Most expensive cruise ships worldwide 2022

Dining is over the top at the restaurants, such as the retro-chic steakhouses with menus created by famed chef Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame). When you tire of prime beef, order lobster thermidor or sink into the delicious comfort of Keller's roast chicken. Owned by Carnival Corporation, Seabourn's top-of-the-line, 264- to 600-passenger ships deliver comfortable, modern luxury that can be as fancy or casual as you like. Everything operates in the upper-tier way, from the spa and expansive fitness offerings to the restaurants — which include a Nobu eatery. S.A.L.T., a new dining and culinary education concept, brings local tastes on board together with experts who share insight into each dish and beverage.

World Voyage in a Queens Grill Grand Duplex on Cunard Queen Mary 2

Constructed by STX France at its Chantiers de l’Atlantique facility in France, the 171,598 GT MSC Bellissima has almost similar features to its sister ship. Built by STX France, the vessel measures 1188 feet in length, 215.5 feet in width and 238 feet in height, with a gross registered tonnage of 228,081t. What a space ratio like that means is you will never feel crowded on Seven Seas Splendor, and you'll rarely encounter a line anywhere -- whether at the boarding area or at the poolside grill. During the session I experienced, we started with a lesson on a fried, stuffed-olive appetizer from the Le Marche region of Italy where Seven Seas Splendor was built. We then tried our hand at poaching fish in a Spanish style that tied to the ship's transatlantic crossing to Miami from Spain.

The entertainment

There also are versions of the Prime 7 steakhouse and La Veranda casual restaurant found on all Regent vessels. Known for its luxury focus, the 28-year-old brand has long operated some of the world's most elegant ships. Regent is sort of the cruising equivalent of the hotel world's Four Seasons chain -- a brand promising beautiful accommodations, refined food and pampering service. "You never say, 'no money is spared,' because this is a business, and financial considerations are always important," Del Rio said while talking to travel agents in Seven Sea Splendor's two-deck-high Constellation Theater.

Best Cruise Lines You’ll Want to Book Right Now

This is the cruise that proves it’s all about the journey, not the destination. Just make sure to check this cruise packing list so you bring all the right things with you. For added assurance, you might want to take these unexpected essentials with you as well.

A&K includes impressive amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and laundry service; suite passengers also have access to a personal butler. Cruising is a popular way for travelers to visit multiple destinations for one price. In fact, industry statistics indicate that nearly 80% of travelers who have cruised before want to book another cruise in the future. The best cruise lines offer transportation, accommodations, food and entertainment that meet their target audience's needs. Indulge in spacious, ocean-view suites, all adorned with private balconies, that become your personal sanctuaries.

This cruise vacation encapsulates the perfect balance between adventure and leisure, creating lasting memories against the backdrop of scenic seascapes and the charm of different ports of call. Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis-class cruise ship Symphony of the Seas is the world’s largest passenger ship currently in service. Thus, for obvious reasons, Symphony of the Seas is one the most expensive cruise ships in the world now, with a cost of production of $1.35 billion. Despite a rocky couple of years due to the pandemic, cruising is back, and it’s stronger than ever. In fact, travel insurance comparison site SquareMouth.com reported a 41% increase in the number of travelers taking cruises in 2022 compared with 2019.

Sneak peek at Seven Seas Grandeur, one of the world's most expensive cruise ships - The Points Guy

Sneak peek at Seven Seas Grandeur, one of the world's most expensive cruise ships.

Posted: Mon, 18 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Started construction in 2014, the ship set its first sail in May 2016 to Southampton from the facility of STX France. The 228,081GRT vessel is also 1,188 feet long, 215.5 wide and 238 feet in height. With 2,747 staterooms in various sizes, Harmony of the Seas is capable of housing 6,687 passengers in addition to 2,200 crew members. This largest cruise ship in the world is powered by LNG with a gross tonnage of 250,800. It has 6 multi-fuel Wartsila Engines that can run on LNG as well as distillate fuel.

All restaurants are included in the cruise fare on Viking Venus, except The Kitchen Table. The Restaurant (the main dining room) and The World Cafe (buffet) serve international menus in light-filled venues, with options to open floor-to-ceiling windows on balmy days. Manfredi's is arguably the best restaurant onboard andoffers Italian fare, while you can sample Norwegian dishes inspired by the mother of Viking chairman Torstein Hagen at Mamsen's. Its 10 traditional cruise ships are nearly identical, each carrying 930 guests, while two expedition vessels carry 378 guests and combine elegant design with the latest technology in polar exploration. The features aboard this luxury cruise ship include 22 restaurants, 24 pools, a children’s water park, an ice-skating rink, a full-size basketball court, two 43-foot rock-climbing walls, etc.

Silversea also loves to throw a good soiree and does so on every warm-weather cruise in the form of its deck party. Chefs spend the day preparing for this pull-out-all-the-stops event at which they serve roast suckling pig, carved meats, pasta, salads and an array of mouth-watering desserts. Suites are also a highlight, with more than enough space plus personal butlers and large bathrooms complete with bathtubs and separate showers. All cabins also have a neat hidden TV feature -- flat-screen televisions are embedded into huge mirrors, and when they're turned off, you can't even see them. Fares include transfers, complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, no-fee specialty restaurants and free unlimited internet.

Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year. Viking came in at No. 1 in T+L's best mid-size ship category and river cruise category. Golden said the WBA Hall of Fame honoree's 50 river "longships" are "light-filled floating boutique hotels." Abercrombie & Kent typically charters expedition ships from the posh French line Ponant. Then it reduces the passenger capacity from 264 to 188 and brings its own distinguished expedition experts onboard, including a photography coach.

But the luxury line expects the cruise will break company sales records, just as many of its past world cruises have, often selling out the day bookings opened. Seabourn Encore is the largest ship in the cruise line’s fleet, but it nonetheless provides an intimate and exclusive experience for all guests on board. The trip also included five luxurious hotel stays in cities like Sydney, Tokyo and Hong Kong, as well as five private tours in the same cities. Private transfers were up for grabs too, via helicopter, private jet and sports cars.

Spaces inside are contemporary, and the ship is easily one of the best expedition options for adventurous luxury travelers. Every suite has its own balcony and separate lounge area, and you can expect fine-dining quality meals at spots like the Chef's Table. Oceania Riviera dining is legendary across all of the cruise ship's dining venues, including complimentary specialty restaurants. Catering to adventurous luxury cruise travelers with money to spend, the new cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages, which debuted in the summer of 2021, offers upscale experiences on small ships that carry just 196 passengers. As a result, the industry attracts billions in investment annually, resulting in the entry of luxurious and expensive cruise ships into operation. Paul Gauguin Cruises operates just one ship, but it is exquisite, hosting 330 guests and sailing only in the South Pacific to destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands.

Ships are small to encourage bonding, and you’re likely to make such good friends, you may not be traveling solo next time. A unique, fun and educational option for families with older kids who want to experience nature with a touch of Disney magic, these expedition cruises are the stuff of lifelong memories. Small, purpose-built ships are designed to access the remote landscapes of the Polar Regions and the Galápagos Islands—and to appeal to both kids and adults. When you’re not out exploring a new port of call, you can take cooking classes, book a spa day or fitness class, enjoy evening entertainment or gamble at the casino, among other activities. When visiting ports of call, Viking itineraries feature the highest average hours in port per day, which gives travelers extra time to explore destinations and their unique attractions.