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Cultivating Connections Travel Planners

Which Are The Most Luxurious Cruise Lines? (A Guide To Luxury River And Ocean Cruises)

Updated: Feb 2, 2023


River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy
Luxury cruise lines pull out all the stops, offering intimate ships with just a few hundred people on board, itineraries to jaw-dropping destinations and impeccable, personalized service.

In modern times, cruises have become more popular and accessible than ever, with travelers looking for that perfect mix of luxurious relaxation and the chance for life-changing excursions and adventures.


There are countless different trips available, consisting of river and ocean cruises in any number of different regions around the world.


10. Azamara Quest (Ocean Cruise)


River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy, Azamara, ocean cruise, Erin Smith, Travel Advisor, Luxury Travel, empty nester, Oklahoma
Discover the Sights, Sounds & Tastes of the Spectacular Mediterranean Region With Azamara.

Informal and friendly, the Azamara Quest delivers first-class luxury with the quaint packaging of a trendy boutique hotel.


Sailing in Northern Europe, the Mediterranean, as well as transatlantic cruises to the Caribbean and South America, what the Azamara Quest seeks to do is to deliver the first class service without the stuffy formalities.


9. Emerald (River Cruise)


River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy, Emerald, river cruise, Erin Smith, Travel Advisor, Luxury Travel, empty nester, Oklahoma
Explore Europe from a unique perspective with thoughtfully crafted itineraries. Emerald Cruises river cruises range from 8 to 17 days and visit many fascinating places.

A prominent name in the industry, Emerald offers a wide range of luxurious river cruises, with destinations including the Danube, Rhine, Main, Douro, Rhone, and Mekong rivers.


With a sleek, modern decor style, combined with traditional standards of service and grace, Emerald is a company with one eye on the future and the past - bringing the best of both worlds and delivering a high-quality, inclusive, and all-encompassing service to all those lucky enough to be aboard.


8. Silver Spirit (Ocean Cruise)


River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy, Silver Spirit, ocean cruise, Erin Smith, Travel Advisor, Luxury Travel, empty nester, Oklahoma
The all-new Silver Spirit fully refurbished for a superlative onboard adventure, retains our world famous standards of service and home away from home feel.

One of the most luxurious cruise ships in the world, the Silver Spirit has a large passenger count of 608 and includes the finest dining, an all-inclusive drinks menu, and on-board butler service to ensure every one of your needs are catered for.


With a specific focus on the Mediterranean Sea, the Silver Spirit also takes passengers around South Africa, the Persian Gulf, and into the very heart of the Pacific, offering passengers classic, thrilling world travel, with every comfort they could ever need.


7. Tauck (River Cruise)


River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy, , river cruise, Erin Smith, Travel Advisor, Luxury Travel, empty nester, Oklahoma
Tauck's enriching guided tours, small ship cruises, river cruises and family travel take you to all seven continents.

One of the oldest cruise lines still operating, Tauck specializes in river cruising, offering lucky passengers unbeatable cruises down the Danube river - experiencing Budapest, Amsterdam, through the Douro River Valley, the Seine, through the Swiss Alps, and on to France - allowing guests to experience province excursions to Paris and Lyon.


6. Queen Elizabeth (Ocean Cruise)


River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy, Queen Elizabeth, ocean cruise, Erin Smith, Travel Advisor, Luxury Travel, empty nester, Oklahoma
Queen Elizabeth is Cunard's newest luxury ocean liner reflecting modern elite travel as well as Cunard Cruise Line's rich history.

One of the flagships of the Cunard cruise line, The Queen Elizabeth boasts an impressive art deco interior, which harks back to the company’s long and illustrious history in the industry with black tie dinner dances, daily afternoon tea, and a gorgeous library which spans two decks.


Offering a wide range of cruise destinations, including the British Isles, the Panama Canal, Australia, New Zealand, Alaska, Northern Europe, Asia, and Central America, The Queen Elizabeth is a great choice for those wanting a little glamor.


5. Uniworld Boutique (River Cruise)


Uniworld, River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy, boutique, river cruise, Erin Smith, Travel Advisor, Luxury Travel, empty nester, Oklahoma
Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection is located in Los Angeles, California and the company operates a fleet of 21 river cruising cruise ships along the rivers of Europe, Russia, Egypt, South America, and China.


Pairing customized itineraries with high-quality amenities, the Uniworld Boutique River Cruises are some of the best around, offering cruises down the Yangtze River in China, and the sacred Ganges River in India.


With exciting excursions to Russia, and journeys into Italy on certain lines, what you get with Uniworld is a refreshing mix of classic, ocean-faring luxury, combined with a distinct, almost quirky identity that the company has very much made its own.


4. Regent Seven Seas Voyager (Ocean Cruise)


Regent Seven Seas, ocean cruise, Erin Smith, Travel Advisor, Luxury Travel, empty nester, Oklahoma, River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy
Regent Seven Seas Voyager Ocean Cruise

With 354 opulent, luxury suites, and indulgent, fine dining provided by 6 onboard restaurants, with the Regent Seven Seas Voyager, you are promised a slice of the good life.


