6 Most Expensive Cruises For Luxury Travelers in 2025

The most costly cruises are travel equivalent of a private-jet wardrobe. They’re about calm, detail, and experiences money can buy, not flash for flash’s sake. You’ll eat meals that feel like dinner at a chef’s private table, sleep in suites that could be apartments, and visit places most travelers only dream about. Even as cruising recovered from the pandemic, demand stayed strong. Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) reports a record 34.6 million ocean-going cruise passengers in 2024, showing people are still choosing sea travel in big numbers (and many of those choices are moving upmarket).

Some of these trips are long-haul voyages across continents. Others are short, intensely curated escapes. Either way, if you want privacy, white-glove service, and rare shore experiences, these are the ships people pick when budget is hardly the point.

Most Luxurious Cruise Lines of the Year

The ideal time for cruise travel depends on your choice. Choose shoulder season for value, summer for family-friendly itineraries, and specific months for weather-dependent trips like Hawaii or polar seasons. Make sure you pack right. For instance, while packing for Alaskan tour, you would need warm layers, waterproof outerwear, binoculars, and a small daypack. You must also bring medications and motion-sickness remedies if you plan Zodiac excursions.

1. Viking Expedition Cruise

Viking, renowned for river and ocean cruises, now introduces expedition cruising. While not synonymous with lavishness, Viking excels in crafting an inviting ambiance for extended adventures.

The Viking Expedition Longitudinal Cruises traverse the Great Lakes, the Saint Lawrence Seaway, North America’s east coast, the Panama Canal, South America’s west coast, and Antarctica, spanning 65 or 71 days aboard the Viking Octantis or Viking Polaris.

Also read: Why Are Great Lakes Cruises So Expensive?

Explorer’s Suites, spanning 580 square feet, boast Nordic and step-out balconies, shared gardens, and luxurious bathrooms with heated floors. Accommodating 378 guests, the ships offer popular dining options and unique amenities like The Hangar, facilitating comfortable Zodiac excursions for all passengers.

• Days: 65-71, depending on whether it is Octantis or Polaris
• Number of guests: 378 passengers
• Charges: from $44,995 per person

2. Regent Seven Seas Splendor

Cruise three weeks through the Mediterranean in the all-suite Seven Seas Splendor of Regent, an opulent 750-passenger ship that radiates opulence through striking marble, crystal, and custom designs. The lavish suites include the 4,043-square foot Regent Suite, which has more space on the balcony, two bedrooms with Savoir horse-hair mattress, its own balconies with custom-built heated hot tub, marble-covered baths, and a personal solarium. You will have luxuries such as two safes, three walk-in closets, and a designed Steinway piano. All these facilities make the Regent Seven Seas Splendor the perfect cruise for newlyweds.

Indulge in Guerlain or Bottega Veneta toiletries, personalized butler service, and complimentary Canyon Ranch spa treatments in your private spa retreat. On sea days, partake in culinary classes, fitness sessions, and exquisite dining in eight restaurants. During port visits, relish exclusive sightseeing with a complimentary private car and driver, a perk for Regent Suite passengers.

• Days: three weeks
• Number of guests: 750 passengers
• Charges: $11,000 per night

3. Silversea 125-Day Chile to Norway Cruise

Silversea is the jewel in the crown of the Royal Caribbean Group, the pioneer deluxe cruise brand of 1994. The company has 12 inclusive vessels that sail to various destinations in the world. Regardless of whether you are interested in traveling across the American West Coast, South America, Northern Europe, the British Isles, Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, or even Antarctica, Silversea has a cruise to the most suitable destinations. So, it does not matter if you want to take this cruise for relaxation or romance, you will find every type of destination in the itinerary to make you feel satisfied. Couples would find this trip most rewarding as many of the places like Santorini, the Amalfi Coast, and St. Lucia are ideal for newlyweds.

