5 luxury cruises: All aboard opulence

If you're dreaming of the kind of holiday that makes you feel like royalty from the moment you arrive, a luxury cruise might just be your perfect match.

These voyages aren’t just about getting from A to B — they’re floating sanctuaries of fine dining, elegant design, exceptional service and once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

Think butler service, caviar at sea, and wake-up calls from turquoise waters in the Greek Isles or the fjords of Norway.

With one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea, Silversea is synonymous with personalised luxury. Each suite includes a dedicated butler, and almost all offer private verandas.

Their fleet includes both elegant ocean ships and luxury expedition vessels, sailing to remote, bucket-list places like Antarctica, the Galápagos and the Kimberley.

On board, you'll enjoy premium wines, fine dining, and immersive cultural programming.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is often called the most all-inclusive luxury cruise brand — and for good reason.

Everything’s included: unlimited shore excursions, gourmet dining, premium drinks, even gratuities and guest laundry.

Regent’s all-suite ships feel more like boutique hotels than traditional cruise ships, with elegant décor and plenty of space to unwind.

 Their small-group excursions are as enriching as they are exclusive, from truffle hunting in Provence to stepping into the world of samurai in Japan.

One of the newest faces in luxury cruising, Explora Journeys brings a modern, European approach to life at sea. Their all-suite ships feel like high-end resorts, complete with oceanfront lounges, chic boutiques, and culinary experiences that celebrate global cuisine. Explora Journeys takes luxury holidays to the next level.

Scenic blends ultra-luxury with discovery. On both their ocean and river vessels, expect indulgent extras like top-shelf spirits and epic shore experiences like private concerts in historic European palaces. Their expedition yachts, Scenic Eclipse 1 & Scenic Eclipse 2, are a game-changer, complete with helicopters and a submersible.

Seabourn delivers ‘caviar-in-the-surf’ luxury – literally. Their small luxury ships slip into lesser-known ports, and their all-inclusive offering includes award-winning cuisine, fine wines, and watersports direct from the ship’s marina. Seabourn’s partnership with UNESCO brings a unique cultural depth to excursions. Kiwis love the laid back luxury vibe where tipping is neither expected or required.

French flair meets true expedition spirit with Ponant. Their luxurious small ships explore some of the most remote corners of the planet, from Antarctica and the Arctic to the South Pacific and the Mediterranean.

Ponant’s fleet is purpose-built for adventure: four Ice Class sister ships designed for polar exploration, the groundbreaking icebreaker Le Commandant Charcot, and a boutique collection of Explorer ships and a private yacht ideal for warm-water cruising.

Expect expert-led excursions, refined service and exquisite French cuisine at sea.

Under new ownership as part of the Abercrombie & Kent group, Crystal is back to impress with expansive suites, a crew-to-guest ratio of almost 1:1, and exquisite dining — including Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa.

Their reimagined ships focus on spaciousness, wellness, incredible personal service and world-class entertainment.