Six Star Cruising

Home > Six Star Cruising

Six Star Cruising

Luxury travel has long had an appeal for many, thanks to the promises it purports. Sumptuous décor, fine dining, premium wines and good service are all par for the course. But the interpretation of ‘luxury’ differs amongst us all and it is for that reason terms such as ‘elite’ and ‘six star’ exist. For the holidays that can be called truly six star are in a different league to the rest. This is luxury which is simply unparalleled. It isn’t just that everything is included within the price you pay, and we mean everything, but it’s the standard of what is included.

Champagnes, caviar, immersive excursions, butler service – these are just a few of the extras you can expect when six star cruising that won’t cost you a penny more. But more than that, it’s the feeling that you will enjoy throughout the duration of your holiday. You will feel indulged at every moment. There will be no request too great for the crew to assist you with. Your every need will be attended to. You will be an absolute priority from the moment you step on board, to the moment you disembark.

Six star cruising is a luxury holiday with a difference. Exquisite dining is taken to a new level with world-renowned chefs defining menus and using a farm to table ethos that means your palate will be delighted at every meal. Fine wines and premium spirits follow Champagne and cocktails created by expert mixologists.

Your in-suite butler will cater to your every request at the drop of a hat. They will get to know any personal preferences you have and tend to your suite accordingly, as well as make any necessary arrangements you need. Your name will be remembered by the crew and staff throughout the ship and your personal preferences will be met in your suite.

Most importantly, six star cruising will take you on a real voyage of discovery, for that is what is at the heart of every cruise. The destination is the focal point and with good reason; the itineraries are carefully curated by experts in order that guests can see the very best of the region they are visiting.

In addition, you will be offered an extensive range of shore excursions – many of which are included in the price – to ensure you have complete destination immersion.

You will be able to pick from a choice in each port so that you can have the sort of experience you prefer, and allowing you to personalise your holiday even more. The luxury cruise lines work extremely hard to keep their itineraries up to date so you even if you have sailed a certain area before, the next time you choose an itinerary there could take you to different places. They are consistently adding new ports and new excursions to their programmes to keep their guests exploring, year after year.

There are different degrees of six star cruising, from premium luxury to ultra-luxury which are highlighted below. You will often find that even with the premium luxury cruise lines, an ultra-luxury experience can be had when you opt for one of the higher-grade suites.

Six star cruising involves taking a luxury cruise with a difference and if you have yet to step aboard, we can promise you that you will have an experience you will never forget. Read our guide below and find out everything you need to know before getting in touch with one of our expert Connoisseurs to start planning your luxury adventure.

Six Star Cruise Lines

All of the cruise lines we offer at Panache Cruises are brilliant examples of luxury cruising. Many of our partners are classified within the six star cruising category, with superior, ultra-luxury offerings even in the lower grade of suites. Read on to see the highlights of each luxury cruise line...

Elite Ocean

River

Expedition & Yacht

Elite Ocean Cruise Lines

Azamara

Azamara offers premium luxury cruising but would not be known as ‘ultra-luxury’ until you start choosing one of the higher end suites. However, Azamara still offers six star cruising for a variety of reasons. Firstly, this is boutique cruising so your ship will be stylish and welcoming.

Secondly, there is a real focus on the destination when you sail with Azamara and you’ll feel it from the moment you set sail. Their ethos on destination immersion and the opportunity to stay longer in ports with events such as AzAmazing Evenings is a six star cruising luxury that won’t be afforded to you by all cruise lines. You can also enjoy plenty of inclusions such as drinks throughout your cruise.

Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys is the fantastic new luxury brand from MSC Cruises, which will be debuting its first ship, Explora I, in Spring 2023, followed by a new ship each year for three consecutive years. With a capacity of 922 passengers across 461 all-balcony suites and exquisite European design, the Explora ships are firmly positioned in the luxury segment.

Explora Journeys prides themselves on creating cosmopolitan, relaxing voyages at sea. A journey of the mind of the soul, their beautiful fleet offer guests space to restore balance and combine discovery and appreciation for wellbeing and nature.

Oceania Cruises

A laid back, country club style ambience awaits you on your Oceania cruise and you will not be disappointed when you step onto one of their stylish fleets.

Whilst Oceania would classify within the premium end of the six star cruising category, you can upgrade your experience by adding in drinks packages and choosing a higher grade suite.

Food is one of the key focuses on your Oceania cruise and you will enjoy excellence overseen by Masterchef Jacques Pépin.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This is where six star cruising really comes into its own with the most inclusive cruise experience offered by Regent.

The fabulously appointed ships (some known as the most luxurious in the world), welcome you with style and grace as do the well-trained staff.

You will find more inclusions on a Regent cruise than you would have thought possible, from your pre-dinner Champagne to the most incredible shore excursions, and a wide range of choice too.

Seabourn

If you’re seeking ultra-chic six star cruising, then Seabourn is the way to sail. They have the youngest and arguably the most modern fleet of all the luxury ocean cruise lines and you’ll fall in love.

