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Discover our pair of award-winning luxury yachts, Emerald Azzurra & Emerald Sakara.

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A new way to cruise

Join us on board our brand-new luxury yachts, as we explore everything that they have to offer. Get some sun on the Pool Deck or even go for a dip. Enjoy a bite in one of our eateries, and experience complete relaxation in the Elements Spa^. ^At additional cost

Introducing our groundbreaking yachts.

Why sail on an Emerald Cruises luxury yacht?

At Emerald Cruises, your enjoyment comes first. Every aspect of our superb yachts is designed around you, from the contemporary accommodation and social spaces to our crew’s attentive level of service. Sail with small cruise ship experts.

Award-winning luxury

Our fleet of yachts are boutique floating hotels that provide guests with luxurious surroundings, a wealth of amenities, and unique innovations such as the spectacular Marina Platform and state-of-the-art infrared sauna.

Small ship yacht cruising expertise

Emerald Cruises specializes in providing a small cruise ship experience. You’ll notice how a limited number of guests, an excellent staff-to-guest ratio, and the purpose-driven design and layout of our yachts offer you a comfortable and luxurious yacht cruise experience.

In the heart of the action

Our luxury yachts are custom-designed to sail into smaller ports and harbors. This allows our fleet to dock in the heart of fascinating port towns, meaning you’ll enjoy a more in-depth cruise that takes you closer to the action.

Contemporary suites & staterooms

Escape to your private sanctuary of serenity. With our range of suites and staterooms, there’s a cabin option to suit all preferences and budgets, whether you need plenty of space to stretch out or you’re longing for a cozier accommodation.

A wealth of generous inclusions

Your yacht cruise should also provide complete peace of mind. This is why we cover port charges, all meals on board with accompanying beverages, complimentary Wi-Fi, and cover all gratuities on board and onshore. You’ll also benefit from a first-class English-speaking crew, and enjoy excursions led by knowledgeable, local guides.

Our yacht fleet

Emerald azzurra, emerald sakara.

• Emerald Kaia - Just Announced

Discover fine dining on board

Enjoy the most savory dishes in the opulent atmosphere of the La Cucina Dining. Relish the tastes of freshly sourced ingredients on your palate, and enjoy complimentary beverages with each meal.

Unwind or catch up with friends in our onboard social spaces

From the chilled and relaxed vibe of the Amici Bar & Lounge to the open-air setting of the Pool Deck and the serene Observation Lounge, you’ll find plenty of spaces on board to enjoy the company of newfound friends or to take a moment for yourself.

Explore our innovative yachts

Take in stunning vistas from the Observation Deck. Swim under the sun in the infinity-style Aqua Pool or take a leisurely dip in the Spa Pool. Unwind in the innovative infrared sauna and, on selected days, enjoy swim stops off the Marina Platform.

Find your sanctuary of serenity

The suites and staterooms on board our yachts are modern sanctuaries with inspired décor and contemporary designs. Enjoy all the amenities you’d expect from a world-class hotel including luxury ESPA toiletries, Wi-Fi, and a queen or twin-sized bed.

Discover exciting destinations across the world

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The 11 Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According to T+L's Experts

These luxury cruise lines offer stunning suites, fine dining, and exceptional itineraries.

Meena Thiruvengadam is a lifelong traveler and veteran journalist who has visited more than 50 countries across six continents. Her writing has appeared in The Wall Street Journal , Departures , TripSavvy , and other publications.

Cruising is back — and you might even say it's better than ever. "Vacations at sea are suddenly one of the biggest things in travel," Travel + Leisure cruise expert Paul Brady reported recently, as summer air travel is looking progressively messier but the cruise industry continues to stabilize post-pandemic. For those looking to plan a cruise, whether it's a last-minute trip for the summer or a 2024 around-the-world cruise, we've narrowed down the best luxury cruise lines to ferry you to some of the world's most mesmerizing destinations in comfort. Here, our favorite luxury cruise lines in the world.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

When this luxury cruise line says it's all-inclusive, it's not overstating. Everything from shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and laundry to gratuities, top-shelf liquor, and business-class international flights are included with Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' fares. While each luxurious suite features ocean views, nothing beats the view from the epic 4,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Regent Suite, which has two wraparound balconies, three walk-in closets, two Picasso lithographs, and a grand piano.

For the best in-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship, Kelly Cochrane, executive chef of Regent Seven Seas Cruises tells T+L.

Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises has just seven ships, but the debut of the brand-new Oceania Vista catapults this cruise line into the luxury division. The cruise line's relatively new Go Local shore excursions for small groups bring travelers to under-the-radar destinations, T+L contributing editor and long-time cruiser Sarah Greaves-Gabbadon reported recently. Her 2022 cruise on Riviera included 70 excursions "from canoeing Croatia’s Cetina River to cooking classes in Athens."

If you've ever dreamed of having your own butler, Silversea is the luxury cruise line for you. In fact, Silversea's butlers take white-glove service to a whole new level — they'll handle your laundry with more care than you do, scour port towns to find your favorite tastes of home, and even help you pack and unpack your suitcase. Further, Silversea's new culinary program, nicknamed S.A.L.T. (for Sea and Land Taste), brings the taste of destinations on board through cooking classes. Of course, there's no need to cook for yourself aboard a Silversea ship, as each one features several restaurants with multi-course menus to whet your appetite every night.

Viking Cruises

Viking Cruises is a river and ocean cruise line that recently added expedition sailings and the Great Lakes trips to its repertoire. "T+L readers rave about the consistency of Viking's vessels and their Scandinavian design," cruise expert Fran Golden reported when Viking once again topped T+L's World's Best Awards last year. Viking came in at No. 1 in T+L's best mid-size ship category and river cruise category. Golden said the WBA Hall of Fame honoree's 50 river "longships" are "light-filled floating boutique hotels."

Laureen Robert / Courtesy of Ponant

French luxury cruise line Ponant aims to make passengers feel as if they're traveling on their own private yachts. Guests enjoy Ladurée macarons, Veuve Clicquot Champagne, and luxurious Hermès bath products on board. Each of the company's ships features an onboard spa with massage cabins and either a Turkish bath or sauna. Ponant's luxurious small ships sail to remote destinations like Antarctica, incorporating once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as eclipse spotting from the edge of the earth. The company also partners with Smithsonian and Disney on certain sailings.

Seabourn cruises to all seven continents, and most recently launched Seabourn Venture , "marking the first time the Carnival Corporation–owned luxury cruise line will offer adventurous sailings on an expedition ship built for extreme environments," Brady reported. (The sibling ship to Venture , Seabourn Pursuit arrives later this year.) The World's Best Award-winning cruise line has all-suite ships and "is known for its onboard service and over-the-top food including complimentary caviar and Thomas Keller steakhouses on ships such as the  Seabourn Ovation, " Brady said.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar Cruises ' luxury small ships call on 150 ports throughout Europe, Central America, the Caribbean, and the South Pacific, and there's no way you'll go hungry on the journey. Exquisite onboard menus have been designed by acclaimed chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants. (You'll have to pay extra for alcohol, but all meals and a Windstar signature onboard barbecue — a feast of whole suckling pig, shrimp brochette, and more — are included.) The cruise line is not only a T+L World's Best Awards Hall of Fame honoree, it has a "long-standing partnership with the James Beard Foundation ," Brady reported, and regularly brings chefs on board for culinary-focused sailings. Yes, chef.

Courtesy of Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours

Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style. The luxury cruise line operates river cruises in Europe and Asia, while ocean cruises on Scenic Eclipse (and the forthcoming Scenic Eclipse II ) can take guests to Antarctica, the Arctic, Australia, South America, and Greenland, among other coveted destinations. On board, you'll find fine dining, expansive spas and fitness facilities, and butler service.

Cunard Line

Jonathan Atkin / Courtesy of Cunard Line

This British luxury cruise line is known for its transatlantic service, which also transports pets between its headquarters in Southampton, England, and New York City. Cunard operates three ships with a fourth in the works, though only the Queen Mary 2 sails the transatlantic route. It's a cruise line that takes formality seriously; white-gloved waiters serve afternoon tea each day at 3:30 p.m. State rooms include 24-hour room service and evening turndown service with chocolates. Don't forget your tux, the gala nights are black tie.

Paul Gauguin Cruises

Roger Paperno / Courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates just one ship, but it is exquisite, hosting 330 guests and sailing only in the South Pacific to destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. The ship is small enough to access private ports at remote beaches and take travelers well off the beaten path. Named the best small-ship ocean cruise line in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards, Golden said the line is known for Tahitian-inspired massage techniques in the onboard spa and noted that cruisers particularly love the wonderful staff.

Celebrity Cruises

Steve Dunlop / Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises ' new Edge Series ships are taking things up a notch. Celebrity's signature Iconic Suites on board the Celebrity Edge and Apex offer panoramic views from above the ship's bridge; each suite boasts more than 2,500 square feet of space, including expansive 690-square-foot terraces, and comes with two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Celebrity Beyond , which debuted in 2022, accommodates 3,260 guests has 32 bars and restaurants, like Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud, and two-story villas on board. Beyond 's sibling ship, Ascent , will be delivered later this year.

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THE RITZ-CARLTON YACHT COLLECTION

Luxury Caribbean, Central America, and Panama Canal Cruises

Cruising the Caribbean promises sugary sands, turquoise waters, and colorful marine life, but that is only the beginning of a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. The freedom of the yachting lifestyle lets you fully experience the diverse culture and cuisine, ancient temples, lush volcanic landscapes, and colorful colonial cities of this fascinating region, stretching from the islands of the Eastern Caribbean to the shores of Central America and the Panama Canal. 

