Let’s talk cruising! I’ve been getting a lot of requests for a ‘luxury cruise vacation.’ At a time when many large cruise lines are building mega-ships, many clients want just the opposite. Small boat luxury cruises offer itineraries that take you to off-the-beaten-path destinations in total comfort. Whether you’re dreaming of sipping champagne on a private balcony, exploring exotic destinations, or dining on gourmet cuisine prepared by world-class chefs, luxury cruise lines offer an unforgettable way to travel. In this post, we’ll dive into what sets these ships apart, and I’ll share some incredible itineraries!
REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES
We recently had the pleasure of experiencing Regent Seven Seas Cruises firsthand—and it exceeded all our expectations! Regent is all about luxury, elegance, and personalized service, offering a seamless, all-inclusive cruising experience. Their spacious suites, most with private balconies, come with butler service and top-notch amenities, making every moment onboard feel truly indulgent. Plus, with unlimited shore excursions included, you can dive into each destination without worrying about extra costs. We especially enjoyed the excursions in Mallorca and Ibiza, where we explored local vineyards, relaxed on gorgeous beaches, and learned about the islands’ fascinating history while making some great new friends. Regent Seven Seas Cruises boasts a fleet of six luxury ships, each offering an intimate, opulent experience. Approximately 60–70% of Regent’s guests are repeat cruisers—a true testament to the exceptional experience they offer, and their cruises often sell out months, sometimes even years, in advance. Check out this incredible 2026 itinerary!
Indian Ocean Enchantments – Bangkok to Doha – May 2 – 22, 2026.
EXPLORA JOURNEYS
Explora Journeys is redefining luxury cruising with a fresh approach to ocean travel. Launched by the MSC Group in 2021, this new brand was born from a vision to combine the sophistication of European heritage with modern, sustainable luxury. I’ve recently booked several groups on Explora, and I can say that their customer service has been fantastic! Their Ocean Terrace Suite (the entry-level offering) measures around 377 sq ft, notably more spacious than similar cabins on other luxury lines. Explora offers several pools (all heated), including a Conservatory pool with a retractable roof, making it a great option when cruising the Mediterranean in the off-season when temperatures may be a little cooler.
On Explora, dining is a highlight, featuring world-class chefs serving up global cuisines. Guests can also enjoy wellness treatments, curated enrichment programs, and tailored excursions that dive deep into the culture and beauty of each destination. Explora’s focus on space, privacy, and a yacht-like ambiance really sets it apart. With industry-leading space per guest, these cruises feel uncrowded and refined. Sustainability is also a priority, with eco-friendly operations and plans for LNG-powered ships. Whether exploring the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, or beyond, Explora Journeys invites you to savor both the journey and the destination in true luxury. The Explora I and Explora II each measure 813 feet long and accommodate up to 922 guests. Take a look at this 2025 itinerary that includes both the Canary Islands and Casablanca!
A Journey to Cosmopolitan Casablanca & Castaway Canaries: 10/22 – 11/2, 2025. 11 nights
FOUR SEASONS YACHTS
Four Seasons Yachts is redefining luxury travel with a fresh, modern twist on yachting. Their custom-built yachts feature spacious, private suites—with terraces and cool design touches. These yachts provide more than just luxurious accommodations—they also offer dedicated spaces for support teams, like caregivers, au pairs, or personal assistants, ensuring top-notch service and privacy all in one. Instead of an all-inclusive package, you pay for your room (usually with breakfast) and then choose what food and drinks you want, just like a high-end hotel. Onboard, you’ll enjoy world-class dining, top-notch wellness facilities, and standout features like a multi-level suite with its own pool and panoramic views. Keep an eye out for the upcoming Four Seasons I—a massive 679-foot yacht launching in early 2026 that accommodates up to 222 guests—for an unmatched travel experience.
Take a look at the amazing ports on this Greek Isle cruise.
Greek Isles Featuring Mykonos & Hydra – May 10 – 17, 2026
SILVERSEA CRUISES
Silversea Cruises is all about combining luxury with adventure in the most stylish way possible. Imagine stepping aboard intimate ships where every ocean-view suite—even those with private verandas—comes with your very own butler, ensuring you’re pampered at every turn. With a near one-to-one guest-to-crew ratio, the service feels personal and exceptional, and you’re treated to gourmet dining crafted by world-class chefs with premium wines and spirits—all included in your fare. Silversea Cruises offers over 900 destinations worldwide, including off-the-beaten-path spots like Antarctica, the Arctic, and the Galápagos. Their smaller expedition ships can venture into secluded ports that larger vessels just can’t reach. The all-day zodiac adventure in the polar regions is a big hit among guests. Picture yourself cruising on a small zodiac boat, maneuvering between towering icebergs, hopping off onto pristine ice floes, and even trekking a bit on frozen terrain—all while expert guides share cool insider details about the local wildlife and hidden gems. It’s the perfect mix of luxury, personal service, and hands-on adventure that makes every moment unforgettable.
Check out this incredibly luxury cruise to the Antarctic, including air from and to Santiago.
