Majestic Princess
You simply can’t go wrong with a cruise named _Majestic Princess_, can you? 3,500 guests can feel like royalty as they set sail from Sydney to Queensland, New Zealand, Tasmania and the Pacific islands. It also goes to Korea, Japan, and China. Although it is of Chinese origin, it combines the Chinese culture with Australian, Taiwanese and French touches, making it a beautiful mixture of cultures.
As a very large ship, it offers a variety of activities for passengers to do while they’re at sea. For example, it has a glass walkway that extends over the ocean that makes guests feel like they’re walking on water. There are over a dozen places to eat, a conservatory, a pool club, a spa, and even six private karaoke rooms. Entertainment includes juggling, acrobatics, and fashion parades.
Silver Muse
The _Silver Muse_ is a fairly new ship that accommodates 600 passengers in an Italian luxury vessel. It is the personification of European luxury, from the exquisite design to the food and the entertainment. The design is monochromatic yet elegant, and rich fabrics and gleaming marble are used everywhere, including the cabins. If you want an extremely luxurious experience, this is the right cruise for you.
The ship has lots of open outdoor space and an incredibly large pool area, coupled with a spa and a fitness center. It also features a whopping 8 restaurants, so you won’t have any trouble finding something to eat. But the best part of the _Silver Muse_ is its outstanding service. Butlers take care of your every need, and the staff learns your wine preferences and even clean your sunglasses!
Carnival Vista
The _Carnival Vista_ is a huge ship that still offers an affordable experience for those who don’t have big bucks to spare. There is so much to do that the 10-day itinerary just isn’t enough to try everything that it has to offer. For example, there is an elevated bike ride called _SkyRide_, outdoor Twister boards, a mini-golf course, and a water park. It’s just impossible to get bored here!
For those who aren’t on the adventurous side, there is a 4d thrill theater that shows IMAX movies, another theater that offers magic, comedy, and music shows, and even an adults-only sanctuary for those who just want to relax and enjoy the peace and quiet. Even though there’s so much to do, the atmosphere is super laid-back, and it is perfect for those who just want to relax to the max.
Norwegian Bliss
The _Norwegian Bliss_ takes guests from Seattle, Los Angeles, and Miami to three different places, with routes designed to fit every need. You can choose a journey into the cold waters of Alaska to experience its rich wildlife and observe the majestic glaciers it has to offer, or you can go to the Mexican Riviera or the Caribbean for a warm, super relaxed experience under the sun.
The onboard activities are just insane. It has the largest go-kart track ever to grace a cruise ship that looks like a miniature Formula One course. It also has plenty of water slides that would put any water park to shame and an extensive laser tag arena. If you don’t believe me, then take a look at the picture above: if I were there, I wouldn’t leave that blue slide the whole day! To top it off, it has its own Beatles cover band and the original production of Jersey Boys to keep you entertained. Sounds amazing, right?
MSC Seaview
The _MSC Seaview_ feels less like a cruise ship and more like a waterfront condo, but for all the right reasons. Rather than having just a traditional deck, it has several decks along the waterline, with glass-bottomed catwalks and elevators with 360-degree views. The architectural highlight is the glass-walled atrium that spans four decks, so even the indoor space has an open-air feeling.
The most fun part of the ship is the multi-level waterpark, which has five slides, including two see-through “racing” slides and an extra-long 367 feet tube decked out with lights and music. Despite all it has to offer, it is as eco-friendly as a cruise ship of its size can get, which makes it an excellent choice for those concerned about the environmental impact of the vessel.
Arabella
The _Arabella_ is an exclusive cruise that only takes 40 people each time, so you have to be very lucky to get a spot. If you do, you’ll enjoy a beautiful ride on a stunning 160-foot-long ship with eight sails that takes you along the Caribbean, New England, and the Chesapeake Bay. Because it’s so small, they had to extend its sailing season to meet the heightened demand, but it’s still pretty hard to get tickets.
But it doesn’t offer the traditional cruising experience. There are no roomy cabins or entertainment, and it doesn’t stop at huge harbors. Instead, you get an intimate, relaxed experience, and the cruise takes its passengers to remote ports miles away from downtown destinations. It includes excursions to beautiful lighthouses, blueberry bush-lined trails, and the Whaling Museum in Nantucket.
