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The Expert Guide to Ultra Luxury 6 Star Cruises

Mar 13, 2021 | CRUISE TIPS | 0 comments

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THE FACTS – 6 STAR CRUISES

How does it work.

We all know how the hotel star rating system works and given a choice, we would no doubt choose the 5-star hotel experience. There is no such star rating system for cruises, but an unwritten standard has emerged.

6-star cruises are the ultimate type of cruises that you could ever experience when going on holiday on the water. But what is a 6-star cruise, and which cruise lines can offer you a 6-star cruising experience? Here is our comprehensive guide to why 6-star cruises are the ultimate in cruising.

What are 6 Star Cruises?

6-star cruises are also known as Six Star or Ultra-Luxury cruises, and these relate to a small number of exclusive cruise lines with exquisite cruise ships offering the most amazing food and service. Six-star cruise ships take luxury to a whole new level and, in many cases, far exceeds anything you would find in a 5-star hotel ashore.

Most 6-star cruise ships generally cater to just several hundred passengers with a high ratio of crew to passengers – 1:1 in some cases. (read our article on the Crew to Passenger Ratio ). The Passenger Space Ratio , or the amount of space per passenger, will also be much higher on 6-star cruises.

For in-depth reviews of all the Ultra Luxury Six Star cruises, you might like to buy a copy of the Berlitz Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships which is the ultimate reference guide for serious cruisers.

Cabin or Staterooms are generally referred to as suites, and most have a balcony. The latest Ultra Luxury cruise ships boast “All Balcony All Suites”, and some even have Duplex Appartments and Owners Suites.

The other big differentiator is that Ultra Luxury 6 star cruises are generally all-inclusive, including speciality restaurants, shore excursions, flights, alcoholic beverages and impeccable service from all the crew onboard. It’s essentially as luxurious as you can get but with everything included.

What’s the Difference Between 5 and 6 Star Cruises?

In most industries, a 5 star rating is the best to grade a service or product when you know you’re receiving fantastic products and impeccable services. However, most people don’t know what 6 star cruises are, and it can all become confusing, especially if you’re trying to book your first ever cruise experience.

As you would expect, 6 star cruises are the next step up from 5 star cruises and simply the best kind of cruise you can get. There are notable differences between the cruise experience e onboard a 5 star cruise and a 6 star cruise. The big things that set the two ratings apart include the size of the ship, the space available, and the onboard experience’s general ambience of the onboard experience.

As mentioned, 6 star cruising is where absolutely everything is included in the cruise. With 5 star cruises, many but not all things will be included, such as beverages, shore excursions, speciality restaurants, gratuities and more. You will often find that you need to pay for fine dining, alcoholic beverages, treatments at the spa, flights and other luxuries that you can get on board a cruise ship. At the end of your cruise, be prepared for a large additional bill to settle.

Whichever way you choose to cruise, you’ll fall in love with the exquisite, personalised service you’ll receive, along with amenities onboard that are simply perfection.

Enjoying Caviar in the Pool with 6 Star Cruise line Seabourn

Cruise Lines Offering 6 Star Cruising

6 star cruises are the most ultimate way to cruise the seven seas of the world. Here are some of the main cruise lines that offer 6 star cruises:

There is a huge range of complimentary amenities and enrichment onboard all Crystal Cruises’ cruise ships. There is enough variety for people of all ages and personalities to find individual interests and pursue new hobbies onboard. Crystal Cruises also operate 6 star River Cruises. Read our Crystal River Cruises review .

Watch this space as Crystal cruises is being resuracted by high-end travel company A&K Travel Group who announced it had bought the bankrupt line’s brand name and two biggest oceangoing ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, with plans to relaunch the brand in 2023.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises really does cater for the cruiser looking for the ultimate cruise experience. With Regent Seven Seas, satisfy any travel urge you may have as you can customise your entire cruise experience to meet your exact needs. Read our Regent Seven Seas Cruise Splendor review.

• Silversea Cruises Thanks in part to their partnership with the Grand Chefs of Relais & Chateaux, promises an elegant and refined approach to gourmet cuisine. You can expect astounding cuisine on all their luxury ships where dinner is always open seating with anytime dining. Every need is anticipated with a prompt service delivered with a crew to passenger ratio of almost 1:1.

Seabourn host a range of complimentary special events, including caviar in the surf beach party, extensive enrichment lectures West End quality high-class entertainment and water sports that you can enjoy at your leisure. Unwind in pure relaxation in the award-winning spas and enjoy the most intimate 6-star cruises with plenty of space.

When it comes to dining, SeaDream excel and dining with this 6-star cruise line ensure that every meal is a sumptuous experience for all the senses. The award-winning service and cuisine are unrivalled whether enjoying the elegantly appointed Dining Salon or yacht-casual dining al fresco. There is an all-day menu available as well as unexpected treats from the Chef, whilst the yacht’s resident Sommelier can assist with your selection from SeaDream’s Wine Cellar.

SeaDream operates 2 luxury yacht-style vessels catering for a maximum of 112 guests. 95 highly-trained crew members offer the best possible service.

Each of these cruise lines has its own personality and has something special to offer its guests. Each has its own band of loyal repeat cruisers who like a particular style, ambience and vibe, many of whom have cruised for hundreds of days.

Smaller 6 star ships visit more intimate ports of call

What if I Don’t Want Everything Included in my 6 Star Cruise?

With Luxury 6 star cruises, you don’t have many packages to choose from; you pay upfront for almost everything, and you can pay extra for some onshore excursions and treatments at the spas. If you’re not interested in fine dining or alcoholic packages, then 6-star cruises may not be the cruise for you as you can’t cut these packages from the cruise fare.

In this situation, a five-star cruise may be best for you, allowing you to pay for what you want to use – aka “ Pay as You Go Cruising “. And if you change your mind about alcoholic beverages or fine dining, then in some cases, you can buy a drinks package to enjoy these services at your leisure. If you have received an onboard credit (obc) you can always put it towards a drinks package. But watch out, these are sometimes not the bargains they seem!

Booking your 6 Star Cruise

If you think that a 6 star cruise is for you, it is important to talk to your travel agent about your options. Our article highlights the reasons to book your cruise through a travel agent, particularly when booking a 6 star cruise.

Please contact us if you would like us to recommend suitable travel agents specialising in Ultra Luxury, 6 Star Cruises. Please enjoy.

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Frequently Asked Questions – FAQ’s

What are the 6 star cruise lines.

The expert Guide to 6 Star Cruises highlights the following: Crystal Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club

Which Cruise Line is the Most Luxurious?

About Luxury Cruising rates the following 6 Star Cruise Lines as the most luxurious:

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Silversea Cruises
• Crystal Cruises
• Oceania Cruises

What are the top cruise lines?

It depends on what criteria you are using, but we rate the top cruise lines as follows:

Is Silversea better than Seabourn?

These two cruise lines are similar in that they are both 6-star Ultra-Luxury Cruise lines but have different styles. Seabourn is more relaxed and has a contemporary feel whereas Silversea is a little bit more sophisticated and has a better range of dining options.

Last update on 2024-04-25 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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Welcome all cruise enthusiasts! We’re Mike & Anita, your spirited guides to cruising the high seas (and Rivers), and we’ve clocked in over 600 days at sea.

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Excellent service from Danielle

Danielle our Cruise concierge was both efficient and extremely helpful. She was patient and fully understood our requirements for the trip. Nothing was too much trouble and she was able to offer very constructive advice on certain aspects of our trip. We have booked two holidays with Six Star, both bookings overseen by Danielle. W e would not hesitate to use this company again and cannot thank Daniele enough for making the experience as stress free as possible.

Date of experience : April 20, 2024

Rebecca Rimmer was very helpful

Rebecca Rimmer was very helpful, with our recent booking. She checked with the cruise line, over a query I had, and got straight back to me. She went through the booking in detail, checking that I understood everything, as she went, and asked if I had any questions before completion. Usual friendly and efficient service from this company.

Date of experience : April 19, 2024

Great cruise, great value, great service

This was our first experience with Six Sar Cruises. Danielle Muldoon did an excellent job for us, and we were impressed by the service provided and the value for money.

Date of experience : March 31, 2024

Queries regarding my recently booked Cruise

I had a couple of questions/queries regarding my recently booked cruise which Lyndsey dealt with and obtained the necessary information. Quick and efficient service.

Date of experience : April 21, 2024

Lynsey was very helpful

Lynsey was very helpful. She followed up with my queries and kept me advised of the result.

Date of experience : April 22, 2024

1st Time we have used Sixstarcruises…

1st Time we have used Sixstarcruises and very impressed with the service and price and very professional throughout. It is nice to know you can speak to someone at any time if you have any queries. Our contact was Shirley McCue who went above and beyond to understand our needs.

Date of experience : April 08, 2024

Claire Charburn to the rescue

I was trying to make a new booking on board with Azamara moving up a tier in their loyalty programme and moving a deposit from a previous booking. Unfortunately, this was all too difficult for the Azamara staff on board. I contacted Claire Charburn at Six Star expecting to be given advice on how to resolve the issue myself but she immediately owned the problem, said she would sort it out and told me not to worry. It took a while and a lot of work from Claire but it is now all settled. Six Star are lucky to have someone as professional and competent as Claire.

Date of experience : April 09, 2024

First class service from Elizabeth Wright

We booked with Elizabeth who offered us an extremely competitive deal and provided us with first class service and advice. The whole cruise including flights, hotels and transfers was seamless. The cruise was wonderful and Elizabeth advised and booked us in a great cabin in a great location. Can’t wait to book the next one. Thank you Elizabeth

Date of experience : March 30, 2024

Sian Halliwell is brilliant

Sian Halliwell is brilliant. Knows her stuff and comes back to you with prices and revisions very quickly. Organisers every thing from hotel stays and transfers as needed. An excellent experience dealing with Sian all round.

Date of experience : March 27, 2024

Excellent customer service

Elizabeth Wright and her colleague Helen made booking very straightforward and gave us excellent supplementary advice and information prior to our holiday.

Excellent booking experience

We have recently booked a cruise with Azamara for September (not our first cruise but first through Six Star Cruises) and we were fortunate to have Shirley McCue handle our booking. What a pleasant and easy process thanks to Shirley's friendly professionalism and knowledge - just what you need in a cruise adviser. Thank you Shirley.

Date of experience : February 13, 2024

Our exciting Seabourn cruise was…

Our exciting Seabourn cruise was cancelled at the last minute due to the unrest in the Middle East. I was recommended to six star by a pal and within a couple of hours Claire Chadburn came up with some options. We booked the following day and have had constant attention to make the paperwork simple for us technophobes. I will certainly use six star in the future and hopefully Claire will be there to look after us.

Date of experience : March 17, 2024

Excellent service

Claire Chadburn was extremely helpful and efficient in deak8ng with our booking. We encountered problems with a pre cruise tour and Claire and her colleagues did their best to resolve the issue for us despite the obduracy of the cruise company concerned. There is now a lot of online administration necessary when booking a cruise and Claire was very helpful in navigating that aspect and reminding us when we needed to complete the various stage online. I would certainly recommend her and Sixstar to anyone booking a cruise.

