10 Best Luxury Cruise Lines According to AAA Experts

For those looking for an elevated experience filled with relaxation, gorgeous scenery and attentive service, luxury cruise lines can fulfill your every need. Although these cruises come with a higher price tag, the best luxury cruise lines are worth it for the upscale dining, fine wines and champagnes and suite features while on the open sea.

There are many cruises to choose from, but we put together a list of the best luxury cruises. Whether you’re looking for a cruise line for adults, a family cruise or an adventure for singles, we have them all. Each one travels to beautiful destinations and is sure to offer you the experience of a lifetime.

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Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas

• Best for: Maximum luxury

The Regent Seven Seas cruise lines have over 25 years of experience, giving passengers one of the best luxury experiences on the sea. With cruises that travel all over the world, you can visit various beautiful destinations while receiving top-tier services. These cruises have some of the higher price tags, but they offer guests a customizable butler service, galleries with fine art and a Broadway-style theater.

Regent has a wide range of ships with different experiences. This is one of the best luxury cruise lines for families, and you can also have a more romantic trip on one of their couples' cruises. Whether it’s helicopter rides during a cruise in Alaska, visiting the Temple of Poseidon in Athens or exploring Zaragoza while in Madrid, you’ll surely enjoy your trip on this luxury cruise ship. 

Courtesy of Cunard Luxury Cruise

Since 1840, the Cunard Line has been known for its British elegance by offering passengers an experience of peak sophistication. While you don’t have to be British royalty to book your voyage, royal family members like Princess Diana and the Queen Mother have traveled on ships in the Cunard Line’s fleet.

Be sure to bring your best attire for the Black and White ball, but you can dress more casually while grabbing a pint at the pub or trying your luck in the ship’s casino. The Cunard’s dining experience is tiered, with the Queen’s Grill designated for passengers with the largest suites, and those with smaller suites can eat at the Princess Grill.

Gary Bembridge / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

• Best for: Crew-to-guest ratio

Silversea Cruises was founded in 1994, so it has decades of experience providing luxurious travel for passengers. These cruises offer an intimate setting with ships that accommodate anywhere from 100 to 600 people. In addition to being one of the best small luxury cruise lines, it also has one of the best crew-to-guest ratios to ensure passengers receive the attention they deserve.

The Silversea cruises travel throughout all seven continents to over 900 locations. Their all-inclusive cruises also have 24-hour gourmet dining, onboard entertainment and butler service. When you reach different locations, Silversea also offers complimentary shore excursions.

Courtesy of Viking

• Best for: Adventurous travelers

Viking cruise ships have modern Scandinavian designs with luxurious features for passengers. Their ship sizes and cruise options offer a wide variety to suit your specific types of interests. They have a 378-guest expedition ship, the Polar Class Viking Octanis, as well as larger ocean ships like the Viking Star, which can host 930 passengers.

The Viking cruises are perfect for adventurous travelers. You can voyage under the sea in a six-person submarine and kayak through incredible iceberg-filled regions. They offer shorter, 13-day cruises or much longer trips that range from 30 to 70 days.

Courtesy of Seabourn

If you’re looking for a more private, less crowded luxury cruise, Seabourn Cruise Line is just what you’re looking for. Each Seabourn cruise ship carries a maximum of 600 passengers, making it one of the best small luxury cruise lines. Seabourn was founded in 1989 and offers all the luxury amenities and stunning destinations you could hope for.

These award-winning cruises are all-inclusive and have fine-dining menus from renowned chef Thomas Kellar. For wine aficionados, the ships have premium wine programs as well as spa services for a relaxing stay. You’ll see incredible, exotic destinations while traveling on one of Seabourn’s upscale ships.  

Courtesy of Oceania Cruises

Passengers will receive the full luxury experience while traveling on one of Oceania Cruise Line’s 10 vessels. While on the ship, you’ll have access to the serenity of spa treatments and delicious cuisines from gourmet chefs. Oceania also has onboard activities like cultural lectures and cooking classes, which make for a great couple’s activity.

Each of the small, luxurious ships gives every passenger a personalized experience as you travel to beautiful locations across the globe. These cruises are perfect for romantic getaways with food and wine tours in Italy and France and wellness tours in New Zealand and Thailand. And for adventurous couples, there are volcano tours in the Canary Islands and hikes along the cliffs of Malaga, Spain.

