Going on a cruise vacation is a dream for many people, especially for those who wish to embark on long journeys. Fueled by various enthusiasms, it’s no wonder that some cruise ships have emerged offering facilities of utmost luxury.
As reported by the Smithsonian Magazine, cruise ships have been around for 120 years. However, the first daring vessel to set sail was the Prinzessin Victoria Luise from a German company in 1900. Since then, a series of cruise ships equipped with advanced technology have become the epitome of luxury maritime tourism worldwide.
Scenic Eclipse
Scenic Eclipse may not be the largest ship, but its luxury is a treat for passengers. During its construction, a staggering $4 billion was invested. Scenic Eclipse regularly conducts tourist journeys to the Earth’s polar regions.
Launched in 2018, this cruise ship can accommodate around 228 passengers and has a crew of 176. This capacity is relatively small compared to other cruise ships. Scenic Eclipse has vast experience in transporting travelers to cold regions like the Arctic.
Norwegian Epic
According to Fox Business, the construction cost of the Norwegian Epic was $1.2 billion. This cruise ship is quite substantial, measuring 329 meters in length and 40 meters in width, with the capacity to hold up to 4,000 passengers and 1,700 crew members.
Regarding the management of the Norwegian Epic, it has been renowned for its expertise in taking travelers on voyages around the world. Since its launch on July 10, 2009, the Norwegian Epic has been accompanying seafaring travelers for nearly 13 years.
AIDAnova
Introducing AIDAnova, a cruise ship constructed in 2015 by the German shipping company Meyer Werft. As reported by Euro News, in early January 2022, the ship embarked on its journey from Lisbon with three thousand passengers on board.
With a construction cost of $1.2 billion, AIDAnova ranked among the most luxurious cruise ships in the world in 2022. Reportedly, the ship is also equipped with special technology to enhance passenger comfort and reduce the risk of seasickness.
Oasis Class: Symphony of the Seas
One of the most luxurious cruise ships ever built in the modern era is the Oasis Class: Symphony of the Seas. This ship boasts 16 decks, 20 restaurants, and 7 distinct neighborhoods that offer a unique onboard experience.
With a budget of approximately $18 billion, this cruise ship is under the Royal Caribbean International flag. It’s one of the largest cruise ships globally, with the capacity to accommodate 6,600 passengers and 2,200 crew members. So far, the Oasis Class also includes another ship named Harmony of the Seas, the second-largest cruise ship globally.
Oasis Luxury Class: Allure of the Seas
The presence of the Oasis Luxury Class: Allure of the Seas solidifies Royal Caribbean’s position as the world’s foremost cruise ship company. Moreover, this cruise ship is still considered the most luxurious and expensive ever built by mankind. As reported by Boater Exam, the ship’s construction cost amounted to a staggering $1.5 billion or approximately $21 billion.
This Finnish-made ship has been sailing since 2010 and can accommodate 6,700 passengers and 2,200 crew members. It features seven different neighborhoods and 24 restaurants on board. Additionally, there are four swimming pools, complete with ten large water slides. To make it even more enjoyable, there’s an ice skating rink, a rock climbing wall, and a basketball court.
