6 of the best luxury cruise lines to sail in 2026

The word “luxury” is pretty subjective these days, especially in the travel world. Experiences and places that once seemed to be exclusive for the ultra-rich are now becoming more mainstream thanks to travel hacks and the points and miles game. This is especially true in the world of cruising. In decades past, taking a luxury cruise meant everything was white glove service, extremely formal, and overall felt stuffy. But now with more luxury cruise lines than ever before, sailing the seven seas in lavish accommodations with exceptional service is more accessible to a more mainstream audience. (Don’t worry, there are still some ultra-luxe lines that offer the more formal experience.)

Whether you’re a couple wanting to sail together, a solo traveler who wants to experience more of the world, or a family looking to reconnect with each other without all of the fanfare of larger cruise ships, there really is a luxury cruise line for everyone. Keep reading to learn more about the best luxury cruise lines and how to pick the right one for you. 

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

With three yachts in its fleet, the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection is attractive for those who want to visit exciting destinations around the world while living in modern luxury for a week or two. Think of this more as a floating five-star resort versus a huge cruise ship. Each ship has nearly as many crew as guests, so everyone is well taken care of on board. 

MAKE MEMORIES: 25 best family vacation spots in the U.S. for all ages

The cruises are all-inclusive, meaning everything from your suite and gratuities to dining and wifi is included. One of my favorite amenities onboard is the onboard marina, which offers loungers, water toys, and more to enjoy in select destinations. (Just imagine floating in the Mediterranean Sea, then swimming back to the ship.) 

Ritz-Carlton Yachts sail all around the world, from the stunning landscape of Alaska to the bustling cities of Asia. One itinerary that really stands out is the Hong Kong to Tokyo cruise. The sailing is 12 nights, and stops at six ports of call, including Shanghai, China; Seoul, South Korea; and Osaka, Japan. 

Regent Seven Seas Cruises 

Those looking for a more traditional luxury cruise experience will love Regent Seven Seas Cruises. The highlight of the ultra-luxe ships is the exceptional service around the ship. From the moment you step onboard, everyone is there to serve you and ensure your cruise is the best it can be. One thing that really sets the brand apart is the unlimited shore excursions, which range from a guided tour of the Werribee Zoo in Melbourne, Australia, to a day cruise on the Mekong River Delta in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. 

BEST TRIP EVER: 101 fresh new family vacation ideas for every age and budget

I have been lucky enough to sail on Seven Seas Grandeur. It’s a beautiful ship with a fantastic crew and an overall great experience. What Regent Seven Seas Cruises does really well is its dining program. Pacific Rim, a Pan-Asian restaurant, and Chartreuse, a French-inspired restaurant, are featured on most ships and are among the best dining at sea. I also loved that the ship felt more like a floating resort, with fresh flowers, inspired artwork (hello, jewel-encrusted Faberge egg), and cozy outdoor nooks for enjoying the afternoon breeze. 

Silversea 

Foodies and travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences will enjoy Silversea. The biggest draw for foodies is the S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) food program. Onboard, this rich culinary program includes hands-on cooking classes in the S.A.L.T. Lab and regional cuisine in the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table. Off the ship, some tastings and excursions showcase the food and drink of the port of call. Other highlights of Silversea include the dedicated and personalized service. In fact, there is nearly a one-to-one ratio of guests to crew, ensuring that each guest feels like royalty.

SET SAIL: 12 best family cruises and ships in the world

Besides its thriving culinary scene, Silversea is renowned for its world cruises, which transport passengers to some of the most sought-after destinations on earth via its ships. If you can’t commit to the entire 100+ day voyage, there are opportunities to participate in individual segments, which last around two to three weeks. Besides seeing some of the best destinations in the world, you’ll be treated to exclusive events that only take place on these itineraries. 

Oceania Cruises

Cruisers who want laid-back luxury that walks the line between casual and upscale will find Oceania Cruises the right fit. Oceania’s fleet currently has eight ships with more on the way. I recently sailed on Oceania Allura, the brand’s newest cruise ship, which has 800 crew and space for 1,200 guests. The vibe is warm and welcoming, and the crew took time to get to know every guest over the course of a few days. The culinary highlight of the sailing was the grand brunch, which featured multiple stations. I particularly loved the hand-rolled pasta topped with freshly shaved truffles, unlimited caviar, and fresh pastries. 

TOGETHER TIME: 11 best adults-only all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean

Cruises take place all over the world, including Antarctica. One sailing that I’m particularly interested in is the Buenos Aires to Lima route, which goes all the way around the bottom of South America’s Cape Horn over 18 days on Oceania Vista. The cruise includes all of your specialty dining, gratuities, wifi, and the choice of complimentary drinks or a $800 short excursion credit. 

Explora Journeys

Families looking for a floating retreat where adults and kids can have fun should check out Explora Journeys. The cruise line is one of the few luxury lines that welcomes kids. Even better, both of the brand’s ships feature a dedicated kids club for children ages six to 17, with video games, table games, and more. Even better for families, most cabins can accommodate up to three guests, and there are connecting rooms onboard. Those traveling with kids ages two to 17 can save 50 percent on the child’s fare. Kids ages six months to 23 months are free. 

TEEN-FRIENDLY TRIPS: 10 best vacation ideas for families with teenagers

While Explora Journeys currently has two fantastic ships, in summer 2026, it will launch Explora III, which has 463 suites, five pools, six restaurants, and 12 bars and lounges. No matter which ship you choose to sail, there are plenty of inclusions, like unlimited drinks, thermal spa access, Wi-Fi, gratuities, and shuttle service from the port to the city center. 

An itinerary that looks great for families is A Journey through Legendary Marvels and Cultural Fusion, which is round-trip from Athens, Greece. The cruise visits Patmos and Mykonos in Greece, and Istanbul and Bodrum in Türkiye. 

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Travelers who want to go to the edge of the earth in luxury can do so with Altas Ocean Voyages. The brand is known for its all-inclusive luxury yachts that offer year-round expeditions with fewer than 200 passengers onboard. The ships have a nearly one-to-one ratio of guests to crew, so the level of attention every guest receives is quite high. Onboard each of the three yachts, the accommodations are superb with marble spa bathrooms and views of the ocean.

CRUISE DEALS: Kids sail free on these 8 cruise lines

Highlights of sailing with Atlas Ocean Voyages include zodiac rides to view wildlife and small group excursions that highlight local flavor and culture. A few of these immersive experiences include a French Can-Can workshop in Bordeaux, France; exploring the WWII tunnels in Gibraltar, Spain; and a Greek party onboard the yacht in Fiskardo, Greece.

More from FamilyVacationist:

• The best couples cruises to take this year
• Everything you need to know about river cruises in the U.S. in 2025
• The best family cruises you can drive to in every U.S. homeport