viking cruises advert voice over

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Who does the voice over in viking cruise advert?

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Viking River Cruises

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Viking Cruises commercial

For the forum's American audience I'd like to apologise for the overwhelmingly patronising voiceover from the English woman on the Viking Cruises commercial currently being aired on US TV!

No-one BUT no-one talks like that in the UK, not even in Fortnum and Masons, I've never heard anything so cringeworthy.

Perhaps it was and American instructed to do it in an English accent. No matter the product, a British accent ads clout to the pitch, whether it is European river cruises or Miracle Slicers.

And I always thought Dick Van Dyke' cockney accent in "Mary Poppins" was accurate. Others beg to differ.

Oh she was British alright but terribly forced. And Dick Van Dyke was nowhere near close!

That British accent sells over here! Grey Poupon, Miracle Slicers, cooking gadgets, you name it.

How characteristically gracious of JC to apologise (as he quaintly spells it). No need, we eat that accent up! ;-)

Ha! Picturing “this person” at the beginning of the cruise teaching everyone how to properly speak English.

Perhaps she is related to these folks

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/beyond-europe/what-to-wear-when-visiting-america

( See link in the Original post)

That’s odd, I have British friends that talk like that....

oooh must go search for this ad!!!

Haha-I spend too much time on this forum to have time to watch TV!

Well, she's pronouncing "leisure" as "leeesure" so she's off on the wrong foot for a start!

Anytime a company wants to add cachet to their product, make it sound/appear high class or exclusive, they use English accents.... always funny to me.

I was watching a US TV programme recently, and two characters who were supposedly English were talking to each other. They got the accents mostly right, but the vocabulary was horribly wrong. They used words like "gotten", "vacation" and others I can't remember - wrong. Then they walked past a "pub" (it was obviously a studio set), and a sign said "fresh foods" - wrong, it's "fresh food". If they go to all that trouble with teaching the accent, at least they could get the scriptwriters to write in English.

P.S. Is this ad on YouTube, does anybody have a link?

Do you not apologize for the man? Viking sponsors Masterpiece on PBS and this is the male voiceover .

I've noticed that Brits that spend a lot of time in the US or Canada, end up speaking with a mish-mash of their native English and American English, especially with the words used and often with a funny stilted sounded accent.

But I must agree that when I hear that woman on the commercial, it sets my teeth on edge.

Woman? Do you not apologize for the man? Viking sponsors Masterpiece on PBS and this is the male voiceover.

No because he doesn't sound anywhere near as patronising and false as the woman. Are you suggesting that this is a sexist thing!!!!!

No...he’s saying the voiceover is a man not a woman. And it is....a man. At least the version that airs on PBS for Masterpiece in the US.

Is it this one?

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=jE0dBXIdLQ8

She sound like a spoof Joanna Lumley. Or perhaps it really is her and she turns it up a notch for colonial markets.

Nick, that's not the one I watched but I'm sure it's the same woman. The one I saw she was hamming it up even more.

I'm quite able to differentiate between a man and a woman's voice. The commercial I was referring to has a womans voiceover, how on Earth would I think it was a man?

Blockquote They used words like "gotten", "vacation" and others I can't remember - wrong. Then they walked past a "pub" (it was obviously a studio set), and a sign said "fresh foods" - wrong, it's "fresh food".

This is where people always go wrong when they try to fake an English accent. It's not just the accent. It's the vocabulary. Cracks me up every time!

OTOH - I was very impressed with LA Confidential. Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce did an exceptional job (I know - Aussies). Until the very end when Guy pronounced Los Angeles as Los Angelees. Argh!

The voice doesn't bother me at all...it's that silly commercial that makes me cringe. In our house we jokingly refer to Viking River Cruises as "seeing Europe pass you by through your bedroom window" or "Europe with your blankie".

JC how about a link so we all know what you're referring to....

Not really sure which one the OP was referring to as there are more than one, but this is the one that irritates me. Don't know what it is about her but I find her annoying.

Yes Nancy, that's the one! Nauseating.

overwhelmingly patronising voiceover

I find JC's description to be very apt.

After reading all the comments I did not find it as 'bad' as I was expecting it to be.

I think what one needs to do is take it in the context that it is an ad aimed at US viewers. I suspect the producers were looking to give it a "European" flavor by using an English speaker with an accent, to make it 'special'. Seems to have worked to the extent it got attention

From how everyone was dressed, it is obvious that 'traveling light' is an unknown/foreign concept

The stately home shown at 0:13, is Highclere Castle, as featured on TV in Downton Abbey. See here: http://www.britain-magazine.com/attractions-2/britains-top-10-film-and-tv-locations/ That is nowhere near any navigable river, and will not be included in any Viking Tours cruise.

