The Ultimate Guide to Luxury Cruising
Why the World's Most Discerning TravelLers Are Taking to the Water — And Why You Should Too
Welcome to the New Golden Age of Cruising
Forget everything you thought you knew about cruising. Today’s luxury voyages aren’t about crowded buffets and kitschy cabaret shows — they’re about privacy, access, exclusivity, and once-in-a-lifetime experiences. From the debut of ultra-glamorous yachts by Four Seasons and Aman to private Amazon River expeditions and artful slow-travel barges through France, luxury cruising has evolved into one of the most exciting — and misunderstood — ways to travel the world.
Whether you’re a first-time cruiser or a seasoned explorer, this definitive guide will help you navigate the modern world of high-end cruising and find the perfect voyage for your style, with expert support from Sojourns Of.
What Type of Cruise Is Right for You?
Before diving into specific cruise lines, it’s worth understanding the styles of luxury cruises available today:
Ocean Cruises
Classic grand voyages that traverse continents or coastlines aboard ships that feel more like boutique hotels at sea. Great for: couples, foodies, spa lovers, and those looking for a mix of sea days and cultural port stops.
Expedition Cruises
Designed for adventure and discovery. These small ships journey to the far corners of the globe — think Antarctica, the Arctic, or remote Pacific islands — with onboard naturalists, helicopters, and Zodiacs. Great for: explorers, photographers, wildlife lovers.
River Cruises
Intimate and immersive, river cruises float through the heart of Europe, Asia, or South America, docking directly in cultural capitals. Great for: history buffs, food and wine enthusiasts, and travellers seeking relaxed daily exploration.
Yacht Cruises
Ultra-private, low-capacity ships with a focus on lifestyle, freedom, and exclusive destinations. Often more flexible and lifestyle-driven. Great for: design lovers, privacy-seekers, and Mediterranean dreamers.
Private Barges
The slowest (and most indulgent) way to cruise — floating villas on canals through French countryside with personal chefs and daily market stops. Great for: families or groups seeking total privacy and gourmet immersion.
The New Wave of Ultra-Luxury Cruise Lines
These five visionary brands and their next-generation ships are redefining cruising for the modern luxury traveler:
Four Seasons Yachts (Launching 2026)
A floating Four Seasons resort with just 95 suites — each with floor-to-ceiling windows, some featuring plunge pools, and intuitive service. Expect Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries, a stunning marina deck, and a complete reimagining of what ocean travel can be.
Perfect for: loyal Four Seasons guests, design-driven travellers, and yachting dreamers.
Fours Seasons Yachts Four Seasons I
Aman at Sea – Amangati (Launching 2027)
Aman’s first yacht will combine the brand’s signature serenity with cutting-edge wellness, minimalist design, and just 47 suites. More akin to a private sanctuary at sea than a cruise ship.
Perfect for: Aman Junkies, wellness travellers, and seekers of spiritual space.
Orient Express SAILING YACHTS – Corinthian (Launching 2026)
Inspired by the golden age of travel, this 120m, 54-suite sailing yacht (the world’s largest) will blend Art Deco glamour with French haute cuisine, sultry piano bars, and immersive cultural programs.
Perfect for: romantics, lovers of modern elegance, and those drawn to cultural sophistication.
Orient Express Sailing Yachts Corinthian
THE Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Already sailing, these sleek yachts offer contemporary interiors, refined dining, and curated shore excursions. Suites are spacious, and the vibe is elevated but relaxed.
Perfect for: Ritz-Carlton loyalists, couples, and lifestyle-focused travellers.
Explora Journeys
Bridging the gap between ultra-luxury and lifestyle cruising, Explora is perfect for design-forward travellers. Large ships, but with a chic boutique feel and a focus on wellness, culture, and ocean connection.
Perfect for: new-to-cruise travellers, millennials, and slow-travel seekers.
EXPLORA JOURNEYS Owner’s Residence
Where Adventure Meets Elegance: Expedition Cruising
Silversea Silver Endeavour
Possibly the most luxurious expedition ship ever built. With butler service, fine dining, and a PC6 ice class hull, you can explore Antarctica or the Arctic in absolute comfort.
Ponant Le Commandant Charcot
The first hybrid electric polar exploration ship. Innovative, sustainable, and supremely elegant. Offers rare itineraries like the North Pole.
