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Forbes Travel Guide Star
For the first time, the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards have included cruise ships and their onboard restaurants in their prestigious ratings. This year, 9 ships from nine different cruise lines received recognition, highlighting the growing standards of luxury and service at sea.
Celebrity Cruises: Leading the Fleet
Celebrity Cruises, a brand under the Royal Caribbean Group, stood out with four ships earning recognition. The Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Millennium received four-star ratings, emphasizing their world-class service and premium amenities. The Celebrity Ascent, launched in 2023, offers modern luxury, while the Celebrity Millennium continues to impress with its refined elegance after a recent refurbishment. Additionally, the Celebrity Apex and Celebrity Flora were given “Recommended” status, further proving Celebrity Cruises’ commitment to high-quality experiences.
Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection: A New Standard of Luxury
The Evrima, the first yacht from the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, received a Four-Star rating. This award reflects the brand’s ability to bring its renowned hotel luxury to the seas, offering a small-ship, intimate yachting experience with high-end service and accommodations.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises: Unparalleled Elegance
The Seven Seas Splendor from Regent Seven Seas Cruises also achieved a Four-Star rating. Known for its all-inclusive luxury, this vessel offers lavish accommodations, fine dining, and an unmatched level of personalized service that appeals to high-end travelers.
Oceania Cruises: Boutique Luxury
Oceania Cruises’ Insignia earned a “Recommended” rating. This ship is appreciated for its refined atmosphere, gourmet culinary experiences, and carefully curated itineraries. It attracts travelers looking for a boutique-style cruise with exceptional service and elegant surroundings.
Image Credit: New York Post
Cruise line honored alongside top hotels
Viking Ocean Cruises: Scandinavian Excellence
Two ships from Viking Ocean Cruises, the Neptune and Sky, received “Recommended” status. Viking is known for its minimalist Scandinavian design, immersive cultural experiences, and inclusive pricing model, which provides guests with an enriching and comfortable voyage.
Seabourn: Ultra-Luxury Cruising
The Seabourn Ovation secured a Four-Star rating, marking its place among the top ultra-luxury cruise ships. With spacious all-suite accommodations, gourmet cuisine, and personalized service, the Seabourn Ovation delivers an indulgent and sophisticated cruising experience.
SeaDream Yacht Club: Intimate Yachting Experience
The SeaDream II earned a “Recommended” rating for its exclusive and intimate cruising style. With a limited number of guests onboard, SeaDream II offers personalized service, top-tier dining, and unique itineraries that include lesser-visited destinations.
Silversea Cruises: All-Inclusive Luxury
Silversea Cruises had two ships earning Four-Star ratings: the Silver Origin and the Silver Shadow. The Silver Origin, designed specifically for the Galápagos Islands, offers a unique luxury expedition experience. Meanwhile, the Silver Shadow delivers an all-inclusive luxury journey with spacious suites, fine dining, and world-class service.
Windstar Cruises: Sailing Excellence
The Star Pride from Windstar Cruises received a “Recommended” rating. With its small-ship design, the Star Pride offers an exclusive yacht-like experience, allowing passengers to explore smaller ports and enjoy a more personalized journey.
The Future of Luxury Cruising
Forbes Travel Guide’s recognition of cruise ships reflects the evolution of the industry, where top-tier hospitality standards are no longer limited to land-based hotels. As cruise lines continue to enhance their offerings, guests can expect even more luxurious experiences at sea, with world-class dining, personalized service, and high-end accommodations becoming the norm.
Conclusion
The inclusion of cruise ships in the Forbes Travel Guide Star Awards marks a new era in luxury travel. With 9 ships across various cruise lines receiving prestigious recognition, it is clear that the industry is setting new benchmarks in hospitality. Whether travelers seek ultra-luxury, boutique-style cruises, or intimate yachting experiences, these awarded ships represent the pinnacle of excellence in modern cruising.