Fully inclusive, the staff offer excellent service as well as added extras such as ‘Seabourn Moments’ – personal touches designed to make you feel special and create a lasting memory. You’ll also benefit from excellent staff to guest ratios.

Silversea

Silversea are one of the mor adventurous cruise lines, heading to over 900 destinations across all seven continents of the world, so your itinerary will be one of the best.

Not only that, you’ll find your suite has a dedicated butler who will tend to your every wish and ensure you have a fully personalised experience for the duration of your cruise.

You’ll enjoy fine wines, fine dining and luxurious facilities which are all included when six star cruising with Silversea.

River Cruise Lines

AmaWaterways

AmaWaterways sail the waterways of the world in moderate luxury but as we focus on six star cruising at Panache Cruises, we only offer the newest ship in their fleet, AmaMagna.

This is a double width river ship that sets it apart from the others in the market and allows it a great deal of extra space in order to house many more facilities, some which are highly innovative.

You won’t have a fully inclusive cruise experience but the special nature of this ship and the excellent itineraries she sails mean your river cruise with AmaWaterways will give you a six star cruising experience.

Avalon Waterways

Avalon provide a premium luxury experience on board in that not everything is included. For example, you’ll have drinks with lunch and dinner included and excursions but should you wish to have any extra drinks, you will need to pay for these on disembarkation.

However, Avalon have been sailing the world’s waterways for many years and as such have award-winning ships. There is plenty of space per guest on board and you’ll also be tended to by an excellent team of crew and staff. Your itinerary is what will set the holiday apart too.

Emerald Cruises

Whilst Emerald technically offer a premium luxury experience when you sail the rivers with them, the ships themselves are state-of-the-art which is what helps to ensure your cruise is six star.

Emerald have lots of experience in sailing to the heart of destinations and showing their guests the best parts of the region and this will add to your time on ship to create a fantastic luxury river cruise holiday.

Scenic River Cruises

This will be a true six star, fully inclusive river cruising experience. Scenic is one of the best providers of river cruising thanks to the ultra-modern Space Ships which will sail you to every port in absolute style and luxury.

Scenic offer a signature service which excels beyond other providers on the waters to ensure that guests receive everything they want and more whilst on board.

Your excursions are included and you can pick and choose the ones which are right for you to give yourself and even more personalised experience.

Uniworld

This is six star cruising with a difference. Each Uniworld ship and suite is individually designed to reflect the itinerary it is sailing, which gives the ships a very boutique feel.

No two suites are alike and this, combined with the excellent service of the staff and crew on board, means you will feel extremely special throughout the duration of your cruise.

With everything you would need included, you’ll want for nothing at all.

Expedition Cruise Lines

Aurora Expeditions

Aurora offer some truly incredible itineraries around Antarctica, which in itself would offer a six star cruising experience. They have purpose-built ships for this region so that the environmental impact is reduced – conscious cruising immediately increases the luxury level to six star cruising standard!

You’ll be guided by an expert expedition team whilst you meet the local cultures and wildlife and enjoy the scenery and it is this kind of memorable experience which sets a cruise like this apart.

Celebrity Cruises

A mainstream cruise line on the whole, Celebrity have actually got an excellent luxury offering for their expedition cruises. Award-winning ships have been designed with the Galapagos in mind (which is where they explore exclusively) and as such, have won numerous awards.

They also have a fully inclusive offering which leaves you wanting for nothing. A Celebrity expedition is the perfect way to explore one of the most magical places on earth so you’ll really feel you’re having a six star holiday.

Hurtigruten Expeditions

This is a cruise line well-known for exploring the most remote and even coldest parts of the earth in rustic style. However, they have recently added two ships to their fleet which enables us at Panache Cruises to offer them as part of our suite of expedition cruises.

If you sail on board MS Roald Amundsen or MS Fridtjof, you’ll have a superior level of comfort and you will even find many of the suites have hot tubs for you to recharge in. Polar region sailing doesn’t get much more six star than that!

Ponant

Offering expedition and yacht-style cruising, what makes Ponant a six star cruising experience is their dedication to the French way of life and their focus on reaching the most stunning destinations. One of the leading expedition cruise lines in the endeavour to make cruising more sustainable and recognised for a second year running with a Green Marine certification, Ponant prides itself on laying the foundations for responsible tourism. Leading the way for more than 30 years in the field of eco-responsible cruises, PONANT takes actions on a daily basis, particularly through the Ponant Foundation.

They are the only cruise line to sail under the French flag and the influence is evident throughout your time on board. They truly embrace the chic French way of life and you’ll have meals and service to suit.

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions are the perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers who want an immersive expedition experience with multiple polar landings. Quark Expeditions is profoundly committed to environmentally responsible tourism.

They aim to work with other leaders in the industry and with our guests to address the complex and challenging issues facing the polar regions. The newest ship in the fleet, Ultramarine, is set to deliver the ultimate polar expedition experience.

Scenic Eclipse

Already legendary in the luxury river cruise world, Scenic ventured into an unknown world with the launch of the World’s First Discovery Yacht, Scenic Eclipse. This incredible ship is perfect for six star cruising from every angle you look at it. The facilities on board are simply excellent, from an impressive range of exquisite dining opinions, to suites which are extremely well-appointed. The service will astound you for all the right reasons as you realise there is no request too large or small and you’ll find opportunities to learn exceed others.

