Viking was founded in 1997 with the purchase of four ships in Russia and the vision that travel could be more destination-focused and culturally immersive. In 2000, the company purchased Europe’s KD River Cruises to grow its fleet, leverage 40 years of river cruising experience, and acquire rights to prime docking locations in key European cities.

The company expanded into the American market in 2000, establishing a sales and marketing office in Los Angeles, California. Since then, Viking has grown to be the leading small-ship travel company, offering river, ocean, and expedition voyages on all seven continents.

Since it ventured into the ocean cruising market in 2015, Viking Ocean Cruises has earned acclaim for its inclusive luxury ships and engaging destination-focused itineraries. Viking Ocean Cruises appeal to active and intellectual adults who are interested in learning about the history and culture of the destinations they visit. The cruise line's eight identical 930-passenger ships include attractive perks, such as shipwide complimentary Wi-Fi and verandas for all cabins.

The smaller size of Viking ships allows them to access more exclusive ports throughout Europe, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean. Standard cruise itineraries range from eight to 119 days, while the line's World Cruise options can last up to 138 days. As part of Viking's inclusive fare, passengers are also treated to one complimentary shore excursion in each port of call.

Overall, the destination-heavy itineraries from Vikings attract well-traveled, active adults and retirees who have the time to explore multiple ports of call. While you'll often find North American cruisers, many Mediterranean itineraries also attract Europeans. Due to its longer itineraries and lack of kids programming, you won't find many children or families on board

Detail information:

Website: https://www.vikingcruises.com/oceans

Seabourn prides itself on offering the crème de la crème of cruise experiences. Its five ships welcome 458 or 600 guests (depending on the ship), and they offer cruisers a bevy of luxurious amenities both inside and outside their suites. Travelers can expect multiple dining options (both fine and casual), stimulating onboard activities, and a variety of excursions available before, during, and after the cruise.

Seabourn sails all over the world, visiting popular cruising destinations like Alaska, the Caribbean, and the Mediterranean, as well as more far-flung destinations in Australia, Asia, and the Arctic. In 2022, itineraries range from seven to 65 days. No matter which itinerary you choose, you'll be treated to ocean views galore, whether it's from the comfort of your suite, while working up a sweat in the fitness center or as you indulge in a treatment at the spa and salon. Ships also offer casinos, pools, nine-hole putting courses, and live music venues.

Additionally, passengers can take advantage of Seabourn's fine dining experiences, many of which feature menus crafted by Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller. Each ship has a roughly 1-to-1 crew-to-passenger ratio, so you can expect personalized service at its best.

Seabourn pioneered small-ship, ultra-luxury cruising, and continues to represent the pinnacle of that unique style of travel. Their fleet of intimate, all-suite ships, carrying between 458 and 600 guests each, sail to the world’s most desirable destinations at their peak seasons. Onboard, guests are served by an award-wining crew numbering nearly as many as the guests, hand-picked and extensively trained to deliver Seabourn’s signature style of thoughtful, personalized, and heartfelt hospitality. Seabourn’s ships attract accomplished people who enjoy traveling well and sharing fun and adventures with other interesting people. A great many of them have found the Seabourn cruise experience to be their preferred method of travel, and return regularly to sail with them again and again. They would welcome the opportunity to explore whether that might be true for you.

Detail information:
Website: https://www.seabourn.com/en_US.html

Azamara Cruises was founded in 2007 after two R-class ships from Pullmantur Cruises that would have gone to Celebrity Cruises were transferred to the new company. The first ships of the company were the Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey. They make cruises to exotic locations, competing with Oceania Cruises. Azamara currently operates four ships.

Azamara garners high praise from cruisers and critics for its upscale cabins and trips to far-flung destinations. The line's three ships – Azamara Journey, Azamara Quest, and Azamara Pursuit (with the fourth set to debut in 2022) – sail to more than 300 ports across nearly 100 countries, with popular stops in South America, Europe, the Caribbean, Australia, and Asia. With Azamara's ship capacity limited to about 700 guests, it is easy to steer clear of crowds and locate crew members.

While docked at different ports, Azamara voyages offer shore excursions that vary by activity level, including museum visits and walking tours. The cruise line also offers restaurant recommendations for those who’d like to explore the local dining scene. Whether you choose the shortest four-night cruise or the longest 23-night voyage, you can take advantage of each ship's onboard fitness center, lounges, and nightly musical and dance performances.

