The 13 Best Luxury Cruise LinesAccording to T+L's Experts

Going on a cruise is one of the best ways to see the worldand in recent yearsit's become more popular than ever. "Vacations at sea are suddenly one of the biggest things in travel," says Travel + Leisure cruise expert Paul Brady. But why simply sail when you can sail in aboard a luxury cruise line? These floating palaces take cruise vacations to the next levelwith high-end stateroomsupscale amenitiesand outstanding itineraries and shore excursions like helicopter flights and submarine dives. Butler serviceswanky spasand Michelin-level dining are all par for the coursebut each luxury cruise line has its own signature and offerings.

With recommendations from Brady and other T+L cruise expertswe've narrowed down the best luxury cruise lines to ferry you to some of the world's most mesmerizing destinations in the utmost comfort.

Silversea

If you've ever dreamed of having your own butlerSilversea is the luxury cruise line for you. In factSilversea's butlers take white-glove service to a whole new level—they'll handle your laundry with more care than you doscour port towns to find your favorite tastes of homeand even help you pack and unpack your suitcase. The Silversea treatment can even start before you board with the all-inclusive Door-to-Door farewhich takes care of nearly every aspect of your trip pre- and post-cruiseincluding airport transfers and international flights. Once on boardstep into a world of ocean-view suites with teak balconieselegant loungesand plush amenities across different vessels from open-air pools to photo studios.

FurtherSilversea is one of the best luxury cruise lines for food lovers thanks to its sea-and-land-inspired culinary program S.A.L.T.which brings the flavors of different destinations on board through cooking classes and Chef's Table experiences. Of coursethere's no need to cook for yourself on a Silversea shipas each one features several restaurants with multicourse menus to whet your appetite every night.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Practically nowhere is out of reach for Seabourn—this T+L World's Best Award-winning small ship cruise line sails to all seven continentsbringing its signature brand of ultra-luxurious exploration to every corner of the globe. Cruisers can choose from jaunts around the Mediterranean or head to Australia's stark Kimberley coast aboard expedition vessels like the Seabourn Pursuitwhose purpose is to "take visitors to places they couldn't reach any other way," reports Brady.

Aboard its all-suite shipsSeabourn truly pulls out all the stops when it comes to service. As Brady says of its all-inclusive pricingthere's "no nickel and diming to worry about: Pretty much everything you can think of is covered by the fare—including caviar on demand or another glass of Champagne Montaudon." Explore below the waves in custom-made submarines on expedition sailingsluxuriate in spa treatmentseat your fill of complimentary gourmet fare at fine-dining restaurantsand revel in world-class hospitality.

Viking Cruises

With oceanriverand expedition itinerariesViking Cruises allow you to see the world in luxurious no matter where you want to sail. What's moreits all-inclusive fares cover everything from shore excursions and onboard meals to Wi-Fi and spa access. It's no surprisethenthat Viking is a multiyear winner in the T+L World's Best Awards. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden sayslikening the line's ships to "light-filled floating boutique hotels."

Even though the ships range in capacity from a couple of hundred passengers to just under 1,000 gueststhey truly pack a lot into a small spacewith features like Nordic spasmultiple dining areasloungesentertainment areasoutdoor decksand swimming pools. Another aspect that endears Viking to its well-heeled clientele is its 18-and-older policyensuring a relaxingcalm environment. Shore-to-ship dining inspired by each destinationimmersive excursionsand lectures from historians and experts complete the package.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

When this luxury cruise line says it's all-inclusiveit's not overstating. Everything from shore excursionsWi-Fiand laundry to gratuitiestop-shelf liquorand unlimited spa access is included in Regent Seven Seas Cruises' fares. Beyond the seamless service and attentive hospitalitythe ships are stylish stunners with onboard poolsspasentertainmentworld-class diningand plentiful leisure activities. While each luxurious suite features ocean viewsnothing beats the view from the epic Regent Suites. Spanning over 4,000 square feetthese palatialtwo-bedroom pads feature two wraparound balconiesthree walk-in closetstheir own in-suite spapersonal butlersand glamorous decor and artwork that includes two Picasso lithographs.

