silversea expedition cruises 2022

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Silversea expedition itineraries 2021/2022.

Posted by David Porter on Tuesday, August 18, 2020 · Leave a Comment  

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Silversea Cruises reveals their Silversea Expedition Itineraries for 2021/2022 .

We have been swamped this year, rebooking our client’s ocean, river, and expedition cruises.

One of the most popular questions our clients have asked is, “where are you guys planning to travel when COVID-19 is behind us”?

We have several options on the table.  However, one experience that is in our top five is an expedition cruise.

And, if the destination is the Galapagos, we want it to be aboard Silversea’s brand new Silver Origin .

If you click that Silver Origin link above, I’m very confident that you will understand our enthusiasm.

The Silver Origin carries a maximum of 100 passengers in a stunning all-suite vessel with one of the highest guest-to-passenger ratios in the business. Again, click that link and you will see what I mean.

Here’s this from Silversea Cruises:

“Silversea Cruises today affirms its destination leadership by unveiling a revised collection of 157 new expedition voyages. Departing from January 2021 to July 2022, the revised voyages have been designed by the cruise line’s destination experts to preserve and enhance the characteristically diverse array of experiences on offer to guests, pushing boundaries in ultra-luxury expedition travel.

The enhanced expedition offering includes pioneering itineraries in the Galapagos aboard new ship  Silver Origin , the unprecedented Deep Antarctica expedition, and the first-ever ultra-luxury fly-cruise to Antarctica, a 51-port Arctic grand voyage, and the world’s first-ever expedition world cruise, among other immersive experiences.

Enjoying 12 maiden calls while journeying aboard Silversea’s four expedition ships, guests will travel deeper through the following expedition experiences as part of the new voyage collection:

BRAND NEW ITINERARIES IN THE GALAPAGOS ISLANDS ABOARD SILVER ORIGIN

To further enhance guests’ destination experience in the Galapagos Islands, 68 new voyages aboard  Silver Origin will incorporate five maiden calls, including the beautiful island of Santa Fe. The iconic islands of Fernandina and Isabela now feature on both itineraries, and each will include improved programs ashore. Guests will have more opportunities to admire the iconic wildlife species of the archipelago, including the Galapagos Penguin, green sea turtles, endemic iguanas, and many remarkable bird species.  Silver Origin will build on Silversea’s multi-award-winning cruise experience in this unique region, forming meaningful connections between travelers and the destination. Aboard  Silver Origin,  guests will enjoy the highest expert guide-to-guest ratio (1:10) and the highest Zodiac-to-guest ratio (1:12.5) in the region.

JOURNEYING TO EXTREME LATITUDES ON THE DEEP ANTARCTICA EXPEDITION

Silversea’s longest-ever voyage to Antarctica, travelers will embark on the cruise line’s first-ever voyage dedicated to attempting to cross the Antarctic Polar Circle on a 20-day exploration of the White Continent, departing January 27th, 2022. Part of an enriched 35-voyage Antarctica season, the Deep Antarctica expedition will take guests to unprecedented latitudes in the history of Silversea, with Silver Explorer  proposing to reach an impressive 69°S. Guests aboard  Silver Explorer will venture to Marguerite Bay and potentially even as far south as the Bellingshausen Sea, a spectacular and seldom-visited area of the Antarctic Peninsula. Following Silver Explorer’s dry dock period, guests will enjoy the highest expert-to-guest and Zodiac-to-guest ratios in the region with 14 Zodiacs and a dedicated team of 14 world-class expedition staff.

THE FIRST EXPEDITION WORLD CRUISE IN HISTORY: THE UNCHARTED WORLD TOUR

Now setting sail on January 25th, 2022, Silversea’s 167-day Uncharted World Tour will be the first Expedition World Cruise in history. The pioneering voyage will take adventurous travelers across 21 oceans and seas, calling in 107 remarkable destinations in 20 countries. Enriching the experience for guests, 70 leading experts, and 20 guest speakers will join the voyage, sharing their insight as Silver Cloud  travels to some of the most remote locations on earth.

ANTARCTICA BRIDGE: THE WORLD’S FIRST ULTRA-LUXURY FLY-CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA

Silversea’s guests will enjoy even greater diversity in the cruise line’s Antarctica offering, with the launch of Antarctica Bridge, the world’s first ultra-luxury fly-cruise to the White Continent. With the option of an all-inclusive nine-night fly-cruise option aboard  Silver Explorer , travelers now have greater choice in the duration of their Antarctic expedition, as well as the destinations they visit, with immersive experiences in the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, the Ross Sea, and the Subantarctic Islands included in the cruise line’s enriched Antarctica collection.

SILVERSEA’S FIRST-EVER ARCTIC GRAND VOYAGE

Departing 16 July 2021,  Silver Cloud  will embark on Silversea’s first Arctic Grand Voyage, unlocking unforgettable experiences for guests in 51 destinations across seven countries. Journeying on through some of the world’s remotest waters over 63 days, while enjoying exclusive events and an impressive line-up of guest speakers, Silversea’s guests will discover many once-in-a-lifetime experiences on the all-inclusive Arctic Grand Voyage. As part of an enriched Arctic season, guests will also retrace the route taken by famous explorers of yesteryear during an intrepid Northwest Passage crossing, as well as embarking upon incredible new sailings in Svalbard aboard  Silver Cloud .

Also included in Silversea’s new collection of expedition voyages for 2021/2022 are 10 voyages in Northern Europe, with five sailings departing from various ports in the British Isles and two voyages to the Norwegian Fjords; a wide selection of in-depth expeditions in Australia’s Kimberley Region, as well as Southeast Asia and Melanesia; seven exceptional voyages to the South Pacific Islands; a variety of options in South America, including two spectacular itineraries to the Chilean Fjords; and the chance to discover Alaska and the American West Coast; and more.

“Our industry-leading destination experts have worked hard to enhance our expedition offering for 2021 and 2022, providing our guests with an unprecedented choice of immersive experiences, from the Arctic to Antarctica and the most incredible places in between,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea Cruises’ SVP of Expeditions, Turnaround Operations and Destination Management. “Highlighted by the launch of our new ship Silver Origin, which will be the most elegant ship to welcome guests in the Galapagos Islands, our new itineraries push boundaries and underpin our leadership in the ultra-luxury and expedition travel segments.”

Silversea’s guests will embark upon these enriched voyages aboard the cruise line’s fleet of ultra-luxury expedition ships—two of which will see further enhancements in 2021.  Silver Explorer will offer an even more immersive and personalized expedition experience with an increased number of Zodiacs and expedition members on-board.  Silver Wind , meanwhile, will be converted into an ice-class ship; her maiden voyages in polar waters will strengthen Silversea’s expedition activity with even greater variety.”

How to Book a Silverseas Cruise

When you book your fun cruise with Roaming Boomers Travel Services, not only will you enjoy Silversea’s best prices, but you will also receive our complimentary Virtuoso Voyages VIP perks on many of their sailings.

For more information or to book a fun and luxurious Silverseas Cruise, please call Roaming Boomers Travel Services at (480) 550-1235 or use our convenient online information request ( click here ) and we’ll reach out to you.

Category: Travel Services · Tags: Expedition Cruises , Silversea Cruises , Silversea Expedition Cruises

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Inside Silversea’s newest expedition cruise ship for voyages to Antarctica

Cruise operator Silversea recently launched its newest ship, already touting it as the most luxurious expedition ship to hit the open seas yet. And based on the ship’s layout, the most impressive amenity is one that has become ever more valuable since the start of the pandemic: space.

