UltimateGuide Cruises
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A white cruise ship gliding across the still blue Bay of Kotor below green hills and the limestone mountains of Montenegro A white cruise ship gliding across the still blue Bay of Kotor below green hills and the limestone mountains of Montenegro A large cruise ship in the green, waterfall-streaked Geirangerfjord, Norway Snow-covered peaks and a glacier front reflected in the calm water of Paradise Harbour, Antarctica Giant granite boulders around a clear, shallow sea pool at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, under a bright blue sky with white clouds

The sea guide to the world’s cruise lines, ships and seas

Best of Cruising

From your first family cruise to a yacht in the Rivieras, the fjords of Norway or the ice of Antarctica: the world’s cruise lines and the seas they sail, line by line.

Choose a cruise lineWhere to cruise
The Matterhorn in winter above ZermattSister guideULTIMATE Ski ResortsSeason dates, hotels, après and ski schools, resort by resort

Your trusted, one‑stop guide to cruising

The world’s cruise lines, from the big resort ships to the yachts, expedition ships and river boats: their fleets and suites, the restaurants and spas on board, what the fare includes, and where they sail. Then the cruising regions port by port, with what to see ashore and where to stay before you board. We check every listing against the line’s own website or an official source, and we leave out anything we can’t confirm.

Ultra-luxury & yachts

All-suite ships and yachts, most of the drinks included, from Regent and Silversea to Four Seasons and Aman.

Giant granite boulders around a clear, shallow sea pool at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, under a bright blue sky with white cloudsUltra-luxury & yachtsAman at SeaAman’s calm, at seaCrystal Serenity lit up at her berth in Quebec City at dusk, the old town’s rooftops in frontUltra-luxury & yachtsCrystalNobu’s only restaurant at seaEXPLORA II in warm evening light, her dark hull and red waterline beside a harbour mole at RhodesUltra-luxury & yachtsExplora JourneysOcean-front suites, European styleThe white yacht Four Seasons I at anchor on a calm blue sea, seen side-on with her stepped decks and glass-topped funnelUltra-luxury & yachtsFour Seasons YachtsA Four Seasons hotel, afloatThe expedition ship HANSEATIC nature moored at a wooden pier in Trondheim in low winter sun, with snowy hills behindUltra-luxury & yachtsHapag-Lloyd CruisesGerman luxury, from the Arctic to the AmazonOrient Express Corinthian, a navy-hulled sailing yacht with three tall masts, under way off Saint-NazaireUltra-luxury & yachtsOrient Express Sailing YachtsThe legendary train, under sailSeven Seas Grandeur under way off Bodrum on a still blue sea, bow towards the cameraUltra-luxury & yachtsRegent Seven Seas CruisesShore excursions in the fareThe navy-hulled yacht Ilma berthed in the Port of Barcelona, seen from above with the breakwater and open sea behindUltra-luxury & yachtsThe Ritz-Carlton Yacht CollectionSuperyachts with a MarinaSeaDream I, a small white yacht with a navy hull, at anchor on a deep blue sea under a clear sky, seen side-onUltra-luxury & yachtsSeaDream Yacht ClubTwin yachts, 112 guests, open barSeabourn Encore at anchor on a deep-blue sea, two tenders running alongsideUltra-luxury & yachtsSeabournCaviar in the surfSilver Dawn under way at dusk, her decks lit, on calm water below dark wooded hillsUltra-luxury & yachtsSilverseaA butler for every suite

Premium & small ships

Smaller, quieter ships with serious food, from Cunard’s ocean liner to Oceania, Viking and the sailing ships.

ASUKA III, white with her red-and-white striped funnel, sailing down a river past golden reeds under a clear blue sky, a tug alongsidePremium & small shipsAsuka CruiseJapan’s flagship cruise lineAtlas Ocean Voyages’ navy-hulled World Navigator moored in Venice under a blue skyPremium & small shipsAtlas Ocean VoyagesPolar-class yachts, drinks includedAzamara Onward, with her dark navy hull, at anchor off Portovenere on the Ligurian coastPremium & small shipsAzamaraLate nights in portCelebrity Edge seen from above at the pier in Juneau, Alaska, with the orange Magic Carpet on her starboard sidePremium & small shipsCelebrity CruisesEdge-series design, The RetreatQueen Mary 2 in evening sunlight leaving Southampton, her red and black funnel against a blue skyPremium & small shipsCunardQueen Mary 2 and the AtlanticBolette, Fred. Olsen’s flagship, under way on the still water of Eidfjorden below grey-green Norwegian mountainsPremium & small shipsFred. Olsen Cruise LinesSmaller ships, Norwegian rootsHolland America Line’s Rotterdam sailing past the Sluisjesdijk under a summer skyPremium & small shipsHolland America Line150 years at sea, Dutch styleThe Restaurant Fuji on deck four of MITSUI OCEAN FUJI: white-clothed tables, gold upholstered chairs and floor-to-ceiling white drapes under a chandelierPremium & small shipsMitsui Ocean CruisesJapan by sea, all-suiteOceania Riviera moored at Sète in warm early-morning lightPremium & small shipsOceania CruisesThe Finest Cuisine at SeaSun Princess berthed at Piraeus in clear evening light, with red pilot boats alongsidePremium & small shipsPrincess CruisesThe Love Boat, reimaginedSpirit of Adventure, her navy hull and yellow funnel, moored at Cádiz under a blue evening sky, the cathedral domes behindPremium & small shipsSaga CruisesBoutique ships for over-50sThe five-masted Royal Clipper, sails furled, crossing the Bay of Kotor beneath grey limestone mountainsPremium & small shipsStar ClippersSquare-riggers under full sailThe white Viking Mars moored at a quay under a blue sky with summer cloudsPremium & small shipsViking Ocean CruisesScandinavian calm, every cabin a verandaWind Surf under sail off Elba in the soft light of evening, with a small yacht in the foregroundPremium & small shipsWindstar CruisesReal sails, yacht-sized ships

Mainstream & family

The big resort ships for first-timers, families and friends: water parks, shows and private islands.

AIDAprima, with the red-lipped AIDA mouth on her bow, moored at Flåm beneath green slopes and snow-capped peaks at the head of the AurlandsfjordMainstream & familyAIDA CruisesGermany’s ‘Kussmund’ shipsAmbience, white with Ambassador’s purple branding, moored on the Maas in Rotterdam below the Kop van Zuid towersMainstream & familyAmbassador Cruise LineClassic no-fly cruising from BritainCarnival Celebration sailing out of Funchal, Madeira, her red, white and blue funnel and the BOLT track on the top deck, with the town on the hillside behindMainstream & familyCarnival Cruise LineThe ‘Fun Ships’, now with Celebration KeyThe blue domes and white bell tower of Oia above Santorini’s caldera, with red cliffs and yachts on the deep blue seaMainstream & familyCelestyalGreece, from the GreeksCosta Toscana moored in the harbour at Savona under a clear blue skyMainstream & familyCosta CruisesItaly at sea, since 1948Disney Wish, with her navy hull and red funnels, moored off Castaway Cay, seen past palms and a rope-lined path on the islandMainstream & familyDisney Cruise LineCharacters, fireworks and two islandsMSC World America under way in calm water, her long white hull and the MSC compass logo on the bowMainstream & familyMSC CruisesItalian style and the Yacht ClubMarella Discovery 2, her navy and sky-blue hull and TUI smile on the funnel, at anchor off Argostoli, Kefalonia, below green hillsMainstream & familyMarella CruisesAll inclusive, tips tooNorwegian Viva alongside in Roatán, Honduras, her bow painted in sweeping blue waves under a bright Caribbean skyMainstream & familyNorwegian Cruise LineFreestyle cruising, no set dinner timesP&O Cruises’ Iona alongside in Cádiz in soft evening light, the Union flag livery on her bowMainstream & familyP&O CruisesBritain’s cruise line, from SouthamptonIcon of the Seas at sea in evening light off Puerto Rico, her waterpark slides and glass AquaDome on the upper decksMainstream & familyRoyal Caribbean InternationalWaterparks, Broadway and CocoCayResilient Lady, her silver hull and red Virgin funnel lit by low evening sun, moored in Palermo below the hillsMainstream & familyVirgin VoyagesAdults only, no buffets

Expedition

Ice-class ships, zodiacs and naturalists for Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos and the Amazon.

