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The Viking Star, the company’s first ocean liner, has won the hearts of cruisers by blazing a trail in the direction of Scandinavian-style near-luxury and being packed to the gills with all-inclusive amenities. These amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, an excursion in each port, mealtime beer and wine, and specialty restaurant dining (Manfredi’s Italian dishes are delicious). The bathrooms in the staterooms consistently garner high marks; the heated floor, spacious shower, and anti-fog mirror are all features that are difficult to find at this price point, let alone any other. Above all else, cruisers are blown away by the spa at the Nordic health paradise.
Viking Venus, Viking Ocean Cruises
The world’s biggest cruise ships don’t just go for the bold – they bring home the gold. If you’re looking for an adventure that’s larger than life, you’ll find it on Oasis Class. Dazzling entertainment, palate pleasing dining, sensational spa services and luxury that takes your getaway from first class to world class – onboard these award-winning cruise ships, every experience exceeds expectations. The world’s biggest cruise ships don’t just go for the bold — they bring home the gold. Dazzling entertainment, palate pleasing dining, sensational spa services and luxury that takes your getaway from first class to world class — onboard these award-winning cruise ships, every experience exceeds expectations. This all-suite ship transformed Silversea from a comfortable luxury line into a food-centric floating retreat that channels the style of a Milan hotel.
I sailed on Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas. These were my 8 favorite amenities on the world's largest cruise ship.
French line Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s most luxurious icebreaker—and one of the best cruise ships in the world. Plenty of family-friendly cruise ships have waterslides, but few have six — or even one that requires a multi-person raft. There's a reason Royal Caribbean's new mega-cruise ship is only operating seven-night sailings.
The Best New Cruises in the World: 2023 Hot List
To help you navigate the waters of luxury cruises (and to help you find the best pampering cruise ship), check out the seven best luxury cruises sailing right now. One of the world’s most luxurious icebreakers is also one of the most eco-friendly ships afloat. French line Ponant’s 245-passenger Le Commandant Charcot is a hybrid electric ship that can sail for up to eight hours emissions-free, as it takes guests to destinations such as Greenland and the North Pole and, new in 2025, Quebec in winter. The other energy sources are liquified natural gas and low-sulfur gas oil, together cutting carbon emissions by 25 percent compared to more conventional ship fuel. Guests onboard are treated to fine French cuisine (Alain Ducasse is the culinary adviser) and wine, as well as plush cabins and suites with balconies or terraces. They can watch icebergs and polar bears passing by from the serenity of the heated pools on the sides of the ship that are heated by recycled energy from the ship’s propulsion.
DINING
But Disney doesn’t forget that adults are footing the bill and crafts a memorable experience for them, too. Its intimate size allows truly personalized service from a polished, attentive crew. Seabourn Square, a living room-like venue, is a magnet for affable passengers who quickly make new friends.
The adult-only suspended infinity pool
And there will be some local businesses (the fudge shops) that benefit from the temporary disgorging of thousands of day-trippers. While many apps at sea are still finding their footing, Royal Caribbean's delivers an experience that is seamless and fun. There aren’t many lines where, when the clubs and bars wind down, the party continues deep into the night. Whether it’s a 70s theme night with the entertainment team dressed like the Village People, live DJs in the main promenade or a White Night Party with live music on the main pool deck, there is always something happening on an MSC ship. Silversea Cruises' 2025 world cruise aboard the ultraluxurious, 596-passenger Silver Dawn looks amazing. The around-the-world cruise is designed to visit far-flung and more remote ports, often out of season, to avoid the touristy crowds.
Best Nightlife
For instance, SeaDream's intimate yachts can stealthily visit ports that large ships can't manage. Regent Seven Seas packs all-inclusive gourmet dining and suites into their luxury offerings. While Scenic Eclipse makes adventurous expedition sailing a posh white-gloved affair.
Virgin Voyages’ ”Scarlet Lady”
The ship's size provides an intimate experience and allows it to call on small towns bigger ships can't access. Thanks to an overwhelming response to its 2024 world cruise (which is currently waitlisted), Azamara announced itineraries for both 2025 and 2026, both aboard the 684-passenger Azamara Onward. World cruises traditionally start in January and end around April or May. They sail round-trip from one American city, such as San Francisco or Miami, or offer a choice of starting points on both coasts, making access easy. Silversea also loves to throw a good soiree and does so on every warm-weather cruise in the form of its deck party.
A World Wandering Fleet Favorite
Connect with countless distinct cultures, soak up the most spectacular landscapes on Earth, and marvel at World Wonders that showcase mankind’s boundless imagination. PortMiami’s enviable location, near Miami Beach, and ease of access has long made it the world’s busiest cruise port. Cruise lines have also imprinted their personalities on the port’s terminals, with Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and Virgin Voyages serving as land-based extensions of the onboard experience. Plus, sailing in or out of PortMiami as the city unfolds or fades in the distance is one of the most magical moments in cruising. Silversea's world cruises are known for showcasing exceptional special-access events, and this sailing is no different.
And with top-notch restaurants onboard, every meal turns into a global taste-tour that’s as immersive as your Ultimate World Cruise. Virgin perfected onboard entertainment in 2023, introducing fresh, eye-popping shows like Lola's Library and Persephone. The ship's 2023 Eastern Mediterranean itineraries match its beachy vibe, and the detox-retox atmosphere carries over to ports like Santorini and Mykonos, thanks to exceptionally generous shore time.
World cruisers can visit 26 countries with 51 destinations across six continents; the exciting port of call include Lisbon; Bali; Naples, Italy; Milan; and Haifa, Israel. With late-night stays in 11 ports of call and a Dubai overnight, you can relish multiple opportunities to wine, dine and enjoy the nightlife ashore. World cruises usually begin in January and end in April or May, but some lines change it up with departures in other seasons, including summer and early winter. Cruise itineraries are still under development for 2025 and future years, so watch this space for more information as it becomes available. Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year.
Count on a buzzy casino, fine dining at specialty restaurants and a professionally staffed fitness center. Holland America's 124-day Grand World Voyage on the 1,964-passenger Zuiderdam cruises round-trip from Fort Lauderdale. The enticing itinerary ventures far from Florida to must-visit cities such as Tokyo, Mumbai, Singapore and Istanbul.
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