A qualified, expert expedition team will be on board, and you’ll benefit from highly immersive enrichment programmes to ensure you get the most out of the places you visit, aided by the support of an on board science centre. The excursions will be enough to create lasting memories but if you really want a little more, you could take a trip in the helicopter or submarine which the ship carries with it. This could be one of the most exciting cruise experiences you’ll ever hope to have!

Silversea

Known for their appreciation of the far-flung corners of the globe, it is no wonder Silversea are so adept at exploring via their expeditions. Your voyage can be any number of discovery missions, and not one of them will disappoint you.

The first destination specific ship built by Silversea, Silver Origin is the height of experiential travel in the Galapagos. A team of Ecuadorian national expert guides, the highest crew-to-guest ratio in the Galapagos, 8 Zodiacs, and seamless hybrid spaces all offer an extraordinary voyage – for extraordinary people.

Yacht-Style Cruises

Ponant

Already featured in expedition cruising above, Ponant also have a range of sailing type ships that will add immeasurably to that French charm. You’ll sail the high seas in intimate luxury, tended to by a service that is quintessentially French, exploring the world in ultimate luxury.

Scenic Eclipse

The World’s First Discovery Yacht tends more towards the expedition style of cruising but it absolutely offers a yacht-style experience too. Regardless of how you sail on board this impressive ship, you will be in a true six star cruising dream thanks to the service, inclusions, facilities and destinations you can take advantage of.

SeaDream Yacht Club

SeaDream Yacht Club is dedicated to yacht-style six star cruising and they are absolutely experts in it. Their smaller, intimate ships are perfectly sized to sail right to the heart of destinations and the itineraries will take you to places you never thought you’d see on a cruise. Visit the smallest Caribbean islands such as Jost Van Dyke, a port of call unique to SeaDream cruises.

Recently refurbished, SeaDream yachts are now beautifully light and accentuate the space on board in every cabin and public space. Soak up the sun by the pool or swim with beautiful sea life on an excursion before dining under the stars and enjoying a sublime evening on board.

Specialising in the Caribbean and the Mediterranean, this is an all-inclusive cruise holiday with genuine service that you will want to repeat again and again.

Windstar Cruises

Windstar’s small yachts and personalised approach to cruising brings guests closer to each destination than ever before, creating intimate moments and allowing full immersion into the world’s most unique and exotic cultures. With fewer than 350 guests onboard each vessel, a voyage with Windstar will feel like you are on your own private yacht.

Shore excursions and destination immersion are at the heart of Windstar Cruises’ ethos. Choose from the Essentials collection, ideal for first-time cruisers and includes must-see sights; the Concierge collection involving smaller groups for hands-on cultural and culinary themed activities; or the Beyond Ordinary collection, featuring extraordinary once-in-a-lifetime experiences for the most enthusiastic and adventurous travellers.

With their slogan “180° from ordinary”, Windstar Cruises prides itself on outstanding service, destination authenticity, and exclusively personal travel experiences.

Destinations for Six Star Cruising

You can sail all over the globe in luxury when six star cruising, especially when you choose one of the cruise lines offered by Panache Cruises. The cruise lines that we work with sail to all the corners of the world in complete style and luxury so are the perfect way for you to head to new and exciting locations. The main benefits of a luxury cruise holiday are that you get to see more of the regions you are visiting thanks to itineraries which are designed to take you to as many places as you can reasonably see.

Not only that, whilst in port, you will be offered a choice of expertly curated shore excursions, which have different experiences for you to see the parts you are really interested in. The ability to see so much on one holiday is what sets six star cruising apart from a more traditional land-based holiday and you’ll also only have to unpack once! From a logistical point of view, this makes life much easier and more pleasurable.

When you couple this with the fact you will be indulged with the most fantastic service, fine dining, premium wines and spirits whilst on board, not only will you see more but you’ll enjoy the travelling part too!

So if you’re starting to think about six star cruising, it’s important to consider a few things. Firstly, you’ll need to consider what type of cruise holiday you want, whether it’s ocean, river, expedition or yacht-style. Secondly, you’ll need to consider the level of luxury you wish to travel in. Thirdly, you’ll need to decide exactly where in the world you would like to see. But if all this sounds a little daunting then there is no need to worry.

As experts in six star cruising, your Connoisseur at Panache Cruises is perfectly placed in order to get to know you, your likes and dislikes and the standards you wish to enjoy. And they will then be able to suggest the perfect cruise to suit your needs.

Northern Europe

Staying within easy reach of your home doesn’t mean you cannot have an ultra-luxury experience. In fact, only travelling a short distance may well help you have a better holiday in general as you won’t have long flights, time differences and potential jet lag to deal with. In some cases, you will be able to sail straight from Southampton which means you won’t need to worry about how much luggage to take either! But aside from the logistical benefits, there is a great deal to see in Northern Europe and it starts right here at home.