At 0:52 she says "Travel and Lee-shoor". She may have got the accent vaguely right, but she can't pronounce leisure!

I all fairness, Ladies and Gentlemen, the context of the much scoffed at pronunciation of "Lee-shoor" is "Travel and Leisure" magazine. It is a US publication, based in New York City. That is the correct American pronunciation for this magazine, for those of you who are always at pains to use proper local pronunciations for cities and regions. I don't believe it is published in Europe, since the Russia edition was folded many years ago.

Hey, at least we both use the same pronunciation for Worcester.

I'm not one for using the local pronounciation. I don't say tomato, vitamin or route as American's would pronounce them when I'm in the US, that would simply be weird and contrived. People know what I mean just as I've never heard an American pronounce those words in the British way when they're in the UK, why would they? So if the purpose of using a British narrator is to add an air of supposed quality then you shouldn't expect them to pronounce words as an American would

It's the same when people write a post on here and insist on writing Sevilla but they write Spain instead of Espana (can't be bothered to find the accents) or Roma but then refer to Italy, if you want to try and sound educated and well travelled at least be consistent!

I think that lady has a South African accent rather than a British one? It sounds like that to me on the final “dot com”. Some people from there have accents that sound like the old-fashioned posh English ones which are dying out in England itself.

Don’t get me started! I’ve been listening to some “British “ gal, with a condescending tone, try and sell me a Lexus on the radio for a month! Annoys the heck out of me, so much so I turn it off. I love a British accent, but these commercials seem to use a tone that I find high and mighty and insincere.

My guess for the male voice in the other Viking ad is that of the late British actor, Tim Pigott-Smith. He played Ronald Merrick in the series The Jewel in the Crown.

Back when I studied advertising, one of the tenets was Americans perceive the speaker to be more intelligent when they speak with a British accent. (Also more intelligent when wearing a lab coat and/or glasses.)

Remember advertising is more about selling the ad to the buyer than selling the product to you and me. Many stupid things in advertising are there because the buyer liked it.

I love watching ads. You get 30 seconds to create a world where your product is the one thing that solves the problem you just created - great entertainment.

This topic has been automatically closed due to a period of inactivity.

Viking Cruises Adverts – Filming Locations Complete List, 2021 and 2020

If you’ve seen a Viking cruise advert on TV you may be wondering where the advert was filmed. Viking film their TV adverts across the world and in this post I break down each advert into their filming locations.

Each adverts filming location is split by the time it is displayed on the advert.

Which Castles Are in The Viking Cruises TV Advert?

The 2020 Viking Cruises advert shows Aggstein Castle in Austria, Highclere Castle in Hampshire, Katz Castle in Germany, and Rheinstein Castle also in Germany. The 2021 Viking Cruises advert shows Pfalzgrafenstein Castle in Germany.

Viking Cruises 2021 Advert Filming Locations

In 2021 Viking released a new TV advert entitled ‘Welcome Back to The World’. This advert was the first since the cruising shutdown of 2020.

The advert was filmed in locations across the world, from Norway to Japan, Australia, Turkey, Hungary and Germany.

The full advert can be seen below:

Lofoten, Norway – 2021 Filming Location 1

Lofoten is an island group located in Nordland, Norway. It is famous for it’s dramatic mountains, beaches and bays. The current population of Lofoten is 24,500 and there is evidence of humans living in Lofoten going back for 11,000 years.

Lofoten is 112 miles north of the Arctic circle and in summer the sun does not set.

Lake Kawaguchi – 2021 Filming Location 2

Lake Kawaguchi borders the towns of Fujikawaguchiko and Minobu in Japan and the second largest of the Fuji Five Lakes.

It is one of the best places to see Mount Fuji.

The lake is a popular destination for many with hotels and campsites located there. The lake itself reaches a little over 15 metres in depth and has 19km of shore line.

Sydney, Australia – 2021 Filming Location 3

Sydney is the capital of New South Wales, Australia. There are two cruise terminals located within Sydney and 8 more along the coastline of New South Wales.

It is a very popular cruise destination with many cruise lines sailing regularly from Sydney. Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line , Celebrity, and Princess all sail regularly from the port as do multiple Australian cruise lines.

The scene shown in the 2021 Viking Cruises TV Advert is that of the Sydney Opera house which is passed by cruise ships docking in the port.

Library of Celsus, Turkey – 2021 Filming Location 4

The Library of Celsus was built in 100AD and is one of the only remaining examples of a library from the Roman empire.

At the time the building was the third largest library in the world.

The interior of the building was destroyed by a fire and the front wall shown below is all that remains. It is a very popular destination to visit on cruises that visit the port of Kusadasi. I took an excursion to visit the library in 2019 with Celestyal .

