Wave Season 2026: The Ultimate Ultra Luxury Cruise Guide

Imagine waking each morning to the hush of open ocean, where sunlight spills across a private terrace and a dedicated butler already knows how you take your coffee. This is the essence of ultra luxury cruising – a world where lingering sunsets, personalised attention, and extraordinary experiences define each day at sea. On these ultra luxury cruise ships, exploration becomes deeply indulgent, from Michelin-level dining to curated shore experiences that reveal the soul of each destination. It’s ocean travel crafted for those who seek elegance in every detail and a calibre of luxury that feels almost intuitive. 

Below, discover six of the best ultra luxury cruise lines shaping the future of ocean exploration, complete with inspiring voyages to help you plan your next escape.

Australian-founded Scenic transforms expedition cruising into an intimate, indulgent adventure aboard its purpose-built Scenic Eclipse Discovery Yachts. With just 228 guests per yacht, every voyage feels secluded and meticulously curated, offering a space-to-guest ratio that ensures privacy and personalised attention. Helicopters, a submersible, Zodiacs, kayaks, and paddleboards allow exploration of remote landscapes few vessels can reach, whether you're visiting hidden fjords or untouched islands on a Scenic ultra luxury Mediterranean cruise. 

Guests stay in spacious all-suite accommodations, each with a sea-facing terrace and thoughtful in-room service tailored to individual preferences, allowing the journey itself to feel like a private retreat. Onboard, up to 10 restaurants, lounges, and bars provide a rich culinary landscape, complemented by a wellness centre and spa designed for quiet relaxation. Scenic’s Discovery Program, led by scientists, historians, and marine experts, turns each shore excursion into an enlightening adventure, where the thrill of exploration meets sumptuous luxury. 

"With Scenic, the indulgence doesn't end when you step off the yacht," shares Gillian Woodley from Woodley & James Travel Associates. "Imagine taking in breathtaking landscapes from the sky or exploring hidden worlds beneath the ocean's surface. Scenic is the only cruise line offering both helicopters and a submersible aboard its discovery yachts, giving guests access to one-of-a-kind perspectives others simply can't provide."  

Best Suited For: Travellers who desire exploration and adventure wrapped in luxury, particularly those drawn to remote destinations beyond standard port-hopping sightseeing. 

Hand-Picked Itinerary: Enchanting Provence, Tuscany & the French Riviera 

An 8-night voyage aboard Scenic Eclipse from Nice to Barcelona brings the glamour of the Italian and French Rivieras, the rugged cliffs of Corsica, and the turquoise coves of Menorca into vivid focus. Scenic’s Discovery Team enriches every port with expert insights, while onboard experiences, from gourmet dining to bespoke terrace moments, create a seamless rhythm of discovery and curated luxury.

Silversea epitomises quiet elegance and bespoke service, with its all-suite, all-ocean-view accommodations designed to provide sanctuary and seclusion. Even the most intimate suites feature thoughtful touches and personal staff who anticipate every preference, from unpacking and arranging in-room dining, to ensuring your suite is perfectly prepared for the evening. 

Dining aboard Silversea is an immersive cultural journey. The S.A.L.T. (Sea and Land Taste) program connects guests to the culinary heritage of each port, from sourcing local ingredients to experiencing regional cooking traditions, transforming meals into unforgettable, location-driven experiences. With small ships and a high staff-to-guest ratio, every voyage feels intimate, allowing guests to explore remote destinations, including polar landscapes and hidden Mediterranean harbours, without sacrificing comfort or sophistication. 

"Every suite on Silversea comes with a dedicated butler – a hallmark of their all-inclusive luxury experience – so there's always someone looking after the details," explains Rachael Heelan from Ross & Turner Travel Associates. "This ensures personalised attention every step of the way, from unpacking and in-suite dining to drawing baths and polishing shoes. It's this thoughtful level of service that elevates the Silversea experience." 

