Best for
Which ships change the mind of someone who thinks they would hate cruising: relaxed modern ships, yachts and one all-inclusive line, and the itinerary we suggest for a first week at sea.
The best first luxury cruise is short, close to home and on a ship that does not feel like the stereotype. A week in the Mediterranean on a relaxed modern ship or a yacht is the usual answer; Regent for those who want one simple price. We say which fits which temperament.
| Criterion | Explora Journeys | The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Regent Seven Seas Cruises | Silversea |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Explora Journeys | Feels like a modern hotel. Relaxed, spacious, no dress code. Families and couples. | |||
| Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection | Feels like a yacht. Small, residential, marina at the stern. Couples and small families. | |||
| Regent Seven Seas | One all-inclusive price, excursions included. Those who want simplicity and a smarter evening. | |||
| Silversea | Butler, small ship, ambitious ports. Couples who want to be looked after. |
Stars are Blackbury's editorial opinion, not independent ratings or customer reviews.
Keep it to seven nights, choose a port-intensive itinerary so there is a town every morning, take a midship veranda suite, and fly in a day early. If none of it appeals after a conversation with us, we will say so.
Tell us who's travelling and what matters most. We'll say which of these we'd book for you, and why.
The lines
Modern, relaxed, generous with space, and genuinely happy to see children.
Hotel-style luxury on yachts of roughly 300 to 450 guests, with a surprisingly warm welcome for children.
The most inclusive fare at sea, on all-suite ships that take elegance seriously.
Butler-served suites, serious destinations, and one of the strongest expedition fleets afloat.
Keep reading
Explora and Silversea are both luxury, both largely inclusive, and suit quite different parties. We compare ship size, formality, children, food, destinations and price, then say which we would choose for whom.
Regent and Seabourn both sell small-ship luxury with most things included. Regent includes more and is a little grander; Seabourn is smaller, warmer and more sociable. We say which we would choose for which couple.
Both are relaxed, modern and welcome children — one is a ship of around 900 guests and the other a yacht of 300 to 450. We compare space, price, children's programmes and where each goes.
Tell us who's travelling, where you'd like to go and what matters most. We'll recommend the ships we'd actually consider.