10 cruises that are worth the splurge

Demand for cruises has been skyrocketing in recent years, with travelers from nearly all income and budget levels planning cruises in far greater numbers than even before the global pandemic.

Between 2022 and 2023, the number of cruise bookings soared from 20.4 million to 31.7 million, according to Cruise Lines International Association. That’s a 43 percent jump in one year.

A significant portion of the exploding demand is apparently being driven by the fact that cruises are currently cheaper than land-based explorations, according to Reuters.

But if a budget-friendly cruise is not exactly what you’re after and you’re looking to splurge on the cruise of a lifetime, there are plenty of options also.

In fact, there are so many possibilities at the luxury end of the spectrum that TravelPulse recently chatted with some of the industry’s leading advisers to get the inside scoop on which cruises are worth splurging on.

1. Cruise line: Regent Seven Seas

Specific cruise or ship: Regent Splendor’s Mediterranean cruise

Approximate price: About $12,350 per person inclusive of business-class air

How does 10 nights cruising the Mediterranean with stops in such European cities as Barcelona and Rome sound for a splurge-worthy getaway?

JoAnne Weeks, the vacation division director with Acendas Travel, puts the Regent Splendor Mediterranean cruise at the top of her list of recommendations.

“Regent is an all-inclusive, luxury experience,” says Weeks. “It may be sticker shock initially, but when you compare it to other lines out there it’s actually very competitive — if not a better value.”

Speaking of value, did we mention that business-class airfare is included on your international flights as part of the price you pay for the cruise? Other costs that are rolled into that $12,000-plus price-tag include cruise gratuities, shore excursions, specialty dining restaurants and even laundry service.

Here are a few more reasons why this cruise is a top choice for Weeks.

“The ship is a perfect size, with just over 700 guests and a crew count of 567,” she says. “It’s a small ship feel, yet with plenty to do. There’s a full line of entertainment onboard, a full-size pickle ball court, and a golf simulator and golf course holes designed after many of the well-known courses.”

And of course, the key detail for any cruise: The food and service on board is impeccable, says Weeks.

2. Cruise Line: Windstar

Specific cruise or ship: Windstar Sea Breeze Tahiti and French Polynesia itineraries

Approximate price: $3,900 per person for 7 nights

Let’s just get the obvious out of the way, shall we? With its crystal-clear water and stellar beaches, French Polynesia is a slice of pure heaven.

And Weeks says the experience is “better aboard the Windstar Breeze,” which was completely refurbished back in 2021.

“Windstar includes two of their destination experiences on the 7-night itinerary —a private beach barbecue lunch in Tahaa and a private luau in Bora Bora with a huge buffet offering grilled lobster and so many dishes I lost count,” explains Weeks.

Yet another fun fact about Windstar cruises is that the ship’s marina, which is made available on most days the ship is anchored, provides paddle boards, kayaks, float mats and even a trampoline at no extra charge, says Weeks.

Windstar’s food and service is also excellent, adds Weeks. And the ship’s spacious suites, meanwhile, even include a walk-in closet and a luxury bathroom with double sinks.

3. Cruise line: Lindblad Expeditions

Specific cruise or ship: Galapagos cruise

Approximate price: About $8,900 per person for 9-night itinerary that includes a 7-day cruise and a 2-night pre-hotel stay

Expedition cruising is all the rage right now, but Lindblad has been offering these types of cruises for a long time.

“Lindblad provides an up close and personal (experience) with the flora and fauna of the Galapagos aboard a small ship with the less than 100 guests,” Weeks explains.

“There is a certified naturalist on aboard and even glass-bottom Zodiac rides — for an experience like no other,” continues Weeks. “This is truly a unique destination worthy of splurging on.”

4. Cruise line: Aqua Expeditions

Specific cruise or ship: Aqua Blu cruise of East Indonesia

Approximate price: About $9,415 per person

The Aqua Blu, which explores East Indonesia, was originally the British Naval Explorer HMS Beagle. The ship was refurbished in 2019 and converted into a luxury expedition yacht. Over the fall season, the yacht offers a 7-night sail that explores Indonesia’s exotic Ambon and Spice Islands, providing a mix of cultural exploration and underwater activities, says Virgi Schiffino Kennedy, founder of Lux Voyage, a Philadelphia-based, Latina-owned private luxury travel consultancy.

“This cruise line stands out with its small, luxurious vessels that ensure a highly personal experience, encapsulating the essence of boutique travel at sea,” adds Schiffino Kennedy. “Every detail, from the sumptuous accommodations to the exquisite dining options curated by acclaimed Australian chef Benjamin Cross, is designed to pamper guests while offering a window into the vibrant cultures and stunning landscapes of Indonesia.”

5. Cruise line: Silversea

Specific cruise or ship: Silversea Silver Dawn Norway cruise

Approximate price: About $8,000 per person

Tim Elrod, vice president and travel adviser with the national travel agency Travelmation says Silversea’s Norway cruise tops his list of vacations worth the steep price tag.

“The itinerary includes so many incredible places,” says Elrod.

The journey takes cruisers to such legendary Norway stops as Bergin, Nordfjordeid, Andalsnes, Trondheim and Copenhagen.

What’s more, SilverSea’s door-to-door price tag includes everything from airfare, transfers and shore excursions to butler service, 24-hour gourmet dining and premium adult beverages.

“This is truly a vacation of a lifetime. I cannot recommend it enough,” says Elrod.