International Luxury Cruise
United States Based Cruise Line Company
| Company | Ship |
| Crystal Cruises | Crystal Symphony, Crystal Serenity, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Endeavor |
| Alaskan Dream Cruises | Chichagof Dream, Baranof Dream, Alaskan Dream, Admiralty Dream |
| Tauck Small Ship Cruising | Le Lyrial, Le Boreal |
| Lindblad Expeditions | National Geographic (Venture, Sea Lion, Sea Bird, Resolution, Quest, Orion, Islander II, Explorer, Endurance, Endeavour II), Jahan |
| Adventures by Disney | AmaViola |
| Holland America Line | Zuiderdam, Zaandam, Westerdam, Volendam, Rotterdam, Oosterdam, Noordam, Nieuw Statendam, Nieuw Amsterdam, Koningsdam, Eurodam, Amsterdam |
| Victory Cruise Lines | – |
| Bahamas Paradise Cruise Line | – |
| Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection | S.S. Sphinx, S.S. Sao Gabriel, S.S. Maria Theresa, S.S. La Venezia, S.S. Catherine, S.S. Bon Voyage, S.S. Beatrice, S.S. Antoinette, River Tosca, River Royale, River Queen, River Princess, River Empress, River Duchess, River Countess, Mekong Navigator, Mekong Jewel, Joie de Vivre, Ganges Voyager II, Century Legend |
| Zegrahm Expeditions | Caledonian Sky |
| French Country Waterways | Princess, Nenuphar, Horizon II, Esprit, Adrienne |
| French America Line | Louisiane |
| Virgin Voyages | Valiant Lady, Scarlet Lady, Resilient Lady, Brilliant Lady |
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Xploration, Xperience, Xpedition, Summit, Solstice, Silhouette, Reflection, Millennium, Infinity, Flora, Equinox, Edge III, Edge, Eclipse, Constellation, Ascent, Apex |
| American Queen Voyage Steamboat Company | Ocean Victory, American Queen, American Empress, American Duchess, American Countess |
| Tauck River Cruising | ms Treasures, ms Savor, ms Sapphire, ms Joy, ms Inspire, ms Grace, ms Esprit, ms Emerald, ms Andorinha, Jewel |
| Norwegian Cruise Line | Pride of America, Norwegian (Viva, Sun, Star, Spirit, Sky, Prima, Pearl, Joy, Jewel, Jade, Getaway, Gem, Escape, Epic, Encore, Dawn, Breakaway, Bliss) |
| Quasar Expeditions | Quasar Grace Yacht, Quasar Evolution Yacht |
| Oceania Cruises | Vista, Sirena, Riviera, Regatta, Nautica, Marina, Insignia |
| Abercrombie & Kent | Sun Boat IV |
| Pearl Seas Cruises | Pearl Mist |
| Maine Windjammer Association | Isaac H. Evans |
| U River Cruises | The B, The A |
| AmaWaterways | AmaViola, AmaVida, AmaVerde, AmaVenita, AmaStella, AmaSonata, AmaSiena, AmaSerena, AmaPrima, AmaMora, AmaMelodia, AmaMagna, AmaMagdalena, AmaLyra, AmaLucia, AmaLilia, AmaLea, AmaKristina, AmaDouro, AmaDolce, AmaDara, AmaDante, AmaDahlia, AmaCerto, AmaCello, AmaBella |
| American Cruise Lines | American West, Symphony, Star, Splendor, Spirit, Song, Serenade, Pride, Jazz, Independence, Heritage, Harmony, Glory, Eagle, Constitution, Constellation |
| Victoria Cruises | Victoria Sophia, Selina, Lianna, Katarina, Jenna, Grace, Anna |
| Blount Small Ship Adventures | – |
| Azamara Club Cruises | Azamara Quest, Azamara Pursuit, Azamara Onward, Azamara Journey |
| International Expeditions | La Estrella Amazonica, Evolution |
| Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Seven Seas Voyager, Splendor, Navigator, Mariner, Grandeur, Explorer |
| UnCruise Adventures | Wilderness (Explorer, Discoverer, Adventurer), Safari (Voyager, Quest, Explorer, Endeavour), S.S. Legacy |
| Princess Cruises | Sun Princess, Sky Princess, Sapphire Princess, Ruby Princess, Royal Princess, Regal Princess, Majestic Princess, Island Princess, Grand Princess, Enchanted Princess, Emerald Princess, Discovery Princess, Diamond Princess, Crown Princess, Coral Princess, Caribbean Princess |
| Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Evrima |
| Margaritaville At Sea | Margaritaville At Sea Paradise |
