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Royal Caribbean Group now owns 100% of Silversea Cruises

Post date: Jul 10 2020

Date: Jul 10 2020

By: Travelweek Group

MIAMI — Royal Caribbean Group now has full ownership of Silversea Cruises after purchasing the remaining one-third stake in the luxury cruise line.

The move to full ownership  started in 2018 when Royal Caribbean Group acquired two-thirds of Silversea  in a US$1 billion deal. Silversea’s Manfredi Lefebvre D’Ovidio retained a one-third share and stayed on as Executive Chairman. With this latest development he will serve as chairman of Silversea, while Roberto Martinoli will remain the brand’s president and CEO.

Royal Caribbean Group announced the purchase of the remaining shares today.

“Silversea has been a great fit for our company from the very first day,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “The cultures of the two organizations have proven to be harmonious, and guests have responded favourably to the combination.”

Fain added: “Manfredi and Roberto have brought a fresh point of view to our company, as well as deep knowledge of their brand’s unique audience. Their skills – and Manfredi’s inimitable style – will continue to play an important role in growing Silversea into the future.”

Lefebvre said the combination of two companies “has been everything I hoped for. The skills and resources of Royal Caribbean Group have helped us grow and flourish. We share a vision about the bright future of cruising, and I look forward to being a shareholder in the broader Royal Caribbean Group.”

Tags: Latest News, Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea

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Royal caribbean group takes full ownership of silversea cruises.

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Royal Caribbean Group now fully owns Silversea Cruises.
• The remaining one-third stake was purchased with 5.2 million shares of Royal Caribbean Group common stock.
• The cultures of Royal Caribbean Group and Silversea have proven to be harmonious.
• Guests have responded favorably to the combination of Royal Caribbean Group and Silversea.

What Happened?

Key Figures

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Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team.

From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.

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Meet Asra, a talented and adventurous writer who infuses her passion for exploration into every word she writes. Asra’s love for storytelling and her insatiable curiosity about the world make her an invaluable asset to the Voyager Info team. From a young age, Asra was drawn to the power of words and their ability to transport readers to far-off lands and magical realms. Her fascination with travel and cultures from around the globe fueled her desire to become a travel writer, and she set out on a journey to turn her dreams into reality.

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Overall experience of wonder of the seas.

High Energy and Entertainment

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• Cabin is included in the fare but amenities vary depending on cruise line and cabin type.
• Buffet offers a wide selection of international dishes, while specialty restaurants come at an additional cost.
• Free shows and entertainment are included, but paid activities such as go-karts and simulated skydiving are available for an extra charge.
• Gratuities, spa treatments, and extra activities like go-karts and roller coasters are not included in the cruise fare and require separate payment.

Cabin and Accommodations

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• Latest News

Royal Caribbean Group takes full ownership of Silversea

Royal Caribbean Group has announced that it has purchased the remaining shares of luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises.

The move to full ownership comes two years after Royal Caribbean Group acquired a two-thirds share of the cruise line in July 2018.

Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, Richard D. Fain , said: “Silversea has been a great fit for our company from the very first day. The cultures of the two organizations have proven to be harmonious, and guests have responded favorably to the combination.”

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, who took over the company from his late father, will serve as chairman of Silversea.

Roberto Martinoli will remain the brand’s president and CEO.

Fain added: “Manfredi and Roberto have brought a fresh point of view to our company, as well as deep knowledge of their brand’s unique audience.

“Their skills – and Manfredi’s inimitable style – will continue to play an important role in growing Silversea into the future.”

Lefebvre said: “The combination of our companies has been everything I hoped for. The skills and resources of Royal Caribbean Group have helped us grow and flourish. We share a vision about the bright future of cruising, and I look forward to being a shareholder in the broader Royal Caribbean Group.”

Martinoli added: “Thanks to the incredible resources and skills of Royal Caribbean Group, Silversea will grow and thrive. Today marks another key step in our drive to uncontested leadership in ultra-luxury and expedition cruising.”

