In its latest issue, National Geographic Traveler has compiled a list of the best cruises in the world, from the Mediterranean to the Nile River. Twenty-one routes have been allocated.
Below we have selected the most exciting of them, highlighting the ships that offer snow rooms and spa services, as well as other liners that offer travelers a lot of unforgettable experiences. For example, guided tours of tropical gardens in the Marquesas Islands are offered.
The sixty-two passenger Crystal Esprit is the first liner in this renowned luxury line. He spends the winter on the wonderful islands in the Indian Ocean. Let the turtles out to sea and admire the giant coconut halves.
Amazon river
The liner "Aria Amazon" travels through the Peruvian rainforest. The cruise also includes visits to local villages and provides an opportunity to fish for piranhas.
The onboard restaurant has a rich menu. The institution offers local cuisine. The signature river fish dish and palm salad will leave no one indifferent.
Nile river
Lounge on cushions stuffed with Egyptian cotton and feel like a modern pharaoh on the upper deck of the Meroe Nur El Nil. You are invited to travel past the date palms, ibis and temples at Edfu and Kom Ombo.
Decorated with orchids, the Scenic Spirit passenger ship has a capacity of sixty-eight people. It was launched last year.
Each cabin has a balcony with one bedroom. On land, you will have the opportunity to visit a monastery in the old Cambodian capital of Oudong and receive the blessing of a monk.
Island Windjammer is designed for twenty-six passengers. Tourists will have the opportunity to visit bars and shops in Saint Lucia, as well as a Friday fish party in Rodney Bay.
French Polynesian Islands
Liner "Paul Gauguin" was built with a shallow draft for navigation in the Polynesian lagoons. The entertainment program features performances by local singers and dancers, and offers spa treatments using local flower oil.
After a day tour of Tallinn or seeing a private performance at the Royal Swedish Opera in Stockholm, you can head to the Viking Sky Spa aboard a Scandinavian-style liner. The boat has a steam sauna and a snow room.
Mediterranean Sea
The three-masted liner Le Ponante visits many small western Mediterranean ports and locations along the coast of Corsica. Delicious Veuve Clicquot champagne is served on board.
Marquesas islands
The semicircular ship is half cargo. The Aranui 5 is on an exciting fourteen-day cruise to the remote South Pacific Archipelago.
Cunard Line's flagship Queen Mary 2 is equipped with a high-speed hull. The vessel is designed for two thousand six hundred and twenty people. It immerses you in British culture. As you cross the pond, you arrive at the Lion's Golden Pub for fish, chips and a pint.
Modern passenger ships are able to amaze not only with the entertainment they provide, but also with their gigantic size. They are like floating mini-cities with restaurants, shops, parks, gyms, cinemas and beauty salons.
Top 10 includes the largest cruise ships in the world today.
10. Carnival Magic | Length 306 m
("Carnival of Magic") opens the ten largest cruise ships in the world, the length of which is 306 meters. The giant ship is capable of accommodating up to 4,000 people on board, for which about 1,500 cabins are provided. On 14 decks there are restaurants, cafes, fitness centers, a football field, various sports grounds for playing volleyball, basketball, golf and tennis. This is a real "Carnival of Magic", which will give a lot of unforgettable impressions for both adults and little passengers. Carnival Magic has been cruising since 2010.
9. Celebrity Reflection | Length 319 m
Ranked ninth in the ranking of the largest cruise ships in the world. The giant vessel is 319 meters long and 37 meters wide. The board can accommodate up to 4,800 people along with the crew. Celebrity Reflection has been in operation since 2012 and is an example of luxury combined with comfort and innovative technology. The upper deck features a huge green lawn, a Persian garden, a VIP area, and more. On board, in addition to numerous cafes and bars, there is a free Opus Dining Room restaurant with a capacity of up to one and a half thousand people. The number of serviced personnel is more than a thousand people.