A Galápagos sea lion in the surf at Punta Pitt, San CristóbalExpeditionAqua ExpeditionsSmall ships, great chefsSnow-covered peaks and a glacier front reflected in the calm water of Paradise Harbour, AntarcticaExpeditionAurora ExpeditionsThree X-BOW ships, built to exploreCoral Geographer, a white expedition ship, under way off Fremantle on a clear blue dayExpeditionCoral ExpeditionsAustralia’s expedition pioneerMS Fram, in her red and black livery, in the Errera Channel of Antarctica beneath a glacier-covered mountainsideExpeditionHX Hurtigruten ExpeditionsExpeditions since 1896Heritage Adventurer at anchor off the Auckland Islands, seen across red and gold subantarctic scrubExpeditionHeritage ExpeditionsNew Zealand’s family expedition lineMS Trollfjord, in Hurtigruten’s red, white and black, moored in Bergen harbour below wooded hills and white housesExpeditionHurtigrutenThe Norwegian coast since 1893The bow of National Geographic Explorer, with her yellow-bordered name, moored in snow-covered fast ice beneath jagged peaks and a deep blue skyExpeditionLindblad Expeditions–National GeographicThe pioneers, with National GeographicThe dark-hulled Le Commandant Charcot among sea ice and small icebergs off Greenland, a helicopter on her aft deckExpeditionPonantFrench flair in the iceSnow-covered peaks and a glacier front reflected in the calm water of Paradise Harbour, AntarcticaExpeditionQuark ExpeditionsPolar only, since 1991A Galápagos sea lion in the surf at Punta Pitt, San CristóbalExpeditionQuasar ExpeditionsTwo yachts, the GalápagosScenic Eclipse among sea ice in Antarctica, seen from the bow, with one of her helicopters in flight alongsideExpeditionScenicHelicopters, submersible, all-inclusiveThe expedition ship SH Vega among sea ice below an Antarctic glacierExpeditionSwan HellenicCultural expeditions since 1954The small cruise yacht Harmony V, white with a navy band, under way in a harbour below bare brown mountainsExpeditionVariety CruisesGreek small ships since 1949

River

Floating boutique hotels on the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Nile and Mekong.

A&K’s Sun Boat IV cruising the Nile near Luxor, white decks and shaded sun deck against the desert hills of the West BankRiverA&K Sanctuary RiverboatsFive boats on the Nile, one in the AmazonAmaMagna, AmaWaterways’ double-width Danube ship, moored on the river beneath wooded hills on a bright summer dayRiverAmaWaterwaysTwin balconies, family-runAn Avalon Waterways Suite Ship moored at Ybbs on the Danube at blue hour, her lounge windows glowing under a wide evening skyRiverAvalon WaterwaysOpen-air balconies, wall to wallCroisiEurope’s MS Miguel Torga sailing the Douro below wooded hills on a clear dayRiverCroisiEuropeFrance’s family river lineThe Emerald Cruises Star-Ship Emerald Sun moored on the Danube at Linz, her long glass-sided hull reflected in the green waterRiverEmerald CruisesStar-Ships and small yachtsThe white Nile cruiser The Oberoi Zahra under way near Luxor, palms and the desert hills of the West Bank behindRiverOberoi Nile CruisesOberoi hotels, afloat on the NileThe white all-suite ship Riverside Mozart moored on the Danube at Linz, with the Pöstlingberg and its pilgrimage church on the hill behindRiverRiverside Luxury CruisesAll suites, a butler for everyoneTauck’s riverboat ms Savor on the Danube in front of the Hungarian Parliament in BudapestRiverTauckEverything included, even the tipsUniworld’s S.S. Antoinette sailing the Rhine Gorge near Oberwesel, her bow painted with a black flourish beneath vineyard slopesRiverUniworld Boutique River CruisesFloating boutique hotelsThe Viking longship Viking Tor on the Rhine in front of the gabled Kranhaus-era warehouses of CologneRiverViking River CruisesLongships, the Nile and the Mekong

Where to cruise

The cruising regions, port by port: what to see ashore, where to eat and where to stay before you board.

Monaco seen from La Turbie: Port Hercule full of yachts, a cruise ship alongside the breakwater and the Rock with the Prince’s Palace above a deep blue seaRegionWestern Mediterranean & the RivierasBarcelona, Rome and the RivierasThe blue domes and white bell tower of Oia above Santorini’s caldera, with red cliffs and yachts on the deep blue seaRegionGreek Islands, Adriatic & Eastern MedCyclades, Dalmatia and the BosphorusGiant granite boulders around a clear, shallow sea pool at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, under a bright blue sky with white cloudsRegionThe Caribbean & the BahamasFlorida, the Bahamas and the islandsA cruise ship at anchor off Geiranger village, seen from Flydalsjuvet, with the Geirangerfjord winding between green mountains under a bright skyRegionNorthern Europe, the Norwegian Fjords & the ArcticFjords, capitals and the midnight sunA cruise ship alongside at Juneau on a clear day, beside the wooden pier and waterfront shops beneath forested Mount JuneauRegionAlaska & the Pacific NorthwestGlaciers, totems and the Inside PassageMarina Bay at dusk, with Marina Bay Sands and the lit towers of Singapore’s financial district across the waterRegionAsia & the GulfHarbour cities from Tokyo to DubaiThe Danube winding through the Wachau, with river cruise ships moored at Dürnstein beneath vineyards and wooded hills on a clear summer dayRegionThe Great RiversDanube, Rhine, Douro, Nile and MekongLeón Dormido, also called Kicker Rock, two sheer volcanic towers rising from the Pacific off San Cristóbal in the Galápagos, under a blue skyRegionThe Galápagos & South AmericaDarwin’s islands and the Atlantic coastThe Lemaire Channel on the Antarctic Peninsula on a still, clear day: snow-covered peaks on both sides, scattered ice on calm blue waterRegionAntarctica & the ArcticIce, penguins and the midnight sunThe V&A Waterfront harbour in Cape Town in clear morning light, with Table Mountain and Devil’s Peak rising behind the quayside buildingsRegionThe Indian Ocean & AfricaCape Town to the SeychellesA cruise ship alongside the Overseas Passenger Terminal at Circular Quay West, Sydney, with the sails of the Opera House at the far left under a clear blue skyRegionAustralia, New Zealand & the South PacificHarbours, reefs and lagoons

Plan your cruise

Getting to the ship, the private islands and the practical things to know.

A cruise ship at anchor off Geiranger village, seen from Flydalsjuvet, with the Geirangerfjord winding between green mountains under a bright skyGetting thereAirports & trains to the shipsEvery home port’s gatewaysGiant granite boulders around a clear, shallow sea pool at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, under a bright blue sky with white cloudsPrivate islandsIslands & beach clubsThe lines’ own beachesMonaco seen from La Turbie: Port Hercule full of yachts, a cruise ship alongside the breakwater and the Rock with the Prince’s Palace above a deep blue seaBefore you goCruise essentialsDocuments, port fees and rules

In depth

Your first cruise, every budget, the suites at sea and when to go where.