The remaining one-third stake held by Heritage Cruise Holding Ltd. was paid for in the form of 5.2 million shares of Royal Caribbean Group common stock, which represents about 2.5 per cent of the total common stock.

Perella Weinberg Partners LP served as financial advisor and Skadden Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP served as legal advisor to the company regarding this transaction.

Barclays Bank PLC served as financial advisor to Manfredi Lefebvre and Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP provided legal counsel.

Visit rclcorporate.com for more information.

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TERMS PRIVACY

December 15, 2022

Silversea cruises president and ceo roberto martinoli transitions to senior advisor role; barbara muckermann named to succeed him.

Martinoli to assume senior advisor role to Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty, after building Silversea Cruises into the world’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line

MIAMI, Dec. 15, 2022 – Silversea Cruises President and CEO Roberto Martinoli has elevated the brand into the industry’s leading ultra-luxury cruise line. On January 1, 2023, Martinoli will assume the role of senior advisor to Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) President and CEO Jason Liberty. Barbara Muckermann, currently Chief Commercial Officer, will become Silversea’s next president and CEO, and will join Royal Caribbean Group’s Executive Committee.

“Roberto has built Silversea Cruises into the category leader that it is today, 11 ships strong with more on the way,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “He is one of the most innovative and knowledgeable leaders in the maritime industry. As senior advisor, Roberto will continue to provide strategic guidance that further cements Royal Caribbean Group’s status as a leader in the travel and hospitality industry. Barbara is the ideal executive to succeed Roberto. Her global perspective and team-first leadership style are a recipe for success for both the Silversea Cruises brand and Royal Caribbean Group.”

Under Martinoli’s leadership since 2016, Silversea’s fleet has grown to include 11 ships. In summer 2023, it will welcome Silver Nova, the first hybrid luxury cruise ship utilizing fuel cells and emitting zero harmful emissions while in port, an industry first. In 2024, Silversea welcomes Silver Ray, the second ship in the Nova Class . Martinoli also led the acquisition in 2022 of Silver Endeavour to help enable the company to access both polar regions. The ultra-luxury cruise line now sails to over 900 destinations across all seven continents each year, more than any other cruise line.

Muckermann brings more than 25 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, with an emphasis on creating truly exclusive high-end vacations. She first joined Silversea Cruises in 2001, and held several roles at other luxury and cruise brands from 2005 to 2016 before returning. In her current post as Silversea’s Chief Commercial Officer, she oversees all aspects of sales, marketing, revenue management and guest relations, as well as strategic communications and brand and product strategy. Muckermann is a Doctor in Political Sciences and Economics, and holds a joint MBA from London Business School and Columbia University.

“This is an exciting moment for Silversea as we continue to add new ships and return to the Asia market,” Muckermann said. “I am thrilled to build on our achievements under Roberto and focus on growth in the years ahead.”

Muckermann becomes the second woman to lead one of Royal Caribbean Group’s three wholly-owned brands, and joins Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, and Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley. She will oversee all of Silversea’s employees and crew, and will report to Jason Liberty.

For more information on Royal Caribbean Group’s executive leadership, please visit https://www.royalcaribbeangroup.com/about/

About Royal Caribbean Group Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL) is one of the leading cruise companies in the world with a global fleet of 64 ships traveling to approximately 1,000 destinations around the world. Royal Caribbean Group is the owner and operator of three award winning cruise brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises and it is also a 50% owner of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. Together, the brands have an additional 10 ships on order as of September 30, 2022. Learn more at www.royalcaribbeangroup.com or www.rclinvestor.com .

About Silversea Cruises Silversea Cruises  is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels:  Silver Dawn ℠,  Silver Shadow ℠,  Silver Whisper ®,  Silver Spirit ®,  Silver Muse ®, and  Silver Moon ℠ – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the inclusion of the expedition ships  Silver Endeavour ℠,  Silver Origin ®,  Silver Wind ®,  Silver Explorer ®, and  Silver Cloud ®, Silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galápagos, both Polar Regions, and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between. Silversea is also looking forward to the launch of two new ultra-luxury Nova-class ships— Silver Nova ℠ and  Silver Ray ℠. Silversea Cruises is one of five cruise brands owned by global cruise company Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL).

