The Best And Worst Luxury Cruise Lines Ranked By Real Customer Reviews

From exploring lesser-known ports to enjoying the finest of service, luxury cruising brings the best of the best together for a sailing experience like no other. 

There any many ultra-luxury and premium luxury cruise lines currently sailing, some of which have only been launched in recent years. But they bring incredible experiences to all corners of the world in a style that is reserved for true indulgence.

I’ve taken a look at the review scores of each to discover which are the most popular.

How I gathered the data

Normally when I’ve ranked cruise lines or cruise ships using review scores, I use three sources – Cruise Critic, Cruiseline.com, and TripAdvisor.

Unfortunately, there were a lot of cruise lines or ships missing review scores from TripAdvisor, so I’ve just used the averages from the other two. Maybe luxury cruise guests just don’t use that website too often?

Still, using two sources keeps this list unbiased, since it uses the average scores of real reviews from past customers.

Also this is the list from best to worst, but bear in mind that the ‘worst’ score was 3.55 out of 5, so that’s still pretty good.

And the top 10 all scored an average of at least 4/5! When you consider that more people leave reviews after a bad experience than a good one, those are some impressive results!

Here we go:

1. Emerald Cruises

Emerald is a cruise line that offers both yacht-style and river cruising. It’s the ocean cruise lines that we’re focussing on in this list, and their ocean-faring yachts are very luxurious indeed.

Emerald Cruises’ ocean yachts blend intimate luxury with innovative design, providing an upscale yet relaxed experience for discerning travellers. Both Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara carry a maximum of 100 guests, ensuring a personalised journey with close attention to detail. A third ship will launch in 2026, named Emerald Kaia.

With a high crew-to-guest ratio, passengers enjoy attentive service throughout their voyage, whether on the Mediterranean, Seychelles, or the Caribbean.

One of the standout benefits of Emerald Cruises is the all-inclusive pricing structure, which covers dining, gratuities, and even excursions in each port.

Onboard, guests have access to fine dining experiences that highlight local cuisine, as well as a more casual venue for relaxed meals.

Now, a caveat. Emerald is the only cruise line where I couldn’t access separate review scores for the ocean yachts and river ships (there are other cruise lines in this list that offer both, but they have distinct reviews).

So, the scores may be skewed – people do love river cruise ships, and they always review well. However, it’d be unfair for me to guess at where they’d end up in the list without those scores, so for now Emerald is number one.

2. Paul Gauguin Cruises

Although a part of the Ponant family (more on that later), Paul Gauguin Cruises is a unique luxury cruise line that deserves its own spot on this list. Offering a more relaxing atmosphere with sailings mainly focused in the South Pacific, they are a great option for all-inclusive adventures to French Polynesia.

The cruise line only offers one ship, The Gauguin. With a capacity for up to 330 guests and a crew-to-guest ratio of 1:1.5, it’s a small ship cruiser’s dream. Guests can visit ports inaccessible to larger ships with a travel experience unique to this cruise line.

Life on-board features 70% private balconies across the accommodations, as well as complimentary WiFi, gratuities, an entertainment program, a spa, beauty services and more.

All sailings with Paul Gauguin include onboard activities as well as encounters ashore such as private beach experiences with water sports including snorkelling, paddleboarding and kayaking too. There are three restaurants on the ship alongside 24-hour room service. As for drinks, selected wines, beers and spirits are complimentary. 

Enjoy Polynesian entertainment and hospitality as you sail with Paul Gauguin, as Tahitian cultures come to life. Passengers are invited to sit back and enjoy authentic, up-close encounters of the South Seas and access to remote exotic islands only reached by ships built to navigate the lagoons of French Polynesia.

3. Crystal Cruises

Crystal Cruises is known for its refined luxury, offering guests a truly bespoke experience aboard its newly redesigned ocean ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

With capacities kept under 800 guests, Crystal offers a remarkably high crew-to-guest ratio, meaning personal service is a hallmark of every journey. Crystal’s ships are renowned for their elegant décor, spacious accommodations, and a focus on comfort that appeals to those looking for an exclusive, relaxed way to explore the world.

A key highlight of Crystal Cruises is its extraordinary dining options, including Umi Uma, a world-class Japanese-Peruvian restaurant developed by famed chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

This exclusive partnership allows guests to enjoy dishes crafted with Nobu’s signature fusion style, from delicate sushi to flavourful Asian-inspired entrées.

Dining on Crystal is all-inclusive, with options that range from casual settings to refined, multi-course meals, accompanied by complimentary fine wines and spirits.

Onboard, Crystal offers plenty of luxurious amenities, including a full-service spa, fitness centre, and enrichment programs that include expert-led lectures and creative workshops. Entertainment ranges from Broadway-style shows to live jazz, creating an enjoyable atmosphere every evening.