On the 700-passenger Voyager, there is a butler service included, who will take note of your favorite foods and beverages for a personalized service akin to the golden age of ocean travel.


Offering cruises to Alaska, the Caribbean, Europe, the Mediterranean, Australia, Asia, and much more, what the Voyager promises is indulgence, something it delivers by the boatload.


3. AmaWaterways (River Cruise)


AmaWaterways, river cruise, Erin Smith, Travel Advisor, Luxury Travel, empty nester, Oklahoma, River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy
AmaWaterways is a leading river cruise line with innovative itineraries, award-winning upscale ships and highly inclusive pricing.


With river destinations including the Danube, the Rhine, the Seine, the Douro, the Moselle, the Main, the Garonne, the Rhone, the Mekong, and the Chobe, AmaWaterways cruises have cornered the market in opulent yet tasteful river cruises all around Europe and Asia.


What really makes AmaWaterways stand out from similar river cruises, however, are the onboard amenities, including hair salons, spas, gyms, and libraries - taking ocean liner luxury and delivering it on a cozy, boutique scale.


2. The Royal Clipper (Ocean Cruise)


The Royal Clipper, ocean cruise, Erin Smith, Travel Advisor, Luxury Travel, empty nester, Oklahoma, River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy
Inspired by the legendary Tall Ship, Preussen, the new Royal Clipper has the proud distinction of being the largest and only five-masted sailing ship built since her predecessor was launched at the beginning of the last century.

When you take a trip on the Royal Clipper, you are opening yourself up to two things: luxurious living, and a romantic ocean adventure straight out of a 19th-century novel.


The ship itself is a steel-hulled, five-masted, fully-rigged vessel, and adorned with over 30 sails. In the daytime, you can enjoy the smell of the open ocean, the warmth of the sun’s rays, and the feel of the wind in your hair, while you recline on the grand teak decks, take a dip in one of the three onboard swimming pools, or enjoy quality food and beverages in the restaurant and al fresco bar.


Lucky passengers aboard the Royal Clipper will experience lavish Caribbean voyages, where you will experience the beauty and excitement of the Caribbean Ocean in the way it was meant to be sailed.


1. Aqua Blu (River Cruise)


Aqua Blu, river cruise, Erin Smith, Travel Advisor, Luxury Travel, empty nester, Oklahoma, River vs Ocean - River ships, River cabins, buffets, Entertainment, Itineraries, port-intensive. Fares, dock, ports, Wellness Travel, Fitness Resorts, Art Walk, wine bars, foodies, shopping, Whale Watching, luxury boat trips, deep sea fishing, excursions, Dancing, Sun-Bathing, Concerts, Culture, Golf-Themed Cruise, European River Cruise, Travel Quiz, Concierge, Itinerary, River Cruise, Cooking, Cruise - River vs Ocean, travel insurance, Travel Transfers, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, adventurous type, romantic escape, cuisine, nightlife, sightseeing, must-see,, Insta-worthy
Aqua Blu is a 15-suite cruise yacht exploring East Indonesia, sailing to Bali, Komodo, Flores, Spice Islands and Raja Ampat in five-star luxury and comfort.


Launched in 2019, the Aqua Blu is the flagship of Aqua Expeditions and offers passengers luxurious, modest cruises along the Peruvian Amazon, Mekong River, and the rivers of East Indonesia.


Offering something different than the traditional river cruise, Aqua Blu has a one-to-one passenger-to-crew ratio, ensuring a personalized level of service.


The modern yet tasteful design feels more akin to a boutique hotel than a ship, and Aqua Blu ensures its guests are never left wanting, with an onboard private cinema, bar, luxury restaurant, sun deck, and spa.


Conclusion


So there you are, our guide to the most luxurious cruise lines in the world.


What is abundantly clear is the sheer amount of choices open to passengers in modern times, with every corner of the world mapped and catered for. Why not give them a try for yourself?


To find out more check out my home page here.


Or you can just give me a call at 405.310.7588.







ENJOY THE BEST FOOD IN YOUR TRAVEL DESTINATION


One of the things to get excited about while you travel is food. Every location is unique for its food and how they cook it. There’s always a story to tell from different foods you try. That’s why traveling is essential. You get to try out new things.


Download my FREE eBook here to see the ten ways you can turn your Vacation into a Culinary Adventure.



Culinary Adventures, Explore, Experience, Market, Shopping, Cooking, Foodie, Food - Lovers, Spices, Wine Train, Culture, Cuisine, European River Cruise, Itinerary, Culinary, Cooking Cruise, wine bars, farm-to-table restaurants, Oceanfront eateries, Surprise Trip, Romantic Trip, travel experiences, romantic escape, native language , Insta-worthy, culinary travel, travel advisor, Erin Smith, Cultivating Connections Travel Advisor, empty nester, luxury travel, river cruise, ocean cruise, Oklahoma
One of the things to get excited about while you travel is food. Every location is unique for their food and how they cook it. There’s always a story to tell from different foods you try.

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