8. MSC Fantasia | Length 333 m
The first new generation cruise ship of the Fantasy class. The largest vessel was launched in 2008 and received the title of "Eco-ship", like its future followers. The length of the marine vehicle was 333 meters and the width is 38 meters. There are about 1637 cabins on board, and in total MSC Fantasia is capable of accommodating up to 4500 people along with the crew. For the first time, MSC Cruises has implemented the idea of \u200b\u200ba separate VIP area, which is located on several decks at once. The cabins provide 24-hour service and a full range of entertainment. The needs of passengers are served by more than 1,300 staff. MSC Fantasia features a Formula 1 simulator and an unusual water park with numerous illuminated musical fountains.
7. MSC Splendida | Length 333 m
Included in the list of the largest liners in the world, the length of which is 333 meters. In addition, the ship bears the title of "Eco-ship", thanks to the presence of innovative systems that protect the environment from pollution. MSC Splendida has 18 decks that house a variety of bars and restaurants, pizzerias, cigar room, theater, internet cafes, casinos, play areas for children and teenagers, boutiques, sports grounds, saunas, a first-aid post and much more. The ship's main stage hosts regular evening shows featuring dancers, singers and gymnasts. The vessel's capacity together with the crew is about 4300 people.
6. MSC Divina | Length 333 m
The largest fantasy cruise ship in the world. Its predecessors are MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida. The vessel was launched in 2012 and has become a prime example of a new generation of ships. On board MSC Divina, passengers will find plenty of entertainment and spacious, comfortable cabins. On 13 decks there are restaurants, bars, cafes, pizzerias, theaters, a conference room, a music salon, a disco, a library, a spa center, a bowling alley, a medical center, a laundry, a hairdresser and more. The length of the ship is 333 meters, and the passenger capacity is 4200 people.
5. Norwegian Breakaway | Length 324 m
("Norwegian Breakaway") - one of the largest cruise ships in the world with a passenger capacity of up to 6,000 people with a crew. The vessel was 324 meters long and 40 meters wide. On 14 decks there are over 2 thousand cabins, a beach club, spa cabins, swimming pools, water slides, a water park, 28 cafes, restaurants and bars, shops, a playground, a casino, a library, a beauty salon, a hairdresser, an internet cafe, a gym, etc. .d. It also hosts regular entertainment shows hosted by The Second City comedy troupe.
4. Norwegian Epic | Length 325 m
("The Norwegian Epic") is one of the largest cruise ships in the world. It was built in 2009 by the Norwegian shipbuilding company STX Europe and commissioned in 2010. The absolute length of the liner was 325.4 meters, and the width was 40 meters. The Norwegian Epic is capable of accommodating up to 5900 people on board together with the crew. There are cinemas, numerous cafes, restaurants, water attractions and more on 13 decks.
3. Oasis of the Seas | Length 360 m
(Oasis of the Seas) opens the three largest liners in the world. It is the first cruise ship of the Oasis class and at the time of construction (2008) the largest passenger watercraft. Its length was 360 meters, and its width reached 60 meters. The maximum passenger capacity is 6400 people. There are 16 decks on board with different themes. Vacationers can visit the local park of exotic plants, shops, gyms, cafes, the largest casino in the world cruise fleet, attractions, a water park and much more.
2. Allure of the Seas | Length 360 m
("The Charm of the Seas") ranks second in the ranking of the largest liners in the world. The vessel is owned by Allure of the Seas Inc. It was built in 2009 and commissioned in 2010. The ship was 360 meters long and 60 meters wide. The Charm of the Seas can accommodate up to 6400 passengers. There are various shops, boutiques, a water park, a jacuzzi, a casino, restaurants, bars, an ice skating rink, attractions, sports grounds and much more. There is also a park of exotic plants on board, where everyone can walk.
1. Harmony of the Seas | Length 362 m
Harmony of the Seas ("Harmony of the Seas") - the largest cruise ship in the world today. The vessel is 362 meters long and 66 meters wide, which puts it in first place. The construction of the watercraft began in 2012, and in 2015 it was launched. Harmony of the Seas cost Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. More than $ 1 billion. The giant ship made its first cruise on May 16, 2016. The passenger capacity of the liner is designed for 8200 people together with the crew. The liner is divided into seven thematic sections: Central Park, Boardwalk, Royal Promenade, pool and gym area, Spa and fitness, entertainment area and children's area.
