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The line has even partnered with Smithsonian Journeys, the travel program of the Smithsonian Institution, on a series of upcoming experiential sailings centered on cultural deep dives. Because of their small size, these ships never have elaborate facilities and amenities. You might find a small spa with a couple of treatment rooms and a fitness room, though you’ll rarely encounter a fully equipped gym. That's in part because Viking Osiris is the first Nile River vessel specifically built to Viking's specifications. That's unusual in a market where most Western lines charter local vessels for their trips.
No. 4: Seabourn Encore - Seabourn Cruise Line
Resident performers, known as Les Gauguines, share Polynesian culture through dance, music, and storytelling. In the spa, guests can indulge in a massage based on Tahitian techniques. Passengers explore island history and enjoy watersports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, including from the beaches of two private motu.
Best Luxury Cruise Lines: Seabourn
There’s even extreme camping gear for those willing to brave an overnight under the stars in Antarctica. During North American winters, all three of Atlas’s expedition yachts sail in Antarctica. The Sea Cloud Spirit combines the experience of decades of traditional seamanship with the modern-day luxuries of a private yacht. Cabins range from 172-square-foot single cabins to 300-square-foot balcony suites with soaking tubs. There’s a large fitness center and spa, which has a steam room, sauna, and thermal area for two; indoor and outdoor lounges; and a main dining area, plus a more casual bistro. The action, however, is out on deck, where passengers can stargaze at night or simply gaze in awe at the impressive sails blowing in the wind.
Croatia under sail
Landings and Zodiac safaris are included on Antarctica cruises, but excursions are not included on other itineraries. All non-polar cruises offered from April through October are called Epicurean Expeditions (with one complimentary wine- or food-focused experience per cruise). Not just a pretty ship, Seabourn Venture is tough, built to PC6 Polar Class standards for a focus on expedition cruising in the polar regions.
Once you submit your online travel inquiry, you’ll typically hear back from our online travel agency experts within hours. Docking in the heart of an off-the-beaten path destination, and having the pristine beach practically all to yourself. After some 40 years covering the length and breadth of our Southern Land, they’ve expanded their reach to also include New Zealand and Micronesia, Indonesia’s dive mecca of the Raja Ampat Islands, and the small islands of the Indian Ocean. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards.
For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best. For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. Read on to see what other readers had to say — and which other companies made this year's list.
The 3 Best Small-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2022
The other newcomer is from a startup small-vessel company, Kontiki Expeditions. Those in Alaska and the attic are truly small ships with lux standards. Whether it’s wildlife spotting in the Arctic or sipping mai tais poolside before diving into tropical waters that float your boat, these are some of the best small ships to suit your style. But it was Paul Gauguin Cruises, now owned by French cruise company Ponant, that emerged as the reader favorite among the best cruise lines for small ships. This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19.
Viking Saigon
L'Austral explores both polar regions and spends time in the Mediterranean, cruising along the coast of Croatia and around the smaller, less touristy Greek Islands like Amorgos, Milos and Delos. Standing on deck when the sails are unfurled is one of the more romantic moments you'll likely experience on any ship. Star Clippers' handsome five-masted tall ship Royal Clipper is considered the largest square rigger in service. Modeled after the great 1902 German clipper Preussen, the ship is a real throwback, with lots of wood and brass features and nautical-style elements.
At once refined and informal, Seadream cultivates an air of casual elegance on board. The ship’s size makes it more agile than other ocean cruisers — even other luxury small cruise ships. Combining the all inclusive nature of cruising with the intimate feel of a boutique resort, luxury small cruise ships are more than worth a second glance. Modeled after Europe’s stylish boutique hotels, the vibe on board is distinctly cosmopolitan. 461 sea-facing suites boast tufted leather headboards, Frette robes and spacious private terraces.
The new high-tech expedition ships, outfitted with the latest hardware and design touches, are incredibly appealing. However, I also adore certain older small ships for their heritage and atmosphere. I'm drawn to the intimacy and instant community that develops between a small number of passengers and crew cruising together. I enjoy the serenity of small-ship cruising, with no lines to wait in or crowds to contend with on board.
We hopped in a taxi van at the port to reach the pristine waters of Flamenco Beach, which consistently makes the world’s top 10 lists. It was a fall-asleep-on-the-sand kind of day, under brightly colored umbrellas, with multiple trips to the canteen for French fries. On that occasion, the guests on board for the maiden voyage were all honored as the ship’s godparents, and a plaque with their names was permanently mounted on a wall inside the ship. Seabourn Odyssey was designed by the same architectural team, Petr Yran and Bjorn Storbraaten, who designed the original Seabourn ships.
This year’s small-ship leader, though, made its mark with two new vessels that are unlike anything else sailing today. Read on to see how Viking captured this category — and for more details on all the top lines. Ocean Victory's 11- and 12-night Alaska cruises depart between May and September. The ship sails between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Sitka, Alaska. It visits destinations such as Frederick Sound, Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm, the Waterfall Coast (Gut Bay), Misty Fjords National Monument and Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet) in Canada's Inside Passage.
Each of Aqua’s luxury cruises are designed with close attention to detail, keeping in mind the unique characteristics of each destination. The vessels feature amenities such as plunge pools, jacuzzis, and spa treatment rooms, ensuring that every day of adventure ends with a return to a tranquil floating sanctuary. Each ship’s menu is curated by world-renowned chefs, offering a multi-sensory experience and a deeper insight into the local region. With year-round sailings for individual travelers and charter bookings open as well, Aqua promises memories that will last a lifetime. While large ships come with certain advantages (rock climbing at sea, anyone?), some cruisers prefer the intimacy, personalized service and destination-focused itineraries of a smaller vessel.
The 10 Most Luxurious Cruises You Can Take Around the World - Veranda
The 10 Most Luxurious Cruises You Can Take Around the World.
Posted: Wed, 08 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The food is excellent and served both on the romantic outdoor decks and inside the cozy restaurant. High-tech toys, such as a remotely operated vehicle and underwater video camera, hydrophone, remote-controlled aerial camera and video microscope, allow guests to view footage of undersea life wherever the ships may be. The crew outdid itself the next day at White Bay Beach on Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the British Virgin Islands.
The ship carries two submarines, as well as a fleet of double sea kayaks and 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all guests at once. The ships also feature a gym, yoga studio, spa, ocean-view saunas, library and two dining venues. Back on board, the creature comforts of the Sakara included plenty of outdoor space to connect with the ocean, a small infinity pool, a full-service spa and a large, elegant dining room and terrace. One of the highlights of small ship cruising is the opportunity for cultural exploration. As you glide along picturesque waterways, you’ll have ample time to soak in the local culture, history, and scenery.
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