Luxury and premium cruise lines trade giant ships and crowds for space, service and more included in the fare. But “luxury” means different things on different lines. Here is how six lines we book often compare, and who each one suits.
At a glance
| Line | Ship size | Known for |
|---|---|---|
| Silversea | 100 to 728 guests | All-suite ships with butler service, plus expedition ships |
| Seabourn | 264 to 600 guests | Intimate all-suite ships and two expedition ships |
| Viking | 930 to 998 guests on ocean ships | Adults-only, culturally focused voyages with all-veranda staterooms |
| Oceania | 684 to 1,250 guests | Food-focused cruising with specialty restaurants |
| Crystal | Around 600 to 740 guests | Classic luxury on Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony |
| Azamara | About 700 guests | Destination immersion with longer port stays and overnights |
Silversea
Silversea’s ships are all-suite, and every suite comes with butler service. The fleet ranges from the 100-guest Silver Origin, built for the Galápagos, to the 728-guest Nova-class ships Silver Nova and Silver Ray. Silversea is also one of the strongest names in expedition cruising, with ships such as Silver Endeavour sailing to both polar regions.
Seabourn
Seabourn offers small, all-suite ships with a relaxed, social feel and a high level of personal service. Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Ovation carry 600 guests. The expedition ships Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit carry 264, with submarines and Zodiacs for exploring remote places.
Viking
Viking’s ocean ships are adults-only, with all-veranda staterooms and calm Scandinavian design. There are no casinos, and the focus is on destinations, culture and enrichment. Fares on Viking ocean voyages have traditionally included a shore excursion in each port. Viking also runs expedition ships, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, which sail to Antarctica and the Great Lakes. Viking Vela began a new, slightly larger 998-guest design.
Oceania Cruises
Oceania is built around food. Its ships carry several specialty restaurants, and the line is known for port-rich itineraries on mid-size ships. The newest ships, Oceania Vista and Oceania Allura, carry about 1,200 guests. The smaller R-class ships such as Insignia carry 684 and reach smaller harbors.
Crystal
Crystal returned to service in 2023 with its two classic luxury ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony, after both were refurbished. It appeals to travelers who like spacious, traditional luxury and long voyages.
Azamara
Azamara focuses on destinations, with longer stays in port, more overnights and evening events ashore on many sailings. Its four ships carry about 700 guests each, a comfortable size that still reaches smaller ports.
How to choose
- Want a truly all-inclusive, all-suite experience? Look at Silversea or Seabourn.
- Adults-only and culture-focused? Viking is hard to beat.
- Food first? Oceania.
- Long stays in port and nights ashore? Azamara.
- Heading to Antarctica, the Arctic or the Galápagos? Compare the expedition ships from Silversea, Seabourn and Viking. See our expedition cruises page.
Luxury fares vary a great deal by sailing and suite, and what is included can tip the balance. Request a quote and an advisor will compare the total value of each line for your trip.