Traveling on the ocean is the perfect vacation. However, it is best, of course, to rest from business in luxury and complete safety. There is nothing more relaxing and mesmerizing than relaxing aboard a large ship. Since the dawn of the cruise industry, ships have competed in popularity, size and luxury. We offer an overview of the most expensive cruise ships that can give an unforgettable vacation.
In 1912, the Titanic was the largest cruise ship in the world. Currently, he will not even make the top 50. Cruise ships fall into two categories: those that are worth a fortune due to their sheer size, and those that are smaller and offer a more relaxing experience. Most of them are so large that they can be compared with whole villages. These are real floating cities in the full sense of the word, offering the same wide range of services as any real settlement. Cruise ship designers are committed to meeting the varied needs of holidaymakers, whether traveling alone or young couples and families with small children. These cruise ships have bars, clubs, casinos, various cafes and restaurants, spa and fitness centers, swimming pools, dance floors, theme parks and even surfing machines.
When it comes to luxury cruises, Royal Caribbean is undoubtedly the leader in this area. The company is the proud owner of two liners that are considered the largest and most expensive passenger ships in the world. Together, they weigh more than 1.5 million tons and can cover 31 football stadiums, as well as accommodate over 34,000 passengers (crew members do not count).
10. "Liberty of the Seas": $ 800 million
The ship is owned by Royal Caribbean, a well-known Norwegian-American cruise line. Freedom of the Seas is one of three Freedom-class liners sailing in the oceans today. The second liner in the "Freedom-class" series began operations in 2007. The vessel is 338 meters long and 56 meters above the water level. The 15-deck vessel can accommodate 4,375 guests and 1,360 crew members. Its Freedom-class features include a giant dining room, 2101 cabins, spa and fitness centers, a theater, surf simulator, skating rink, whirlpools and three swimming pools.
9. "Freedom of the Seas": $ 800 million
The owner of the liner "Independence of the Seas" is also the Royal Caribbean company. Liner "Independence of the Seas" is the first ship of the "Freedom-class" series. The construction was completed in 2006. At the time, it was the largest cruise ship. The 18-deck vessel can accommodate 4,375 guests and 1,360 crew members. The ship has everything you need for relaxation, such as a surf trainer, a water park and whirlpool baths.
8. "Independence of the Seas": $ 828 million
The third liner from the "Freedom-class" series. The liner, owned by Royal Caribbean, saw the world in 2008. The 15-deck ship is 340 meters long and can accommodate 4370 guests and 1360 crew members. It features surfing simulators, an ice rink, special climbing walls, a mini golf course and whirlpool baths.
7. Norwegian Breakaway: $ 840 million
One of the newest luxury cruise ships embarked on its maiden voyage in 2013. The ship is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line, a company headquartered in Florida. The ship was built by the German company Meyer Werft for $ 840 million. It is currently the largest cruise ship in the Port of New York. 1,024 cabins can accommodate 4,000 guests and 1,595 crew members. Its distinctive feature is the huge open-air space, which houses a mini-golf course, fitness center, water park, jacuzzi and swimming pools.
6. Queen Mary 2: $ 880 million
The $ 880 million Queen Maria 2 transatlantic cruiser belongs to the British-American company Cunard Line. The cruise ship is currently operating from Southampton to New York. The 14-deck liner can accommodate 2,620 guests and 1,238 crew members. Its distinctive features are the Britannia restaurant with a capacity of 1347 people, the Royal Theater, the winter garden, and 14 clubs and fitness centers. The liner is 345 meters long and 72 meters above the water level. The liner "Queen Mary 2" is 45 meters longer than the Eiffel Tower.