Crystal also emphasises unique shore excursions, designed for deeper engagement with destinations, from private tours to cultural immersions in small groups.

Known for visiting iconic ports as well as hidden gems, Crystal Cruises combines luxury, attentive service, and exclusive experiences, making each voyage both relaxing and memorable.

A third ship has been announced for the fleet, due in 2032.

4. Explora Journeys

Part of the wider MSC Cruises Group, Explora Journeys is a newcomer to the world of luxury cruising. Built on the history of MSC Cruises and with a vision to redefine cruising for luxury, Explora Journeys has planned four ships to kickstart the fleet, the first of which hit the seas in 2023.

The brand keeps the ocean at the centre of its experience, bringing guests on board with the ‘ocean state of mind’ and taking inspiration from the sea-faring history of the Aponte family who dreamed of such a luxury cruise line many years ago. 

The Explora I and Explora II offer 922 passengers the chance to enjoy diverse dining with cuisine covering many worldly places across six restaurants, alongside 12 bars and lounges – four of which are outdoor.

Think of live cooking stations with pasta made to order and freshly baked pizza, alongside pan-Asian venues, a steakhouse and a French-inspired contemporary space for international dishes.

Wellness is another key part of Explora Journeys, with over 7,500 sq. ft. of indoor and outdoor wellness facilities. These range from the spa, fitness spaces, beauty treatment venues and experiences designed to achieve an inner calm while sailing.

The cruise line also emphasises sustainability with all ships in the fleet being built to include the latest eco-friendly technologies and green energy solutions, such as RINA DOLPHIN certification and hybrid power generation.

5. SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream Yacht Club offers an intimate and personalised cruising experience with a strong emphasis on luxury and exclusivity.

Operating two elegant yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, the cruise line carries a maximum of 112 guests served by a crew of 95, ensuring a high crew-to-guest ratio and attentive service.

With its “yachting, not cruising” ethos, SeaDream is ideal for those seeking a relaxed and sophisticated escape.

The small size of its ships allows access to secluded ports and hidden coves in destinations such as the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.

The all-inclusive experience on board features gourmet dining crafted with locally sourced ingredients, complimentary premium drinks, gratuities, and water sports from the yacht’s marina.

Activities include everything from kayaking and paddleboarding to land-based excursions tailored to passengers’ interests.

On board, guests can unwind with outdoor Balinese beds, a luxurious spa, and a casual yet refined atmosphere that fosters a sense of camaraderie among passengers.

With SeaDream, every voyage feels like a private yacht experience, making it a favourite for discerning travellers seeking a unique luxury holiday.

6. Azamara

Azamara focuses on “destination immersion,” offering longer stays, more overnight port visits, and a commitment to showcasing the best of each destination.

The cruise line operates four boutique ships, each carrying around 700 guests. Azamara is more of a “premium luxury” cruise line, which means the ships aren’t quite as exclusive as some of the other ultra-luxury lines, but fares are cheaper (though not ‘cheap’) too.

Azamara’s itineraries cover an impressive range of destinations, including Europe, Asia, and the Americas, with a particular emphasis on culturally rich and off-the-beaten-path locales. Their smaller ships can access ports that larger vessels cannot, ensuring unique and immersive travel experiences.

Onboard, Azamara offers a refined yet welcoming atmosphere with spacious accommodations, fine dining, and a wide array of amenities.

Meals are included, with options ranging from specialty dining venues to casual eateries, complemented by complimentary wine, beer, and soft drinks. Enrichment programs, from cooking classes to destination-focused lectures, enhance the experience.

Azamara’s hallmark is its “AzAmazing Evenings” – exclusive events showcasing local culture, such as private concerts or traditional performances, included in the fare.

7. Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises offers a unique blend of small-ship cruising and sailing adventures, with a fleet that includes three sailing yachts and three all-suite motor yachts – and two more ships set to join by December 2026.

Each ship carries between 148 and 342 passengers, creating an intimate and relaxed environment.

The cruise line’s focus on immersive travel experiences extends to its itineraries, which often feature less-visited ports alongside popular destinations in Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and beyond.

The smaller ships allow access to secluded bays and charming coastal towns, offering passengers an off-the-beaten-path experience.

Dining on Windstar is a highlight, with menus designed by chefs from the James Beard Foundation, showcasing fresh, locally inspired cuisine.

The cruise line also offers its “Open Bridge” policy, allowing passengers to meet the captain and crew for a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the ship’s operations.

On board, the vibe is casual yet elegant, with no formal dress codes and an emphasis on relaxation. Water sports platforms provide direct access to activities such as kayaking and snorkelling, and shore excursions are designed to offer authentic, local experiences.

Windstar combines the romance of sailing with the comfort of modern luxury, making it a standout choice for those seeking a relaxed yet adventurous cruise.