Explore the Eastern and Western Caribbean on Your Luxury Cruise

Whether you’re seeking an Eastern Caribbean cruise or a Western Caribbean cruise, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection has curated an extensive collection of   shore excursions  that tailor to your interests. Search for whale sharks in the waters of Utila, flamingos on the shores of Aruba, and whales off the coast of Samaná. Experience the thrill of zip-lining through a rainforest or the serenity of yoga overlooking the sea on St. Lucia. From windsurfing to forest bathing to chocolate tasting, the opportunities for adventure, enrichment, or pure relaxation are nearly endless.

Cruise to Central America to Experience Bliss

Experience the natural wonders of Central America on a voyage with The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. Learn the history of the Panama Canal before sailing across this astounding waterway. Explore UNESCO-designated colonial cities like colorful Antigua, Guatemala, or discover the immense biodiversity of Costa Rica, a rich coastline where the chatter of howler monkeys and macaws echoes through the rainforest. No matter which Central America cruise you choose, a luxurious escape awaits.

Sandy Ground

Antigua and Barbuda

Falmouth Harbor, Antigua

St. John's, Antigua

Blue Lagoon Island, Bahamas

Cape Eleuthera, Bahamas

Great Exuma

Great Exuma/San Salvador

Harbour Island

Long Island

San Salvador

Staniel Cay, Exumas

Belize City

Cayman Islands

Grand Cayman

Providencia

Santa Marta

Marina Papagayo

Puerto Limón

San José (Puerto Caldera)

Dominican Republic

Isla Catalina

La Romana (Marina)

Puerto Plata

Santo Domingo

El Salvador

St. George's

Basse-Terre

Pointe-a-Pitre

Terre-de-Haut, Les Saintes

Puerto Quetzal

Utila, Bay Islands

Port Antonio

Fort-de-France

Les Anses-d'Arlet

Les Trois-Îlets

Campeche (Seybaplaya)

Merida (Progreso)

San Juan del Sur

Bocas del Toro

Panama City

Puerto Rico

St. barthélemy, st. kitts and nevis.

Basseterre, St. Kitts

Charlestown, Nevis

Friars Beach, St. Kitts & Nevis

St. Maarten

Philipsburg

St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Chateaubelair, St. Vincent, St. Vincent and the Grenadines

Kingstown, St. Vincent

Tobago Cays

Union Island

Trinidad and Tobago

Charlotteville, Tobago

Scarborough, Tobago

Turks and Caicos Islands

United states.

Fort Lauderdale, Florida

Key West, Florida

Miami, Florida

Saint-Pierre, Martinique

Virgin Islands, British

Jost Van Dyke

Norman Island

Road Town, Tortola

Soper's Hole, Tortola

Virgin Gorda

Virgin Islands, US

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Enjoy this More Moments Credit of up to $2,200USD per suite on select ultra-luxury 2024 cruises and expeditions. FIND YOUR VOYAGE

Sail of the Year

For a limited time only, until February 29, Seabourn’s exclusive Sail of the Year is your best opportunity to sail away in ultra-luxury with savings up to 25% on our Ocean and Expedition voyages and a reduced 15% deposit . Book by January 31 and enrich your experience even more with up to $1,000USD per suite shipboard credit . Mark your calendar now for Seabourn’s Sail of the Year, and get ready for moments you’ll treasure for years to come.

Why Seabourn?

Intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere.

All ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed

Intuitive, personalized service

Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines

Complimentary caviar, world-class dining and culinary experiences, all dining venues are complimentary, welcome champagne and complimentary in-suite bar, guest testimonials, seabourn guest testimonials, announcing  2025 seabourn pursuit new kimberley and south pacific voyages.

Rounding out Seabourn Pursuit’s 2025 season, we are pleased to announce the addition of 13 more expedition voyages to over 40 destinations departing between August and September, curated to bring you closer and deeper to wildlife, history, and new cultures that few will ever see.

Seabourn welcomes you to all-inclusive, luxury cruising refined to its purest form. Where hand-selected itineraries take you to places beyond the reach of larger ships.

The seabourn all-inclusive difference.

Intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere masterfully designed by iconic hospitality atelier Tihany Design*

All ocean-front suites luxuriously appointed, most with a private veranda

Intuitive, personalized service provided by team passionate about exceeding guests expectations

Complimentary premium spirits and fine wines available on board at all times 

Complimentary caviar, an extra indulgence offered throughout your voyage

World-class dining and culinary experiences that rival the finest restaurants anywhere

All dining venues are complimentary, dine where, when and with whom you wish 

Welcome Champagne and complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences  

Tipping is neither required, nor expected 

Seabourn Conversations, connecting with visionary experts 

Curated voyages to all seven continents delivering award-winning authentic experiences

Ventures by Seabourn®, optional shore excursions, enhance and extend your experience in select destinations**^ 

Complimentary entertainment experiences, offering a variety of shows and live music

Complimentary Wi-Fi packages with unlimited minutes powered by SpaceX's Starlink

Complimentary Signature Events: Marina Day, Caviar in the Surf®, Evening at Ephesus, Shopping with the Chef, Caviar on the Ice, Polar Plunge, and more

Spa & Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil, featuring an exclusive mindful living program** 

Committed to environmental stewardship and sustainability

Welcome to your home away from home

From the moment you arrive, everything about your trip just flows. Your entire experience - beautifully choreographed and seamlessly carried out, so you can relax and truly be on vacation. 

Ultra-Luxury Ocean Cruises

Featured ocean destinations.

Canada & New England

Explore Our Newly Revised 2024 Grand Africa Sailing

Join us on Seabourn Sojourn’s revised 2024 Grand Africa sailing to 42 destinations in 20 countries and sailing over 20,000 nautical miles for 90 days of life-expanding moments.

Expedition Cruises: Where Luxury Meets Adventure

What is a seabourn expedition.

Think of it as an ultra-luxury Safari at Sea. Our two, new Polar Class 6 ships are your richly-appointed base camps. Your guides are our elite Expedition Team. Your 4 x 4 is a Zodiac , kayak, or six-person submarine that allows you to encounter rare creatures in the wild where unexpected discovery unfolds every day.

Seabourn announce Traditional Owners, Wunambal Gaambera, as Godparents of Seabourn Pursuit

We are thrilled to announce the Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners as godparents of Seabourn Pursuit, our newest ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ship. The naming of Wunambal Gaambera Traditional Owners serves as a symbolic gesture of stewardship and responsibility toward the environment and the communities that we visit, as well as our commitment to sustainable tourism. 

About Seabourn Expeditions

Expedition Experience

Expedition Destinations

Expedition Cruise Ships

Your Adventure at Sea

The incredible Expedition experiences are all complemented by your “base camp” for each itinerary: an ultra-luxury, purpose-built expedition vessel in Seabourn Venture or her new sister, Seabourn Pursuit.

EXPLORE EXPEDIITION SHIPS

THE SEABOURN ALL-INCLUSIVE EXPEDITION DIFFERENCE

Ultra-luxury purpose-built expedition ships, PC6 ice-strengthened hull, with advanced maneuvering technology for superior stability, safety and comfort

World-class 24-person Expedition Team, delivering immersive experiences and guiding you throughout your entire journey 

Inclusive Experiences at every stop, such as curated shore excursions, cultural tours, guided Zodiac® cruises, hikes, nature walks, snorkeling, and scuba diving

Optional, guided Expedition Experiences include state-of-the-art custom-built 6-guest submarines, providing the option to extend your expedition further for greater ocean exploration, kayaks, and other destination experiences**

Nearly 30,000 square feet of spacious open deck space for optimal nature and wildlife viewing

4K GSS Cineflex camera capable of broadcasting imagery from up to 3 miles away on monitors located throughout the ship

Complimentary Signature Events: Caviar on Ice, Polar Plunge, and more 

Open bridge**, providing firsthand access to the ship’s command center and officers navigating your journey  

Handcrafted itineraries designed to take the luxury traveler further, deeper, and closer to the most coveted and remote destinations in the world

Daily enrichment throughout the ship with expert-led ‘Fireside chats’, daily recaps and briefings, lectures, and Seabourn Conversations®, plus a multifunctional interactive virtual bridge

*At the Captain’s discretion 

**Optional programs, for additional charge

The Expedition Team

Our Expeditions are centered around authentic, personalized experiences, all facilitated by a 24-person Expedition team. This select group of academics, scientists and general naturalists share your passion for exploring and learning about some of the world's remote regions.

Featured Expedition Destinations

South Pacific

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10 of the best luxury yacht cruises for 2024 & 2025

Published 25th April 2024 in Cruise Advice By Claire Benktander /cruise-news/cruise-advice/best-yacht-cruises

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We've seen a definitive boom of yacht-style cruise ships launching over the past few years, with cruise lines keen to capitalise on the burgeoning demand for a smaller, intimate cruising experience. No longer a holiday reserved for the rich and famous, on board these superyachts you can expect sleek interiors, limited guest numbers and the ability to dock where larger ships cannot for a more exclusive experience. These are some of the best luxury yacht cruises and cruise lines offering yachts and yacht-style cruise ships.

Scenic's stunning 228-guest Scenic Eclipse and just-launched sister ship Scenic Eclipse II are certainly more reminiscent of luxury superyachts than traditional cruise ships, with cool and contemporary décor on board.

This sits alongside gadgets like a helicopter, seven-seater submarine, fleet of zodiacs, kayaks, snorkelling and scuba diving gear that allow guests to immerse themselves among the likes of Antarctica and the Arctic, as well as classic warm-weather yachting destinations like the Mediterranean and the Caribbean.

