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Telegraph
15-04-2025
- Telegraph
The 25 best luxury cruises to book now
I'm lounging lazily on the deck of a plush mega-yacht when a charming waiter appears, asking to polish my sunglasses. Another pops up proffering a tray of tempting frozen fruit kebabs, followed by a third who offers to spray me with suntan lotion. In my languid state, I think I've gone to heaven, but then I remember I'm on a luxury cruise where personalised service promises first-rate pampering from start to finish. With pocket-size ships numbering guests in hundreds (or less), rather than thousands, it's not surprising more cruisers covet such effortless style. Not only do these enclaves bring a rarefied air of exclusivity while visiting smaller ports off-limits to larger monoliths, they promise the luxury of space where you can revel in swanky suites with your own butler, and indulge in gourmet dining and free-flowing champagne. Such lavish frills generally come as standard, and excursions may be thrown in too, proving that while guests pay more to get aboard in the first place, lower onboard bills ensure they pay less to get off. If you don't want to totally push the boat out, premium-plus lines have a similarly upscale flavour, but their ships tend to be a touch larger and with less included in the fare. Best mega-yachts Unspoilt Caribbean 'It's Yachting, not Cruising' is the mantra of SeaDream Yacht Club, which offers ultimate escapes on its two 112-guest classic mega-yachts that nose into the Caribbean's sleepy bays. Dining al fresco, sleeping on deck under the stars, and racing across the waves on jet-skis are treats guests can enjoy while sailing to the Grenadine isles of Mayreau and Bequia enroute to Martinique and St Lucia. SeaDream Yacht Club offers a one-week Glorious Grenadines round-trip voyage from Barbados, from £4,093pp; departs November 23 2025. Dreamy South Pacific Drift on trade winds among the shimmering peacock-blue lagoons of French Polynesia aboard the mega-yachts of premium-plus line Windstar Cruises. The 312 guests on Star Breeze can snorkel through the kaleidoscopic waters of Bora Bora which are filled with dazzling rainbows of tropical fish, trek through tropical rainforest on Moorea and be castaways for the day on a swish private island getaway. Windstar Cruises offers a seven-night Dreams of Tahiti round-trip voyage from Papeete, from £3,715pp; departs October 2 2025. French Riviera glamour Get one over on the jet-setters who pose and preen along the glitzy Cote d'Azur by sailing in on Luminara, the newest head-turner from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection which debuts this July. It's all cool lines, sophisticated spaces with five gourmet restaurants and even a wine vault onboard this superyacht which guarantees a stylish entrance to Monte Carlo, Cannes and Portofino. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a one-week sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Barcelona from £10,500pp; departs August 14 2025. Venetian class Sailing past the bell towers and piazzas of Venice is a rare treat now reserved only for the smallest ships, and sumptuous square rigger Sea Cloud Spirit is one of them. Holding 136 guests, this windjammer was built in 2021 but brings alive the golden age of sail. Let the wind speed you along the Croatian coast to enchanting Hvar and Korcula, crowned by the walled wonders of Dubrovnik. Sea Cloud Cruises offers a nine-night round-trip voyage from Venice from £5,823pp; departs August 11 2025. West Indies yachting Emerald Cruises may be known for river voyages, but with their sleek lines, its three luxury yachts certainly look the part. Carrying just 100 passengers, the ambience is reassuringly intimate and upscale. Lounge around Emerald Sakara's infinity pool or take out water toys from its marina as you meander to the Caribbean's atmospheric isles of Anguilla, St Barts, and Nevis. Emerald Cruises offers a one-week Eastern Caribbean voyage from Barbados to St Martin from £4,608pp, including air credit; departs November 22 2025. Best luxury lines Baltic exploration Since relaunching in 2023 under the ownership of the A&K Travel Group, Crystal's newly-refurbished ships Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony have made a triumphant return. Experience the former for yourself on this Baltic voyage to sample Stockholm's varied flavours on a foodie exploration, step out on a walking tour of Helsinki or take to two wheels for a coastal cycling adventure in Tallinn. Crystal offers an eight-night Baltics & Northern Europe cruise from Stockholm to Copenhagen from £5,050pp; departs July 29 2025. Ultimate Japan Regent Seven Seas Cruises lays claim to being the most all-inclusive line with extras such as flights, unlimited