TravelAnne Cruise Report
There is a loyal and dedicated group of travelers who love the open seas. You know who you are! Your bags are packed and you’re ready to set sail. The time has come to book passage.
By: Ambria Lancaster
Editor’s Note:
All of these are wonderful water options!
There are a lot of cruise choices on the waters. Our readers tend to gravitate toward the smaller luxury cruise lines… whether it be on an ocean or a river. These lines show you how to sail in style. Here are some of our favorites:
For our readers, there are four ocean cruise lines that rise to the top and two river cruise lines that are especially popular.
All of these are luxury choices. They are smaller vessels and carry fewer passengers.
OCEAN CRUISES
In need of a getaway that is extravagant and intimate? Try Seabourn, Sea Dream, Silvesea, or Oceania. Each of these lines add their own unique touch to cruising. Read more about these all inclusive cruise lines below!
Seabourn
Seabourn offers travelling without the stress. With their worry-free promise Seabourn amplifies their flexibility. Cancel excursions or reschedule for another time. This can be done before and during your trip. Devour their award-winning gourmet cooking on this all inclusive cruise. Seabourn can access smaller ports while maintaining a generous guest per space ratio. Embrace the private club atmosphere with a complimentary cocktail!
Number of Ships: 6
Pool: Yes
Spa: Seabourn does have a spa available, but these services must be paid for separately.
Fitness: Yes
Salon: Yes
Dining: Seabourn has a variety of dining options: The Grill by Thomas Keller, Sushi, The Restaurant, The Colonnade, The Patio, Earth & Ocean, and even 24-hour room service for those who feel like escaping the crowd.
Amenities: They offer 4 different suite styles that all include queen sized beds, walk in closets, spacious veranda, floor-to-ceiling glass doors, shower and luxury products by Molton Brown London. Some suites offer an ocean view while others include a spa! In addition to that, all suites have their own personal steward.
Activities: There are a variety of activities and areas that are available to cruisers like The Card Room, Evening Under the Stars, Shopping with the Chef, and much more!
Additional Intel:
- Round trips that depart from Bridgetown, Barbados are set to reopen July 18, 2021.
- All guests must be vaccinated.
- Itineraries are for 7 days, but are combinable for up to 14 days.
- If you book now through August 31, 2021, you could get a credit of up to $1,000 per Suite Shipboard Credit. Up to $2,000 for Penthouse/ Premium.
- US Travellers: An air add-on is available, reduced Economy Class air to Greece for $699 OR upgrade to Business Class for $2,999 and a $1,000 air credit.
- Summer Caribbean: Air fare is separate from cruise purchase. The air prices do include tax.
Sea Dream
Sea Dream is all about the yachts. This family-owned line has a saying, “It’s yachting, not cruising”. Their mission is to provide a casual yachting experience that exceeds their guest’s expectations. All guest rooms have an ocean view. They have a variety of activities on and offshore. A popular one onboard is their golf simulator.
Number of Ships: 2
Spa: They have the only Thai-certified spa at sea. Multiple treatment options are available.
FItness: Yes, they have daily Tai Chi and yoga sessions on deck 4. If you like to run or walk you can use deck 6. They also provide free gym equipment.
Salon: This salon is full service and that includes nail services as well.
Dining: You can find fine cuisines at The Topside Restaurant, pool side, or simply order when you’re ready!
Amenities: All rooms have an ocean view! Some come with a soaking tub, master bedroom, dining area, and even a guest bathroom. Meanwhile, other rooms can be combined into one mega suite.
Activities: You can play watersports on board! They also have personal sailboats, tubes, wave runners/ jet skis, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and so much more for those who want to explore the water beyond the yacht! Balinese beds are available for cruisers who want a more serene experience.
Silversea
Silversea sails to over 900 destinations spread across all seven continents. They take pride in guests not worrying about a bill at the end of the night. So enjoy their free-flowing premium fine wines and spirits. This is also extended to their gourmet meals. Silversea offers the highest space per guest ratio of any luxury cruise accommodations. They also have a 1:1 staff to guest ratio. Meaning somebody is always ready to help!
Number of Ships: Silver Sea has 9 ships of various sizes, the smallest ship capacity being 51 and the largest 304.
Spa: Yes, which offers the traditional spa services like massages and facials. They also have a medi-spa and an acupuncturist.
Fitness: Yes, and they offer free classes, personal trainers, and free equipment.
Salon: Yes, and this one comes with full nail service along with teeth whitening services.
Dining: Silver Sea offers a wide variety of onboard restaurants to choose from. They are: Atlantide, Indochine, Kaiseki, La Dame, La Terrazza, S.a.l.t. -Kitchen, Seishin Restaurant, Silver Note, Spaccanapoli, The Grill, and The Restaurant.