You can circle the British Isles, stopping off at multiple ports, visiting cities you never ordinarily would. Alternatively, you could head to the shores of Northern France and Spain. Dine on their delicious local cuisine, see their stunning architecture and even head to historic sights to learn more about our continent’s past. Scandinavia and the Baltics also sit under the umbrella of Northern Europe and it is here where your soul will be truly set alight. From ornate churches, to colourful buildings, majestic scenery and cosmopolitan capital cities, you can have a range of very diverse outings all on the same trip. There’s much more on your doorstep than you might have realised!

Rivers of Europe

If you’d like to get right to the heart of the countries you want to see, sailing on the waterways which traverse them is a fantastic way to do it. And it’s just as easy to have a six star cruising experience thanks to how many of the ultra-luxury cruise lines sail this region throughout the summer months. There are far more choices than you might realise too. You can sail through France, whether it is to see Paris and the Landing Beaches of Normandy or to sample the local wines in Bordeaux.

Sail along the Douro in Portugal and you will be able to see the breath-taking scenery whilst sampling the regions different ports. Further east you can sail the Rhine, Danube or Main and see spectacular scenery, ancient castles, quaint towns and capital cities. And if flowers are your passion, head to the Dutch Waterways in April and you’ll see the tulips in bloom. There are so many rivers, so many itineraries and so many ships that you’ll no doubt need the help of a Connoisseur to decide!

Mediterranean

Elite ocean cruise lines sail around the Mediterranean all through the peak summer months, taking in ancient sights such as the Colosseum in Rome, the Acropolis in Athens and the city walls of Dubrovnik. You can hop between Greek Islands dotted in the crystal-clear sea.

Cruise the glamorous rivieras of France and Italy and explore the simply stunning Amalfi Coast. But an elite ocean ship is not the only way to see this place in style, as you can also take to the water like a true sailor by heading off yachting. These stunning yachts will glide you into the smaller ports larger ships can’t reach and will add that extra edge of glitz to your itinerary as you wander the streets and return to your excellent accommodation in luxury yacht-style form.

The Middle East

Six star cruising in the Middle East should be par for the course given the standards of service that can be seen in certain parts of this impressive region.

On the other hand, you’ll be seeing ancient sights in all their rustic glory; but you’ll no doubt appreciate your ship even more when you return to it! Pick your time to travel here wisely as the climate can be rather oppressive and won’t suit every traveller.

But when you do go at the right time of year for you, you’ll see palaces and mosques, giant shopping malls and towering buildings, waterparks and deserts, outdoor adventures and chic indoor temptations.

All of it combines to ensure you’ll have a culturally enriching and historically educational time. But you’ll also have some fun too!

Africa & the Indian Ocean

Africa conjures different pictures for different people and for many it is the thought of safari that might resonate the most. And whilst it may seem unlikely that you could have a safari as part of a cruise holiday, if that’s what you want then Panache Cruises can make it happen!

Most ocean cruises on this vast continent circle around South Africa, but with so much culture and history to see here, it really is a great itinerary to pick.

You’ll often sail north from Cape Town and stop off at many points along the way where you’ll see evidence of the difficulty history, new signs of its emergence to a culturally vibrant country and have a hint of some of the spectacular wildlife that call this place home.

Being so close to many game reserves, it would be wise to take advantage so we can help ensure you spot the Big Five whilst you’re on your travels. And if you’re six star cruising, there is no reason why this part of your holiday shouldn’t also be six star.

Many African cruises sail parts of the Indian Ocean too but if you’d like to explore it more, you can do so on a luxury cruise.

You’ll be able to sail around island paradises such as the Seychelles and you can pick your vessel – choose between an ocean ship or a yacht. Neither option will compromise your enjoyment or service levels so it really is just a case of personal preference.

Rivers of Africa

For something more certainly off the beaten track, why not opt for six star cruising on the rivers of Africa? There are two main regions to explore here, the Nile River in the north and the Chobe and Zambezi rivers in the south. If you take the north option, you’ll see pyramids and ancient stone structures. Sphinxes and ancient civilisations, tombs and deserts all await you and you’ll return home feeling thoroughly educated.

If you choose a more southerly sailing on the other hand, you’ll find a different kind of appeal. You’ll start perhaps in Johannesburg where you can soak up the culture before setting sail for several days taking in a great deal of the nature on the river banks along the way. You’ll eventually arrive at the incredible Victoria Falls, the largest waterfalls in the world in terms of volume, where you’ll be able to explore. These adventures are filled with wonder that will only be enhanced by the fact you’ll be in full six star cruising luxury.

Asia

A continent so vast you could visit it 100 times over and still see something new on each trip, the beauty of six star cruising here is that you’ll be able to see more all on the same trip and have your batteries fully recharged each evening to prepare you for the next day’s adventures. There are different regions to choose from for you to visit. Starting in India, we could enhance your trip by adding on a luxury land stay so you can see more of the famous landmarks such as the Golden Triangle.