You will also find several dining options on all three ships, ranging from casual buffets to specialty restaurants like Aqualina and Prime C steakhouse. In addition to beverages and meals in the main dining room, cafe and buffet, Azamara cruise fares include onboard enrichment programs like culinary demonstrations, wine tastings, and lectures.

Detail information:

Website: http://www.azamara.com/

Regent is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd., a leading global cruise company with a portfolio of three award-winning brands: Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises, and Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Together, these brands have the youngest and fastest-growing fleet of the major cruise operators with nine additional ships scheduled for delivery through 2027.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises receives high marks from experts and travelers alike for its all-inclusive approach and commitment to luxury service. All five of Regent's ships – Seven Seas Navigator, Seven Seas Mariner, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Voyager, and Seven Seas Splendor – offer all-suite accommodations. And with one crew member for every one to two passengers, the line prides itself on its friendly, attentive staff.

How long you're onboard a Regent ship can vary greatly, with 2022 voyages ranging from seven to 120 nights. Regent's popular 2022 itineraries include stops in hundreds of ports throughout Africa, Alaska, Asia, the Caribbean, Europe, and more.

Guests can explore new places with complimentary shore excursions that vary by itinerary, from paella-making classes in Valencia, Spain, to elephant safaris in Bali. There's also plenty to do without leaving the ship, including nightly onboard entertainment, the Serene Spa & Wellness center, and a putting green. Select sailings feature enrichment series led by experts in a variety of fields, from cultural anthropology to culinary practices. And dining options abound – gourmet venues range from an upscale steakhouse, Prime 7, to Sette Mari at La Veranda, an informal Italian eatery.

Detail information:

Website: http://rssc.com/

Celebrity Cruises is a cruise line headquartered in Miami, Florida, and a wholly-owned subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Group. Celebrity Cruises was founded in 1988 by the Greece-based Chandris Group and merged with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line in 1997. Celebrity's signature logo is an "Χ" displayed on the funnel of Celebrity ships, and is the Greek letter chi, for "Chandris".

Celebrity Cruises earns high marks from cruisers and experts alike, thanks to its upscale design and innovative cuisine. Celebrity's fleet departs from U.S. cities like Honolulu, Miami, and Seattle. While you can sail on a smaller ship like Celebrity Xpedition, which transports only 48 passengers, you can also cruise on a larger ship like Celebrity Edge, which can accommodate 2,918 passengers.

Regardless of the ship you select, you can expect a high level of customer service, with each ship carrying approximately one crew member for every two passengers. Celebrity ships ply waters all around the globe, with sailings making stops in Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean, among other popular destinations. Voyages span anywhere from two to 18 nights, and excursions vary by cruise duration and itinerary.

No matter which itinerary you choose, you will find a full docket of onboard activities, including wine workshops and glassblowing classes, as well as relaxing pursuits like spa treatments. When you work up an appetite, check out the fleet's variety of dining options, ranging from the Main Restaurant to several specialty venues.

Detail information:
Website: http://celebritycruises.com/

Oceania Cruises' six ships – Marina, Riviera, Regatta, Nautica, Insignia, and Sirena – stand apart from other midsize cruise ships thanks to their low 1-to-2 crew-to-passenger ratios, gourmet cuisines, and comprehensive itineraries. Oceania sails around the world, with 2022 trips spanning Europe, Alaska, the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, South America, and the South Pacific, among other regions. Oceania's shore experiences are just as varied as its sailings: passengers can sign up for activities ranging from glacier adventures in Juneau, Alaska, to vineyard hopping in Santorini, Greece. Should you wish to extend your time onshore, you can sign up for a pre-or post-cruise land tour with Oceania, which includes most lodging, dining, and transportation costs.

Onboard, you will find plenty of ways to fill your time at sea. Wine and martini tastings and educational presentations are offered on the line's smaller Regatta, Nautica, Sirena, and Insignia ships, which carry up to 684 guests. Cooking demonstrations and art classes take place aboard the larger Marina and Riviera ships, which can carry up to 1,250 guests. During your voyage for 2022 cruises, you can also take advantage of the casino and the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center. And if you're a foodie, be sure to sample the offerings available across the fleet's numerous open-seating dining venues – including the Grand Dining Room, which serves French fare at lunchtime from a menu created by master chef Jacques Pépin.