The ship, which measures 164.4 meters (540 feet) long, features what Silversea says is the highest space-to-guest ratio in expedition cruising, a crew-to-guest ratio of approximately one to one, and a higher zodiac-to-guest ratio (one to 12.5).

But from a customer perspective, the abundant space is made most evident in both private and public spaces, with balconies across all suites and 300 seats available across dining venues while the ship overall will only welcome approximately 200 guests per voyage.

The third new Silversea ship named in 10 months, the Silver Endeavour is the 11th ship in the Silver-class fleet, and 64th in the global fleet, noted Jason Liberty, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, the parent owner of three cruise brands that cover the spectrum of cruise-goers from pure vacation to ultra-luxury expedition: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. Royal Caribbean Group also owns half of a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. In a prepared video, Liberty reflected on the Silver Endeavour ’s launch as Silversea expands further into the luxury market, explaining that the ship’s design reflects a commitment to deliver a luxurious vacation for its guests but in a responsible manner.

Silversea currently occupies 21% of the luxury cruise market share, projecting that to grow to 34% by 2027. And historically, 82% of Silversea sales reflect strategic pricing, while just 18% is tactical.

“Strategic overhaul of pricing has been successful. We’re a luxury goods company, and we will never find ourselves in the position of dropping prices at the last minute,” said Silversea chief commercial officer Barbara Muckermann during a media briefing, noting “the last thing you want to do is move the conversation on pricing” as you want to conversation to focus on the experience.

The luxury experience can start right from first step as Silversea says it’s the only luxury cruise operator to offer an all-inclusive, door-to-door package, starting with a private chauffeur service to the airport, escorted all the way through until you return home. But the company is opening up to more value-conscious consumers with the addition of an all-inclusive port-to-port option, allowing customers to make their own decisions not just about airport transfers but also giving them more flexibility to book their own airfare with loyalty points or through vacation packages.

The Silver Endeavour was built to PC6 polar class specifications , which means the ship can push and comfortably sail through say, one meter of first-year ice, whereas many ships would have to turn around in those kinds of conditions. It also allows Silversea to plan different itineraries that were previously not viable.

The ship is equipped for polar exploration with the most advanced navigation technology, including a remote gimbal camera system that can capture high-quality images up to five kilometers (3.1 miles) away. The Monaco-based cruise company is partnering with Antarctic Airways, which recently just celebrated its 42nd anniversary, to fly passengers from the rendezvous point in Santiago, Chile to where the ship docks near the very southernmost point of Patagonia. Together, the companies expect to fly more than 200 flights back and forth over the course of the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere.

Silversea has also made special arrangements for its charter flights with Antarctic Airways. To start, Antarctic Airways signed a contract that stipulates that Silversea is its only cruise company partner. And each charter flight tied to a Silversea itinerary will be bought out and exclusive to only passengers on Silversea ships. Additionally, while the British Aerospace (BAE) 146-200 aircraft can seat approximately 80 to 90 passengers, Silversea will ensure no one is booked in a middle seat. The reason for this is two-fold. The most obvious to customers will be that it makes the flight (nearly four hours from Santiago to Puerto Williams) more comfortable with everyone in either an aisle or window seat.

But more critically, smaller airports in Patagonia, especially at Puerto Williams, have greater payload limits on their runways. This means that the airline must strictly enforce weight limits for both passengers and their luggage. Thus, by leaving the middle seats open and reducing the number of passengers to a few more than 60 rather than 80, passengers are both more comfortable and can pack more luggage if need be, which could be considerable given how heavy and cumbersome winter clothing and gear can be.

Given the length of the midday flight, lunch is served onboard. And perhaps most uniquely, all of the food is homemade and catered by local businesses in Santiago and Punta Arenas, Chile as Conrad Combrink, senior vice president expeditions, destination, and itinerary management at Silversea, underscored it is one example of how Silversea is committed to partnering with local communities.

“The message here is we’re really looking at the journey to and from the ship,” Combrink said. “Celebrate the little steps. I know there’s a lot of work ahead of us, but we’re making so much progress on that vision of the authentic experience we want to delivery—in luxury.”

Silversea is particularly investing in the community of Puerto Williams, Chile. The town is often referred to as “El Fin del Mundo” (“The end of the world”) given its location as the southernmost town not just in South America but worldwide, making it the best port for Antarctica-bound expedition cruises.

Puerto Williams has been at the center of a geographical and philosophical search for the right departure port, according to Silversea executives. This has only been possible thanks to the support of the Chilean government and local municipalities. “There is not a better place than this to start this journey,” Muckermann said.

Earlier this month, Silversea recently announced it will sponsor a physical education program for disabled children in the remote Chilean town, which has approximately just 3,000 inhabitants, many of whom have ties to the Chilean navy or cruise industry given the region’s position near Cabo de Hornos (Cape Horn). Silversea donated both mobility equipment to the primary school and four Zodiac boats to the Cedena Nautical School in Puerto Williams, a non-profit organization dedicated to training and educating children and young people in nautical sports, a first step toward learning the basic skills needed for a career in the expedition industry.

With the launch of the Silver Endeavour , Silversea now offers luxury cruises to all seven continents with itineraries across the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Galápagos, and both Polar Regions. Silversea is also working on the launch of two new ultra-luxury Nova-class ships: the Silver Nova and  Silver Ray . GEM Design, the design firm behind the Silver Nova , boast that the Nova , in particular, will be one of the most environmentally friendly ships ever built when it sets sail next year as the industry’s first multi-hybrid cruise ship, and it will be the first cruise ship to use fuel cells to provide 100% of power in while in port.

Next year, the Silver Endeavour has 27 voyages planned for the 2024-2025 season, traveling to more than 125 remote destinations across not just Antarctica but also the Arctic, the British Isles, and Iceland.

“As the world faces new and ever more complicated problems, exploration has never been more vital than it is today,” said Felicity Aston, MBE, and godmother to the Silver Endeavour . A climate scientist, polar explorer, and expedition leader, Aston is the only woman in the world to have skied across Antarctica alone. “The Silver Endeavour will allow more people to become explorers and return home with that all important new perspective.”

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An Amazon River Cruise FAQ with Conrad Combrink

It’s uncharted territory for Silversea’s expedition fleet: for the first time in the cruise line’s history, travelers can now venture into the world’s mightiest river on an expedition voyage on an Amazon River cruise.  This latest offering  will begin from Manaus on the  Silver Wind  in March 2024 (Silversea also offers nine treks up the Amazon on its classic luxury vessels, including on the  Silver Nova  and  Silver Ray ).

“The  Amazon  is a destination that most of us who work in the expedition industry love to explore,” says Conrad Combrink, Silversea Cruises’ senior vice president of expeditions, destination and itinerary management. “It’s a massive river and a massive ecosystem, brimming with culture, history and, of course, natural history.”

Combrink hails the adventurous itinerary as a textbook example of the expedition program’s mission to push the boundaries of exploration and luxury travel. “Voyages like this allow our guests to step out of their comfort zone and experience these destinations with the familiarity of Silversea and the crew that they love.”

Ahead of the groundbreaking expedition itinerary, Combrink shared his excitement about being able to finally offer this experience — complete with Zodiacs and a team of expedition experts — to Silversea guests.

How long has this voyage been in the making for Silversea?

