The Luxury Editorial
With the appetite for luxury cruising showing no signs of waning, 2024 and beyond are poised to welcome even more exceptional ships to the ocean waves. This is your chance to discover a brand-new sanctuary at sea where luxury knows no bounds, and every deck emanates exclusivity and sophistication.
From incredible onboard dining to spaces you never thought would be possible at sea, welcome aboard the future of luxury cruise travel.
Allura
Oceania Cruises
Sister ship to Vista, Allura is the eighth ship from Oceania Cruises, and is set to launch in 2025. She promises a blend of exquisitely crafted cuisine with curated travel experiences, alongside all the luxury you would expect from a small ship.
Allura already looks set to deliver The Finest Cuisine at Sea, showcasing unparalleled creativity and dining venues that will defy even the loftiest expectations. Highlights include Ember, a new restaurant concept for Oceania Cruises, and Aquamar Kitchen, which features wellness-inspired dishes. Iconic dining venues like The Grand Dining Room and Polo Grill are elevated to new heights, providing even more unforgettable dining.
But that’s not all. Oceania Allura takes mixology to new heights with expansive cocktail experiences that showcase the latest trends in mixology. These include flavoured mist cocktails, sugar-free wine options, zero-proof cocktails, and traditional options aged in wooden barrels.
Allura’s all-veranda accommodations ensure every stateroom and suite epitomises luxury. Lavish bathrooms, ample storage, and expansive living spaces are standard, with Penthouse, Oceania, Vista, and Owner’s Suites offering the elegance of seaside villas.
Silver Ray
Silversea
Silversea’s second Nova Class ship, Silver Ray, promises guests a voyage that transcends the ordinary, where every detail is tailored to ensure an unforgettable experience. Each suite on board is a true sanctuary; marvel at amazing 270-degree panoramas in the Otium Suite, while the Master Suite is a new category exclusive to Silver Ray that epitomises supreme comfort. The Signature and Owner’s Suites envelop guests in sumptuous sophistication, as the array of Veranda Suites blends exquisite decor with unrivalled serenity.
Culinary journeys on Silver Ray are certainly spectacular, with venues like the intimate S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table and Atlantide. La Terrazza and La Dame celebrate the heritage of Italian and French cuisine with modern flair, while Kaiseki artfully fuses Japanese aesthetics and tradition.
Silver Ray also prides itself on serving up an array of bars and lounges, where each venue has been carefully created to provide a backdrop of relaxation and refined pleasure. The Dusk Bar and Arts Café offer expertly crafted beverages, while The S.A.L.T. Bar and Dolce Vita stand as the epitome of cocktail artistry.
The Venetian Lounge’s performances, the tranquil retreat of the Otium Spa, and the thrilling excitement of the Casino are just a further glimpse of what awaits. The Connoisseur’s Corner and Panorama Lounge offer secluded oases for those seeking a quiet moment to relax, reflect on the day’s adventures or plan explorations for the following day.
Emerald Kaia
Emerald Cruises
Emerald Kaia is set to grace the high seas in early 2026, when she will chart a course through the world’s most enchanting waters, including the crystalline depths of the Mediterranean, Aegean, and Adriatic Seas, as well as the paradise islands of the Seychelles.
Aboard the Emerald Kaia, guests can expect generously appointed spaces. Among them is The Observation Sun Deck, poised at the yacht’s bow, which is a sanctuary adorned with sunbeds, elegant loungers, and a soothing Spa Pool. The Sky Deck has been reimagined to feature chic cabanas and a lounge that blurs the lines between the indoor and outdoor experience, affording our guests unrivalled panoramas and a haven for alfresco relaxation. The introduction of a Marina Deck blends luxury with adventure, offering direct access to the ocean.
Culinary exploration aboard the Emerald Kaia ascends to new heights with the Night Market Grill. This is an intimate venue that offers only eight guests an exclusive immersion into the vibrant flavours and aromas of Asia, promising an intimate and unforgettable dining experience.
At the heart of Emerald Kaia‘s gastronomic journey is La Cucina Dining & Terrace. Here, gourmet cuisine is served throughout the day, with an open kitchen setting allowing guests an intimate glimpse of the onboard chefs as they meticulously craft each culinary masterpiece.
Explora II
Explora Journeys
Set to launch later in summer 2024, EXPLORA II is the second luxury ship from Explora Journeys. It offers an ultra-luxurious cruising experience with modern sophistication and a commitment to sustainability.
Each turn within EXPLORA II reveals sophisticated design and opulence, with 461 ocean-front suites, penthouses, and residences serving as your private haven. Gentle morning light cascades through floor-to-ceiling windows, awakening you to another day in paradise, each suite boasting a dedicated sun terrace, offering an uninterrupted vista of the sea’s infinite horizon.
Culinary journeys aboard EXPLORA II are nothing short of a gourmet odyssey, with no fewer than nine distinct dining experiences designed to tantalise the most discerning of palates. As with sister ship EXPLORA I, highlights include effortless all-day dining in Emporium Marketplace, and some of the most sumptuous steaks on the high seas at Marble & Co. Grill. Sakura is the place to be for the finest Pan-Asian cuisine, while Med Yacht Club reflects the flavours and ambience of the Mediterranean.
EXPLORA II also lends itself to sheer relaxation, in guests’ quest to seek the Ocean State of Mind. Complete with a suite of pools, including three outdoor oases and one indoor sanctuary, it provides a tranquil retreat for those seeking to immerse themselves in relaxation or perhaps enjoy a few invigorating laps.
Celebrity Xcel
Celebrity Cruises
Celebrity Xcel is a new luxury cruise ship set to make its debut in the Caribbean in November 2025. Promising an unparalleled experience, this ship is part of Celebrity Cruises‘ revolutionary Edge Series and will feature a blend of favourite elements from her fleetmates, alongside entirely new experiences and innovations.
This incredible ship boasts a variety of dining establishments, from world-class restaurants providing a spectrum of global flavours to speciality dining venues that cater to discerning tastes. The entertainment onboard is second to none, featuring advanced theatres that play host to mesmerising performances and top-quality music acts.
For relaxation and socialising, the ship includes several bars and lounges, each providing a perfect setting to unwind. One of the ship’s innovative highlights is the Magic Carpet, an adjustable deck that offers panoramic views of your surroundings, all from an area that extends beyond the sides of the ship.
In terms of accommodation, Celebrity Xcel offers luxurious suites and staterooms designed for ultimate comfort and relaxation. Guests can also indulge in the tranquil spa, stay active with cutting-edge fitness facilities, and enjoy leisurely days by the array of pools and hot tubs.
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