Date of experience : March 04, 2024

Claire Chadburn is very knowledgeable

Claire Chadburn is very knowledgeable, listened and quickly worked out an itinerary for us, which was just what we wanted. I'm used to booking holidays privately on line, and all the organisation that entails, but I've found it quite hard coordinating and checking into the various elements of the trip. Claire, as the concierge, has tried hard to simplify things for me, but lots of information and downloads are tucked away on Six Seas website, and I found these by accident!! Its been confusing knowing what I should be doing and what is the responsibility of the TA

Date of experience : March 26, 2024

Exceptional service.

Booked a cruise through 6 star cruises and couldn’t have had a better service. Claire Chadburn did a brilliant job answering e-mails outside her normal hours of working, and sorting things out before we went away. Well done Claire and 6 star.

Date of experience : March 02, 2024

Excellent support

I must say that I have telephoned Six Star Cruises on numerous occasions to ask difficult questions referring to my cruise, and most times have. Spoken to Lindsey McCracken- Specialist Support. She has been excellent, and has answered every question with patience and kindness. I am most grateful that you employ such an excellent Person that has taken time to assure me when I have been very worried that I am getting everything in place for my cruise. Regards Crystal Jones.m

We booked our Seabourn cruise with Claire Chadbur

We booked our Seabourn cruise with Claire Chadburn. This will be only our third Seabourn so we are still feeling our way through the process. Claire was very patient and extremely helpful - guiding us through the suite options and available locations - and all the other options and choices open to us. 10/10.

Could not have wished for better.

In December last year or January this year (I can't remember the exact date) we decided to make an urgent amendment to our BA flights in the run up to our Seabourn cruise last month. Unfortunately our original Consultant was away from the office. Very fortunately however, my call was picked up by a young man called Sam (whose surname I forgot to ask for). We were on the line quite a while and he made it his business to make sure that all was sorted out for us. Thank you Sam, I hope you - and others - know who you are! Penny, March 2024.

Date of experience : December 12, 2023

Great customer service

Claire Chadburn has been very helpful with my Regent Seven Seas booking. And very patient answering my queries and questions. I would recommend both her and Six Star.

Date of experience : March 25, 2024

Thank you Claire Chadburn our T A

Our TA Claire Chadburn, was great ,she is a Cheery can do lady, she made good suggestions & was very helpful, it was a pleasure talking to her.

Date of experience : March 14, 2024

Six Star Cruising

Luxury travel has long had an appeal for many, thanks to the promises it purports. Sumptuous décor, fine dining, premium wines and good service are all par for the course. But the interpretation of ‘luxury’ differs amongst us all and it is for that reason terms such as ‘elite’ and ‘six star’ exist. For the holidays that can be called truly six star are in a different league to the rest. This is luxury which is simply unparalleled. It isn’t just that everything is included within the price you pay, and we mean everything, but it’s the standard of what is included.

Champagnes, caviar, immersive excursions, butler service – these are just a few of the extras you can expect when six star cruising that won’t cost you a penny more. But more than that, it’s the feeling that you will enjoy throughout the duration of your holiday. You will feel indulged at every moment. There will be no request too great for the crew to assist you with. Your every need will be attended to. You will be an absolute priority from the moment you step on board, to the moment you disembark.

Six star cruising is a luxury holiday with a difference. Exquisite dining is taken to a new level with world-renowned chefs defining menus and using a farm to table ethos that means your palate will be delighted at every meal. Fine wines and premium spirits follow Champagne and cocktails created by expert mixologists.

Your in-suite butler will cater to your every request at the drop of a hat. They will get to know any personal preferences you have and tend to your suite accordingly, as well as make any necessary arrangements you need. Your name will be remembered by the crew and staff throughout the ship and your personal preferences will be met in your suite.

Most importantly, six star cruising will take you on a real voyage of discovery, for that is what is at the heart of every cruise. The destination is the focal point and with good reason; the itineraries are carefully curated by experts in order that guests can see the very best of the region they are visiting.

In addition, you will be offered an extensive range of shore excursions – many of which are included in the price – to ensure you have complete destination immersion.

You will be able to pick from a choice in each port so that you can have the sort of experience you prefer, and allowing you to personalise your holiday even more. The luxury cruise lines work extremely hard to keep their itineraries up to date so you even if you have sailed a certain area before, the next time you choose an itinerary there could take you to different places. They are consistently adding new ports and new excursions to their programmes to keep their guests exploring, year after year.

There are different degrees of six star cruising, from premium luxury to ultra-luxury which are highlighted below. You will often find that even with the premium luxury cruise lines, an ultra-luxury experience can be had when you opt for one of the higher-grade suites.

Six star cruising involves taking a luxury cruise with a difference and if you have yet to step aboard, we can promise you that you will have an experience you will never forget. Read our guide below and find out everything you need to know before getting in touch with one of our expert Connoisseurs to start planning your luxury adventure.

Six Star Cruise Lines

All of the cruise lines we offer at Panache Cruises are brilliant examples of luxury cruising. Many of our partners are classified within the six star cruising category, with superior, ultra-luxury offerings even in the lower grade of suites. Read on to see the highlights of each luxury cruise line...

Elite Ocean Cruise Lines

Azamara offers premium luxury cruising but would not be known as ‘ultra-luxury’ until you start choosing one of the higher end suites. However, Azamara still offers six star cruising for a variety of reasons. Firstly, this is boutique cruising so your ship will be stylish and welcoming.

Secondly, there is a real focus on the destination when you sail with Azamara and you’ll feel it from the moment you set sail. Their ethos on destination immersion and the opportunity to stay longer in ports with events such as AzAmazing Evenings is a six star cruising luxury that won’t be afforded to you by all cruise lines. You can also enjoy plenty of inclusions such as drinks throughout your cruise.

Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the fantastic new luxury brand from MSC Cruises, which will be debuting its first ship, Explora I, in Spring 2023, followed by a new ship each year for three consecutive years. With a capacity of 922 passengers across 461 all-balcony suites and exquisite European design, the Explora ships are firmly positioned in the luxury segment.

Explora Journeys prides themselves on creating cosmopolitan, relaxing voyages at sea. A journey of the mind of the soul, their beautiful fleet offer guests space to restore balance and combine discovery and appreciation for wellbeing and nature.

Oceania Cruises

A laid back, country club style ambience awaits you on your Oceania cruise and you will not be disappointed when you step onto one of their stylish fleets.

Whilst Oceania would classify within the premium end of the six star cruising category, you can upgrade your experience by adding in drinks packages and choosing a higher grade suite.

Food is one of the key focuses on your Oceania cruise and you will enjoy excellence overseen by Masterchef Jacques Pépin.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This is where six star cruising really comes into its own with the most inclusive cruise experience offered by Regent.

The fabulously appointed ships (some known as the most luxurious in the world), welcome you with style and grace as do the well-trained staff.

You will find more inclusions on a Regent cruise than you would have thought possible, from your pre-dinner Champagne to the most incredible shore excursions, and a wide range of choice too.

If you’re seeking ultra-chic six star cruising, then Seabourn is the way to sail. They have the youngest and arguably the most modern fleet of all the luxury ocean cruise lines and you’ll fall in love.

Fully inclusive, the staff offer excellent service as well as added extras such as ‘Seabourn Moments’ – personal touches designed to make you feel special and create a lasting memory. You’ll also benefit from excellent staff to guest ratios.

Silversea are one of the mor adventurous cruise lines, heading to over 900 destinations across all seven continents of the world, so your itinerary will be one of the best.

Not only that, you’ll find your suite has a dedicated butler who will tend to your every wish and ensure you have a fully personalised experience for the duration of your cruise.

You’ll enjoy fine wines, fine dining and luxurious facilities which are all included when six star cruising with Silversea.

River Cruise Lines

Amawaterways.

AmaWaterways sail the waterways of the world in moderate luxury but as we focus on six star cruising at Panache Cruises, we only offer the newest ship in their fleet, AmaMagna.

This is a double width river ship that sets it apart from the others in the market and allows it a great deal of extra space in order to house many more facilities, some which are highly innovative.

You won’t have a fully inclusive cruise experience but the special nature of this ship and the excellent itineraries she sails mean your river cruise with AmaWaterways will give you a six star cruising experience.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon provide a premium luxury experience on board in that not everything is included. For example, you’ll have drinks with lunch and dinner included and excursions but should you wish to have any extra drinks, you will need to pay for these on disembarkation.

However, Avalon have been sailing the world’s waterways for many years and as such have award-winning ships. There is plenty of space per guest on board and you’ll also be tended to by an excellent team of crew and staff. Your itinerary is what will set the holiday apart too.

Crystal Cruises

The service offered on the elite ocean ships is mimicked on the river cruise ships to ensure you have an excellent experience.

Fully inclusive, these beautiful ships will take you to the stunning ports on their itinerary and you’ll be immersed thanks to the excellence of the excursions included.

Crystal’s reputation precedes itself on the rivers and you will have nothing but a fine six star cruises experience if you take a river cruise with them.

Emerald Cruises

Whilst Emerald technically offer a premium luxury experience when you sail the rivers with them, the ships themselves are state-of-the-art which is what helps to ensure your cruise is six star.

Emerald have lots of experience in sailing to the heart of destinations and showing their guests the best parts of the region and this will add to your time on ship to create a fantastic luxury river cruise holiday.

Scenic River Cruises

This will be a true six star, fully inclusive river cruising experience. Scenic is one of the best providers of river cruising thanks to the ultra-modern Space Ships which will sail you to every port in absolute style and luxury.

Scenic offer a signature service which excels beyond other providers on the waters to ensure that guests receive everything they want and more whilst on board.

Your excursions are included and you can pick and choose the ones which are right for you to give yourself and even more personalised experience.

This is six star cruising with a difference. Each Uniworld ship and suite is individually designed to reflect the itinerary it is sailing, which gives the ships a very boutique feel.

No two suites are alike and this, combined with the excellent service of the staff and crew on board, means you will feel extremely special throughout the duration of your cruise.

With everything you would need included, you’ll want for nothing at all.

Expedition Cruise Lines

Aurora expeditions.

Aurora offer some truly incredible itineraries around Antarctica, which in itself would offer a six star cruising experience. They have purpose-built ships for this region so that the environmental impact is reduced – conscious cruising immediately increases the luxury level to six star cruising standard!

You’ll be guided by an expert expedition team whilst you meet the local cultures and wildlife and enjoy the scenery and it is this kind of memorable experience which sets a cruise like this apart.

Celebrity Cruises

A mainstream cruise line on the whole, Celebrity have actually got an excellent luxury offering for their expedition cruises. Award-winning ships have been designed with the Galapagos in mind (which is where they explore exclusively) and as such, have won numerous awards.