Royal Caribbean now fully owns Silversea Cruises

Royal Caribbean has completed the acquisition of Silversea Cruises just two years after it acquired an initial two thirds of the company’s shares. As of today, the US Corporation owns the entire capital of Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio’s luxury cruise company.

Up to now the acquisition of two thirds of Silversea by Royal Caribbean had not brought about any substantial changes to the cruising style on board the fleet. “From the first day, Silversea perfectly adapted to our company,” affirmed Richard D. Fain, President and CEO of the Royal Caribbean Group. “The cultures of the two organizations have shown themselves to be compatible and complimentary and the guests have responded favorably to the union.”

Silver Cloud

Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, who took over the company from his late father, will continue to be involved in the company as the chairman, and Roberto Martinoli will remain as president and CEO of the brand. The last one third portion, held by Heritage Cruise Holding Ltd., was paid for with 5.2 million ordinary shares of the Royal Caribbean Group, which represents about 2.5% of the total ordinary shares.

More information and Reviews of Silversea Cruises , with advice, opinions, photos and videos on Cruising Journal.

Gabriele Bassi

Silver Muse

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Barbara Muckermann Named President and CEO at Silversea Cruises

• December 15, 2022

Barbara Muckermann, currently Chief Commercial Officer of Silversea, will become Silversea’s next president and CEO, and will join Royal Caribbean Group’s Executive Committee, according to a press release.

Silversea Cruises current President and CEO Roberto Martinoli will assume the role of senior advisor to Royal Caribbean Group President and CEO Jason Liberty.

“Roberto has built Silversea Cruises into the category leader that it is today, 11 ships strong with more on the way,” said Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “He is one of the most innovative and knowledgeable leaders in the maritime industry. As senior advisor, Roberto will continue to provide strategic guidance that further cements Royal Caribbean Group’s status as a leader in the travel and hospitality industry. Barbara is the ideal executive to succeed Roberto. Her global perspective and team-first leadership style are a recipe for success for both the Silversea Cruises brand and Royal Caribbean Group.”

Under Martinoli’s leadership since 2016, Silversea’s fleet has grown to include 11 ships. In summer 2023, it will welcome Silver Nova, the first hybrid luxury cruise ship utilizing fuel cells and emitting zero harmful emissions while in port, an industry first. In 2024, Silversea welcomes Silver Ray, the second ship in the Nova Class. Martinoli also led the acquisition in 2022 of Silver Endeavour to help enable the company to access both polar regions. The ultra-luxury cruise line now sails to over 900 destinations across all seven continents each year, more than any other cruise line.

Muckermann brings more than 25 years of experience in the travel and hospitality industry, with an emphasis on creating truly exclusive high-end vacations. She first joined Silversea Cruises in 2001, and held several roles at other luxury and cruise brands from 2005 to 2016 before returning. In her current post as Silversea’s Chief Commercial Officer, she oversees all aspects of sales, marketing, revenue management and guest relations, as well as strategic communications and brand and product strategy. Muckermann is a Doctor in Political Sciences and Economics, and holds a joint MBA from London Business School and Columbia University.

“This is an exciting moment for Silversea as we continue to add new ships and return to the Asia market,” Muckermann said. “I am thrilled to build on our achievements under Roberto and focus on growth in the years ahead.”

Muckermann becomes the second woman to lead one of Royal Caribbean Group’s three wholly-owned brands, and joins Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, and Royal Caribbean Internati

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Royal caribbean completes acquisition of silversea cruises shares.

MIAMI, July 31, 2018 – Silversea Cruises, a pioneer and leader in ultra-luxury and expedition cruising, has officially joined the family of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL).