excursions and overnight hotel stays covered by the fare. All very useful on this voyage to the Land of the Rising Sun where temples, street markets, and delicate gardens complement the extravagant surroundings of Seven Seas Explorer, trumpeted as the world's most luxurious ship when it launched in 2016. RSSC offers an 11-night round-trip voyage from Tokyo from £6,630pp; departs October 17 2025. Going Greek A new kid on the luxury block is Explora Journeys, an upscale off-shoot of cruising giant MSC Cruises, winning plaudits for its elegant ships. This line is all about slipping beneath the surface of the places it visits. Join Explora I to discover a restored Grecian village in the mountains of Thessaloniki, hike the centaur paths of Pelion in Volos and discover the monastic life of nuns in Patmos. Explora Journeys offers a one-week voyage from Athens to Istanbul from £3,710pp; departing May 24 2025. A natural choice for the Azores If you're a luxury lover who isn't acquainted with German line Hapag-Lloyd Cruises, you should be. Its flagship Europa 2 has long been cited as the world's best, epitomising cool, contemporary chic with exquisite gourmet restaurants and a vast spa. While aimed at German speakers, English is spoken on international departures, such as this one that combines Madeira's floral bounty with the untamed spirit of the Azores. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers an 11-night Perfect Portugal round-trip voyage from Lisbon from £4,995pp; departing October 22 2025. A swig of Scottish spirit This heritage-themed voyage aboard 48-guest Hebridean Princess shadows the spirit of Bonnie Prince Charlie as it weaves through the Scottish Isles to Eriskay and the Jacobite Trail, marking his arrival on Scottish soil. No doubt there will be a wee dram or two of Scotland's amber nectar during a week of walks, seal-spotting boat trips, museum visits and a tweed-weaving demonstration on the isle of Harris. Hebridean Island Cruises offers a seven-night round-trip Highland and Island Heritage cruise from Oban from £6,290pp; departing July 15 2025. Upscale adventures in Alaska The vast wilderness of Alaska, famously known as America's Last Frontier, is best explored by sea. Silversea's ground-breaking Silver Nova, which set a new standard in ship design with its asymmetrical layout, adds its own slice of luxury to a host of adventures with floatplanes soaring across the fjords, off-road buggy rides charging along old logging tracks and ziplines whisking daredevils across the rainforest canopy. Silversea offers a 14-night round-trip voyage from Vancouver to Alaska from £8,600; departing June 5 2025. Best luxury expeditions Helicopters in Antarctica Scenic's two Discovery Yachts marry the hi-tech thrills of two onboard helicopters and a submersible with butler service, a swathe of dining experiences and a spa and wellness suite. Just the ticket for warming up after meeting penguins among the icebergs of Antarctica's Ross Sea – one of the few sailings departing Australia for the White Continent's eastern side. Scenic offers a 24-day Antarctica sailing from Hobart, Tasmania, to Dunedin, New Zealand, from £24,644pp; departing January 6 2026. Manta rays in Raja Ampat Relish the thrill of sharing crystalline waters around the remote Indonesian hideaways of Raja Ampat with turtles, giant manta rays and, if you're lucky, whale sharks. All-suite Aqua Blu carries just 30 guests and has 30 crew, so attentive service is guaranteed as you potter through the dramatic karst outcrops and atolls, enjoying haute cuisine dining and cocktails while luxuriating in the hot tub. Aqua Expeditions offers a one-week round-trip voyage from Sorong in West Papua, from £8,270pp; departing January 3 2026. Snorkel with sealions in the Galapagos Nothing else compares to this natural wonderland where sea lions become your snorkelling playmates, penguins zip past and hammerhead sharks skulk in the depths. Cruises accentuate the unique flavours of the islands in this Ecuadorian archipelago where creatures famously have no fear of humans. While exploring them on all-suite mega-yacht Celebrity Flora, based here year-round, spend the night on deck with its overnight glamping experience. Celebrity Cruises offers a one-week cruise with three nights in Quito, from £7,708pp, departing August 8 2025. Cruise to the top of the world Acclaimed as the world's only luxury icebreaker, Le Commandant Charcot is a lean, mean ice-crunching machine. Be among the few to cruise through the Arctic ice floes to the geographic North Pole in the heart of polar bear country. Experience this harsh but beautiful environment on hiking expeditions, while snow-shoeing and, for those brave enough, by taking the Polar plunge into icy waters. Ponant Explorations offers a 15-night