2. SeaDream Yacht Club

It's in the name! SeaDream Yacht Club aim to offer an intimate, yacht-like experience - in their own words, 'it's yachting, not cruising'. This is reflected in the al fresco and casual experience on offer, with an unpretentious style - don't expect flashy interiors - and service that is second to none.

These 100-guest ships are able to access the most exclusive yachting harbours and coves across the world, from St Barths to Positano, and on board, guests enjoy the likes of Balinese double sunbeds, movies under the stars and a marina at the back of the ship with kayaks, paddle boards, a slide, jetskis and Laser sailboats.

3. Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The luxury Ritz-Carlton brand's first foray into cruising exceeded expectations with the first of their three yachts, Evrima, launched in October 2022. These superyacht-style cruises place an emphasis on cutting edge design, intimate spaces and lots of outdoor space, with just 149 luxurious suites, and offer voyages to the Mediterranean, Caribbean and beyond.

The Marina at the back of the ship offers direct access to the water, comfortable loungers, and extended wings to create even more outdoor space on what feels like your own personal superyacht. Ilma & Luminara, the second and third yachts from Ritz-Carlton, are set to join the fleet in 2024 and 2025 respectively, and are a little larger with 228 suites, all with private terrace.

4. Windstar's Star Breeze, Legend and Pride

Formerly the 'Yachts of Seabourn', these lovely little 312-guest ships offer a chance to live the yacht life, with relaxed and informal days, refined yet comfortable evenings and a friendly and welcoming crew, and a marina on the back to ensure you can enjoy the complimentary watersports when anchored in hidden bays and tiny coves.

These sociable ships have plenty of outdoor deck space, perfect for soaking up the sun in warmer destinations like the Caribbean and the Greek islands . A romantic outdoor restaurant on deck under the stars enhances the al fresco yacht feel, and guests can enjoy deck barbecues with music and entertainment.

All of Ponant's vessels offer an intimate experience but their Explorer ships , named after six of France's most famous explorers, have a real yacht-style feel, with just 92 all-balcony suites decked in a chic Scandi style, ample outdoor space and an state-of-the-art hydraulic marina at the back of the ships for easy boarding and zodiac embarkation.

The innovative Blue Eye Lounge is the spectacular centrepiece, with two oversized portholes reinforced with 18 layers of glass looking out into the deep blue sea on voyages around the world, from French Polynesia to the Norwegian Fjords.

6. Emerald Cruises

Emerald Azzurra is Emerald's first luxury yacht, with a striking profile and stylish decor, set to be joined by sister ship Emerald Sakara in 2023. The ships' intimate sizes allow you to explore smaller ports and hidden coves designed to cruise warm weather destinations such as the Dalmatian Coast and the Greek Islands.

These 100-guest small ships offer suites that almost all feature a private balcony, and itineraries have been designed to showcase smaller ports that the bigger ships can't reach, with facilities including a watersports marina, infinity pool and wellness area.

7. Four Seasons Yachts

The prestigious hotel brand Four Seasons is entering the cruise industry with Four Seasons Yachts and its first ship, Four Seasons I.

Setting sail at the start of 2026, the luxurious first yacht by Four Seasons will aim to showcase the same high-spec accommodation and exceptional service as the hotel chain in the 95 all-suite yacht, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, with fabulous dining, an exquisite spa and one of the largest pools in the cruise industry.

8. Expedition ships: Silversea

Several expedition cruise lines now also offer their fair share of yacht-like ships, such as Silversea's 100-guest Silver Origin, which feels like an intimate yacht experience as you get to know like-minded guests while discovering the fascinating Galapagos region.

Offering a similar onboard experience in Antarctica, 200-guest Silver Endeavour features state-of-the-art technology that allows for access to some of the most remote locations of the globe in a yacht-like atmosphere.

9. Expedition ships: Seabourn

Seabourn's new 264-guest Venture and Pursuit both offer sleek, modern interiors, with all veranda, all ocean-front suites and stylish dining combined with a range of equipment to help you explore, from the polar regions to the Pacific Islands, including two custom-built six-person submarines, Zodiacs, double sea kayaks, mountain bikes and e-bikes.

The cosy Expedition Lounge is the heart of the ship, with craft cocktails from master mixologist Brian Van Flandern, while the outdoor Sky Bar has two whirlpools and fantastic views of your surroundings.

10. Expedition ships: Aqua Expeditions

Aqua Expeditions offer a truly boutique feel in their luxurious superyachts. 30-guest Aqua Blu is designed to explore the Indonesian archipelago; a former Royal Navy ship transformed into a superyacht designed to explore the fascinating islands of the Indonesian archipelago include the evocative Spice Islands, Komodo National Park, with its pink sand beaches and famous dragons, and the snorkelling and diving paradise of Raja Ampat.

Aqua also offer the first true superyacht in the Galapagos: the just-launched, bijou Aqua Mare, accommodating just 16 lucky guests. She is spacious for her size and offers an amazing 1:1 staff-to-guest ratio, with watersports equipment on board includes double kayaks, paddleboards and snorkelling gear.

Claire is Marketing Manager at Mundy Cruising, having worked with the company for nearly a year and in travel for over 8 years. Most recently she's cruised on Seabourn and has also sailed with Ponant and Uniworld. Her favourite destination is Sweden however she's also enjoyed cruises in the the Galapagos, Mediterranean, Caribbean, Northern Europe, Greek Isles and the Far East. When she’s not travelling she loves weekends away in the countryside.

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Yacht Cruises

Get away from the crowds on Yacht Cruises and explore life on one of the growing numbers of Luxury Yacht Cruise Lines.

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Luxury Yacht Cruise Lines

Yacht cruise catalog.

Luxury Yacht Cruise Lines provide an intimate sailing experience for around 100 to 300 passengers who want to explore different parts of the world. Yacht Cruises, in general, offer personalized service and a cozy ambiance. The designers of Luxury Yacht Cruises meticulously plan every aspect of the voyage to provide a signature service and an atmosphere of casual luxury. Yacht Cruises are much smaller than mega cruise ships and offer a more exclusive experience. While mega cruise ships are more affordable, yacht expedition cruise lines cater to niche travelers looking for remote and unexplored destinations. If you want to avoid crowds and experience life on the open sea, try one of the many Luxury Yacht Cruise Lines.

Obviously, due to their smaller size, yachts can reach smaller ports and can afford to be more destination-focused, whereas the larger cruise ships could never dream of docking in those ports. Luxury Yacht cruises can position their ships and sail directly into some of the most coveted ports around the world, producing a more relaxing cruising pace to allow for in-depth exploration and unique adventures. The larger ships, even smaller river ships, may not be able to recognize and accommodate for this type of flexibility nor intimacy. Best of all, access is another increasingly sought-after luxury of which yachts deliver. In essence, commercial yacht cruises offer guests a marina right off the back of the ship for swimming in the ocean, snorkeling, kayaking, scuba diving, sailing, or since your sailing yacht offers a far more romantic and idyllic setting, you can graciously lay back and watch the beautiful sunrise or sunsets.

On the other hand, you may instead spend less time in the open seas and more time exploring different destinations. Remember, although yacht cruises offer sailings in the open seas, you will discover that yacht cruising is mostly done at night while the vessel travels from one destination to another. At any rate, for sure, your expedition experience will be much different and enhanced when traveling with a much smaller group of travelers. The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, for example, is delighted to partner with Virtuoso to offer multiple amenity sailings during its 2021 inaugural season. All amenity sailings will offer complementary benefits to guests who book through a network advisor, including an exclusive cooking class and chef’s tasting.

Recently the demand for mega-ships has declined. In fact, there is a more significant growing number of companies that offer yacht cruises to the ever-increasing cruise markets. Most yacht cruise companies offer an all-inclusive format. All-Inclusive means that the fare includes onboard gratuities, beverages in-suite/ throughout the yacht, 24-hour in-suite dining, and highly expensive onboard entertainment, enrichment lectures, and Wi-Fi for your convenience that are all included. Luxury yachts also have a full spa center and in-yacht dining experiences. Yachts have itineraries that cruise through the best of the Mediterranean: the Greek Isles, Balearic Islands, and French Riviera. Starting prices for voyages can range from a few thousand dollars for several nights, or based on the destination, can go up to $15K for 2-week journeys. By the same token, Yachts provide exclusive sailing experiences at a fraction of the cost of private charters. Getaway from the crowds today and examine a cruise on one of the growing numbers of yacht cruises coming to the marketplace for yourself:

• Aqua Expeditions
• Intrepid Group Cruises
• PONANT Yacht Cruises & Expeditions
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Also Visit:  River Cruises Category

Intimate experiences, destination-focused, and visit smaller ports in less time. Yacht cruising is one perfect way to see the world in any given length of time, from a quick weekend excursion getaway to a long-range holiday adventure.

Virtuoso Voyages is a collection of the best cruise experiences in the world, available through NorthStar Virtuoso travel advisers.

Virtuoso Voyages offers exclusive cruise benefits, insider access, and excellent value, such as:

• Private car and driver in port
• Behind-the-scenes tours
• Specialty dining options
• Shipboard and spa treatment credits
• Custom and private shore tours

Your next yacht cruise and exciting shore excursions are around the corner!

MEET US IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Whether the sophistication of Cannes is calling or you crave the seclusion of a secret cove in Malta, our new Rivieras and Adriatic voyages unveil jewels of the Mediterranean.

Featured Voyages

Greek Isles featuring Santorini and Yalikavak

Greek Isles featuring Paros & Göcek

Lesser Antilles featuring Curaçao & Martinique

Explore Our World-class Suites

Designed by style visionary Prosper Assouline, each of the suites aboard our yacht features decor inspired by the sea and sky. The largest of their kind within the yachting class, these residential accommodations will make you feel at home with spa-like bathrooms, experience-enhancing amenities, spacious private terrace decks, and panoramic views from floor-to-ceiling windows.