Le Ponant
The _Le Ponant_ is perfect for those looking for a smaller version of a yacht-style cruise. It sails along with Bermuda, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, and it takes its passengers to hidden ports in well-traveled places. With only 64 passengers onboard and multiple sails billowing overhead, _Le Ponant_ feels a little like having your own personal yacht. And because of its small size, it can slide in and out of destinations most cruise ships can’t.
The cabins are naturally on the small side, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t fancy. They actually don’t have balconies to encourage passengers to spend their time on the deck while they enjoy the beautiful view. As it is a French ship, it serves French cuisine. You can expect elegant dishes such as smoked duck and kingfish filet, accompanied of course by an exquisite wine selected by a sommelier.
Safari Quest
Don’t be fooled by its name. This is not a cruise that takes you along the warm coasts of Africa. Instead, this intimate cruise takes you through the cold waters of Alaska. It only takes 22 passengers, and it has 11 comfortable staterooms, each with turndown service, Tempur-pedic memory foam mattresses and private bathrooms with showers and heated tile floors.
The cruise allows passengers to go kayaking in Endicott Arm, bushwack through the wilderness on Chichagof and Baranof Islands, and watch breathtaking calving glaciers. For those who want to chill on the deck, there are hot tubs, and when it’s cold, guests can relax at the library or at the lounge, where they can enjoy exquisite cocktails as they enjoy the icy view.
Disney Cruise
This is the ideal cruise for families and Disney fans in general. Its kid-friendly atmosphere is not only designed for the little ones, however. In fact, the _Disney Cruises_ are perfect for those sentimental adults looking to reconnect with their childhood fantasies. There are adults-only pools, restaurants, and lounges for those who are traveling without kids to enjoy the full Disney experience.
What also makes the _Disney Cruise_ line special is that you get all the theme park perks while still enjoying a traditional cruise experience. Passengers can see Disney-inspired entertainment, including live shows, movies, and of course, character meet and greets. You can meet your favorite Disney heroes while also sailing through the Caribbean and doing typical activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and more.
Aegean Odyssey
The _Aegean Odyssey_ is bigger than other cruises on our list, carrying 350 passengers on average, but it’s still small enough to give guests the intimacy and comfort they deserve. It is also small enough to sail rivers and go into the more characterful ports inaccessible to the ‘mega-ships.’ Yet, it is large enough to offer a superb selection of amenities, so you could say it’s a _one-size-fits-all_ kind of deal.
The gorgeous cruise has two dining venues, several comfortable lounges and bars, a relaxing spa center and a well-stocked library. It cruises in the coastal waters of the central and southern Mediterranean and specializes in ancient Greece. The most special part about it is that it offers daily lectures delivered by professors, historians, and former ambassadors so that passengers not only visit Greece but also really learn about it.
Norwegian Fjords
To be honest, the picture speaks for itself. The _Norwegian Fjords_ offer incredible views of Norway’s Oslo and Bergen that include dramatic waterfalls tumbling down verdant cliffs and mountainsides. As passengers enjoy marvelous views that look like Renaissance paintings, the cruise stops in select areas that allow guests to do many different activities both for adventurers and those who prefer to sit and relax.
Norway’s cities give the opportunity to shop for its well-regarded woolen products or unusual food items, as well as explore excellent museums on the country’s maritime history and local culture. Adventurous people can also spy on polar bears and seek out the midnight sun. But the best part of these cruises is observing the mesmerizing northern lights from the deck.
Viking Sky
The _Viking Sky_ sets sail in Sweden and takes passengers on a wonderful journey through Saint Petersburg, Tallinn, Visby, Ronne, and finally, Copenhagen. Nine hundred thirty lucky passengers can enjoy a 10-day trip through Europe, across the Baltic and Mediterranean regions. It doesn’t spend much time on the water so that travelers can enjoy and explore each destination in depth.
Nevertheless, the ship’s amenities are still incredible. As it is a big ship, it has many shops, a bar, a piano bar, a winter garden, an indoor pool, an infinity pool, and also a spa, a fitness studio, and a beauty salon. But the best part is the snow room, which is a spa retreat with powdery snow falling down from the ceiling to make you feel like you’re deep in the Arctic.