round-trip voyage from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, to the North Pole from £37,130pp; departing August 6 2025. Natural wonders of the Kimberley The remote Kimberley region offers a wild and rugged face of Australia; one of towering henna-hued cliffs, tiger-striped rock formations, Aboriginal art and the unrelenting power of some of the world's mightiest tides that create the extraordinary phenomenon of horizontal waterfalls. Seabourn Pursuit's 264 guests can explore on its fleet of Zodiac boats, kayaks and two submersibles, but helicopter rides and flight-seeing excursions heighten the sense of adventure. Seabourn offers an 11-night voyage from Darwin to Broome from £11,999pp; departing August 13 2025. River cruises Family fun on the Danube Thought river cruises were just for grown-ups? Think again. Uniworld's Generations sailings dial up the fun for all ages with family-friendly departures on palatial-style river ships. Take your little darlings on a magical history tour of Vienna, or give them a right royal dressing up at the Schonbrunn Palace where prince and princess outfits await. Hiking, biking and paddleboarding pump up the action. Uniworld offers one-week Generations Danube sailings between Budapest and Passau from from £3,199pp; departing July 20 & 27 2025. Going Dutch in style If you're quick, you can catch the spring blooms of the Netherlands where millions of flowers paint the landscape in a riot of colour that would make the Old Dutch Masters proud. Their masterpieces are displayed in Amsterdam's galleries, and while this Tauck cruise calls at the city, it is the famous floral displays of the Keukenhof Gardens that are the real showstoppers on this voyage. Tauck offers a nine-day Belgium and Holland cruise from Brussels to Amsterdam from £4,890pp; departing April 9 2025. Chobe River safari Go wild for this floating safari into the African wilderness aboard the Zambezi Queen to spot prowling lions and bathing elephants on boat trips and game drives. Romantic sundowners and a festive African-themed dinner add to the roll-call of memorable moments, helped by unforgettable cocktails and dinner aboard a vintage steam train at Victoria Falls. AmaWaterways offers a nine-night Africa package with a four-night cruise on the Chobe River plus stays in Cape Town and Victoria Falls, from £10,366pp; departing November 21 2025. Barging through Champagne Ease into life's slow lane with Les Bateaux Belmond's seven opulent barges that sail at snail's pace along French waterways on culinary adventures through the likes of Burgundy, Champagne and Provence. Haute cuisine, heightened service and stylish interiors are hallmarks of this fleet; some have heated pools and one even has a grand piano that's a surefire hit for singalongs and refined recitals. Belmond offers a six-night private charter of Coquelicot in Champagne from £62,390 for up to six guests; departing August 3 2025. Floating markets on the Mekong French colonial designs with Art Deco hints mark the ornate interiors of Heritage Line's riverboat Jayavarman, whose 27 cabins are individually themed. Outside, the sundeck and small pool are perfect vantage points for views of riverside villages and floating markets along this stretch of the Mekong in Cambodia. Unforgettable Travel offers a 10-night Saigon to Angkor Wat in Style private tour comprising the three-night Mekong cruise and stays in Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh and Siem Reap, from £3,795pp; departing January 15 2026. Romance of the Nile Live like a pharaoh on a timeless Nile voyage watching thousands of years of history ebb by from the comfort of your luxe day bed. It's a pampered life on the Art Deco-themed Sanctuary Sun Boat IV whose plush surroundings are matched by the pampering crew as you drift from Aswan to Luxor in this ancient land of tombs and temples. Mundy Cruising offers a three-night stay in Cairo followed by a four-night cruise from Aswan to Luxor, from £5,495pp including flights; departing September 7 2025. Premium Plus Southern Africa's natural bounty Say farewell to winter chills as boutique ship Azamara Pursuit transports you into the warming embrace of South Africa and its rich profusion of wildlife and tribal culture. Stand tall with giraffes on walking tours, spy feathered friends at Penguin Island and track the Big 5 on safari drives. Look out for Madagascar's famous lemurs and soak up African arts and music showcased at Azamara's signature AzAmazing evening. Azamara Cruises offers a 15-night sailing from Cape Town to Mauritius from £3,769pp; departing December 20 2025. South America's Latin beat This sailing moves to the tango rhythms of Buenos Aires, where gauchos rule and Eva Peron's legacy reigns, along with Rio de Janeiro's salsa beat which