To learn more about that cruise, and how we managed to visit two cruise ports per day, check out this post: What Celestyal Cruises REALLY Like? – Daily Photo Diary and Review

Suleymaniye Mosque, Turkey – 2021 Filming Location 5

The Suleymaniye Mosque, is located in Istanbul, Turkey. It’s estimated that the foundation dates to around 1550.

For almost 500 years the mosque was the biggest mosque in the city before being overtaken by the Çamlıca mosque in 2019. The mosque is one of the most recognisable sights in Istanbul and is very popular with tourists visiting the country.

Budapest, Hungary – 2021 Filming Location 6

Budapest is the capital city of Hungary and is one of the most visited countries in Europe. On an average year 12 million tourists visit the city.

33% of all Hungarian residents live in Budapest. I have visited Budapest on a number of occasions and it is one of my favourite cities in Europe. There is LOTS to see and do, the city always feels very safe and clean and it is cheap too (coming from the UK).

Budapest is particularly popular on river cruise itineraries as the river Danube runs through the city. On the sides of the river Danube are Buda and Pest. The name Budapest was given in the 1870s to signify the unification of the two sides.

To learn more about the river cruise I took that started in Budapest, check out this post: Saga River Cruise – Review and Guide (Food, Entertainment, Ships, and More) .

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, Germany – 2021 Filming Location 7

Pfalzgrafenstein Castle is a toll castle located on Falkenau island. Nicknamed the ‘Pfalz’ the castle has been turned into a museum.

The castle was originally built in the 1300s and had additions made to it in the 1600s and 1700s. It collected tolls until 1867.

Viking Cruises Ocean Cruising 2020 Advert

In 2020, Viking released an advert called Reinventing Ocean Cruising. The advert focused on the cruise lines quality as well as the extended time spent in ports.

Venice, Italy – 2020 Ocean Filming Location 1

Venice is located in the north of Italy and is made up of 118 small islands.

Until 2020 cruise lines were able to freely dock in the centre of Venice but following a call to ban cruise ships this is no longer the case.

Cruise ships will still be docking in Venice in future but will not be docking directly in the heart of the city due to concerns about the ships damaging the landscape of Venice.

Venice is a very popular tourist destination and is often voted as one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Popular tourist destinations to visit include the Rialto Bridge, Saint Marks Basilica, St Mark’s Square and the bridge of Sighs.

Santorini, Greece – 2020 Ocean Filming Location 2

Santorini is an island in the Aegean sea around 200km south of the Greek mainland. The port is a very popular tender port where passengers have to use tender boats to get to land.

To learn more about what it is like to tender on a cruise, including how to skip the lines, check out this post: Cruise Ship Tendering – 5 Tips You NEED to Know .

Santorini is visited by 2 million tourists annually and the white buildings with blue roofs have become instantly recognisable worldwide.

Geirangerfjord, Norway – 2020 Ocean Filming Location 4

The Geiranger Fjord is a fjord in the Møre og Romsdal county of Norway. It is a 15km part of the Sunnylvsfjorden.

Geiranger Fjord is a very popular port on many Norwegian Fjord itineraries. It is recognised as a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most scenic ports in the world.

If you are considering a cruise to Norway, check out my top tips, Norway is one of my favourite cruise destinations but you need to be prepared: Norwegian Fjords Cruise: 32 Tips You NEED to Know .

Viking Cruises River Cruising 2020 Advert

In 2020 Viking cruises released a river cruise advert showing the most popular river cruise destinations across Europe.

Aggstein Castle, Austria – 2021 River Filming Location 1

Aggstein castle is located in Austria on the river Danube. The castle ruins are open to tourists and visiting the castle provides views over the Wachau Valley.

The ruins date back to medieval times and are approximately 480 feet above sea level.

Budapest, Hungary – 2020 River Filming Location 2

Schloss schönbühel, austria – 2020 river filming location 3.

The Schloss Schönbühel castle is located in a town in Austria called Schönbühel-Aggsbach. The castle is located on the river Danube.

The castle was built as a defence fortress in the 12th century and is approximately 40 feet above sea level.

Highclere Castle, Hampshire – 2020 River Filming Location 4

Highclere Castle is a grade one listed country estate located in a 5000-acre estate in Hampshire, England. The castle was built in 1679 and renovated in the 1840s.

Highclere Castle is now famous as being the location where the TV show Downton Abbey was filmed.

Prior to Downton Abbey the castle needed million of pounds spent on repairs, an increase in tourism following the show allowed the family that own the castle to return it to its former glory. The castle is now open to the public.

Katz Castle, Germany – 2020 River Filming Location 5

Katz castle is located in Germany and was first built in 1371. The castle is currently privately owned and tourists are not able to visit.