As an expedition itinerary, this Amazon River cruise has been on our radar for many years. I think the first time I started to work on an Amazon expedition was probably a good six-seven years ago. And every year, the idea of the Amazon comes up, and we look at it, and we study it. You do need time, you do need a very experienced expedition team, and the right-sized vessel to tackle it.

Because we are expanding our fleet and by transforming Silver Wind from a classic luxury vessel to an expedition ship, and we continue on our quest to constantly look at new destinations, we made the decision that the time is now to do the Amazon. We spent a lot of time in the past 18 months consulting with our expedition leaders, some of the team members that are going to be on this expedition, and our operations teams, to make sure that we allocated the right amount of time to the Amazon so as to not rush through it. We wanted to really make sure that this 23-day voyage would give our guests a very in-depth experience of the region. And Silver Wind will give us the opportunity to do this.

What are the advantages of offering this itinerary on the refurbished Silver Wind ?

It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the expedition capabilities of the ship. She’s an incredible vessel: she was the second ship that was built for Silversea, and, like her sister  Silver Cloud , she’s perfect for expedition cruising. Silver Wind can accommodate a large expedition team of 28 staff members, as well as a large fleet of Zodiacs. And of course, there’s the incredible comfort aboard the ship, the guest-to-space ratio. There are not many vessels that have the comfort and the exploration abilities that she offers. So we’re really excited, and I’m very happy that we can showcase her capabilities in a region like the Amazon so soon into her life as an expedition ship.

What does this new voyage mean for Silversea?

For me, it’s absolutely fantastic in that we are constantly evolving our product. We always try to find that new destination or a new way of interpreting a destination. All of our expedition voyages are carefully curated; we give a lot of thought and whenever we put an itinerary out we feel it’s a part of us. It’s our passion to develop these programs. Although new for expeditions, the Amazon is not new to Silversea. We’ve been visiting this region with our classic ships for many years, and it’s been a very successful destination in the past. I’m excited that now we have the opportunity to look at this destination and reimagine it. Frankly, this year more than ever we have taken the time to really think about how we deliver on our expedition and destination experience. We are dedicating a huge amount of time on the river to full expedition activities. This voyage really is an evolution of our South American product and one we’ve been looking forward to for a very long time.

“Our expeditions are geared to give guests a far deeper understanding of the daily life of this region, and I think it’s important because cultural diversity is something that we experience on a daily basis. Traveling to places like West Africa or the Amazon just opens our eyes and makes us understand our place and the place of other people and other cultures in our planet.” Conrad Combrink

And it’s not just an Amazon River experience…

Yes, it’s important to stress that this is not only an Amazon exploration. The Amazon is a part of a far bigger expedition along the northeastern coast of the South American continent. We will have the opportunity to spend two days in places like Georgetown, Guyana, where guests can explore amazing highlights like the Kaieteur Falls or the Essequibo River. It’s about learning about the history of places like Île Royale or Devil’s Island in French Guiana. Going to Paramaribo, going to incredible nature reserves, learning about the historical backdrop of places listed on UNESCO heritage sites. So It really is a very rich and diverse itinerary. Moreover, I see this as the evolution of our itineraries from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires. I also see this region as the new west coast of Africa. We developed incredibly unique itineraries on the west coast of Africa and spent a lot of time looking at ways to differentiate them, to deliver that destination differently. It’s an interesting part of the world; South America is incredibly rich and this voyage that starts in Fortaleza is really going to give guests a very in-depth look at that coast and then deviate into the Amazon.

What makes the Amazon an ideal expedition destination?

It really offers us the opportunity to come into our own right: to put the zodiacs in the water, to explore the waterways, to visit small communities and to witness their lifestyle. We’ll visit places like buffalo farms where you can see the farmers working with the buffaloes in the water when the fields are flooded during the rainy season. These are experiences that we’ll only have when you have the opportunity to slowly experience this destination. An expedition trip by nature is designed to take in those special experiences: this area is phenomenal for bird life, going with our zodiacs, exploring the riverbanks to look for dolphins, sloths, iguanas, monkeys.

There’s also an opportunity for us to explore the river at nighttime on our Zodiacs. This is an experience that you can only offer with an expedition ship. Then there are attractions like the meeting of the waters near Manaus. This is where the dark tea-like waters of the Rio Negro meet the murky waters of the Solimões … almost like tea and milk. We’ll also spend two days in Manaus, a city in the center of the world’s largest rainforest. And it’s home to things like the Institute of Amazonian Research, which we will visit during our stay, and we’ll be able to offer scenic flights over the Amazon from Manaus. We’re also planning for our guests to have an evening at the Amazon Theater, the city’s opera house which was inaugurated in 1886 during the rubber boom and is absolutely fantastic. Its incredible architecture is really interesting and the opera house itself is phenomenal.

Cultural experiences also play an important role in this voyage, correct?

Yes, the idea is that we’ll be able to visit local smaller communities, as well as the big cities like Manaus. That’s significant because it gives guests an opportunity to really understand the life of the people we get to meet. We will have anthropologists traveling with us on this expedition who will provide an understanding of the cultural differences and, also, the historical significance of the European settlements, the history and the influence that had on a country like Brazil and on a region like the Amazon. I also think it will allow our guests to understand how the  caboclos  (locals of mixed indigenous Brazilian and European ancestry) live and how different people in that region live. Our expedition is geared to give guests a far deeper understanding of the daily life of this region, and I think it’s important because cultural diversity is something that we experience on a daily basis. Traveling to places like West Africa or the Amazon just opens our eyes and makes us understand our place and the place of other people and other cultures in our planet.

What sort of traveler will find this itinerary most compelling?

I think it’s going to appeal to our Venetian Society guests, and to guests who have done many of our voyages in the past, especially expedition. It’s going to remind them of how we push the boundaries in other parts of the world: in Papua New Guinea, in Africa, the west coast of South America. Expedition travel has been phenomenally successful and has really wowed inquisitive travelers. An expedition is for the traveler that will look beyond a guide who doesn’t speak perfect English; that will understand that this person sharing their life with them is not a professional guide but is doing it because they want to share their life. It’s for this person who wants to have a deep, authentic experience. And in that sense, I’m certain that this voyage is going to excite, delight and surprise every single day of its three-week duration.

Ready to travel to the Amazon?  Learn more here .

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Royal Caribbean Group's Silversea Cruises has acquired one of the most expensive luxury expedition cruise ships ever built for $275 million

• Royal Caribbean Group's Silversea Cruises acquired its new luxury expedition ship for $275 million.
• The cruise vessel initially belonged to Crystal Cruises before the brand dramatically collapsed this year.
• Wealthy travelers have been demanding more luxury expedition cruises, according to Silversea.

Royal Caribbean Group's Silversea Cruises has acquired its newest luxury expedition cruise ship, the Endeavour, for $275 million as the brand continues to expand its expedition arm.

The cruise ship was delivered to Crystal Cruises in 2021 before the brand dramatically halted operations in February. Under its new management and name, the 200-passenge r Silver Endeavour will return to sea with itineraries to Antarctica, servicing the growing number of "high-end, affluent customers" interested in expedition cruises, according to a press release .

Related stories

Silversea's $275 million acquisition came at a steep discount: The cruise ship reportedly cost $385 million to build, making the vessel one of the most expensive cruise ships ever constructed, Gene Sloan reported for The Points Guy .

"With Endeavour, we are seeking to grow our ... fleet to meet the exceptional demand for ultra-luxury expedition cruising while also enhancing our profitability profile," Jason Liberty, the president and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group, said in a press release . 

