Best Luxury Cruise Lines

Luxury cruise lines have long enticed travelers seeking a superior experience. Some offer exotic voyages to faraway destinations, while others attract travelers with opulent cabins and stimulating enrichment programs. But with cruise lines continuously upping the industry standard, how do you know which one is right for you? Based on a methodology that factors in price class, health ratings and approval among experts and travelers, U.S. News determined the best luxury cruise lines.

Viking Ocean Cruises

Smaller ships (with verandas in every cabin) and destination-focused itineraries set Viking Ocean Cruises apart from other cruise lines. Viking's emphasis on cultural enrichment means you can expect activities like TED Talk screenings, cooking classes and riveting stage performances, as well as shore excursions like exclusive after-hours museum visits or culinary tours.

Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn treats travelers to a luxury cruising experience with its all-oceanfront suites, personalized service and excellent upscale dining options. Cruisers sailing with Seabourn can relax knowing that almost everything is covered in their cruise rate, including meals, fitness classes, enrichment activities and nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Travelers can indulge in excellent food and drinks at Regent's sophisticated dining venues and enjoy various spa treatments at the decadent Serene Spa & Wellness center. Onboard enrichment programs offer culinary and cultural history lessons, and travelers will have access to unlimited complimentary shore excursions, such as vineyard tours in Bordeaux, France.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises specializes in exclusivity and personalization, with all-suite accommodations, exotic itineraries and gourmet restaurants. While its ships are smaller, Silversea still sets the bar high for upscale cruising. On board, you can attend stimulating lectures or take advantage of butler service while in your suite.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania's gourmet dining, cooking classes and culinary shore excursions cater to foodies. Plus, Oceania's midsize ships offer a high level of personalized attention, with about half of its fleet hosting less than 700 passengers. Passengers also praise the ships' elegant decor and onboard activities.

Crystal

Crystal offers a sophisticated guest experience aboard its two midsize vessels, with a staff-to-guest ratio of nearly 1:1. Travelers enjoy perks like personal butler service, spacious suites, fine dining venues and more. Crystal is also known for its immersive onshore experiences and themed voyages.

Azamara

Azamara's small ships can reach off-the-beaten-path destinations, allowing the cruise line to offer unique shore excursions. Thanks to the AzAmazing Evenings program, guests can enjoy immersive experiences day and night in their destinations, at no additional cost (available on most cruises). Azamara also offers outstanding service and elegant suites.