From The Straits Times    |

“I travel not to go anywhere, but to go.” – Robert Louis Stevenson

“I love to travel, but hate to arrive.” – Albert Einstein

“To travel is to live.” – Hans Christian Andersen

“It’s the journey and not the destination that matters.” – Everyone you know (at times this may have been you as well).

It’s clear that what great men and women have always known is that travel makes your life worth living. And if it is the journey that is important, then why not take a cruise? What better way to enjoy the stillness of the sea and ponder the meaning of life than on board a cruise liner that has it all – from personal butlers to gourmet meals.

See also: 7 WAYS TO MAKE YOUR HONEYMOON EXTRA SPECIAL

 

But before we get to our list of cruises to not miss, keep in mind that a luxury cruise comes with a luxury price tag, so don’t forget to get travel insurance that provides cruise protection.

Now back to our list!

If a palace on the seas is what floats your boat, then you should try these 5 luxury cruises from around the world:

 

1. Crystal Cruises – for the gourmand

Sure the cruise liner has all the standard fittings of a luxury ship – the fancy cabins, magicians flown in from Las Vegas who appear (and disappear) each evening to enthrall you, and entertainment around the clock.

 

Source: Crystal Cruises website

But here’s what sets Crystal Cruises apart from other liners – they have their very own cheese sommelier (who is certified by Academie MonS) to help you select a cheese that pairs well with your wine (including wines that are quite impossible to purchase such as the 1959 Chateau Lafite-Rothschild) and your food.

Speaking of food, the liner’s state of the art restaurants’ (Silk Road and The Sushi Bar) menus have been specially created by celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

Oh, and did we mention that you are welcomed on board with a bottle of Cristal? Talk about being true to one’s name!

Next scheduled departure from Singapore: April 26, 2019

 

2. Celebrity Edge – indulge in a magic carpet ride

If you read the heading and thought, “Is this a cruise only for kids?” or “Will I see Aladdin?”, the answer is no.

But on the Celebrity Edge, you will get the opportunity to see the sea from a platform that is fixed to only one side of the ship. Standing on the deck will make you feel like you are floating on air (or so we are told).

You don’t have to just stand on this deck since it also doubles as a one-of-a-kind restaurant, with a pool at the centre. Oh, and this pool is the largest pool among Celebrity’s fleet!

Source: Celebrity Cruises website

Next scheduled departure: This is a new ship that debuts in December 2018 and doesn’t have a route that leaves from Singapore. Yet. But seeing that they do have other cruise liners that depart from Singapore, it shouldn’t’t be long before the Celebrity Edge sets sail from the Lion City as well!

 

3. Silver Whisper – for those who want to stand out from the crowd

The charm of a quaint boutique with the amenities of a state of the art resort – this perfectly describes Silversea’s ship Silver Whisper.

Unlike most other cruises, this liner takes in a maximum of 382 guests. And with a crew capacity of 302 people, you know for a fact that you will receive unparalleled service.

What’s more, on board the Silver Whisper, you can also take a 115-day cruise around the world, starting at Fort Lauderdale, Florida and ending in the city of Gondolas, Venice.

If you can’t spare 115 days, then you could consider a shorter cruise. But rest assured, you will feel on top of the world once you step on board!

See also: WE PICK THE MOST ROMANTIC HONEYMOON RESORTS FOR 2018!

 

Source: Silversea website

4. Seven Seas Explorer – for those looking for a touch of royalty while they cruise

You know a ship has received the royal stamp of luxury when it is christened by Princess Charlene of Monaco. This luxury liner boasts of great accommodation from luxurious rooms to opulent suites, restaurants with specially curated menus, and activities to keep you occupied every minute of the day!

You can indulge in a conversation with friends while enjoying a Cuban at the Connoisseur Club or see what’s in store for you at the gaming tables of the ship’s Monte Carlo style casino. Add to this live music at all times, a spa to relax (further), private cooking classes, and you have the perfect ingredients to live life king size or queen size as the case may be!

Oh! And before we forget, on board the Seven Seas Explorer you can also take a dip in the infinity pool. What better way to feel at sea than almost being in the sea, right?

 

Source: Regent Seven Seas Cruises website

Next scheduled departure: There currently isn’t a route available from Singapore, but there are routes available to Singapore. You could consider the Dubai to Singapore 22-night cruise that is scheduled to depart on 28 November 2020.

 

5. SeaDream II – for those who value the luxury of privacy

We should start by saying that the SeaDream II isn’t a cruise liner. It’s a yacht. And a beautiful one at that.

It’s perfect if you value your privacy above all else and are looking for like-minded people. With just 56 cabins, the entire journey makes you feel like you are setting sail with friends and not strangers!

The deck of this yacht has a teak finish with a number of sunbeds, and get this – glass-bottomed kayaks! But this isn’t even the best part. You see, guests on board the SeaDream II are welcomed with personalised monogrammed pyjamas laid out in their rooms, the finest sheets, and Bvlgari bath products!

See also: HONG KONG STARS RUCO CHAN & PHOEBE SIN MARRY WITH A YACHT SOLEMNISATION AND WEDDING BANQUET!

 

Source: SeaDream website

You can also spend the night under the stars with some freshly made popcorn and enjoy a movie or two while gently cruising the sea.

Next scheduled departure: Unfortunately, the SeaDream II does not depart from Singapore or arrive in Singapore. But we think that if you are in the mood for a luxury cruise such as this, you can whip out your travel credit card and book flight tickets to the island of St Martin and set sail for 7 days. This voyage from Marigot to Bridgetown leaves port on 5 January 2019.

Source: SeaDream website

Whichever cruise liner you do end up deciding to travel on you can be sure to receive personalised service, exotic food, stately rooms, and crew who know you by your name (even though you just set foot on board!).

So, if you are looking to do something different for your next vacation, why not give one of these luxury cruises a try? After all, if travel is food for your soul, why not indulge in the best?

 This article was originally published on Bankbazaar.sg