The castle mostly consists of one large tower and one great hall.

Rheinstein Castle, Germany – 2020 River Filming Location 6

Rheinstein Castle is located in Germany near the town of Trechtingshausen. The castle was first built in 1316 and was rebuilt during the 19th century.

The castle has amazing views of the Rhine river and is open to the public. In the 1980s the castle was handed down to the Rhine family, who donated the castle to the German government to be used as a museum.

I have cruised with Viking and LOVED the experience.

To learn more about what surprised me about the cruise line, check out this post:

Viking Cruises, Review and Daily Diary

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The National Symphony Orchestra of London records Viking’s beautiful music score at London’s legendary Abbey Road Studios. Written by Debbie Wiseman, Classic FM Composer in Residence and Viking godmother, “The Traveler” was created to celebrate the company’s 20th anniversary in 2017, and its spirited theme reflects the exploration and discovery found on Viking voyages.

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to think the Viking river cruises woman is worse than the Oral B woman?

MarshmallowFondant · 29/12/2021 12:44

Am I being unreasonable?

8 votes. Final results.

Yabu the omaze woman is worse than both of them

The Omaze woman sounds just like the Viking woman. Both annoying.

Their voices are nearly as annoying as that SNP woman that is on TV all the time.

Ashley Jensen in the Waitrose ads. (Anything she is in, really).

Explore the world………she says “ Explore the hoooo worrrllld “ …. what a stuck up cow . The whole advert is designed to cater for the rich, and her snotty stuck up delivery, puts the ordinary traveller off…. god she is awful.

WomanStanleyWoman · 29/12/2021 13:55

It’s a river cruises ad. You won’t be at sea.

For a while I was driven mad by the voice of the woman on the Quooker ad. A horrible scratchy, scrapy voice, high pitched but sharp and horrible. Just horrible It beat my original horrible voice which was the Mr Kipling bloke, he sounded like he had a load of phlegm in his throat, horrible.

KimberleyClark · 16/11/2023 10:50

How do you get the fjords, then? In a box? Edited to say I think I am (a) in need of medication adjustment, and (b) thinking of the wrong advert. As you were.

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Press Release

Viking announces launch of initial public offering.

Los Angeles, CA (April 22, 2024) – Viking Holdings Ltd (“Viking”) today announced the launch of its initial public offering of 44,000,000 ordinary shares pursuant to a registration statement on Form F-1 filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Viking is offering 11,000,000 ordinary shares and the selling shareholders are offering 33,000,000 ordinary shares. In connection with the offering, the selling shareholders have granted the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to an additional 6,600,000 ordinary shares to cover over-allotments. The initial public offering price is currently expected to be between $21.00 and $25.00 per ordinary share. Viking has applied to list its ordinary shares on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “VIK.” The proposed offering is subject to market and other conditions, and there can be no assurance as to whether or when the offering may be completed, or as to the actual size or terms of the offering.

BofA Securities and J.P. Morgan (listed in alphabetical order) are acting as lead underwriters and representatives for the proposed offering. UBS Investment Bank and Wells Fargo Securities are also acting as lead book-running managers. HSBC and Morgan Stanley are acting as bookrunners for the proposed offering, and Rothschild & Co, Stifel, Drexel Hamilton, LLC, Loop Capital Markets LLC and R. Seelaus & Co., LLC are acting as co-managers for the proposed offering.

The proposed offering will be made only by means of a prospectus. Copies of the preliminary prospectus, when available, may be obtained from: BofA Securities, NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28255-0001, Attention: Prospectus Department, telephone: 1-800-294-1322, or email: [email protected]; and J.P. Morgan Securities LLC, c/o Broadridge Financial Solutions, 1155 Long Island Avenue, Edgewood, New York 11717, telephone: 1-866-803-9204, or email: [email protected].

A registration statement relating to these securities has been filed with the SEC but has not yet become effective. These securities may not be sold, nor may offers to buy be accepted, prior to the time the registration statement becomes effective. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

About Viking

Viking was founded in 1997 and provides destination-focused journeys on rivers, oceans and lakes around the world. Designed for curious travelers with interests in science, history, culture and cuisine, Viking offers experiences for The Thinking Person™.

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Cruise Operator Viking’s IPO Looks Like a Winner

V iking Cruises has turned European river travel into a lucrative business by catering to the Masterpiece Theater crowd—affluent older American tourists interested in culture, art, and history.

The cruise line’s parent, Viking Holdings, plans to go public in the coming week. The deal could generate a positive reception from investors due to the company’s profitability, high-end niche, and growth prospects.

