Sailing in style
Cruising through Germany on a Viking river cruise.
Imagine savouring Michelin-star-quality cuisine, once-in-a-lifetime experiences and your own personal butler all while sailing past spectacular scenery. Luxury cruising delivers the best of the best, and this is an all-inclusive five-star experience you’ll remember forever.
Words: Sasha Oelsner
Going on a cruise already feels deluxe. Who can go past three-course meals in a lovely restaurant and entertainment all included? However, onshore activities, fine dining and drinks as well as gratuities tally-up on your end-of-journey bill. Luxury cruising is all-inclusive, so you can set all that aside and live in the moment. Treat yourself with a little bit of indulgence and pampering, and a lot of thrilling experiences.
Before leaving home
Many luxury cruise lines believe your holiday should start effortlessly with all-inclusive door-to-door transfers. No need to book a taxi or Uber to the airport – your transport has been arranged. You’ll also be able to skip the hassle when you arrive as you’ll be whisked away to the cruise terminal. You’re probably not ready to think about it yet, but the same will happen on the way home.
In the lap of luxury
While features differ between cruise lines and even ships within the same fleet, there are points-of-difference that make your home away from home perfect on a luxury cruise.
Let’s start with your room. The lodgings allow you to savour views with floor-to-ceiling glass windows. Silversea’s largest suites even boast a 270-degree view from sea to sky. You can expect spacious rooms, perpetually stocked minibars, private balconies and other creature comforts such as outdoor spas or ocean-view bathtubs (don’t worry, no one can peek in).
Dining on a luxury liner has to be experienced to be believed. While Michelin is yet to rate restaurants at sea, famed chefs from Michelin-star restaurants are bringing their skills on board. They’re taking to the kitchen as guest chefs on select cruises, or curating bespoke, regional fine-dining menus. Past notable appearances have included British chef Alain Roux gracing the decks of the Seven Seas Mariner and Italian chef Mauro Uliassi lending his expertise to the menu on board the Explora I.
Breakfast on the terrace, Viking River Cruises.
Pre-dinner drinks in your suite, Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
While you’re spoilt for choice by the number of eateries on board, you might also want to dine in the privacy of your own room. For ultimate enjoyment, several cruises offer a full butler service. Your butler will impeccably set your dining table, remaining on hand to pour your favourite beverage as you choose from the extensive menus.
There’s no need for dining reservations or set dinner times, which can sometimes be too early or too late. And of course, across the ship from your room to the bar, you’ll be privy to premium wines, beers, spirits and other drinks.
These ships boast state-of-the-art technology, décor and amenities. Some are proudly no-casino, like Viking, which is also for adults only. There’s also free and unlimited Wi-Fi ship-wide to video call family members at home.
Pamper yourself with a spa day and feel the pressures of life fade away. Aboard Viking ships, you’ll find the exclusive Snow Grotto inspired by traditional Nordic spa experiences and hydrotherapy pools, while rejuvenating Pilates classes and acupuncture services are offered on Silversea. You’ll return home so relaxed, you won’t feel like you need a holiday to get over this one.
When you’re not eating exquisite food, enjoying the pool or discovering your favourite cocktail at the bar, there are plenty of other onboard activities to keep you entertained. Browse boutique shops, learn to prepare a new cuisine at a cooking class or become sommelier for a day at a premium wine tasting.
In the evening, expect wining, dining and dancing, whether that’s you on the dance floor or talented performers on the ship’s stage. Some luxury experiences have an evening dress code, such as cocktail or black-tie, which is the perfect excuse to get dressed up.
Relax in your ocean-view bath, Silverseas Cruises.
The Water Lilies by Claude Monet, Musée de l’Orangerie, Paris.
Shore excursions with a difference
With such an exquisite onboard experience, it may be tempting to stay on the ship for your whole holiday. But the extravagance doesn’t end when you disembark for onshore excursions. A major difference for luxury cruise holidays is that most experiences are included in the package, from city tours and sightseeing through to gastronomical extravaganzas you’ll find nowhere else.
For instance, Silversea has launched its Sea And Land Taste culinary program, featuring a range of onboard and onshore gastronomical adventures. A highlight, available when visiting Sorento, allows passengers to join award-winning chef Peppe Guida for a cooking demonstration and exclusive lunch.
Viking has what it calls a Privileged Access range of excursions, giving guests the opportunity to visit seldom-seen collections. Be a special guest in private homes or palaces, and visit museums after hours to avoid the crowds.
Past examples have included afternoon tea at the Ritz Hotel in London with a former butler of the Prince of Wales, and behind-the-scenes experiences at the BMW and Volkswagen factories in Germany.
If you can pull yourself away from your exquisite room on board, then an immersive overnight excursion with Regent sees guests remaining on dry land for the night, with exclusive experiences like an enchanting private geisha performance in Kyoto or admiring Peggy Guggenheim’s private art collection in Italy.
Excursion options are often evolving, so it’s best to carefully read the selections before booking your preferred tour.
Whether you’re being treated like royalty in European castles, rubbing shoulders with world-renowned chefs, or watching the sun set from your room’s private spa, a little bit of luxury goes a long way.
Treat yourself
SAIL AWAY IN 2025-26 ON ONE OF OUR FAVOURITE LUXURY CRUISES.
River: Immerse yourself in Paris on the eight-night Christmas on the Seine from Viking River Cruises
Ocean: Sail the 11-night Japanese traditions and temples journey with Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Expedition: Discover the Kimberley on the 16-night Darwin to Fremantle expedition cruise with Silversea
IMAGES: Explora Journeys, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Viking Cruises.