6 Incredible Cruise Ships You Must Sail On Before You Die

Going on a cruise might grant you entry to something that happens only once in a lifetime destinations , yet there are still numerous ships those that stand out as essential and create an unforgettable experience.

Cruise ships come in various sizes and styles catering to different preferences, from big boats packed with non-stop entertainment and activities for families, to smaller, quieter sailing options. These vessels provide an array of onboard amenities that can be every bit as thrilling as your destination ports.

Many cruise vessels provide amenities like waterslides, premium dining and drinking options, spa facilities, and adults-only zones. However, certain ones outshine others with their exceptional offerings. Below are six top-notch cruise ships that everyone should experience at least once in their life.

Best cruise ships

1. Evrima

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Luxury brand Ritz-Carlton owns a superyacht named Evrima named after the Greek term for uncovering.

Anticipate an upscale lodging experience akin to that of a luxurious waterfront hotel. This establishment accommodates up to 298 guests through its collection of 149 spacious suites, offering access to five distinct dining venues and six bars or lounging areas.

Every suite features an individual balcony where guests can unwind. Additionally, they have access to amenities such as the spa, beauty parlor, and men’s barbershop. They also have the option to take a dip in the pool or savor a cocktail at the Marina Terrace.

Emma Sanger-Horwell, who leads the cruise division at Kenwood Travel, stated The Independent: “Enjoy Michelin-star dining, unwind with world-class treatments at The Ritz-Carlton Spa, or dive straight into adventure from the marina, offering water sports just steps from your suite. With spacious, private terraces and breathtaking views, Evrima’s suites are designed for comfort and elegance.

This isn’t just a cruise—it’s an unparalleled expedition of exploration and luxury.

Prices begin at £6,700 per person for sailings departing from Tokyo. Japan , to Seward, Alaska, in May 2026.

2. Emblem of the Seas

With a length of 1,196 feet and featuring 18 passenger decks, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas It is the biggest cruise ship globally, capable of accommodating 5,610 passengers.

The first journey took place this year, offering something for everyone regardless of age. The ship features eight distinct neighborhoods and over 40 eating spaces and drinking venues.

The features encompass Thrill Island, an adventure section highlighting the largest ocean-going water park and waterslide. Additionally, there’s a solely adults-oriented spot on Cloud 17 along with the AquaDome, serving as a tranquil retreat during daylight hours and transforming into an entertainment venue in the evening.

The vessel boasts a permanent resident golden retriever called Rover, who holds the crucial position of chief dog officer.

Tony Andrews, the managing director of Cruise.co.uk, stated: "Royal Caribbean’s" Icon of the Seas It stands out as an absolute revolution, crafted to be a complete getaway destination. Personally, I believe it provides a one-of-a-kind experience, which makes it essential for cruise enthusiasts.

As the globe's biggest cruise vessel, it brims with exciting new features, opulent areas, and numerous activities suitable for families. Icon of the Seas Is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that seamlessly merges excitement, opulence, and enjoyment."

A circular voyage through the Eastern Caribbean starting and ending at the same point. Miami Costs start at £1,267 per person for departures beginning on November 8th.

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3. Le Commandant Charcot

French cruise brand Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is referred to as the globe's sole luxurious icebreaking vessel.

The Antarctic expedition cruise vessel operates using liquefied natural gas (LNG), providing passengers with an eco-friendlier method to discover less-traveled and fragile areas.

It was the inaugural vessel to achieve the southernmost navigable latitude in the Ross Sea, back in February 2022.

Given that there are 215 crew members for 245 passengers, you'll essentially have nearly one staff member per person aboard.

James Cole, who leads Panache Cruises as CEO, stated The Independent: She munches on ice, but beyond that, she does so with characteristic French elegance and style. Charcot permits visitors to revel in the excitement of a polar expedition and have an unprecedented intimate encounter with the local fauna.

Thanks to the vessel's size and its capability to navigate through icy areas, you always have the chance to set foot on the frozen terrain.

Yet, exploration begins aboard where specialists offer sharp and essential observations through their engaging lectures about this captivating ecosystem.

He mentions, "The restaurant is absolutely remarkable. Nuna serves a quintessentially French cuisine, brimming with style and sophistication, featuring nine-course tasting menus and extravagant dinner events."

The price begins at £2,360 per person for a four-night voyage departing from Brest, France, to Reykjavik, Iceland, in April 2026.

Read more: Top European Cruise Holiday Destinations

4. Queen Mary 2

Cunard’s newest ship , Queen Anne, could be celebrated for ushering the brand into contemporary times. , but Queen Mary 2 is essential for experiencing classic luxurious sailing.

Cole remarks that it "embodies the finest aspects of Britain."

Introduced in 2003, this vessel offers its 2,691 passengers an authentic British afternoon tea experience, along with opportunities to visit the onboard planetarium, delve into one of the 8,000 books housed in the biggest maritime library, and watch performances from the Royal Shakespeare Company or the English National Ballet during transatlantic voyages linking Southampton to New York.

Additionally, you have the option to bring your pet along. Cole mentioned, "Cunard provides an outstanding pet program, allowing passengers to bring their dogs, cats, or ferrets onboard, complete with a doggy day care center."

Cruiser patrons can unwind knowing their dogs are in secure care, and they have the option to stop by and take their pets for walks in a designated zone equipped with a fire hydrant where the animals can relieve themselves.

Pricing begins at £269 per person for a voyage from Southampton to Hamburg, Germany, or £599 per person for an Atlantic crossing from New York back to the UK.

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5. RV African Dream

Why confine yourself to marine creatures when you can merge a cruise with a wildlife adventure?

CroisiEurope’s RV African Dream A luxurious cruise liner navigates across Lake Kariba in Zimbabwe.

Visitors enjoy a close-up encounter, as the vessel accommodates 16 guests distributed among eight staterooms, supported by a staff of 15 crew members.

The facilities feature a sun deck, lounge, and jacuzzi area for your enjoyment, apart from taking in the vistas of Africa. These amenities are available from February through December. African Dream Sails on an eight-night cruise-safari schedule, featuring three nights at CroisiEurope’s accommodation close to Chobe National Park, the second-largest wildlife reserve in Botswana.

Sanger-Horwell added, "In addition to enjoying spectacular vistas from your cabin’s French balcony or personal terrace, you will also have the opportunity for exciting wildlife safaris in the neighboring Choe National Park and can choose to fly over Victoria Falls using a helicopter."

This completely guided trip combines luxury with fascination, offering you an up-close view of Africa’s breathtaking scenery and incredible animals.

Pricing can be provided upon inquiry.

6. Scenic Eclipse

Launched in 2018, Australian-owned Scenic Eclipse is referred to as the globe's inaugural exploration yacht.

The vessel designed for expeditions accommodates 228 travelers and features areas for housing two H130 helicopters along with their pilots, who transport visitors on tours around Antarctica throughout the journey.

However, the intriguing aspect lies underneath: the vessel boasts its own specialized submarine called Scenic Neptune, capable of descending up to an astonishing 1,000 feet deep.

Cole mentioned, "It’s truly a intimate voyage aboard a compact vessel—this allows us to anchor at lesser-known ports located at the farthest edges of our planet. Despite its modest scale, passengers still have access to an array of 10 eateries, each featuring distinct global cuisines."

Equipped with an advanced spa facility, Scenic Eclipse features a thermal suite along with a plunge pool intended for guests to unwind and de-stress during their active itinerary.

Pricing begins at £15,440 for Antarctic voyages in 2025.

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