Viking plans to sell 44 million shares in a price range of $21 to $25, which would raise $1 billion and value the company at around $10 billion based on 431 million shares outstanding, according to its prospectus. The deal is expected to be priced on April 30 and begin trading on May 1. The stock will trade on the NYSE under the ticker VIK. Underwriters include BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan, UBS, and Wells Fargo.

The company operates 92 vessels including 58 of its signature flat, long ships accommodating 190 passengers each that ply European rivers such as the Seine, Rhine, and Danube. The company’s slogan is “Exploring the World in Comfort.”

The Viking experience is the antithesis of boozy fun marketed by big cruise lines on their massive ships. There are no children under 18 allowed on Viking vessels and there are no casinos on board.

Founded in 1997, Viking has become synonymous with European river travel due in part to shrewd marketing. It sponsored PBS’s Masterpiece Theater, including the hit series Downton Abbey. The company diversified into the luxury ocean market in 2015 and now leads in that sector.

The company had $4.7 billion in revenue in 2023, up nearly 50% from 2022, and it earned a pro forma 56 cents a share excluding special factors. At the midpoint of the pricing range, the company would be valued at a steep 41 times its 2023 pro forma earnings.

But the stock looks reasonable based on free cash flow. It’s valued at about 10 times the $1 billion of free cash flow that it generated last year. Using another metric, the company is valued at about 13 times its 2023 earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization, or Ebitda. Viking has less than $4 billion of net debt.

Viking released some first-quarter financials in its prospectus that showed improvement over the same period in 2023. Revenue of $715 million at the midpoint of a range was up 14% versus the year-earlier period, and its operating loss narrowed to $80 million at the midpoint of the range, against a $116 million loss in the first quarter of 2023. The first quarter is seasonally weak, with the company profitable in the second and third quarters of the year.

The luxury market is hot, with investors gravitating toward stocks such as Ferrari and Hermès. The company bills itself as the only “pure play luxury public cruise line.”

The initial public offering will represent a score for CEO, chairman and founder Torstein Hagen and for investors TPG and the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board.

Before the IPO, Hagen owned about 54% of the company, with TPG and CPP at roughly 21% each. In the IPO, the company will sell 11 million shares and TPG and CPP a total of 33 million.

Viking carried about 650,000 passengers in 2023, who paid an average of more than $7,000 per trip against about $2,000 for cruise line industry leader Carnival, which is a mostly mass-market company. Viking caters to travelers, mostly Americans, who are 55 years old or over and who are interested in culture, art, music, history, and science. it caters to what it calls “thinking people.”

Viking says it has 51% of the riverboat market for North American tourists. In 2015, it started an ocean cruising division and now has an industry-leading share of 26%.

In a presentation available on the RetailRoadshow website, Hagen said that Viking has disproved the industry view that it’s “tough making money on smaller ships.” Viking’s riverboats are larger than those of many of its competitors, which allows for more passengers and profitability.

The company sees considerable growth potential in coming years, with 18 new riverboats and six oceangoing ships due for delivery through 2028. Part of its strategy is to operate identical river long-ships and oceangoing ships to simplify marketing and maintenance.

Challenges for Viking include growing competition in the European river market, with some rivals offering what they tout as a more exclusive experience than Viking. Travel specialist Tauck, for instance, notes on its website that its riverboats carry no more than 130 guests.

There are only so many European rivers to experience. Viking’s growth could come from its ocean travel focused on Europe (mostly the Mediterranean and Baltic seas) as well as the Antarctic. River travel is growing on waterways such as the Mississippi in the U.S. and the Mekong in Southeast Asia.

“We maintain a clear focus on our most relevant customer group: English-speaking travelers aged 55 years old and over, who have the time, money, and desire to explore the world,” Hagen wrote in the prospectus. That strategy has worked, and Viking could be rewarded for it when it goes public soon.

Write to Andrew Bary at [email protected]

The Best New Cruises in the World: 2024 Hot List

By CNT Editors

It’s inevitable: Every spring when we pull together the Hot List , our annual collection of the world’s best new hotels, restaurants, and cruise ships, a staffer remarks that this latest iteration has got to be the best one ever. After a year’s worth of traveling the globe—to stay the night at a converted farmhouse in the middle of an olive grove outside Marrakech , or sail aboard a beloved cruise line’s inaugural Antarctic voyage—it’s easy to see why we get attached. But this year’s Hot List, our 28th edition, might really be the best one ever. It’s certainly our most diverse, featuring not only a hotel suite that was once Winston Churchill’s office, but also the world’s largest cruise ship and restaurants from Cape Town to Bali. We were surprised and inspired by this year’s honorees, and we know you will be too. These are the Hot List cruise winners for 2024.

Click here to see the entire Hot List for 2024 .

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

This story appears in Condé Nast Traveler 's Hot List issue. Never miss out when you subscribe to Condé Nast Traveler .