Exceptional Design

Inspired by the bygone era of yachting, our spectacular, all-suite yacht will debut several industry firsts. Like a cutting-edge transverse marina perfect for leisure, lounging, and late-night revelry. Expansive suites that can be connected both vertically and horizontally. And every comfort you could dream of, meticulously curated to elevate every aspect of your voyage.

Discover a World of Difference

Embark on a journey of unmatched luxury, where every yacht moment is elevated, and your every need is anticipated. Explore the world’s wonders by yacht, visit iconic isles, and discover remote locales. Combining legendary service and marvels of innovation, this is Four Seasons Yachts.

The Regions

Exploration meets exclusivity.

Explore our yachting destinations as you embark on a journey of discovery. Gain entry to harbours, uncover secluded coves, immerse yourself in tightly knit coastal communities, and unearth the essence of some of the world’s most iconic isles and off-the-beaten-path gems.

Welcome to the Adriatic Sea, a maritime sanctuary where history, culture, and natural beauty sail in harmony. Here, the enduring legacy of Venetian grandeur, the enchanting Croatian coasts, and the captivating allure of Montenegro’s landscapes intertwine to deliver unforgettable memories. From the storied cloisters of Dubrovnik’s Old Town to the secluded coves of the Dalmatian Islands, each destination beckons with a bespoke journey of discovery.

Embark on a voyage along the Rivieras, where the French appeal, Italian charm, and Spanish vibrancy come together against a backdrop of stunning beaches and awe-inspiring mountains. Step into a world of ancient heritage, gastronomic delights, and refined luxury, with summer days soaked in dolce far niente and evenings sparkling with Mediterranean glamour.

Grand Atlantic

Traverse the Atlantic in a voyage of cultural contrasts and experiential dichotomies. From Medieval architecture and volcanic landscapes in the Canaries to tiki huts and waterfall-laced rainforests in the Lesser Antilles—with leisurely sea days in between—this journey combines the best of all worlds.

Grand Mediterranean

Embark on a luxurious Mediterranean odyssey where each port of call promises a beguiling blend of rich history, stunning views, and cultural wonders. From the cerulean waters of the Atlantic to the enchanting shores and charming towns of the Adriatic, discover the allure of coastal gems steeped in tradition and beauty.

Lesser Antilles

Secluded beaches and pastel ports await in the Caribbean, where culture-rich capitals, hidden coves, and dense archipelagos provide the ultimate yachting playground. With its year-round sunshine and blue skies, calm waters, and abundance of lagoon-like marinas, the Caribbean is a tropical dream come true.

Greek Isles

Yachting the Greek Islands is a foolproof way to upend the typical rules of leisure. While Mykonos and Santorini may be the marquee names, an archipelago of lesser-known isles awaits, offering a quieter, equally captivating slice of Hellenic bliss defined by unhurried taverna feasts, and azure bays where solitude is the sweetest luxury. Here, you'll find the concept of philoxenia—the art of Greek hospitality—lingering in the soul long after departure.

Our Stories

Featured stories to inspire your journey.

Within the pages of these stories, the genuine passion of our yachting endeavor comes to life, unveiling the meticulous consideration woven into every aspect, from design and itineraries to the overall experiences and beyond. Whether you are in the reflective stage, have confirmed your sailing, or are on the verge of embarking on your journey, these narratives beckon.

The Adriatic at its Most Alluring

Curating the Quintessential Rivieras Circuit

An Unforgettable Journey Through the Mediterranean

Grand Atlantic Odyssey: A Bridge Between Worlds

The Loft Suite: A Tranquil Haven on Four Seasons Yachts

All suite configurations, floor plans, and features depicted in these artistic renderings are for illustrative purposes only and are subject to change without notice.

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Head for our sunny destinations

New catamaran, ponant exclusivity: polar odysseys aboard le commandant charcot.

Winter 2025 / 2026

Caribbean, Costa Rica, Cape Verde, Seychelles, Indonesia, Oceania...

LE CHAMPLAIN -->

See all the voyages

Printemps / été 2024

Summer 2025

Explore the majestic fjords of Spitsbergen.

Discover the expeditions

Corsica or Seychelles?

Be the first to embark aboard the Spirit of Ponant .

Discover the world of Spirit of Ponant

Only aboard Le Commandant Charcot

Visit Inuit lands, between ice floes and glaciers.

Europe du Nord LE BELLOT

Head for Greenland

Enjoy an immersive experience and discover our destinations as if you were there!

From sunny cruises to polar odysseys, let's find the destination that inspires you.

Spirit of Ponant : a new experience in tailor-made cruises

Embark on board our catamaran where excellence and harmony, comfort and connection with nature, and exclusive services combine, both on board and when at sea or ashore.

Discover our exceptional ships

• Sailing ship  
• Sisterships  
• Ponant Explorers  
• ICEBREAKER  
• Paul Gauguin Cruises  

The Ponant signature

Explore to better understand, share and protect

Experience a meaningful voyage

Inspiring, human and environmental conscious experiences, accompanied by our experts

Sail to secret shores

Stopovers and moorings off the beaten track, sometimes unexplored

Travel consciously

The latest green technoloy used, environmental impact studies and activities co-constructed with local people

Explore the world on human-sized ships

A limited number of staterooms and suites for intimate voyages

Enjoy a journey crafted just for you

Bespoke onboard services for the most customized cruise available

Our guests share their adventures with @Ponant .

Inspirations

A selection of inspiring content to help you prepare for your next cruise.

Le Commandant Charcot

Head for summer 2025

PONANT partners with La Mamounia and Maison Pierre Hermé Paris

Spotlight on the polar auroras

Expedition to the far reaches of Greenland

An immersion into the heart of Le Ponant

“The wind in the sails, the gentle lapping of the waves, the scent of sea spray... sailing aboard Le Ponant is a magical experience.” Katherine G., on board Le Ponant

PONANT News

Head for Polynesia in 2026

Summer 2024: Boarding Now!

PAUL GAUGUIN's 2025 Boutique Crossing Collection

PONANT and Smithsonian Journeys: Featured 2025 Voyages

Spirit of Ponant

PONANT and Farwind Energy

Summer 2025: heat and warmth or refreshing coolness?

Scientific mission to the North Pole

PONANT certified Green Globe

2 culinary celebrities on board Le Paul Gauguin

Shore-Side Power Connection in Ports

Sustainable Energy: PONANT at the Forefront

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• Request a quote
•  Contact
• Your luxury cruise with PONANT
• Africa, Middle East & Indian Ocean
• Atlantic Coast
• Central America
• North America
• Northern Europe & Scandinavia
• Ocean Voyages
• Oceania & Pacific Islands
• South America
• The Mediterranean
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• Show all destinations
• See all cruises
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• Tropical Expedition
• Art & Museums
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• Theatre & Literature
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• Show all themes
• Back-to-back offers
• Free Ocean Voyage
• No single supplement
• Flight credit
• L'AUSTRAL
• LE LAPÉROUSE
• LE CHAMPLAIN
• LE BOUGAINVILLE
• LE DUMONT-D'URVILLE
• LE JACQUES-CARTIER
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• Expeditions
• Life on board
• A different way to cruise
• Our guests and speakers
• A tailor-made voyage
• Why choose PONANT ?
• PONANT benefits
• Our Pavilions
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• A more sustainable tourism
• PONANT Foundation
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• Certifications and distinctions

Where would you like to travel with PONANT?

Which period?

What are you looking for?

• Gastronomy & Wine
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The Ponant fleet

Our modern fleet consists of small-sized ships designed for expedition cruises or yachting. From Le Ponant , our iconic three-masted yacht, to Le Commandant Charcot , our first electric hybrid polar expedition vessel, our fleet are fitted with cutting-edge equipment . We ensure both the safety of our passengers and respect for the areas we visit through our sustainable ships designed for environmental protection.

Our Iconic yacht

This splendid traditional French sailing ship has only 16 cabins and suites. As though on a private yacht, you will set sail with a small group of others who also love the sea and sailing. Completely revamped in 2019, it redefines the notion of luxury yachting and has evolved into a truly exquisite space that will welcome you into a unique setting. Now more intimate, our majestic three-masted sailing ship offers you the chance to experience the trip of a lifetime.

Our expedition ships

The sisterships.

With 122 to 132 staterooms and suites, these four distinguished Sisterships remain true to our philosophy: travelling on small-capacity vessels with a unique atmosphere: a subtle blend of luxury, intimacy and well-being. Decorated with furnishings in high-quality materials, with soft and soothing tones, they express the French way of life, its understated sophistication, combining chic and natural refinement. Launched between 2010 and 2015, they are part of the youngest fleet at sea.

Our new-generation ships

The ponant explorers.

Created in 2018, the PONANT EXPLORERS series consists of small-sized ships, which combine respect for the environment, elegant design and cutting-edge technology. They feature Blue Eye, a unique multi-sensory lounge, the only one of its kind in the world, which is located in the hull, below the waterline. These six exceptional yachts, with just 92 staterooms and suites, bear the names of French explorers who went in search of previously unknown territories.

The World's Only Luxury Icebreaker

Le commandant charcot.

Reach the real North Pole, cross the Arctic Ocean, discover the very north-east of Greenland... Le Commandant Charcot has been designed to take you in the footsteps of the great polar explorers, in an elegant setting with luxury amenities which until now have never been offered in the furthermost areas of the northern and southern hemispheres. More than just conventional cruises, these are true polar odysseys that we are offering with this new electric hybrid vessel powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG).

The specialist of Polynesia

Le paul gauguin.

