The World’s 10 Best Cruise Lines
In an era where corporate mergers are the norm and companies are growing with toxic speed, the cruise industry defies logic by deliberately shrinking … the size of its ships, that is. Cruise lines with massive vessels are losing ground to boutique fleets that promise---and deliver---smaller passenger lists, larger staterooms and personal service. Although relatively diminutive in size, they still make room for facilities such as full-service spas and gourmet restaurants, the latter often under the guidance of celebrity chefs. We’re not discounting the big lines, but the majority of our favorite voyages tend to be on the intimate side of the scale. Read on to find out which floating luxury hotels we prefer and why.
Abercrombie & Kent
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Ships: Small, privately chartered yachts and intimate river barges
Destinations: Worldwide, including the Dalmatian Coast, Galapagos Islands and Amazon River
Cuisine: Onboard chefs preparing seasonal, regional cuisine
Highlights: Intimate surroundings, customized itineraries and vessels that include dual-masted yachts and four-masted barques
www.abercrombieandkent.com
Butterfield & Robinson
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Ships: The Isabella II (38 passengers), The Callisto (32 passengers) and The Orion (106 passengers)
Destinations: The Galapagos, Mediterranean and Antarctic
Cuisine: Leisurely lunches in secluded coves and impromptu stops for dinner on deck beneath the stars
Highlights: Boutique size, flexibility and the use of local contacts to set up unique onshore events
www.butterfield.com
Crystal Cruises
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Ships: Crystal Harmony, Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity (940 passengers each)
Destinations: Worldwide, including the Panama Canal, New England and New Zealand
Cuisine: Afternoon tea, Wine & Food Festival sailings, and Japanese, Chinese and Italian fine dining restaurants
Highlights: 360-degree wrap-around teak decks and an onboard Creative Learning Institute with classes by Berlitz, Sotheby’s and the Society of Wine Educators
www.crystalcruises.com
Hebridean Island Cruises
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Ships: Hebridean Spirit (80 passengers) and Hebridean Princess (49 passengers)
Destinations: Scotland, Scandinavia, the Mediterranean, Indian Ocean and Arctic Circle
Cuisine: A brigade of chefs, a sommelier to help you choose from the wine cellar, and black tie dinners
Highlights: Tartans, bagpipes, country house hospitality, clay pigeon shooting from the deck and sea view cabins
www.hebridean.co.uk
Lindblad Expeditions
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Ships: Small, customized expedition ships (30-110 passengers)
Destinations: Nature-oriented destinations, including Antarctica, Galapagos and Egypt
Cuisine: Intimate, social meals served in a casual atmosphere
Highlights: Remote destinations, conservation ethics, naturalist and historian guides and opportunities to snorkel with sea lions
www.expeditions.com
SeaDream Yacht Club
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Ships: Seadream I, Seadream II (110 passengers each)
Destinations: Worldwide, including Croatia, the French Riviera and the Caribbean
Cuisine: Morning coffee and pastries served in the bridge, international cuisine, and customized meals on private charters
Highlights: Flexible itineraries, overnights in key ports of call and the complimentary Champagne and Caviar Splash
www.seadreamyachtclub.com
Silversea Cruises
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Ships: Silver Cloud (296 passengers), Silver Wind (296 passengers), Silver Whisper (388 passengers) and Silver Shadow (388 passengers)
Destinations: Worldwide, including the Indian Ocean, Southeast Asia and Colonial America
Cuisine: Casual elegance, with maitre d’ seating and Relais & Châteaux cuisine served indoors or al fresco
Highlights: Free flowing Moët & Chandon champagne, stimulating themed cruises with wine experts and authors, and an onboard golf program
www.silversea.com
Viking River Cruises
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Ships: Twenty-five river barges and ships (150 passenger average)
Destinations: Europe, Russia and China
Cuisine: Open seating dining and celebratory meals featuring regional cuisine on select cruises
Highlights: River view cabins and cultural immersion on the Rhine, Main, Moselle, Danube, Elbe, Seine, Rhône, Volga and Yangtze rivers
www.vikingrivers.com
Windstar Cruises
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Ships: Wind Surf (308 passengers), Wind Spirit (148 passengers) and Wind Star (148 passengers)
Destinations: Worldwide, including the Baltics, Malta and Tunisia
Cuisine: An ever-evolving menu created by Patina founder, Joachim Splichal
Highlights: Masted sailing yachts, customized shore excursions and Water Sports Platforms for water-skiing and snorkeling
www.windstarcruises.com
www.windstarcruises.com
The Yachts of Seabourn
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Ships: Seabourn Pride, Seabourn Spirit and Seabourn Legend (208 passengers each)
Destinations: Worldwide, including Classical Greece, the Yachtsman’s Riviera and the Eastern Seaboard
Cuisine: Charlie Palmer-designed menus based on the Progressive American Cuisine served at his NYC restaurant, Aureole
Highlights: All suite accommodations, movies under the stars, caviar served from the surf and complimentary massage moments on deck
www.seabourn.com
From www.Gayot.com (The Guide to the Good Life) – a serious, honest and professional resource on dining and travel for an international readership in search of what is the best. |
