When embarking on a cruise, it isn’t necessarily the destinations on offer that appeal the most, especially when on board a luxury vessel. In fact, the ship itself can act as a destination in its own right – with so much on board, from luxury spas and casinos, to arts kitchens and unique lecture programmes, you can have just as much fun on board a cruise ship, as you can ashore.
Fran Hayden, Marketing Executive at ROL Cruise, considers the five best luxury ships for sea days so that you can ensure your days at sea are jam-packed with excitement.
Cunard’s Iconic Queen Mary 2
If ever there was a ship built for days at sea, then it was Cunard’s iconic Queen Mary 2. As the only Planetarium at sea, Illuminations, a luxury 3D cinema, will provide you with a virtual ride through space, whilst the stunning Royal Court Theatre puts on show-stopping performances. Fine boutiques provide a range of products, from tempting souvenirs and gifts to exquisite jewellery and designer clothing, and if you venture to The Verandah or Kings Court, you can enjoy a host of unforgettable speciality dining experiences.
As well as all of this, you can choose to enjoy a white-gloved Afternoon Tea experience, enjoy a Canyon Ranch SpaClub® treatment, spend time in the Pavilion Pool, take a Martini Mixology class, visit The Clarendon Art Gallery or enjoy a traditionally British game of darts and a pint in the Golden Lion pub.
Embark upon an iconic and traditional voyage on board Queen Mary 2 here.
Seven Seas Explorer® – Explorer by Name & Nature
Proudly named The Most Inclusive Luxury ExperienceTM, expect great things from Regent Seven Seas Cruises®. In particular, their newest ship added to the fleet in July 2016 – Seven Seas Explorer®. With all that you’d expect from Regent included, days at sea can be seamlessly spent in the utmost luxury. Of particular note is The Culinary Arts Kitchen, which is available exclusively aboard Seven Seas Explorer®, and provides guests with a welcoming environment reminiscent of the most prestigious cooking schools in the world, in which to practice their culinary skills in a series of classes.
From modern Nordic dishes to favourites inspired by Downton Abbey – this is one experience not to be missed. Of course, this isn’t all that’s available on board, you can also take a dip in the refreshing Infinity-Edge Plunge Pool; enjoy thrilling shows in the Constellation Theatre; visit Compass Rose, Regent’s largest speciality restaurant at sea or spend a lively afternoon in the Card Room.
Join Seven Seas Explorer® on a simply unmissable journey, here.
Refined Elegance with Riviera
World-renowned for providing the epitome of refined elegance, the Oceania Cruises® fleet does not disappoint. If you are on board the stunning Riviera for a number of sea days, then you should consider yourself lucky – for there are an abundance of activities that you can enjoy. Designed with the ultimate epicurean and travel connoisseur in mind, Riviera is home to multiple dining venues including Jacques – French-inspired cuisine ingeniously reinterpreted by Master Chef Pépin. La Reserve by Wine Spectator offers wine seminars and tastings, as well as gourmet dinners pairing fine wines with delectable courses. There is a reason that Oceania boldly claim to service The Finest Cuisine at Sea™.
Also on board is the Artist Loft, where talented artists-in-residence offer step-by-step instruction; The Culinary Center, which offers a hands-on-cooking experience hosted by Master Chefs from around the world; a tranquil library to peruse at your leisure and the stunning Canyon Ranch SpaClub®. As the sister-ship to Riviera, the elegant Marina also offers these unforgettable experiences.
Enjoy 5-Star luxury on board Oceania Cruises’® Riviera, here.
Experience Modern Luxury Aboard Celebrity Silhouette®
Considered modern luxury, as opposed to opulence, Celebrity Cruises’® innovative vessel, Celebrity Silhouette® is the perfect choice if you enjoy unrivalled relaxation and extraordinary fine dining. A host of exceptional experiences await on board, but it is the detail that sets Celebrity Silhouette® apart from other luxury vessels. For you can enjoy unique dining on board, but have you ever eaten such a thing as a Sushi Lollipop or Disco Shrimp? In Celebrity Silhouette’s® Qsine, you can. Interactive outdoor grilling meets endless ocean views at the top deck restaurant, Lawn Club Grill, whilst in The Alcoves, you can enjoy a drink or snack and stunning ocean views in a secluded cabana.
For your evening entertainment, the Solarium, which by day is a haven of peace and tranquillity, turns into a thriving nightclub – complete with acrobats, atmospheric lighting and DJs! Plus, the Studio, the Hideaway, the Art Studio and Pool Deck also provide unmissable experiences for your days at sea!
Cruise in modern luxury with Celebrity Silhouette®, here.
Silver Muse – Silversea’s Newest Flagship
Delivered in spring 2017, Silver Muse represents an exciting evolution of Silversea’s Silver Spirit. Aiming to redefine ultra-luxury ocean travel, Silver Muse features a wealth of enhancements to the on board experience, whilst retaining the level of luxury that Silversea guests have come to know and love. One thing in particular that Silversea are well-known for, is the variety of dining options on board – from Asian-inspired Indochine and authentic Italian La Terrazza, to tapas-style dishes in Silver Note and Silver Muse’s show-stopping bespoke menu found in La Dame by Relais & Châteaux®, dining opportunities are vast – and my goodness are they good.
When you’ve had your fill of fine dining, you can relax with an after-dinner cognac or whisky in Connoisseur’s Corner; visit the Arts Café for exciting exhibitions; visit the Venetian Lounge to soak up the grandeur and magic of music and theatre or simply head to Dolce Vita where you can mingle with like-minded savvy travellers and make life-long friends.
Experience Silversea’s newest flagship, Silver Muse here.
For further information on ROL Cruise and to register to receive special offers and Cruise Miles loyalty rewards visit ROLCruise.co.uk or call free on 0800 251 1005.
