Ultra-Luxury Cruise Line Archives

Seabourn Unveils First Stunning Public Spaces on New Ultra-Luxury Purpose-Built Expedition Ships

April 9, 2019 by Editor

SEATTLE, April 9, 2019 – Seabourn, the world’s finest ultra-luxury cruise line, has given travelers their first glimpse of select public spaces on its two new ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships set to launch in June 2021 and May 2022, respectively. The work of design icon Adam D. Tihany, the Expedition Lounge, Discovery Center, Landing Zone, and Atrium are masterfully designed spaces that will act as the communal hub on Seabourn Venture and another yet-to-be-named sister ship. The …

Paul Gauguin Cruises debuts its 2019 Tahiti, French Polynesia, Fiji & the South Pacific brochure

September 14, 2018 by Heidi Allison

Paul Gauguin Crusies offers ultra-luxury small ship vacations in the South Pacific. Their beautiful small ship and great service make their cruises a truly wonderful vacation. They have recently released their 2019 brochure and these sailings look like they will continue their tradition of providing an up-close, authentic experience of the South Seas. Here are the details of their brochure and upcoming sailings: The colorful 74-page brochure is designed with a travel magazine approach, featuring extensive destination …

The name of PONANT’s Icebreaker ship is revealed: Le Commandant Charcot, a tribute to a sailor known as “the gentleman of the Poles”

September 13, 2018 by Heidi Allison

I love the idea of a luxury expedition cruise and Ponant offers just that. Their newest ship will be a polar exploration vessel. Here are the details: PONANT, the global leader in luxury expeditions and the only French-owned cruise line, has revealed the name of its newest polar exploration vessel: Le Commandant Charcot. The hybrid electric icebreaker, the first of its kind, has been named in honor of Captain Jean-Baptiste Charcot, who was known as “the gentleman …

They once said that small, luxury ships would not be profitable, but now they are building more

August 3, 2018 by David Molyneaux

In a scene that plays out each evening on cruise ships all over the world, during a recent voyage I popped into a bar for a pre-dinner cocktail. My request was a Jack Daniels on the rocks. How the next scene plays out depends on your choice of ships. If your ship is operated by a budget cruise line or most premium lines, the price of that drink would range from about $8, as measured by a …

More from SeaTrade: Ritz-Carlton introduces its new luxury yachts

March 26, 2018 by Cynthia Boal Janssens

Although Virgin Voyages made a splash in the larger ships cruise market, most of the action at SeaTrade focused on companies introducing more small ships. SeaTrade is the annual conference of the global cruise industry which was held a week ago in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. Douglas Prothero, the managing director of the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection revealed the design of the first of several small ships (298 passengers) which will offer an ultra-luxury experience….which he describes as its …

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection Celebrates Keel Laying Milestone For Inaugural Luxury Yacht

January 15, 2018 by Editor

In accordance with longstanding maritime tradition, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection celebrated the milestone keel laying of its inaugural yacht at the Hijos De J. Barreras Shipyard in Vigo, Spain. Representing a unique first for a luxury hotel operator, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brings the brand’s legendary service to the seas with a bespoke yachting experience and today, drew one step closer to its anticipated launch in Q4 2019. “We are delighted to commemorate this milestone as we …

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection celebrates keel laying milestone for inaugural luxury yacht

January 15, 2018 by Heidi Allison

Construction Milestone Brings The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection One Step Closer to the Launch of its New Groundbreaking Fleet One of my favorite hotel chains is the Ritz Carlton. We have enjoyed many nights at several of their hotels, including, St. Thomas & Grand Cayman in the Caribbean with idyllic beaches, Cancun one of our favorites too. South Beach, a fantastic warm swimming pool in the heart of action, Naples, a beautiful porch to idle away some time, …

Ritz-Carlton is entering the luxury cruise market

June 27, 2017 by Cynthia Boal Janssens

Big news in the luxury sector of cruising. One of the biggest names in luxury travel is starting a cruise line. My friends at Cruise Industry News reported it this way: The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, which operates 94 luxury hotels, announced that is entering the cruise industry with a small ship operation catering to the luxury market. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will launch in time for the 2019 cruise season with its first ship coming in with …

Greek Isles Cruise aboard the Crystal Esprit: Kotor, Montenegro

May 3, 2017April 29, 2017 by Lillian Africano

Last day of this cruise and the weather is kind of miserable, with overhanging clouds and the threat of thunderstorms. I suspect there may be issues with some of the tours that are offered this afternoon—for example, the off-road adventure from the town to the peaks of Lovcen Mountain or the hike along the fortified old city walls. As there is no other vessel like the Esprit, this has been a unique experience, one that feels very …

Greek Isles Cruise aboard the Crystal Esprit: Corfu, Greece

April 28, 2017 by Lillian Africano

Last night, before we sailed away from Parga, a duo of Greek musicians came onboard to entertain during the cocktail hour. This triggered memories—and discussions—of the movie, Zorba the Greek, and of the legendary Melina Mercouri. Today, how startling it has been to see the MSC Musica docked here, with its thousands of passengers compared to our 40+. (Esprit is not full for this cruise—and now I’ve learned that capacity is 62, not 68, as I was …