This list of luxury cruises will spare you the everyday buffet and pools overrun by rowdy kids. Instead, you’ll enjoy a honeymoon on a ship that provides plenty of privacy, five-star food, and of course, the most romantic coastal destinations in the world. So pack your bags, unpack just once, and let the ship do the traveling for you.
5
Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Reflection
The newest ship in Celebrity’s fleet features three pools, over ten restaurants, an outdoor open-air grill, a spectacular spa and fitness center, and even an art studio where you can take a painting class from a Master Artist from the ArtCenter South Florida. The Qsine restaurant offers iPad menus, sparing you the course by course waiting in favor of your food arriving as soon as it’s ready. We definitely recommend splurging on a suite, as this entitles you to European-style butler service, suite class only restaurants/lounges, and priority disembarkation (anyone who has been on a cruise knows this makes a huge difference).
Our pick: Eastern Mediterranean Cruise (round trip from Rome)
Highlights: Santorini and Naples
4
Disney Cruise Line’s Disney Fantasy
You may be surprised to find Disney on this list, but trust us, this ship caters to adults at least as much as it does to kids. You’ll find plenty of adults only areas, including restaurants, lounges, nightclubs, pools, and even an entire sundeck. Also, there’s nothing kiddie about the (18+) Senses Spa and Salon. The ship perfectly balances subtle classic Disney details and stylish art nouveau décor. For the couple that’s young at heart, this cruise is a dream come true. Oh, and don’t forget, with Disney comes fireworks (even at sea)!
Our pick: 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise (Itinerary C, round trip Port Canaveral, FL)
Highlights: Grand Cayman and Jamaica
3
Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest
You won’t be staying in a stateroom. Onboard this ship, the suites are the main attraction. Your room will be decked out with a welcome bottle of champagne, complimentary in-suite bar (note the distinct lack of “mini”), flat screen TV with a DVD and music library, luxurious Egyptian cotton linens, and a whole lot more. Even the (Hermés) soap is indulgent. You’ll also have a personal suite stewardess to cater to your every need, 24/7. As for food, you get what you want when you want it. Room service, (included) fine dining, and a high quality buffet are always available. Just so you know, the Quest is our favorite of the Seabourn triplets (Quest, Sojourn, and Odyssey) for the destinations, but all three ships are virtually identical.
Our pick: 21-Day Western Europe Exploration (Monte Carloà Copenhagen)
Highlights: Amsterdam and Ibiza
2
Either of Seadream’s Seadream I or Seadream II
Sea Dream’s cruising philosophy is that you’re not cruising, you’re yachting. The twin mega-yachts sail with just 56 couples and 95 crew members aboard. Enjoy use of a large retractable water sports Marina with all the equipment for water skiing, snorkeling, tubing, and even glass-bottom kayaking. The all-inclusive mentality is taken seriously on these ships, which means an open bar (with premium alcohol), 24-hour room service, champagne and caviar on the beach, and all that water gear (plus mountain bikes for inland excursions), and a whole lot more is already taken care of.
Our pick: Cannes, France to Malaga, Spain
Highlights: St. Tropez and Barcelona
1
Crystal Cruise’s Crystal Serenity
This cruise ship has long been known in the highest of travel circles as the absolute best in the world, but a $25 million overhaul in 2013 made the best even better. The suites and suite-like staterooms combine Hollywood glamour and Fifth Avenue elegance to give you the ultimate in luxurious contemporary design. Restaurants feature details like live olive trees under-planted with lavender and creative dishes that utilize molecular gastronomy. A bonus for sushi lovers, Crystal has an exclusive hookup with world-renowned chef Matsuhisa Nobu. You’ll also have the highest guest to space ratio in the cruise ship world (so privacy is never a problem).
Our pick: Pacific Isles Cruise (San Francisco, CA to Sydney, Australia)
Highlights: Hawaii and Fiji
Written by Ariel Guterman
