Going on a
cruise
might grant you entry to something you’ll experience only once in your life
destinations
, yet there are still numerous
ships
those that stand out as essential and unforgettable experiences.
Cruise ships come in various sizes and styles catering to different preferences, from big boats packed with non-stop entertainment and activities for families to smaller, calmer sailing options. These vessels provide an array of onboard amenities that can be every bit as thrilling as the destinations you’ll visit.
Plenty of cruise ships offer waterslides, quality food and drink, spas and adult-only areas but some go that bit further. Here are six of the best cruise ships that you must travel on in your lifetime.
Best cruise ships
1. Evrima
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Luxury brand Ritz-Carlton has a super yacht called
Evrima
, named after the Greek word for discovery.
Expect a similar experience to staying in the luxury hotel while on the water. It caters for 298 passengers across 149 suites, with a choice of five restaurants and six lounges.
Each suite has its own terrace and you can enjoy the spa, beauty lounge and gentleman’s grooming salon as well as swimming in its pool or drinking a cocktail on the Marina Terrace.
Emma Sanger-Horwell, head of cruise at Kenwood Travel, told
The Independent:
Experience gourmet dining worthy of Michelin stars, relax with premium spa services at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, or jump right into excitement from the marina where water activities await just outside your door. Each suite features ample private terraces and stunning vistas, crafted for both comfort and sophistication aboard Evrima.
This isn’t just a cruise—it’s an unparalleled adventure of exploration and luxury.
Prices begin at £6,700 per person for sailings departing from Tokyo.
Japan
to Seward, Alaska, in May 2026.
2. Emblem of the Seas
With a length of 1,196 feet and featuring 18 guest decks,
Royal Caribbean’s
Icon of the Seas
It is the biggest cruise ship globally, capable of accommodating 5,610 passengers.
The first journey took place this year, offering numerous attractions suitable for individuals of every age group. The ship features eight distinct zones and over forty eating venues and drinking spots.
The features encompass Thrill Island, an adventure section featuring the largest water park and slide at sea. Additionally, there’s an adults-only retreat on Cloud 17 along with the AquaDome, transforming into a relaxing spot during daylight hours and converting into an entertaining venue as evening falls.
The vessel boasts a constant canine companion, a golden retriever called Rover, who holds the crucial position of chief dog officer.
Tony Andrews, the managing director of Cruise.co.uk, stated: “Royal Caribbean’s”
Icon of the Seas
It stands out as an absolute revolution, crafted to be a singular destination. Personally, I believe it provides a one-of-a-kind experience, which makes it essential for cruise enthusiasts.
As the globe’s biggest cruise liner, it brims with exciting new features, opulent areas, and numerous activities suitable for families.
Icon of the Seas
It’s an extraordinary voyage that seamlessly merges adventure, opulence, and enjoyment.”
A circular journey through the eastern Caribbean starting and ending at the same point
Miami
Costs start at £1,267 per person for departures beginning on November 8th.
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3. Le Commandant Charcot
French cruise brand Ponant’s
Le Commandant Charcot
is referred to as the globe’s sole luxurious icebreaking vessel.
The expedition cruise vessel designed for extreme Arctic journeys runs on liquefied natural gas (LNG). This choice allows passengers to discover less-traveled and ecologically sensitive areas with greater environmental responsibility.
It was the inaugural vessel to achieve the southernmost navigable latitude in the Ross Sea, back in February 2022.
Given that there are 215 crew members for 245 guests, you’ll essentially have nearly one staff member per person aboard.
James Cole, who leads Panache Cruises as CEO, stated
The Independent:
She munches on ice, but beyond that, she does so with characteristic French elegance and style.
Charcot
permits visitors to feel the excitement of an Arctic expedition and have an intimate encounter with the fauna as they’ve never seen before.
“Due to the ship’s capacity and its ability to glide through ice fields, the opportunity to step foot onto the ice is always there.
Yet, the journey begins onboard where specialists offer sharp and essential perspectives through their engaging discussions about this captivating ecosystem.
He comments, “The restaurant is absolutely exceptional. Nuna serves a classic French cuisine, brimming with style and sophistication, featuring nine-course tasting menus and grand dinner events.”
The cost begins at £2,360 per person for a four-night voyage departing from Brest, France, to Reykjavik, Iceland, in April 2026.
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4. Queen Mary 2
Cunard’s newest ship
, Queen Anne,
could be celebrated for ushering the brand into contemporary times.
, but
Queen Mary 2
is essential for experiencing classic luxurious sailing.
Cole remarks that it “embodies the finest aspects of Britain.”
Launched in 2003, the ship’s 2,691 guests can enjoy a traditional British afternoon tea in-between visiting the on-board planetarium, exploring the 8,000 books in the largest library at sea, as well as watching Royal Shakespeare productions or the English National Ballet during transatlantic sailings between Southampton and New York.
Plus you can even bring your pet. Cole said: “Cunard offers an incredible pet scheme, where guests can bring dogs, cats or ferrets on board with a doggy daycare centre.
Cruiser patrons can unwind knowing their dogs are in secure care, and they have the chance to stop by and take their pets for walks in a designated zone equipped with a fire hydrant where the animals can relieve themselves.
Pricing begins at £269 per person for a voyage from Southampton to Hamburg, Germany, or £599 per person for a transatlantic journey from New York back to the UK.
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5. RV African Dream
Why confine yourself to marine life when you can merge a cruise with a safari experience?
CroisiEurope’s
RV African Dream
A high-end cruise liner navigates across Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.
Visitors enjoy an up-close encounter, as the vessel accommodates 16 guests distributed among eight staterooms, supported by a staff of 15 crew members.
The facilities feature a sun deck, lounge, and jacuzzi area for relaxation when not soaking in the vistas of Africa. This enjoyment is available from February through December.
African Dream
On an eight-night cruise-safari schedule, this journey features spending three nights at CroisiEurope’s lodging close to Chobe National Park, which is the second-largest wildlife sanctuary in Botswana.
Sanger-Horwell added: “Alongside breathtaking views from your cabin’s French-style balcony or private terrace, you’ll experience thrilling game drives at nearby Chobe National Park and the option to soar above Victoria Falls by helicopter.”
This completely guided trip combines luxury with fascination, offering you an up-close view of Africa’s breathtaking scenery and incredible animals.
Pricing can be provided upon inquiry.
6. Scenic Eclipse
Launched in 2018, Australian-owned
Scenic Eclipse
is referred to as the globe’s premier exploration vessel.
The vessel designed for expeditions accommodates 228 travelers and features areas for housing two H130 helicopters along with their pilots, who transport visitors on tours around Antarctica during voyages.
However, the intriguing aspect lies underneath: the vessel boasts its own specialized submarine called Scenic Neptune, capable of plunging to an astounding depth of 1,000 feet below the surface.
Cole mentioned, “It’s truly a boutique cruise experience—a compact vessel allows us to anchor at lesser-known ports located at the farthest edges of our planet. Despite its petite size, passengers have access to an impressive selection of 10 eateries, each offering exquisite global cuisine.”
“Scenic Eclipse comes equipped with a state-of-the-art spa, which is home to a thermal suite and plunge pool designed to allow guests to relax and unwind in between busy stops.”
Pricing begins at £15,440 for Antarctic voyages in 2025.
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