5. Disney Dream: $ 900 million
The cruise ship is owned by Disney Cruise Line, a subsidiary of the Walt Disney Company. Disney Dream is worth $ 900 million. The first cruise on this liner took place in 2011 and now there are regular cruises to the Bahamas. The vessel has a total of 1,250 cabins, which can accommodate 4,000 guests and 1,458 crew members. All kinds of entertainment are provided on the ship. What's more, it is the first cruise ship to have a roller coaster called Aquaduck. There are many different entertainments for children and teenagers on the ship, and nightclubs and salons will delight adults.
4. Disney Fantasy: $ 940 million
Another ship owned by the Disney Cruise Line. The liner was built by the German company Meyer Werft for $ 940 million. Just like all the other ships in the Disney Cruise Line, it was created for families and kids. The vessel has 1250 cabins, which are located on a 14-deck vessel. Disney Fantasy can accommodate 4,000 guests and 1,450 crew members. Its most striking features include a 3-deck lobby, marble and stone floors, sweeping staircases, fluted columns and many paintings and murals.
3. Norwegian Epic: $ 1.2 billion
The ship is owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines. The Norwegian Epic can accommodate 5,853 passengers (4,100 guests and 1,753 crew members). The ship is worth $ 1.2 billion and is currently the third largest ship in the world. Cruising in the Caribbean and Europe, Norwegian Epic is introducing a new concept called Freestyle Cruising. Among its many onboard installations, there are rooms - studios for individual travelers, entertainment facilities, fitness and sports centers, a water park, jacuzzi, swimming pools, and more than 20 restaurants.
2. Oasis of the Seas: $ 1.4 billion
The second largest cruise ship, five times the size of the Titanic, is owned by Royal Caribbean International. The cost of the Oasis of the Seas is $ 1.4 billion. In December, it went to sea for the first time and currently runs on the Florida-Caribbean route, offering a large number of entertainment: a mini-golf course, casinos, sports grounds, themed parks, 4 swimming pools, and numerous bars and clubs. The liner is 360 meters long and 72 meters above the water level. The vessel is almost as tall as the Empire State Building. It has its own Central Park in open space with 1200 plants and 56 trees. Oasis of the Seas prides itself on its luxurious cabins, the most expensive of which is the Royal Loft Suite, which costs $ 16,600 per person per week. The 18-deck vessel can accommodate 5,500 guests and 2,160 crew members.
1 Allure of the Seas: $ 1.5 billion
Walking on river cruise ships has become a fashion trend this summer. And the Uniworld company makes good money on it. This river cruise operator has 21 vessels cruising along the rivers of Europe, Egypt, Russia and China. The company recently unveiled its new liner, Maria Theresia. The ship employs 57 people, 75 cabins accommodate up to 150 guests. And the luxurious interiors turn this ship into a real baroque palace. The duration of the Maria Theresia cruises ranges from 8 to 15 days, and their cost ranges from $ 3,200 to $ 12,000 per person. Bon voyage!
(26 photos total)
1. This is how the Maria Theresa liner looks from the outside. Its length is 135 meters. The vessel has three decks and an elevator.
2. The liner runs along three different routes, all of which are located in Europe. The longest - called "European Pearls" - runs from Budapest to Amsterdam. At the same time, the ship sails along three rivers in 15 days and stops in Vienna, Frankfurt, Cologne and other European cities along the way.
3. Two other routes run between Passau and Budapest. One of the main stops is the city of Salzburg in Austria.
4. The lobby of the liner is decorated with a portrait of Maria Theresa of Austria herself - the only female ruler from the Habsburg family.
5. The reception is no less luxurious.
6. The sophisticated Habsburg Salon is the perfect place for an afternoon cup of tea.
7. Or enjoy a stronger drink at the local bar.
8. For a full meal, guests can head to the restaurant, also decorated in the Baroque style.
9. The atmosphere in the Vienna Café is more informal.
10. The local interior has a highlight - mirrored walls.
12. ... or watch other guests swim in the pool.
13. Here is a more detailed view of this pool. By the way, wonderful views of the landscapes passing by open up from here.