Celebrity Ascent — Celebrity Cruises Arrow

Celebrity is a premium big-ship cruise brand, focusing on exquisite dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces chock-full of bespoke art pieces, and avant-garde onboard entertainment. The ship makes passengers feel, in a word, glamorous. Celebrity Ascent ’s sumptuously designed interiors are flooded with natural light and evoke an air of playful sophistication that make a week on board an escape worth cherishing. Passengers may find themselves longing to return for just one more succulent crab claw at Raw on 5, one more martini poured by bottle-spinning bartenders in the Martini Bar, or one more dazzling, acrobatic stage show, in the days following their farewells to this beautiful ship. From $710 per person for a seven-night sailing. —Scott Laird

Emerald Sakara — Emerald Cruises Arrow

Now with two oceangoing vessels joining Emerald’s more established fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships,” the decade-old cruise line is extending a brand built on unpretentious luxury to more corners of the world. Christened last August, the 100-guest superyacht, Sakara, is a near twin to Azzurra, which in 2022 ushered in a new era for Emerald by taking to the high seas. Sakara, like its sister, delightfully blurs the line between the luxury and ultra-luxury cruise categories, offering attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor, and an eclectic slate of activities at a price point friendly to more budgets. The cherry on top with both superyachts is a slew of perks atypical of small-ship sailing, ranging from an impressively comprehensive spa to a marina platform well equipped for more fun in the sun. Despite having so much good stuff, each vessel is remarkably spacious. Getting a sense of being on a private yacht is easy like Sunday morning. Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through at least March 2026; Azzurra, too, in addition to the Middle East, Kenya, and the Seychelles. Emerald’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. (Note that a third ship, the Kaia , has just been announced by the cruise line; it debuts in April 2026, and, for all the early birds, it is now open for bookings.) From $3,850. —David Dickstein

Explora I — Explora Journeys Arrow

With a showpiece lobby bar, upscale restaurants, and a sultry infinity pool, Explora Journeys' relaxed luxury-resort-at-sea vibe strikes the perfect balance on Explora I. Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship is disarmingly beautiful. A sleek navy blue exterior cocoons 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets, and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing Champagne, 7,500 square feet of wellness space, and 18 drinking and dining venues. From Emporium Marketplace, with its decadent raw bar, to pan-Asian restaurant Sakura, the dining on Explora I is sensational. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where aging meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship's only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs—such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco's O' by Claude Le Tohic—curate sublime tasting menus. There's more: The only Rolex boutique at sea, huge hot tubs, and a shore program that sees some land experiences developed in partnership with revered explorer Mike Horn. From $698 per person per night. —Kerry Spencer

Icon of the Seas — Royal Caribbean International Arrow

Aboard the Icon, you can really get lost. The behemoth is just plain big, with capacity for nearly 8,000 when combining passengers and crew across 20 decks and 250,800 gross tons. Two and a half laps around the ship’s jogging track, a particular highlight onboard, and you’ve run a mile. So one can find themselves in need of a map—forgetting your sunscreen, for example, in your cabin is a bit of a chore depending on how far you’ve made it. But the abundance of things to do is also narcotic, and you feel a bit like a lotus-eater attempting to navigate it all while keeping your head. Amid the relentless entertainment, not to be missed are the top-notch performers present everywhere, from the Olympic-level aquatics show that you can watch from the windows of the specialty seafood restaurant should seating be elusive (it often is) to the cafeteria, where crew members dressed as food items sing songs reminding (commanding, actually, which is fabulous) passengers to wash their hands at sinks near the entrance. If you wish to enjoy the largest waterpark at sea, by the way, do what I did not and pack a swimsuit without zippers. From $2,249. —Charlie Hobbs

Harrison Pierce

María Casbas

CNT Editors

MSC Euribia — MSC Cruises Arrow

Looking at a row of cruise ships in port, you'll spot MSC Euribia right away. She's covered bow to stern by an ocean-themed mural by German artist Alex Flämig that bears the hashtag #SaveTheSeas nodding to the MSC's dedication to sustainable cruising: the European cruise line aims to be net-zero by 2050. MSC Euribia brings it one step closer to that goal, as it's the fleet's greenest ship yet, operating on liquified natural gas (LNG) and running advanced water and waste treatment systems onboard. But enough with the technical details—this mega-ship is packed with activities and entertainment, with 10 restaurants, 21 bars, five pools, two performance venues, and a bevy of family-friendly amenities, like an F1 simulator, a waterpark, and a bowling alley. More adult-oriented highlights include the MSC Aurea Spa, with a thermal suite outfitted with thalassotherapy pools, a salt cave, and a snow room, as well as the Helios Wine Maker bar for wine tastings. From $519. —Stefanie Waldek