The companies announced today they have closed on RCL’s acquisition of a two-thirds stake in Silversea after receiving final approval from regulators. The investment unites two leading players in the cruise industry and fills out RCL’s portfolio of cruise brands across all key market segments.

“We are proud to officially welcome Silversea’s industry-leading team to the RCL family,” said Richard D. Fain, Chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. “This is a dynamite combination and we can’t wait to work with Manfredi, Roberto and the entire team as together we take Silversea to the next level.”

Regulators green-lighted Royal Caribbean’s purchase of a 66.7% equity stake in Silversea Cruises, based on an enterprise value of approximately $2 billion. Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio will remain Executive Chairman of Silversea and retain a 33.3% stake.

"We're excited to join the Royal Caribbean family and ready to begin this next chapter as part of an industry leader that is uniquely qualified to support Silversea’s future growth,” said Lefebvre.  “This partnership enables us to realize our vision of being the uncontested leader in ultra-luxury cruising and expedition, taking our guests to more than 1,000 destinations aboard some of the world’s most luxurious vessels.”

The companies also announced Project Invictus , a multi-year initiative to take Silversea’s ultra-luxury offerings to the next level. Project Invictus enhancements range from product upgrades to magnified ship revitalization programs.  “Our intent is to solidify our already strong leadership position with an exciting array of upgrades that thrill our guests,” said Roberto Martinoli, Silversea CEO.

The first Invictus enhancements will begin rolling out on the Silver Muse this upcoming August 19th where an upgraded champagne and caviar offering will be initiated. Immediately thereafter, these and other enhancements will be implemented fleet wide, impacting a wide variety of onboard features and strengthening Silversea’s reputation for indulgent, luxurious embellishments.

Silversea’s growing fleet of ultra-luxury ships will also benefit from an upgrade. The planned renovation of Silver Whisper in December 2018 will be much more comprehensive than initially anticipated and will include a partial refit of all guest cabins. Moreover, Silversea’s Silver Wind will also enter into an enhanced dry dock in December 2018. Both vessels will join the overarching plan for a fleet-wide “Musification” which will take inspiration from the design of the very successful cruise line’s flagship, Silver Muse . The plan will be completed shortly after with an enhanced dry dock of the Silver Shadow .

With Silversea joining the RCL lineup alongside Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, Azamara Club Cruises, TUI Cruises and Pullmantur Cruceros, the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. fleet now numbers 59 ships with an additional 15 on order.

J.P. Morgan Securities LLC acted as a financial advisor to RCL as well as served as the lead arranger for the debt financing in respect to the transaction.

About Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.

Royal caribbean cruises ltd. (nyse: rcl) is a global cruise vacation company that owns and operates three global brands: royal caribbean international, celebrity cruises and azamara club cruises.  we are a 50 percent joint venture owner of the german brand tui cruises, a 49 percent shareholder in the spanish brand pullmantur and a 36 percent shareholder in the chinese brand skysea cruises. together, these brands operate a combined total of 50 ships with an additional twelve on order as of june 30, 2018. they operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 540 destinations on all seven continents., additional information can be found on www.rclcorporate.com ., about silversea cruises, silversea cruises, which is chaired by manfredi lefebvre d'ovidio, is recognized as an innovator in the ultra-luxury cruise line industry, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard its intimate, all-suite vessels: silver wind, silver shadow, silver whisper, silver spirit and silver muse – all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. with the inclusion of the expedition ships silver explorer, silver galapagos, silver discoverer, and with silver cloud recently joining the expedition fleet and two ships on order plus one option silversea's itineraries encompass all seven continents and feature worldwide luxury cruises to the mediterranean, caribbean, both polar regions and hundreds of fascinating destinations in between..

The 9 best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

L ike fine European hotels or the fanciest boutique properties, the ships of the best luxury cruise lines are designed to appeal to people who seek — and can afford — an elegant style of travel.