Voyages from here tend to pass by Sri Lanka and the wonderful nature that is found here before ending in South East Asia, such as Thailand. Alternatively, you could choose to explore the famous skylines of the east, including those of Tokyo, Hong Kong and Singapore. All with their own obvious modern improvements but with a distinctive and interesting history too. Indonesia and the Philippines can also be explored from the comfort of the ships offering six star cruising so the opportunities really are endless – you’ll certainly need more than one voyage here!

Rivers of Asia

Visiting a continent from the sea can be a fabulous way to tour it but if you’d like to see more of what goes on deep within these lands themselves, you can choose six star cruising on the rivers here instead. You’ll be cutting across dramatic landscapes, seeing paddy fields in all their glory and the other scenery which is found there.

You’ll be able to visit monasteries, temples, cities and more and whilst you’re sailing, you’ll see traditional boats on the rivers and floating markets. You’ll enjoy all the vibrancy of colourful countries such as Cambodia, Vietnam and Myanmar and you’ll learn of their beautiful cultures and complex histories.

Australia & New Zealand

Heading to the land Down Under is one experience that many of us would like to enjoy at least once in our lifetimes. But the distance and the time it takes to get there can be off-putting, as well as the fact that in order to see a lot of it, you’d have to constantly up sticks and move to the next place. That’s where a cruise can help, as six star cruising can take a lot of this pain away.

When you arrive you will be welcomed on board your ultra-luxury ship and the service will ensure you are left wanting for nothing at all. This means that you can save all your energy to enjoy the places you are visiting, and you won’t even need to keep packing and moving on as you’ll be staying put in your suite!

You can visit all the main sights of Australia from Tasmania, Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Cairns and even Darwin, having multiple experiences along the way. If you’d like to spend time in New Zealand, you can do that too with a comprehensive itinerary that covers both islands. You’ll learn about the Maori culture, see the influences of the British, sail through majestic landscapes and so much more on your Kiwi adventure.

The Pacific

There is much more to the huge expanse of water than meets the eye as you sail to its very heart. You will find islands treasures with beauty that is almost unparalleled and you’ll be sailing in style to make it all the more special. You’ll see the underwater worlds that live just beneath the surface, with bright corals and vibrant fish, turtles, rays and more. You’ll also learn about the myths and legends which surround the islands and see impressive structures and volcanic heights.

Palm trees will fringe the beaches and the waters will be calm and clear. You can opt to take an elite ocean cruise here or even try yacht-style cruising if you want to feel even more at one with the natural world you’re entering. So whether its French Polynesia or Hawaii you’re encircling, you can see it in a way that suits you.

The Americas

As you head across the Pacific, you’ll eventually land in the Americas and there are plenty of cruise options to explore here. In the north, you’ll of course find the USA and Canada and all the diversity they offer. You could take a voyage up the West Coast from San Diego, past LA and San Francisco up to Vancouver and see part of the Gold Rush trail, albeit in a little more decadent accommodation!

Sailing around Alaska will allow you to see the natural beauty of its landscapes, giving you the chance to spot whales and seals, birds and bears. On the East Coast, you can sail north from New York, past Boston and Maine and again arriving in Canada. Along the way you’ll see the quaint cobblestone streets and lighthouses, sample the chowder and if you head there in Autumn, you’ll see New England in the Fall with all its radiant colours.

Further south, you can explore the tropical and exotic countries of Central America which are filled with wildlife and exciting cultures. Spot brightly coloured birds on either an ocean or even an expedition style cruise as both will be readily available in this region. You might even be lucky enough to take the iconic voyage transiting the Panama Canal.

If you’d prefer to spend your time in South America, you can tour the west or east coasts, taking in the amazing sights along the wall. See the Falkland Islands, add on a trip to Machu Picchu, dance to tango beats, see Christ the Redeemer – there are so many incredible places to see here that you’ll be spoilt for choice. Until you let your Panache Cruises Connoisseur help, that is! We might even convince you that an expedition to the Galapagos Islands is the way forward!

Caribbean

One of the most well-known and popular cruise destinations with good reason, for this charming place is filled with islands to tempt you, people to delight you and experiences to entertain you. There are plenty of old favourites you can visit on your travels here, but the best part of six star cruising is that the cruise lines put a lot of effort into ensuring they offer the most cutting edge itineraries possible.

If you choose to, you can see the lesser visited Grenadines and British Virgin Islands and uncover their beautiful secrets. It’s the perfect place to try your hand at watersports and learn more about the laid-back island life. If you’d like to explore it in a more involved way without compromising on the six star cruising luxury, you can also opt for a yacht cruise here. There are so many to choose from thanks to the stunning location being so perfect for yachting that it really is a holiday you should enjoy at some point, and we can help you plan it all.

Transatlantic

A transatlantic voyage will always sound a glamorous affair and it certainly will be if you opt to sail across this vast ocean when six star cruising. You’ll be able to do much more than the sail the well-trodden path of those of yesteryear, as now you can take a much more exciting trip.

Why not sail from Brazil to Europe on a journey that stops off in Bermuda and possibly even the Azores? Or sail from Spain to Miami? The time spent at sea on your cruise ship will be extremely well spent when you sail in luxury with plenty of time to experience all of the facilities and enjoy the exceptional service.