They also have a fully inclusive offering which leaves you wanting for nothing. A Celebrity expedition is the perfect way to explore one of the most magical places on earth so you’ll really feel you’re having a six star holiday.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

This is a cruise line well-known for exploring the most remote and even coldest parts of the earth in rustic style. However, they have recently added two ships to their fleet which enables us at Panache Cruises to offer them as part of our suite of expedition cruises.

If you sail on board MS Roald Amundsen or MS Fridtjof, you’ll have a superior level of comfort and you will even find many of the suites have hot tubs for you to recharge in. Polar region sailing doesn’t get much more six star than that!

Offering expedition and yacht-style cruising, what makes Ponant a six star cruising experience is their dedication to the French way of life and their focus on reaching the most stunning destinations. One of the leading expedition cruise lines in the endeavour to make cruising more sustainable and recognised for a second year running with a Green Marine certification, Ponant prides itself on laying the foundations for responsible tourism. Leading the way for more than 30 years in the field of eco-responsible cruises, PONANT takes actions on a daily basis, particularly through the Ponant Foundation.

They are the only cruise line to sail under the French flag and the influence is evident throughout your time on board. They truly embrace the chic French way of life and you’ll have meals and service to suit.

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions are the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who want an immersive expedition experience with multiple polar landings. Quark Expeditions is profoundly committed to environmentally responsible tourism.

They aim to work with other leaders in the industry and with our guests to address the complex and challenging issues facing the polar regions. The newest ship in the fleet, Ultramarine, is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.

Scenic Eclipse

Already legendary in the luxury river cruise world, Scenic ventured into an unknown world with the launch of the World’s First Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. This incredible ship is perfect for six star cruising from every angle you look at it. The facilities on board are simply excellent, from an impressive range of exquisite dining opinions, to suites which are extremely well-appointed. The service will astound you for all the right reasons as you realise there is no request too large or small and you’ll find opportunities to learn exceed others.

A qualified, expert expedition team will be on board, and you’ll benefit from highly immersive enrichment programmes to ensure you get the most out of the places you visit, aided by the support of an on board science centre. The excursions will be enough to create lasting memories but if you really want a little more, you could take a trip in the helicopter or submarine which the ship carries with it. This could be one of the most exciting cruise experiences you’ll ever hope to have!

Known for their appreciation of the far-flung corners of the globe, it is no wonder Silversea are so adept at exploring via their expeditions. Your voyage can be any number of discovery missions, and not one of them will disappoint you.

The first destination specific ship built by Silversea, Silver Origin is the height of experiential travel in the Galapagos. A team of Ecuadorian national expert guides, the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos, 8 Zodiacs, and seamless hybrid spaces all offer an extraordinary voyage – for extraordinary people.

Yacht-Style Cruises

Already featured in expedition cruising above, Ponant also have a range of sailing type ships that will add immeasurably to that French charm. You’ll sail the high seas in intimate luxury, tended to by a service that is quintessentially French, exploring the world in ultimate luxury.

The World’s First Discovery Yacht tends more towards the expedition style of cruising but it absolutely offers a yacht-style experience too. Regardless of how you sail on board this impressive ship, you will be in a true six star cruising dream thanks to the service, inclusions, facilities and destinations you can take advantage of.

Your World Cruise frequently asked questions answered...

Seadream yacht club.

SeaDream Yacht Club is dedicated to yacht-style six star cruising and they are absolutely experts in it. Their smaller, intimate ships are perfectly sized to sail right to the heart of destinations and the itineraries will take you to places you never thought you’d see on a cruise. Visit the smallest Caribbean islands such as Jost Van Dyke, a port of call unique to SeaDream cruises.

Recently refurbished, SeaDream yachts are now beautifully light and accentuate the space on board in every cabin and public space. Soak up the sun by the pool or swim with beautiful sea life on an excursion before dining under the stars and enjoying a sublime evening on board.

Specialising in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, this is an all-inclusive cruise holiday with genuine service that you will want to repeat again and again.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar’s small yachts and personalised approach to cruising brings guests closer to each destination than ever before, creating intimate moments and allowing full immersion into the world’s most unique and exotic cultures. With fewer than 350 guests onboard each vessel, a voyage with Windstar will feel like you are on your own private yacht.

Shore excursions and destination immersion are at the heart of Windstar Cruises’ ethos. Choose from the Essentials collection, ideal for first-time cruisers and includes must-see sights; the Concierge collection involving smaller groups for hands-on cultural and culinary themed activities; or the Beyond Ordinary collection, featuring extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the most enthusiastic and adventurous travellers.

With their slogan “180° from ordinary”, Windstar Cruises prides itself on outstanding service, destination authenticity, and exclusively personal travel experiences.

Destinations for Six Star Cruising

You can sail all over the globe in luxury when six star cruising, especially when you choose one of the cruise lines offered by Panache Cruises. The cruise lines that we work with sail to all the corners of the world in complete style and luxury so are the perfect way for you to head to new and exciting locations. The main benefits of a luxury cruise holiday are that you get to see more of the regions you are visiting thanks to itineraries which are designed to take you to as many places as you can reasonably see.

Not only that, whilst in port, you will be offered a choice of expertly curated shore excursions, which have different experiences for you to see the parts you are really interested in. The ability to see so much on one holiday is what sets six star cruising apart from a more traditional land-based holiday and you’ll also only have to unpack once! From a logistical point of view, this makes life much easier and more pleasurable.

When you couple this with the fact you will be indulged with the most fantastic service, fine dining, premium wines and spirits whilst on board, not only will you see more but you’ll enjoy the travelling part too!

So if you’re starting to think about six star cruising, it’s important to consider a few things. Firstly, you’ll need to consider what type of cruise holiday you want, whether it’s ocean, river, expedition or yacht-style. Secondly, you’ll need to consider the level of luxury you wish to travel in. Thirdly, you’ll need to decide exactly where in the world you would like to see. But if all this sounds a little daunting then there is no need to worry.

As experts in six star cruising, your Connoisseur at Panache Cruises is perfectly placed in order to get to know you, your likes and dislikes and the standards you wish to enjoy. And they will then be able to suggest the perfect cruise to suit your needs.

Northern Europe

Staying within easy reach of your home doesn’t mean you cannot have an ultra-luxury experience. In fact, only travelling a short distance may well help you have a better holiday in general as you won’t have long flights, time differences and potential jet lag to deal with. In some cases, you will be able to sail straight from Southampton which means you won’t need to worry about how much luggage to take either! But aside from the logistical benefits, there is a great deal to see in Northern Europe and it starts right here at home.

You can circle the British Isles, stopping off at multiple ports, visiting cities you never ordinarily would. Alternatively, you could head to the shores of Northern France and Spain. Dine on their delicious local cuisine, see their stunning architecture and even head to historic sights to learn more about our continent’s past. Scandinavia and the Baltics also sit under the umbrella of Northern Europe and it is here where your soul will be truly set alight. From ornate churches, to colourful buildings, majestic scenery and cosmopolitan capital cities, you can have a range of very diverse outings all on the same trip. There’s much more on your doorstep than you might have realised!

Rivers of Europe

If you’d like to get right to the heart of the countries you want to see, sailing on the waterways which traverse them is a fantastic way to do it. And it’s just as easy to have a six star cruising experience thanks to how many of the ultra-luxury cruise lines sail this region throughout the summer months. There are far more choices than you might realise too. You can sail through France, whether it is to see Paris and the Landing Beaches of Normandy or to sample the local wines in Bordeaux.

Sail along the Douro in Portugal and you will be able to see the breath-taking scenery whilst sampling the regions different ports. Further east you can sail the Rhine, Danube or Main and see spectacular scenery, ancient castles, quaint towns and capital cities. And if flowers are your passion, head to the Dutch Waterways in April and you’ll see the tulips in bloom. There are so many rivers, so many itineraries and so many ships that you’ll no doubt need the help of a Connoisseur to decide!

Mediterranean

Elite ocean cruise lines sail around the Mediterranean all through the peak summer months, taking in ancient sights such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens and the city walls of Dubrovnik. You can hop between Greek Islands dotted in the crystal-clear sea.

Cruise the glamorous rivieras of France and Italy and explore the simply stunning Amalfi Coast. But an elite ocean ship is not the only way to see this place in style, as you can also take to the water like a true sailor by heading off yachting. These stunning yachts will glide you into the smaller ports larger ships can’t reach and will add that extra edge of glitz to your itinerary as you wander the streets and return to your excellent accommodation in luxury yacht-style form.

The Middle East

Six star cruising in the Middle East should be par for the course given the standards of service that can be seen in certain parts of this impressive region.

On the other hand, you’ll be seeing ancient sights in all their rustic glory; but you’ll no doubt appreciate your ship even more when you return to it! Pick your time to travel here wisely as the climate can be rather oppressive and won’t suit every traveller.

But when you do go at the right time of year for you, you’ll see palaces and mosques, giant shopping malls and towering buildings, waterparks and deserts, outdoor adventures and chic indoor temptations.

All of it combines to ensure you’ll have a culturally enriching and historically educational time. But you’ll also have some fun too!

Africa & the Indian Ocean

Africa conjures different pictures for different people and for many it is the thought of safari that might resonate the most. And whilst it may seem unlikely that you could have a safari as part of a cruise holiday, if that’s what you want then Panache Cruises can make it happen!

Most ocean cruises on this vast continent circle around South Africa, but with so much culture and history to see here, it really is a great itinerary to pick.

You’ll often sail north from Cape Town and stop off at many points along the way where you’ll see evidence of the difficulty history, new signs of its emergence to a culturally vibrant country and have a hint of some of the spectacular wildlife that call this place home.

Why Elite Ocean

Being so close to many game reserves, it would be wise to take advantage so we can help ensure you spot the Big Five whilst you’re on your travels. And if you’re six star cruising, there is no reason why this part of your holiday shouldn’t also be six star.

Many African cruises sail parts of the Indian Ocean too but if you’d like to explore it more, you can do so on a luxury cruise.

You’ll be able to sail around island paradises such as the Seychelles and you can pick your vessel – choose between an ocean ship or a yacht. Neither option will compromise your enjoyment or service levels so it really is just a case of personal preference.

Rivers of Africa

For something more certainly off the beaten track, why not opt for six star cruising on the rivers of Africa? There are two main regions to explore here, the Nile River in the north and the Chobe and Zambezi rivers in the south. If you take the north option, you’ll see pyramids and ancient stone structures. Sphinxes and ancient civilisations, tombs and deserts all await you and you’ll return home feeling thoroughly educated.

If you choose a more southerly sailing on the other hand, you’ll find a different kind of appeal. You’ll start perhaps in Johannesburg where you can soak up the culture before setting sail for several days taking in a great deal of the nature on the river banks along the way. You’ll eventually arrive at the incredible Victoria Falls, the largest waterfalls in the world in terms of volume, where you’ll be able to explore. These adventures are filled with wonder that will only be enhanced by the fact you’ll be in full six star cruising luxury.

