There’s nothing quite like the iconic Dalmatian Coast. Pulling into Dubrovnik, Croatia on board the Viking Venus on the Venice, the Adriatic and Greece itinerary, I open my balcony doors to take in the view, latte in hand with my cozy robe wrapped around me.
Later that day, I arrive in Ston after a quick scenic ride. We board a fishing boat and make our way out to the mussel and oyster beds along the Pelješac Peninsula, sipping local wine and herbed grappa along the way. Through Viking, we visit Mariculture Mario, a local family shellfish farm in Mali Ston Bay, where we watch them pull the freshest oysters and mussels right out of the water for us to taste.
I get to unpack once while enjoying impeccable service, fine dining with carefully selected wine pairings, live music and performances, massages and facials, and completely relax while cruising through Italy, Croatia, Montenegro, and Greece. I’m a firm believer that if someone says they’re not into cruises, they just haven’t experienced the luxury side of cruising yet.
Exclusive experiences
Luxury cruising has evolved over the years. It’s not just about the size of the room, but rather the ultra luxury amenities like caviar service delivered to your room, excursions that offer one-of-a-kind activities, the food and dining offering, the service, and the ability to get to hard-to-reach destinations.
“Our small ship size allows us to visit small and hidden ports that larger vessels might not be able to access, which offers a bit of “exclusivity” to our itineraries,” says Lynn Narraway, Vice President of Seabourn UK, Europe, Middle East & Africa.
“We’re proud of our signature experiences such as Caviar in the Surf in Caribbean regions and Caviar on Ice in polar regions, where our staff serves caviar and champagne in the water or by glaciers and icebergs.”
Other lux experiences on offer include Seabourn Conversations, which allows guests to hear from visionary experts; Marina Day, a day of complimentary watersports for all guests; An Evening at Ephesus, a private orchestral concert at sunset in the ruins of the ancient site.
It’s all in the details, and it’s important not to cast your net too wide, says Paul Beale, Vice President Sales UK, Regent Seven Seas Cruises. “We do not try to be all things for all people – there are no children, no casinos and no nickel and dining on board any of our ships. This different approach has resonated with our guests.”
Cruise lines consistently work to adapt and grow, meeting the needs, expectations, and travel goals of their luxury-oriented clientele. “This year, we’re introducing more immersive overnight stays in key destinations, allowing guests to explore each place in greater depth. Looking ahead, we’re also excited to offer exclusive experiences, including highlights with Aston Martin F1 and premium golf events in 2025, ” adds Beale.
What’s new
Pearl of wisdom: PONANT has partnered with South Sea pearling company, PASPALEY to offer a 30-guest boutique expedition motor yacht, PASPALEY PEARL. The vessel will sail year-round in the Kimberley, Australia’s Far North, East Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Four naturalist guides will offer personalised and expert-led voyages.
Grand prix: Cruising the most glamorous ports on the French and Italian rivieras, Scenic’s French and Italian Rivieras plus Monaco Grand Prix sailing takes passengers to the millionaire’s playground. The eight-day cruise stops in Portofino, Livorno, the world’s most famous beach resort, Saint-Tropez, and the cinematic capital of Cannes before taking in the Monaco Grand Prix in Monte-Carlo.
Ocean trio: Silversea has opened sales for its World Cruise 2027, The Three Oceans. The 149-day sailing will connect 50 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 35 countries, including the Royal Tombs of the Kingdom of Tonga, the Historical Port Town of Levuka on Kadavu Island, the Great Barrier Reef – in turtle nesting season, the old town of Galle in Sri Lanka’s Blue Whale season and the Giant’s Causeway.
Bourne free: Seabourn recently introduced The Collection, a series of sailings with unique shoreside experiences. Specifically, wine and tennis-focused itineraries such as the eight-day sailing from Barcelona to Rome which includes an overnight in Monte Carlo and upper-level tickets to the Monte Carlo Masters quarter-final, plus the eight-day Vineyard Vista sailing between Lisbon and Dublin which includes an overnight in Bordeaux and wine dinner at Château Smith Haut-Lafitte.
Sun sign: Princess Cruises has announced itineraries on Sun Princess, the cruise line’s newest ship, which will facilitate viewings of the total solar eclipse on August 12, 2026. Now on sale, the 2026 Total Solar Eclipse Mediterranean itineraries aboard the Sun Princess vary in length from seven to 21 nights with six sailings available.
Book it: Regent Seven Seas has added a Rocky Mountaineer experience to its new programme for select Alaska voyages. The package includes two days onboard Canadian rail tour company Rocky Mountaineer before embarking on a seven-night all-inclusive voyage, sailing from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Seward, Alaska. Prices start from £6,855pp, with departures from May 2025.