Not to be outdone by the onboard amenitiesthe shore excursions are equally exciting. Choose from over 4,500 experiences across Regent's various itinerariesfrom chef-led culinary tours in Provence to snorkeling in Bora Bora.

Oceania Cruises

With its experiential excursions and focus on under-the-radar destinationsOceania Cruises appeals to passengers seeking a sense of place from their cruise experience. Rather than feeling like they're flitting from port to porttravelers can choose from a wide range of shore excursions that go beyond the typical fare for truly local experiences. "I found a new appreciation for the historical context and cultural guidance that local experts can offer," says T+L contributor and long-time cruiser Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon of her shore excursion experiences aboard the Rivierawhere over 70 excursions were on offerincluding cooking classes in Athens and canoeing on Croatian rivers. "I was spoiled for choice."

The ships aren't anything to scoff ateither. Each vessel in the fleet of eight boasts beautifully appointed interiors and onboard amenities like elegant reading libraries and wellness centers with saltwater pools and spa treatments. Guest lectures and workshops hosted by artists-in-residence offer insights and inspiration. Helmed by two Master Chefs of Francethe lauded culinary program is another standoutwith globally inspired dishesthoughtful wine pairingsand stellar craft cocktails.

Ponant

French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachtspampering them with abundant ChampagnePierre Hermè Paris macaroonsand Diptyque bath products. No detail seems too small—you can even request different types of pillows from a pillow menu to ensure you get the best sleep.

Ponant's luxurious small ships sail to remote destinations like Antarcticaincorporating once-in-a-lifetime experiences like watching a total solar eclipse. But even if you're not on a special one-time departureeach itinerary is noteworthy for visiting some of the world's most stunning coastal locales in luxe fashion. In between excursionsyou can avail yourself of onboard features like a spa with massage cabins and either a Turkish bath or sauna. In true French the onboard dining is expertly executedproviding the perfect end to a day of kayaking among icebergs or touring archaeological ruins in Greece. The company also partners with Smithsonian Journeys and Disney on certain sailings.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises' luxury small ships call on roughly 330 ports around the worldfrom Europe to Tahitiand there's no way you'll go hungry on the journey. From menus designed by chefs who helm Michelin-starred restaurants to cooking classes and food-focused shore excursions like wine tastings and market toursWindstar is one of the best luxury cruise lines for gourmands. Plusit has a "long-standing partnership with the James Beard Foundation," Brady reportsand regularly brings chefs on board for culinary-centered sailings. Alcohol is extra unless you opt for the all-inclusive ratebut all meals and a Windstar signature onboard barbecue are included.

Food asideguests are in for a treat just stepping aboard. Windstar's classic sailing yachts are truly sights to behold with their towering sailsand their small size allows them to take routes that are off-limits to larger shipslike navigating into narrow fjords or island-hopping around archipelagos. With a maximum capacity of just under 350 guests on its biggest vesselscrowds are also kept to a minimum for a more intimate experience.

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruiseScenic can take you there in . The luxury cruise line operates river cruises in Europe and Asiawhile ocean cruises on the Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II can take guests to AustraliaSouth Americaand polar regions like Antarcticaamong other coveted destinations.

On boardyou'll find fine diningexpansive spas and fitness facilitiesand butler service. Accommodations range from smartly appointed balcony suites that make the most of river views to opulent Owner's Penthouse Suites on oceangoing itineraries with walk-in closetsprivate hot tubs on spa terracesand massive bathrooms with soaking tubs. The Eclipse ships are also noteworthy for special experienceslike helicopter flightseeing excursions and underwater exploration in submersibles.

Cunard Line

A paragon of classic British hospitality with afternoon tea and dress-to-impress eveningsthis luxury cruise line is best known for its transatlantic crossingsferrying passengers across the pond between its home port in SouthamptonEnglandand New York City. But Cunard cruises also explore much further afieldvisiting destinations like AsiaAlaskaSouth Americaand the Mediterranean. Each ship in its four-vessel fleet bears the name of a British queen and has the grace and elegance befitting its royal associationswith grand interiors and sumptuous amenities like onboard entertainment and spas. Since transatlantic crossings are Cunard's fortethere's plenty to keep you occupied during the long days at sea. Pass the time shopping in onboard boutiquestaking dance classes and art lessonsdoing deck yogaor sipping cocktails made with Cunard's signature gin by the pool.