Le Paul Gauguin is an elegant luxury vessel, specially designed for navigation in Polynesian waters. Its shallow draft allows it to get in close to shallow lagoons and isolated islands, maximising stopover time. The new look designed by Studio Jean-Philippe Nuel in 2021, and installations completed in 2023, evoke South Seas elegance. The refurbishment enhances the historical interior of the vessel made of warm and dark woodworks and strengthens the local identity. The new fresh palette incorporates lagoon shades, a wide range of green and natural tones, warm color touches, vegetal patterns and woven textiles. Some iconic printed exotic panoramics, traditional artworks and a virtual museum presenting more than 150 paintings of the artist Paul Gauguin end to merge the guests into a local and exotic environment.

What will be your next travel with Ponant?

• Discover all the destinations

The Ponant signature

Explore to better understand, share and protect, experience a meaningful voyage.

Inspiring, human and environmental conscious experiences, accompanied by our experts

Sail to secret shores

Stopovers and moorings off the beaten track, sometimes unexplored

Travel consciously

The latest green technoloy used, environmental impact studies and activities co-constructed with local people

Explore the world on human-sized ships

A limited number of staterooms and suites for intimate voyages

Enjoy a journey crafted just for you

Bespoke onboard services for the most customized cruise available

Protect Your Trip »

12 Top Cruises on Small Ships

From wildlife viewing in the remote polar regions to magical sunsets in the Indian Ocean, these ships offer unforgettable voyages.

Al Bakker | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Even if you're sailing in chilly Antarctica, cruising on a small ship offers comfort and coziness.

If you are feeling a sense of wanderlust and ready to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in far-flung corners of the world, consider booking a small ship cruise. These luxury mega-yachts, expedition-style vessels and sailing ships can visit tucked-away harbors, exotic locales and pristine beaches that larger ships can't reach. And if you opt for a cruise on a rigged sailing vessel, there's nothing more romantic than watching the sun set into the ocean while the wind fills the sails of a tall ship at sea.

Smaller ships offer an intimate onboard vibe where the experience is highly personalized with a higher crew to passenger ratio – and where you'll get to know many of your fellow passengers. Smaller ships are often more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly than traditional cruise ships, using either wind power or the latest technologies. With the addition of new or existing cruise lines entering this market along with other lines investing in upgrading older ships, there are many more vessels in these smaller ship classes to choose from when considering your cruise options.

If you're seeking an adventure of a lifetime – whether to meet the penguins in Antarctica, people- and yacht watch in glamorous ports of call in the Mediterranean, or go island hopping in paradise in Hawaii – then plan your voyage to set sail on one of these small ships.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Star Clippers: Royal Clipper

Inspired by the legendary 1902 Preussen, the first five-masted ship, Royal Clipper was launched in 2000 as a true sailing vessel at 439 feet in length with 54,000 square feet of sails across 42 sails. With five fully rigged masts, the ship is recognized in Guinness World Records as the largest square rigger in service today.

Modeled after the historic clipper ships, Royal Clipper travels under full sail – and by wind power – for up to 80% of its voyages. When the vessel does navigate under power, the energy-efficient engines only use high-quality, low-sulfur gas oil, earning Star Clippers the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate for all three of its clipper ships.

The ship can accommodate as many as 227 passengers in 114 staterooms, along with 106 crew. While on board, guests will enjoy 19,000 square feet of open teak deck, three swimming pools and hidden balconies on either side of the bow, where you can view wildlife like dolphins swimming alongside the ship. You can also relax in the bowsprit net overlooking the ocean and keeping an eye out for whales. For the more adventurous sailor, climbing the mast to 75 feet above the water affords unforgettable ocean views from your perch in one of the passenger crow's nests. Other features of Royal Clipper are its three-story atrium, trilevel dining room, and unique spa and health club with underwater portholes called the Captain Nemo Lounge.

The ship's seven-night Windward Islands itinerary sails round trip from Barbados with stops in Antigua , Martinique , St. Kitts, Îles Des Saintes and St. Lucia. You'll even have an opportunity to sail alongside one of the line's sister ships and another tall ship – Star Flyer – to the island of Dominica . Royal Clipper's longer itineraries include several Grand Voyages: The 19-night cruise from Cannes in France to Lisbon in Portugal, for example, calls on other ports in France, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco.

Read: Cruise Essentials for Your Next Trip

Silversea Cruises: Silver Wind

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Launched in 1995, Silver Wind was Silversea's second of four vessels that the line built for the ultra-luxury market. This ship underwent a significant upgrade in 2018, followed by another refurbishment in 2021 that included an enhanced ice-class hull. This new addition allows Silver Wind to be one of the most adaptable ships in the fleet, sailing from the polar regions like Antarctica to sunny island climates in the Caribbean and cruising picturesque shorelines along the Mediterranean Sea.

Silver Wind measures about 515 feet in length and has 149 all ocean-view suites, more than 80% of which boast a private veranda. The ship carries 274 guests and 239 crew and features elegant public rooms, including lounges for gazing out at the ocean or watching onboard entertainment. There's also an upscale bar, shipboard boutiques and a spa.

Dining is a highlight, with four venues spanning international cuisine such as Italian, regional specialties and seasonally inspired menus. For an evening under the stars, The Grill features fine steaks and seafood or vegetables that guests can cook at the table on 400 degrees Celsius lava stones. After dinner, spend time chatting with fellow passengers at Connoisseur's Corner, where you can sip cognac and enjoy a cigar.

Silver Wind offers an epic 20-night expedition cruise from Tromsø, Norway, to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, visiting various destinations in Iceland as well as remote regions and glaciers in Greenland. For a warmer voyage, the 10-night Puntarenas to Guayaquil itinerary takes you from Costa Rica to Ecuador in South America, with stops at the remote Darien Jungle in Panama, the Utría National Natural Park in Colombia and several ports in Ecuador, including the city of Guayaquil.

Want to cruise a small ship on Silversea Cruises? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Sea Cloud Cruises: Sea Cloud

Courtesy of Sea Cloud Cruises

Built in 1931 as a private yacht for Wall Street broker Edward Francis Hutton and his wife Marjorie Merriweather Post, an American socialite and philanthropist, this legendary windjammer maintains the elegance of a time gone by.

Originally named Hussar, the 360-foot Sea Cloud has a fascinating history – while the ship started as a private yacht, it later became a floating palace of diplomacy and then a warship. Today, Sea Cloud accommodates up to 64 passengers in 32 outside cabins and carries about 60 crew. The ship also boasts 29 sails, with the height of the main mast towering 184 feet above the water.

If you've never been on this type of vessel, cruising under full sail on a tall ship is unlike any other experience. Sea Cloud does not rely on motors (though they are installed just in case), allowing the wind and sea to determine the ship's course whenever possible, guided by the skills and seamanship of the crew for navigation. This setup provides an opportunity to teach the art of sailing to the passengers. The captain of Sea Cloud and guests prefer to cruise under full sail, which is the lure of sailing on a windjammer. Life on board the ship is intimate and relaxed – just as you would find on a private yacht.

Amenities on Sea Cloud include a lido bar and deck and a restaurant serving cuisine inspired by the destination, which features local products, fresh fish and regional wines.

One of Sea Cloud's top itineraries, Between Lifestyles and Nature's Paradises, sails for seven nights from Monte Carlo, Monaco , to the Spanish island of Palma de Mallorca , with calls on less visited ports along the Mediterranean coast in southern France like La Ciotat and Collioure. You can also join the jet-setters in St. Barts with a front-row seat from your sailing ship for the Bucket Regatta. This 10-night adventure includes two days in the French West Indies island of St. Barts and other picturesque ports of call in the Caribbean.

Read: The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Atlas Ocean Voyages: World Navigator

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages' first luxury expedition ship, World Navigator, launched in August 2021. With a length of 423 feet and capacity for 196 passengers and 127 crew, the ship sails to fascinating destinations around the world. By optimizing fuel efficiency with the incorporation of the latest hybrid power management and propulsion system, World Navigator uses as little as one-fifth of the fuel of standard cruise ship systems. The quiet alternate hydro-jet propulsion system allows for up-close viewing of marine animals and other wildlife.

The 98 beautifully appointed staterooms and suites feature upscale amenities like Egyptian linens and a menu to personalize your selection of a pillow. Some accommodations also have Juliet-style or walk-out balconies, and certain suites come with butler service. For dining options, you'll find Portuguese-inspired Porto, which is the main dining room, or the New York-style 7-Aft Grill for steaks and seafood. Passengers can also opt to have lunch poolside or enjoy light bites at the Dome Observation Lounge, which offers panoramic views of the sea.

Other ship amenities include three bars and lounges, the SeaSpa by L'Occitane, an auditorium, a mud room, a pool and two hot tubs, a boutique and a fitness center. To wind down after a day of exploring destinations in far corners of the globe, convene with other passengers to relive the experience during Àpres Sea.

For the ultimate bucket list adventure, book the nine-night round-trip expedition from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the southernmost continent. Highlights of this venture to Antarctica include navigating the Drake Passage; embarking on water safaris to Deception Island or Yankee Harbour; encountering wildlife like penguins, seals and whales; and even camping on land overnight. For a less adventurous itinerary, history enthusiasts will appreciate the 12-night Western Europe voyage sailing from Hamburg in Germany to London , with an overnight in Amsterdam and ports of call in cities like Antwerp and Bruges , Belgium; Plymouth, U.K.; and Honfleur, France.