A continent so vast you could visit it 100 times over and still see something new on each trip, the beauty of six star cruising here is that you’ll be able to see more all on the same trip and have your batteries fully recharged each evening to prepare you for the next day’s adventures. There are different regions to choose from for you to visit. Starting in India, we could enhance your trip by adding on a luxury land stay so you can see more of the famous landmarks such as the Golden Triangle.

Voyages from here tend to pass by Sri Lanka and the wonderful nature that is found here before ending in South East Asia, such as Thailand. Alternatively, you could choose to explore the famous skylines of the east, including those of Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. All with their own obvious modern improvements but with a distinctive and interesting history too. Indonesia and the Philippines can also be explored from the comfort of the ships offering six star cruising so the opportunities really are endless – you’ll certainly need more than one voyage here!

Rivers of Asia

Visiting a continent from the sea can be a fabulous way to tour it but if you’d like to see more of what goes on deep within these lands themselves, you can choose six star cruising on the rivers here instead. You’ll be cutting across dramatic landscapes, seeing paddy fields in all their glory and the other scenery which is found there.

You’ll be able to visit monasteries, temples, cities and more and whilst you’re sailing, you’ll see traditional boats on the rivers and floating markets. You’ll enjoy all the vibrancy of colourful countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar and you’ll learn of their beautiful cultures and complex histories.

Australia & New Zealand

Heading to the land Down Under is one experience that many of us would like to enjoy at least once in our lifetimes. But the distance and the time it takes to get there can be off-putting, as well as the fact that in order to see a lot of it, you’d have to constantly up sticks and move to the next place. That’s where a cruise can help, as six star cruising can take a lot of this pain away.

When you arrive you will be welcomed on board your ultra-luxury ship and the service will ensure you are left wanting for nothing at all. This means that you can save all your energy to enjoy the places you are visiting, and you won’t even need to keep packing and moving on as you’ll be staying put in your suite!

You can visit all the main sights of Australia from Tasmania, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and even Darwin, having multiple experiences along the way. If you’d like to spend time in New Zealand, you can do that too with a comprehensive itinerary that covers both islands. You’ll learn about the Maori culture, see the influences of the British, sail through majestic landscapes and so much more on your Kiwi adventure.

The Pacific

There is much more to the huge expanse of water than meets the eye as you sail to its very heart. You will find islands treasures with beauty that is almost unparalleled and you’ll be sailing in style to make it all the more special. You’ll see the underwater worlds that live just beneath the surface, with bright corals and vibrant fish, turtles, rays and more. You’ll also learn about the myths and legends which surround the islands and see impressive structures and volcanic heights.

Palm trees will fringe the beaches and the waters will be calm and clear. You can opt to take an elite ocean cruise here or even try yacht-style cruising if you want to feel even more at one with the natural world you’re entering. So whether its French Polynesia or Hawaii you’re encircling, you can see it in a way that suits you.

The Americas

As you head across the Pacific, you’ll eventually land in the Americas and there are plenty of cruise options to explore here. In the north, you’ll of course find the USA and Canada and all the diversity they offer. You could take a voyage up the West Coast from San Diego, past LA and San Francisco up to Vancouver and see part of the Gold Rush trail, albeit in a little more decadent accommodation!

Sailing around Alaska will allow you to see the natural beauty of its landscapes, giving you the chance to spot whales and seals, birds and bears. On the East Coast, you can sail north from New York, past Boston and Maine and again arriving in Canada. Along the way you’ll see the quaint cobblestone streets and lighthouses, sample the chowder and if you head there in Autumn, you’ll see New England in the Fall with all its radiant colours.

Further south, you can explore the tropical and exotic countries of Central America which are filled with wildlife and exciting cultures. Spot brightly coloured birds on either an ocean or even an expedition style cruise as both will be readily available in this region. You might even be lucky enough to take the iconic voyage transiting the Panama Canal.

If you’d prefer to spend your time in South America, you can tour the west or east coasts, taking in the amazing sights along the wall. See the Falkland Islands, add on a trip to Machu Picchu, dance to tango beats, see Christ the Redeemer – there are so many incredible places to see here that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Until you let your Panache Cruises Connoisseur help, that is! We might even convince you that an expedition to the Galapagos Islands is the way forward!

One of the most well-known and popular cruise destinations with good reason, for this charming place is filled with islands to tempt you, people to delight you and experiences to entertain you. There are plenty of old favourites you can visit on your travels here, but the best part of six star cruising is that the cruise lines put a lot of effort into ensuring they offer the most cutting edge itineraries possible.

If you choose to, you can see the lesser visited Grenadines and British Virgin Islands and uncover their beautiful secrets. It’s the perfect place to try your hand at watersports and learn more about the laid-back island life. If you’d like to explore it in a more involved way without compromising on the six star cruising luxury, you can also opt for a yacht cruise here. There are so many to choose from thanks to the stunning location being so perfect for yachting that it really is a holiday you should enjoy at some point, and we can help you plan it all.

Transatlantic

A transatlantic voyage will always sound a glamorous affair and it certainly will be if you opt to sail across this vast ocean when six star cruising. You’ll be able to do much more than the sail the well-trodden path of those of yesteryear, as now you can take a much more exciting trip.

Why not sail from Brazil to Europe on a journey that stops off in Bermuda and possibly even the Azores? Or sail from Spain to Miami? The time spent at sea on your cruise ship will be extremely well spent when you sail in luxury with plenty of time to experience all of the facilities and enjoy the exceptional service.

Polar Regions

These are perhaps best conquered from an expedition cruise ship which will take you as close to the natural landscapes as is physically possible. When you take a six star expedition, you’ll head out on Zodiacs, guided by an expedition team of experts and you’ll be learning all the time.

You’ll come face to face with seals, whales, penguins and more and when you’ve finished your day of adventure, you’ll recline in complete luxury. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you should take if you are able to and the best way to do it is six star cruising.

World Cruises & Grand Voyages

There are few holiday choices you can make that are more indulgent than a world cruise on an elite ocean cruise ship. These voyages take several months and will take you to many continents and so many ports and countries you’ll no doubt lose count. Six star cruising around the world is an adventure of a lifetime and will require careful thought to ensure you choose the right one for you.

If you would like to try something a little less involved before you opt for a full world cruise, there are other itineraries which will give you a flavour of them. You could take a Grand Voyage, for example which is a more intensive cruise, lasting longer and seeing more. These can range from a couple of weeks to much more and will give you a real taste of how you might feel on a world cruise.

And you can even try parts of a world cruise, with a world cruise sector. The full itineraries are broken down into sections and you can join at any one of these points, sail for a while and then off again. So you’ll really see what the ambience on board a world cruise feels like.

FAQs about Six Star Cruising

What is life on board like.

The short answer to this, is completely and utterly luxurious. The whole ethos behind six star cruising is to treat the guests in the very best way possible and provide them with facilities, amenities, services, food and drinks which are practically unrivalled in even the best of the world’s hotel. You can expect an extremely warm welcome from all the staff and crew on board and this will continue throughout the duration of your itinerary.

There will be extra care and attention paid to you at every turn, from your personal preferences in the bars being remembered, to your name and to the attentive nature of your butler. Even the other passengers will be warm and welcoming as you join them on board. It is probable that you’ll find a lot of like-minded people within your ship so it might be an opportunity to make new friends.

Life will be sophisticated but relaxed. It is unlikely you’ll find a lot of formality so there shouldn’t need to be any reason to pack your tuxedo and cocktail dress! Instead, you’ll find an atmosphere of country club, elegant chic for you to enjoy your trip. You will have the opportunity to do as much or as little as you like with the facilities but they are all there, waiting for you to take advantage of whenever you’re ready.

The real feeling you will get from six star cruising is that the experience is personalised to you. That comes mainly from the attentive service, but also from the different dining and drinks options on board. It also comes from the ability to pick and choose from a variety of different excursions.

Whichever type of cruise you choose, whether it be elite ocean, luxury river, expedition or yacht-style, when it’s six star cruising you’ll find yourself experiencing similar feelings of inclusion, attentiveness and enjoyment.

What are excursions like when six star cruising?

Regardless of the type of cruise you choose, you will be offered a whole range of excursions that are included within your cruise fare. Every itinerary is very carefully put together by experts who know the regions extremely well and who will get the most out of every stop. The time in port is maximised so you can see, and do more, and in some cases, you’ll even have the option for extended stays, including overnights.

When it comes to the excursions, you will not find better in the cruise industry than six star cruising, simply because the cruise lines are so dedicated to offering you the best service. With many of the cruise lines, and certainly with the river providers, you will find that there are several options available whichever port you stop in. These are offered in order to show you different areas and provide you with a choice of experiences so you can pick the one which suits your individual preferences the best.

When it comes to expedition cruises, your excursions will be even more exciting and dramatic. You’ll have access to Zodiac boats which take guests out in small groups so you can land on shore lines you would never otherwise be able to reach. You will be taken on tours with expert members of the expedition team who not only know exactly where to take you, will educate you along the way. You’ll meet the local cultures and see the sort of wildlife species you have only ever seen in books or on the television. The whole point of an expedition cruise is to learn more about the natural living world around us and the excursions are put together to ensure you do exactly that. It is six star cruising at their finest!

In addition to the excursions that are included, you will have the option to add on some different ones too, that the cruise line will either create just for you so they are private, or that might be deemed as an extra special indulgence. At Panache Cruises, we can also help to plan certain events or additions that you would like adding in. Perhaps it’s a private tour of somewhere that means a lot to you. Or maybe a meal in a romantic location. There are so many things we can include on all the different types of cruises on offer, you will never be disappointed.

What can I expect of the dining?

Delicious, indulgent, exquisite gourmet cuisine is what awaits you when six star cruising and this is true of all the cruise lines. Dining is such a huge focus on board that it plays an important role with cruise lines going above and beyond to ensure theirs is the best it can be.

It is certainly the case that there will be more dining options on board the larger of the cruise ships, with the much smaller yachts and river ships only tending to have one main dining location. This doesn’t compromise the quality of the food and there will always be a full menu to choose from so you will have plenty to choose from. However, when it comes to certain expedition ships, you will find that the dining on board is as accomplished and plentiful as on the larger ships. Scenic Eclipse, for example, has as many as ten dining experiences!

On some of the larger ships, you will be treated to specialty dining which, when you go six star cruising, is included within the fare you pay or within the upgrades. You will find there are cuisines from around the world served in the different restaurants, as well as classics and favourites on offer. If there is something in particular you fancy too, you can always request it and the chef may well be able to accommodate your desires.

What is most important about the dining on board is that the quality of the meals is second to none. Many of the ships have a ‘farm to table’ ethos that means the produce used is fresh, sourced locally to ensure the best finished result. In some cases, you can even head off on a shopping trip with the chef where they will browse local markets and purchase artisan items which will then be used in the meals that evening. For that’s one of the elements many cruisers love; tasting locally inspired dishes, perhaps even specialties recreated in order for your destination immersion to continue that bit further.