Champagne flows. You can snack on caviar. Exquisite cuisine is prepared a la minute and accompanied by pours of fine wines. Onboard lounges are wonderfully intimate, with no mass-market anything. When you rest your head, it's on a luxury mattress topped with the finest linens.

For more cruise guides, news and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

The byword is exclusivity. Perks included in the cruise fare may include beverages, Wi-Fi, fresh flowers, extraordinary pampering and, in some cases, butler service.

The price to get on board could be $1,000 per person, per day. For top suites, it could be much, much more.

Here are our picks for the top nine luxury cruise lines currently operating.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Catering to adventurous luxury cruise travelers with money to spend, the new cruise line Atlas Ocean Voyages , which debuted in the summer of 2021, offers upscale experiences on small ships that carry just 196 passengers.

World Navigator, World Traveller and World Voyager, the first three of five planned vessels in the fleet, carry their own landing craft, Jet Skis, kayaks and paddleboards, all of which can be used by passengers wishing for some adventure while exploring the world on itineraries that include the Mediterranean, Portugal and the British Isles, as well as more remote locales like the Arctic and Antarctica.

Although the onboard dress code is casual, the ships are anything but, featuring elegant, retro-chic decor and marble floors.

In addition to including Wi-Fi, crew gratuities, alcohol and some shore excursions in its fares, Atlas provides all passengers with emergency medical evacuation insurance to handle unexpected illness or injury in the remote locations its ships sail.

Overall, Atlas has found a way to seamlessly meld swank and leisure, making it one of our favorite luxury cruise lines.

Related: 5 fabulous destinations for luxury cruise fans

Silversea Cruises

Silversea , with a dozen 100- to 728-passenger ships, has some of the most diverse geographic itineraries of any line, bringing guests to destinations around the world, including such remote places as the Arctic and Antarctica.

Now owned by Royal Caribbean Group (the same company that owns Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises ), the luxury cruise line delivers stylish, contemporary luxury — more streamlined than opulent — complemented by pleasantly extreme pampering.

Every Silversea ship passenger stays in a suite with a butler delivering superb service — even on the 100-passenger Silver Origin in the remote Galapagos, where your butler might take extraordinary care to get a spot off your hiking boots. Suite niceties include Bulgari bath products and marble bathrooms with both tubs and showers.

Silversea ships offer a wide choice of dining venues (some with a fee) designed to satisfy many tastes, whether you prefer sushi, foie gras or a great, thin-crust pizza.

Drinks are on the house, including a long list of fine wine pours. S.A.L.T., a new dining and culinary education concept, brings local tastes on board together with experts who share insight into each dish and beverage. The program also features culinary-focused excursions ashore.

Silversea's expedition ships are equipped for polar locales. On sailings in those regions, each passenger receives a free jacket to keep them warm and cozy.

Related: Why Silversea's new Silver Nova is a game-changer

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Another of our top luxury cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises is proudly opulent. Floating palaces are its calling card, along with the most inclusive fares of all the luxury lines. Business-class airfare, pre-cruise luxury hotel stays and shore excursions in every port are on the long list of perks.

The goal is knock-you-off-your-feet luxury. If you don't get that point at first, look down at the many yards of Carrara marble under your feet, then gaze up at the Czech crystal chandeliers. Or spot the Picassos and Chagalls among your ship's stunning, mostly Latin-focused art collections.

The six 490- to 750-passenger ships in the Regent fleet get fancier as they get larger. On the three newest, Seven Seas Explorer, Seven Seas Splendor and Seven Seas Grandeur everyone stays in a roomy suite with an oversized balcony and marble bathroom.

The top Regent Suites on these new ships are mansions at sea and come with solariums, private spas with saunas and steam rooms and Steinway pianos in their living rooms. They also have handmade beds that cost up to $200,000 apiece.

Lavishly decked-out restaurants, with cushy bars nearby, include Prime 7, a fan favorite for its classic steakhouse menu, including jumbo lump crab cakes, U.S.D.A. prime-aged beef and Alaskan king crab legs.