Celebrity Cruises Inc. / Tim Bieber

Celebrity Cruises offers a wide range of options and prices. This award-winning cruise line has affordable cruises as low as $312 while also offering a high-end experience. Celebrity Cruises is also one of the best luxury cruises for families. They have over 500 itineraries specifically designed for families and even have Camp at Sea, a customizable camp for kids and teens on the ship. 

On a Celebrity Cruises ship, you can expect open-air dining experiences along with adventure and relaxation. Grown-ups can take advantage of the lounges, bars and the all-inclusive drink package. These cruises are also worldwide, with over 300 ports that travel throughout North America, Europe, the Caribbean and more. If you hope to find the best Caribbean cruise experience, consider Celebrity Cruises.

Courtesy of Azamara

Azamara offers cruises worldwide that allow guests to visit over 150 destinations. In addition to their wealth of destinations, they also offer 155-day World Cruises that visit 37 countries around the globe, stopping at destinations like Honolulu, Sydney, Bangkok and Venice.

For those looking for shorter trips, Azamara has a variety of cruises ranging from seven to 17 days. You can take their Wine and Culture Voyage throughout Northern and Western Europe, take a trip through Viking regions in Norway or travel along the Mediterranean Rivieras. For those looking for the best Mediterranean cruises, Azamara Cruises is for you.

Harvey Barrison / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Hurtigruten Cruise Line is a pioneer in sustainable and exploratory cruises. It is known for its unique voyages to remote and wild destinations, such as Norway, Antarctica and the Arctic. If you're looking for an adventure-filled cruise that prioritizes the environment, Hurtigruten is a great choice. 

A Hurtigruten cruise provides an immersive cultural experience, offering everything from kayaking and wildlife watching to hiking and boat expeditions. There are numerous activities to enjoy on the ship, including live shows, lectures from talented scientists and naturalists and exclusive excursions that active cruise-goers will love.

Artvill / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA

Uniworld offers guests a luxury experience on rivers throughout the world. Not only do they have a fleet of luxurious riverboats, but they pride themselves on providing passengers with impeccable service. They also have over 40 years of experience doing so.

Uniworld’s ports are all outside of the United States, and the cruise line visits some of the world’s most marvelous rivers. They have a variety of options as well. You can take an eight-day trip on the Rhine River with stops in France and Germany, or you can go for longer on their 14-day voyage visiting Milan, Venice and the Swiss Alps.

Still have questions about the best luxury cruise lines? Find answers below. 

Knowing how to choose the right cruise line depends on your personal preferences and priorities. Consider factors like the destination, the type of experience you seek (relaxation, adventure or cultural immersion) and your budget. 

Research different cruise lines, read reviews and compare amenities to find the best fit. If you’re unsure, a travel agent can provide expert advice and help you choose the ideal cruise for your needs.

Booking a luxury cruise is a straightforward process. For most major cruise lines, you can book your cruise with a travel agent or directly through the cruise line’s website. When booking, you’ll need to provide personal information, choose your desired itinerary and cabin category and make a deposit. Be sure to ask about any special promotions or discounts that may be available. To ensure you get your AAA discount, you can also book through AAA’s Trip Canvas. 

Luxury cruise lines offer a variety of cabin categories, each with its own unique features and amenities. For the ultimate luxury experience, consider booking a suite. Suites often come with spacious living areas, private balconies, butler service and exclusive access to lounges and restaurants. Other popular luxury cabin categories include balcony cabins and concierge-level cabins.

While not always mandatory, travel insurance for a cruise is highly recommended for luxury cruises. It can protect you against unexpected costs, such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies and lost luggage. Be sure to choose a policy that covers the specific needs of your cruise, including potential medical expenses and evacuation costs.

Whether you're seeking a relaxing escape or an exhilarating adventure, these best luxury cruise lines offer unforgettable experiences. From elegant accommodations and gourmet dining to immersive cultural excursions and breathtaking scenery, these cruises have something for everyone.

 If you’re looking for a luxurious experience when booking your next cruise, plan your trip through AAA. With a AAA membership, you receive exclusive benefits when you book one of the best luxury cruises, often including discounts and onboard spending credits.