A large cruise ship in the green, waterfall-streaked Geirangerfjord, NorwayIn depthYour first cruiseEmbarkation day, tenders, dress codes and the onboard…A white cruise ship gliding across the still blue Bay of Kotor below green hills and the limestone mountains of MontenegroIn depthChoose your kind of cruiseResort ships, premium ships, ultra-luxury yachts,…Giant granite boulders around a clear, shallow sea pool at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, under a bright blue sky with white cloudsIn depthCruising on every budgetHow to cruise well for less, how to compare fares fairly,…A white cruise ship gliding across the still blue Bay of Kotor below green hills and the limestone mountains of MontenegroIn depthThe great suites at seaFrom Four Seasons’ Funnel Suite to Silversea’s Otium Suite…Giant granite boulders around a clear, shallow sea pool at The Baths on Virgin Gorda, under a bright blue sky with white cloudsIn depthPrivate islands and beach clubsThe cruise lines’ own islands and beach clubs, from Perfect…The Danube winding through the Wachau, with river cruise ships moored at Dürnstein beneath vineyards and wooded hills on a clear summer dayIn depthRiver or ocean? How to chooseSmall ships in the heart of town or open water and sea…Snow-covered peaks and a glacier front reflected in the calm water of Paradise Harbour, AntarcticaIn depthExpedition cruisingZodiacs, naturalists and ice-class ships: what an…

ULTIMATE City Guides: Europe & beyond

Planning a longer journey? Each city in the network has its own independent guide, written with the same care and checked place by place. Here are the guides that are live, with more on the way.

The Alhambra in Granada in the evening lightSpainULTIMATE AndalusiaSeville, Granada and the Alhambra, Córdoba, Málaga, Cádiz and Jerez, Ronda and the white villages, Doñana and Cabo de Gata.Visit the guide The floodlit Acropolis and Parthenon at dusk, seen from Philopappos HillGreeceULTIMATE AthensThe Acropolis and the Plaka, rooftop bars facing the Parthenon, the Athens Riviera and the Greek islands: our original guide, and our deepest.Visit the guide The road winding out to the lighthouse on Cap de Formentor, Mallorca, above the open seaSpainULTIMATE Balearic IslandsMallorca, Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera side by side, and how to hop between them by ferry.Visit the guide The Sagrada Família lit up at nightSpainULTIMATE BarcelonaGaudí and the Sagrada Família, the Gothic Quarter, four Three-Star MICHELIN kitchens, the beaches and day trips to Montserrat and Girona.Visit the guide Belgrade's old town and the spire of the Cathedral Church of St Michael above the Sava at sunsetSerbiaULTIMATE BelgradeWhere the Sava meets the Danube: a buzzing capital of art, classical music and famous nightlife, with a new waterfront and the mountains of Zlatibor and Kopaonik.Visit the guide The Romanian Athenaeum in its gardenRomaniaULTIMATE BucharestBelle Époque palaces, concerts at the Athenaeum, a buzzing food and coffee scene, and the castles and mountains of the Carpathians.Visit the guide The Hungarian Parliament lit up at night on the DanubeHungaryULTIMATE BudapestThermal baths, grand coffee houses, ruin bars and MICHELIN-starred dining on both banks of the Danube, with day trips to the Danube Bend and Lake Balaton.Visit the guide Aerial view of the white sand spit of Ses Illetes and Llevant, the salt pans and, across the strait, Ibiza and Es VedràSpainULTIMATE FormenteraThe white sands of Ses Illetes, the lighthouses of La Mola and Barbaria, the craft markets and an island made for bikes.Visit the guide The Baie des Anges, NiceFranceULTIMATE French RivieraNice, Cannes, Antibes, Cap Ferrat, Èze, Menton, Saint-Tropez and Cassis: palace hotels, three-star tables, beach clubs, the Festival de Cannes and the painters’ coast.Visit the guide Blue domes of Oia above the Santorini calderaGreeceULTIMATE Greek IslandsIsland hopping made easy: Mykonos, Santorini, Paros, Naxos, Milos and the Cyclades, plus Crete, Rhodes and Corfu, with ferries, beaches, hotels and tavernas.Visit the guide Helsinki Cathedral above the South HarbourFinlandULTIMATE HelsinkiSuomenlinna and the South Harbour, saunas by the sea, Aalto and the Design District, two-starred Palace and day trips to Porvoo and Tallinn.Visit the guide The walls of Dalt Vila and the cathedral above the harbour of Ibiza Town, in late sunSpainULTIMATE IbizaDalt Vila’s UNESCO walls, Es Vedrà, three MICHELIN-starred kitchens, the beach clubs and the quiet north, 30 minutes from Formentera.Visit the guide Hagia Sophia and its minarets in golden evening lightTurkeyULTIMATE IstanbulTwo continents, one city: Hagia Sophia and the bazaars, Bosphorus ferries, meyhanes and rooftop bars, Sinan’s hammams and the car-free Princes’ Islands.Visit the guide Congress Square, Ljubljana, with the castle on its hill behindSloveniaULTIMATE LjubljanaSlovenia’s green, car-free capital of river cafés and Plečnik’s bridges, an hour from Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, the caves and the Adriatic.Visit the guide The Palace of Westminster and the Elizabeth Tower lit at dusk across the ThamesUnited KingdomULTIMATE LondonRoyal palaces and the Thames, world-class museums, West End theatre, grand hotels, and the restaurants and bars of Soho, Mayfair and the City.Visit the guide La Seu, Palma’s Gothic cathedral, and the Almudaina above the old sea wall, seen from the Parc de la MarSpainULTIMATE MallorcaPalma’s cathedral and palace hotels, the UNESCO Tramuntana, Deià and Sóller, nine MICHELIN-starred kitchens, and Menorca, Ibiza and Formentera.Visit the guide Yachts in Puerto BanúsSpainULTIMATE MarbellaWhitewashed lanes and orange trees in the Old Town, the yachts of Puerto Banús, beach clubs on the Golden Mile and day trips to Ronda and Gibraltar.Visit the guide Turquoise water below the pine-topped cliffs at Cala Macarella, MenorcaSpainULTIMATE MenorcaA UNESCO Biosphere Reserve: the coves of Macarella and Turqueta, World Heritage Talayotic sites, Ciutadella and Maó’s great harbour.Visit the guide Monaco from above, Port Hercule and Monte-Carlo below the mountainsOur sister guideULTIMATE MonacoThe Casino and Monte-Carlo’s palace hotels, the Prince’s Palace on the Rock, superyachts in Port Hercule, Larvotto’s beach clubs and the Grand Prix streets.Visit the guide The Millennium Bridge over the MoračaMontenegroULTIMATE PodgoricaMontenegro’s relaxed capital of rivers and café terraces, and the gateway to the Bay of Kotor, Lake Skadar, Cetinje and the mountains.Visit the guide The Sebilj fountain and the square of BaščaršijaBosnia & HerzegovinaULTIMATE SarajevoWhere East meets West at a line in the pavement: an Ottoman bazaar, Habsburg boulevards, Bosnian coffee and the 1984 Olympic mountains, with Mostar two hours away.Visit the guide The Matterhorn in winter above ZermattOur sister guideULTIMATE Ski Resorts (Europe & North America)Ski resorts in Europe and North America, country by country, for every budget: season dates, hotels, mountain restaurants, après, ski schools and getting there.Visit the guide The Warrior on a Horse fountain in Macedonia Square, Skopje, lit at nightNorth MacedoniaULTIMATE SkopjeA 15th-century stone bridge between a 21st-century square and an Ottoman bazaar, Kenzo Tange’s concrete city, Matka Canyon, and Lake Ohrid three hours away.Visit the guide The Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, Sofia, under a pink evening skyBulgariaULTIMATE SofiaRoman streets beneath the city, golden domes, warm mineral springs and a mountain at the end of the main boulevard.Visit the guide The restored Pyramid of Tirana under a blue skyAlbaniaULTIMATE TiranaAn Ottoman mosque painted with waterfalls, museums in bunkers, Blloku’s cafés and the Dajti cable car, with Berat, Gjirokastër, the Alps and the Riviera within reach.Visit the guide Rolling green hills and a farmhouse near Pienza in the Val d’OrciaItalyULTIMATE TuscanyFlorence, Chianti, Siena, the Val d’Orcia, Pisa and Lucca, Versilia, Bolgheri, the Maremma, Arezzo and Elba.Visit the guide St Mark's Church and its tiled roof on St Mark's Square, Zagreb's Upper TownCroatiaULTIMATE ZagrebCroatia’s elegant capital of cafés, museums and markets, and the gateway to Plitvice Lakes, Istria, Dubrovnik and the islands of the Adriatic.Visit the guide Bixby Creek Bridge on the Big Sur coastUSAULTIMATE CaliforniaSan Francisco, Napa and Sonoma, Big Sur and the Pacific Coast Highway, San Diego, Palm Springs, Lake Tahoe and the national parks.Visit the guide A schooner silhouetted against the sunset off Key WestUSAULTIMATE FloridaOrlando and the theme parks, Palm Beach, Tampa Bay, Sarasota, St. Augustine and Scenic Highway 30A.Visit the guide The Las Vegas Strip at duskNevadaULTIMATE Las VegasThe Strip and its shows, MICHELIN dining, Sphere and Fremont Street’s neon, with Red Rock Canyon, Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon beyond.Visit the guide Downtown Los Angeles at sunset beneath the snow-capped San Gabriel MountainsCaliforniaULTIMATE Los AngelesHollywood and the Walk of Fame, Beverly Hills’ grand hotels, the Sunset Strip, the Getty and the beaches from Santa Monica to Malibu.Visit the guide Art Deco hotels on Ocean Drive, Miami BeachFloridaULTIMATE MiamiSouth Beach and the Art Deco district, Wynwood’s murals, the Design District, Little Havana’s cafecito and the beaches of Key Biscayne.Visit the guide Sunset at the Naples PierFloridaULTIMATE NaplesWhite-sand beaches and sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico, Fifth Avenue’s terraces, grand beach resorts and golf, with the Everglades and Marco Island close by.Visit the guide The New York City skyline from Top of the RockNew YorkULTIMATE New YorkManhattan’s grand hotels and MICHELIN dining, Broadway and the Met, Fifth Avenue shopping, Central Park and the walk across the Brooklyn Bridge to DUMBO.Visit the guide The Golden Gate Bridge seen from Battery SpencerCaliforniaULTIMATE San FranciscoCable cars over Nob Hill, North Beach cafés, the murals of the Mission, three-star tables and the Golden Gate Bridge.Visit the guide The pink sand beach of Harbour Island, the BahamasOur sister guideULTIMATE The BahamasSeven hundred islands: Nassau and Paradise Island, the Exuma Cays and the swimming pigs, Harbour Island’s pink sand, marinas and island hopping.Visit the guide The golden sand and calm water of Paynes Bay, St. JamesOur sister guideULTIMATE BarbadosThe Platinum West Coast and Sandy Lane, UNESCO-listed Bridgetown, rum where it was born, Friday nights in Oistins and the wild Atlantic east.Visit the guide Gros Piton and Petit Piton, the twin volcanic spires of the UNESCO-listed PitonsOur sister guideULTIMATE St LuciaThe UNESCO Pitons and Soufrière’s drive-in volcano, Marigot Bay, Rodney Bay and the Gros Islet street party, reefs, rum and cocoa.Visit the guide The Grand Palace reflected at dawnThailandULTIMATE BangkokThe Grand Palace and Wat Arun on the river, the grand hotels of Charoen Krung, MICHELIN stars from street food to tasting menus, rooftop bars and the Thai islands.Visit the guide An aerial view of a small island ringed by reef in the MaldivesOur sister guideULTIMATE MaldivesUndersea restaurants and overwater bars, Hanifaru Bay’s mantas, the whale sharks of South Ari, private islands and the little capital, Malé.Visit the guide The Taj Mahal Palace and the Gateway of India from the harbourIndiaULTIMATE MumbaiThe Taj and the Gateway of India, Marine Drive’s Queen’s Necklace, three UNESCO sites, modern Indian restaurants and day trips to Elephanta and the Ghats.Visit the guide The Lujiazui skyline lit up at night across the Huangpu RiverChinaULTIMATE ShanghaiThe grand hotels of the Bund facing the towers of Pudong, every MICHELIN star, Yu Garden, the two Shanghai Museums and day trips to Suzhou and Hangzhou.Visit the guide A caparisoned elephant in the Esala Perahera procession, KandyOur sister guideULTIMATE Sri LankaColombo, the ramparts of Galle Fort, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, the tea country by train, Sigiriya and leopards in Yala.Visit the guide Burj Khalifa and Business Bay at blue hourUnited Arab EmiratesULTIMATE DubaiBurj Khalifa and the Fountain, abras on the Creek, resorts on the Palm, every MICHELIN star of 2026 and day trips to Abu Dhabi and Hatta.Visit the guide