8. Ponant

Offering a classical cruise with a French twist, Ponant is an ultra-luxury line which has stood the test of time. Also known as Compagnie du Ponant, Ponant was originally founded in 1988 and is now a benchmark for small-scale luxury cruising akin to a private yacht.

Each of the 14 ships in the fleet is designed to hold a small capacity, perfect for more intimate sailings as well as reaching the more unique ports of call.

Life on-board brings 5* personalised service, time to relax poolside or at the spa, as well as access to a fitness room and entertainment on offer in the theatre.

During your sailing, Ponant offers an all-inclusive experience with an open bar, all dining, WiFi, and access to all common areas including the spa, marina and more covered by your fare.

With a French heritage, Ponant offers the highest standard of cuisine for guests, intrinsic to instilling the ‘art of living’ akin to France.

Enjoy varied menus prepared with quality ingredients in all the dining venues, from the Gastro Restaurant inspired by French brasseries to the Le Nuna onboard Le Commandant Charcot – the first-ever shipboard restaurant by celebrated French chef, Alain Ducasse.

While exploring ashore, take a guided trip on a Zodiac watercraft to discover new lands or enjoy hiking, kayaking, ice fishing and more during one of the cruise line’s speciality expedition voyages.

9. Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn has positioned itself in the ultra-luxury cruise market as a private club at sea, evoking an exclusive resort feel for passengers looking to explore the world.

The all-inclusive luxury experience with Seabourn is built upon the signature Seabourn Difference, offering an ultra-luxury service you can feel.

Across the cruise line’s six ships, guests can enjoy an intimate ship experience with personalised service to make them feel welcome and cared for.

Seabourn Moments are designed to surprise and delight guests, and Personal Suite Hosts and Suite Attendants ensure you will have everything you should need during your sailing.

Every sailing offers all ocean-front suites with amenities including marble bathrooms equipped with custom-branded Molton Brown toiletries.

Complimentary premium spirits, welcome Champagne and a fully stocked bar await from the moment you step aboard, alongside a no-tipping rule for staff. You can also enjoy in-suite dining, 24 hours per day.

The cruise line sails to all seven continents over the year, with five ocean ships and two expedition ships. Ventures by Seabourn expand your experiences with optional shore excursions, guides, and Expedition Teams.

Suggested read: Seabourn Venture Review

10. Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises is renowned for its focus on culinary excellence and destination-rich itineraries.

Operating a fleet of six elegant ships, including the 1,250-guest Marina and Riviera, as well as the more intimate 684-passenger ships like Regatta and Nautica, Oceania provides a refined cruising experience with an emphasis on comfort and sophistication.

The cruise line’s hallmark is its exceptional cuisine, with menus crafted by renowned chefs, including Jacques Pépin.

Guests can enjoy a range of dining venues, from the elegant Grand Dining Room to specialty restaurants like Red Ginger, offering Asian-inspired dishes, and Toscana, specialising in Italian cuisine.

Oceania’s culinary offerings are all included in the fare, with no surcharges for specialty dining.

Itineraries span the globe, covering more than 450 ports, including iconic cities, hidden gems, and exotic destinations. Extended stays and overnight visits in port are common, allowing for in-depth exploration.

On board, Oceania offers a relaxed luxury atmosphere, with spacious staterooms, many featuring private verandas. Amenities include a world-class spa, fitness centre, enrichment programs, and artist-led workshops.

With its focus on fine dining, destination immersion, and a relaxed yet luxurious environment, Oceania is a favourite among seasoned travellers.

11. Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises pioneered all-inclusive cruising with the launch of its first ship, Silver Cloud, in 1994.

Since then, the cruise line, which is part of the Royal Caribbean Group, has been renowned for its ultra-luxury getaways and has a fleet of six ocean ships and a further five expedition ships, with two more ships in the pipeline.

With each ship, the cruise line offers a luxury experience that begins as soon as you leave home, thanks to private executive transfers, and continues on board with 24-hour gourmet dining, butler service, premium beverages, and complimentary shore excursions.

Fares also include round-trip flights; hotel stays and transfers to ensure your arrival on the ship and back home is as smooth as possible.

Suites include luxury touches such as personalised stationery, your favourite wines and spirits stocked in your mini bar as well as a choice of pillows and butler-service dinner in your suite.

Suggested read: Pros and Cons of Silversea Cruises

With such a large fleet, Silversea covers a vast number of destinations across the globe. Ocean ships travel to Africa, Alaska, the Caribbean and Northern Europe, while expedition ships explore beyond with adventures to Antarctica, the Arctic & Greenland and even South America and the Galapagos.

12. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Another cruise line which promises an all-inclusive experience is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Regent prides itself on offering every luxury included for its guests, most of whom are over 50.