Polar Regions

These are perhaps best conquered from an expedition cruise ship which will take you as close to the natural landscapes as is physically possible. When you take a six star expedition, you’ll head out on Zodiacs, guided by an expedition team of experts and you’ll be learning all the time.

You’ll come face to face with seals, whales, penguins and more and when you’ve finished your day of adventure, you’ll recline in complete luxury. It really is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that you should take if you are able to and the best way to do it is six star cruising.

World Cruises & Grand Voyages

There are few holiday choices you can make that are more indulgent than a world cruise on an elite ocean cruise ship. These voyages take several months and will take you to many continents and so many ports and countries you’ll no doubt lose count. Six star cruising around the world is an adventure of a lifetime and will require careful thought to ensure you choose the right one for you.

If you would like to try something a little less involved before you opt for a full world cruise, there are other itineraries which will give you a flavour of them. You could take a Grand Voyage, for example which is a more intensive cruise, lasting longer and seeing more. These can range from a couple of weeks to much more and will give you a real taste of how you might feel on a world cruise.

And you can even try parts of a world cruise, with a world cruise sector. The full itineraries are broken down into sections and you can join at any one of these points, sail for a while and then off again. So you’ll really see what the ambience on board a world cruise feels like.

FAQs about Six Star Cruising

What is life on board like?

The short answer to this, is completely and utterly luxurious. The whole ethos behind six star cruising is to treat the guests in the very best way possible and provide them with facilities, amenities, services, food and drinks which are practically unrivalled in even the best of the world’s hotel. You can expect an extremely warm welcome from all the staff and crew on board and this will continue throughout the duration of your itinerary.

There will be extra care and attention paid to you at every turn, from your personal preferences in the bars being remembered, to your name and to the attentive nature of your butler. Even the other passengers will be warm and welcoming as you join them on board. It is probable that you’ll find a lot of like-minded people within your ship so it might be an opportunity to make new friends.

Life will be sophisticated but relaxed. It is unlikely you’ll find a lot of formality so there shouldn’t need to be any reason to pack your tuxedo and cocktail dress! Instead, you’ll find an atmosphere of country club, elegant chic for you to enjoy your trip. You will have the opportunity to do as much or as little as you like with the facilities but they are all there, waiting for you to take advantage of whenever you’re ready.

The real feeling you will get from six star cruising is that the experience is personalised to you. That comes mainly from the attentive service, but also from the different dining and drinks options on board. It also comes from the ability to pick and choose from a variety of different excursions.

Whichever type of cruise you choose, whether it be elite ocean, luxury river, expedition or yacht-style, when it’s six star cruising you’ll find yourself experiencing similar feelings of inclusion, attentiveness and enjoyment.

What are excursions like when six star cruising?

Regardless of the type of cruise you choose, you will be offered a whole range of excursions that are included within your cruise fare. Every itinerary is very carefully put together by experts who know the regions extremely well and who will get the most out of every stop. The time in port is maximised so you can see, and do more, and in some cases, you’ll even have the option for extended stays, including overnights.

When it comes to the excursions, you will not find better in the cruise industry than six star cruising, simply because the cruise lines are so dedicated to offering you the best service. With many of the cruise lines, and certainly with the river providers, you will find that there are several options available whichever port you stop in. These are offered in order to show you different areas and provide you with a choice of experiences so you can pick the one which suits your individual preferences the best.

When it comes to expedition cruises, your excursions will be even more exciting and dramatic. You’ll have access to Zodiac boats which take guests out in small groups so you can land on shore lines you would never otherwise be able to reach. You will be taken on tours with expert members of the expedition team who not only know exactly where to take you, will educate you along the way. You’ll meet the local cultures and see the sort of wildlife species you have only ever seen in books or on the television. The whole point of an expedition cruise is to learn more about the natural living world around us and the excursions are put together to ensure you do exactly that. It is six star cruising at their finest!

In addition to the excursions that are included, you will have the option to add on some different ones too, that the cruise line will either create just for you so they are private, or that might be deemed as an extra special indulgence. At Panache Cruises, we can also help to plan certain events or additions that you would like adding in. Perhaps it’s a private tour of somewhere that means a lot to you. Or maybe a meal in a romantic location. There are so many things we can include on all the different types of cruises on offer, you will never be disappointed.

What can I expect of the dining?

Delicious, indulgent, exquisite gourmet cuisine is what awaits you when six star cruising and this is true of all the cruise lines. Dining is such a huge focus on board that it plays an important role with cruise lines going above and beyond to ensure theirs is the best it can be.

It is certainly the case that there will be more dining options on board the larger of the cruise ships, with the much smaller yachts and river ships only tending to have one main dining location. This doesn’t compromise the quality of the food and there will always be a full menu to choose from so you will have plenty to choose from. However, when it comes to certain expedition ships, you will find that the dining on board is as accomplished and plentiful as on the larger ships. Scenic Eclipse, for example, has as many as ten dining experiences!

