These 5 luxury ships are like nothing you have ever seen before
Cruisers who like to be in vogue, have big bucks to spend and like their adventurous, brag-worthy experiences with a big dose of pampering will thrill to the array of new luxury expedition cruise ships.
By day, head 1,000 feet below the sea in a submarine, helicopter over mountains and soaring waterfalls or get close to icebergs, penguins and whales from inflatable Zodiacs. Take a hike escorted by a member of your ship’s expedition team, then treat yourself to a cozy, warm treatment in the spa. By night, dine on gourmet cuisine, enjoy the free-flowing champagne and unwind in a sophisticated environment with contemporary design features.
These five ships all go over-the-top with the “wow” factor of impressive suite accommodations and all-inclusive fares. Perks such as drinks and Wi-Fi are typically part of the package as are shore excursions. There’s no nickel-and-diming, though there will be a charge for extravagant experiences such as a submarine or helicopter ride (available on select ships) or that splurge-worthy bottle of Châteauneuf-du-Pape or other rare wine.
And remember: Whether it's a treat delivered on a silver tray or a bath warmed for you after a day out exploring -- the butler did it!
Seabourn Venture
Seabourn is known for ultra-luxury cruising and the line’s first purpose-built expedition ship carries on that tradition. The 264-passenger all-suite Seabourn Venture is designed to explore -- including icy destinations with its polar-class rating. A 26-person expedition team – including scientists and naturalists – assures everyone a front row seat as passengers walk off the ship to board Zodiacs for close-up views of wildlife and jaw-dropping scenery. T
he ship’s interior, created by leading hospitality designer Adam Tihany, includes an Expedition Lounge and adjacent Discovery Center and every suite has a veranda. Restaurants serve extraordinary cuisine including roasted chicken and other dishes from leading American Chef Thomas Keller.
Two custom-built, seven-person submarines provide undersea views (which are broadcast onboard) with other toys for exploring including kayaks, mountain bikes and Ebikes.
Scenic Eclipse
This 228-passenger, all-suite, polar-class “Discovery Yacht” – from Australian line Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours – was designed to replicate a billionaire’s yacht, complete with two seven-seat helicopters, and a submarine and a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks for exploring.
Hangout spots include a whiskey bar stocked with 110 bottles and a serene yoga and meditation studio near the spa’s his and her steam rooms, saunas and plunge pools. A separate indoor pool is a handy feature in icy climates.
When not in roomy suites that include a house-sized penthouse, guests schmooze over meals in eight dining venues that include a cooking classroom where you can help a chef prepare your meal, a French restaurant and a sushi bar (with fish flown in from Japan).
Silver Origin
On this classy new 100-passenger, all-suite ship from ultraluxury brand Silversea, your butler will wear a tux, even as you explore the rugged landscape of the Galapagos.
The ship was built as a posh basecamp for exploration of the remote Ecuadorian islands with a dynamic positioning system that allows for sailing over delicate seabed without disturbing the ecosystem. A fleet of eight Zodiacs brings guests ashore.
The ship’s design incorporates wall-to-wall, floor-to-ceiling windows in most spaces so you won’t miss views – should, for instance, sea lions come by to check you out. After dining on Ecuadorian cuisine prepared by local chefs, head to the stargazing platform to check out the night sky.
World Navigator
New expedition line Atlas Ocean Voyages is launching its first ship this summer, the 196-passenger, polar-class World Navigator. It's targeting luxe-adventure travelers who are looking for experiences that include exploring via Zodiac and other adventure toys as well as relaxation time in the first-ever SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE.
The ship has the nifty feature of a GPS positioning system, so it does not need to drop anchor. A silent, hydro jet propulsion system also allows World Navigator to sail silently at up to five knots in wildlife rich areas without stressing fish and other marine creatures. Atlas is promising pampering and more fare-inclusive choices than on other lines, even private jet charter service with Antarctica itineraries. Top suites come with butler service.
Le Commandant Charcot
This 270-passenger ship from French line Ponant is the cleanest of the luxury expedition ships – with ability to sail up to eight hours on zero-emission electricity and the rest of the time on LNG (Liquified Natural Gas).
Created by French designers, the polar-class ship’s décor focuses on the environment, with spaces that include a wellbeing area with sauna and Snow Room, indoor and outdoor pools and a giant outdoor firepit (that runs on eco-friendly bioethanol). Dine at the Gastronomique restaurant or the indoor/outdoor grill. Suite choices include two-level duplexes with private Jacuzzis on outdoor terraces.
Exploring via Zodiac is exciting -- but get crazy on social media to let your friends know you’ve also experienced sightseeing from the ship’s most unusual feature: A tethered hot air balloon.
Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:
- The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
- The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
- A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
- 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
- 15 ways cruisers waste money
- 12 best cruises for people who never want to grow up
- What to pack for your first cruise
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.