sizzles with the spirit of Carnival. Hone your artistic skills on Oceania's 1,250 passenger ship Marina, with its artist's studio and cookery school in between cycling tours of Montevideo and schooner trips in Brazil's so-called St Tropez, Buzios. Oceania Cruises offers a 12-night Bounty of Brazil sailing from Buenos Aires to Rio from £2,889pp; departing January 10 2026. America's revolutionary spirit Turn leaf-peepers amid the autumnal colours of North America's Eastern Seaboard as 930-passenger Viking Mars follows a coastline filled with the heritage of the New World, from the Gallic culture of Quebec to the maritime history of Halifax. Relive Boston's revolutionary past along the city's Freedom Trail and trace the steps of the first settlers who arrived on the Mayflower at Plymouth. Viking's
Telegraph
11-03-2025
- Telegraph
These boutique cruises are redefining luxury at sea
Lavish, elevated, extravagant, refined – luxury cruises have many labels, and affordable is certainly not one of them. But there's no denying the value for money a high-end voyage can offer, especially when you consider that your boutique mode of transport will be furnished with priceless artworks, sumptuous suites and designer styling, and the typically eye-watering fare is usually all inclusive. When it comes to itineraries, longer stays and overnights in port are the norm, satisfying those craving true destination immersion. Want to explore lesser-visited enclaves, sip champagne on a private beach, or snowshoe on the seventh continent, Antarctica? A voyage on a boutique ship or slick yacht has you covered. This is an exclusive club of unique vessels, which unlocks a wonderful world of perks, including VIP transfers, Michelin-star dining and superior service levels, that are worth shelling out for. Flex your budget to get on board one of these superlative sailings, and restrictive drinks packages, lengthy check in queues and crushes at the buffet will soon be a distant memory. SeaDream Yacht Club Best for fun on the water Leave the Louboutins behind if you're planning to sail on SeaDream, where you'll while away your time – and there will be plenty of it – on deck, in the water or on the sand. Two mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, accommodate 56 couples and cruise to exclusive harbours and secluded ports in the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, Northern Europe and the Caribbean. Sleep under the stars or let loose at one of the signature champagne & Caviar Splash beach parties – the choice is yours. Insider highlight Sleeping under the stars on a Balinese Dream bed. How to do it SeaDream Yacht Club offers the seven-day Glorious Grenadines cruise for £4,226pp, including meals and drinks, gratuities and port fees, departing Nov 23 2025. The round trip from Barbados includes the rarely travelled Lesser Antilles, the island of Bequia and Martinique's French-infused Le Marin. Flights not included. Regent Seven Seas Best for all inclusive It's the hardware that makes this line shine: grand spaces, all suite accommodation with roomy balconies and marble bathrooms. Dubbed 'The World's Most Luxurious Fleet', there are six ships including the latest iteration, Seven Seas Grandeur. Along with butlers, original artworks and Versace tableware, the all inclusive offering includes drinks, Wi-Fi, laundry, gratuities and – unique to Regent – unlimited shore excursions. Insider highlight Unlimited shore excursions in every port for every guest included. How to do it Regent Seven Seas Cruises offers the Spotlight with Chef Chris Gross voyage from Amsterdam to Paris (Le Havre) from £7,752pp, including unlimited shore excursions, unlimited WiFi, unlimited beverages, speciality restaurants, transfers, return flights, pre-paid gratuities and valet laundry, departing Aug 28, 2025. The itinerary features live cooking demonstrations, dining events and Q&As with the chef. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Club Best for yacht-style luxury The 2022 launch of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection made waves as the first luxury hospitality brand to enter the cruising category, and the lines' intimate and exclusive superyachts look right at home docked in European playgrounds for the rich and famous, and Caribbean islands alike. The inaugural, all-inclusive Evrima was recently joined by the 448-guest Ilma, which features all-terrace suites, two suite categories measuring more than 1,000 square feet, five restaurants, seven bars, a marina and spa. Insider highlight Personalised experiences, including private in-suite dining, bespoke on-shore itineraries and tailored wellness rituals. How to do it Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers a seven-night Rome to Athens cruise from £7,659pp including