Related: 5 secrets to getting a luxury cruise for less

Long considered one of the great luxury lines, if not the greatest, Crystal just resumed operations in 2023 after shutting down during the COVID-19 pandemic. And as we wrote about recently, it's as good as ever .

In the wake of its comeback, Crystal is operating just the two biggest ocean ships from its past: the 606-passenger Crystal Symphony and 740-passenger Crystal Serenity (though it already has plans for an expansion ). Both of the vessels, which globetrot around the world, are all-inclusive and on the glitzy side — perfect for a crowd looking for a throwback. Passengers make appearances walking down grand staircases dressed to the nines, meet for afternoon tea and dance the night away.

Everything operates in the upper-tier way, from the spa and expansive fitness offerings to the restaurants — which include a Nobu eatery.

Those booked in penthouses and higher-category suites receive service from a tuxedo-clad butler who will do everything from unpacking your luggage to helping you set up a private cocktail party. A particular perk is having the butler bring Nobu sushi on a silver tray.

Owned by Carnival Corporation, Seabourn 's top-of-the-line, 264- to 600-passenger ships deliver comfortable, modern luxury that can be as fancy or casual as you like.

If you want to show off your heirloom jewels, go ahead, but on most nights, a jacket is optional in the ship's restaurants. If you prefer not to dress up for formal night, you can still eat well at casual alternatives.

High service is a trademark of this luxury cruise line. Your suite steward will draw you a bath scented with your choice of bath oil. For a snack, order the complimentary caviar.

Dining is over the top at the restaurants, such as the retro-chic steakhouses with menus created by famed chef Thomas Keller (of French Laundry fame). When you tire of prime beef, order lobster thermidor or sink into the delicious comfort of Keller's roast chicken. All dining is included in your fare.

Throughout the ship, complimentary spirits, fine wines and house Champagne flow freely. This leads to easy socializing in the bars and lounges on board.

The line's two newest ships, the 264-passenger Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit, are built with a tough "polar class" design to operate in the ice-filled waters of the Arctic and Antarctica. They're equipped with state-of-the-art submarines for undersea views.

A 26-person expedition team runs the two dozen Zodiacs that get you up close to glaciers and icebergs.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Looking to sail through romantic French Polynesia in complete luxury? Look to South Pacific-based Paul Gauguin for an all-inclusive, high-end home base.

The ship is immersed in all things Polynesian, with a troupe of local performers on board to entertain guests with local song, dance and craft lessons.

Couples can embrace the romance of the region by participating in a Polynesian blessing ceremony. Paul Gauguin gives its guests special access to a secluded beach on Bora Bora and a private island off the coast of Taha'a, where you can indulge in water sports, a gourmet barbecue and bar service.

To make the most of the aquamarine waters, complimentary water sports, such as paddleboarding and kayaking, are available straight from the ship's marina and every guest receives snorkel gear for use during the cruise, free of charge.

On board, guests enjoy five-star French and Polynesian cuisine, with all beverages complimentary throughout the ship and in your in-room minifridge.

With 209 crew members on hand to serve 330 passengers, service is top-notch and full of Polynesian hospitality, but all gratuities are already included in your fare.

Not all cabins are suites, but the top suites on the ship come with butler service. Also, should you dare to consider the outside world, you can connect with friends and family back home with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the ship.

Related: 7 things to do in French Polynesia that don't involve romance or over-water bungalows

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours puts the elegance into adventure with its two 228-passenger expedition yachts, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II.

Sure, its ships have reinforced hulls capable of breaking through ice, but they also feature chic bars serving 130 different kinds of whiskey (all included in your fare) and high-end onboard spas (treatments cost extra, alas).

For small ships, Scenic's yachts still manage to offer five gourmet dining venues, plus additional private dining options (such as a chef's table or teppanyaki grill), room service and culinary masterclasses in a show kitchen.

