The Best Cruise Ships In The World: The Gold List 2022
The Readers’ Choice Awards, which are selected by you, our cherished audience, the Hot List, which compiles the new and noteworthy from the previous year, and this one, which is ultimately about the places and experiences that our editors carry in their hearts are the three great lists that are published annually in Condé Nast Traveler. All of these lists have changed as a result of the events that have occurred over the past two years. This year, when we refer to CNT’s editors, we mean the entire global crew, which works in locations ranging from California to Beijing. In addition, we have expanded the parameters of the list to include not only the hotels and cruises you’ve seen in previous years, but also the locations that we hold dear. This year, our editors will be working in locations ranging from California to Beijing. The Gold List is compiled by humans for other humans, which is something that is required now more than it has ever been in the past. Here are some of our top picks for cruise ships from around the world.
Princess of the Kingdom
On board the ship operated by Princess Cruises, there is truly something for everyone to enjoy: Pajama movie night at the outdoor cinema and Lego boat-building for the little ones; a Roman-style heated detox chamber for those who went big the night before. Broadway-level talent for theatre buffs. Pajama movie night at the outdoor cinema. However, the ship really comes into its own when it comes to the excursions it offers. Take a look at the fifty different activities that are available at the port of call in Skagway, Alaska. These activities range from learning how to pan for gold to taking a walking tour of this historic Klondike town and even taking a cooking class to learn how to smoke Alaskan salmon.
ilver Muse
This all-suite ship transformed Silversea from a comfortable luxury line into a food-centric floating retreat that channels the style of a Milan hotel. There is the avant-garde art, such as the bronze hair-dryer sculpture by the stairwell on Deck 9, and there are white-tailed butlers who deliver complimentary caviar at any hour of the day. However, the most significant change brought about by the design was the departure from the mundane industry norms that occurred with the eight onboard dining options. At Spaccanapoli, the bubbling fior di latte tops the hot pizzas; at La Dame’s, the lobster bisque is loaded with chunks of fresh seafood; and at Atlantide, the world’s finest beef, including Japanese Wagyu and American prime Angus, is prepared to order. All three restaurants are located in the same building.
It’s the Queen Mary 2
Only the Cunard flagship Queen Mary 2 is capable of making the regal transatlantic journey that is on everyone’s bucket list. When sailing from Southampton to New York City over the Atlantic Ocean, the seven consecutive days at sea go by so swiftly that some believers choose to remain onboard in order to make an immediate return. Each day is jam-packed with a variety of exciting activities, such as afternoon tea, planetarium displays, captivating lectures, and fencing classes. Even passengers who have been assigned inside cabins make an effort to look presentable for the evening. Attendees are expected to wear black tie and gowns to gala nights. When you go to the Art Deco–gilded Queens Room, which is the largest and most gorgeous ballroom at sea, you will be mesmerised by the graceful couples who are sashaying across the floor as if they were one being. The accommodations at the Princess and Queens Grill, which are on a higher tier and include suites as well as dedicated cocktail bars, come with a number of enhancements. These include an increased amount of space as well as amenities, as well as posh private restaurants and a lounge, and outstanding service. This ocean liner is popular among passengers of all ages. The Carinthia Lounge is frequented by young people who enjoy listening to jazz, while the Golden Lion English pub is usually bustling with activity. Here, the fish and chips are extra-crispy, and the beer is served on tap.
Star Legend
The previous year, Windstar Cruises increased the razzle-dazzle of Star Legend by expanding the casually elegant yacht (don’t overpack), adding a larger pool, more deck space, a remodelled spa and fitness centre, and two new restaurants (Cuadro 44 by Anthony Sasso presents delightful modern tapas such as paella croquettes; barbecue guru Steven Raichlen’s Star Grill slow cooks drool-worthy Texan bris All of the suites in the hotel have been recently renovated and feature granite bathrooms. After dark, guests staying in a Star suite with queen beds located close to French balconies can anticipate breathtaking views of the night sky. However, despite having 312 passengers, it was not difficult to secure cushioned loungers, the attention of the crew, or any reservations. If you have a longing for chicken curry, make sure to let the chef know at least one day in advance; he can satisfy almost any craving by the time dinner rolls around. Star Legend is able to enter small ports in the Mediterranean and the Caribbean with ease, allowing it to dodge large ships and the throngs they attract. The watersports marina, which is filled with equipment like kayaks, paddleboards, and floating mats, and the open-air Deck 8 Star Bar are both permanent hangouts, and the boisterous deck BBQ provides a feast as well as a bash.
What is the Quantum of the Seas?
Onboard Royal Caribbean International’s Quantum of the Seas, passengers can participate in a variety of adrenaline-pumping activities on a daily basis, including as skydiving, crashing bumper cars, and solving mind-bending puzzles in an escape room. Still not impressed? Then, you can order a single-malt Scotch from a robot on Deck 5’s Bionic Bar (tap your WOWband on a tablet), binge on Bulgari bling, or simply stand in awe in North Star, an observation capsule that holds the Guinness World Record and features 360-degree views of the ocean from some 300 feet above the water. It should come as no surprise that high-energy events such as Starwater, which take place on such a dynamic ship, feature enormous RoboScreens “moving” in tune with the music while acrobats and other live artists perform. Silk, a restaurant with an Asian-inspired menu, is one of the many primary eateries; to have Vietnamese tacos or ramen, ask for a booth on the side of the restaurant. The surreal atmosphere of Deck 5’s specialty restaurant Wonderland, which is designed to look like a dreamscape, serves dishes like gazpacho with bread foam and liquid lobster to conjure up Alice’s psychedelic adventures. Every onboard moment is filled with joy, regardless of whether you’re sailing in the South Pacific or Alaska.