Norwegian Viva — Norwegian Cruise Line Arrow

The second entry in Norwegian Cruise Line’s new Prima Class, Viva is like an Irish twin of older sister Prima . There’s the same stateroom count at 1,586, done in pristine and pleasing neutrals, as well as familiarly tricked-out amenities like the zippy 1,400-foot go-kart racing track that undulates over the top decks. Importantly, the Ocean Walk, which my colleague Mercedes Bleth adored aboard the Prima, remains. But round two afforded the premier name in large-ship cruising a chance to tweak and perfect, with an influx of seating options both in the ship’s complimentary dining hall as well as on its myriad decks. Across from the signature “zero-waste” Metropolitan Bar, where yummy drinks are whipped up from the ship’s food waste (I particularly enjoy a buttery Croissant Mai-Tai, for which hardening pastries are boiled down into sweetening syrup; the same is done with banana peels) is an interactive piece of digital art 52 feet wide that sees butterflies flit beside passersby. Breezy class all around. From $979. —Charlie Hobbs

Oceania Vista — Oceania Cruises Arrow

Vista, Oceania’s first new ship in more than a decade and the first of its Allura Class, debuted with small but mighty upgrades to its previous ships: better stabilizers for a smoother sailing experience; stronger Wi-Fi; lighting and architecture designed to make the ship’s common spaces look and feel roomier; a resort-like pool deck; and balconies in every cabin. The real star of the show, though, is the food and beverage experience— Vista ’s culinary program delivers on its promise of top-quality venues you’ll want to make the rounds at. New to the lineup are Ember, a steakhouse with decor straight out of Napa Valley, and Aquamar Kitchen, serving up lighter fare that doesn’t skimp on taste. Celebrate a birthday, an anniversary, or a just-because occasion with the Cellar Masters Wine Luncheon, a five-course meal and wine pairing. And don’t miss the elaborate sea day brunch, where towers of lobster, crab, and caviar await. Of course, the ship is just one destination. This year Vista is splitting time between the Mediterranean and the Caribbean; next year it will venture farther into Europe with ports of call like Istanbul, Stockholm, and Klaipeda, Lithuania. Its sister ship, Allura, sets sail in 2025 From $2,699. —Madison Flager

Scenic Eclipse II — Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours Arrow

The eagerly awaited Scenic Eclipse II is the new and improved version of Scenic's first expedition vessel, Scenic Eclipse . Dubbed "discovery yachts" for their sleek look and top-tier service, the sisters are nearly identical, with most changes so subtle that most guests might not even notice them, such as the slight enlargement of the steam room in the spa. But a big difference can be found on deck 10, where a plunge pool with jets for simulated lap swimming has taken the place of two hot tubs—and there's a new Sky Bar up here. Otherwise, Scenic Eclipse II has the same beloved amenities of its sister, most notably 10 exceptional dining experiences, from a sushi bar to a French restaurant with an attached Champagne bar; a 5,920-square-foot spa; two helicopters; and a submersible. Capable of sailing all over the world, including the polar regions, Scenic Eclipse II has itineraries for every type of traveler. From $7,455. —Stefanie Waldek

Seabourn Pursuit — Seabourn Cruise Line Arrow

Pursuit is a small “yacht-like” expedition ship with a distinct green exterior whose destinations range from Antarctica to warmer climes like the Kimberley in Australia. The decadent cabins, bigger than some standard hotel rooms, feel spacious and relaxing, complete with all the subtle touches that make you feel immediately at home. You can hang your evening attire in the walk-in closet and dry your wet swimwear—or damp Arctic expedition gear—in the built-in warming compartment; have sunrise breakfasts or sunset cocktails mixed at the in-room wet bar on your private balcony; and sleep in a plush, queen-sized bed. But what truly sets this cruise apart is the attentive and personable staff who quickly learn your name and personal preferences, providing VIP treatment throughout the journey. From $10,799. —Taylor Eisenhauer

Seven Seas Grandeur — Regent Seven Seas Cruises Arrow

Ports in the Caribbean, the Greek Isles, and the Riviera might be the draw, but the all-inclusive luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises produces ships that have travelers looking forward to those days at sea, as its sixth offering, Grandeur, further proves. All of the 372 suites, which start at a roomy 307 square feet, are decorated in calming neutral blues and beige, and feature furnished balconies; most have L'Occitane bubbles for the marble tub. Quiet comfort can also be had in the Serene Spa & Wellness outdoor lounge area, following a massage on a quartz crystal bed that mimics the feel of warm sand. Cravings for a porterhouse or a vegetarian Salisbury steak can be sated by Prime 7, with other venues serving specialty pan-Asian cuisine, French fare, ample buffets, and Italian offerings. Mainstay Compass Rose has been reimagined as a light, airy space where diners breakfast under playfully elegant pillars that resemble crystal trees. Grandeur 's whimsy extends to its reception area, where guests can check out Journey in Jewels, the Fabergé egg made specifically for the vessel, where it will remain for the rest of its jeweled ovoid days. The maximum number of 744 guests ensures unhurried service and uncrowded environs as you recover from a sunny day of swimming with Caribbean pigs. From $4,699 . —Alexandra Sanidad