HOT TOPICS · Have Your Say

The latest from our readers: visitors and locals talking about the sea, its restaurants, theatres, museums and neighbourhoods.

    Have your say in HOT TOPICS

    Every list in the guide

    Who each line suits

    A&K Sanctuary Riverboats

    Budget: There is no budget A&K, but the cabins on Sun Boat IV or Nile Adventurer are the most accessible way in, with all meals, afternoon tea, guided excursions and entrance fees included. Mid: A suite on the new Nile Seray, with a Juliet balcony and a spa and gym on board, or one of Pure Amazon’s ten Double Suites in the Peruvian rainforest. Luxury: Charter the six-suite Zein Nile Chateau for up to 12 guests, or book a Royal Suite with private balcony on Sun Boat IV.

    AIDA Cruises

    Budget: The LIGHT or CLASSIC tariff on a short cruise from Hamburg: full board, selected drinks with buffet meals and tips are always included, and children under two travel at no charge. Mid: PREMIUM on AIDAcosma or AIDAnova, with all specialty restaurants included, or CLASSIC ALL IN to add the drinks package. Luxury: COMFORT ALL IN in a suite or the two-deck Loft on AIDAcosma: the fullest drinks package, an unlimited internet flat and all specialty restaurants.

    AmaWaterways

    Budget: First-timers can start with a seven-night Danube or Rhine sailing in a window stateroom on the lowest deck; the fare still covers every meal, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and excursions in every port. Mid: A twin-balcony stateroom, with both a French balcony and a step-out balcony, on one of the Europe ships, or a Douro sailing on a 102-guest ship through the port-wine valley. Luxury: AmaMagna’s 710 sq ft Owner’s Suite or one of its six Grand Suites on the Danube, the 502 sq ft Luxury Suite on AmaDara on the Mekong, or a suite on the new AmaNubia on the Nile.

    Aman at Sea

    Budget: Amangati has no budget grade, but every suite, even the smallest Deluxe Suite at 60.7 m², has a private terrace, a soaking tub and floor-to-ceiling windows. Gratuities, soft drinks, beer and Starlink Wi-Fi are in the fare. Mid: The Premier and Signature Suites (60.1–85.2 m²) on Decks 5 to 7, which can be joined to adjoining suites for two- or three-bedroom stays with family or friends. Luxury: The Grand Suite (102 m²) at the bow and the Aman Suite (354 m²) at the stern, with an in-suite massage room and a terrace whirlpool; joined to a Premier Suite, it becomes a two-bedroom residence of 416.4 m².