Best Suited For: Ultra luxury cruisers who value privacy, fine cuisine, cultural or expedition-style travel, and understated yet exceptional luxury. 

Hand-Picked Itinerary: Nice to Lisbon 

Over 10 days aboard Silver Shadow, guests explore the Mediterranean and Iberian coasts, visiting eight ports across four countries. From the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona to the historic streets of Seville and the sun-soaked Algarve of Portugal, each destination is illuminated by Silversea’s expert-led excursions. Onboard, refined dining, exceptional service, and a serene environment perfectly complement the cultural richness of the journey.

Explora Journeys reimagines ocean travel with a resort-style, hotel-at-sea ambience that feels more like a boutique property than a traditional cruise vessel. All accommodations are ocean-front suites starting at a generous 35 square metres, offering the space and sophistication modern-day cruisers expect. What truly distinguishes these ultra luxury cruise ships is their inclusive value proposition: multiple à-la-carte restaurants, premium drinks, spa and wellness facilities, and Wi-Fi are all included in the base fare, eliminating the hidden extras that can often plague conventional cruising. 

The experience aboard is refreshingly relaxed and less formal than traditional ships – there's no main dining room or buffet, replaced instead by hotel-style dining arrangements across nine diverse restaurants. As a relatively new entrant to luxury cruising, Explora's fleet features up-to-date design and the latest technological standards, creating contemporary spaces that appeal to seasoned travellers who don't see themselves as typical cruisers, just connoisseurs of the finer things. 

Hidden Gem: Explora calls its accommodations “Homes at Sea” for good reason, providing generous, thoughtfully appointed interiors that combine comfort, functionality, and understated luxury. 

Best Suited For: Those seeking luxury combined with simplicity and modern design – perfect for first-time luxury cruisers or travellers who prefer resort-style holidays over traditional cruise formalities. 

Hand-Picked Itinerary: A Journey to Stunning Fjords, Colourful Coastlines & Nordic Delights 

A scenic 8-night journey aboard Explora III from Southampton takes 461 guests through Norway’s most dramatic landscapes. From the charming white houses of Mandal to Pulpit Rock near Stavanger, from the Briksdal Glacier in Olden to the UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf in Bergen, each port reveals nature and culture in striking detail. Scenic train rides, panoramic funiculars, and immersive excursions ensure that exploration is balanced with onboard relaxation and curated luxury moments.

Seabourn's intimate, yacht-like atmosphere delivers a small-ship experience that feels refreshingly personal and uncrowded compared to conventional cruise liners. Every accommodation is an ocean-front suite, many featuring private verandahs, and all benefit from butler service that extends to thoughtful touches like in-suite dining, personalised attention, and even drawing your bath precisely as you prefer it. 

The culinary credentials are formidable, with Seabourn frequently collaborating with renowned chefs to create exceptional dining experiences across multiple venues. What makes Seabourn ultra luxury cruises particularly compelling is their dual nature: the fleet includes both classic vessels and expedition-capable ships, granting access to remote, exotic destinations including polar regions and isolated islands. This choreography of culinary discovery and warm hospitality defines Seabourn’s place among the world's top ultra luxury cruise lines. 

"Seabourn's 'Shopping with the Chef' is an absolute must," shares Renee Hopping from Houston & Turner Travel Associates. "Guided by a seasoned chef through bustling local markets, you'll taste, learn, and discover the ingredients that bring the region's flavours to life aboard the ship. It's an immersive, hands-on experience that connects you directly to the heart of each destination."  

Best Suited For: Sophisticated travellers seeking quiet luxury with an adventurous edge. 