Silver Nova — Silversea Cruises Arrow

A voyage on Silversea’s latest ship, Silver Nova, is one of taste and style. With expansive glass features throughout each of the 11 decks, and an ocean-facing saltwater swimming pool, the ship’s unique asymmetrical design leaves room for adults to run and play (with swank, of course). The Nova ’s reimagined culinary experience, SALT (Sea and Land Taste), is the first large-scale, regional restaurant at sea, and acts as an invitation to guests to experience more than an excursion. While initially introduced on Silver Moon, the Nova ’s SALT program includes SALT Lab by day: an intimate cooking class with highly acclaimed chefs and regional cuisine recipes inspired by the next destination. With one nightly seating, SALT Chef's Table offers an exclusive and creatively interactive dining experience. It’s all very intimate—as chefs showcase the art of their crafts firsthand, guests peek into a new culture, and place, before even disembarking. From $3,050. —Jessica Chapel

Viking Aton — Viking River Cruises Arrow

In the style of all Viking ships, the Rottet Studio–designed Aton is intended for comfortable and thought-provoking exploration—just look to the book-filled shelves in the cabins, curated by London’s Heywood Hill library, and the revolving door of on-board lecturers (on my trip, an English curator spoke about the evolving depictions of Egypt in 1900s popular art). It should be no surprise that in a destination as rich and storied as Egypt’s Nile, where the Aton is permanently based, the guides set apart what may read as a quintessential itinerary. On the Pharaohs & Pyramids journey, which takes travelers from the Valley of the Kings, where King Tut lies, to the Great Pyramid of Giza and well beyond over 12 days, esteemed Egyptologists oscillate from translating hieroglyphics on temple walls in real time, to shepherding travelers through modern night markets with endless fervor. On this ship it isn’t just what you see but how much you listen—and the team here, predominantly Egyptian, has much to say. These days, travelers crave perspective-altering experiences more than ever; get on the Aton and you’ll get once-in-a-lifetime access (until, that is, your next Aton sailing). From $5,999. —Megan Spurrell

Resilient Lady — Virgin Voyages Arrow

Stepping onto Resilient Lady feels a bit like heading to summer camp. The massive vessel is like a giant playground for adults, which is why it draws a fun-loving crowd. Theme night parties, a nostalgic arcade room, plenty of board games, and basketball courts are just a few of the seemingly limitless onboard activities. Compared with its sister ships, the newest Virgin Voyages addition includes upgraded onboard entertainment and exciting new ports of call like the Greek Islands, Bali, and Mumbai. Most of the shows on this specific ship are new to the line, such as Persephone, an interactive performance developed in collaboration with famed Brooklyn nightclub House of Yes, and Another Rose, an immersive dinner experience. Dining options are abundant on the ship—20-plus to be exact—and all of them are included with every passenger ticket. Plus, you can’t miss out on a visit to the several different sauna experiences in the Thermal Suite inside the Redemption Spa. From $2,000 . —Rachel Dube

World Voyager — Atlas Ocean Voyages Arrow

There are superbly comfortable spaces and floor-to-ceiling windows aplenty on World Voyager, the latest vessel from Atlas Ocean Voyages. On an Antarctica expedition, from the sauna or the spa’s relaxation room, with its heated loungers perfectly positioned in front of a wall of glass, you might watch turquoise icebergs float by. Back in your cozy stateroom, Champagne and strawberries await, as do the views from a Juliet or walkout balcony. The look throughout the 100 cabins and public spaces is Scandinavian modern, thanks to blond woods, marble floors, plush carpets in geometric patterns, and curvaceous furniture draped in velvety fabrics. In the elegant dining room, the focus is on international cuisine with a farm-to-table slant—think mushroom risotto and smoked duck with chargrilled vegetables. Meanwhile, the multipage cocktail menu beckons guests to a pair of spacious lounges. Blending yacht-style elegance and boutique-resort intimacy, this is a ship where you can make new friends easily but also retreat to a favorite spot to enjoy high tea in peaceful solitude while awaiting details from the crew on the adventures that lie ahead. From $1849. —Celeste Moure

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Viking Cruises TV Spot, 'Rivers 2022'

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