Sample candied foie gras, daily risottos or sushi made with fish flown from Japan, all while sailing through remote waters. Wash it down with whatever you like because all but the most premium beverages are included.

After a long day of Zodiac, submersible or helicopter rides (yes, all these high-tech exploration toys are on board), you can retreat to your well-appointed suite, with distinct sleeping and living areas, plus a balcony.

Thoughtful touches include Illy coffee machines, Dyson hair dryers, remote-control adjustable beds, plentiful outlets and USB ports, and umbrellas and binoculars for use on your vacation. Did we mention you also have access to a butler for all your onboard needs?

Scenic's all-inclusive fares include dining and drinks, Wi-Fi, gratuities, airport transfers and shore excursions led by the line's knowledgeable expedition leaders.

Related: I didn't think I'd like my first Arctic expedition cruise; here's what proved me wrong

Oceania Cruises

Sometimes luxury means more space to spread out and multiple onboard options for a truly outstanding meal.

That's the approach upscale cruise line Oceania Cruises takes with its fleet of seven 648- to 1,238-passenger ships (the last of which, Oceania Vista , just debuted in May 2023 and is its most elegant yet).

Foodies will drool over menus overseen by Master Chef Jacques Pepin in all-included venues specializing in French, Italian, Asian and steakhouse cuisine.

Cruisers truly passionate about food and wine will want to splurge on wine-paired dinners at La Reserve by Wine Spectator or enjoy a gourmet, multi-course menu with an intimate group at Privee.

Get hands-on cooking experience with a class in The Culinary Center or explore the food culture ashore with a Culinary Discovery Tour.

Oceania also embraces wellness with its Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center. Treat yourself to a decadent spa treatment or wellness-themed shore excursion, or take care of your body with complimentary fitness classes and plant-based menus at onboard restaurants.

Oceania's fares are not as inclusive as some of the small-ship lines mentioned above, but guests can choose a higher-priced fare that is more inclusive with the line's "simply MORE" promotion. These fares include free airfare and airport transfers, complimentary Wi-Fi and a choice of a select number of free excursions, as well as free specialty dining reservations, Champagne and wine.

Viking does not like to call itself a luxury cruise line, but we'd definitely put it in that category for the inclusive fares, fine dining and smart design of its ocean-going ships.

Its 10 traditional cruise ships are nearly identical, each carrying 930 guests, while two expedition vessels carry 378 guests and combine elegant design with the latest technology in polar exploration.

Viking's fares are inclusive but not all-inclusive, and its ships sport clean Scandinavian design rather than opulent decor. Necessities such as Wi-Fi and self-serve laundry are complimentary, as are all nonalcoholic beverages and beer and wine with lunch and dinner.

Guests can enjoy dining in multiple onboard venues, plus room service, for no extra cost. Don't miss the Italian Manfredi's or a gorgeous afternoon tea spread in the glass-enclosed Wintergarden.

Cabins may not have an overtly opulent feel, but they have all the right touches, including balconies in every room, quiet-closing drawers, heated bathroom floors and plentiful USB ports and outlets.

The destination-focused cruise line adds as many days in port as it can to each itinerary and offers a free shore excursion in every port.

Viking ships have a large presence in Europe, sailing the Mediterranean and in northern Europe, but also explore the world from Alaska and the Caribbean to Asia and Australia.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Its expedition ships, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis, explore Antarctica, as well as the Great Lakes and Canada.

The ships boast several expedition cruising firsts, including a boarding area for excursion craft that's inside the ship (rather than docked outside it) and cabins with floor-to-ceiling glass windows that slide open to let in the fresh air.

Like the ocean ships, they feature Scandinavian design, a glass-walled Explorers' Lounge and signature Viking restaurants Manfredi's and Mamsen's (offering Norwegian specialties).

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

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• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• 15 best cruise ships for people who never want to grow up
• What to pack for a cruise
• Guide to picking a cruise

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

Are you planning a cruise for summer or fall? Brace yourself for a shock

Are you looking to take a cruise between now and the end of the year? We have some bad news: You might have a tough time finding a cabin — at least if you want a specific type of room on a specific ship.