world-class dining, beverages and most amenities, departing May 11 2025. Flights not included. Shop the boutiques of Capri, then take in the diverse landscapes of the Greek Isles including Santorini's whitewashed villages, and the lunar-like seascapes of Milos. Uniworld Best for the Venetian lagoon This all-inclusive river cruise line ticks all the boxes: opulent design, attentive crew, first-class food and impeccable service. Akin to floating boutique hotels, the vessels are designed to reflect the destinations visited, from the décor through to the locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine. Guests can also admire artwork from artists including David Hockney and Picasso, handmade fabrics from local design houses and hand-carved furnishings. Insider highlight Curated VIP nights out, shore excursions, including exclusive visits to St Mark's Basilica after dark (with only Uniworld guests present) watching the lights come up. How to do it Uniworld offers the all inclusive eight-day Venice & The Jewels of Veneto cruise from £2,298pp, including unlimited premium wines and spirits, flights, transfers in destination, gratuities and full programme of activities, departing April 6, 2025. The only luxury river cruise line on the Venetian lagoon, guests will dock in the heart of Venice, and can expect exclusive after-hours tours, bike rides and food and wine tastings. Silversea Best for butler service A fleet of boutique beauties, Silversea's small ships feature spacious suites with butler service as standard. Most suites also include private verandas for al fresco champagne toasts, while sailing on all seven continents. Silver Ray, Silversea's second Nova-class ship, offers seamless destination connection, while the asymmetrical design includes impressive use of glass in both public areas and suites for uninterrupted views. Insider highlight Premium spirits and butler service in every suite category, plus complimentary champagne on the majority of ships. How to do it Silversea offers a Mediterranean voyage from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Athens (Piraeus) from £8,900, including flights, private airport transfers, all gratuities, premium beverages and shore excursions, departing June 24 2025. Wind through Naples' atmospheric streets, with historic treasures awaiting in Sicily and Malta, before touring Greece's islands and concluding in Athens. Oceania Cruises Best for gourmet dining Oceania's latest build, Vista, and the soon-to-launch 1,200-guest-holding Allura, blend understated luxury with elegant design and bespoke detailing. The foodie-focused line offers guests private dining and tastings, cooking classes and upscale eateries at no extra cost, while visiting lesser known ports globally. Insider highlight The Dom Pérignon Experience at La Reserve, which features a six-course tasting menu paired with three of the best vintages from 2009, 2006 and 2004. How to do it Oceania Cruises offers the Ramparts & Rivieras voyage from £5,379pp, including gratuities, speciality dining, Wi-Fi and laundry services, departing Aug 27 2025. Flights not included. Departing from Rome, guests will explore the markets of Provence, shop in Monte Carlo and discover Barcelona's culture. Cunard Best for transatlantic voyages Old-school elegance and steadfast service is woven into the DNA of Cunard's 185-year legacy. That said, the new ship Queen Anne offers a more contemporary take, with a design that gleans inspiration from the past. There's an elevated focus on health and wellbeing, and more entertainment, dining, and bars than ever. Indeed, with 2025 a momentous year in Cunard's history, its anniversary will be marked with several land-based events and celebratory voyages. Insider highlight The Transatlantic Fashion Week voyage. How to do it Cunard offers the seven-night Norwegian Fjords with Michel Roux cruise from £2,299pp, based on two sharing a Britannia Balcony stateroom, including meals and activities departing May 11 2025. Flights not included. During the voyage, Chef Michel will share insights into his life and work, and showcase his talents with a live cooking demonstration. Azamara Cruises Best for overnights in port Understated and accessible, Azamara is your entry point into luxury cruising. There are no butlers, just helpful crew who remember your name and your favourite drink, while you access smaller ports, often staying longer in the destination, or overnight. The perfectly sized, four-ship fleet includes the newest vessel, the 670-guest Azamara Onward, which has been built to dock at locations that are out of bounds to larger ships. Insider highlight AzAmazing Evenings – one-of-a-kind cultural events that enable passengers to dive deeper into local cultures. How to do it Azamara Cruises offers the 10-night Greece