If you don’t wish to dine in one of the restaurants on board, you will find that six star cruising often includes 24-hour in suite dining. This will allow you to have a meal in the privacy of your own company so might be a welcome change after a long day seeing the sights.

What are the facilities like?

Even on the smallest of the ships offering six star cruising, such as the yachts, you will still find certain facilities of which you can make use throughout the duration of your cruise. Even if they are small, you will find they are of an exceptionally high standard, as you would expect on a luxury holiday.

You will invariably find fitness facilities which include a well-equipped gym with state-of-the-art machinery. The fitness facilities can often extend out onto the deck with other activities being possible outdoors. You’re likely to be able to borrow bikes and Nordic walking poles on many of the river cruises too, to get your activity levels up. There will usually be several bars and lounges in which you can spend time relaxing or meeting new friends, and some of these might even be on the deck for some al fresco time. There are often pools, whether they be for swimming or more of a plunge size, and some feature hot tubs.

Entertainment tends to be on offer on most of the ships, dependent on their size, and on the larger cruise ships you will find auditoriums in which you can watch shows and hear lectures. In some cases, there are outdoor screens to watch films under the stars! There might be a library filled with books and possibly even computers and some have games to play too although you might find these out on deck on other ships. Generally speaking, most ships will offer some kind of spa services in very well-appointed facilities and there might even be a beauty salon too. This will allow you to feel truly pampered whilst away on your trip. Boutiques are likely to be found on the larger ships too, if you’d like to buy yourself or your loved ones a few treats.

One of the most impressive features on any ship though, tend to be the science or discovery centres on the expedition ships. These will allow an interactive experience through which you can learn more about the destinations you are visiting. All in all, you will be pleasantly surprised not just by the standard of the facilities available but also by how plentiful they are on what you thought was going to be a small ship.

Are there wellness facilities on board?

In addition to the fitness on offer, there tends to be a focus on wellness too, especially when six star cruising. This has become an increasingly popular topic in recent years with more and more guests placing an emphasis on it by having a desire to ‘reset’ themselves whilst away. Wellness facilities will include various elements such as the option to take part in certain classes, for example, yoga on the deck at sunrise. On some cruises, you will find that there are fully developed enrichment programmes to ensure you get the most out of the cruise too with areas to focus on wellness, lectures, wellness treatments in the spa and even juices and so on.

Wellness can of course come in many forms and is to be interpreted by the individual, but self-care is one of the most important ways to get the most out of any holiday so six star cruising should be no different. You’ll be able to speak with the fitness professionals on board who will be able to give you some tips regarding your general well-being and you’ll even be able select healthier options in the dining rooms to ensure you don’t over indulge too much!

What is service like when six star cruising?

Six star cruising service is so called because it exceeds any other type of service you might encounter, particularly on a holiday. It is the kind of service that no matter how many others might be on the ship, makes you feel well-cared for and attended to. It is a highly personalised service and many of the cruise lines say theirs is intuitive, meaning that guests will find their needs are being met before they have even identified them themselves. It’s also a promise that nothing is too much trouble, with no request too big or too small to be taken seriously.

This carries over into the butler service, which is often included when six star cruising. You’ll have 24-hour access to a highly trained butler who will always ensure they are on hand to cater to any request you might have. This might be something for your suite, help with a reservation, or simply just information about the ship’s facilities.

Six star cruising service is the type where you’ll find the crew remember your name, as well as your preferences, such as how you like your evening turn down or which drink you prefer before dinner.

It’s also the kind where you’ll have some fantastic added extras which will delight and surprise you, such as ‘Seabourn Moments’. These will be little things done just for you to make you feel extremely special when you least expect it.

Six star cruising service is all you would believe it could be and much more besides – you’ll never be disappointed with it.

How should I book to go six star cruising?

At Panache Cruises, we would of course always recommend you use the services of a trusted, experienced and reputable travel agent but with good reason. The essence of six star cruising is that it should suit your individual requirements perfectly and the only way you will ensure your cruise does that is by speaking with someone impartial who can offer all of the relevant cruise lines. It will require six star service from the agent themselves (which is exactly what our Connoisseurs provide) in order to fully understand who you are as a person and what you are looking for out of your holiday.

When booking with an agent such as Panache Cruises, you also have access to exclusive pricing and offers that cannot be found elsewhere, making your holiday better value for money. The agents also have the knowledge required to allow you to travel at the right time of year to your chosen destination.

Your Connoisseur will quite literally guide you every step of the way to not only ensure you choose a cruise which is right for you, but that every part of the process is as easy for you as possible. You will only ever deal with one person, there won’t be any call centres for you to speak to, and you’ll be supported with all the admin and extras you require such as transfers, excursions and special requests.

At Panache Cruises, we always recommend booking a cruise such as a six star one as early as possible. This will not only give you access to the best price, but will also mean you could get some extra benefits (especially if you book when the itinerary first goes on sale). Prices tend not to drop for six star cruising as the demand for them is so high and there are so few suites available. This also means you need to book early in order to avoid disappointment! The suite you want might not be available for long, after all. When you’re planning a holiday as luxurious as six star cruising, you deserve the booking experience to match and at Panache Cruises, that’s exactly what we provide.

Panache Cruises' Top Tips for Six Star Cruising

This is supposed to be a luxury holiday so you need to ensure it will be of the standard you are expecting otherwise you will be disappointed. It really is that simple. In the holiday world especially, many claims are made towards ‘luxury’ and ‘six star’ cruises but the reality can be far from the truth and standards can differ wildly. To avoid this issue, it would be highly recommended to use the services of a professional who can appropriately advise you on the level of service and inclusions you will be getting from your holiday and that way, you’ll have only good memories from your trip.

If you are going six star cruising then why not ensure every part of it is exactly as you desire, and not just the cruise itself? Your Panache Cruises Connoisseur will be able to curate your holiday in a way that suits you entirely. Whether it’s an executive car service transfer to your domestic airport, reservations in the lounge, seat upgrades on the flight, pre-cruise stays in excellent hotels and possibly even a land tour, your Connoisseur can arrange it all. They can also assist with any other special requests – just leave it all up to them and you’ll have a holiday which perfectly matches your requirements.

It is very easy to put off trying them and think you’ll use them later in the week, and before you know it, your trip is over and you never did have a massage or use the hot tub. You should easily be able to get your bearings as the ships are smaller and this means you’ll easily be able to find all the different areas, so make sure you use them! You don’t want to leave having any regrets so put that bit of time aside and go for it!

This starts when you first make your enquiry with Panache Cruises and does not end until you return home. If you have never cruised before, or never taken that particular type of cruise it is far better to ask questions than miss out on things. We can assure you, the crew will have heard it all before and are there to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible so ask away and you will not be disappointed!

The thought of chatting to strangers might fill you with dread but if you can start a little conversation, we would highly recommend it. You’re on board with people who clearly have some similar interests to you otherwise you wouldn’t be on the same itinerary, on the same ship, at the same time! You never know, you may really hit it off with these people and make some lifelong friends. But even if you don’t the likelihood is that you’ll get chatting to people from all walks of life which can be very interesting. And you might even get some tips about your cruise from them!

A cruise holiday is one which is based around the destination and this is even more true of six star cruising – the places you see really are the stars of the show. As such, it would be a terrible waste not to take part in as many of the excursions as you possibly can to see more of the areas you’re visiting. The excursions have been carefully put together to ensure you see intriguing places, learn fascinating facts and general have an experience to remember so take part in as many as you can.

Whilst we are not suggesting you habitually do things on your holiday that you don’t enjoy, it is often very rewarding to try new things once in a while. And it’s a great time to do it on a luxury cruise. It could be something like a new activity or even just opting for a different type of excursion than you might otherwise have chosen. It might be jumping off the marina platform into the sea beneath you or taking a flight in the on board helicopter. Even if you don’t end up loving the change, at least you will have tried it and know for next time it’s not for you. You’ll also no doubt feel a little proud of yourself and have a great memory too!

If you travel a lot, you might think you’ll remember all the elements of your holiday and will be able to recount them at the drop of a hat. However, memories fade with time so it is important to preserve them properly. One of the most effective ways of doing this of course is by taking plenty of pictures but even then, they days can blur together. It is a great idea to make some notes too and include descriptions of the clothes you were wearing on certain days so that you can immediately identify where you were at the time the picture was taken.

Why you should choose six star cruising

Six star cruising will show you the world in absolute style, with the kind of service you would expect from a six star proposition. You will be indulged in every whim, every desire, every luxury you could expect and it will make all the difference to your holiday. Six star cruising can be tailored to your needs and dependent on the type of cruise you choose, really could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.

Six star cruising is a highly personalised experience thanks to the attentive crew who will serve you on board and the range of options you will be faced with ashore. It isn’t simply that you’ll be in a floating hotel either, six star cruising is about much more than that. It’s the opportunity to enjoy new experiences, and explore new places in a way that suits you and it can take you to the far reaches of the globe in absolute style and luxury. There are many different types of six star cruising available so you will absolutely be able to find one which is just right for you. Let our expert Connoisseurs at Panache Cruises help you and you certainly won’t be disappointed.

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The very best 6-star cruises for 2021

As 2020 cruises by with barely a holiday in sight thanks to the current Covid-19 pandemic, many of us are beginning to look ahead to 2021 and plan a truly spectacular getaway to make up for the ones we’ve missed. And, when it comes to getting the rest, relaxation and all out luxury you crave, what could be better than the prospect of a luxury six-star cruise?

Yes, you heard that right – six-star. Gone are the days when a five-star experience was as good as it got, and in 2021, it’s all about pushing the boat out and going one bigger and better. The highly coveted six-star recognition is awarded only to the most exquisite cruise ships around the world, so book onto one, and you’ll be guaranteed only the finest in everything, from the moment you set foot on board, to the moment you disembark.

Six-star cruise ships offer a slightly more intimate experience than their five-star counterparts, with a maximum of only 800 passengers on board at any one time. Cabins already start at suite level – balcony included – with all-inclusive food (fine dining, of course), drinks and spa access with your stay. And, of course, the service is second to none, with a greater crew-to-passenger ratio than you’d find on any other cruise – so you’re guaranteed to want for nothing at any point on this truly lavish trip.

So, where exactly can you find yourself one of the best six star cruises to book for 2021? We’ve rounded up five of the best.

Crystal Cruises

Popular amongst families and solo travellers alike, the Crystal Cruises experience is perfect for those in search of an off-the-beaten-track adventure. Taking you to harder to reach destinations like Antarctica, the Crystal Endeavour offers impeccable service, mouth-watering cuisine and a huge array of complimentary amenities on board. And, with an emphasis on entertainment, you can enjoy cabaret and bingo by night. It’s definitely worth brushing up your skills and checking out some bingo offers online beforehand, because the sizeable prizes on offer on board are not to be sniffed at.

