Picture yourself surrounded by the shimmering ocean, with the gentle sway of the ship lulling you into a state of bliss. From the moment you board, possibilities are boundless: exploring vibrant ports, indulging in exquisite dining, and experiencing the endless attractions onboard the ship. Whether you’re seeking thrilling excursions or peaceful moments on deck, cruises offer the perfect escape. Here are the top three, as rated by Condé Nast Traveler:
CELEBRITY ASCENT
Celebrity is a premium cruise brand focused on dining, cutting-edge amenities, Instagram-worthy public spaces with custom-made art pieces, and onboard entertainment. Celebrity Ascent’s extravagantly designed interiors offer natural light and evoke playful sophistication, making it a seven-day getaway worth cherishing.
There are 32 distinct food and beverage experiences on board, including exclusive dining for Retreat and AquaClass guests, such as Blu, which offers clean cuisine options that are focused on a healthier lifestyle.
Ascent offers world-class entertainment, with two hand-picked, top-class casts of artists and musicians onboard to delight audiences in various venues. There’s a rooftop garden, a floating platform 13 stories above sea level called The Magic Carpet, an adults-only solarium, a casino and plenty of shopping.
Destinations include Spain, France and Italy and the Western and Southern Caribbean. Prices start at $710 per person for a seven-night sailing. Learn more at celebritycruises.com.
EMERALD SAKARA
Two ocean vessels – Sakara and Azzurra – joined Emerald’s fleet of nine river-dedicated “Star-Ships.” A 100-guest superyacht, Sakara offers attentive service, gourmet cuisine, tasteful decor and an eclectic slate of activities.
Wellness is at the heart of the cruise, with a number of activities – like morning yoga – and coaches on hand to ensure you make the most of your trip.On shore, guests can participate in a number of EmeraldACTIVE excursions, from guided hikes to canoeing trips and cycling tours.
Destinations include The Mediterranean and Adriatic, island hopping around the Caribbean, the Seychelles archipelago and African coast, or the Red Sea.
Sakara is homeported in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean through March 2026. The cruise line’s river operations are based in Europe and Southeast Asia. Emerald has just announced a third ship, the Kaia, slated to debut in April 2026 and is now open for bookings. Prices start at $3,850. Learn more at emeraldcruises.com.
EXPLORA I
Launched in August 2023, the all-inclusive ship boasts a sleek navy blue exterior and 461 suites, all with deep balconies, walk-in closets and marble bathrooms. There is free-flowing champagne and 18 dining and beverage venues, including Emporium Marketplace, with a decadent raw bar and Pan-Asian restaurant Sakura. Marble & Co. Grill is an intimate steakhouse where aging meats hang in temperature-controlled cabinets. At Anthology, the ship’s only supplementary restaurant, guest chefs – such as Claude Le Tohic of San Francisco’s O’ by Claude Le Tohic – curate awe-inspiring tasting menus.
Guests will find a full-service spa boasting a steam room, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, salt cave and outdoor relaxation area, a gym, a beauty studio with hair and nail treatments covered, and a shopping area encompassing a plethora of luxury brands.
Explora I offers adults-only and family-friendly excursions to the Mediterranean, western Europe, the Caribbean, and Central America. Pricing starts at $698 per person, per night. Learn more at explorajourneys.com.
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