Cruise: Patmos, Santorini and Rhodes cruise from £2,449pp, including drinks, tips, gratuities, and self-service laundry, departing July 8 2025. Flights not included. Departing from Athens, this voyage takes in the Greek islands including Paros and Patmos, before an overnight and disembarkation in Istanbul. Riverside Luxury Cruises Best for Danube River cruises One of the most exclusive cruise lines on the waterways, Riverside's intimate, all-inclusive ships, Mozart and Debussy, have been thoughtfully designed to provide contemporary comfort while meandering along Europe's waterways. Riverside Mozart is one of the Danube's most dazzling: spacious suites replace cabins, there are five dining venues, top-tier excursions and butlers in direct communication with every guest. Insider highlight Butlers use Whatsapp to communicate with guests, taking care of all requests. How to do it Riverside Luxury Cruises offers the four-day Main, Rhine and Moselle River Ramble cruise from £1,350pp, including meals and drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and transfers, departing July 16 2025. Flights not included. This mini cruise from Frankfurt includes historic Koblenz, and finishes in Dusseldorf, a city known for art and culture. Crystal Cruises Best for onboard 'firsts' Acquired by A&K Travel Group in 2022, the reimagined Crystal is a worthy entrant in our list, as luxury is synonymous with the brand. The two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, are among the most elegant and spacious at sea – every suite comes with a butler, sumptuous bedlinen, Etro robes and Ortigia amenities. Other highlights include cutting-edge wellness offerings, the first and only Casino de Monte-Carlo at sea, and complimentary dining, including the only eatery by Master Chef Nobuyuki (Nobu) at sea. Insider highlight The Crystal Connoisseur caviar menu. How to do it Crystal offers an eight-night cruise from £4,750pp, including meals and drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities and port fees departing September 17 2025. Flights not included. Sailing from Monte Carlo to Barcelona, you'll meander from Monaco to the Balearic Islands, before arriving on the coast of Spain. Explora Journeys Best for boutique accommodation When you check into the generously proportioned suites with boutique hotel styling and roomy terraces, you'll understand why Explora Journeys calls itself 'your home on the water.' Identical ships, EXPLORA I and II, access lesser-known ports with atypical port times, and destinations that remain off-limits to larger ships. There's a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.25, while world-class dining and wellness programmes set the standard for new luxury – EXPLORA I even features the first Rolex boutique at sea. Insider highlight EXPLORA II will be the only ship docked at Port Hercule for the Monaco Grand Prix in May 2025. How to do it Explora Journeys offers the 10-night Journey of Robola Wine, Red-Tile Roofs & Gondoliers cruise for £4,760pp, including unlimited fine beverages, nine culinary experiences, Wi-Fi and gratuities, departing May 5 2025. Flights not included. Sailing from Istanbul to Fusina, Italy, this voyage unlocks Mediterranean gems including Turkey, Greece and Croatia. Swan Hellenic Best for off-grid exploration Want to visit lesser-trodden locations in the lap of luxury? This cultural expedition cruise line blends its British heritage with a global outlook to deliver experiences in remote regions. Three purpose-built ships carry up to 192 guests and feature Scandi-inspired interiors, spacious staterooms, and varied dining venues. Featuring onboard technology including the ability to navigate through ice and cutting-edge facilities, guests are pampered while enjoying insights into wildlife, cultures and even outer space. Insider highlight The chance to sip champagne on a Zodiac surrounded by glaciers and icebergs. How to do it Swan Hellenic offers the 20-night South Atlantic cruise: from South Africa to Antarctica from £10,485pp including pre-cruise accommodation, a balcony stateroom, all meals and most drinks, 24-hour room service, self-service laundry, one selected shore excursion per port of call, standard Wi-Fi, onboard gratuities and port taxes, departing November 15 2025. Flights not included. Sailing from Cape Town to the Antarctic Peninsula, you'll stop at Tristan da Cunha, known for its wildlife, and South Georgia, home to dramatic landscapes. Seabourn Best for accessing smaller ports Seabourn's well-honed offering has many loyal followers, and it's not hard to see why. Six intimate ships, including two purpose-built expedition ships equipped with submarines and Zodiacs, can access ports that larger ships must bypass, creating a private, yacht-like environment with daily