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, from big floating resorts packed with non-stop entertainment for families to smaller, peaceful sailing boats. These vessels provide an array of onboard amenities that can be every bit as thrilling as the destinations you'll visit.
Many cruise vessels provide amenities such as water slides, premium dining and beverages, spa facilities, and adults-only zones; however, certain ones exceed expectations. Below are six top-notch cruise ships that you should definitely experience at least once in your life.
Best cruise ships
1. Evrima
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Luxury brand Ritz-Carlton owns a superyacht named Evrima named after the Greek term for uncovering.
Anticipate an upscale experience akin to residing at a luxurious waterfront hotel. This establishment accommodates 298 guests through 149 spacious suites and offers dining options including five eateries and six bars.
Every suite features an individual balcony where you can relax. Additionally, guests have access to amenities like the spa, beauty parlor, and men’s barbershop. You also get to swim in the pool or savor a cocktail at the Marina Terrace.
Emma Sanger-Horwell, who leads the cruise division at Kenwood Travel, stated The Independent: Savor cuisine from a Michelin-starred restaurant, relax with premier spa experiences at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, or plunge directly into excitement via the marina, which provides watersports right outside your suite door. Featuring ample, exclusive balconies and stunning vistas, Evrima’s suites prioritize luxury and sophistication.
This isn’t just a cruise—it’s an unparalleled expedition 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 passenger decks, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas It is the globe's biggest cruise vessel, capable of accommodating 5,610 guests.
The first journey took place this year, offering something for everyone regardless of age. The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods and over 40 eating spaces and drinking spots.
The features encompass Thrill Island, an adventurous section housing the largest onboard water park and slide. Additionally, there’s a adults-exclusive lounge on Cloud 17 along with the AquaDome, transforming into an oasis during daylight hours before turning into an entertainment hub as evening falls.
The vessel boasts a permanent resident 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 getaway spot. Personally, I believe it provides a one-of-a-kind adventure, 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 unparalleled expedition that masterfully merges excitement, opulence, and enjoyment."
A circular voyage through the eastern Caribbean starting and ending at the same point. Miami Prices 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 Antarctic expedition cruise vessel operates using liquefied natural gas (LNG), providing travelers with an eco-friendlier option for discovering less accessible and fragile areas.
This vessel was the pioneer 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 crunches ice, but beyond that, she does so with characteristic French elegance and style. Charcot enables visitors to feel the excitement of a polar expedition and have an intimate encounter with the fauna as they've never seen before.
Thanks to the vessel's size and its capability to navigate through icy areas, you always have the chance to set foot on the frozen ground.
Yet, exploration begins aboard where specialists offer sharp and essential perspectives through their engaging lectures about this captivating ecosystem.
He comments, "The restaurant is absolutely remarkable. Nuna serves a quintessentially French cuisine, brimming with style and sophistication through its nine-course tasting menus and grand dinner events."
The price starts 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 describes it as something that "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.
“Cruisers can relax and leave their dog in safe hands, with the opportunity to visit and walk them in a special area with a fire hydrant upon which they can do their business.”
Prices start from £269pp for a sailing from Southampton to Hamburg, Germany, or £599pp for a transatlantic crossing from New York back to the UK.
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5. RV African Dream
Why limit yourself to sea life when you could combine a cruise with a safari?
CroisiEurope’s RV African Dream luxury cruise ship sails on Lake Kariba in Zimbawe.
Guests get an intimate experience, with space for 16 passengers across eight cabins, with 15 crew.
Facilities include a sun-deck, lounge and Jacuzzi area when you aren’t enjoying the views of Africa. From February until December, African Dream sails on an eight-night cruise–safari itinerary, which includes three nights at CroisiEurope’s lodge near Chobe National Park, the second largest game park 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 fully escorted journey blends comfort and exoticism, giving you a front-row seat to Africa’s stunning landscapes and remarkable wildlife.”
Pricing can be provided upon inquiry.
6. Scenic Eclipse
Launched in 2018, Australian-owned Scenic Eclipse is noted as the globe's premier exploration vessel.
The expedition vessel accommodates 228 passengers and features areas for two H130 helicopters along with their pilots, enabling them to transport guests on tours around Antarctica during the 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.
Cole mentioned, "It’s truly a boutique cruising adventure—a compact vessel allows us to anchor at more petite harbors located at the farthest edges of our planet. Despite its modest scale, passengers have access to an array of 10 eateries, each featuring global culinary delights."
Equipped with an advanced spa facility, Scenic Eclipse features a thermal suite along with a plunge pool intended for guests to unwind and de-stress during their active itinerary.
Pricing begins at £15,440 for Antarctic voyages in 2025.
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