Read: The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Flora

This 100-passenger luxury mega-yacht is the first ship of its kind built for the Galápagos Islands . Launched in 2019, Celebrity Flora is 333 feet long and features 50 spacious all-suite accommodations, each designed with a veranda or an infinite veranda that extends the terrace to be part of the living space. Each suite is fully automated, allowing guests to control everything with the touch of a button. Amenities include luxurious linens and bathrobes, and you'll enjoy chocolates and toiletries locally sourced from Ecuador. The ship is also eco-friendly and built with the latest environmental technologies.

There are two dining venues on board Celebrity Flora. Seaside Restaurant offers an upscale casual experience with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. For alfresco dining in the evening, Ocean Grill serves local, sustainable seafood during "Dinner Under the Stars." Other inviting indoor spaces include the Discovery Lounge, where Celebrity's naturalists host briefings and presentations, and the Observatory, a library and lounge with a view.

Outside, The Vista offers guests an open-air escape with private cabanas, cocoon-style loungers and a Jacuzzi. Cruisers can head to the outdoor Sunset Lounge for a dip in the plunge pool or experience Galápagos Glamping on the top deck with an evening of dining and sleeping under one of the most spectacular night skies in the world.

Celebrity Flora sails seven-night inner- and outer-loop Galápagos itineraries and has extended trips with land packages that add on Quito or Machu Picchu . The 16-night Galápagos Outer Loop & Machu Picchu itinerary includes island hopping in the Galápagos, where you'll have up-close encounters with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, red- and blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. Afterward, head to Lima, Peru , where you'll fly to Cusco and venture onward to visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Looking to plan a small ship cruise on Celebrity Cruises? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Windstar Cruises: Wind Star

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

When it first launched in Le Havre, France, in November 1985, Wind Star was the world's largest sailing vessel and the flagship for the line. While this schooner may not be the largest tall ship on the seas today, Wind Star is an elegant four-masted sailing yacht and the cruise line's namesake. Since its launch, this ship has been through a few renovations, with the most recent one in 2018. The 360-foot vessel features 73 deluxe ocean-view staterooms that accommodate 148 passengers, and it can carry 101 crew. Four masts stand at 204 feet tall, and six triangular Dacron sails, which are self-furling and computerized, make up a surface area of 21,500 square feet.

As with other Windstar vessels, you'll find the same casual elegance on board this sailing ship. Guests will get to sail away to the music Windstar traditionally plays while raising the flag during every port departure – Vangelis' song "1492: Conquest of Paradise," which is the musical score to the movie of the same name. The culinary program on Windstar's fleet is in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, so dining is a real treat. The three restaurant venues on Wind Star include Amphora, whose contemporary, international menu was created by James Beard-affiliated chefs. The romantic Candles offers an alfresco dining experience with grilled steaks and skewers, while the Veranda is the ship's casual breakfast and lunch buffet with outdoor seating.

Other onboard amenities include a lounge, the Yacht Club Café, a pool bar, a salon and spa, a boutique, a library, a fitness center, a water sports platform and an open bridge where you can enjoy a chat over coffee with the captain.

Treasures of the Greek Isles is a seven-night voyage that sails round trip from Athens to several Greek islands, including Mykonos and Santorini . This itinerary also includes a stop in Kusadasi, Turkey, where you'll be able to visit the fascinating ancient city of Ephesus. For a South America adventure to transit the Panama Canal and explore destinations in the region like rainforests, reserve the seven-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal voyage.

Read: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Viking Cruises: Viking Octantis

Courtesy of Viking

Built in 2022, Viking's new Polar Class 6 ship, Viking Octantis, is 665 feet in length and accommodates 378 guests in 189 staterooms and 256 crew. The purpose-built expedition ship boasts more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than many other expedition vessels, providing guests with up-close views of some of the most incredible scenery in the world. The energy-efficient design of this ship and the line's other expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, exceeds the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements by 36%. The cruise line is also recognized for receiving one of the first highest-level certifications for quiet ship propulsion, minimizing underwater noise pollution.

Cruisers familiar with Viking Ocean Cruises' ships will recognize familiar spaces and dining venues such as The Living Room, The Explorers' Lounge, The Nordic Spa, Manfredi's, The Restaurant and The World Cafe. New spaces on Viking Octantis include The Aula, a panoramic auditorium designed for lectures and daily briefings, and the adjacent Finse Terrace. This outdoor lounge area sits just above sea level and boasts recessed, heated couches and lava rock "fire pits." Passengers will also find the industry-first in-ship marina, The Hangar, where guests can easily embark and disembark the ship, and three pools offering varying temperatures with an inside-outside passage. In addition, all staterooms feature Nordic balconies that convert from a sunroom to an alfresco viewing area.

For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, book the 12-night Antarctic itinerary sailing from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. This expedition includes the Drake "rite of" Passage, scenic sailing around Cape Horn and wildlife viewing in the icy waters of the "White Continent." For U.S. travelers interested in staying closer to home, the seven-night Great Lakes Explorer departs Milwaukee for Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada. Cruisers will enjoy a stop in Mackinac Island in Michigan, scenic sailing along the St. Mary's River and transit from the U.S. into Canada through the Soo Locks.

Want to plan a Viking Expedition Cruise? See top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Emerald Cruises: Emerald Azzurra

Emerald Cruises' luxurious 360-foot superyacht, Emerald Azzurra, launched in May 2022. The boutique ship carries just 100 passengers and is designed for cruising the waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic Coast and the Red Sea. Its sister ship, Emerald Sakara, will debut in 2023. On board Emerald Azzurra, you can expect to be pampered by 68 crew members while soaking in the sun poolside or relaxing indoors during a day at sea.

The 50 spacious modern staterooms and suites, most with balconies, offer spectacular views of off-the-beaten-path destinations and smaller ports and harbors. The ship also features several dining, bar and lounge venues; quiet spaces for relaxing or reading a book; a wellness area; a hot tub with a view and an infinity-style pool; a boutique; and a fitness center. The marina platform on the ship's stern offers paddleboarding, snorkeling and other water sports activities.

The seven-night Gems of the Arabian Peninsula sails from Doha, Qatar, to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. This cruise calls on Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates, as well as two ports in the country of Oman. For unforgettable ocean and island views and a vacation in paradise, book the seven-night Tropical Charms of the Seychelles, sailing round trip from Victoria, Mahé , which is the capital of the Seychelles .

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Endurance

Alexandra Daley-Clark | Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Launched in July 2021 as one of two new polar vessels and a sister ship to National Geographic Resolution (November 2021), this extraordinary vessel can explore deeper and further into the Earth's polar regions. National Geographic Endurance is the first new polar build in the company's 50-year history, and its name honors the ship of renowned Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. The elegant Scandinavian-inspired design also features the patented X-Bow, offering eco-friendly benefits and a smoother, quieter ride.

National Geographic Endurance is 407 feet in length and has 69 spacious staterooms with large windows or balconies to accommodate up to 126 passengers. The ship also carries 112 crew. Unique onboard amenities include the first polar art exhibit at sea, curated by environmental artist Zaria Forman, and the first igloos at sea. Guests can arrange to spend an evening under the stars in these glass domes, which are available to reserve on a first-come, first-served basis.

Passengers can also enjoy one complimentary evening at the Chef's Table, sustainable cuisine during their voyage, a lounge and bar area, outdoor infinity-style hot tubs, a yoga studio, saunas with a view of the sea, and state-of-the-art facilities for presentations and films. Every expedition also has a National Geographic photographer and a certified photo instructor and video chronicler.

For an unforgettable rendezvous with nature, book a 10-night cruise called Land of the Ice Bears. This adventure sails to the best place in the world to view polar bears: the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean. In addition to many opportunities to see those amazing animals, you'll also encounter walruses, reindeer, arctic foxes and fur seals. Another incredible journey for the extreme adventurer is the 35-day Epic Antarctica sailing. This expedition will venture to remote West Antarctica and explore the sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia, traveling to destinations where possibly few – or even no – humans have set foot before.

UnCruise Adventures: Safari Explorer

Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

Built in 1998, Safari Explorer is 145 feet in length and one of UnCruise Adventures' four Safari-class ships in its expedition-style fleet. Nicknamed "the Bulldog," this ship transports passengers to wild and remote areas that larger ships can't navigate. The 36-passenger yacht was recently renovated with interior refinishes, touch-ups and upgrades. There are just 18 cabins and 18 crew.

The lifestyle is casual on board, and guests have access to three decks with a library, dining room, rooftop sun lounge and exercise equipment. You'll find common areas on the main deck such as the salon, bar and wine bar. When it's time to hit the water or go ashore, the vessel is equipped with expedition gear, including kayaks, inflatable skiffs, paddleboards, snorkel equipment and more.

In the summer months, Safari Explorer sets off in search of humpback whales in Alaska and spends winters island hopping in Hawaii. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes sailing cruises to four islands, including stops in Molokai, Lanai , Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii . There are two itineraries in Alaska. The seven-night Alaska Glacier Cruise itinerary sails one way from Juneau to Sitka through the northern passages. For an extended expedition that includes wilderness areas with even more opportunities for wildlife and whale viewing, book the 12-night Cruise to Alaska voyage from Seattle to Juneau.

Read: The Best Times to Cruise to Alaska

Ponant: Le Commandant Charcot

Ponant's first high polar expedition vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, launched in September 2021. The 492-foot-long ship is eco-friendly and powered by liquefied natural gas with the latest innovations and technologies. Le Commandant Charcot is also the first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration vessel.

All of the 123 staterooms and suites have a private balcony or terrace. The atmosphere for the 245 passengers on board is much like that of a private yacht, given an extraordinary ratio of passengers to crew with 215 crew members. Two culinary options, gastronomic restaurant Nuna and casual dining concept Sila, are part of a collaboration with Ducasse Conseil and Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse; the menus are designed by the renowned French chef. Guests can enjoy complimentary French wine, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and Ladurée macarons throughout their voyage.