Marina
The Oceania Cruises’ Marina continues to improve its offerings. The new menus, which draw inspiration from throughout the world, feature more than 250 different plant-based dishes. Learning how to cook through hands-on training means becoming an expert not just in the melting-pot food of the United Kingdom but also in the cuisine of Argentina. The artisanal ice cream at Humphry Slocombe is made fresh every day; be sure to try the outrageous raw blackberry honey from the Pacific Northwest served with graham crackers made in-house. An acupuncturist and a restorative Himalayan massage using salt stones bathed in personally selected aromatics are both waiting for you at the Aquamar Spa + Vitality Center, where you can also balance out your indulgence. In addition, the facility provides health discovery trips. For example, who wouldn’t like to practise yoga, pranayama breathing, and meditation in a boutique Chilean winery? When you get back onboard, you may take pleasure in the updated decor, which includes newly upholstered headboards and walnut panelling in guestrooms. Additionally, on Deck 14, there are new baristas that are resplendent in black-and-white marble. Whether you order the tequila neat or the cappuccino with the most foam from the stylish Victoria Arduino espresso machine, you can take in the expansive views of the ocean. Marina travels the world, visiting places as diverse as South America and the Mediterranean Sea, as well as the breathtaking fjords of Norway.
Known as Celebrity Edge.
The Magic Carpet is the first cantilevered venue space at sea, and it floats over the water and moves between decks to become a sky-high alfresco bar on Deck 14. Additionally, the ship’s captain, Kate McCue, is the only American woman who has ever helmed a major cruise ship. This ship, which is only three years old, is a pioneer in many ways, including its name, which implies that it is a trailblazer. On top of that, there are six two-story Edge Villas, each of which has a private plunge pool and outdoor lounge. Additionally, there are enormous hot tubs in the shape of martini glasses, an outdoor art gallery on the pool deck, a jogging path that winds around a sprawling rooftop garden, and a jogging path that winds around a sprawling rooftop garden.
The Viking Star, the company’s first ocean liner, has won the hearts of cruisers by blazing a trail in the direction of Scandinavian-style near-luxury and being packed to the gills with all-inclusive amenities. These amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi, an excursion in each port, mealtime beer and wine, and specialty restaurant dining (Manfredi’s Italian dishes are delicious). The bathrooms in the staterooms consistently garner high marks; the heated floor, spacious shower, and anti-fog mirror are all features that are difficult to find at this price point, let alone any other. There are a lot of public places that have luxury-oriented amenities, such as the cosy animal throws in the two-story Explorers’ Lounge, the deft violinists playing classical music in the Living Room every night, and the retractable roof over the heated pool, which is idyllic on a rainy day in Iceland. There are a lot of public places that have luxury-minded amenities. Above all else, cruisers are blown away by the spa at the Nordic health paradise. There is no additional fee required to enter the Thermal Suite, which features a cold plunge pool, dry sauna, snow grotto, thalassotherapy pool, and steam room. After giving yourself a refreshing dunk in the ice water bucket, make your way to a heated tile lounger to experience the exhilarating sensation of feeling both energised and relaxed at the same time.
Encore
Encore was the first ship in the Seabourn fleet to feature Adam D. Tihany’s bespoke interior design appointments. Despite this, the ship managed to strike a balance between the laid-back sophistication of a yacht and the opulence of a country club. There is a lot to admire, such as the buttery leather chairs, the marble-drenched baths, the curvaceous lines, and the gleaming brass. Well-being can be taken to new heights by receiving instruction from a mindful living coach who is also a certified yoga and meditation practitioner. Feeling content isn’t difficult to achieve when one is socialising in Seabourn Square or lazing around in a plush suite. Those who are in the know about cruising frequent Deck 7’s one whirlpool all the way forward. Soaking in the whirlpool alone, almost completely encircled by water, induces deep exhales. Recharge your batteries in the luxurious 15-cabana Retreat located on the ship’s top deck. Its concierge makes paradise uniquely yours; enjoy a glass of vintage Cabernet stored in your refrigerator, watch a football game on the television, or place an order for a bespoke cocktail—perhaps an avocado daiquiri—from a mixologist. Treat yourself to some Evian-mist sprays and a deep tissue massage in the spa cabana. You won’t regret it. Take a deeper dive into happiness in the whirlpool located in the Retreat.
Seven Seas Explorer
In 2016, Regent Seven Seas Cruises introduced its newest and largest ship, which was also the line’s first brand-new vessel in the past decade. The smallest suites on board measure 307 square feet and feature spacious balconies from which passengers can observe the ship’s arrival in cities like Istanbul and Venice. And then there’s the 2,500-piece art collection that cost $7 million, which allows passengers to stand with a martini in hand just inches from Picasso’s Le Taureau Noir; Sunday brunch at Compass Rose is for scoring no-one’s-counting caviar-topped blini. In the year 2024, the ship will cruise from Miami to the Mediterranean Sea with stops at Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock, which dates back to the seventh century and is a highlight of Israel regardless of how you go there.
