Turns out, cruises aren’t just for retirees or loved-up honeymooners—modern sailings are a one-stop ticket to living your best life. From all-night raves to Michelin-level dining, today’s ships are smashing old-school stereotypes and delivering epic experiences.
Think partying under the stars, bonding with new friends, chasing wild adventures and savouring next-level foodie experiences. Still unsure? Let us show you the ropes.
The nightlife is cool over cringe
Forget cringe comedy shows and lacklustre karaoke nights. Cruise lines like Virgin Voyages are rewriting the script, offering sophisticated onboard nightclubs and all-ship parties that rival the hottest events. DJs spin well into the early hours, and themed parties bring festival vibes to the open seas.
Cruises are more solo-friendly than ever
Think a cruise is just for couples or families? Think again. Lines like Norwegian Cruise Line are creating the ultimate solo-friendly experience, offering stylish single cabins with no extra charges for travelling alone. Plus, social meetups and events designed to connect solo travellers mean you'll leave with more friends than you came with (if that’s your jam).
Image Credit: Luxury Escapes
Onboard dining rivals the best foodie capitals
Move over, buffet dining. Modern cruises are foodie havens, offering dining experiences to rival London, New York or Tokyo.
Take Celebrity Cruises’ Eden Restaurant—serving dishes like black garlic-glazed lamb ribs with a side of avant-garde performances—or Norwegian Cruise Line’s Teppanyaki, where chefs dazzle with knife tricks as they grill steak and seafood right in front of you.
For street food vibes, Virgin Voyages’ The Galley serves everything from sushi and ramen to diner-style burgers, while Royal Caribbean’s Wonderland turns dinner into theatre with whimsical creations like liquid lobster and caramelised scallops. Even pizza gets a gourmet upgrade on Princess Cruises, where the hand-tossed Neapolitan pies at Alfredo’s Pizzeria are hailed as the best at sea.
New cruise ships push the boundaries
The latest ships are redefining what’s possible at sea. Virgin Voyages leads the charge with an onboard tattoo parlour (Squid Ink); meanwhile, Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas boasts the largest waterpark at sea, with record-breaking slides like Frightening Bolt, alongside the futuristic AquaDome with waterfall shows and ocean views. For thrill-seekers, Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Prima features The Prima Speedway, a three-level go-kart track overlooking the waves.
New-age design puts the rad in traditional
Forget drab cabins: modern cruise ships are designed to make your Instagram pop, with chic interiors, mood lighting and tech-savvy touches that feel straight out of a luxury hotel. Celebrity Cruises leads the way with its ‘infinite verandas’, where entire walls slide open to transform your room into a sleek indoor-outdoor space. It’s not just the rooms. Virgin Voyages’ balcony hammocks offer a prime spot for golden hour selfies, while glass-bottomed infinity pools on Norwegian Cruise Line create a surreal backdrop for your holiday photo reel. From panoramic ocean views to sleek, minimalist interiors, these ships are proof that cruises have never looked cooler.
Image Credit: Luxury Escapes
It’s a cost-effective way to discover multiple destinations in one trip
Why limit yourself to a single destination when you can wake up somewhere new every day? A cruise combines the convenience of an all-inclusive getaway with the excitement of a multi-city escape. Whether you're sailing through the Greek Islands or exploring the Caribbean, you’ll cover more ground (or rather, water) without breaking the bank.
There are adults-only sailings with not a child in sight
Want to avoid the chaos of kids on holiday? Some cruise lines, like Virgin Voyages, offer adults-only sailings. Picture serene pool decks, refined dining spaces and sophisticated entertainment, all free from splashing children and family distractions. It’s the ultimate grown-up getaway.
Experience the world’s best holiday destinations with Luxury Escapes. Enjoy more inclusions, more value and more expertise with hotels, packages, tours, cruises, flights and car hire. Book now online or via the app.
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