You'll also find beautiful public spaces, a boutique, a theater, expedition rooms and a promenade deck where you can access the bow. Not to be missed is the wellness area, which is a partnership with Biologique Recherche and features amenities like a 14 degrees Fahrenheit snow room with fresh powder snow, a sauna and an indoor pool. On the pool deck, passengers can enjoy a sunroom, a heated outdoor blue lagoon, a giant fire pit, an outdoor bar and the Blue Lagoon bar.

Le Commandant Charcot sails to the farthest points in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, including Antarctica and the North Pole. The 24-night Northwest Passage cruise takes guests from Reykjavik in Iceland to Nome, Alaska, and features polar activities like kayaking between the ice floes, snowshoeing, ice fishing or even exploring with a naturalist guide by hovercraft. The 15-night Geographic North Pole expedition sailing from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, in Norway pushes the limit of sailing to the northernmost point in the world. Le Commandant Charcot is the only passenger ship able to reach the geographic North Pole.

Read: The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises

Aurora Expeditions: Greg Mortimer

Matt Horspool | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Australian-owned Greg Mortimer is a 341-foot-long purpose-built expedition ship, and the first passenger ship designed with the Ulstein X-Bow. This state-of-the-art design offers environmental benefits such as producing fewer emissions and requiring less fuel. The unique bow design also provides a smoother cruise experience when crossing rough seas like the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica. In addition, the ship's Rolls Royce dynamic stabilizers contribute to the vessel's stability and lower its fuel consumption.

The vessel was built in 2019, features 79 cabins with ocean views – 85% of which have balconies – and can accommodate an average of 132 passengers and 74 crew. Onboard amenities include bars and lounges, the main dining room, lecture facilities, a library, a mudroom to store wet expedition gear, a spa, a sauna and a gym. The ship also has hydraulic viewing platforms offering unobstructed views of the local marine and wildlife, as well as 15 Zodiac boats that launch from four platforms.

With Greg Mortimer and its new sister ship, Sylvia Earle, Aurora Expeditions travels to wild and remote destinations around the world. Popular itineraries include its nine- to 23-day Antarctica voyages, navigating icy waters on the 17-day Northwest Passage expedition from Canada or on the 11-day Iceland Circumnavigation cruise, which sails round trip from Reykjavik.

Want to explore cruise options? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top Mississippi River Cruises
• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Top Gay Cruises
• The Top All-Inclusive Cruises

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Cruise ship rescues 68 migrants and finds 5 bodies in boat adrift in Atlantic Ocean

Spanish rescuers say that a cruise ship has rescued 68 migrants and found five bodies in a wooden dinghy that was drifting off the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean

MADRID -- A cruise ship rescued 68 migrants and found five bodies in a wooden dinghy that was drifting off the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Spain's maritime rescue agency said Thursday.

It said an oil tanker traveling from northwestern Spain to Brazil spotted the drifting boat on Wednesday afternoon about 815 kilometers (506 miles) south of Tenerife, one of the seven islands in the Canaries archipelago.

Spanish authorities diverted the Insignia, a cruise ship, to rescue the migrants. The Insignia crew also recovered three of the five bodies on the dinghy. The remains of two people were left at sea because of bad weather hampering their recovery.

It is unusual for cruise ships to make rescues of migrants on the Atlantic route, but the dinghy “was a long way out and they could be in danger,” said a maritime rescue’s spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity under departmental rules.

One of the passengers on the cruise ship, Steve Dilbeck from Huntington Beach, California, said they were not told about the dead.

“They did say the boat had been at sea for 20 days," Dilbeck told The Associated Press in a text message. “We were diverted in the evening and took us two hours to reach them. They were brought on board and placed in the Insignia Lounge, which is where they have all their shows.”

“The area has been closed off to passengers. Told they had them remove their clothes and put on jumpsuits. Then they asked passengers if they had shoes and clothes they could donate, particularly for men. Their announcement said 62 were men, with the rest women and children,” he added.

The Marshall Islands-flagged Insignia had left Mindelo, a port city in Cape Verde, on Tuesday. Its operator, Miami-based Oceania Cruises, did not immediately comment on the rescue.

The Spanish rescue agency emailed a statement saying the Insignia is expected to arrive on Friday at the port of Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

The Canary Islands is a destination for boats packed with migrants departing from northwestern Africa on a perilous Atlantic route in search of a better life in Europe.

Spain's Interior Ministry says a record 55,618 migrants arrived by boat — most of them in the Canary Islands — last year, almost double the number of the previous year. More than 23,000 have landed so far this year, the ministry said.

The Spanish nonprofit organization Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) says more than 5,000 migrants have died so far this year through May while trying to reach Spanish coasts, most of them on the Atlantic route. The figure for all 2023 was 6,600, more than double the number for 2022.

Associated Press writer Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Follow AP’s coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration

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A cruise ship rescues 68 migrants and finds 5 bodies in a boat adrift in the Atlantic Ocean

• Copy Link copied

MADRID (AP) — A cruise ship rescued 68 migrants and found five bodies in a traditional fishing boat that was drifting off the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Spain’s maritime rescue agency said Thursday.

It said an oil tanker traveling from northwestern Spain to Brazil spotted the drifting boat on Wednesday afternoon about 815 kilometers (506 miles) south of Tenerife, one of the seven islands in the Canaries archipelago.

Spanish authorities diverted the Insignia, a cruise ship, to rescue the migrants. The Insignia crew also recovered three of the five bodies on the fishing boat. The remains of two people were left at sea because of bad weather hampering their recovery.

The canoe-shaped boats, known as pirogues, are used by fishermen in Mauritania and Senegal.

It is unusual for cruise ships to make rescues of migrants on the Atlantic route, but the pirogue “was a long way out and they could be in danger,” said a maritime rescue’s spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity under departmental rules.

One of the passengers on the cruise ship, Steve Dilbeck from Huntington Beach, California, said they were not told about the dead.

“They did say the boat had been at sea for 20 days,” Dilbeck told The Associated Press in a text message. “We were diverted in the evening and took us two hours to reach them. They were brought on board and placed in the Insignia Lounge, which is where they have all their shows.”

“The area has been closed off to passengers. Told they had them remove their clothes and put on jumpsuits. Then they asked passengers if they had shoes and clothes they could donate, particularly for men. Their announcement said 62 were men, with the rest women and children,” he added.

The Marshall Islands-flagged Insignia had left Mindelo, a port city in Cape Verde, on Tuesday. Its operator, Miami-based Oceania Cruises, did not immediately comment on the rescue.

The Spanish rescue agency emailed a statement saying the Insignia is expected to arrive on Friday at the port of Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

The Canary Islands is a destination for boats packed with migrants departing from northwestern Africa on a perilous Atlantic route in search of a better life in Europe.

Spain’s Interior Ministry says a record 55,618 migrants arrived by boat — most of them in the Canary Islands — last year, almost double the number of the previous year. More than 23,000 have landed so far this year, the ministry said.

The Spanish nonprofit organization Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) says more than 5,000 migrants have died so far this year through May while trying to reach Spanish coasts, most of them on the Atlantic route. The figure for all 2023 was 6,600, more than double the number for 2022.

Associated Press writer Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Follow AP’s coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration

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Cruise ship rescues 68 migrants, finds 5 bodies in wood boat adrift in Atlantic Ocean

It said an oil tanker traveling from northwestern Spain to Brazil spotted the drifting boat on Wednesday afternoon about 815 kilometers (506 miles) south of Tenerife, one of the seven islands in the Canaries archipelago read more

A cruise ship rescued 68 migrants and found five bodies in a wooden dinghy that was drifting off the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Spain’s maritime rescue agency said Thursday.

It said an oil tanker traveling from northwestern Spain to Brazil spotted the drifting boat on Wednesday afternoon about 815 kilometers (506 miles) south of Tenerife, one of the seven islands in the Canaries archipelago.

Spanish authorities diverted the Insignia, a cruise ship, to rescue the migrants. The Insignia crew also recovered three of the five bodies on the dinghy. The remains of two people were left at sea because of bad weather hampering their recovery.

It is unusual for cruise ships to make rescues of migrants on the Atlantic route, but the dinghy “was a long way out and they could be in danger,” said a maritime rescue’s spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity under departmental rules.

The Marshall Islands-flagged Insignia had left Mindelo, a port city in Cape Verde, on Tuesday. Its operator, Miami-based Oceania Cruises, did not immediately comment on the rescue.

The Spanish rescue agency emailed a statement saying the Insignia is expected to arrive on Friday at the port of Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

The Canary Islands is a destination for boats packed with migrants departing from northwestern Africa on a perilous Atlantic route in search of a better life in Europe.

Spain’s Interior Ministry says a record 55,618 migrants arrived by boat — most of them in the Canary Islands — last year, almost double the number of the previous year. More than 23,000 have landed so far this year, the ministry said.

The Spanish nonprofit organisation Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) says more than 5,000 migrants have died so far this year through May while trying to reach Spanish coasts, most of them on the Atlantic route. The figure for all 2023 was 6,600, more than double the number for 2022.

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Cruise ship rescues 68 migrants heading for Spain's Canaries, six dead

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A cruise ship rescues 68 migrants and finds 5 bodies in a boat adrift in the Atlantic Ocean

MADRID (AP) — A cruise ship rescued 68 migrants and found five bodies in a traditional fishing boat that was drifting off the Canary Islands in the Atlantic Ocean, Spain's maritime rescue agency said Thursday.

It said an oil tanker traveling from northwestern Spain to Brazil spotted the drifting boat on Wednesday afternoon about 815 kilometers (506 miles) south of Tenerife, one of the seven islands in the Canaries archipelago.