Antarctica21
By flying over the Drake Passage and boarding small luxury ships in Antarctica, this operator offers one of the most immersive polar experiences available.
Quark Ultramarine
For those seeking heli-hiking, remote landings, and deeply experiential cruising, Ultramarine is Quark’s most luxurious and adventure-oriented vessel yet.
Silver Endeavour in Antarctica
For the Culturally Curious: River Cruises & Private Voyages
Aqua Expeditions
Small ships in extraordinary places — like the Peruvian Amazon, Indonesian islands, and East Africa’s coastal waters. With serious culinary programs and wildlife immersion.
Les Bateaux Belmond
Slow travel at its finest. With Belmond’s luxury barges, float through Burgundy or Provence with a private chef, bicycles, and visits to châteaux and vineyards.
Uniworld River Cruises
All-inclusive, design-driven ships sailing Europe’s best rivers. Think Versailles-style décor, Michelin-level cuisine, and immersive local experiences.
Les Bateaux Belmond
The Icons of Traditional Luxury Cruising
If you're seeking spacious suites, fine dining, and seamless global itineraries with VIP touches, these cruise lines remain leaders:
Silversea – Small ships, butler service, global itineraries
Seabourn – Known for refined service, caviar at sea, and scenic cruising
Regent Seven Seas – Highly inclusive and elegant; new ship Seven Seas Prestige launches 2026
Crystal – Recently relaunched with updated ships, exceptional suites, and high staff-to-guest ratio
Oceania – Best known for epicurean excellence; Allura launching soon
SeaDream Yacht Club – Under 120 guests, barefoot luxury, Mediterranean perfection
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Evrima
Why Book Your Cruise with Sojourns Of
Booking a luxury cruise isn’t just about picking a ship — it’s about choosing the experience that fits you. As a preferred partner of the world’s best cruise lines (including Virtuoso benefits), Sojourns Of provides:
Exclusive perks (which may include onboard credits, suite upgrades, private transfers)
Tailored pre- and post-cruise arrangements
First access to new ship launches
Concierge-level support from first enquiry to final port
Let us match you with the perfect voyage. Book your consultation now →
FAQs: Everything You’re Wondering About Luxury Cruises
What is the day-to-day journey like on a luxury cruise?
One of the greatest joys of cruising is the ease of travel. You unpack once, and your floating hotel takes you to a new destination almost every day. Wake up with a new view outside your window — whether it's a fjord in Norway or a sun-drenched island in the Med — and spend your days exploring new cities, indulging in onboard wellness, or relaxing poolside. It’s the ultimate blend of comfort and discovery.
How far in advance should I book a luxury cruise?
For the best suites, experiences, and perks — 12–18 months in advance is ideal. Some new ships sell out within days of opening.
Can I combine a cruise with a longer trip or land-based journey?
Absolutely! We are seeing our clients combine cruise and land-based journeys more often to maximise their experiences. Sojourns Of can seamlessly pair your cruise with a private villa in Tuscany, a safari in Kenya, or a few nights in Paris or Dubai.
Is a cruise a great option for a family holiday?
Yes — especially on newer ships offering interconnecting suites, kids’ programs, and safe, enriching excursions. Some lines cater better to families than others (we’ll help you choose).
Will I feel confined or have enough to do onboard?
Luxury ships offer wellness programs, culinary classes, enriching talks, world-class spas, and often far more space per guest than five-star hotels.
Are luxury cruises only for older travellers?
Not anymore. With wellness, design, and off-the-beaten-path itineraries, cruise lines like Explora, Aman, and Four Seasons are attracting a whole new generation of luxury traveller.
Is cruising a sustainable way to travel?
Newer luxury lines are investing heavily in green tech, hybrid engines, and smaller footprints. Choosing the right ship can mean significantly reduced environmental impact.
What makes a luxury cruise different from a standard cruise?
Think: no lines, no crowds, no plastic trays. You’ll have larger suites, better food, private guides on land, and a much more bespoke experience.
Ready to Cruise Differently?
Whether you dream of the Arctic Circle or the Amalfi Coast, luxury cruising offers a way to explore the world in comfort, style, and ease.
Sojourns Of is here to help you set sail — with exclusive access and unmatched personal service.
Get in touch to plan your journey by sea.