Paul Gauguin
The incredible _Paul Gauguin_ cruise takes its passengers to French Polynesia, which has long been the center of the universe for newlyweds and love birds looking for the ultimate romantic vacation. But it also offers plenty to those seeking an adventure, with activities such as snorkeling, hiking, and swimming with sea turtles, black-tipped sharks, and stingrays.
At night, passengers can enjoy a show from local singers and dancers, as well as traditional Polynesian food to experience the culture in full. Apart from this, the wonderful spa offers treatments with monoi oil, which is made from local tiaré flowers, something that can only be found in that region. This cruise is the best for those looking for five-star service, comfort, and luxury while on a super romantic holiday with their other half.
National Geographic Explorer
Who knew that you could explore the most incredible parts of the world in a cruise developed by _National_ _Geographic_? The _National Geographic Explorer_ is a flagship that travels from pole to pole each year. It spends the winter in Antarctica and the summer in the Arctic. But only 148 lucky people get to stay in 81 spacious cabins and explore the wonders that nature has to offer.
As it sails along the Atlantic, the ship explores the Baltic Sea, Norway, the Northwest Passage, the Canadian Maritimes, and the wild coast of South America. It also comes with all the typical cruise amenities, such as a pool, a spa, a fitness center, entertainment, and many dining options, but with a touch of adventure that no other cruises offer.
Crystal Esprit
The beautiful _Crystal Esprit_ is a small luxury cruise that takes 62 lucky guests through breathtaking Seychelles, a country consisting of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. It also sails through the Dalmatian Coast, the Greek Isles, and the West Indies. This cruise is extremely exclusive and, therefore, expensive. But it offers a six-star service for those who can afford it, and it is worth every penny.
Because of its sleek and nimble shape, the yacht-like ship can visit secluded harbors, coves, and islands that are simply not accessible to larger cruise ships. Guests can snorkel, swim, go water skiing or jet skiing, or just paddle a kayak in the warm waters of the ocean. For those who aren’t so adventurous, the cruise offers a casino, a cocktail bar, and plenty of onboard entertainment.
Queen Mary 2
The beautiful _Queen Mary 2_ is a gorgeous flagship with legendary style and elegance, and it might remind you of a very famous ship: the _Titanic_. But don’t worry, this one won’t sink! It takes passengers from London to New York and offers plenty of activities along the way. Guests can take acting classes taught by performers from the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art or get some exercise playing a tennis match on the sports court.
But the most peculiar and awesome thing about this cruise is that it has a full-scale planetarium, where passengers can gaze above while learning about the mysteries of the universe. And there are also formal balls on the ship. This cool and original ship merges both the American and the British culture, and this is reflected not only in its style but also in the food.
Island Windjammer
The _Island Windjammer_ is a teeny, tiny sailboat that hosts 26 passengers as it sails through the Caribbean. The small cruise focuses more on the joys of sailing than on shipboard amenities. Passengers can even take a turn at the helm of the ship if they wish. Because there are such few passengers, people spend a lot of time together and get to know each other.
This is a great option for those looking for new friends and experiences. Each day, you wake up on a different island and with the promise of new adventures. During the day, guests usually go snorkeling, hiking or exploring the villages. And at night, they all usually gather together on the deck to dance, talk and gaze at the night sky. The intimacy the cruise offers is really unique!
National Geographic Endeavour II
The _National Geographic Endeavour II,_ unlike the other NatGeo cruises, navigates the Galápagos archipelago, which is the perfect destination for those who want to enjoy nature, swim with sea turtles, and observe the most incredible views in the world. The ship is outfitted with a range of expedition equipment—including kayaks, Zodiac landing craft, a glass-bottom Zodiac, and snorkeling gear.
The best part of the ship is its glass bottom, which allows guests to admire all the wonderful creatures that live under the sea. Passengers can watch blue-footed boobies, sea lions, and frigate bird colonies, and, if they dare, they can go for a snorkel and swim among them too. People can also relax at the spa and enjoy the global gallery, the library, and the fitness center.