| Windstar Cruises | Wind Surf, Wind Star, Wind Spirit, Star Pride, Star Legend, Star Breeze |
| Grand Circle Cruise Line | River Rhapsody, River Melody, River Harmony, River Concerto, River Chardonnay, River Aria, River Allegro, River Adagio, Provence, Corinthian, Clio, Chanson, Bizet, Athena, Artemis, Arethusa |
| Island Windjammers | Vela, Sagitta, Diamant |
| Quark Expeditions | World Explorer, Ocean Adventurer |
| Royal Caribbean International | Wonder of the Seas, Vision of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas, Symphony of the Seas, Spectrum of the Seas, Serenade of the Seas, Rhapsody of the Seas, Radiance of the Seas, Quantum of the Seas, Ovation of the Seas, Odyssey of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Jewel of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Icon of the Seas, Harmony of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Brilliance of the Seas, Anthem of the Seas, Allure of the Seas, Adventure of the Seas |
| Disney Cruise Line | Disney Wonder, Disney Wish, Disney Treasure, Disney Magic, Disney Fantasy, Disney Dream |
| Seabourn Cruise Line | Seabourn Venture, Seabourn Sojourn, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Pursuit, Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Encore |
| Carnival Cruise Line | Mardi Gras, Carnival (Vista, Venezia, Valor, Sunshine, Sunrise, Splendor, Spirit, Radiance, Pride, Paradise, Panorama, Miracle, Magic, Luminosa, Liberty, Legend, Jubilee, Horizon, Glory, Freedom, Elation, Dream, Conquest, Celebration, Breeze) |
United Kingdom Cruise Ship Company
| Corporation | Ship |
| Marella Cruises | Marella (Spirit, Explorer, Dream, Discovery, Celebration), Island Escape |
| Cunard Line | Queen Victoria, Queen Mary 2 (QM2), Queen Elizabeth, Queen Anne |
| Saga Cruises | Spirit of Adventure, Spirit Of Discovery |
| Riviera Travel | William Shakespeare, Thomas Hardy, Swiss Tiara, Swiss Corona, Robert Burns, Oscar Wilde, Lord Byron, Jane Austen, Emily Bronte, Douro Splendour, Douro Elegance, Charles Dickens |
| Voyages to Antiquity | – |
| Ambassador Cruise Line | Ambition, Ambience |
| Magna Carta Steamship Company Ltd. | Lord of the Glens |
| European Waterways | Spirit of Scotland, Shannon Princess II, Scottish Highlander, Rosa, Renaissance, Panache, Nymphea, Magna Carta, La Nouvelle Etoile, La Belle Epoque, La Bella Vita, L’Impressionniste, L’Art de Vivre, Finesse, Enchante, Clair de Lune, Athos, Anjodi |
| Poseidon Expeditions | 50 Years of Victory |
| Hebridean Island Cruises | Hebridean Princess |
| Scenic | Scenic Tsar, Scenic Spirit, Scenic Sapphire, Scenic Ruby, Scenic Pearl, Scenic Opal, Scenic Jewel, Scenic Jasper, Scenic Jade, Scenic Gem, Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Diamond, Scenic Crystal, Scenic Azure, Scenic Aura, Scenic Amber |
| P&O Cruises | Ventura, Iona, Britannia, Azura, Aurora, Arvia, Arcadia |
| Cruise & Maritime Voyages | – |
| Noble Caledonia | Island Sky, Hebridean Sky, Caledonian Sky |
| The Majestic Line | Glen Tarsan, Glen Massan, Glen Etive |
| The River Cruise Line | ms Serenity, Lady Anne |
Germany Cruise Company
- Phoenix Reisen Cruises : A Silver, Adora, Albatross, Aleksandra, Alena, Alexander Borodin, Alina, Amadea, Amadeus Diamond, Amazon Clipper Premium, Amelia, Amera, Andrea, Anesha, Anna Katharina, Annika, Ariana, Artania, Asara, Aurelia, Calypso, Century Sky, Charaidew II, Crown Vision, Dahabeya Segelboot, Deutschland, Dnepr Princess, First-Class Nilschiff, Germany, Gloria, Ivan Bunin, Komfort-Class Nilschiff, Lan Diep, Lavrinenkov, Magellan, Mecklenburg, Paukan 2007, Premium-First-Class Nasserseeschiff, Premium-First-Class Nilschiff, Princess, Princess Isabella, Princess Katharina, Rachmaninov, Rajmahal, Rhein Prinzessin, Royal Vision, Saxonia, Sofia, Switzerland, Viola.