    Ambassador Cruise Line

    Budget: A Saver Fare on a short break or British Isles cruise from your nearest regional port, or a winter Caribbean fly-cruise: Ambassador listed Tropical Treasures from Manchester, 14 nights from 22 November 2026, from £1,399pp (ambassadorcruiseline.com, Oct 2026). Mid: The Ambassador Fare, with a drinks package and gratuities included, on a Norwegian fjords or Iceland sailing from London Tilbury. Luxury: A Suite or De-Luxe Suite of up to 41 m² on Ambition, with the Chef’s Table and a Sea & Grass tasting menu on a long winter voyage.

    Aqua Expeditions

    Budget: Aria Amazon, the original river ship, on a shorter Amazon voyage, or an early-booking offer. Mid: A Design Suite on Aqua Mekong or Aqua Nera, with twice-daily excursions and a celebrated chef. Luxury: The 80 m² Owner’s Suite on Aqua Mare in the Galápagos, or a whole-yacht charter of Aqua Lares in the Seychelles.

    Asuka Cruise

    Budget: ASUKA II’s two-night cruises that call nowhere, built around a show and a special dinner, are the shortest way to try the line. Mid: A week of seasonal Japan on ASUKA III in an Asuka Balcony cabin, with a night at the Grill Restaurant Papenburg and a soak in the Grand Spa at sunrise. Luxury: The Royal Penthouse on ASUKA III (two only) or the Royal Suite on ASUKA II, with in-suite dining, on the 2027 Oceania grand cruise.

    Atlas Ocean Voyages

    Budget: Travellers who want an expedition yacht with everything included: a Signature Collection suite with a picture window, and the line’s seasonal bonus savings. Mid: A Concierge Collection suite with a veranda or Juliet balcony, wash-and-fold laundry and priority access to onboard experiences. Luxury: The Reserve Collection: the largest suites, marble spa bathrooms, an expanded in-room dining menu and a butler.

    Aurora Expeditions

    Budget: A solo cabin on an Antarctic or Arctic voyage (ten per sailing, with no single supplement), or a Small Ship Cruise in Europe, where ‘Your Choice’ excursions are included. Mid: A balcony stateroom on the Sylvia Earle for eleven days in Antarctica, with landings and Zodiac cruises included and premium drinks in the fare from the 2026/27 season. Luxury: The Captain’s Suite on the Douglas Mawson for a long Antarctic crossing, with crew gratuities, a stocked minibar and champagne included.

    Avalon Waterways

    Budget: Every Panorama Suite is 200 sq ft with the wall-to-wall Open-Air Balcony, so even the entry suite gives you the line’s signature view; wine, beer and soft drinks with meals and up to 28 excursions are included. Mid: A Panorama Suite on a Danube or Rhine sailing, with Avalon Choice excursions mixing Classic, Discovery and Active days, and bikes and e-bikes from the Adventure Center. Luxury: A Royal Suite, which also opens onto an Open-Air Balcony; book a themed or celebrity-hosted Storyteller sailing for something out of the ordinary.

    Azamara

    Budget: Travellers who want a small ship and long port days without luxury prices: an inside or ocean-view stateroom, with gratuities and house wine, beer and spirits already in the fare. Mid: A veranda stateroom or Continent Suite, with butler service, in-suite dining and daily specialty dining included in the suite. Luxury: The World Owner’s, Ocean and Spa Suites, with unlimited Wi-Fi, onboard credit and an exclusive Acamar Experience dinner, or the new Panorama Suites on Azamara Quest from December 2026.

    Carnival Cruise Line

    Budget: A three- to five-night Bahamas or Mexico cruise on an older ship from a drive-to port: Carnival has some of the lowest fares at sea, and the main dining room, Lido buffet and Guy’s Burger Joint are included. Mid: A week on an Excel-class ship from Port Canaveral, Miami or Galveston, with a balcony, a FunPack of extras and a day at Celebration Key. Luxury: A balcony or suite on an Excel-class ship and a day at Pearl Cove Beach Club, the adults-only club at Celebration Key with its 11,000 sq ft infinity pool.

    Celebrity Cruises

    Budget: First-timers who want a big ship with a grown-up feel: an inside or veranda stateroom on a Solstice or Millennium Series ship, with the All Included drinks and Wi-Fi rate chosen at booking. Mid: AquaClass, with the Blu restaurant and the SEA Thermal Suite or Persian Garden, or Concierge Class on an Edge Series ship. Luxury: The Retreat: a butler, Luminae, a private sundeck and lounge, and at the top the two-bedroom Iconic Suite above the bridge or a two-storey Edge Villa with its own plunge pool. In the Galápagos, Celebrity Flora is all suites.

    Celestyal

    Budget: A three- or four-night Greek Islands cruise on Celestyal Discovery, or a seven-night winter Mediterranean sailing, which Celestyal advertised from US$549 per person (celestyal.com, Oct 2026). Mid: Seven nights of Idyllic Greece on Celestyal Journey in a Junior Dream Suite with a balcony, prepaying drinks and speciality dining with CelestyalPay. Luxury: The Stargazer Suite on Celestyal Journey, with jacuzzi bath, concierge and the Rays sundeck and The Compass lounge, on the 14-night Greece, Italy and Croatia combination.

    Coral Expeditions

    Budget: A Great Barrier Reef voyage from Cairns, the line’s home waters, with expedition-team shore excursions, tenders and kayaks included. Mid: Ten nights in the Kimberley between Broome and Darwin on Coral Geographer or Coral Adventurer. Luxury: A Bridge Deck suite on Coral Geographer for the 18-night Raja Ampat and Spice Islands voyage from Darwin.

    Costa Cruises

    Budget: A Mediterranean week in an inside cabin, with children under 18 sharing with two adults paying no cruise fare on Costa’s family offer, and hotel service charges already in the UK price. Mid: A balcony on Costa Smeralda or Costa Toscana with the My Drinks package added at booking. Luxury: A suite, which includes My Drinks Plus, and an evening at Archipelago, the 12-course tasting menu by three star chefs.

    CroisiEurope

    Budget: A short port-to-port cruise on the Rhine, Seine or Rhône in a main-deck cabin, with full board, drinks at meals and the bar, and Wi-Fi all in the fare; the line also discounts many cruises by 20% for children aged 2–10. Mid: An upper-deck cabin with French balcony on MS Elbe Princesse between Berlin and Prague, or on MS Miguel Torga on the Douro, with its sun-deck pool. Luxury: A 24–37 m² cabin or suite on RV Ganges Voyager, a balcony cabin on RV Indochine II on the Mekong, or one of only eight cabins on RV African Dream on Lake Kariba.

    Crystal

    Budget: Look at the shorter sailings, such as Crystal Serenity’s four nights from Fort Lauderdale to San Juan from £1,900 per guest (crystalcruises.com, 22 Oct 2026), in a Deluxe or Premium Veranda room; the butler, drinks and tips are still included. Mid: An Aquamarine or Sapphire suite on a week in the Caribbean or the Mediterranean, with one or more included reservations at Umi Uma and Osteria d’Ovidio. Luxury: The Penthouse Suite on Crystal Serenity, with unlimited specialty dining, or, from 2028, the Crystal Owner’s Suite on Crystal Grace with its own hot tub on a vast aft terrace.