Puerto Williams to Puerto Williams – November 5 – 23, 2025
SEABOURN
Seabourn Cruises offers an ultra-luxury cruising experience that feels like traveling on a private yacht. With their small ships and nearly one staff member per guest, they provide exceptional personalized service and access to iconic destinations and hidden gems worldwide. Seabourn Cruises is renowned for its ultra-personalized service—it operates at nearly a 1:1 client-to-staff ratio. This means that for almost every guest, a dedicated crew member is ready to cater to your every need, ensuring a truly bespoke and luxurious experience on board. Onboard, you’ll enjoy award-winning dining crafted by renowned chef Thomas Keller and an open-bar policy with premium wines and spirits. Seabourn’s itineraries span over 400 destinations, including unique experiences like their signature “Caviar in the Surf” beach parties, where chilled champagne and caviar are served right in the ocean. Their intimate ships, accommodating fewer than 600 guests, also allow access to smaller, exclusive ports. Seabourn expedition cruises offer guests the opportunity to dive into the deep blue with their onboard mini-submarine. This unique excursion allows you to explore underwater worlds up close, providing an unforgettable adventure in ultimate luxury.
This Scotland and Iceland is a great way to see the highlights in just one week!
7-Day Scotland & Iceland’s South Coast – June 28, 2025
THE RITZ CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brings the brand’s signature luxury to the seas, offering an intimate and exclusive boutique yachting experience. With just 298 guests per voyage, these custom-built yachts feel like a private luxury retreat, featuring all-suite accommodations with private terraces and stunning ocean views. Dining stands out, with gourmet menus inspired by the yacht’s destinations, including a specialty restaurant by Chef Sven Elverfeld of the three-Michelin-starred Aqua. Guests can also relax with spa treatments, unwind in elegant lounges, or enjoy enriching cultural programs onboard. The curated itineraries focus on smaller, less-traveled ports in destinations like the Greek Isles, Croatia, and the Caribbean, allowing for immersive experiences and a more personalized journey. With longer stays in port and overnight docking, you’ll have plenty of time to soak in each destination’s charm. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s fleet includes three luxurious yachts with varying sizes and capacities. The Evrima, at 624 feet, accommodates 298 guests, while the larger Ilma and Luminara, each 790 feet long, host up to 448 guests with spacious, private-suite accommodations.
The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection will start cruising to Alaska in 2026. It’s the perfect itinerary for a multi-generational family trip!
WHITTIER / VANCOUVER – THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, 2026
SEADREAM YACHT CLUB
SeaDream Yacht Club offers a luxurious yet laid-back yachting experience that feels like having your own private yacht. I’ve personally cruised with SeaDream and can attest to the laid-back yachting experience. Our cruise had just 87 guests with incredibly personalized service. The staff greeted us by name upon arrival and anticipated our every need. Their twin yachts, SeaDream I and II, focus on casual elegance with ocean-view staterooms, alfresco gourmet dining, and unique touches like sleeping under the stars on their Balinese beds. With just 87 guests on our voyage, we got to know many on a personal level, and the incredible service and casual atmosphere are what keep people returning. Many couples we met had sailed on several luxury lines and no other line allows you to eat 5-star meals under the stars, wearing shorts! While SeaDream yachts may not have all of the bells and whistles of other luxury lines, they make up for it with their Signature experiences like the “Champagne & Caviar Splash” beach party and a retractable water sports marina. SeaDream’s itineraries explore hidden gems in the Mediterranean and Caribbean, with access to secluded ports and coves that larger ships can’t reach. Wellness is also a priority, with an award-winning spa, yoga sessions, and a raw food menu for guests seeking relaxation and rejuvenation. SeaDream Yacht Club is home to two twin mega-yachts: SeaDream I and SeaDream II. At 344 feet long, these boutique vessels are perfectly sized for an exclusive yachting experience, hosting up to 112 guests in 56 ocean-view staterooms.
SeaDream is the perfect ship to visit small ports in the Adriatic Sea that large ships can’t access.
Yachting the Adriatic – Venice to Athens (Piraeus) Jun 17 – 27, 2027
CRYSTAL CRUISES
Crystal Cruises is all about refined luxury with outstanding service, spacious ships, and immersive trips catering to high-end travelers. After facing bankruptcy due to the pandemic, they’ve made a strong comeback, updating their services and bringing in new investors. Guests love the revamped experience, with standout features like top-notch service, sleek modern ship designs, and unique itineraries. The luxurious accommodations, including suites with butler service, amazing dining options, and enrichment activities like wine tastings, take the experience to the next level. With less crowded ships and perks like premium drinks, gratuities, and Wi-Fi, Crystal delivers both comfort and cultural adventure throughout its destinations, from the Mediterranean to remote places like the Arctic.
Check out this great roundtrip itinerary from New York. It’s the perfect fall getaway!
NORTH AMERICA & CANADA 7 NIGHTS SEP 30, 2025 – OCT 07, 2025 CRYSTAL SERENITY
Ready to set sail on your next luxury adventure? Let me help you plan every detail—from choosing the perfect ship and itinerary to booking flights, hotels, private excursions, and transfers. I’ll make sure your vacation is nothing short of extraordinary. Where do you want to go? becky.tanis@luxrallytravel.com. Becky Tanis Travels