14. It looks especially beautiful at night when the backlight is turned on.
16. And this is one of the corridors of the ship, from where you can get to the luxurious cabins.
17. And here is one of the cabins. As you can see, it has a huge window from which a delightful view opens.
19. And this is a suite.
20. The suites are even more spacious and include a seating area and several windows.
When a cruise goes on sale, two categories of staterooms are sold first: the cheapest and the most expensive luxury suites. It may surprise an inexperienced cruiser that the most expensive cabins are dismantled first, but keep in mind that there are far fewer luxury suites on ships than regular cabins - so there is a real war for the extra space and elite features that come with such suites. If you have a large family, or are used to taking a cruise with a large company, such a large space will definitely come in handy.
Apart from the luxurious ambiance, another great advantage of living in a suite is the VIP service. You can rightfully count on concierge services, priority pick up and drop-off, assistance with reservations for various restaurants, spas and excursions. A personal butler service is available in most deluxe cabins, and can help you with any problem, from dry cleaning and unpacking luggage to daily sandwich delivery and spa reservations.
Cruise lines today offer the widest variety of cruise suites than ever before, but there are simply unique staterooms that can boggle your imagination. In this article, we highlight our personal favorites among the most stunning, prestigious and elegant cabins in the seas and oceans. (Please note: the cost of a suite depends on the length of the route and its duration. The prices indicated in the table are approximate and subject to change).
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Best cruise ship suites |
Cruise line |
Prices from |
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Celebrity Cruises |
Norwegian Cruise Line |
Regent Seven Seas Cruises |
Silversea Cruises |
Seabourn Cruises |
Disney cruise line |
On an area of \u200b\u200b185 m2 (not counting the gigantic 81 m2 balcony with Jacuzzi and dining area that surrounds this prestigious suite), this duplex apartment accommodates up to 6 passengers and is larger than most city apartments. Royal Loft Suites amazes at first glance with its floor-to-ceiling windows (and this is on two floors), which create a panoramic view. The bedroom is upstairs (in the loft) and has a glass partition and blackout curtains. The en suite bathroom includes a shower, bathtub, double sinks and bidet. A second bathroom with shower is located on the first level. In this suite, it's easy to imagine James Bond sipping a martini on the couch (which easily converts into a double bed) in the living room. Suite Prices: Prices here start at $ 1,224 per person per night Liner Queen Mary 2 by CunardThe best suites: Balmoral and Sandringham Duplexes Benefits:These grand double-deck cabins on the Cunard liners Queen Mary 2 equipped with a stately spiral staircase leading to the bedrooms on the second floor; two marble bathrooms with Jacuzzi and separate shower, large guest bathroom, mini gym with exercise equipment, and 208 m2 living space. The terrace in each of these suites is unique in that it is visible to passengers on the public decks above (for example, in the pool area aft), so be prepared for this - however, some may even like it, especially if you have a model appearance. All Queens Grill services are available to suite residents, including the restaurant itself, a dedicated lounge area and an exclusive sun deck on the sundecks. Suite Prices: Prices here start at $ 2,628 per person, per night - on a transatlantic cruise. Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Jewel and Nowegian Pearl liners by NorwegianThe best suites: « Haven 3-Bedroom Garden Villas " Benefits:These are the most overwhelmingly fantastic suites of all cruise ship suites, with an area of \u200b\u200bapproximately 534m 2 (area varies by ship). If you are planning a family trip, this suite is created especially for you. It includes ample living space, a bar for four, an 8-seater dining table, three bedrooms with king-size beds, and a private terrace garden equipped with snack furniture and a thatched hot tub for sun protection. Throw in the butler, the concierge team and the breathtaking floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that surround the suite for an unrivaled wow experience. On board, you can choose to have complete privacy or take advantage of the fact that these suites are located on the large ships of the Norwegian ( Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Pearl , Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Jade), which are always accompanied by round-the-clock excitement and fun. Garden