Accommodations are equally alluring and true designer showcases. Featuring a sweepingly re-inspired atmosphere with a soft sea and sky palette of fabrics and sumptuous residential furnishings; Regatta, Insignia, Nautica, and Sirena are a study in comfort and elegance. Marina, Riviera, and Vista are the only ships at sea to feature suites designed and furnished by Ralph Lauren Home. Oceania Cruises' newest addition, Vista, elevates standards for comfort and residential-style luxury with all-veranda accommodations and serves up a fresh perspective on The Finest Cuisine at Sea® with imaginative concepts and epicurean delights.

Detail information:
Website: https://www.oceaniacruises.com/

Silversea Cruises has built a reputation for exclusivity and exemplary service, with staples like spacious suites, diverse onboard activities, and gourmet cuisine. The line's 10 small luxury ocean and expedition ships – carrying between 100 and 608 guests – foster an intimate experience, with nearly one crew member for every passenger.

These small-scale vessels can sail to remote ports in more than 900 destinations across the globe, enabling you to choose unique excursions like a guided tour of Ephesus or a train journey to Moscow. Silversea Cruises in 2022 last anywhere from five to 167 days, with itineraries covering Europe, South America, the Caribbean, and more.

During your voyage, you ưll be able to soak up the scenery from your suite, since all of Silversea's accommodations offer ocean views. You will find plenty of amenities on board as well, such as fitness centers, pools, theaters, spas, and casinos. Also, be sure to take advantage of enrichment programs, which feature guest lecture series from expert onboard guides. Plus, with Silversea's flexible dining schedule, you can cater meals to your preferences. The ship's upscale dining options include La Dame, which serves up gourmet French fare.

Silversea provides one of the most inclusive offerings in ultra-luxury cruising. Voyages include butler service in every suite category; a choice of restaurants on every ship, as well as in-suite dining around the clock, complimentary sustainable caviar on-demand 24/7, and premium beverages served throughout the ship; and truly door-to-door service, with private executive transfers and flights included as standard, among other inclusions. Silversea’s guests travel deep into over 900 destinations across all seven continents, enjoying a curated selection of immersive experiences in the world’s most remarkable places.

Detail information:
Website: https://www.silversea.com/

Cunard Line founded in 1840 by Samuel Cunard, this iconic cruise line established the first regular transatlantic steamship service. The three Cunard ships are named after English Queens – so you’re getting the royal treatment off the bat. The fleet includes the legendary Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria. An additional ship is being built in Italy at present, with input from some of the best interior designers in the world.

Cunard's three ships – Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth, and Queen Victoria – receive praise for their stylish accommodations and elegant facilities, including upscale dining areas and opulent ballrooms. Keeping with its legacy as a traditional, old-world ocean liner, Southampton-based Cunard Line is one of the only luxury cruise lines to offer secluded dining areas for select passengers, meaning guests staying in standard staterooms dine in a different restaurant than passengers staying in suites. Outside the luxurious lodgings, you can enjoy lounging and dining options like the Golden Lion pub and a specialty steakhouse restaurant on all three ships.

In 2022, Cunard offers one-way, round-trip, and transatlantic sailings to major cities across the United States, Canada, Europe, the Caribbean, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific Islands. Available shore excursions depend on the cruise's itinerary and duration (future voyages range from two to 113 nights). Excursions include a Sydney Harbour Bridge climb in Sydney, a traditional Portuguese tile painting in Lisbon, Portugal, and more. What's more, all of Cunard's ships feature casinos, spas, art galleries, and a wide range of enrichment programs, such as computer classes, ballroom dance tutorials, and lecture series.

Detail information:

Website: https://www.cunard.com/en-gb

Holland America Line was founded in Rotterdam, Netherlands, and from 1873 to 1989, it operated as a Dutch shipping line, a passenger line, a cargo line, and a cruise line operating primarily between the Netherlands and North America. As part of the company's legacy, it was directly involved in the transport of many hundreds of thousands of emigrants from the Netherlands to North America. Holland America has been a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation since 1989.