    Cunard

    Budget: First-timers who love the idea of an ocean liner: a Britannia stateroom on a short break from Southampton or a Transatlantic Crossing, dining in the Britannia Restaurant included. Mid: Britannia Club Balcony staterooms, with their own Britannia Club Restaurant, and a Cunard Signature Package for drinks, Wi-Fi and alternative dining credit. Luxury: The Grill Suites: priority embarkation, a dedicated concierge, the Princess Grill or Queens Grill restaurant and, in Queens Grill Suites, a butler; on Queen Mary 2, the Duplex Suites.

    Disney Cruise Line

    Budget: A three- or four-night Bahamas cruise from Port Canaveral with a day at Castaway Cay, in an inside stateroom: the restaurants, shows and kids’ clubs are in the fare. Mid: A five- to seven-night cruise on a Wish-class ship with a verandah, dinner at Palo and a day at Lookout Cay. Luxury: Concierge staterooms and suites, with priority boarding, a private lounge and sundeck and a dedicated Concierge team.

    Emerald Cruises

    Budget: Good value for a first river cruise: a picture-window Stateroom on a Star-Ship still comes with ESPA toiletries, Wi-Fi, wine, draught beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner, transfers and gratuities. Selected ships have cabins built for solo travellers. Mid: A Panorama Balcony Suite with the all-weather balcony system, whose floor-to-ceiling window lowers at the touch of a button, or a Balcony Suite on one of the yachts. Luxury: An Owner’s One-Bedroom Suite with a separate living room on a Star-Ship, or the largest yacht suites, on the Pool Deck, of 108–130 m² including a private terrace.

    Explora Journeys

    Budget: An Ocean Suite (35–39 m²) on a short Mediterranean journey is the way in; drinks, Wi-Fi, the spa’s thermal area and nine culinary experiences are already in the fare. Mid: An Ocean Penthouse (43–69 m²) for more space, early dining reservations and laundry, perhaps on a family journey with the Nautilus Club for children aged 6 to 17. Luxury: An Ocean Residence (65–149 m²) with ground transfers and a Residence Host, or the 280 m² Owner’s Residence across the full width of the aft, with its own infinity whirlpool.

    Four Seasons Yachts

    Budget: There is no budget way aboard, but there are shorter ways: three-night Lesser Antilles voyages from $12,200 per suite for up to two adults and an infant (Nov 2026), and the Seaview Suites at 44 m². Breakfast, Wi-Fi, marina water sports and the children’s club are in the fare; lunch, dinner and drinks are à la carte, so you spend as you choose. Mid: The Superior Seaview (66 m²) and Ocean Suites (71 m²), with dining tables and larger terraces; the Studio versions add a connecting room for children or a travelling companion, priced per suite rather than per person. Luxury: The six Signature Suites, from the two-bedroom Saint Barths Suite to the three-bedroom Loft Suite with its own sauna and steam room, each with a private splash pool, and the four-level Funnel Suite at the top of the yacht.

    Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines

    Budget: A short cruise from a UK port on a Saver Fare is the cheapest way in: Fred. Olsen listed a Southern Spain Siesta from £1,299pp and German Christmas Markets from £999pp for 2026 (fredolsencruises.com, Oct 2026). Saver Fares are paid in full and non-refundable. Mid: A Freedom Fare on Bolette to the Norwegian fjords, with house wine or beer at lunch and dinner and gratuities in the price, and a night or two at Colours & Tastes. Luxury: An Owners Suite on Bolette or Borealis, with the Suite Dreams package, on a Northern Lights voyage or the 98-night World Cruise on adults-only Borealis.

    HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

    Budget: A Polar Inside cabin on MS Fram or MS Spitsbergen, or a Norway winter voyage when HX runs flight offers. Mid: An Arctic Superior cabin on a hybrid ship, with daily excursions, drinks and gratuities already included. Luxury: An Expedition Suite with a hot tub on Roald Amundsen or Fridtjof Nansen in Antarctica, with every meal at Lindstrøm.

    Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

    Budget: A HANSEATIC outside cabin (22 m²) or panoramic cabin (21 m²) on a shorter expedition in European waters: the same Zodiacs, experts and 230-guest ship as the suites, with a soft-drinks minibar included. Mid: A 35 m² Veranda or Ocean Suite on EUROPA 2, where seven restaurants come at no extra charge and English is an official on-board language, or a Balcony cabin on an expedition ship. Luxury: The 114 m² Owner’s Suite on EUROPA 2, or the 85 m² Penthouse Grand Suite above EUROPA’s bridge, with butler service, its own Finnish sauna and priority at THE GLOBE by Kevin Fehling.

    Heritage Expeditions

    Budget: A five-day Fiordland voyage on the 18-guest Heritage Explorer, or a triple cabin on Heritage Adventurer in the Kimberley, gives you the line’s naturalist-led style on a shorter, simpler trip. Mid: A Superior cabin on Heritage Adventurer for the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia, with house wine and beer at lunch and dinner and every landing included. Luxury: A Heritage Suite on Heritage Discoverer, with its 15 m² balcony, in-room dining and laundry, or on Heritage Adventurer for the 28-day voyage into the Ross Sea.

    Holland America Line

    Budget: First-timers and older travellers who like a traditional, unhurried ship: an interior or ocean-view stateroom on a Vista or R Class ship, with 24-hour room service included. Mid: A verandah stateroom with the Have It All package (from £60–65 per person per day, hollandamerica.com, Oct 2026) for drinks, Wi-Fi, specialty dining, shore-excursion credit and crew appreciation. Luxury: The Neptune Suites with concierge, the new 900 sq ft Bridgeview Suites, or the 1,290 sq ft Pinnacle Suite on the Pinnacle Class ships.

    Hurtigruten

    Budget: A Polar Inside cabin on an Original voyage, or a short port-to-port section of the coast. Mid: An Arctic Superior cabin on the full 12-day Coastal Express, adding the Kysten dining upgrade. Luxury: An Expedition Suite on an all-inclusive Signature voyage on MS Trollfjord or MS Midnatsol, with Røst included.

    Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic

    Budget: First-timers on a shorter voyage aboard one of the 100-guest coastal ships, watching Lindblad’s family, solo and back-to-back offers. Mid: A cabin on National Geographic Explorer in the Arctic or Antarctica, with drinks and crew gratuities already in the fare. Luxury: A category 6 or 7 suite on Endurance or Resolution deep in the polar regions, or the Islander Suite in the Galápagos.

    MSC Cruises

    Budget: A Mediterranean week from a European port or a short Bahamas cruise via Ocean Cay: MSC’s kids’ club activities are included and UK fares already include service charges. Mid: A balcony on a World Class or Meraviglia-class ship, with a drinks package booked online before you sail. Luxury: The MSC Yacht Club: suites with round-the-clock butler service, an all-inclusive offer and private venues, and the Grand Hamptons Villa on MSC World Atlantic.

    Marella Cruises

    Budget: A seven-night Canaries sailing in winter: Marella published fares from £879pp for November 2026 to April 2027 (tui.co.uk, Oct 2026), with drinks and tips in the price. Mid: A week in the Mediterranean on Marella Voyager, the fleet’s biggest choice of restaurants, in a balcony cabin with a hammock. Luxury: Marella Explorer and its Dining Club fine-dining experience and the fleet’s biggest spa, or a 14-night Caribbean fly-cruise.

    Mitsui Ocean Cruises

    Budget: A short coastal cruise from Yokohama or Tokyo in a Veranda Suite: the line listed a four-day Yokohama to Tokyo autumn cruise on SAKURA in November 2026 from ¥235,000 (mitsuioceancruises.com, Oct 2026). Mid: A week round Japan and Korea in spring, booked through the line’s North American site, where fares include most drinks and a shore experience in each port. Luxury: The MITSUI OCEAN Suite, with butler and a glass-walled solarium bath, on the 47-day South Seas voyage from Yokohama in February 2027.