A top choice amongst foodies, Seabourn cruises offer an extra-intimate experience, with just 300 suites on board each ship in total, and an impressive crew-to-passenger ratio (the highest in the industry, in fact) to guarantee impeccable service throughout.

Pushing the boat out on entertainment, Seabourn cruises offer special events such as beach parties and steel band performances, while watersports are available to enjoy at your leisure. The spas on board are not to be missed, either, offering guests hours of rest and relaxation with opulent massages, facials and other treatments all included.

With their unrivalled sense of style and elegance, Seabourn’s luxury cruise ships will take you to far flung destinations around the world, from Asia to Alaska, offering a feeling of real exclusivity with its highly personalised service.

Regent Seven Seas

If immersing yourself in culture is one of your favourite ways to spend your luxury getaway, then don’t hesitate t book yourself onto a six-star cruise with Regent Seven Seas. The most luxurious cruise line currently at sea provides an intimate and exclusive space on board, with the Executive Collection offering an even greater level of exclusivity than other passengers. You’ll get to enjoy numerous shore excursions, five-star hotel stays and fine dining experiences, all included in your package – plus, your trip is entirely customisable, allowing you to tailor it to suit your own personal tastes.

Regent offers some great itineraries, and is a great choice if you’re keen to take in some of the most glamorous cities in Europe in style, with trips touring the likes of Barcelona, Montecarlo, Stockholm and more. If you’ve got plenty of time on your hands, then why not take the Barcelona to Auckland or Lisbon to Cape Town route, both of which will allow you to take in multiple continents?

Silversea Cruises

Offering gourmet dining, sprawling luxury suites and world class service, a Silversea cruise is guaranteed not to disappoint. With over 900 destinations on its roster, highlights include the Galapagos Islands and South America, and with a crew to passenger ratio of almost 1:1, you’ll practically have your own personal butler throughout.

Offering an extra attractive package for those opting to cruise solo, you can even book yourself a dinner host and a dance partner for the evening, in an intimate setting where you’ll never feel short of company and conversation.

Our top pick? Cruising the South Pacific Islands, where you’ll take in the likes of Easter Island, Tahiti and Valparaiso. Paradise beaches don’t get much better than this.

If you’re planning a getaway to end all getaways in 2021 after a year of standing still, then a six-star cruise is a great way to go. Offering all the convenience of a standard cruise and opulence coming as a premium throughout, it’s the perfect way to see the world, soak up a little culture and relax in all-out luxury.

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Danielle our Cruise concierge was both efficient and extremely helpful. She was patient and fully understood our requirements for the trip. Nothing was too much trouble and she was able to offer very constructive advice on certain aspects of our trip. We have booked two holidays with Six Star, both bookings overseen by Danielle. W e would not hesitate to use this company again and cannot thank Daniele enough for making the experience as stress free as possible.

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Rebecca Rimmer was very helpful

Rebecca Rimmer was very helpful, with our recent booking. She checked with the cruise line, over a query I had, and got straight back to me. She went through the booking in detail, checking that I understood everything, as she went, and asked if I had any questions before completion. Usual friendly and efficient service from this company.

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Great cruise, great value, great service

This was our first experience with Six Sar Cruises. Danielle Muldoon did an excellent job for us, and we were impressed by the service provided and the value for money.

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I had a couple of questions/queries regarding my recently booked cruise which Lyndsey dealt with and obtained the necessary information. Quick and efficient service.

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Lynsey was very helpful

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1st Time we have used Sixstarcruises…

1st Time we have used Sixstarcruises and very impressed with the service and price and very professional throughout. It is nice to know you can speak to someone at any time if you have any queries. Our contact was Shirley McCue who went above and beyond to understand our needs.

Date of experience : 08 April 2024

Claire Charburn to the rescue

I was trying to make a new booking on board with Azamara moving up a tier in their loyalty programme and moving a deposit from a previous booking. Unfortunately, this was all too difficult for the Azamara staff on board. I contacted Claire Charburn at Six Star expecting to be given advice on how to resolve the issue myself but she immediately owned the problem, said she would sort it out and told me not to worry. It took a while and a lot of work from Claire but it is now all settled. Six Star are lucky to have someone as professional and competent as Claire.

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First class service from Elizabeth Wright

We booked with Elizabeth who offered us an extremely competitive deal and provided us with first class service and advice. The whole cruise including flights, hotels and transfers was seamless. The cruise was wonderful and Elizabeth advised and booked us in a great cabin in a great location. Can’t wait to book the next one. Thank you Elizabeth

Date of experience : 30 March 2024

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Date of experience : 27 March 2024

Excellent customer service

Elizabeth Wright and her colleague Helen made booking very straightforward and gave us excellent supplementary advice and information prior to our holiday.

Excellent booking experience

We have recently booked a cruise with Azamara for September (not our first cruise but first through Six Star Cruises) and we were fortunate to have Shirley McCue handle our booking. What a pleasant and easy process thanks to Shirley's friendly professionalism and knowledge - just what you need in a cruise adviser. Thank you Shirley.

Date of experience : 13 February 2024

Our exciting Seabourn cruise was…

Our exciting Seabourn cruise was cancelled at the last minute due to the unrest in the Middle East. I was recommended to six star by a pal and within a couple of hours Claire Chadburn came up with some options. We booked the following day and have had constant attention to make the paperwork simple for us technophobes. I will certainly use six star in the future and hopefully Claire will be there to look after us.

Date of experience : 17 March 2024

Excellent service

Claire Chadburn was extremely helpful and efficient in deak8ng with our booking. We encountered problems with a pre cruise tour and Claire and her colleagues did their best to resolve the issue for us despite the obduracy of the cruise company concerned. There is now a lot of online administration necessary when booking a cruise and Claire was very helpful in navigating that aspect and reminding us when we needed to complete the various stage online. I would certainly recommend her and Sixstar to anyone booking a cruise.

Date of experience : 04 March 2024

Claire Chadburn is very knowledgeable

Claire Chadburn is very knowledgeable, listened and quickly worked out an itinerary for us, which was just what we wanted. I'm used to booking holidays privately on line, and all the organisation that entails, but I've found it quite hard coordinating and checking into the various elements of the trip. Claire, as the concierge, has tried hard to simplify things for me, but lots of information and downloads are tucked away on Six Seas website, and I found these by accident!! Its been confusing knowing what I should be doing and what is the responsibility of the TA

Date of experience : 26 March 2024

Exceptional service.

Booked a cruise through 6 star cruises and couldn’t have had a better service. Claire Chadburn did a brilliant job answering e-mails outside her normal hours of working, and sorting things out before we went away. Well done Claire and 6 star.

Date of experience : 02 March 2024

Excellent support

I must say that I have telephoned Six Star Cruises on numerous occasions to ask difficult questions referring to my cruise, and most times have. Spoken to Lindsey McCracken- Specialist Support. She has been excellent, and has answered every question with patience and kindness. I am most grateful that you employ such an excellent Person that has taken time to assure me when I have been very worried that I am getting everything in place for my cruise. Regards Crystal Jones.m

We booked our Seabourn cruise with Claire Chadbur

We booked our Seabourn cruise with Claire Chadburn. This will be only our third Seabourn so we are still feeling our way through the process. Claire was very patient and extremely helpful - guiding us through the suite options and available locations - and all the other options and choices open to us. 10/10.

Could not have wished for better.

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Date of experience : 12 December 2023

Great customer service

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Date of experience : 25 March 2024

Thank you Claire Chadburn our T A

Our TA Claire Chadburn, was great ,she is a Cheery can do lady, she made good suggestions & was very helpful, it was a pleasure talking to her.

Date of experience : 14 March 2024

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What makes 6 star cruise line

By paul1439 , May 27, 2017 in Luxury Cruising

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1- Size of ship (less than 800 passengers)

2- Cabin (cabins start at suite level)

3-All inclusive (all beverages and tipping)

4-Service (impeccable-trained staff)

These are the basic criteria for 6 star cruise line

Regent, Seabourn, Silversea

5 1/2 star cruise lines

Azamara, Crystal, Oceania, SeaDream Yachts

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I would say Oceania is a 5 star as well. Gratuities are included if booked during a promo period, as are beer and wine for lunch and dinner, or excursions. They give you a choice of inclusions.

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Agree with the criteria. Silversea still on my bucket list.

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English Voyager

I would suggest that the premise that there are 6 star cruise lines is highly debatable.

As is the contention that Azamara, and Oceania are 5+ stars bearing in mind the size of their entry level accommodation.

As for the inclusion of alcoholic drinks there are valid reasons, such as breadth of choice, and quality, for not including them.

Berlitz Guide's highest rated ships do not include alcoholic drinks other than beer in suite.

Even accepting the OP's listings, why the exclusion of Viking Ocean?

A bit debatable.

Interesting that you don't have Europa on the list.

I would suggest that the premise that there are 6 star cruise lines is highly debatable.   As is the contention that Azamara, and Oceania are 5+ stars bearing in mind the size of their entry level accommodation.   As for the inclusion of alcoholic drinks there are valid reasons, such as breadth of choice, and quality, for not including them.   Berlitz Guide's highest rated ships do not include alcoholic drinks other than beer in suite.   Even accepting the OP's listings, why the exclusion of Viking Ocean?     You are correct about Viking, I forgot to mention Viking as 5 1/2 star.

A bit debatable.   Interesting that you don't have Europa on the list.   Keith

Europa is 5 1/2 star, I forgot to add this to the list.

I would say Oceania is a 5 star as well. Gratuities are included if booked during a promo period, as are beer and wine for lunch and dinner, or excursions. They give you a choice of inclusions.     Sent from my iPhone using Forums

Oceania is 5 1/2 star but not a 6 star cruise line. Cabins must start at suite level and all non and alcohol beverages must be included.

everybody can put his own criteria :

for me all inclusive " drinks " is not a synonym for luxury at all , being european howver i appreciate service included otherwise said no compulsory service charges ranging from 15 to 18% on special wines and drinks

concerning service : smiling and friendliness is not everything it must go with some professional knowledge as well -

as usual hapag lloyd Ms Europa 2 and MS Europa are not mentionned , and i am happy the drinks are not included on HL as i do not drink the complimentary wines , not on Crystal not on SB or on SS

and i find the difference between Oceania and Azamara quite big

At 5+ stars, the Europa, and the Europa 2, are the two highest rated ships by the 2016 Berlitz Guide.

Hapag Lloyd's Europa 2 and MS Europa, as English Voyager noted, have the highest Berlitz rating. Why does the OP ignore them in his definition of luxury? Perhaps he is only referencing English language ships, as this is an English site, but then he should say so. Scenic Eclipse would also be joining the English language list soon.

Otherwise, why does he believe ships must have included wine to be considered luxury, rather than considering the very important issue of quality of food and wine available (e.g., there are 1000 excellent wines to select with limited markup on HL ) instead?

