the rooms featuring private verandas, and all suites offering butler service, this ship is truly stunning. With some amazing gourmet restaurants, such as the Seishin Restaurant and Le Champagne, and a 8,300 square foot spa there’s no surprise that it takes our number three spot.
2. CRYSTAL SYMPHONY
Taking our number two spot is Crystal Cruises Crystal Symphony. After a fifteen million dollar facelift in 2014, this twenty year old vessel features a stunning Fitness Garden, a spectacular Feng Shui inspired spa, and a jaw-dropping casino area. We suggest you spring for a Penthouse category room for the free wifi, welcome champagne, and afternoon canapes. Featuring world-renowned chefs Nobu Matsuhisa and Piero Selvaggio, this globe trotting cruise is one for the ages.
1. BEST CRUISE SILVER WHISPER
Taking our top spot is the jewel of the Silversea Cruise Ships, the Silver Whisper. Travel New England, the Baltics, or the exotic far East with this small, intimate cruise ship that will leave long-lasting memories. Voted the best Luxury Cruise by U.S. News Travel, and offering over 8 styles of suites to match however stunning you want your trip to be.
What are your thoughts? Think there’s any cruises we left off? Let us know in the comments below.