Like any luxury expedition ship, the polar class ship can accommodate zodiac boats, kayaks, high-quality camera systems, and observation areas. But it wouldn't be a true cruise ship without recreational and leisure offerings. Besides expedition gear, the eight-deck vessel also has typical cruise amenities like a spa, several restaurants and bars, a swimming pool, and an almost equal ratio of guests to crew.

This new acquisition marks Silversea's fifth expedition ship in its now 11-ship fleet. And this addition comes at a fortuitous time: Silversea has been seeing strong demand for its expedition cruises, according to the company . In response, in late June, the Royal Caribbean Group's cruise brand added three additional Antarctica itineraries to its 2023 to 2024 cruise season.

• Main content

Silversea Looking Into Expedition Newbuilds

• April 27, 2022

Silversea Cruises is planning to build additional expedition ships soon.

According to Roberto Martinoli, Silversea’s President and Chief Executive Officer, the company is “100 percent” considering new expedition vessels.

“After sustainability, it’s one of our first priorities,” he added during a press conference in Miami Beach.

Silversea currently operates four expedition vessels including the Silver Origin, which entered service on the Galapagos during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Converted from traditional cruising, the ice-strengthened sister ships Silver Cloud and the Silver Wind also offer expedition cruises, with itineraries focusing on polar areas.

Formerly known as the Prince Albert II, the Silver Explorer is also part of Silversea’s polar expedition program.

Currently the oldest ship in the fleet, it will be leaving the fleet in September 2023 , heading to a new cruise line called Exploris.

On other expedition news, Silversea recently moved its Antarctica operations to Chile.

After several years sailing from Argentina, the company will homeport three ships in Puerto Williams for the 2022-2023 Antarctica season .

According to the company, the move will allow guests to enjoy more convenient flight times, personalized service during an exclusive charter flight, and quicker transfers to the ship, among other advantages.

While no additional expedition ships are presently on order, Silversea is building two new ultra-luxury cruise vessels from Meyer Werft.

Part of a new class, the ships will feature new environmental technology that will achieve cruise industry-first – local emission-free operation in port by using fuel cells and batteries.

The first ship in the series, the Silver Nova, is set to enter service in Summer 2023. A yet-unnamed sister ship is also on the books, with delivery scheduled to 2024.

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This New Cruise Ship Has an Unprecedented Design, Elegant Suites, and 'Quirky' Cocktails

Here's a closer look at the Silver Nova, one of the newest ships from the luxury line Silversea.

David Swanson is a San Diego-based freelance writer and photographer who has traveled to more than 100 countries. His work has been featured in The Washington Post , USA Today , Los Angeles Times , National Geographic Traveler , Miami Herald , and Travel + Leisure .

The Staterooms

Bars and restaurants, where silver nova sails, shore excursions, amenities and entertainment, family-friendly offerings, accessibility.

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

On my first trip with Silversea, more than a decade ago, I cooed over risotto flecked with gold leaf. I swooned when my husband and I were serenaded by a jazz duo in an intimate supper club. I loved that the bartenders would remember our favorite drinks — each one presented on linen napkin — and I learned what it was like to have a butler who polished my shoes, seeing that they were sorely in need of a shine.

I also noted things Silversea didn’t have. Those bartenders didn’t hand me a bill to sign, no hands were out for a tip. There were no pushy announcements hawking tours, shopping lectures, or onboard art auctions, nor photographers plaintively begging for a pose so they could sell me a snapshot later. There were, in short, none of the annoyances you sometimes find on ships.

So when I boarded Silver Nova in 2023, I had a feeling the ship would be defined as much by what it didn’t have as by what it did. And, true to that Silversea DNA, I found that this vessel seemed to almost disappear. Instead, the seagoing experience blossomed, as my fellow passengers and I sighted islands and enjoyed the weave of coastlines. Many of today’s most talked-about cruise ships work to focus our attention inwards; Silver Nova , by contrast, reminds us to look out — and to appreciate where we’re going.

This bit of alchemy is all thanks to the remarkable, asymmetrical design of Silver Nova . This aesthetically pleasing choice also allowed designers to eliminate most structures on the upper decks, allowing the sea and landscapes to tell their story. To take just one example, the pool doesn’t sit on the ship’s centerline, as is common. Instead, it unspools along the starboard side, yielding an openness that is unprecedented on a small cruise ship. 

“On the open decks of other ships you see a lot of stuff — attractions, distractions, a lot of things that keep your eyes busy,” explained Andrea Tonet, Silversea’s vice president of product strategy. “We did the opposite, we removed everything that was not necessary, every obstacle, to create this unobstructed view of the sea and the destination.”  As a result, I always felt like I had a clear sense of being somewhere while aboard. I gained a deeper sense of connection to my environment.

That said, Silver Nova is on the larger side, at least among true luxury ships, with space for 728 passengers. But it also has a capacious passenger-to-space ratio that lends the vessel a welcome openness.

A ship of glass and curves, a desire to bring the destinations to the guest, and a chart marked for some of the world’s most appealing places — here is my review of Silversea’s Silver Nova .

• Though larger overall than is typical for a luxury ship, Silver Nova is spacious and uncrowded, offering more elbow room per passenger than almost any other cruise vessel.
• Silversea’s groundbreaking S.A.L.T. program has been elevated for Nova , providing localized culinary immersion both at sea and on land.
• With its ample outdoor deck space, the ship is well-suited for warm-weather voyages and scenic areas, such as Alaska’s Inside Passage and New Zealand’s Milford Sound.
• In a first for Silversea, Nova has aft-facing suites, including eight with wraparound balconies offering remarkable panoramic views.

The all-suite Nova has nine different stateroom layouts, starting with standard veranda categories, which make up more than 75 percent of the ship’s accommodations. These measure 301 square feet inside and feature a subdued palette of grey and cappuccino tones. The 54-square-foot teak veranda is big enough for two to enjoy a meal, and marble bathrooms are equipped with a roomy shower stall (many have both a full tub and separate shower). All suites include a walk-in closet, vanity table, a large TV, and stocked minibar. A butler is available at all hours, and in-room dining is provided by most of the ship’s venues.

Throughout, Silversea’s custom mattresses are sumptuous and sleep-inducing, with combed Egyptian cotton bedding by Milan’s Rivolta Carmignani. There’s a pillow menu, with feather/down blends, memory foam, and two hypoallergenic options, medium and firm.

A variety of larger suites are available, but the star is a pair of Otium Suites, each spanning 1,324 square feet and each featuring a huge wraparound balcony with private hot tub. Thanks to the ship’s asymmetrical design, these balconies protrude in a way that allows for 270-degree views.  

Silversea’s culinary program is a point of pride for the brand. Atlantide is Nova ’s de facto main dining room, a handsome venue that offers a selection of steaks, lobster, and caviar in a plush, comfortable setting. Next door, the ambitious menu at S.A.L.T. Kitchen evolves by day, taking inspiration from the destination in which the ship is sailing.  For example, on trips to Croatia, guests might find Dalmatian sardines marinated in lemon; along Central America you might encounter hearty escabeche.

La Terrazza’s menu features Italian specialties, with pasta made onboard, while Silver Note is a swank supper club, where gourmet tapas are served against a backdrop of live jazz. Located up top, the Marquee is capped by an airy, two-story pergola that dapples the venue with shade; views from every table are almost unimpeded.  Full breakfasts are served at the Marquee, and at lunch you’ll find an al fresco rotisserie with salads, burgers, and Neapolitan-style pizzas; at night grill your own chops.