These are very small ships, entry level accomodations are > 300 square feet, staff are impeccably trained (though Seabourn had some awesome staff on my recent cruise, they also had quite a few inadequately trained ones, see e.g., my latest CC Barcelona to Dover Seabourn Quest review about various non-luxury issues including violations of DND signs, Colonnade food cutbacks, and almost certain negligent misuse of my on-board filed credit card on disembarkation day ( resulting in my having to cancel that card and all accounts associated with it), plus spotty understaffing).

I am not sure where the OP came up with his criteria for luxury that are so different from Berlitz, which does not exclude HL. Of course I realize most people reading here are only interested in sailing on primary English language ships so the exclusion of HL may not matter. I also hope HL does not start cutting corners like the rest of the luxury lines have been doing, or Berlitz will no longer rank them at the top.

I totally agree. O misses the 6 star. I almost put them at 4.5 due to the smaller size of the entry level accommodations.

How so? Many say they are similar service wise, but an equal amount say what you just did (with the edge usually going to Oceania). DW and I have also been considering Azamara.

There is no such thing as a six star cruise line unless that designation is given to the cruise line by itself. Just like Burj Al Arab calls itself a seven star hotel. I can call myself anything I want, that doesn't make it true. I know someone who says he's worth ten billion dollars yet I bet his unreleased tax forms would tell a totally different story.

Hapag Lloyd's Europa 2 and MS Europa, as English Voyager noted, have the highest Berlitz rating. Why does the OP ignore them in his definition of luxury? Perhaps he is only referencing English language ships, as this is an English site, but then he should say so. Scenic Eclipse would also be joining the English language list soon.   Otherwise, why does he believe ships must have included wine to be considered luxury, rather than considering the very important issue of quality of food and wine available (e.g., there are 1000 excellent wines to select with limited markup on HL ) instead?   These are very small ships, entry level accomodations are > 300 square feet, staff are impeccably trained (though Seabourn had some awesome staff on my recent cruise, they also had quite a few inadequately trained ones, see e.g., my latest CC Barcelona to Dover Seabourn Quest review about various non-luxury issues including violations of DND signs, Colonnade food cutbacks, and almost certain negligent misuse of my on-board filed credit card on disembarkation day ( resulting in my having to cancel that card and all accounts associated with it), plus spotty understaffing).   I am not sure where the OP came up with his criteria for luxury that are so different from Berlitz, which does not exclude HL. Of course I realize most people reading here are only interested in sailing on primary English language ships so the exclusion of HL may not matter. I also hope HL does not start cutting corners like the rest of the luxury lines have been doing, or Berlitz will no longer rank them at the top.

Berlitz is not the best for cruise reviews. They take money for advertisement. They have numerous mistakes in the books about description of the ships. They are trying to sell their books. The best reviews come from cruisetruth.com They receive no money from advertisement. Completely unbiased reviews.

Europa is highly ranked cruise ship. There biggest problem is smoking on the ship. All the top 6 star cruise lines have all alcohol beverages included. And yes alcohol does play a part on all cruise ships if you drink or not.

So how do experts distinguish the deference in the quality of certain product. How do the public distinguish the difference between luxury car or cruise line vs chevy or carnival cruise line. Experts test drive and cruise on ships and they determine what is luxury or 6 star. The public buy a product or take a cruise and giver their opinion. To be fair the public would have to buy every car product or cruise on every line to give their opinion if they don't they have a bias opinion of the product or cruise they where on. Bottom line it comes down to opinions. The cruise industry must have set standards for cruise line ratings. Also at some point all cruise lines fail inspections at one time or another just like restaurants.

In the end, it all comes down to your own opinion.

Interestingly enough I rarely see the words "six star" used by most reviewers/writers of cruise lines other then from the actual cruise line. That probably tells you something.

We all have our own opinion on what makes a cruise line or even a ship luxurious, etc.

And all ships that sail a cruise line are not equal nor are all aircraft of an airline, nor all hotel properties of a brand.

By the way, all rooms on a cruise line are not the same and that can make a difference as to the overall experience for some.

Do you know the training that the staff of each cruise line has in place. I would tell you that some of the cruise lines on your list for six star over the years have saved quite a bit of money by hiring people at lower salaries. I don't want to get into specifics but I have sailed some of the lines on your six star list that have staff that clearly have not had thorough training such as sommelier's in name only who pour wine but don't really know what they are serving and waiters who clearly are not comparable to many who we have had on other cruise lines or on land who provide a level of service far greater then what we experienced.

Your list is pretty objective and not based on a lot of facts.

What exactly is a suite? I have stayed in suites and all suites are not the same.

Ship size? Why 800 as a cutoff?

Inclusive beverages and tips. Why is that six star? Don't get me wrong it's nice that it is included in the cruise fare but that alone doesn't make a cruise ship/line luxury. Does pouring bottles of wine that cost $10.00 really luxurious and six star. Think about it. And yes an opinion but I have sailed on lines not on your six star list that pour wines that are quite a bit more pricey then some on your list.

Service. How do you define impeccable service. I'll mention another example. I have sailed one of the cruise lines on your list who feature butlers. Trust me I have had far better butlers on other cruise lines/ships and that even includes Celebrity Cruise Lines.

There is a saying that I quote often and that is simply the opinion that counts the most is our very own.

In the end, we each will define what we consider luxury using our own terms/priorities.

As to six star, five star, etc. to me that is all marketing. It certainly is not fact based IMHO.

orchestrapal

Very well said Keith.

Size and perks are certainly not everything.

Impeccable service and food for us on Crystal have become more important to us than our double the size suite on another line which the OP claimed to be in the same category. To us it is not!

Enjoy Paris.

The best reviews come from cruisetruth.com They receive no money from advertisement. Completely unbiased reviews.

In it's ranking of 'The World's Top Ten Cruise Lines', cruisetruth.com places:

# 1 – HAPAG LLOYD – EUROPA 1 & 2

With regard to the smoking policy on the Europa 2, according to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises website it is:

,All the restaurants are non-smoking restaurants with the exception of the terrace of our Yacht Club Restaurant, where smoking and non-smoking tables are clearly labelled. The theatre, the Belvedere, the Foyer and the Jazzclub, as well as the entire SPA area are also non-smoking areas. Smoking is permitted on the outer terrace of the Sansibar, while the indoor area of the Sansibar is a non-smoking zone. Cigars, cigarillos and pipes may only be smoked in the Herrenzimmer (also during the day) and in the outside area of the Sansibar. Please note that smoking is not permitted in the suites. Smoking is permitted on the veranda. On the Pool Deck under the magrodome, smoking is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of the Pool Bar. All external decks are smoking zones. Smokers are obliged to exclusively use the ashtrays provided.'

Ochestrapal, thank you very much.

With regard to the smoking policy on the Europa 2, according to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises website it is:     ,All the restaurants are non-smoking restaurants with the exception of the terrace of our Yacht Club Restaurant, where smoking and non-smoking tables are clearly labelled. The theatre, the Belvedere, the Foyer and the Jazzclub, as well as the entire SPA area are also non-smoking areas. Smoking is permitted on the outer terrace of the Sansibar, while the indoor area of the Sansibar is a non-smoking zone. Cigars, cigarillos and pipes may only be smoked in the Herrenzimmer (also during the day) and in the outside area of the Sansibar. Please note that smoking is not permitted in the suites. Smoking is permitted on the veranda. On the Pool Deck under the magrodome, smoking is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of the Pool Bar. All external decks are smoking zones. Smokers are obliged to exclusively use the ashtrays provided.'

There smoking policy is not enforced on Europa.

In the end, it all comes down to your own opinion.   Interestingly enough I rarely see the words "six star" used by most reviewers/writers of cruise lines other then from the actual cruise line. That probably tells you something.   We all have our own opinion on what makes a cruise line or even a ship luxurious, etc.   And all ships that sail a cruise line are not equal nor are all aircraft of an airline, nor all hotel properties of a brand.   By the way, all rooms on a cruise line are not the same and that can make a difference as to the overall experience for some.   Do you know the training that the staff of each cruise line has in place. I would tell you that some of the cruise lines on your list for six star over the years have saved quite a bit of money by hiring people at lower salaries. I don't want to get into specifics but I have sailed some of the lines on your six star list that have staff that clearly have not had thorough training such as sommelier's in name only who pour wine but don't really know what they are serving and waiters who clearly are not comparable to many who we have had on other cruise lines or on land who provide a level of service far greater then what we experienced.   Your list is pretty objective and not based on a lot of facts.   What exactly is a suite? I have stayed in suites and all suites are not the same.   Ship size? Why 800 as a cutoff?   Inclusive beverages and tips. Why is that six star? Don't get me wrong it's nice that it is included in the cruise fare but that alone doesn't make a cruise ship/line luxury. Does pouring bottles of wine that cost $10.00 really luxurious and six star. Think about it. And yes an opinion but I have sailed on lines not on your six star list that pour wines that are quite a bit more pricey then some on your list.   Service. How do you define impeccable service. I'll mention another example. I have sailed one of the cruise lines on your list who feature butlers. Trust me I have had far better butlers on other cruise lines/ships and that even includes Celebrity Cruise Lines.   There is a saying that I quote often and that is simply the opinion that counts the most is our very own.   In the end, we each will define what we consider luxury using our own terms/priorities.   As to six star, five star, etc. to me that is all marketing. It certainly is not fact based IMHO.   Keith

There must be some type of order in which cruise lines are ranked. This helps consumer make their judgment which cruise line to vacation on. There is no standards in the cruise industry. Vacation to go gives ship rankings from 3-6 star ratings. They rank the ship not the cruise line. I think this is very difficult. Consumers should judge the cruise line first then the ships within the cruise line second. Butler service is giving to the higher suites mostly on all cruise lines. Suite is a category on all ships. Suites size vary from ship to ship but most start at 290 sq. ft. Crystal is definitely luxury cruise line. Most upscale consumers want low amount of passengers and want a suite. Crystal doesn't have these amenities at their starting cabin level (outside window). Crystal is noted for their food and service. Amenities is the most concerning for upscale travelers. There concern is the amount of passengers, suites, food quality which is debatable, service (the crew know you by your name). All inclusive ships. This may be no concern to you but for upscale travelers it's everything.

Very well said Keith.   Size and perks are certainly not everything. Impeccable service and food for us on Crystal have become more important to us than our double the size suite on another line which the OP claimed to be in the same category. To us it is not!   Enjoy Paris.

Size and amenities are everything to upscale travelers.

In it's ranking of 'The World's Top Ten Cruise Lines', cruisetruth.com places:   # 1 – HAPAG LLOYD – EUROPA 1 & 2

That's correct. If you are non smoker this is the last ship you would go on. European cruise lines are the worst for enforcing their no smoke policy. Again I say upscale travelers want all inclusive cruise lines. Hapag Lloyd doesn't offer this amenity. There is a need for basic standards for cruise reviews and there is none. Unless reviewers where on all cruise lines how do you distinguish guide lines for your review? Travelers give their opinion of the ships they where on but how do you compare your ship vs the other ships that you where not on. The cruise reviews need a standard for saying it's 3-6 star ship.