Villas guests also have access to all Haven perks, including an exclusive pool, sun deck and fitness room. Suite Prices: Prices here start at $ 1,200 per person, per night Liner Seven Seas Explorer by RegentBest suites: Regent Suite Benefits:There is only one Regent Suite on board Seven Seas Explorer, who will go on his first voyage in the summer of 2016. Overall, there is only one Regent Suite in the entire Regent Seven Seas Cruises fleet! It was originally designed as the most luxurious suite in the world: at 360m 2, it is larger than the average American home! But it's not just size that is impressive: the suite has its own spa area, including a treatment area, sauna, ceramic heated loungers for relaxation and multi-jet showers. The number of guests can be infinite - the suite provides free spa treatment for everyone. Other perks include car transfers to and from the airport, private car with driver and guide at each port, and free laundry and ironing of personal belongings. The suite's location on Deck 14 is stunning with a 270-degree view overlooking the ship's bow. The 2-bedroom suite is complemented by finishing touches of marble and exotic wood. The lounge area includes beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows and a custom piano from Steinway Arabesque. The suite offers not one, but two 4K ultra-high-definition TVs, and in every room you can find limited edition books, Murano glass glasses and other handcrafted items. Suite Pricing: Prices here start at $ 4,499 per person per night (don't worry, air is included). Liner Silver Spirit of Silversea CruisesBest suites: « Owner "s Suites" Benefits:Step into one of the two Owner "s Suites on board Silver Spirit - and you will immediately hear gentle beautiful music (from the Bang & Olufsen stereo system in the living room) and see the curtains fluttering lazily thanks to the breeze that blows in from the closed glass door, which opens into a teak veranda of 17 m2. On an area of \u200b\u200b120 m 2 (including balcony), each of these suites is sophisticated, inviting and spacious (you can expand it for two more bedrooms and 155 m 2 by booking the adjacent Vista Suite). Tucked away in the heart of Deck 8, these stylish apartments are complemented by sleek light wood fittings, wide striped wallpaper and contemporary furnishings - feel the energy of a trendy penthouse in London or Copenhagen! A personal butler will make you feel right at home when you settle into the living room, which includes subtle niche lighting and a wide-screen TV (there's even a work area with a writing desk!). Enjoy breakfast in the separate dining area (there's an Illy espresso machine for an invigorating espresso!), And a deep night's sleep in the large bedroom, which features a devilishly comfortable oversized queen-size bed with a white linen Pratesi bed , feather bed and a collection of pillows. The large bathroom is entirely in marble with double cupboards, shower and separate oversized jacuzzi. There are also guest toilet rooms. Stomist Suite: Prices here start at $ 1,200 per person per night Liners Quest, Odyssey and Sojourn by SeabournBest suites: Wintergarden Suites Benefits:When you envision the resting place of a Broadway star or a famous writer, your imagination is likely drawing something akin to Seabourn's Wintergarden Suite, with its white wood accents and deep red curtains. Seabourn Odyssey , Seabourn Quest and Seabourn Sojourn This 102m2 suite includes a huge lounge suitable for get-togethers and parties, a dining area with a table for 6, a refillable minibar, a cozy large bedroom and a large bathroom with separate jacuzzi and shower. The endless balcony includes a seating area with a table and a pair of sun loungers, while the glass-covered sunbathing area features a daybed, jacuzzi and another set of chairs with a table for drinks. Suite Rates: Prices here start at $ 1,714 per person per night Disney's Magic and Wonder linersThe best suites: Concierge Royal Suites with Veranda Benefits:if you crave a truly fabulous holiday for your whole family, head straight to the Disney Cruise Line and the Concierge Royal Suites on board Disney Magic and Disney Wonder ... This two-bedroom, two-and-a-half bathroom apartment covers an area of \u200b\u200b96 square meters and can accommodate up to 7 guests, all surrounded by indescribable Disney fun and giant plush cartoon characters. Parents can use a bedroom equipped with a queen bed, while children can use identical beds in the second bedroom. Kids will love the Disney character accessories and the game consoles in the entertainment room. Parents will appreciate the separate living and dining areas, bar and Jacuzzi in the bathroom. The concierge here comes right after the call to make sure your Disney cruise lives up to expectations. Suite Price: Prices here start at $ 710 per person per night |