    Norwegian Cruise Line

    Budget: An inside or Studio cabin for solo travellers on an older ship such as Norwegian Gem or Jewel, eating in the complimentary restaurants and buffet. Mid: A balcony on a Prima-class ship with the line’s package offer, which bundles a drinks package, specialty dinners, Wi-Fi and excursion credit. Luxury: The Haven: a keycard-only enclave with its own restaurant, lounge, sundeck and a 24-hour butler, with Garden Villas of up to 454 m² on some ships.

    Oberoi Nile Cruises

    Budget: A Luxury Cabin on a short two-night cruise is the gentlest way into Oberoi’s Nile: the same pool, spa, restaurants and guided temple visits as every suite. Mid: A Luxury Suite on The Oberoi Philae, with floor-to-ceiling windows, a living room and a standalone bathtub, on a three- or four-night cruise. Luxury: A Luxury Suite with a private terrace and heated whirlpool on either cruiser, or the Zahra’s two-bedroom suite with its own living and dining room for a family.

    Oceania Cruises

    Budget: Food lovers who want small-ship itineraries without luxury prices: an inside or veranda stateroom on Insignia, Nautica or Sirena, with every specialty restaurant, gratuities and Wi-Fi already included. Mid: Concierge Level Veranda Staterooms, with laundry and pressing, access to the Aquamar Spa Terrace and, on Vista, staterooms for solo travellers. Luxury: Penthouse, Oceania, Vista and Owner’s Suites with 24-hour butlers, the Executive Lounge and course-by-course dinners in the suite from any restaurant; Vista’s Owner’s Suites span the full beam of the ship.

    Orient Express Sailing Yachts

    Budget: The shortest voyages are the best way in: three nights in the Caribbean or on the Adriatic from €16,500–€17,100 per suite including taxes (orient-express.com, Oct 2026), with gratuities, transfers, most drinks and included excursions in the fare. Mid: The Suites with Terrace on Decks 5 and 6, with a private terrace, high ceilings and Art Deco detail, on a five- to seven-night Mediterranean voyage. Luxury: One of the six Penthouse Suites with Terrace on Deck 7, which can be combined into one large private deck, with dinner at La Table de l’Orient-Express by Yannick Alléno.

    P&O Cruises

    Budget: A short break or a week from Southampton with no flights to book, eating in the included Freedom and Club restaurants and the buffet; tipping isn’t needed. Mid: A balcony on Arvia or Iona, with a speciality dinner at Sindhu or The Glass House and a drinks package. Luxury: A suite on Britannia or Arvia, a Celebration Night in black tie, and dinner at Epicurean or The Limelight Club.

    Ponant

    Budget: First-timers who want a small ship: a lower-deck balcony stateroom on a PONANT EXPLORER, booked early for the PONANT Bonus, or a departure with the single supplement waived. Mid: A Deluxe or Prestige Suite on the Explorers or Sisterships, on a Mediterranean or Caribbean voyage with an included activity at every stop. Luxury: The Owner’s or Duplex Suite on Le Commandant Charcot in the high Arctic or the Weddell Sea, with dinners at Le Nuna.

    Princess Cruises

    Budget: First-timers, families and Alaska travellers: a balcony stateroom (Princess was, in its own words, first to introduce affordable balconies) with Princess Plus for drinks, Wi-Fi and crew appreciation. Mid: A Mini-Suite or Reserve Collection Mini-Suite, with Princess Premier for unlimited specialty dining at Crown Grill and Sabatini’s. Luxury: The Sanctuary Collection on Sun or Star Princess: Sanctuary Restaurant, Sanctuary Club and, at the top, the two-bedroom Signature Sky Suite for up to five guests.

    Quark Expeditions

    Budget: First-timers on an Antarctic Express or a shorter Arctic voyage aboard Ocean Explorer, in a lower-category cabin. Mid: A balcony cabin on World Voyager or Ocean Explorer, adding a kayaking or camping Adventure Option. Luxury: The Owner’s Suite on Ultramarine, with helicopter landings in Antarctica.

    Quasar Expeditions

    Budget: An 8-day voyage on Evolution, watching Quasar’s seasonal offers that sometimes include island flights. Mid: A premium cabin on Grace for the 8-day route, with a guide for every eight guests. Luxury: The Grace Kelly Suite, or the whole of Grace chartered for a family or friends.

    Regent Seven Seas Cruises

    Budget: Regent has no budget fares, but its inclusions go further than most: on a week such as Seven Seas Grandeur’s Athens (Piraeus) to Rome (Civitavecchia) voyage from £6,369 per person (rssc.com, 22 Oct 2026), excursions, drinks, specialty dining and gratuities are all in. Mid: A Concierge Suite, which adds a one-night pre-cruise hotel package and priority restaurant reservations, or a Penthouse Suite with a butler. Luxury: The Regent Suite at the bow of Seven Seas Grandeur, Splendor or Explorer, with a private car and driver in every port, an in-suite spa with sauna, and two daily treatments at Serene Spa & Wellness.

    The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

    Budget: There is no budget route aboard, but the shorter voyages cost least: Ilma’s four nights from Miami, with a Marina Day at Sandy Point, from £4,100 per person (ritzcarltonyachtcollection.com, 22 Oct 2026). Drinks and gratuities are included. Mid: A Terrace Suite on a Caribbean week aboard Ilma, calling at Gustavia, Virgin Gorda and Jost Van Dyke, with a dinner at Seta Su Ilma for the occasion. Luxury: The Owner’s Suite on Luminara, up to 99 m² with a terrace of up to 97 m², on an Asian voyage between Hong Kong, Bali and Phuket with business-class air included.

    Riverside Luxury Cruises

    Budget: Short itineraries make Riverside approachable: a four-day Passau to Wachau escape or a five-day Habsburg-capitals cruise is a taste of a 5-star ship, and even the smallest suite (from 18–20 m²) has a king-size bed, a marble bathroom and a butler. Mid: A mid-category suite on Riverside Ravel for the food and wine of the Rhône and Saône, or a wine-themed Danube sailing through the Wachau on Riverside Mozart. Luxury: The largest suites, of 70 and 82 m² (753 and 883 sq ft), with the Vintage Room’s six- to seven-course wine-paired dinner for up to 12 guests on selected evenings.

    Royal Caribbean International

    Budget: Three- and four-night Bahamas sailings from Miami, Fort Lauderdale and Port Canaveral, with a day at Perfect Day CocoCay; an inside or ocean-view room still gets the waterparks, shows and main restaurants. Mid: A week on an Oasis- or Icon-class ship with a balcony or Surfside family room, a dining package for the specialty restaurants and a cabana day at CocoCay. Luxury: The Suite Neighborhood on Icon-class ships, with its own restaurant, The Grove, and two-storey sun deck, or the three-level Ultimate Family Townhouse.

    Saga Cruises

    Budget: A winter Canaries cruise booked early: Saga listed Canary Island Wonders on Spirit of Adventure, 15 nights from 7 December 2026, from £3,699pp, including travel insurance, chauffeur, drinks and gratuities (travel.saga.co.uk, Oct 2026). Mid: A Deluxe balcony cabin of 25.5 m² on a spring sailing to Norway or the Baltic, with every speciality restaurant included. Luxury: A Forward Suite of up to 69.8 m², with whirlpool bath, wine fridge and butler, on the 73-night Grand Voyage to South America.

    Scenic

    Budget: A first river cruise on a Space-Ship on the Rhine or Danube, with drinks, excursions and gratuities included. Mid: Scenic Azure on the Douro or Scenic Gem on the Seine, or a Verandah Suite on a Mediterranean Eclipse voyage. Luxury: An Owner’s Penthouse Suite on Scenic Eclipse, or the 247 m² Two-bedroom Penthouse on Eclipse II, in Antarctica with a helicopter flight to Snow Hill Island.