- AIDA : AIDAaura, AIDAperla, AIDAdiva, AIDAvita, AIDAbella, AIDAsol, AIDAprima, AIDAluna, AIDAnova, AIDAcara, AIDAmar, AIDAstella, AIDAblu, AIDAmira.
- G Adventures : Daniele, Varuna, G Expedition, Toum Tiou II, Queen Violeta, Amatista.
- Tui Cruises : Mein Schiff
- DCS Touristik : DCS Amethyst, DCS Alemannia.
- Sea Cloud Cruises : Sea Cloud Spirit
- A-ROSA Cruises : Brava, Stella, Aqua, Riva, Flora, Silva, Viva, Donna, Alva, Mia, Luna, Bella.
- 1A Vista Reisen : Mekong Prestige II, Vista Serenity, Poseidon, Peter Tschaikowsky, Vista Sky, Vista Classica, Fulvius, Vista Explorer, Van Gogh, Vista Flameno, Normandy, Chekov, Junker Jorg, Vista Katharina, Kandinsky, Vista Star, Vista Fidelio.
- Riverside Luxury Cruises : Riverside Ravel, Riverside Debussy, Riverside Bach, Riverside Mozart.
- Hansa Touristik : Ocean Majesty.
- Hapag-Lloyd Cruises : Hanseatic Inspiration, Hanseatic spirit, Europa, Hanseatic Nature.
- Crystal River Cruises : Crystal Ravel, Crystal Mozart, Crystal Bach, Crystal Mahler, Crystal Debussy.
- Plantours & Partners : Emily Bronte, Hamburg, Oscar Wilde, Rossia, Rousse Prestige, Elegant Lady, Lady Diletta, Grace, Inspire, Sans Souci, Andrev Rublev.
- Nicko Cruises : World Explorer, MS Thurgau Rhone, MS Bijou Rhone, MS Mekong Prestige II, MS Tschritscherin, MS Rhein Symphonie, MS Maxima, Katharina von Bora, MS Thurgau Exotic II, MS Dalmatia, Heidelberg, Florentina, NickoVision, MS Kronstadt, MS Bellissima, MS Steigenberger Minerva, MS President VIII, World Voyager, Casanova, MS Steigenberger Minerva, MS Bolero, MS Viktoria, MS Maliante, MS Rhein Melodie, MS Omar El Khayam, MS Duoro Cruiser, MS Seine Comtesse, Douro Prince, Frederic Chopin, NickoSpirit.
- FTI Cruises : Berlin.
Australia Cruise Line
- APT : AmaSonata, AmaSerena, AmaBella, AmaDolce, AmaVerde, AmaLotus, AmaCello, Island Sky, AmaPrima, AmaDante, AmaReina, AmaLyra, AmaVenita, AmaVida, RV Samatha, AmaDara, AmaCerto, Hebridean Sky.
- Chimu Adventures : Sea Spirit.
- Aurora Expeditions : Polar Pioneer, Greg Mortimer.
- P&O Cruises Australia : Pacific Explorer, Pacific Encounter, Pacific Adventure.
- True North Adventure Cruises : True North.
- Cruiseco : RV Cruiseco Adventurer
- Vantage Deluxe World Travel : Douro Serenity, La Perla, River Venture, River Discovery II, River Voyager, Douro Spirit, River Splendor.
- Travelmarvel : Travelmarvel Jewel, MS Excellence Rhone, Travelmarvel Diamond, MS Excellence Queen, Princess Panhwar, Travelmarvel Sapphire, La Marguerite.
