Six world-class voyages that offer the luxe at-sea lifestyle you deserve

Dial it up—cruising is back, and it’s better than ever! The allure of unconventional world voyages with exemplary services, excellent amenities, bucket-list attractions, and ever-changing views for days on end appeals to many. Travellers nowadays have decided to swap the stresses of land travel for all-inclusive and adventurous excursions off the beaten seas. Whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a first-time cruiser, these magnificent floating suites that rival the finest hotels promise an unforgettable experience in the world of sophistication and splendour. If you’ve always dreamt of setting sail in style, you’re in luck; from free business class airfare and invite-only shore expeditions to relaxing poolside massages, gourmet restaurants, and personal butlers on call 24/7, here are the most scenic luxury cruises to get on board with.

Seabourn Encore, Seabourn

Upscale, unpretentious, and unapologetically indulgent for the price,the Seabourn Encore promises a trip that is big on casual luxury. Completed in 2016, the ship is built like a large yacht with decadent interiors, expansive decks, and spacious suites that exude a sense of contemporary elegance and sophistication blended with subtle nautical details. Spoiling us silly with extensive wellness offerings combined with a relaxed atmosphere and vibrant international dishes makes the journey all the more magical. Seabourn’s extraordinary onshore excursion highlights a seven-day tour of Greece and the Croatian region of Dalmatia—thanks to its smaller size, it can visit tiny ports and hidden harbours that larger ships might otherwise overlook, offering you a one-of-a- kind travel experience.

Le Bougainville, Ponant

Le Bougainville, Ponant’s stylish new-generation expedition ship, combines exploration with luxury, even in the planet’s most remote and isolated regions. Boasting a sleek crescent-shaped profile and refined open-to- the-sea design in soothing neutral hues, the majestic three-mast yacht packs a mighty punch in terms of coastal style and innovation. Guests can indulge in Alain Ducasse-inspired menus, Grand Cru wines, and the finest gourmet cheese that celebrate the best of French bon-vivant living. Departing from Nice, between wild paradises and heavenly beaches, iconic ports, and private moments, the ship invites you to experience a new way of exploring the wonderful Corsican shores.

Regent Seven Seas Splendor, Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Imagine the most lavish hotel you’ve ever stayed in. That’s precisely what it feels like when you board the Regent Seven Seas Splendor.The lavish all-suite accommodations feel like your home away from home—despite their capacious interiors—and while the opulence and grandeur shine through every square inch of space,it’s worth mentioning that the solicitous crew makes the experience even more memorable. Featuring nine speciality restaurants, the guests have unlimited access to gourmet dining—lobster, fillet mignon, champagne, and a selection of premium beverages like fine wines and spirits.Watch the ship pull into secluded islands and alluring ports across Asia, Europe, and Australia from the comfort of your suite’s private balcony and immerse yourself in the beauty of every destination.

Silver Muse, Silversea

Marking a new era of ultra-luxury ocean travel, Silver Muse offers the intimacy of a small ship, all-inclusive suite accommodation, and magnificent fine-dining venues with panoramic ocean views. All these prove that it is the best place to be between the sea and the sky.With a passenger-to-crew ratio of almost one to one and a dedicated butler catering to each suite, personalised attention continues to be the hallmark of Silversea’s services.Open-air decks, expansive pools, private jacuzzis, live music, cabaret-style performances, and authentic cuisines from around the world set the Silver Muse apart from other cruise lines. Embark on a Mediterranean dream odyssey with an eight- night pre-inaugural round voyage from Monte Carlo to Barcelona and a highly anticipated 13-night maiden voyage—complete with ceremonies and parties—that begins from Monte Carlo and winds its way through the French Riviera along coastal Spain and Italy before disembarking passengers in Nice.

Queen Mary 2, Cunard

Glamorous, formal, and traditional, Cunard’s Art Deco-inspired ship, Queen Mary 2, harks back to the golden era of ocean travel with refined dining, sartorial elegance, haute cuisine, black tie nights, ballroom dancing, and high-end entertainment from the playful to the cerebral. Among the beautifully appointed, spacious staterooms, the Grill Suites are the most enviable. En-suite pre-dinner canapes, a personal butler, and an experience tailored to your preferences make a stay in the Queens Grill Suite a tranquil indulgence. Guests can look forward to a myriad of signature experiences like acting workshops, theatrical productions, spa therapy, water-painting classes, and bridge lessons that evoke the timeless luxury that is the essence of Cunard.Whisking away travellers to worlds both old and new, the world-famous ship features an impressive array of itineraries featuring the bustling magic of America to the richly historic allure of Europe, fulfilling lifelong dreams of classic transatlantic voyaging.

Genting Dream, Resort World Cruises

Welcome aboard Genting Dream, your ticket to an experience of a lifetime.Whether you’re up for a buzzing nightlife, a food lover in search of culinary delights, or a fitness and spa enthusiast who needs a break from the mundane,there’s a perfect experience lined up for you.At the top end of the spectrum is The Palace, an exclusive “ship within a ship” enclave available on the Dream Cruises fleet. It includes over 140 suites, private VIP facilities, and entertainment options like waterslide park, zip lines, and observation lounge.The fleet hosts foam parties at The Zouk, movie screenings, live bands, and much more. Sailing from Singapore to bucket-list attractions like Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Phuket, this weekend cruise promises a first-hand experience of true Asian luxury like never before.

All images: The brands 

This piece originally appeared in the October-November print edition of Harper's Bazaar India.

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