Cunard is a cruise line that takes formality and service seriously. White-gloved waiters serve afternoon tea each day at 3:30 p.m.and attentive staff effortlessly anticipate your needs throughout your voyage. State rooms include 24-hour room service and evening turndown service with chocolates. Don't forget your tux or best dress—the gala nights are black tie.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates just one shipbut it is exquisitehosting 330 guests and sailing only in the South Pacific to destinations like TahitiFijiTongaand the Cook Islands. Small enough to access private ports at remote beachesthis island-hopping vessel can take you to some of the region's most pristine and unspoiled corners. All rooms—many of which come with balconies—look out on the water. When you're not admiring the ocean views with a meal from the complimentary 24-hour room servicetake advantage of the fitness centerswimming pooland locally inspired entertainment. Golden says that the line is known for Tahitian-inspired massage techniques in the onboard spa and noted that cruisers particularly love the wonderful staff.

When sailing around the islands and archipelagos of the South Pacificwatersports are a must. Along with snorkelingstand-up paddleboardingand kayakingPaul Gauguin is the only luxury cruise in the area to offer onboard PADI certification. It's well worth taking some classes to join the scuba diving excursionsallowing you to swim among manta raysreef sharksand other marine life at different stops.

Celebrity Cruises

With its lavishly appointed shipsCelebrity Cruises takes luxury cruising to the next level. Staying in one of the spacious suites in The Retreat stateroomsyou get your own dedicated butleraccess to exclusive lounges and sundecksa private restaurantand premium products. Space is limited on cruise shipsbut you wouldn't know it in the Iconic Suiteswhich span nearly 2,000 square feet and boast lengthy terraces overlooking the captain's bridge.

Along with exceptional restaurantsshoppingentertainmentand activities like glassblowing classesCelebrity ships are especially noted for the spa and wellness offerings. Choose from over 120 different treatments in the spaexperience aquatherapy in the Persian Gardenand on Edge Series shipstry out the different healing spaces in the Sea Thermal Suitewhich includes a hammamsteam roomand infrared sauna.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

For those who've fantasized about having their own private yachtThe Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is the next-best thing. Even with capacities of roughly 300 to 450 guests (depending on which of the three ships you're on)the sprawling suitesexpansive decksand roomy lounges make you feel like you have the place all to yourself. From swimming pools and spas to humidors and wine vaultsthe EvrimaIlmaand Luminara boast so many onboard amenities that the cruise itinerary itself seems beside the point.

One of the best features is the Marina and Marina Terracea lounge area at the back of the ship with inflatable swim platforms or steps down to the water for refreshing dips in the ocean when at anchor. But that's not all. There are also multiple dining optionsbarsa fitness centerand a shopping boutique. As you revel in all these perks—plus the intuitive service characteristic of a Ritz-Carlton stay—the ships ferry you on all-inclusive voyages to scenic coastal destinations across the globefrom Alaska to Asia.

Explora Journeys

When a luxury cruise line partners with one of the best hospitality management schools in the worldyou know it takes service seriously. Such is the case with the World's Best Award-winning Explora Journeys—each of its onboard hosts comes from the renowned EHL Hospitality Business Schoolensuring guests get the absolute best service possible on the high seas. In its quest for a flawless guest experienceExplora's sailings are also all-inclusivecovering onboard diningfine beveragesspa accessgratuities for ship staffand much more.

Each Explora ship features multiple heated poolsrestaurantsand barswith all-ocean-view suites and grand residences like the Owner's Residencewhich comes with dedicated butler service and an infinity whirlpool on its private terrace. Paralleling real-world trips to destinations like EuropeSouth Americaand the Arabian Peninsulaguests can undergo their own personal journeys with onboard wellness programs. Struggle with insomnia? Try the Sleep Retreatwhich helps with relaxation through yoga classes and workshops. Want to feel your best post-cruise? Boost your immunity with specialized treatments and beverages.