Luxury Cruise Lines Compared
Ship size, inclusions and style, line by line.
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A quick guide to how the main luxury and upper-premium lines differ. Ship sizes and inclusions are approximate and change with fare promotions, so treat this as a starting point and confirm details with a specialist.
| Line | Ships | Fare typically includes | Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regent Seven Seas Cruises | All-suite ships of roughly 500–750 guests | Among the most inclusive fares at sea: unlimited shore excursions, drinks, specialty dining, Wi-Fi and gratuities; many fares add air | Refined, spacious, classic luxury |
| Silversea | Ocean ships up to around 700 guests, plus expedition ships | Butler service in every suite; drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi; optional door-to-door fares | Intimate, elegant, destination-rich (part of Royal Caribbean Group) |
| Seabourn | Ships of roughly 450–600 guests, plus two expedition ships | Drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi; relaxed all-suite style | Yacht-like, sociable, understated (part of Carnival Corporation) |
| Explora Journeys | Ocean-front suites with terraces on ships of around 900 guests | Drinks, Wi-Fi and gratuities included; some dining extra | Contemporary “ocean state of mind”; MSC Group’s luxury brand |
| Crystal | Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony | Drinks, gratuities, specialty dining | Classic luxury, relaunched in 2023 under A&K Travel Group |
| Oceania Cruises | Mid-size ships of roughly 600–1,250 guests | Specialty dining included; drinks, Wi-Fi and excursion credit depend on fare | Upper-premium, famous for its cuisine |
| Cunard Grills | Queens Grill and Princess Grill suites aboard Cunard’s ships | Private Grill restaurants and lounges; extras vary | Ship-within-a-ship on classic ocean liners |
| The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Superyachts of roughly 300–450 guests | Drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi, most dining | Resort-style yacht, relaxed luxury |
How to Choose
- Want nothing to pay onboard? Look at Regent first.
- Want a butler in every suite? Silversea.
- Want a small, sociable, yacht-like ship? Seabourn or The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.
- Want contemporary design and big terraces? Explora Journeys.
- Food first, at a lower price point? Oceania.
- A classic crossing in style? Cunard’s Grill suites.
For suites and butler service on mainstream lines, see Cruise Butler’s suite guide.
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