Holland America Line caters to affluent adults with midsize ships that carry between 1,432 and 2,668 guests. Each ship provides high-quality service with two or three crew members for every passenger. Holland America Line's ships travel to destinations around Australia, Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, southeast Asia, Europe, South America, Antarctica, and more. On Holland America cruises – which depart from U.S. cities like Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and San Diego and can last anywhere from one to 74 days – you can pass the time with enrichment programs like digital photography, cooking demonstrations, and mixology workshops, or work up a sweat in spin or Pilates classes before unwinding at the spa.

Though they vary by itinerary, Holland America Line's shore excursions are primarily adult-oriented, with activities ranging from animal encounters to bike tours and even helmet diving. Meanwhile, Holland America Line's dining style allows flexibility when it comes to mealtimes. You can mingle with fellow passengers over a five-course dinner in the main Dining Room, sample fresh seafood in the Pinnacle Grill, or take advantage of 24-hour room service.

Detail information:
Website: https://www.hollandamerica.com/en_US.html

Established in 2001, SeaDream Yacht Club launched with twin mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, and has achieved the industry’s highest accolades. “It’s Yachting, Not Cruising” defines SeaDream’s mission is to provide a casual yachting experience that exceeds guests’ expectations as they explore the world’s most amazing destinations. This is their pleasure.

All guest rooms have an ocean view and the SeaDream experience is inclusive. Whether dining al fresco or in the salon, relaxing by the pool or enjoying a spa treatment, playing a round of golf in a golf simulator, or taking a mountain bike ashore and exploring the port of call, their guests know that they are experiencing the most personalized and pampered holiday at sea. SeaDream I and SeaDream II itineraries are designed to call upon the most intimate ports, harbors, and yachting playgrounds that larger ships cannot reach.

The SeaDream team, both shoreside and aboard, enjoy knowing they are providing unprecedented levels of luxury and service. SeaDream’s guests appreciate that whatever they choose to do (or not to do, for that matter) during their yachting holiday, they will be experiencing one of the best vacation experiences at sea. When designing SeaDream Yacht Club, Mr. Brynestad knew it would be the attention to detail and all important impeccable service that would define yachting in the true sense of the word.

Detail information:
Website: https://seadream.com/

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours operates a fleet of river ships that sail in Europe, Russia, and Asia in five-star luxury. Their 15 “Space-Ships”—so named for the generous size of the cabins and public spaces—offer river voyages ranging from seven to 21 nights. One of the few river lines to offer truly all-inclusive fares, your luxury experience onboard includes private butler service, unlimited complimentary beverages and spirits including mini-bar re-stocked daily, full-size private balcony staterooms, dining at multiple venues and transfers, port charges, and gratuities all at no extra charge.

Many of the Space-Ships have a vitality pool on the Sun Deck, a guest lift between decks, laundry concierge service, a salt therapy lounge, and wellness and fitness centers. On-board cuisine is also representative of Scenic’s luxury brand promise, with up to six dining options, including the tradition of a multi-course dégustation at Table La Rive, fine dining at Portobellos, and the more casual fare at the River Café. Scenic partners with National Geographic to offer themed sailings that offer guests the opportunity to learn from leading National Geographic experts and photographers while exploring the rivers of Europe and Asia.

With a maximum of 163 guests and an abundance of public spaces, the Scenic Space-Ships that cruise Europe's rivers provide an intimate environment for you to relax between your adventures in some of Europe’s most remarkable regions. The boutique 5-star Scenic Spirit on the Mekong River, with a maximum of just 68 guests, is a luxurious sanctuary and represents a stylish connection between southeast Asian traditions and the modern innovation Scenic is known for.

It is a small ship cruising in a class of its own, where intimacy, personalized service, and unprecedented access to smaller ports that others can’t reach, combine with Scenic’s truly all-inclusive luxury. Expect impeccable service, inviting hospitality, world-class dining, and a truly all-inclusive river cruise tailored to your every whim. Luxurious suites, a choice of dining venues, included premium beverages, personalized wellbeing with a dedicated wellness area, state-of-the-art gym, walking track and exclusive Salt Therapy Lounges in Europe mean our custom-designed, 5-star floating hotels are in a class of their own.

Detail information:
Website: https://cruising.org/en/cruise-lines/scenic-luxury-cruises-and-tours