On some of the larger ships, you will be treated to specialty dining which, when you go six star cruising, is included within the fare you pay or within the upgrades. You will find there are cuisines from around the world served in the different restaurants, as well as classics and favourites on offer. If there is something in particular you fancy too, you can always request it and the chef may well be able to accommodate your desires.

What is most important about the dining on board is that the quality of the meals is second to none. Many of the ships have a ‘farm to table’ ethos that means the produce used is fresh, sourced locally to ensure the best finished result. In some cases, you can even head off on a shopping trip with the chef where they will browse local markets and purchase artisan items which will then be used in the meals that evening. For that’s one of the elements many cruisers love; tasting locally inspired dishes, perhaps even specialties recreated in order for your destination immersion to continue that bit further.

If you don’t wish to dine in one of the restaurants on board, you will find that six star cruising often includes 24-hour in suite dining. This will allow you to have a meal in the privacy of your own company so might be a welcome change after a long day seeing the sights.

What are the facilities like?

Even on the smallest of the ships offering six star cruising, such as the yachts, you will still find certain facilities of which you can make use throughout the duration of your cruise. Even if they are small, you will find they are of an exceptionally high standard, as you would expect on a luxury holiday.

You will invariably find fitness facilities which include a well-equipped gym with state-of-the-art machinery. The fitness facilities can often extend out onto the deck with other activities being possible outdoors. You’re likely to be able to borrow bikes and Nordic walking poles on many of the river cruises too, to get your activity levels up. There will usually be several bars and lounges in which you can spend time relaxing or meeting new friends, and some of these might even be on the deck for some al fresco time. There are often pools, whether they be for swimming or more of a plunge size, and some feature hot tubs.

Entertainment tends to be on offer on most of the ships, dependent on their size, and on the larger cruise ships you will find auditoriums in which you can watch shows and hear lectures. In some cases, there are outdoor screens to watch films under the stars! There might be a library filled with books and possibly even computers and some have games to play too although you might find these out on deck on other ships. Generally speaking, most ships will offer some kind of spa services in very well-appointed facilities and there might even be a beauty salon too. This will allow you to feel truly pampered whilst away on your trip. Boutiques are likely to be found on the larger ships too, if you’d like to buy yourself or your loved ones a few treats.

One of the most impressive features on any ship though, tend to be the science or discovery centres on the expedition ships. These will allow an interactive experience through which you can learn more about the destinations you are visiting. All in all, you will be pleasantly surprised not just by the standard of the facilities available but also by how plentiful they are on what you thought was going to be a small ship.

Are there wellness facilities on board?

In addition to the fitness on offer, there tends to be a focus on wellness too, especially when six star cruising. This has become an increasingly popular topic in recent years with more and more guests placing an emphasis on it by having a desire to ‘reset’ themselves whilst away. Wellness facilities will include various elements such as the option to take part in certain classes, for example, yoga on the deck at sunrise. On some cruises, you will find that there are fully developed enrichment programmes to ensure you get the most out of the cruise too with areas to focus on wellness, lectures, wellness treatments in the spa and even juices and so on.

Wellness can of course come in many forms and is to be interpreted by the individual, but self-care is one of the most important ways to get the most out of any holiday so six star cruising should be no different. You’ll be able to speak with the fitness professionals on board who will be able to give you some tips regarding your general well-being and you’ll even be able select healthier options in the dining rooms to ensure you don’t over indulge too much!

What is service like when six star cruising?

Six star cruising service is so called because it exceeds any other type of service you might encounter, particularly on a holiday. It is the kind of service that no matter how many others might be on the ship, makes you feel well-cared for and attended to. It is a highly personalised service and many of the cruise lines say theirs is intuitive, meaning that guests will find their needs are being met before they have even identified them themselves. It’s also a promise that nothing is too much trouble, with no request too big or too small to be taken seriously.

This carries over into the butler service, which is often included when six star cruising. You’ll have 24-hour access to a highly trained butler who will always ensure they are on hand to cater to any request you might have. This might be something for your suite, help with a reservation, or simply just information about the ship’s facilities.

Six star cruising service is the type where you’ll find the crew remember your name, as well as your preferences, such as how you like your evening turn down or which drink you prefer before dinner.

It’s also the kind where you’ll have some fantastic added extras which will delight and surprise you, such as ‘Seabourn Moments’. These will be little things done just for you to make you feel extremely special when you least expect it.

Six star cruising service is all you would believe it could be and much more besides – you’ll never be disappointed with it.

How should I book to go six star cruising?

At Panache Cruises, we would of course always recommend you use the services of a trusted, experienced and reputable travel agent but with good reason. The essence of six star cruising is that it should suit your individual requirements perfectly and the only way you will ensure your cruise does that is by speaking with someone impartial who can offer all of the relevant cruise lines. It will require six star service from the agent themselves (which is exactly what our Connoisseurs provide) in order to fully understand who you are as a person and what you are looking for out of your holiday.

When booking with an agent such as Panache Cruises, you also have access to exclusive pricing and offers that cannot be found elsewhere, making your holiday better value for money. The agents also have the knowledge required to allow you to travel at the right time of year to your chosen destination.