Spanish authorities diverted the Insignia, a cruise ship, to rescue the migrants. The Insignia crew also recovered three of the five bodies on the fishing boat. The remains of two people were left at sea because of bad weather hampering their recovery.

The canoe-shaped boats, known as pirogues, are used by fishermen in Mauritania and Senegal.

It is unusual for cruise ships to make rescues of migrants on the Atlantic route, but the pirogue “was a long way out and they could be in danger,” said a maritime rescue’s spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity under departmental rules.

One of the passengers on the cruise ship, Steve Dilbeck from Huntington Beach, California, said they were not told about the dead.

“They did say the boat had been at sea for 20 days," Dilbeck told The Associated Press in a text message. “We were diverted in the evening and took us two hours to reach them. They were brought on board and placed in the Insignia Lounge, which is where they have all their shows.”

“The area has been closed off to passengers. Told they had them remove their clothes and put on jumpsuits. Then they asked passengers if they had shoes and clothes they could donate, particularly for men. Their announcement said 62 were men, with the rest women and children,” he added.

The Marshall Islands-flagged Insignia had left Mindelo, a port city in Cape Verde, on Tuesday. Its operator, Miami-based Oceania Cruises, did not immediately comment on the rescue.

The Spanish rescue agency emailed a statement saying the Insignia is expected to arrive on Friday at the port of Santa Cruz, Tenerife.

The Canary Islands is a destination for boats packed with migrants departing from northwestern Africa on a perilous Atlantic route in search of a better life in Europe.

Spain's Interior Ministry says a record 55,618 migrants arrived by boat — most of them in the Canary Islands — last year, almost double the number of the previous year. More than 23,000 have landed so far this year, the ministry said.

The Spanish nonprofit organization Caminando Fronteras (Walking Borders) says more than 5,000 migrants have died so far this year through May while trying to reach Spanish coasts, most of them on the Atlantic route. The figure for all 2023 was 6,600, more than double the number for 2022.

Associated Press writer Beth Harris in Los Angeles contributed to this report.

Follow AP’s coverage of migration issues at https://apnews.com/hub/migration

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Watch CBS News

He fell ill on a cruise. Before he boarded the rescue boat, they handed him the bill.

By Bram Sable-Smith

Updated on: May 27, 2024 / 9:41 AM EDT / KFF Health News

Vincent Wasney and his fiancée, Sarah Eberlein, had never visited the ocean. They'd never even been on a plane. But when they bought their first home in Saginaw, Michigan, in 2018, their real estate agent gifted them tickets for a Royal Caribbean cruise.

After two years of delays due to the coronavirus pandemic, they set sail in December 2022.

The couple chose a cruise destined for the Bahamas in part because it included a trip to CocoCay, a private island accessible to Royal Caribbean passengers that featured a water park, balloon rides and an excursion swimming with pigs.

It was on that day on CocoCay when Wasney, 31, started feeling off, he said.

The next morning, as the couple made plans in their cabin for the last full day of the trip, Wasney made a pained noise. Eberlein saw him having a seizure in bed, with blood coming out of his mouth from biting his tongue. She opened their door to find help and happened upon another guest, who roused his wife, an emergency room physician.

Wasney was able to climb into a wheelchair brought by the ship's medical crew to take him down to the medical facility, where he was given anticonvulsants and fluids and monitored before being released.

Wasney had had seizures in the past, starting about 10 years ago, but it had been a while since his last one. Imaging back then showed no tumors, and doctors concluded he was likely epileptic, he said. He took medicine initially, but after two years without another seizure, he said, his doctors took him off the medicine to avoid liver damage.

Wasney had a second seizure on the ship a few hours later, back in his cabin. This time he stopped breathing, and Eberlein remembered his lips being so purple, they almost looked black. Again, she ran to find help but, in her haste, locked herself out. By the time the ship's medical team got into the cabin, Wasney was breathing again but had broken blood vessels along his chest and neck that he later said resembled tiger stripes.

Wasney was in the ship's medical center when he had a third seizure — a grand mal, which typically causes a loss of consciousness and violent muscle contractions. By then, the ship was close enough to port that Wasney could be evacuated by rescue boat. He was put on a stretcher to be lowered by ropes off the side of the ship, with Eberlein climbing down a rope ladder to join him.

But before they disembarked, the bill came.

The Patient: Vincent Wasney, 31, who was uninsured at the time.

Medical Services: General and enhanced observation, a blood test, anticonvulsant medicine, and a fee for services performed outside the medical facility.

Service Provider: Independence of the Seas Medical Center, the on-ship medical facility on the cruise ship operated by Royal Caribbean International .

Total Bill: $2,500.22.

What Gives: As part of Royal Caribbean's guest terms , cruise passengers "agree to pay in full" all expenses incurred on board by the end of the cruise, including those related to medical care. In addition, Royal Caribbean does not accept "land-based" health insurance plans.

Wasney said he was surprised to learn that, along with other charges like wireless internet, Royal Caribbean required he pay his medical bills before exiting the ship — even though he was being evacuated urgently.

"Are we being held hostage at this point?" Eberlein remembered asking. "Because, obviously, if he's had three seizures in 10 hours, it's an issue."

Wasney said he has little memory of being on the ship after his first seizure — seizures often leave victims groggy and disoriented for a few hours afterward.

But he certainly remembers being shown a bill, the bulk of which was the $2,500.22 in medical charges, while waiting for the rescue boat.

Still groggy, Wasney recalled saying he couldn't afford that and a cruise employee responding: "How much can you pay?"

They drained their bank accounts, including money saved for their next house payment, and maxed out Wasney's credit card but were still about $1,000 short, he said.

Ultimately, they were allowed to leave the ship. He later learned his card was overdrafted to cover the shortfall, he said. Once on land, in Florida, Wasney was taken by ambulance to the emergency room at Broward Health Medical Center in Fort Lauderdale, where he incurred thousands of dollars more in medical expenses.

He still isn't entirely sure what caused the seizures.

On the ship he was told it could have been extreme dehydration — and he said he does remember being extra thirsty on CocoCay. He also has mused whether trying escargot for the first time the night before could have played a role. Eberlein's mother is convinced the episode was connected to swimming with pigs, he said. And not to be discounted, Eberlein accidentally broke a pocket mirror three days before their trip.

Wasney, who works in a stone shop, was uninsured when they set sail. He said that one month before they embarked on their voyage, he finally felt he could afford the health plan offered through his employer and signed up, but the plan didn't start until January 2023, after their return.

They also lacked travel insurance. As inexperienced travelers, Wasney said, they thought it was for lost luggage and canceled trips, not unexpected medical expenses. And because the cruise was a gift, they were never prompted to buy coverage, which often happens when tickets are purchased.

The Resolution: Wasney said the couple returned to Saginaw with essentially no money in their bank account, several thousand dollars of medical debt, and no idea how they would cover their mortgage payment. Because he was uninsured at the time of the cruise, Wasney did not try to collect reimbursement for the cruise bill from his new health plan when his coverage began weeks later.

The couple set up payment plans to cover the medical bills for Wasney's care after leaving the ship: one each with two doctors he saw at Broward Health, who billed separately from the hospital, and one with the ambulance company. He also made payments on a bill with Broward Health itself. Those plans do not charge interest.

But Broward Health said Wasney missed two payments to the hospital, and that bill was ultimately sent to collections.

In a statement, Broward Health spokesperson Nina Levine said Wasney's bill was reduced by 73% because he was uninsured.

"We do everything in our power to provide the best care with the least financial impact, but also cannot stress enough the importance of taking advantage of private and Affordable Care Act health insurance plans, as well as travel insurance, to lower risks associated with unplanned medical issues," she said.

The couple was able to make their house payment with $2,690 they raised through a GoFundMe campaign that Wasney set up. Wasney said a lot of that help came from family as well as friends he met playing disc golf, a sport he picked up during the pandemic.

"A bunch of people came through for us," Wasney said, still moved to tears by the generosity. "But there's still the hospital bill."

The Takeaway: Billing practices differ by cruise line, but Joe Scott , chair of the cruise ship medicine section of the American College of Emergency Physicians, said medical charges are typically added to a cruise passenger's onboard account, which must be paid before leaving the ship. Individuals can then submit receipts to their insurers for possible reimbursement.

He recommended that those planning to take a cruise purchase travel insurance that specifically covers their trips. "This will facilitate reimbursement if they do incur charges and potentially cover a costly medical evacuation if needed," Scott said.

Royal Caribbean suggests that passengers who receive onboard care submit their paid bills to their health insurer for possible reimbursement. Many health plans do not cover medical services received on cruise ships, however. Medicare will sometimes cover medically necessary health care services on cruise ships, but not if the ship is more than six hours away from a U.S. port.

Travel insurance can be designed to address lots of out-of-town mishaps , like lost baggage or even transportation and lodging for a loved one to visit if a traveler is hospitalized.

Travel medical insurance, as well as plans that offer "emergency evacuation and repatriation," are two types that can specifically assist with medical emergencies. Such plans can be purchased individually. Credit cards may offer travel medical insurance among their benefits, as well.

But travel insurance plans come with limitations. For instance, they may not cover care associated with preexisting conditions or what the plans consider "risky" activities, such as rock climbing. Some plans also require that travelers file first with their primary health insurance before seeking reimbursement from travel insurance.

As with other insurance, be sure to read the fine print and understand how reimbursement works.

Wasney said that's what they plan to do before their next Royal Caribbean cruise. They'd like to go back to the Bahamas on basically the same trip, he said — there's a lot about CocoCay they didn't get to explore.

Bill of the Month is a crowdsourced investigation by KFF Health News and NPR that dissects and explains medical bills. 

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