enrichment. Bespoke, all-inclusive itineraries sail to destinations including Antarctica, The Chilean Coast, The Kimberley, South Pacific, Indonesia and the Northwest Passage. Insider highlight Complimentary caviar and champagne onboard, and signature Caviar in the Surf beach barbecues (on select sailings). How to do it Seabourn offers the 15-day Wild Labrador Coast cruise from £11,337pp, including all food and drinks, complimentary signature events, and entertainment, departing September 20 2026. Flights not included. Sailing from Reykjavik, Iceland, to Halifax, Nova Scotia, this immersive voyage takes in Greenland's landscapes and historic Canadian islands. Scenic Best for ocean excitement Scenic can make your James Bond fantasies come true, whether you want to soar over Sydney Opera House in a helicopter or dive the depths of the ocean in a submersible – yes, these toys are on board. The all-inclusive yacht Scenic Eclipse II offers exploration opportunities alongside world-class dining, ultra-luxurious suites, state-of-the-art wellness, numerous dining experiences and a Sky Deck featuring a pool, cabanas and Sky Bar for Bonds' signature Martinis – shaken, not stirred, of course. Insider highlight Once-in-a-lifetime experiences, from helicopter tours to submersible voyages beneath the waves. How to do it Scenic offers the 13-day Treasures of the Pacific: The Yasawas to New Zealand cruise from £9,860pp, including flights, transfers, Wi-Fi, excursions and beverages, departing November 21 2025. Journeying from Fiji's Yasawa Islands, discover Vanuatu's Tanna Island, before visiting three of New Caledonia's islands, snorkelling around coral reefs before arriving in New Zealand. Aqua Expeditions Best for wildlife spotting Luxury expedition line Aqua Expeditions explores culturally significant destinations and rivers amidst five-star service and small group activities and excursions. With expert naturalist guides on hand and rainforest-inspired cuisine created by renowned chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino on the menu, the 20-suite Aqua Nera sails the Peruvian Amazon, rewarding guests with up-close wildlife encounters in this biodiverse part of the world. Insider highlight A one-to-one crew to-guest ratio for a seamless and intimate expedition. How to do it Aqua Expeditions offers a four-night Amazon Explorer Cruise from £4,659pp including excursions, lectures and sightseeing costs, departing August 25 2025. Flights not included. Sailing from Nauta to Iquitos, this immersive voyage includes sunrise birdwatching, jungle trekking and spotting elusive pink river dolphins.
The Independent
28-01-2025
- Business
- The Independent
SeaDream becomes first cruise line to accept cryptocurrency payments for all voyages
SeaDream Yacht Club has started accepting cryptocurrency payments from cruise passengers. The luxury brand is believed to be the first cruise line to accept cryptocurrency as a payment option for all voyages. Passengers can now book sailings to destinations such as the Caribbean Mediterranean, Norway, and northern Europe using bitcoin, ethereum and more than 200 of the most frequently used cryptocurrencies. Digital currencies can be used to make secure payments for a cruise holiday on the SeaDream website or to charter its yachts exclusively for celebrations such as weddings or corporate events. Payments will be processed using Coinbase Commerce. The announcement was made during the opening day of WAGMI Miami, a crypto conference in America. Andreas Brynestad of SeaDream Yacht Club said: 'SeaDream has always been an innovator, setting new standards in luxury travel. By accepting cryptocurrency, we are embracing a payment solution that is increasingly sought after by our guests. 'The ability to use cryptocurrency further adds to the convenience and flexibility of our discerning charter guests, eliminating currency exchange challenges and enabling seamless transactions.' Cryptocurrencies have increased in value in recent months, with the bitcoin price hitting a record high of $109,000, helped by support from new US president Donald Trump. One of president Trump's first executive orders identified the development of digital assets as a national priority. This may raise hopes of cryptocurrencies becoming accepted more widely. There was an unsuccessful attempt by enthusiasts in 2020 to create a floating crypto community in the Gulf of Panama. Investors acquired former P&O Cruises ship Pacific Dawn, revamped it and renamed it Satoshi after the Bitcoin founder. The idea was that people could purchase cabins and companies could buy commercial space, with Bitcoin accepted as a form of payment, but the organisers couldn't get insurance for the ship and it was later sold to what eventually became Ambassador Cruise Line.