Amenities: Silver Sea has 14 different suite styles that can be customized to each individual’s liking. In addition to a butler, toiletries, and oceanviews you also get in-suite dining along with a personal bar. Some suites even have a private teak veranda.
Activities:, Most of the action is on the shore. Book your excursion in advance using the portal app!
Oceania
Oceania strives to change their passenger’s view of the world. They offer insider tours that immerse you in a destination’s culture. They also strive to make their guests feel at home. Oceania is constantly expanding. In 2022 they will open their Tropics and Exotics Collection. Allowing them to go further than they ever have before on seas less travelled. Until then, travel from coast to coast in comfort. As their service comes from the heart.
They’re all great options. Here’s a checklist of each cruise line that provides further details…
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t worry we have a few checklists for new cruise lines written out below.
Number of Ships: 6 small ships are available for a more intimate cruise.
Spa: Yes, it’s called Aquamar, a medi-spa, which has treatments to help you feel like your best self on the inside and out. They offer a variety of treatments whether it be a deep tissue massage or a chat with a therapist to help make accommodations.
Fitness: Complimentary fitness classes are available along with personal trainers and free equipment.
Salon: No
Dining: Oceania provides a multitude of cuisines. You can catch a bite to eat at the Grand Dining Room, La Reserve by Wine Spectator, Privee, Toscana, Polo Grill, Jacques, Red Ginger, Tuscan Steak, Terrace Cafe, Waves Grill, Horizons, and Baristas. All dining is complementary and no reservations are required!
Amenities: All ships offer 24-hour butler service, a welcome bottle of Champagne, an Ipad (upon request), and course by course in-suite dining. In addition to all of the wonderful activities one can enjoy while on a ship, those who choose to sail on the Marina or Riviera get access to the exclusive Executive Lounge. The lounge can only be accessed by card, making the area private, allowing plenty of room.
Activities: Oceania offers a variety of activities to keep you busy as you sail down the way. They have the Culinary Center, Stay Connected (internet cafe), Casino, Brain Games, Artist Loft, guest speakers, boutiques and so much more!
RIVER CRUISING
Aren’t in the mood to hit the “high seas” as of yet? AMA Waterways and Viking offer a luxurious river cruise experience. Both craft their ships for their specific routes. Leading to a smooth sail. It is a great way for both viewing city and countryside landscapes while in your cabin or on deck.
AMA Waterways
Sample some of AMA’s fine wine. They have a variety of wine themed cruises. AMA is also a part of the prestigious la Chaine des Rotisseurs . Go on an excursion of your choice and remember that the line is known for its spa and fleet of bicycles available for guest’s use. They even have a few options for late risers. Enjoy their very own Chef’s Table. All of AMA’s lounges and dining areas offer panoramic views. These ships were truly built for comfort.
Number of Ships: They have 23 ships, of various sizes.
Spa: Yes
Salon: Yes
Dining: Sample macaroons and chocolate in France or stay onboard for more fine cuisine. AMA Waterways was inducted into the La Chaîne des Rôtisseurs and is the first cruiseline to do so.
Amenities: Enjoy plush linens and marble bathrooms. They also provide in-room entertainment on demand. Many rooms come with a full balcony and a french balcony.
Activities: Embrace a relaxation day out on their sundecks. They offer a 360 degree view. Some ships have heated pools with a swim-up bar. There are also bikes you can checkout for those who want to explore the shorelines.
Viking River Cruises
Another great option is Viking. They’re known for their exquisite long ships and award-winning service. Take a shore excursion in various cities while the ship is docked. Enjoy something new every day with their destination-based dining. They even have a curated library for those who simply want to escape while never leaving the boat! Viking was voted the #1 River Cruise Line in the Condé Nast Traveler 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards. Viking definitely takes pride in setting the standard.
Number of Ships: Viking has around 52 ships, each region having its own unique style as the boats are handcrafted to be the most efficient in their designated waterways.
Spa: No
Fitness: No
Salon: No
Dining: Have complete control over your dining experience at The Restaurant! The meals you get are based on what you sign up for on your itinerary, meaning you can have sushi for breakfast and Mediterranean cuisine for lunch. It all depends on where your ship is headed.
Amenities: With this cruise line, it truly does depend on what ship you choose to sail on. However, most come with a mini-bar, full sized veranda, and are fairly spacious.
Activities: You can go on personalized shore excursions or you can listen to a Guest Speaker/Port Talk. There will also be Craft & Cooking Demonstrations, Classical and Regional Musicians, and the Viking Curated Library for those who prefer to stay on deck!
Editor's Note:
These are all great cruise options. But there is a lot to sort out.
** Ambria Lancaster is an undergraduate student at University of Arkansas at Little Rock where she is studying Creative and Technical Writing. She is also an intern with Heintz Media Group assigned to the TravelAnne editorial team.