According to an article published in Forbes, cruise ships are often compared to floating hotels, whisking guests off to far-flung destinations with a style and panache.
Great places to stay
The TIME compiled its second annual list of 100 Great Places to Visit, seven ships were included in the 2019 category of great Places to Stay.
In compiling the list, TIME solicited nominations from its international cadre of correspondents as well as from industry experts. The goal: To identify travel experiences that excel in terms of their quality, originality, sustainability, innovation, and influence.
The greatest places to stay on ships
Ranging from mass market to boutique, very large to very small, river ships to cruise ships to hard-to-categorize, these are the ones that made the list:
Celebrity Edge
Magic Carpet on the Celebrity Edge CELEBRITY CRUISES
The 2918-passenger Celebrity Edge, built by Celebrity Cruises at a cost estimated at $1 billion, made its maiden voyage in December 2018. A design first, this high-tech ship offers a revolutionary, cantilevered multi-use “Magic Carpet” that reaches heights of 13 stories above sea level on the starboard side of the ship. The platform that expands space is also used to facilitate embarkation and disembarkation on Edge Launches℠ (tenders featuring bucket seats and air-conditioning).
Norwegian Joy
Speedway on Norwegian Joy NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINES/RICK DIAZ PHOTOGRAPHY
Renovated in 2019 at a cost of $50 million, the 3,883-passenger Norwegian Joy, a sister ship of the Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Escape, is cited for its ability to keep guests perpetually entertained. The ship features a two-level racetrack, mini-golf, laser tag, aqua parks, and the Galaxy Pavilion, offering an immersive, virtual reality experience. Among many other itineraries, the ship cruises to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera, and the Panama Canal.
Guntu
GUNTU
In a class of its own, Guntu is a small, 266-foot, 19-room floating hotel in the Seto Inland Sea of Japan. With rates starting at $3510 per person for two nights, expect shibui (simple luxury). The vessel has its own sushi bar, spa, and sauna, and offers ten different itineraries with a range of immersive activities including fishing excursions and temple visits.
AmaMagna
Spinning on AmaMagna AMAWATERWAYS
Sailing on the Danube, AmaWaterways’ AmaMagna has been viewed as a game-changer for its visionary design—which is twice as wide as other river cruise ships. Christened in July 2019, the 72-feet wide, 196-passenger luxury ship boasts four dining venues and staterooms and suites whose larger size is reminiscent of the ones on ocean-going vessels. A new emphasis on sports and wellness incudes a wellness host, indoor/outdoor exercise area, juice bar, massage rooms, a large heated pool and whirlpool, and a concierge golf program.
Ecoventura Theory
Sundeck on Ecoventura Theory ECOVENTURA
Ecoventura Theory is a 20-passenger, luxury expedition yacht owned and operated by Ecoventura, a family-owned and operated company based in Ecuador. Seven-night and two-week itineraries allow guests to slowly explore the Galapagos Islands, along with experienced adventure guides, with an emphasis on environmentally sustainable cruising. The ship is the only one in the Galapagos to secure a Relais & Chateaux affiliation: The culinary program emphasizes fresh, local ingredients from sustainable providers, along with an open bar.
American Song
AmericanSong on the Mississippi with its unique gangway AMERICAN CRUISE LINES
On its October 2018 inaugural cruise on the Mississippi, the five-deck-high, 190-passenger American Song joined the growing number of riverboats sailing rivers and inland waterways in the U.S. It’s called a “modern riverboat” because its contemporary design sets it apart from that of European river ships, and its staterooms that are more spacious than those on most other U.S. steamboats and paddle wheelers. Operated by American Cruise Lines and now cruising on the Columbia and Snake Rivers, the ship sports a multi-story glass atrium in the center of the ship.
Seabourn Ovation
The Restaurant Entrance on Seabourn Ovation SEABOURN CRUISE LINE/ERIC LAIGNEL
Seabourn Cruise Line is known for its luxury vessels and all-suite accommodations. The company’s fifth ship, the 604-passenger MV Seabourn Ovation (christened in May 2018) raises the bar for luxury even higher. Having a concierge of its own and circling the whirlpool, the Retreat features 15 private, living-room-like cabanas with flat-screen TVs and a personalized, fully-stocked refrigerator. The ship’s small size allows it to stop at exotic ports not reached by larger vessels. Shore excursions include opportunities to kayak and sail.
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Source: Forbes