Although Silversea is a mostly inclusive cruise line, three of the restaurants require a surcharge: La Dame does a selection of French classics ($160 including wine pairings), and Kaiseki has a full-on Asian menu ($40). S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table has seating for up to 24 diners, with 11-course tasting menus embellished with anecdotes about the history of each dish or signature ingredient ($180 including wine and cocktail pairings).  

The ship has several bars, including Panorama Lounge, a retreat found aboard all Silversea vessels. On Nova, the bar’s outdoor terrace includes a small fireplace, a feature I don’t recall seeing on any other cruise ship.  Also of note is the Dusk Bar, which sits aft on Deck 10 and is stocked with interesting spirits. (I found it to be a great spot for sunset selfies.) The S.A.L.T. Bar was probably my favorite spot, with graceful outdoor seating and a menu of unusual cocktails featuring quirky ingredients cued to the ship’s regional itinerary. 

Through early 2026, Silver Nova will summer in Alaska and spend northern hemisphere winters in Australia and New Zealand, places where top deck views should prove ceaselessly rewarding.  In the spring and fall, as the ship transits between the two hemispheres, watch for voyages along the coasts of Asia, including some circumnavigations of Japan.

On Nova , a selection of both included and added-cost shore excursions are offered. In places like Alaska, the included tours cover a variety of activities, from coach rides to scenic areas, whale watching, e-bike trips, hiking, and kayaking. In Australia and New Zealand, options include kayaking in the Whitsunday Islands, a vintage steam train ride near Melbourne, and a Maori cultural experience. 

In Alaska, helicopter trips to a glacier where a dog-sled camp is based, or a private fishing and crabbing tour are among the added-cost tours. In Australia and New Zealand, add-on tours include a private car and guide in most ports, Hunter Valley wineries by helicopter, and a tour of the Lord of the Rings filming locations and Weta Studios. Other tours are built around the S.A.L.T. program and focused on regional culinary angles, available at extra cost.

Silver Nova ’s asymmetrical design allows for a chic, expansive pool deck — a grand total of more than 42,000 square feet across two decks. With that kind of elbow room, there's hardly a need to wake up early to claim a deck chair. The swimming pool sits close to the starboard side, and the seating and elevated walkways around it create an amphitheater-like effect, with a backdrop that can go on for miles. To me, it felt like being at a supercool rooftop bar or cliff's-edge resort — with a panorama that's ever changing.

Silversea’s S.A.L.T. ecosystem, which is on several of the line's ships, deserves special mention as an amenity, too. The acronym stands for Sea and Land Taste, and describes numerous food-focused experiences on and off the ship. Some of the core moments are available at the previously mentioned S.A.L.T. Bar, Kitchen, and Chef's Table; there's also a gorgeous S.A.L.T. Lab, a space that allows for hands-on culinary lessons. The culinary programming extends to talks and demos held in the ship's Venetian Lounge, as well as on shore excursions branded as part of S.A.L.T. Bottom line, if deep-diving into the cuisine of a specific destination is your goal, look for the S.A.L.T. "stamp."

Elsewhere, the Otium Spa has among its features a steam room and indoor thermal pool with floor-to-ceiling sea views. There’s a fitness center, and personal trainers are available for individual or group sessions.  The spacious Venetian Lounge spans two decks — a rarity on a smaller ship — with cabaret seating and tiered banquettes for music performances, movie screenings, and other group programs. A few more intimate spaces include the Connoisseur’s Corner, a cigar lounge and bar, and the small yet delightful library, tucked behind the Observation Lounge.  

Without dedicated kids areas, Silver Nova was not designed for children. But families who don’t need high-powered diversions to keep children engaged will find a welcoming environment at sea and, during holiday periods, possibly other children to socialize with. Silversea allows children over the age of six months, as long as they’re accompanied by an adult over the age of 21; babysitting services are not available.

Public areas of Silver Nova , including all restaurants, bars, and the spa, are wheelchair accessible. Embarkation and disembarkation are also typically accessible, with a gangway that's flat enough to accommodate mobility devices; in ports where stairs are involved, crew members can provide assistance. The vessel also keeps some wheelchairs for guest use.

Nova has braille/tactile public room signage, elevator buttons, staircase handrails, and stateroom numbers.  

The ship has six ADA accessible suites, on various decks, in the Premium Veranda and Silver Suite categories. Each is equipped with wider entrance doors and appropriate paths of travel for wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility equipment, and each includes an accessible bathroom and shower. All areas within these suites are reachable without the need for additional ramps, and features an accessible bathroom with vanity and separate shower.

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The 12 Best Luxury Cruises For White-Glove Service At Sea

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L ong gone are the days where overcrowded ships with overstimulating amenities are your only cruising option. They certainly still exist, but now there’s a much stronger and more accessible market for luxury charters. Combining lavish amenities and refined comforts with the thrill of exploration, the best luxury cruises have taken white-glove service to the sea. In fact, luxury cruising has become so in demand that many esteemed hospitality brands—like the Ritz-Carlton , Four Seasons and Aman—have recently launched branded yacht collections of their own.

More than just a vacation, luxury cruises are designed to cater to the whims and desires of its discerning guests (caviar and Champagne on-demand, anyone?). From glimmering chandeliers and secluded suites adorned with plush furnishings to one-to-one crew and passenger ratios and carefully-curated expeditions, these cruises redefine the meaning of extravagant living—on land and sea. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, family, small group, or otherwise, we’ve selected the best luxury cruises of 2024.

Best Luxury Cruise Overall: Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, Evrima

Best luxury river cruise: viking river cruises, viking osiris, best luxury cruise for foodies: crystal, crystal serenity and crystal symphony, best small ship luxury cruise: seabourn, seabourn pursuit, best luxury cruise for couples: silversea cruises, silver ray, best luxury cruise for families: msc, msc world europa.

• Most Yacht-Like Luxury Cruise: Four Seasons, Four Seasons Explorer

Best Luxury Expedition Cruise: Aurora Expeditions, Sylvia Earle

Best luxury cruise for small groups: windstar cruises, star pride, best luxury cruise for solo travelers: ponant, le lyrial.

• Best Luxury Cruise For Book Lovers : Avalon Waterways, Avalon Artistry II
• Best Value Luxury Cruise : Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Voyager

The Terrace Suite on Evrima

Recommended Itinerary: 11-Night Athens to Venice

Departure: From June 19, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The tasting menu at the onboard restaurant S.E.A., crafted by the Ritz-Carlton Wolfsburg in Germany’s Michelin-starred chef Sven Elverfeld

The Ritz-Carlton has built a brand on its premier white-glove service on land, which now extends to sea following the recent launch of its Yacht Collection in the fall of 2022. Its 298-passenger ship, Evrima , marries a yacht-like experience with access to even more amenities (six restaurants, four pools, suite-style sea-facing cabins, salon, spa, fitness center and more). Aside from the ship itself, what makes Ritz-Carlton’s Evrima stand out from the rest is its sheer amount of itinerary options. You can explore the European Mediterranean and the enclaves of Canary Islands on one charter, then see the Caribbean’s greatest hits like San Juan and St. Barts on the next. Thanks to the Ritz-Carlton’s world-renowned reputation, Evrima is drawing younger crowds to the luxury cruising scene, creating a more diverse experience. Ultimately, the feel here is of a true luxury hotel at sea.

Guest room on Osiris

Viking Osiris

Recommended Itinerary: 12-Night Pharaohs & Pyramids

Departure: From August 21, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The sheer knowledge of and access to the crew

Time spent on Viking River Cruises’ Viking Osiris is not only a retreat, but an enlightening experience. Known for its educational programming, the ship features lectures and informative guides that highlight seemingly endless knowledge on everything Egyptian (ancient to modern). Paired with the Nile as a backdrop, you’ll find yourself absorbing more than you can have possibly imagined. Built for just 82 passengers, the intimate ship is a modern vessel built specifically for the Nile, with intentional Scandinavian design details. It has a light and bright feel, encouraging outdoor exploration of the riverbanks through plenty of outdoor decks. Guests must be 18 years or older, which makes this a great option for couples or older families who can truly appreciate the experience.

Umi Uma on the Crystal Symphony.

Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony

Recommended Itinerary: 10-Day Venice to Athens on the Crystal Symphony

Departure: From November 14, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The only Nobu restaurant at sea, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar

After a brief hiatus in 2022, Crystal Cruises made a comeback in 2023, setting sail as Crystal—Exceptional at Sea under guardianship of the Abercrombie & Kent travel group. Along with the new name, Crystal refreshed its two ships, Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony , and reintroduced them to the world of luxury with more spacious suites, a revamped spa and refreshed entertainment and events programming. The real star of the show, however, is Crystal’s exceptional dining, anchored by the only Nobu restaurant at sea, Umi Uma by Nobu Matsuhisa Restaurant and Sushi Bar, which can be found on both ships. One meal at Umi Uma is included with your sail (per person, on sailings 11 days or shorter) with each additional visit available for a charge of just $50 per person—incredible value to experience fan favorites like the miso-marinated black cod. Aside from a night at the most luxurious specialty restaurant you can find on a cruise ship, the rest of Crystal’s dining offerings are equally superb, from seasonal dishes at Waterside to classic Italian fare at Osteria D’Ovidio.

With an elegant design that reads yacht-like, Pursuit includes fine dining options for a true luxury cruise experience.

Seabourn Pursuit

Recommended Itinerary: 21-Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland

Departure: From December 15, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Two custom-built submarines, 24-person expedition team

Setting sail in August, the 264-passenger, 132 seafront-suite-only Seabourn Pursuit is the newest ship to join the Seabourn fleet. With an elegant design that reads yacht-like, Pursuit includes several fine dining options and formal supper nights, as well as complimentary caviar and Champagne on-demand, for a true luxury cruise experience. The crowd is well-traveled and skews older; you won’t find many late-night revelers here, in part because the ship doesn’t offer any onboard youth programming (although children are still welcome). That said, the ship does include entertainment that’s worth experiencing—singers, pianists and more.

White-gloved butlers and complimentary caviar are just a few elements that make Silversea’s Silver Ray perfect for a stress-free getaway.

Recommended Itinerary: 8-Day Cartagena to Lima

Departure: From December 27, 2024

All-Star Amenities: The onboard dining scene, specifically S.A.L.T. Kitchen, La Dame and Kaiseki

The second in Silversea’s Nova class ships sets sail this summer when the 728-guest Silver Ray makes a splash in the Mediterranean before crossing the Atlantic to winter in warmer climates. Mirroring her sister ship, Silver Dawn , she boasts the same level of service you expect from Silversea. White-gloved butlers, suite-only accommodations, complimentary caviar and Roman baths are just a few of the elements that make Silversea’s Silver Ray perfect for a stress-free getaway for couples in need of pampering. Beyond the ship, Silver Ray’s itineraries immerse her guests in authentic experiences that showcase the beauty in the world. Passengers tend to be in the 55-and-over age range and you won’t find many children onboard, which for couples, might just be what the doctor ordered.

Owner's Suite on MSC World Europa

MSC World Europa

Recommended Itinerary: 7-Night Western Mediterranean

Departure: From July 1, 2024

All-Star Amenities: LEGO experience, Aurea spa featuring high-tech beauty treatments and thermal experiences

Larger than many other luxury ships, MSC World Europa manages to host nearly 7,000 passengers while still keeping everyone serviced and entertained with over 1,400 crew members. With plenty of pools and hot tubs, and more unique amenities like a casino, arcade, brewery, Formula 1 simulator, water park, roller rink and more, there’s truly something for everyone onboard. Plus, it boasts the tallest dry slide at sea in the world—a must-do for families. There’s also a Family Zone that caters to every age range, from infants to teenagers, with dedicated sections per group.

Best Yacht-Like Luxury Cruise: Four Seasons, Four Seasons Explorer

The exquisite 128-foot luxury catamaran set sail in Palau in late-2023 and provides her guests an experience that’s out of this world.

Four Seasons Explorer

Recommended Itinerary: 6-Day King George Island

Departure: From November 27, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Speedboat transfer, PADI 5-star dive center, international dining

Luxury hotelier Four Seasons is expected to debut its highly-anticipated Four Seasons Yachts in early 2026. Until then, guests are invited to embark upon a true yacht experience onboard Four Seasons Explorer . With just 10 staterooms and an expansive Explorer Suite, the exquisite 128-foot luxury catamaran set sail in Palau in late-2023 and provides her guests an experience that’s out of this world. In addition to the attentive service onboard, everyone can dive into the clear Micronesian waters to visit the undersea world that’s filled with manta rays, sharks, orcas and, of course myriad fish. Back onboard, relax in the lounge, library, or sundeck, and enjoy indoor and outdoor dining while enjoying all the special touches for which Four Seasons is known, including checking in and out on your schedule.

Sylvia Earle Suite on the Sylvia Earle

Sylvia Earle

Recommended Itinerary: 14-Day Antarctic Explorer featuring the Chilean Fjords

Departure: From March 1, 2025

All-Star Amenities: The availability of so many amenities—restaurants, bars, hot tubs—that aren’t as typical on expedition cruises

Sailing on Aurora Expedition’s Sylvia Earle is nothing short of an adventure. Founded about 30 years ago by climber Greg Mortimer and inspired by the female marine biologist after whom it’s named, the 132-passenger Sylvia Earle has exploration ingrained in its DNA. It’s no surprise, then, that the staff is incredibly knowledgeable and eager with an up-for-anything attitude (remote seas, some of the world’s highest peaks, you name it). Plus, the onboard amenities rival any luxury cruise—a rarity on expedition ships.

Owner's Suite Living Room on Star Pride

Recommended Itinerary: 10-Day Comprehensive Iceland Cruise Tour

Departure: From August 20, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Join the yacht’s culinary team to shop provisions for meal service at local markets

A 312-passenger, all-suite vessel, Star Pride feels large enough for small groups where they won’t feel too-close-for-comfort and can have their own privacy, but intimate enough where they can welcome outside connections. And thanks to its size, it’s able to access less-traveled routes and ports that make for an even more memorable experience to enjoy among a group. Plus, there are plenty of dining options (five restaurants including a top-notch Spanish tapas concept that’s a must-try) to enjoy as a group or split up on different evenings.

From sailing past icebergs and rugged mountains to spotting whales, there is plenty to keep you busy throughout the duration of the cruise.

Recommended Itinerary: 15-Day Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada

Departure: From August 25, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Single supplement waived on more than 100 voyages; spa with hammam; fine dining

Solo travel is becoming more popular amongst travelers, so it’s nice when you find a luxury cruise line that welcomes independent cruisers by waiving the single supplement. French cruise line Ponant does just that on more than 100 of its voyages, including the brand new 15-day Wilderness from Greenland to the East Coast of Canada itinerary. From sailing past icebergs and rugged mountains to spotting whales, polar bears and muskox, and excursions along the way, there is plenty to keep you busy throughout the duration of the cruise.

Time aboard Le Lyrial is filled with guest lectures, fine dining in two onboard restaurants and exceptional, personalized service. With just 122 staterooms and suites and 244 guests, and plenty of space for everyone, the ship never feels overcrowded. After days of exploration, retreat to the spa for complimentary access to the hammam and a full menu of services in partnership with SOTHYS Paris, including massages and facials.

Best Luxury Cruise For Book Lovers: Avalon Waterways, Avalon Artistry II

Onboard, enjoy wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that convert Panoramic Suites’ living spaces into open-air balconies.

Avalon Artistry II

Recommended Itinerary: 8-Day Cheers to 50 Years! A Storyteller Cruise & Birthday Celebration with Jen Hatmaker

Departure: From August 3, 2024

All-Star Amenities: Well-stocked library; onboard adventure center; daily happy hour

Book lovers quietly rejoiced when Avalon Waterways debuted its Storyteller Series in 2021. Through the series, revered authors and musicians join guests onboard select itineraries for a week of conversation and collegiality while exploring stunning European river landscapes. During the 8-day Cheers to 50 Years! sailing, New York Times best-selling author Jen Hatmaker will celebrate her 50th birthday aboard the intimate Avalon Artistry II , with just 64 staterooms and suites, when it sails through Holland and Belgium.

In addition to spending time with Hatamaker, guests can choose their own onshore adventures through Avalon Waterways’ curated excursions that appeal to all types of travelers: Active, Classic and Discovery. Back onboard, enjoy daily happy hour; wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling panoramic windows that convert Panoramic Suites’ living spaces into open-air balconies; and complimentary WiFi to share the trip with your book club back home.

Best Value Luxury Cruise: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Seven Seas Voyager

All of the luxury line’s 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include free roundtrip business class air on intercontinental flights and free air on domestic flights.

Seven Seas Voyager

Recommended Itinerary: 16-Day South Pacific Revelry

Departure: From February 11, 2025

All-Star Amenities: 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares; complimentary business class air; complimentary two- and three-night land programs; all-balcony suites; free unlimited shore excursions

The words value and luxury may not seem to go together, but they do when sailing with Regent Seven Seas Cruises. All of the luxury line’s 2-for-1 all-inclusive fares include free roundtrip business class air on intercontinental flights and free air on domestic flights; free two- and three-night land programs to enjoy before or after the cruise; pre-paid gratuities; free valet laundry service and more.

Soak up the sun of the South Pacific on the 16-day South Pacific Revelry cruise. Departing from Auckland, the voyage calls upon Vanuatu, Fiji and Samoa before arriving in French Polynesia, where you’ll enjoy three days of island bliss.

What Are The Top Luxury Cruise Lines?

In the seemingly ever-growing category of luxury cruise lines, you may wonder which are the crème de la crème. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection , Ponant and Aurora Expeditions certainly fit the bill, providing exceptional experiences with exquisite service to some of the world’s most exotic destinations, all aboard luxurious vessels.

What Is The Best Luxury Cruise Line For Couples?

Couples who want to set sail in the lap of luxury should make reservations with Silversea Cruises . The luxury cruise line attracts a more mature clientele and its worldwide destinations set the scene for couples who only have eyes for each other.

About Annie Davidson Watson, Your Luxury Cruise Guide

I'm a writer, editor and consultant who has covered luxury travel and cruising for the last ten years. Formerly, I was an editor at Departures, Travel + Leisure, Glamour and more, and I now contribute regularly to both Forbes and Forbes Vetted. I'm also the founder of @littleackbook , a Nantucket-based publication and concierge service. For more, follow me at @anniedavidsonwatson .

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The 3 types of Viking cruise ships, explained

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Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

Viking is unusual among major cruise lines in that it operates both ocean ships and river ships. Despite this, it has one of the easiest-to-understand fleets.

The vast majority of Viking’s river ships — at last count, there were 80 — feature the same design. If you’ve seen one of them, you’ve seen them all.

Ditto for the line’s ocean ships. Nine of Viking’s 11 ocean ships are nearly identical. The two exceptions are the recently unveiled Viking ocean vessels specifically designed for expedition cruising — a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.

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As a result, the bulk of Viking’s vessels falls into one of just three groups; all the ships in each group sport nearly identical designs.

An introduction to Viking cruise ships

Viking has expanded enormously in recent years with the addition of dozens of new river and ocean ships.

Founded in 1997 with four river vessels, the company operated just 29 ships as recently as 2012. Now, there are more than 90 ships in its fleet.

The vast majority of these ships are river ships — the company’s sole focus for its first 18 years in business. The company dominates the market for river cruises aimed at North Americans, accounting for about 50% of all such trips.

Starting in 2015, Viking began rolling out ocean cruise ships, too.

In early 2023, as noted above, Viking had 80 river ships in its fleet — almost all of which have the same basic design. The exceptions are a few vessels that Viking operates on rivers in Egypt and Asia (more on these ships below). The line also recently began offering cruises on the Mississippi River and its tributaries using a new type of vessel.

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking ships and itineraries

Viking’s ocean ships fall into two distinct groups: a series of 930-passenger traditional ocean ships that began debuting in 2015, and a series of 378-passenger expedition ships that began debuting in 2022.

Unlike most cruise lines, Viking doesn’t use the term “classes” to define different sets of ships in its fleet. Instead, it refers to its series of traditional ocean ships as the “Viking ocean ships” and its series of expedition ships as the “Viking expedition ships.” We’ve followed the same breakdown of the line’s ocean and river fleet below.

Viking ocean ships

Ships: Viking Saturn (2023), Viking Neptune (2022), Viking Mars (2022), Viking Venus (2021), Viking Jupiter (2019), Viking Orion (2018), Zhao Shang Yi Dun (2017), Viking Sky (2017), Viking Sea (2016) and Viking Star (2015).

Size: 47,800 tons.

For years, Viking only operated river ships, and some cruisers still think of the brand primarily as a river cruise company. However, since 2015, Viking has been rapidly rolling out a series of upscale ocean vessels; these new additions are increasingly dominating the world of higher-end ocean cruising.

As of June 2023, Viking has nine ships sailing the world’s oceans, each with a capacity for 930 passengers. That gives Viking 8,370 berths in the upscale ocean cruise market — more than competitors Oceania Cruises and Azamara combined.

The series is far from finished. Six more of the vessels are on order from Italian shipbuilder Fincantieri for delivery between 2024 and 2028, and the company also has options with Fincantieri for four more of the ships to debut in 2029 and 2030. Assuming they are all built, Viking’s ocean division will soon be bigger than Oceania, Azamara, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises  combined.

The first thing to know about the ships in this series is that they all are pretty much identical. When sailing on any one of them, you will be hard-pressed to tell what is different.

They’re also quite upscale. While Viking doesn’t market itself as a luxury line, some still consider it so. The vessels are full of luxury touches, from sumptuous bedding in cabins to heated floors in cabin bathrooms.

Related: The complete guide to Viking cabins and suites

Each of the ships in this series has a stylish, Scandinavian-influenced design that is a Viking trademark, and the cabins are large by cruise ship standards. Even the smallest cabins on each of the vessels have 270 square feet of space — a generous amount. Many cabins are significantly bigger than that, with 14 two-room suites on each of the vessels ranging in size from 757 to 1,448 square feet. Many of these bigger suites offer sweeping views from wrap-around private balconies.