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Russian missile damages civilian, railway infrastructure in Ukraine's Cherkasy region, air force says

Thursday, 25 Apr 2024

KYIV (Reuters) - A Russian missile damaged critical infrastructure and injured six people in Ukraine's central Cherkasy region on Thursday, the regional governor said.

The attack hit civilian and railway infrastructure in the city of Smila, Ukrainian Air Force spokesperson Illya Yevlash said in a television broadcast.

An Iskander-K missile was used in the attack, based on preliminary information, Yevlash added.

The blast wave and debris also damaged 47 private residences and shattered windows in a residential high-rise building, Cherkasy Governor Ihor Taburets said via the Telegram messaging app.

Ukraine's air defences had shot down the aerial target, he said, adding that emergency services were working at the site.

Russian forces have previously damaged railway infrastructure in an April 19 strike on the Dnipro region, as reported by Ukraine's national railways Ukrzaliznytsia on Telegram.

(Reporting by Anastasiia Malenko; editing by Clarence Fernandez and Mark Heinrich)

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David Beckham gave Victoria Beckham a piggyback ride while leaving her 50th birthday party. Here's the star-studded guest list

• Victoria Beckham celebrated her 50th birthday with a party on Saturday. 
• David Beckham carried Victoria out of the party at a private members' club in London. 
• Celebrities including chef Gordon Ramsay and actor Salma Hayek attended the party. 

Victoria Beckham threw a star-studded 50th birthday party that ended with her husband, David Beckham , carrying her out of the club.

Photographers capture the moment David emerged from Oswald's — a private members club in London — with Victoria on his back in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

The couple, who married in 1999, appeared to leave alongside their four children: Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and 12-year-old Harper.

Victoria shared a photo of her family's birthday outfits on Instagram, writing, "Can't wait to celebrate with my friends and family! I love you all so much."

Close friends of Victoria also attended the party, including the Spice Girls and Tom Cruise.

Here are 10 notable celebrities at Victoria's birthday bash.

The "Mission: Impossible" star was among the celebrities photographed outside Oswald's.

Tabloids like The Mirror speculated in October 2023 that Cruise and the Beckhams had a falling out, but Cruise's attendance may prove otherwise.

Marc Anthony and Nadia Ferreira

Marc Anthony and his wife, Nadia Ferreira, made an appearance on Saturday night.

The pair got married in January 2023 and welcomed their first child that June, according to People .

José Bastón and Eva Longoria

Eva Longoria attended the bash with her husband, José Bastón, whom she married in May 2016, according to Elle .

Longoria and Victoria's friendship has spanned several years. In December 2019, Victoria shared an Instagram post in which she named Longoria a godparent for her daughter , Harper.

Gordon and Tara Ramsay

The famed chef and his wife, who married in 1996 , also stopped by Victoria's birthday bash. Outlets, including Business Insider, have reported on Beckham's close friendship with Gordon.

Most recently, Gordon has made headlines after one of his London pubs became overtaken by squatters .

Guy Ritchie and Jacqui Ainsley

Guy Ritchie , the director behind films like "The Gentlemen" and "Sherlock Holmes," was on the guest list for Victoria's bash. He attended with his wife, Jacqui Ainsley.

The pair got married in July 2015, according to CBS News.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham

Actors Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham walked into the party hand-in-hand on Saturday.

The couple got engaged in 2016 after sparking a relationship in 2010. They have two children.

Salma Hayek and François-Henri Pinault

Photographers spotted Salma Hayek and her husband, François-Henri Pinault, leaving the birthday party.

Hayek and Pinault, the billionaire CEO of Kering , tied the knot on Valentine's Day in 2009.

Emma Burton and Melanie C

It wouldn't be a Beckham party without the Spice Girls. Emma Burton, also known as Baby Spice , arrived at Victoria's birthday party with Melanie C, who's known as Sporty Spice.

David posted a video of the Spice Girls performing an impromptu performance at the celebration to his Instagram Stories on Saturday night.

Geri Halliwell

Victoria's former bandmate, Geri Halliwell , was all smiles when she entered the exclusive venue.

Halliwell, known as Ginger Spice, wished Victoria a happy birthday on Instagram .

"You're amazing! From our Tank girl audition over 30 years ago, and you're still shining bright! Wishing you love & joy," Halliwell wrote.

Mel B and Rory McPhee

Mel B, known as Scary Spice , walked out of the club with Rory McPhee. The pair announced their engagement in October 2022 after three years of dating, according to People.

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Taylor Swift owns this cute top in two colors — and it’s under $50

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So nice, she bought it twice.

Taylor Swift might have access to every designer label under the sun, but over the course of her career, she’s made it a point to mix the pricier pieces in her closet with much more accessible ones — and her new favorite top certainly fits that description.

Following the release of her new album, “The Tortured Poets Department,” and lead single “Fortnight,” Swift kicked off the #ForAFortnightChallenge on YouTube Shorts by sharing footage of a few special moments from a recent two-week period in her life.

And in two of the featured clips, she’s seen wearing the bestselling Rumored Be Mine Top ($42), pairing the white version with a lavender Popflex Pirouette Skort ($60) for a game of pickleball and the black with jeans and a Tilly Sveaas T-bar necklace while cooking with ( and kissing ) boyfriend Travis Kelce.

Rumored Be Mine Top

If the latter look feels familiar, it’s likely because Swift also wore it while delivering her virtual acceptance speech after winning artist of the year during the iHeartRadio Music Awards earlier this month.

“Our team at Rumored has long admired Taylor since her debut album. We were beyond thrilled when she chose to wear Rumored. Taylor embodies the spirit of the women Rumored is designed for — confident, unapologetic dreamers and believers. It’s an honor to have her support,” brand founder Dacey Trotta tells Page Six Style.

Described by the New York-based company as “a soft and seamless essential,” the cap-sleeved shirt features a scoop neckline, form-fitting silhouette and cropped cut, and also comes in a light gray color in addition to Swift’s black and white.

And while sizes are flying out of stock swiftly, Rumored is restocking the style on May 5.

In the meantime, if your size is sold out, consider the Be Mine Minidress ($48), which boast the same flattering fit.

Rumored Be Mine Minidress

It’s not the first time Swift’s stocked up on a sartorial staple in multiple shades; while teasing “TTPD” in a series of preppy, collegiate-cool street style looks , she’s been spotted wearing a particular pleated Miu Miu miniskirt in several different neutral hues.

She also owns her go-to Polo Ralph Lauren baseball cap ($50) in both chino and corduroy varieties , and her favorite cable-knit sweater ($148+) from the same label in a whopping six different colors .

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With every luxury included, we’ve elevated all-inclusive travel, inviting you to take hold of every moment and make life-long memories to share with friends and family for years to come. Make your voyage your own with custom enhancements and allow our incredible crew to take care of every detail on an all-inclusive cruise that truly is An Unrivaled Experience® .

Cruising From The UK

When taking a luxury cruise holiday from the UK, there are a few cruise lines that offer interesting ports of call and multiple destinations around the British Isles. With such a wide variety of sailings, you can choose the itinerary that best suits your needs. Cruising is a fantastic way to see different parts of Europe in absolute luxury, with ships offering itineraries from islands in the Mediterranean to destinations in Scandinavia and Norway. 

When cruising from the UK there are no flights needed which means a hassle-free experience with no airports and delayed flights. The majority of luxury cruises depart from Southampton port with parking located at the ships terminal with a short walk to your ship. Simply park up and check-in then relax with the world at your feet. 

To find out more about luxury cruises departing the UK browse through all available sailing dates, itineraries and destinations at the link below, or simply call us today and speak to our luxury cruise experts who will be more than happy to help.

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Related Countries

Southampton.

Southampton is a port city on England’s south coast. It’s home to the SeaCity Museum, with an interactive model of the Titanic, which departed from Southampton in 1912. Nearby, Southampton City Art Gallery specialises in modern British art. Solent Sky Museum features vintage aircraft like the iconic Spitfire. Tudor House & Garden displays artifacts covering over 800 years of history, including a penny-farthing bike.

Things To See, Do & Taste In Southampton:

• See:  Stonehenge – A prehistoric megalithic structure and place of spiritual significance.
• Do:  Wine tasting / winery tour – The Southeast of England has the greatest concentration of commercial vineyards in Britain.
• Taste:  Tunworth and Winslade cheeses – Locally produced in Hampshire.

Isle of Portland

London (Greenwich)

Newcastle upon Tyne

Saint Mary's, Isles of Scilly

Cowes, Isle of Wight

Kirkwall, Orkney Islands

Invergordon

Lerwick, shetland islands, newhaven/edinburgh, queensferry, stornoway, isle of lewis, portree, isle of skye, tobermory, isle of mull.

Milford Haven

Pembrokeshire Coast National Park

Broughton Bay

Before English and Scottish settlers arrived in the 1600s, Belfast was a tiny village called Béal Feirste ("sandbank ford") belonging to Ulster's ancient O'Neill clan. With the advent of the Plantation period (when settlers arrived in the 1600s), Sir Arthur Chichester, from Devon in southwestern England, received the city from the English Crown, and his son was made Earl of Donegall. Huguenots fleeing persecution from France settled near here, bringing their valuable linen-work skills. In the 18th century, Belfast underwent a phenomenal expansion—its population doubled every 10 years, despite an ever-present sectarian divide. Although the Anglican gentry despised the Presbyterian artisans—who, in turn, distrusted the native Catholics—Belfast's growth continued at a dizzying speed. The city was a great Victorian success story, an industrial boomtown whose prosperity was built on trade, especially linen and shipbuilding. Famously (or infamously), the Titanic was built here, giving Belfast, for a time, the nickname "Titanic Town." Having laid the foundation stone of the city's university in 1845, Queen Victoria returned to Belfast in 1849 (she is recalled in the names of buildings, streets, bars, monuments, and other places around the city), and in the same year, the university opened under the name Queen's College. Nearly 40 years later, in 1888, Victoria granted Belfast its city charter. Today its population is nearly 300,000, tourist numbers have increased, and this dramatically transformed city is enjoying an unparalleled renaissance.This is all a welcome change from the period when news about Belfast meant reports about "the Troubles." Since the 1994 ceasefire, Northern Ireland's capital city has benefited from major hotel investment, gentrified quaysides (or strands), a sophisticated new performing arts center, and major initiatives to boost tourism. Although the 1996 bombing of offices at Canary Wharf in London disrupted the 1994 peace agreement, the ceasefire was officially reestablished on July 20, 1997, and this embattled city began its quest for a newfound identity.Since 2008, the city has restored all its major public buildings such as museums, churches, theaters, City Hall, Ulster Hall—and even the glorious Crown Bar—spending millions of pounds on its built heritage. A gaol that at the height of the Troubles held some of the most notorious murderers involved in paramilitary violence is now a major visitor attraction.Belfast's city center is made up of three roughly contiguous areas that are easy to navigate on foot. From the south end to the north, it's about an hour's leisurely walk.

Londonderry

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