6. Cruise line: Royal Caribbean

Specific cruise or ship: Icon of the Seas

Approximate price: About $2,000 per person and up

While the price tags for Royal Caribbean cruises aren’t necessarily known for being exorbitant, Icon of the Seas is in a class of its own, says Joy Williams, a supervisor and travel adviser with Travelmation.

Williams recently quoted a balcony stateroom vacation on the ship for two clients and the price tag was $7,500. But she’s quick to add: “The Icon of the Seas is a cruise worth the splurge.”

“First, this ship is like nothing I have ever seen. The innovative design and cutting-edge technology are truly remarkable,” explains Williams.

The Icon also features a diverse variety of stateroom categories — from inside staterooms to an ultra-luxurious two-story ultimate family suite complete with a slide from the second floor down to the first.

There’s also an array of onboard amenities and activities that cater to diverse interests for people of all ages.

And did we mention the ship is home to the largest water park at sea?

“Icon has many areas to keep those young ones busy. For adults, there are lounges and clubs for every musical preference,” explains Williams. “For me, the productions were superior to those on any cruise I have sailed.

“The Icon of the Seas has an ice show in their Absolute Zero skating rink, a water show in their state-of-the-art Aquadome, and one of the best pieces of live theater I have seen, their production of ‘Wizard of Oz,’” Williams adds.

7. Cruise line: Disney Cruise Line

Specific cruise or ship: Disney Wish

Approximate price: Starting at $2,000 for a three-night cruise for two people.

Calling all family cruisers. Disney Cruises pretty much has the lock on this market. And Kristina Cooper, vice president and travel adviser with Travelmation, says the Disney Wish is worth the price tag for families.

“The Disney Wish is a fantastic splurge for families. From the moment you arrive onboard, you feel the iconic Disney magic and hospitality,” says Cooper.

“From the gangway, kids can take a slide immediately down to the incredible kid’s area — Disney’s Oceaneer Club — so the parents can also begin enjoying their vacation right from the start,” Cooper explains.

The Wish offers a variety of memorable and exclusive meal experiences based on some of its beloved characters and movies. This includes Worlds of Marvel and Arendelle: A Frozen Dining Adventure, continues Cooper.

“There’s tons of fun activities for families, the Pirate’s Rockin’ Parlay Party and even a super-immersive Star Wars bar — the Star Wars: Hyperspace Lounge,” says Cooper. “If you’re a family who loves Disney, this is a ship you won’t forget.”

8. Cruise line: Quark Expeditions

Specific cruise or ship: The Ultramarine

Approximate price: $18,000-$90,000 per person

If you are looking for a splurge cruise, then you’ve found it with Quark’s Antarctica expedition, says travel adviser Beth Washington of SmartFlyer, a company that specializes in crafting exceptional vacations worldwide.

“Their newly launched ship, the Ultramarine, comes equipped with all the classic Antarctica exploration amenities like kayaks and Zodiacs, as well as two helicopters for unforgettable adventures such as heli-hiking and flightseeing,” says Washington.

What’s more, guests aboard the Ultramarine can experience the thrill of taking a true “polar plunge” and jumping into the Antarctic Ocean, followed by a relaxing recovery in the sauna, says Washington.

The cost of the trip is dependent on the length of the sailing and the suite selected.

9. Cruise line: The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Specific cruise or ship: Evrima

Approximate price: Starts at $10,000 per person across all itineraries

The legendary Ritz-Carlton name oozes luxury.

So it’s hardly surprising to see a Ritz-Carlton cruise make it onto this list. But it’s not just the name that wowed travel adviser Deborah Director of SmartFlyer.

“The Ritz-Carlton Yachts’ unique experience is distinguished by its intimate atmosphere – with the Evrima accommodating just 298 guests – evocative of the private yachting lifestyle,” says Director.

In addition to the unparalleled service that Ritz-Carlton guests expect, the ship’s spacious accommodations are “elegant and comfortable, with a residential feel,” adds Director.

“One of the most exciting design features of this ship is that each room, regardless of category, has its own terrace, allowing guests to soak in the views of their voyage,” Director continues.

Director points out that it’s easy for clients with varying interests – whether they’re thrill-seekers, foodies or looking to unwind – to be happy with the array of activities on board.

From the on-deck humidor to ESPA treatments at the spa and the trademarked Ritz Kids program, explorations with Ritz-Carlton live up to the name.

10. Cruise line: Regent Seven Seas

Specific cruise or ship: Regent Seven Seas Grandeur

Approximate price: Ranges from $4,000 to more than $80,000 depending on room category and itinerary

And to wrap up this list, here’s one more nod for Regent Seven Seas cruises from travel advisers. This nomination comes from Adam Duckworth, the president and founder of Travelmation.

“The Regent Seven Seas Grandeur is truly an unrivaled experience,” says Duckworth. “From the moment you step onboard, you are immersed in pure luxury and beauty at every turn.

“You even get to see a Picasso and Faberge egg on board,” continues Duckworth.

Duckworth says he was especially impressed by “the incredible service from every crew member on board.”

The food was exceptional on the Seven Seas Grandeur and the all-balcony rooms are spacious and welcoming. And for those who feel like splurging on accommodations, the Regent Suite is bigger than most American houses at more than 4,400 square feet.

“It’s unlike anything I have ever seen at sea … but it’ll cost ya,” says Duckworth.