Aranui 5
Passengers of the_ Aranui 5_ board the vessel in Papeete, Tahiti, to begin their voyage through 800 miles of the most spectacular and remote islands in the world. Half cruise ship and half freighter, the _Aranui_ allow guests to get fully immersed in the culture of French Polynesia with the amenities and the food offered on board and with a variety of on-shore excursions on the islands.
From exciting hikes past waterfalls, luminous lagoons, jungle ruins, and sacred ritual sites to encounters with local artisans and snorkeling in the translucent waters of the atolls, this cruise encourages everyone’s inner adventurer to come out. The crew is entirely comprised of locals and includes expert lecturers and guides who can teach you all about the Polynesian culture.
Avalon Myanmar
The _Avalon Myanmar_ is an Irrawaddy Riverboat that carries 36 guests and takes them to Myanmar’s northern border, being the only ship in the world that sails through the region. There, passengers can interact with Burmese schoolkids, visit the local fishermen, and meet the monks of the villages. It is the best way to really immerse yourself in Burmese culture while still enjoying a typical cruise experience.
Onboard, there is an open-air observation lounge, a panorama dining room for guests to enjoy the view as they eat, a fitness room, a spa, a library, and a game room. Although the ship is small, the cabins are pretty large and have spacious closets and shelves, and the private bathrooms are extra luxurious. Its design is very modern, yet it reflects the character, symbols, and traditions of Myanmar.
Scenic Spirit
The _Scenic Spirit_ sailed for the first time last year, so it’s a very new cruise that offers nothing but the newest and most sophisticated services available. It is basically a floating 5-star hotel, as it offers cutting-edge features, including a sleek pool, steam sauna, bars, and an open-air cinema. It also has a library, a beauty salon, and a wellness center, so passengers can get everything they need on board.
The orchid-adorned ship sails to Cambodia, which is home to one of the world’s largest religious monuments, the Angkor Wat. Travelers can also enjoy the beach and go snorkeling or explore the mountains in Southeast Asia’s largest remaining rainforest, the Cardamom Mountains. But the best part is a visit to an elephant sanctuary, where visitors can get up close to one of the smartest animals in the world.
American Queen
There is nothing quite like a Mississippi river cruise, is there? The _American Queen_ is a relatively large ship that allows guests to learn all about the Southern American culture in a fun, adventurous way. Stepping into the vessel is like boarding a time machine, and you can learn amazing things about the rich history of the region. Climbing on this iconic steamboat is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The lower region of the Mississippi has centuries-old shaded oak trees, elegant antebellum plantations and Civil War memorials. The upper region, on the other hand, served as the inspiration behind Mark Twain‘s famed literary classics, and it captivates travelers with fascinating towns, vibrant cities, and indigenous wildlife. So it is the perfect cruise for those who want a mixture of adventure and culture.
Meroe
What better way to feel like royalty than sailing along the Nile on the _Meroe_, an exclusive Egyptian cruise? This extremely luxurious ship offers guests spacious cabins with floor-to-ceiling windows that let you admire the Nile night and day as you sail to the most emblematic cities in Egypt. Once you step out of the ship, you can discover the many archeological treasures and the rich culture of the country.
Visits include the ancient temple of Edfu, the temple of Kom Ombo, the Crocodile Museum (home to many mummified crocodiles!), the desert of Aswan, and the city of Esna. After spending the day at the museums or walking the busy city streets, passengers can swim in the Nile or enjoy all the luxurious amenities of the ship, like the spa, the lounge, and the fitness center.
Nenuphar
The two-deck luxury barge known as the _Nenuphar_ takes only 12 passengers through France’s waters in the Burgundy Canal. The few lucky folks that manage to get a spot on the ship can enjoy the beautiful scenery as they sail, learn everything about the French culture, and drink as much wine as they please, as one of the cruise’s stops is the acclaimed vineyards of Burgundy.
The ship also stops for sojourns at markets, bakeries, and cafés and has bicycles available for the guests to head off to explore the villages. The highlight of the itinerary is definitely the visit to the Forges de Buffon, which is a forge from the 1700s, a jewel of the Enlightenment era. Today it consists of industrial buildings, including the magnificent blast furnace with its beautiful staircase, private houses, gardens, and a farm.
