This year marks 100 years since the Titanic set sail, and although there wasn’t a happy ending, there is no denying the magic and lavishness that her sailing inspired. Luxurious jaunts on the high seas remain as coveted today as they were then.
Check out these 10 cruises that are some of the most extravagant in the world:
1) Six-Star Cruise, Silversea’s Silver Whisper
You’d like to hope that the £1m ($1.6 million) price tag assures that this is not only the most expensive but most extravagant cruise in the world. Packaged by English specialist, Six Star Cruise, the 124-day trip departs from Los Angeles and sails to the Maldives and Mauritius as well as taking in Australasia and Africa.
Private helicopter and jet transfers are provided while the cruise utilizes the Royal Suite aboard Silversea’s luxury liner, Silver Whisper.
The most expensive cruise in the world. Photo by Silversea Cruises.
2) Crystal Cruise’s Crystal Serenity
Crystal Cruises were regularly voted the world’s best even before the $25 million refit of its Crystal Serenity ship. Blending Fifth Avenue elegance with Hollywood glamour, the penthouse suites exude contemporary luxury complete with a personal butler.
Dine at the hands of Nobu-trained chefs or pop to the flagship Christian Dior store for shopping. Taking sail doesn’t mean leaving your luxuries at home.
Hollywood glamour in the Crystal Serenity penthouse suite. Photo by Crystal Cruises.
3) SeaDream’s Yacht Club
The vibe is more yacht than cruise aboard SeaDream’s Yacht Club ships where 112 guests are delivered five-star service by a crew of 95 and can enjoy all the pleasures of the luxury yacht lifestyle without the effort.
Transatlantic, Amazon, Mediterranean and Caribbean voyages are available. Champagne and caviar accompany beachside stops, while a retractable marina with glass bottom kayaks puts premium water sports on the menu.
Sea dreams, yacht lifestyle. Photo by SeaDream Yacht Club.
4) Regent Seven Seas’ Seven Seas Voyager
Hèrmes and L’Occitane amenities, a walk-in closet, complimentary cocktail parties and a gigantic master suite with a butler promise that every one of the 143 nights on this cruise from Rome to Beijing will form the trip of a lifetime.
This kind of luxury comes at a price ($500,000 for 2 people) but is all-inclusive as is the extravagance and indulgence offered.
Signature dining. Photo by Regent Seven Seas Cruises.
5) The Road to Mandalay by Orient-Express
Orient-Express has been king of decadent travel for some time, and its ability to recreate the essence of a bygone era whilst taking passengers to under-discovered countries makes these cruises even more lavish.
The Road to Mandalay sails to beautiful Burma (Myanmar), which, in Rudyard Kipling’s words, is “quite unlike any land you know about.” Over 2,500 years of history and astonishing gold temples sit onshore, while mystery and magic continue onboard with the Governor’s Suite that is designed with the most-demanding customers in mind.
The beauty of underexplored Burma meets decadent luxury. Photo by Orient Express.
6) Silverseas’ Silver Explorer Antarctica
Silverseas, the company renowned for the cool £1-million cruise, has an even cooler voyage available—to Antarctica. Unlike the first explorers, this ship allows access to the white continent’s sublime sights within the comfort of sumptuous luxury.
Zodiac boat trips are offered for exploring one of the world’s most inaccessible locations, and suites, spas, champagne and butlers allow an unparalleled level of expedition indulgence.
Inaccessible locations, accessible luxuries. Photo by Silversea Cruises.
7) Norwegian Cruise Line’s The Haven
The Haven is a ship within a ship offered by Norwegian Cruise Line. Private top-level decks have been reserved for discerning guests that want the ultimate in luxury.
A concierge team and 24-hour butler service add to the VIP feel, while dining in a private restaurant or slipping into the Haven’s reserved pool allow escape from the masses making it possible to have a small-boat experience with big-boat services.
A heavenly haven. Photo by NCL/Norwegian Cruise Line.
8) Seabourn Cruises’ Seabourn Odyssey
A private solarium, lunging bed, soaking tub, dining for six, pantry with wet bar and bowed-out veranda makes Seabourn Cruises’ Wintergarden Suite stand out from the crowd.
Found on the new ship, Seabourn Odyssey, luxury extends beyond the suites including an innovative living room with comfy sofas and cocktail tables replacing the familiar lobby style.
Soak in luxury in the Wintergarden Suite Solarium. Photo by Seabourn.
9) Paul Gauguin Cruises
Alongside the usual luxuries expected on a first-class voyage, Paul Gauguin cruises have one of the highest space to guest ratios, ensuring there is little to cramp your style.
These warm weather cruises specialize in the shallow seas of Tahiti and French Polynesia and access to a private island gives an opportunity to swap the luxury of the ship for the lusciousness of the shores.
Luxury on and off the ship. Photo by Paul Gauguin Cruises.
10) Uniworld’s S.S. Antoinette
Super Ship (S.S.) Antoinette is dubbed the most luxurious river cruise in the world. This boutique cruise provides the finest blend of luxury and decadence in a setting akin to Chateau Versailles in 18th century France. A blue Strauss 10-foot Baccarat chandelier sets the scene in the lobby with huge, sparkling sapphires.
The suites have Savoir of England beds and in-room amuse-bouche is served each evening. Life on the Rhine has never been so good.
The luxury of Versailles on the Rhine. Photo by Uniworld.
Even if you can’t afford a $1.6 million price tag, which of these cruises inspires you to find luxury at sea? Let me know in the comments below.
If you liked this article, you might also like: 6 Best Cruises for Your Special Diet.
Main photo: The epitome of decadence by Uniworld.
very good, Are you contemplating taking up sport fishing.