- Coral Expeditions : Coral Expeditions, Coral Discoverer, Coral Adventurer.
- Captain Cook Cruises : Reef Endeavour, Murray Princess.
France Cruise
- Belmond : Belmond Amaryllis, Belmond Fleur de Lys, Belmond Napoleon, Belmond Alouette, Belmond Hirondelle, Belmond Road to Mandalay.
- CroisiEurope : African Dream, Infante Don Henrique, Michelangelo, Amalia Rodrigues, Toum Tiou II, La Belle de Cadix, Anne Marie, Claude Monet, Jeanine, African Dream II, Indochine, Toum Tiou, Monet, La Belle de l’Adriatique, Botticelli, Victor Hugo, Camargue, Princesse d’Aquitaine, Leonard de Vinci, Vivaldi, La Boheme, Douce France II, Mistral, Europe, Lan Diep, Deborah, Gerard Schmitter, Mona Lisa, Douce France, Lafayette, Beethoven, Raymonde, Elbe Princesse, Loire Princesse, Seine Princesse, Gil Eanes, Indochine II, Symphonie II, Cyrano de Bergerac, Vasco de Gama, Miguel Torga, Modigliani, Madeleine, La Belle Des Oceans, France, Elbe Princesse II, Gil Eanes, Magellan, Van Gogh, Symphonie, Renoir, Fernao de Magalhaes.
- Ponant : Le Commandant Charcot, Le Soleal, Le Ponant, Le Laperouse, Le Jacques Cartier, Le Dumont d’Urville, Le Bougainville, Le Lyrial, Le Boreal, Le Champlain, Le Bellot, L’Austral
- Club Med
- Paul Gauguin Cruises
- Aranui Adventure Cruises
Switzerland Cruise
- Emerald Waterways : Emerald Liberte, Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Sky, Adriatic Princess II, Emerald Radiance, Emerald Star, Emerald Luna, Emerald Dawn, Emerald Harmony, Emerald Destiny, Emerald Sun.
- Avalon Waterways : Avalon Imagery II, Avalon Visionary, Avalon Poetry II, Avalon Saigon, Avalon Illumination, Avalon Luminary, Avalon Passion, Ganges Voyager, Avalon Panorama, Avalon Tranquility II, Avalon Expression, Avalon Tapestry II, Avalon Impression, Avalon Vista, Avalon Envision.
- Viking River Cruises : Viking Skaga, Var, Sineus, Magni, Gymir, Delling, Rinda, Idi, Egdir, Egil, Vidar, Buri, Alruna, Ve, Truvor, Kvasir, Prestige, Radgrid, Hlin, Tor, Kadlin, Tialfi, Tir, Gullveig, Hervor, Fjorgyn, Vilhjalm, Vali, Aegir, Atla, Sigrun, Heimdal, Mekong, Kara, Idun, Akun, Osfrid, Helgrim, Einar, Lofn, Saigon, Torgil, Njord, Beyla, Helgi, Osiris.
- Viking Ocean Cruises : Viking Neptune, Viking Sea, Viking Sun, Viking Orion, Viking Saturn, Viking Jupiter, Viking Star, Viking Venus, Viking Sky, Viking Mars.
Myanmar Small Ship Cruise Line
- The Strand Cruise
- Sanctuary Retreats : Sanctuary Ananda, Sanctuary Sun Boat III, Sanctuary Nile Adventurer, Sun Boat IV, Sanctuary Yangzi Explorer.
- Tint Tint Myanmar : Irrawaddy Princess II, Makara Queen, RV Yandabo, Princess Royal.
- Burma Boating : Raja Laut, Meta IV, Meltemi
Norway Cruise
- Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines : Borealis, Bolette, Balmoral.