    SeaDream Yacht Club

    Budget: A Yacht Club Stateroom on a short Caribbean or Mediterranean voyage: the same open bar, marina, open-seating dining and included gratuities as the suites, with every stateroom facing the sea. Mid: The Commodore Suite, two Yacht Club Staterooms joined into one with two marble bathrooms, which suits two friends or a family travelling together. Luxury: The Owner’s Suite, the most expansive accommodation on board, or a whole-yacht charter for a celebration of up to 112 guests.

    Seabourn

    Budget: The least expensive way aboard is an Ocean View or Veranda Suite on a shorter voyage; even here the open bar, fine wines and every restaurant are in the fare, and no tipping is expected. Mid: A Penthouse Suite on Seabourn Encore or Seabourn Ovation, with a cabana at The Retreat for a sea day, or a Veranda Suite on an expedition voyage aboard Seabourn Venture. Luxury: The Wintergarden Suite with its glass solarium, or the Signature Suite with a 46 m² veranda, both with private car transfers within 50 miles of the pier.

    Silversea

    Budget: A first taste of Silversea costs least on a short Classic voyage in an Oceanview or Veranda suite; every suite still comes with a butler, the drinks and onboard gratuities. Mid: A Veranda or Medallion suite on Silver Dawn, Silver Moon or Silver Muse, with S.A.L.T. Kitchen dinners and the shore-excursion credit of the All-Inclusive Plus fare. Luxury: The Otium Suite on Silver Nova or Silver Ray, with its 270-degree view and whirlpool on the balcony, or an Owner’s Suite on Silver Endeavour bound for Antarctica.

    Star Clippers

    Budget: Sailors at heart who want a real tall ship without yacht-charter prices: an inside or outside cabin (most 12–14 m²) on Star Flyer or Star Clipper, on a three- to seven-night voyage. Mid: An outside cabin on Royal Clipper, with three pools, the Captain Nemo Underwater Spa and the watersports platform at the stern. Luxury: The suites on Royal Clipper, with whirlpool baths, direct access to the deck and mini-bars, or the Owner’s cabins on the two barquentines.

    Swan Hellenic

    Budget: An Oceanview stateroom on a non-polar cultural voyage, or a family booking with children aged 6–16 at 35% of the adult fare. Mid: A Balcony stateroom on SH Diana in the Arctic, with drinks, gratuities and a shore excursion in every port included. Luxury: A Premium Suite on SH Vega or SH Minerva in Antarctica and South Georgia.

    Tauck

    Budget: A six-day “Essence of” cruise on the Danube, Seine or Douro, with every excursion, drink and gratuity in one price; solo travellers pay no single supplement in Category 1. Mid: A 225-square-foot cabin on a week on the Rhine from Amsterdam to Basel, or on the Seine aboard the new ms Serene. Luxury: A 300-square-foot Tauck Suite with two French balconies, on a longer journey that includes overnight stays at hotels such as the Rosewood London or the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace.

    Uniworld Boutique River Cruises

    Budget: Uniworld recommends a Danube cruise for a first river journey; a Classic stateroom (from about 15 m² on the Super Ships) gives you the same art-filled public rooms, unlimited drinks and included gratuities as every suite. Mid: A French Balcony stateroom on one of the Super Ships, or a Suite on S.S. Joie de Vivre, which docks in the heart of Paris, with butler service and a stocked mini-bar. Luxury: A 47 m² (506 sq ft) Royal Suite on S.S. Victoria or S.S. Elisabeth, which can be joined to the Suite next door to make a two-bedroom 759 sq ft apartment; on the Mekong, the Royal Suites of Mekong Jewel measure 85.8 m².

    Variety Cruises

    Budget: A Category C or B cabin on a seven-night Greek island voyage aboard one of the motor sailers, with swim stops and the snorkelling kit and kayaks on board. Mid: A main-deck cabin on Variety Voyager in Italy and Malta, or Pegasos in the Seychelles, where cruises run all year round. Luxury: The Owner’s Suite or a Category P cabin on Variety Voyager’s upper Infinity Deck, or a whole ship chartered for a family or celebration.

    Viking Ocean Cruises

    Budget: First-time cruisers who want one fare to cover flights from London, transfers, an excursion in almost every port, wine and beer with lunch and dinner, Wi-Fi and gratuities. A standard Veranda Stateroom (288 sq ft) gives you the same ship as every suite. Mid: Penthouse Veranda (360 sq ft) or Penthouse Junior Suite (432 sq ft), with earlier boarding and priority bookings at Manfredi’s and The Chef’s Table. Luxury: The Explorer Suites (808–1,215 sq ft) and the 1,448 sq ft Owner’s Suite, with the Silver Spirits beverage package included, a private car and driver in a port of your choice, and first priority at the spa.

    Viking River Cruises

    Budget: First-timers who want one price to cover the essentials: an eight-day Rhine Getaway or Danube Waltz from £1,695 in a Standard Stateroom (vikingrivercruises.co.uk, Oct 2026), with an excursion in every port, wine and beer at lunch and dinner and the onboard gratuities included. Mid: A Veranda Stateroom or a two-room Veranda Suite (275 sq ft on the Longships), where the fare adds noon embarkation and you can step outside as the Danube or the Rhine slides past. Luxury: The Explorer Suites: 445 sq ft with a wraparound balcony at the stern of every Longship, 677 sq ft on the new Nile ships and 735 sq ft on the Mekong, each with the Silver Spirits beverage package, in-suite breakfast, laundry and private transfers included.

    Virgin Voyages

    Budget: A four- or five-night Caribbean voyage from Miami in an Insider or Solo Insider cabin: the eateries, Wi-Fi, essential drinks and fitness classes are already in the fare. Mid: A Sea Terrace cabin, with its hand-woven hammock, on a seven-night Mediterranean or Caribbean voyage. Luxury: RockStar Quarters: suites by Tom Dixon with a stocked bar, Richard’s Rooftop, a personal RockStar Agent and, in the Mega RockStar suites, a daily bar tab.

    Windstar Cruises

    Budget: Couples who want a small ship without luxury prices: an ocean-view stateroom on a Wind Class sailing yacht, and an early-booking offer that adds the All-Inclusive Package. Mid: A Star Class suite of 225–288 sq ft with a balcony or a floor-to-ceiling infinity window, on the Mediterranean or in Tahiti. Luxury: The 548 sq ft Owner’s-level suite on Star Seeker or Star Explorer, with a 248 sq ft wraparound balcony, separate dining and living areas and a powder room.

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    Hotels

    1. 1Fairmont Olympic HotelAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Luxury hotel · Seattle
    2. 2The Edgewater HotelAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Waterfront hotel · Seattle
    3. 3Pan Pacific VancouverAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Luxury hotel · Vancouver
    See all 81

    Restaurants

    1. 1The Pink DoorAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Italian-American · Seattle
    2. 2CanlisAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Fine dining · Seattle
    3. 3Skagway Brewing CompanyAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Brewpub · Skagway
    See all 63

    Shopping

    1. 1Sealaska Heritage StoreAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Native art · Juneau
    2. 2Granville Island Public MarketAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Food market · Vancouver
    3. 3White Pass Train ShoppeAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Gift shop · Skagway
    See all 39

    Getting There

    1. 1Link light rail from Sea-TacAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Airport rail · Seattle
    2. 2Canada Line from YVRAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Airport rail · Vancouver
    3. 3Parking at the Seattle terminalsAlaska & the Pacific Northwest · Parking · Seattle
    See all 49

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