Hand-Picked Itinerary: 12-Day Harvest Horizons - Japan's Coastal Charms 

Over 12 nights aboard Seabourn Encore, guests sail from Tokyo to Osaka, exploring Japan’s vibrant coastal cities. From neon-lit Shibuya to the serene gardens of the Imperial Palace, from morning seafood markets in Hakodate to the centuries-old Kenrokuen Garden in Kanazawa, each destination offers curated cultural insights. Onboard, culinary artistry and thoughtful service provide moments of indulgence after days of immersive exploration.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises stands as one of the most genuinely all-inclusive luxury cruise lines in the world, with fares covering not just speciality restaurant dining, premium drinks, Wi-Fi, and gratuities, but also laundry service, extensive shore excursions, and even pre-cruise hotel stays for select suite categories. This comprehensive approach means no hidden costs, no surprise bills, just pure indulgence from start to finish.  

The suites themselves are legendary, especially in higher categories where enormous spaces feature plush furnishings, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, and the finest materials throughout. Onboard, multiple speciality restaurants deliver everything from classic French haute cuisine to sophisticated pan-Asian flavours and premium steakhouse experiences, whilst enrichment programs, cultural lectures, culinary schools on newer ships, and high-tech spa facilities ensure every moment engages mind, body, and palate. Despite offering grand-hotel-level luxury, Regent's relatively small ships maintain an elegant atmosphere where comfort never comes with crowds. 

"From the moment you enter the grand atrium of a Regent Seven Seas Cruises ship, you sense the exceptional luxury that awaits," notes Ian Carswell from Carswell & Turner Travel Associates. "Lavish all-suite accommodations open onto expansive outdoor areas and public spaces that rival the decadence of any top-tier 5-star hotel. Gleaming marble floors, sparkling crystal chandeliers, and enviable art collections make it feel as if you're being whisked through a private art gallery to your destination." 

Best Suited For: Those who want maximum comfort, inclusivity and a "grand hotel at sea" experience. 

Our Hand-Picked Itinerary: 14-Night Aegean Panoramas, Athens to Athens 

Embark on a 14-night roundtrip from Athens aboard the luxurious Seven Seas Splendor, exploring the sun-soaked gems of the Aegean. This journey combines rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant island culture, with up to 87 included shore excursions. Discover the ancient Minoan sites of Crete, the iconic whitewashed villages of Mykonos, the medieval streets of Rhodes, the historic charm of Bodrum, and the breathtaking caldera views of Santorini, all while enjoying the comfort and elegance of your all-suite ship.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection's superyachts are deliberately intimate, carrying far fewer guests than mainstream cruise ships (ranging from approximately 298 to 448 passengers depending on the vessel), creating a private, exclusive atmosphere reminiscent of a personal yacht charter. These custom-built vessels bring the brand's renowned hotel-level luxury to sea, with spacious suites featuring private terraces, premium linens, and bespoke furnishings that feel more like luxury residences than ship cabins. 

Every suite offers 24-hour in-suite dining, concierge-style service, and access to exceptional spa and wellness facilities. The onboard experience embraces relaxed sophistication, enhanced by each yacht's built-in marina providing direct sea access for water sports and aquatic adventures. Fine dining venues, curated by celebrated chefs, celebrate the culinary traditions of each destination visited. Refined itineraries showcase elegant, sought-after destinations alongside hidden gems, prioritising curated experiences and intimate exploration over conventional tourism. 

Hidden Gem: Owner’s Suites span 700–1000+ square feet, with sweeping terraces and whirlpools, integrating expansive living spaces with the luxury of a private seafaring residence. 

Best Suited For: Travellers seeking the fusion of yacht, hotel, and cruise, all rolled into one. 

Hand-Picked Itinerary: Tokyo to Tokyo 

A 10-night voyage aboard Luminara highlights Japan and South Korea’s cultural and scenic treasures. From street food tours in Osaka to contemplative visits in Hiroshima, from Busan’s dramatic coastline to Mount Fuji’s iconic vistas in Shimizu, each stop is carefully curated to balance immersive local experiences with luxurious comfort onboard.

The Travel Associates team can design your bespoke ultra luxury cruise experience, matching you with the perfect cruise line and itinerary for your travel style. Our advisors provide expert guidance on suite upgrades, curated shore excursions, and insider recommendations to ensure every detail exceeds expectations.