With six ships in the fleet, each guest sailing with Regent can enjoy unlimited shore excursions and unlimited beverages with open bars and lounges as well as a mini-bar restocked daily in your suite. Two more ships have been ordered for the cruise line, too.

Gratuities are pre-paid, WiFi is unlimited and there’s even a laundry service free of charge. Some sailings and suites also include free hotel stays, land tours to add on to your cruise, and return flights.

Each suite features ocean views, 99% of which include a private balcony. Separate sitting areas, Elite Slumber beds, spacious closets and 24-hour room service are also included as standard, with more amenities available for those who choose some of the top-tier suites.

The cruise line covers a large portion of the destinations across the globe, from Asia and Alaska to the South Pacific and Northern Europe.

13. Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages is a boutique luxury cruise line offering intimate, all-inclusive expeditions.

With a small fleet of sleek, purpose-built ships carrying fewer than 200 guests, Atlas specialises in exploring remote destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and exotic regions like South America and the Mediterranean.

The onboard experience is marked by contemporary luxury, with stylish accommodations, gourmet dining, and personalised service.

Atlas’s all-inclusive pricing covers everything from excursions and gratuities to premium wines and spirits, making it a hassle-free choice for adventure-seeking luxury travellers.

Expedition-focused itineraries include unique shore experiences, guided by expert-led teams, allowing guests to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and culture of each destination.

Atlas also places a strong emphasis on sustainability, with ships designed to meet eco-friendly standards and minimise environmental impact.

Atlas Ocean Voyages combines the thrill of exploration with the comforts of high-end cruising, making it an excellent choice for those who want to discover the world’s most remote and awe-inspiring locations in style.

14. Scenic

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours branched into ultra-luxury ocean cruises in 2019 with the launch of Scenic Eclipse, the World’s First Discovery Yacht. She has since been joined by Scenic Eclipse II, a twin sister.

Inspired by one of the world’s largest yachts, the Octopus yacht, and formally named by actress Helen Mirren, the ship exuded luxury from the moment it began sailing.

Carrying up to 228 passengers alongside 176 crew, the ship has an almost 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio. While on board, guests can enjoy up to ten dining experiences, a gym and yoga studio, nine lounges and bars, outdoor terraces, and a Senses Spa. 

There are also two state-of-the-art helicopters aboard the ship which can seat six guests for excursions with a bird’s eye view. And, for those looking to delve deep into the ocean, there is an eight-seater submarine that has been designed for optimal underwater viewing.

Excursions are included with Scenic, featuring the cruise line’s Discovery, Freechoice and Enrich experiences. Helicopter and submarine tours are charged an additional fee upon booking.

The ships can take you to the Polar Regions for incredible experiences, as well as other destinations including the Americas, Europe, the Caribbean and South America.

Suggested read: Scenic vs Emerald Ocean Cruises

15. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Part of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, the cruise arm of the business announced it would be entering the market in 2018. After some delays due to the pandemic, its first ship – Evrima – launched in 2022.

Though relatively new, the cruise ship was created to emulate both the refined residential feel of a stylish yacht and the standard of service of the famous hotel chain, offering a truly ultra-luxury cruise experience.

Just 298 guests share the space on board, alongside nearly as many crew. The ship offers an all-inclusive experience with all suites featuring ocean views and private terraces as well as a Personal Concierge. Dining, beverages, Wi-Fi, and entertainment are also included in your fare.

Suites feature an espresso machine with complimentary coffee and teas, as well as a personalised mini-bar and 24-hour in-suite dining. Guests can also enjoy a welcome bottle of Champagne on embarkation and the Personal Concierge to assist with all their needs.

There are currently two ships in the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection including the flagship, Evrima, followed by a second ship, Ilma, which joined in 2024. A third, Luminara, will join the fleet in 2025.

Currently, cruises explore the regions of the Caribbean, and Mediterranean and cross the Atlantic between the two, as well as voyages to Canada & New England, and Northern Europe.

Recommendation

Luxury cruising has perfected the personalised approach of holidays with staff onboard poised to ensure all your needs are met, even those you may not have thought of! That being said, there is an ultra-luxury or premium-luxury cruise for everyone.

Adventurers would most likely be drawn to the likes of Scenic Ocean, Silversea, SeaDream, Windstar, Seabourn, Ponant and Paul Gauguin for their small ship experiences alongside incredible expedition itineraries and onboard features such as submarines, marina water sports and Zodiac tours.

Meanwhile, those seeking a quieter, relaxing getaway might look to Ritz Carlton, Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Explora Journeys for that boutique hotel feel with everything taken care of from the moment you step aboard.

And with Azamara and Oceania offering a luxury experience at a slightly lower average fare, guests have some great options for trying out the luxury experience without breaking the bank.

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