Your Connoisseur will quite literally guide you every step of the way to not only ensure you choose a cruise which is right for you, but that every part of the process is as easy for you as possible. You will only ever deal with one person, there won’t be any call centres for you to speak to, and you’ll be supported with all the admin and extras you require such as transfers, excursions and special requests.

At Panache Cruises, we always recommend booking a cruise such as a six star one as early as possible. This will not only give you access to the best price, but will also mean you could get some extra benefits (especially if you book when the itinerary first goes on sale). Prices tend not to drop for six star cruising as the demand for them is so high and there are so few suites available. This also means you need to book early in order to avoid disappointment! The suite you want might not be available for long, after all. When you’re planning a holiday as luxurious as six star cruising, you deserve the booking experience to match and at Panache Cruises, that’s exactly what we provide.

Panache Cruises' Top Tips for Six Star Cruising

Choose wisely

This is supposed to be a luxury holiday so you need to ensure it will be of the standard you are expecting otherwise you will be disappointed. It really is that simple. In the holiday world especially, many claims are made towards ‘luxury’ and ‘six star’ cruises but the reality can be far from the truth and standards can differ wildly. To avoid this issue, it would be highly recommended to use the services of a professional who can appropriately advise you on the level of service and inclusions you will be getting from your holiday and that way, you’ll have only good memories from your trip.

Tailor six star cruising to your specific requirements

If you are going six star cruising then why not ensure every part of it is exactly as you desire, and not just the cruise itself? Your Panache Cruises Connoisseur will be able to curate your holiday in a way that suits you entirely. Whether it’s an executive car service transfer to your domestic airport, reservations in the lounge, seat upgrades on the flight, pre-cruise stays in excellent hotels and possibly even a land tour, your Connoisseur can arrange it all. They can also assist with any other special requests – just leave it all up to them and you’ll have a holiday which perfectly matches your requirements.

Make use of the facilities

It is very easy to put off trying them and think you’ll use them later in the week, and before you know it, your trip is over and you never did have a massage or use the hot tub. You should easily be able to get your bearings as the ships are smaller and this means you’ll easily be able to find all the different areas, so make sure you use them! You don’t want to leave having any regrets so put that bit of time aside and go for it!

If in doubt, ask

This starts when you first make your enquiry with Panache Cruises and does not end until you return home. If you have never cruised before, or never taken that particular type of cruise it is far better to ask questions than miss out on things. We can assure you, the crew will have heard it all before and are there to ensure you have the most enjoyable experience possible so ask away and you will not be disappointed!

Make new acquaintances

The thought of chatting to strangers might fill you with dread but if you can start a little conversation, we would highly recommend it. You’re on board with people who clearly have some similar interests to you otherwise you wouldn’t be on the same itinerary, on the same ship, at the same time! You never know, you may really hit it off with these people and make some lifelong friends. But even if you don’t the likelihood is that you’ll get chatting to people from all walks of life which can be very interesting. And you might even get some tips about your cruise from them!

Make good use of excursions

A cruise holiday is one which is based around the destination and this is even more true of six star cruising – the places you see really are the stars of the show. As such, it would be a terrible waste not to take part in as many of the excursions as you possibly can to see more of the areas you’re visiting. The excursions have been carefully put together to ensure you see intriguing places, learn fascinating facts and general have an experience to remember so take part in as many as you can.

Step outside of your comfort zone

Whilst we are not suggesting you habitually do things on your holiday that you don’t enjoy, it is often very rewarding to try new things once in a while. And it’s a great time to do it on a luxury cruise. It could be something like a new activity or even just opting for a different type of excursion than you might otherwise have chosen. It might be jumping off the marina platform into the sea beneath you or taking a flight in the on board helicopter. Even if you don’t end up loving the change, at least you will have tried it and know for next time it’s not for you. You’ll also no doubt feel a little proud of yourself and have a great memory too!

Make memories

If you travel a lot, you might think you’ll remember all the elements of your holiday and will be able to recount them at the drop of a hat. However, memories fade with time so it is important to preserve them properly. One of the most effective ways of doing this of course is by taking plenty of pictures but even then, they days can blur together. It is a great idea to make some notes too and include descriptions of the clothes you were wearing on certain days so that you can immediately identify where you were at the time the picture was taken.

Why you should choose six star cruising

Six star cruising will show you the world in absolute style, with the kind of service you would expect from a six star proposition. You will be indulged in every whim, every desire, every luxury you could expect and it will make all the difference to your holiday. Six star cruising can be tailored to your needs and dependent on the type of cruise you choose, really could be a once-in-a-lifetime experience that you will never forget.

Six star cruising is a highly personalised experience thanks to the attentive crew who will serve you on board and the range of options you will be faced with ashore. It isn’t simply that you’ll be in a floating hotel either, six star cruising is about much more than that. It’s the opportunity to enjoy new experiences, and explore new places in a way that suits you and it can take you to the far reaches of the globe in absolute style and luxury. There are many different types of six star cruising available so you will absolutely be able to find one which is just right for you. Let our expert Connoisseurs at Panache Cruises help you and you certainly won’t be disappointed.