Cruising is a dream experience for many travellers, and passenger ships are known to be quite lavish. But, as Orwell wrote so famously, ‘some … are more equal than others’.
1. Le Commandant Charcot
Named after French Antarctic explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot, Le Commandant Charcot charters the poles in a much more refined manner. Featuring a hybrid-electric engine powered by liquified natural gas, this vessel is a leader in sustainable polar expedition vessels.
It offers polar activities such as ice-fishing and exploring by hovercraft. Charcot comes equipped with 123 suites with a private balcony or terrace each, aiming to reinforce the sense of sailing on a private yacht.
Passenger capacity: 245
Country of origin: France
Known for: Being the world’s first electric hybrid polar ice breaker ship
2. Silver Origin
With the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galápagos, the Silver Origin is also the most environmentally conscious ship Silversea has ever built.
Designed to have the lowest possible carbon footprint, the vessel also incorporates a state of the art dynamic positioning system in order to protect the delicate seabed and all suites feature a fresh-water purification system to reduce plastic bottle usage.
Passenger capacity: 100
Country of origin: Netherlands
Known for: The only ship in the entire Galápagos region to offer butler service in every suite
3. Oceania Riviera
The impressive Oceania Riviera has 10 restaurants and 140 chefs on board – a ratio of one chef for every eight passengers. This ship is known as the top cruise for foodies.
Passenger capacity: 1250
Country of origin: Italy
Known for: Exceptional fine dining
4. Viking Star
With its sophisticated Scandinavian interior, the Viking Star has a minimum age to sail of 18 and caters to a more senior crowd. The suites feature king-sized beds, floor heaters, and floor-to-ceiling sliding doors on the balconies. One of the main attractions is the Nordic-style spa, featuring a snow grotto and sauna. The outdoor infinity pool, games room and library offer entertainment options.
Passenger capacity: 930
Country of origin: Switzerland
Known for: Being the river cruise company’s first oceangoing vessel
5. Regent Seven Seas Splendor
This ship offers all-included packages, meaning all meals, drinks, activities, entertainment and even flights to and from the ship are included in your ticket price. There are six restaurants to choose from onboard the Seven Seas Splendor. All suites have private balconies facing the ocean, and other creature comforts like marble bathrooms, walk-in closets and king-sized beds.
Passenger capacity: 732
Country of origin: United States. Regent is owned by Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd.
Known for: Opulent decor
Picture: Regent Seven Seas – Roderick Eime/Flickr Commons
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