Bookings for cruises have been on fire for months , pacing at record levels. As a result, nearly nine of every 10 cabins available for 2024 sailings are already booked, the top executive of one of the world's biggest cruise companies revealed Thursday.

"We only have about 12% load factors left to build for the year," Jason Liberty, Royal Caribbean Group CEO, noted in a conference call with Wall Street analysts, using a term that refers to the percentage of cabin space that is available on ships.

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Liberty said bookings for cruises accelerated in April beyond an already blistering pace set in the first three months of the year. The surge occurred despite a rapidly dwindling amount of open cabin space for 2024 sailings.

"Bookings have consistently outpaced last year throughout the entire first quarter and through April, even though we have significantly fewer staterooms left to sell," Liberty said.

Royal Caribbean Group is the parent company of Royal Caribbean , the world's biggest cruise line, as well as Celebrity Cruises and Silversea Cruises . It also owns a partial interest in Germany-based cruise brands TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.

Liberty was only referring to Royal Caribbean Group brands when making the comments about bookings. But other cruise companies, including Carnival Corporation and Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings, have reported similar strength in bookings in recent months.

As one of the biggest cruise brands in the world, Royal Caribbean Group also serves as a bellwether of sorts for the industry when it comes to booking strength.

The result: soaring cruise fares

With demand for cruises at record levels and cabin supply quickly disappearing, cruise lines have been able to raise prices significantly in recent months on top of sharp price increases throughout 2023.

During Thursday's conference call with Wall Street analysts, Liberty said the bookings that customers at its brands made during the first three months of the year were "at much higher prices than 2023" fares.

Liberty also noted that yields at Royal Caribbean Group brands for cruises that customers took during the first three months of the year were up 19.3% as compared to the same months in 2023. That was nearly four percentage points higher than the company was predicting just a few months ago.

Related: 6 ways to get a deal on a cruise

Yield is a measure of how much money cruise lines make per passenger.

"The first quarter was tremendous, sending us well on our path to a year that is significantly better than we expected just a few months back," Liberty said.

Liberty attributed the strong growth in bookings and pricing in part to the line's rollout of the record-size Icon of the Seas in January, which has been a huge hit . He also noted strong bookings and pricing across the entire fleets of its brands for all key itineraries.

Both new ships and older ships are in hot demand, Liberty suggested, with demand particularly strong from North American travelers. Roughly 80% of all Royal Caribbean Group bookings this year have come from North Americans — an unusually large percentage.

The company is also seeing a surge in first-time cruisers, a category known in the industry as the "new to cruise" market.

"Our addressable market is expanding, and 'new to cruise' continues to grow, increasing 16% year over year," Liberty said. "These guests are discovering our differentiated vacation experiences and are increasingly returning to us as we see repeat rates over 30% higher compared to 2019."

Liberty also noted the company was drawing more younger customers, including a growing number of millennials.

"Millennials and younger generations have gained 11 percentage points share compared to 2019, and today almost one in two guests are millennials or younger," he said.

Cruise bookings are surging in part because vacationers are seeing the value in cruising as compared to other types of vacations that involve land travel, Liberty suggested. Liberty and other cruise executives believe cruises are priced significantly below the level of land resorts on a like-for-like basis, even after the sharp increases in cruise fares over the past year.

"Despite our ability to narrow the gap [in pricing] to land-based vacations in the last 12 months, cruising still remains an exceptional value proposition," Liberty said.

Also driving cruise bookings is the fact that a strong economy has consumers feeling flush and willing to spend on vacations, Liberty suggested. He noted that consumer sentiment is high, "bolstered by resilient labor markets, wage growth, stabilizing inflation and record-high household net worth."

In addition, "consumer preferences continue to shift toward spend on experiences, particularly priority for travel," he said.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• Top ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin