Luxury at sea: embark on a no-fly cruise like no other in 2022 and beyond

Luxury… perhaps the one word more associated with cruising than any other. Whilst most, if not all, cruise lines offer luxury at sea, there are some who take luxury a step further to offer sheer opulence. This list features some of our personal favourite cruise lines that offer luxury sailings direct from UK ports in 2022 and beyond.

Seabourn

The pioneer of small-ship luxury cruising, Seabourn offers an experience at sea that is full of contradictions: luxurious, yet relaxed; elegant, yet casual and understated. These intimate ships sail to both landmark cities and breath-taking hidden gems that larger ships are unable to access. More than that, Seabourn offers a unique style of warm hospitality and personalised service.

Sailing from Dover in 2022 and on just one no-fly cruise itinerary, Seabourn Ovation teases destinations that include Newcastle, Great Yarmouth, Belfast, Oban and Edinburgh. Her prestigious facilities onboard combine true opulence with high standards and intuitive service. These facilities include 6 dining options ranging from Earth and Ocean, a pop-up venue; the Grill by Thomas Keller; the Patio; and Sushi. Ovation also boasts a water sports marina with kayaks, pedal boats and banana boats for when the ship is anchored. Other attractions include guest speakers, casino, dance lounge, musical shows and spa.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Boasting the most inclusive experience among luxury cruise lines, Regent Seven Seas combines luxurious ships with exquisite dining options, excellent service and exhilarating shore excursions to provide an unforgettable experience at sea.

Two Regent Seven Seas ships will be sailing from Southampton in 2022: Seven Seas Splendour and Voyager. Both ships offer destinations such as Edinburgh, Belfast, Holyhead, Dublin, Invergordon, Cork and Kirkwall. But the two differ on what they offer onboard. Voyager boasts a relaxing and informal atmosphere, offering space and smaller passenger numbers with all cabins complete with balconies. Her seven dining options provide something for everyone from burgers and hot dogs, Italian specialities and French cuisine. In contrast Splendour, the newest ship of the fleet, boasts luxury and exquisite design to provide excellent service. Her 10-dining options offer artistry in every dish ranging from Italian specialities, New York inspired options, Pan Asian Cuisine and regional delicacies. Both ships feature 5 bars, Constellation Theatre, spa, golf facilities, casino and swimming pool. As the most inclusive of luxury cruise lines, most shore excursions are included in the fare.

Azamara

Founded in 2007, and until March 2021 a member of the Royal Caribbean Group, Azamara teases unparalleled itineraries, authentic service and a community emphasis to provide the ambience of a boutique hotel at sea. Her ships deliver a spacious and comfortable, yet attentive atmosphere surrounded by modern elegance and immersive cultures. Unique to Azamara is a focus on destinations, providing longer stays in port and a lack of sea days, catering to those who cruise to discover new places and experience new things. This focus on destinations, does not however compromise on hospitality; Azamara still provides a down to earth and friendly atmosphere.

In commemoration of the 150th Open at St Andrews, Azamara has partnered with Perry Golf to offer a “Golf Cruise” aboard Azamara Quest. Sailing from Southampton in 2022, Azamara Quest teases destinations such as Edinburgh, Dundee, Douglas, Belfast and Dublin. This unique voyage combines interesting ports with excellent service and on-board attractions on an upscale ship that promotes choice. Engage in a tantalising, speciality dinner event such as Indonesia Rice Table or Sea Dim Sum and discover new flavours. With 9 dining options (3 with a charge), world class dining is truly a highlight on Azamara Quest. Despite limited sea days, Azamara Quest offers an array of on-board activities to keep everyone entertained including guest acts, culinary demonstrations, lectures and movies, “White Night” and spa. She delivers an adult only vibe whilst allowing children.

Oceania Cruises

Founded in 2002, Oceania Cruises offers guests an unrivalled vacation at sea. With a focus on dining and authentic experiences, Oceania Cruises combines a gourmet culinary program inspired by Jacques Pepin with alluring destinations to deliver the highest quality of luxury cruising. In keeping with this focus, Oceania Cruises teases port intensive itineraries with specialised shore excursions not offered by most cruise lines.

Debuted in 2016, Sirena is Oceania Cruises’ only ship sailing from a UK port in 2022. Sailing from London and Edinburgh, Sirena boasts destinations such as Paris, Saint Malo, Bordeaux, Bilbao, Faroe Islands and Sweden. Her small size provides an intimate yet casually sophisticated atmosphere for all guests. Unlike other luxury cruise lines, Sirena offers laid back evenings in a cosy but elegant ambience. Spend the night with other guests in one of four luxurious bars or be entertained in the Sirena Lounge by Broadway style shows and entertainers from the region in which the ship is sailing. Her 6 dining options provide superb cuisine and enough choice to satisfy everyone.

Crystal Cruises

Influenced by 30 years of extraordinary sea travel, Crystal Cruises prides itself on the world-renowned service it provides. This unmatched attention and personalised service is coupled with award winning entertainment, exotic destinations and Michelin inspired cuisine to provide a unique, high class experience at sea.

Sailing from Dover to Amsterdam, Bruges, Rouen, Guernsey and other exciting destinations, Crystal Symphony is a larger ship that boasts variety. Refurbished in 2017, she offers 5 main dining options for a truly immersive, luxury culinary experience; choose between Italian Prego, Asian Umi Uma and a Brazilian Steakhouse to tantalise your tastebuds. These dining delights are accompanied by a choice of 6 bars each boasting the high levels of service that Crystal is known for. Symphony combines casual with elegance to provide effortless hospitality and relaxation in an opulent yet spacious atmosphere. Her strive for excellence is demonstrated by her incredible panoramic tours and excursions as well as her onboard entertainment which include a casino, magic shows, movie making classes, guest lectures and 2 award winning shows per night. Although not the most inclusive option on this list, Crystal certainly has a lot to offer.

Each of these cruise lines offer luxury on a grand scale but in their own unique way. Each of these cruise lines has an individual focus in which it strives for excellence. The question is what are you looking for in a luxury cruise line?

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