Each of the ships’ interior spaces is built around an elegant, three-deck-high atrium filled with comfortable seating areas that have a living room-like feel. Each also has a bar and guest relations desk. At the top of the ships, you’ll find two-deck-high, glass-walled lounges that offer stunning views over the bow. Other interior spaces include a fitness center and a stylish spa with a thermal suite area that is open to all passengers at no extra charge (something that is not common on cruise vessels).

Multiple restaurants on board each of the vessels include Italian eatery Manfredi’s (named after former Silversea owner Manfredi Lefebvre d’Ovidio, a friend of Viking founder Torstein Hagen) and The Chef’s Table. The latter features rotating themed menus.

The centerpiece of the top deck of each of the ships is the main pool area, which features a glass magrodome that can close during inclement weather. The main pool area on each of the ships sits next to a lovely, glass-topped lounge with comfortable seating called the Wintergarden, which is home to afternoon tea. A den of serenity, it’s one of our favorite places on these vessels.

A secondary pool area with an infinity pool is at the back of each of the ships.

While all of the ships in this series are essentially identical, you will find small differences on a few of them. Most notably, two of the vessels in the series — Viking Orion and Viking Jupiter — have a small planetarium built into the top level of the two-level lounge at their fronts (known as the Explorers’ Lounge). Some of the later ships in the series have slightly larger fitness centers and slightly smaller hair salons.

Note that in addition to the nine Viking ocean ships officially in the Viking fleet, a 10th ship from the same series, Zhao Shang Yi Dun, caters exclusively to the China market as part of a joint venture between Viking and a Chinese company. When it debuted in 2017, the ship originally catered to the North American market and was called Viking Sun.

Viking river ships

Ships: Viking Fjorgyn (2022), Viking Kari (2022), Viking Radgrid (2022), Viking Skaga (2022) and more than 60 other Longships built since 2012, as well as additional river vessels.

Size: 4,000 to 5,000 tons.

River ships originally put Viking on the map, and they’re still at the core of the brand.

As noted above, the line has 80 river ships in its fleet. The vast majority of them have the same basic design and are known as Longships — a reference to the historic vessels used by Vikings in the Middle Ages.

Unveiled in 2012 and designed specifically to fit into the locks used across many of Europe’s rivers, the Longships broke new ground in river ship design in multiple ways.

For starters, they have a configuration that includes some of the largest suites ever for river ships in Europe. They also have a significant number of cabins with balconies — which is made possible by an innovative cabin area layout that offsets main corridors. (In other words, the corridors don’t run down the middle of the ship, creating a wider side with space for balconies and a narrower side with cabins turned sideways to also create room for verandas.)

Related: The ultimate guide to Viking’s cruise loyalty program

Other innovations include a squared-off bow that allows for eight more cabins than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. Also, quieter engines allow for more cabins at the rear. An enormous amount of groundbreaking engineering went into redesigning the bow areas of the ships, in particular, to enable extra cabins while still leaving room for needed machinery.

As a result of such innovations, the Viking Longships can carry more passengers than similarly sized ships operated by competitors. This has allowed Viking to offer lower prices than other river cruise lines and still bring in a similar amount of revenue per ship — a fact that has contributed greatly to the company’s rapid growth.

Like many river ships, each of the Viking Longships has one main restaurant where most passengers eat their meals as well as one main interior lounge with a bar. There’s also a secondary, casual dining area at the front of each vessel with indoor and outdoor seating. (The outdoor portion, called the Aquavit Terrace, also serves as a forward-facing outdoor lounge during off hours.) Unlike many river ships, the vessels have no spas or fitness centers.

As is typical for river ships, the top of every Viking Longship is covered with an expansive lounge area. There’s also a walking track and an herb garden — the latter used by the kitchen staff to grow herbs used during the preparation of onboard meals.

Most Viking Longships are 443 feet long — the perfect length to fit into the locks on many of Europe’s rivers. Viking also built slightly smaller versions of the Longships, measuring 361 feet or 410 feet in length, specifically to sail on rivers where lock sizes or other navigational factors require smaller vessels. The 410-foot-long versions of the vessels, for instance, were specifically built to sail into the heart of Paris on the Seine River.

Related: Fast-growing Viking unveils four new ships for the Seine

While the Longships come in several different lengths, they are essentially identical in their offerings and decor. The only notable difference is that the smaller versions of the ships have fewer cabins and thus hold fewer people. The 443-foot-long versions of the ship are designed for 190 passengers, for example, whereas the 410-foot-long versions of the vessels hold 168 passengers (since they have 11 fewer cabins).

While most Viking river ships are Longships, there are a few exceptions in the Viking river fleet. Viking operates several smaller, purpose-built vessels on the Nile River in Egypt. It also has several older river vessels that predate the Longships and traditionally have operated on rivers in Russia and Ukraine. (For now, river cruise itineraries in both countries are on hold due to the war in Ukraine.)

Viking also recently began sailings on the Mississippi River with a new ship specifically designed for the river and its tributaries.

As of May 2023, Viking had another 14 river ships either under construction or on order via provisional contracts.

Related: First look at Viking’s stylish new Nile River ship

Viking expedition ships

Ships: Viking Polaris (2022) and Viking Octantis (2022).

Size: 30,150 tons.

Designed to hold just 378 passengers, the Viking expedition ships are specifically designed to take travelers to the most off-the-beaten-path parts of the world, including Antarctica and the Arctic.

As of now, Viking operates just two ships in the series, Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, both of which debuted in 2022 . No more are currently on order.

As is typical for expedition ships, these are tough vessels with reinforced bows that let them bump through ice in polar regions; the ships also have extra tanks for fuel and food.

Each of these vessels has its own landing craft on board to bring people ashore in remote locations, as well as kayaks and even submarines for exploring. (The latter is the hot new thing for expedition ships — upscale cruise brands Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours and Seabourn have been adding submarines to expedition ships , too.)

Like other expedition ships, both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to operate with a large and seasoned “expedition team” that includes biologists, botanists, geologists, glaciologists and ornithologists who lecture regularly.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Viking ship

Each of the vessels has several new and unusual features, too. Most notable is The Hangar: an enclosed marina that allows passengers to transfer to a 12-seat excursion craft while still in the protected interior of the ship. It’s a first for an expedition cruise ship.

In another first for a polar expedition cruise vessel, every cabin has floor-to-ceiling glass walls that slide partially open from the top to create a balcony-like feel.

Both Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris are designed to be upscale. Like all Viking’s vessels, they boast elegant Scandinavian designs. The restaurants on both vessels include a version of Viking’s signature Italian spot, Manfredi’s and the Scandinavian-inspired Mamsen’s outlet.

Another feature of both ships that will be familiar to regular Viking customers is a top-of-the-ship, glass-walled Explorers’ Lounge offering stunning views of passing scenery.

In case you’re curious, Viking Octantis is named after Sigma Octantis, the current “south star” that hovers over the South Pole (also known as Polaris Australis). Polaris is named after the current “north star” that hovers over the North Pole. The names are a nod to the polar regions where these expedition ships will likely spend much of their time.

Bottom line

Viking operates more cruise vessels than any other major cruise company catering to North Americans. This is in part because it’s involved in both the ocean cruise and river cruise businesses. Despite its large size, its fleet of vessels is relatively easy to understand. The vast majority of both its ocean ships and river ships are almost identical in their designs.

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Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.