The most luxurious product that Silversea offers is the 125-day voyage starting in Chile and ending in Norway, which costs $94,700. Nonetheless, a stay at a Silversea cruise does not require such an investment. Whichever suite you select, you can expect customized service with a butler, the opportunity to eat 24/7 in your room, the chance to drink high-quality wines and cocktails, and a free supply of caviar.

• Days: 125
• Number of guests: NA
• Charges: $94,700 per person

4. Cunard Queen Mary 2 Cruise

Many ocean voyage companies provide global expeditions, yet none compare to the luxury travels offered aboard the leading vessel of Cunard, the Queen Mary 2 with its 2,691-passenger capacity, particularly when reserving one of the five opulent Queens Grill Grand Duplexes.

If you’re embarking on a journey lasting 100 days or more, why not indulge in opulence? Spanning 2,249 square feet, the Grand Duplexes also serve as luxury havens reminiscent of “Downton Abbey.”

Facilities encompass a lower level with an eight-seater dining table, fitness gear, and a workspace equipped with personalized stationery. Ascend the spiral staircase to unveil a king-sized bedroom featuring a customizable pillow menu, paired with two marble bathrooms and dual dressing chambers.

To enhance the experience, a commodious private terrace awaits your leisure. Your personal attendant will cater to your every requirement throughout your excursion as well.

You will genuinely embody a global voyager as you encounter numerous picturesque scenes, including 33 UNESCO World Heritage locations, such as the stunning Palaces of Sintra in Portugal.

Days at sea brim with captivating discussions, planetarium exhibitions, and a diverse range of performances spanning from comedians to classical pianists. The fitness hub is always an option, especially after delightful teas and exquisite dining in the Queens Grill.

Days: 100
Number of guests: 2691 passengers
Charges: from $11,875 per person

5. Celebrity Beyond Cruise

Celebrity Beyond is designed for individuals seeking a grand cruise experience. An exclusive space, known as The Retreat, features a private swimming pool and a sundeck. Guests can indulge in top-tier beverages, onboard funds, and internet access.

The most expensive cruise ship has 32 dining and beverage spots with internationally influenced menus. The priciest option is the Iconic Suite, presenting two bedrooms with extraordinary vistas and ample room for family travelers.

Days: 11 days
Number of guests: 3260 passengers
Charges: $15,340 per person

6. Abercrombie and Kent Northwest Cruise

The premium travel company Abercrombie & Kent takes you on an exciting 25-day journey. This unique expedition goes from the western fringes of Greenland to the coastal city of Nome, Alaska, retracing the steps of early 20th-century polar pioneers. You’ll have the chance to connect with indigenous Inuit communities and witness incredible wildlife along the way.

The landscapes feature towering glaciers, rugged ice formations, majestic mountains, and expansive panoramas seemingly beyond the grasp of any camera. Traverse to exclusive destinations accessible only by sea, making this journey a must for those well-versed in cruise travel.

The Abercrombie & Kent team typically secures expedition vessels from the esteemed French line Ponant, downsizing the passenger capacity from 264 to 188. They augment the experience by bringing aboard their own distinguished expedition specialists, including a photography guide. A&K pampers guests with amenities like complimentary Wi-Fi and laundry services, while suite occupants enjoy the added luxury of a personal butler.

When looking at the most expensive cruises, you will find the US-based ones on the costliest side. So, if you are wondering, “why is American Cruise Lines so expensive?” It is because of the premium service, intimate ship sizes, and unique itineraries focused on exploring various rivers and coastlines.

Days: 25
Number of guests: 188 passengers on expedition vessels
Charges: $71,375 per person

Wrapping Up

Top-notch service, exquisite wines, culinary delights, meticulously planned schedules, and ample crew-to-passenger ratios characterize elite cruise vessels. However, this list of most expensive cruises, possesses distinct personas, and certain ones may align better with your vacation preferences. Our suggestions assist you in exploring the realm of deluxe cruises, featuring the six finest ships currently at sea.

FAQs – The most expensive cruises