7 of the best luxury cruise lines to see the world with five-star service

Megaships catering for thousands of passengers may dominate the waves when it comes to a cruise holiday, but it is still possible to have a more luxurious and intimate experience at sea.

If the waterslides, rock climbing walls, ice rinks and 40 bars and restaurants on megaships such as Icon of the Seas don’t appeal to you, a regular butler service and your own sea-facing suite may be more appealing on a luxury cruise.

There are plenty of cruise lines offering a luxury experience, with fewer passengers on board, unique experiences and port destinations that larger ships often can’t reach – such as smaller Greek, Caribbean and Croatian islands.

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You may even be able to do watersports such as kayaking off the back of the ship or swim beside your vessel.

The cruise fare can be more expensive than a mainstream cruise but the price may be worth it for the level of service and the experience you get in return.

You needn’t wait until you board the ship for a premium experience either – you could enjoy travelling comfortably by booking into an airport lounge or upgrading to a first- or business-class flight.

Here are seven of the best luxury cruise lines to explore the high seas with five-star service.

Explora Journeys

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Owned by the Italian family behind MSC Cruises, Explora Journeys offers a luxury option where all rooms are suites with ocean views.

It is a regular winner for best cruise line and best dining at the Cruise Critic awards.

Your cruise fare includes unlimited drinks, WiFi, spa access, and onboard gratuities.

Guests also get their own butler who can help with everything from dining requests to laundry.

It even has its own kids’ club, which is rare on luxury ships, with games consoles and a pool table.

The brand has two ships and four in development all with capacity for around 992 passengers, offering itineraries around destinations including the Mediterranean, the Caribbean and Alaska.

Prices start from around £4,000 per person.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

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Ritz-Carlton has luxury hotels all over the world, but have you ever considered a stay at sea?

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has three ships – Evrima, which accommodates 298 guests, Ilma for 448 guests and Luminara that takes 452 passengers.

Passengers get the same luxury experience of the hotel group at sea, including terraces that overlook the water, upmarket restaurants and a dedicated concierge.

Its ships can reach areas that larger vessels can't such as the Seychelles.

Gratuities, drinks, WiFi and 24 hour room service are all included in the standard fare.

Prices start from around £10,000 per person and cruises visit locations in the Med as well as northern Europe and South America.

Regent Seven Seas

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Almost everything is included in a Regent Seven Seas cruise fare such as excursions, dining, drinks, pre-cruise hotel stays, WiFi, tips and laundry.

The brand frequently tops Travel + Leisure World’s Best, Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Choice, and Cruise Critic Luxury Awards lists.

It has a fleet of six ships and its newest Seven Seas Prestige will have the largest suite at sea with 9,000 square feet of space when it launches in 2026. The suite can sleep up to six people and can be yours for £20,000 per night.

The capacity on its ships range from between 490 and 750 guests.

Guests in penthouse suites and above get their own butler who can even unpack for you.

If you don’t want to opt for the mega suite, all other rooms are suites and have their own balconies.

Fares start from around £3,000 per person.

Seabourn

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Seabourn is a great option for foodies and keen explorers.

Guests get gourmet dining through a partnership with chef Thomas Keller and its ships visit popular and off‑the‑beaten‑path destinations across the world such as Saint-Tropez as well as offering luxury expedition itineraries in Antarctica and the Arctic.

The cruise line has seven ships with capacity ranging from 458 to 600 guests.

Its expedition ships can carry 264.

All suites include a butler service where you can even ask them to run you a bath.

Cruise fares start from around £5,000 per person.

Silversea

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Silversea is another exploration option for adventure seekers.

Every suite, from entry‑level to the largest, comes with a personal butler who can pack and unpack and arrange shore activities.

Its 14-strong fleet, split between ocean and expedition ships, sail to more than 900 destinations including the Galápagos Islands.

The fleet caters for between 100 and 728 guests depending on the ship, allowing access to small ports and remote regions across the Med, the Caribbean, the Arctic and Antarctica.

The onboard menus are inspired by destinations and seasonal ingredients and there is a partnership with Relais & Châteaux for fine dining experiences.

It has won Cruise Critic awards for its cabins and unique expeditions including around the Arctic and Greenland.

Prices range from £4,000 to £5,000 per person for European sailings and around £40,000 for an expedition cruise to Antarctica.

Uniworld

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If you are worried about getting seasick, a calmer option is a river cruise.

There are plenty of luxury options that offer floating five-star hotel-style accommodation that docks right in the centre of major cities or even by historical landmarks or vineyards.

You could float in luxury on the Danube or the Seine or even go further afield to the Nile, the Mekong or the Amazon.

Uniworld offers a luxury experience with 19 ships to choose from and four more under construction that cater for around 120 to 130 guests.

Perks include room service, alcoholic drinks, port excursions and even a dedicated butler for suite guests.

Prices range from £2,000 to £5,000 per person depending on the river.

Scenic

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Another luxury river cruise option is Scenic.

Butlers are on offer across all types of cabin to help with tasks such as shoe-shining, assisting with excursions and even running a bath.

Scenic, which also offers luxury ocean cruises on five-star yachts, has 15 river cruise ships, and also has ocean-going vessels.

Guests can typically choose from up to five places to drink and dine onboard.

Prices range from £2,500 to £6,000 per person and will include extras such as excursions, wifi, drinks and tips.