Zambezi Queen
The _Zambezi Queen_ is a luxury African river safari cruise, which mixes the elegance and the comfort of a traditional cruise with the adventure and the thrill of a safari. It’s pretty small, as it only has 14 cabins, each with large windows and balconies for passengers to soak up the revitalizing Chobe River breeze and admire the best views of the unique African landscape.
The best part of this cruise is that guests can spot wild animals from the comfort of their cabins. Imagine having breakfast on a deck while an elephant drinks water by the river! It also offers different activities for all different types of passengers. For those on the adventurous side, there are water-based safaris, village tours, bird watching, and tender boat rides.
Aria Amazon
The _Aria Amazon_ is the most luxurious way to explore the Peruvian Amazon. If you don’t like the traditional backpacking and hostel-hopping experience, this is the right choice for you. It combines adventure with glamour and comfort, perfect for those who have the bucks to do it. The most special thing about the ship is that it is actually eco-friendly and causes minimal impact on the delicate Amazonian environment.
It’s got all the typical luxury cruise amenities: a spa, lounges, a jacuzzi, a massage room, and a boutique, and the whole ship has such a state-of-the-art design that it makes you wanna stay inside the whole time. Still, you should go out and take advantage of all the excursions that it offers, such as a safari, kayaking, mountain biking, fishing, guided tours, and bird watching.
M.S. Joy
The _M.S. Joy_ sails down the majestic Danube River, accommodating 130 passengers in its luxury cabins. It’s the ideal holiday for those looking to combine the thrill of a cruise with a cultural and educational experience. The breathtaking design makes you feel like you’re inside a museum. It has an impressive glass and marble reception area, brass fittings and sumptuously upholstered chairs and sofas.
The cruise takes passengers through Central Europe, including visits to Hungary and Austria. The highlights include exclusive access to the private Akademia Club in the Hungarian Academy of Sciences and tours of the Hungarian State Opera House. In Austria, the best excursion is an intimate visit to the Engelszell Abbey, which is Austria’s only Trappist monastery.
Malouka
The _Malouka_ is another Nile river cruise that is even more exclusive than the one we mentioned earlier on our list. This one actually takes 16 passengers, making it the smallest luxury cruise in the world. It is the perfect cruise for travelers wishing to enjoy spacious accommodations and a more intimate feel. Each room is decorated with state-of-the-art furniture and with floor-to-ceiling windows to enjoy the view.
The rooms are super spacious, and since there are only a few passengers, you feel like you’ve got the whole place to yourself! You’d think that with such comfortable and large rooms, you would want to spend your whole trip indoors, but the destinations of the cruise are so magnificent that you’ll still feel the desire to go out and explore. But when you come back from a long day of tourism, you can definitely relax in the ship’s fancy rooms.
Seabourn Ovation
The _Seabourn Ovation_ is the most expensive cruise in the world, with an average price of $5,500 per person per day, but for those who have had the opportunity to make the trip, you will probably agree on the fact that it was worth every penny. The ship is perfect for those who want to explore the cold, cruising Antarctica in the North American winter and Northern Europe in the summer. And if it’s too cold to step outside, don’t worry, there’s plenty of entertainment inside.
The dining experience onboard is definitely over the top. As a guest, you get fresh berries at breakfast, caviar anywhere and anytime you want it, and huge portions of steak -don’t worry though, they’ve got vegetarian options as well. At night, you can enjoy singers, dancers, and a jazz band as you enjoy eat a five-star dinner. No wonder it was voted the best cruise for entertainment in 2018!
Symphony Of The Seas
Royal Caribbean‘s _Symphony of the Seas_ is the largest cruise ship in the world, so large that it offers you basically all you can think of. It is essentially a mixture of a ship with a theme park. For example, one of its attractions called the _Ultimate Abyss_, is the tallest water slide at sea, with a 10-story height. There’s also a surf simulator, known as the _FlowRider_, and much, much more.
The cruise also offers a glow-in-the-dark laser tag, an arcade, shops, a casino, a spa, a fitness center, and several restaurants and bars. The ship is so large, that a weeklong journey is simply not enough to discover everything it has to offer. The overwhelming amount of choices prevents people from ever getting bored, and it offers something to each family member and suits everyone’s taste.