- SeaDream Yacht Club
- One Ocean Expeditions
- Fred. Olsen River Cruises Brabant
- Hurtigruten : Nordkapp, Nordlys, Fridtjof Nansen, MS Spitsbergen, Fram, Finnmarken, Lofoten, Kong Harald, Midnatsol, Trollfjord, Roald Amundsen, Vesteralen, Polarlys, Richard With, Nordnorge
Canada Cruise Ship Line
- St. Lawrence Cruise Lines Canadian Empress
- Maple Leaf Adventures : Maple Leaf, MV Swell
- Adventure Canada Ocean Endeavour
Other Luxury Ocean and River Cruise
- Australis : Ventus Australis, Stella Australis.
- Aqua Expeditions : Aria Amazon, Aqua Mekong, Aqua Blu.
- Celestyal Cruises : Celestyal Olympia, Celestyal Journey, Celestyal Crystal
- Variety Cruises : Variety Voyager, Pegasus, Panorama II, Panorama, Harmony V, Harmony G, Galileo, Callisto.
- Amadeus by Lueftner Cruises Silver, Queen, Brilliant, Elegant, Diamond, Star, Provence, Symphony, Royal.
- Latin Trails : Galapagos Sea Star Journey, Galapagos Seaman Journey
- Pandaw River Cruises : Orient Pandaw, Sabaidee Pandaw, Kalay Pandaw, Yunnan Pandaw, Indochina Pandaw, Kindat Pandaw, Katha Pandaw, Mekong Pandaw, Andaman Explorer, Tonle Pandaw, Laos Pandaw, RV Kalaw Pandaw, Kha Byoo Pandaw, Champa Pandaw, Zawgyi Pandaw, Bassac Pandaw, Pandaw II
- Oceanwide Expeditions : M/V Plancius, M/V Ortelius
- MSC Cruises : MSC Fantasia, MSC World America, MSC Seaside, MSC Sinfonia, MSC Meraviglia, MSC Opera, MSC Divina, MSC World Europa, MSC Bellissima, MSC Seascape, MSC Virtuosa, MSC Splendida, MSC Seashore, MSC Orchestra, MSC Grandiosa, MSC Poesia, MSC Magnifica, MSC Lirica, MSC Euribia, MSC Preziosa, MSC Musica, MSC Armonia, MSC Seaview.
- Atlas Ocean Voyages
- Adventure Resorts & Cruises MV Mahabaahu
- Cruise Asia Ltd. RV River Kwai
- Genting Dream Cruise Line
- Century Cruises : Century Paragon, Century Legend
- Heritage Expeditions Spirit Of Enderby
- Blue Lagoon Cruises Fiji Princess
- Star Cruises
- The Mantis Collection Zambezi Queen
- Oberoi Group Luxury Nile Cruiser Oberoi Philae
- Volga Dream
- Silversea Cruises : Silver Nova, Silver Moon, Silver Discoverer, Silver Whisper, Silver Shadow, Silver Origin, Silver Galapagos, Silver Dawn, Silver Explorer, Silver Muse, Silver Cloud Expedition, Silver Spirit, Silver Wind.
- Vodohod Lev Tolstoy, Zosima Shashkov, Konstantin Fedin, Nikolay Chernishevsky, Georgy Chicherin, MS Rostropovich, Maxim Gorky, Leonid Sobolev, Alexander Pushkin, Russ, Kronshtadt.
- Costa Cruises : Costa Serena, Costa Fascinosa, Costa Diadema, Costa Magica, Costa Mediterranea, Costa Smeralda, Costa Luminosa, Costa Firenze, Costa Toscana, Costa Deliziosa, Costa Pacifica, Costa Fortuna, Costa Favolosa.
- PolarQuest : Sea Endurance, M/S Stockholm, M/S Sjoveien
- Pullmantur
- Delfin Amazon Cruises
- Mano Cruise Crown Iris
- Heritage Line : Violet, The Jahan, Jayavarman, Jasmine, Anawrahta
- Star Clippers : Star Flyer, Royal Clipper
- Metropolitan Touring : Santa Cruz II, La Pinta, Isabela II