Our top four: Cruise lines that do things differently

Cruising has always been an industry hell-bent on innovation. As an evolving sector of the travel market, cruise lines rise above by offering truly unique experiences that redefine what it means to explore the seas.

These innovators don’t just transport you from port to port, they craft unforgettable holidays that radiate with adventure, comfort, and style. By embracing contemporary ideas and building itineraries that cater to diverse interests, cruise lines transcend the norm and provide extraordinary escape.

However, while cruise providers honour this mantra, some are more equal than the rest. Here’s our top 4 cruise lines who go beyond, and can offer vibes unique to the brand.

Virgin Voyages

Sir Richard Branson gave himself a mission to reinvent cruising; showcasing adult-only ships that housed Michelin-inspired dining, alongside vibrant onboard entertainment, a focus on sustainability, and vibrantly bespoke onboard entertainment. The entrepreneur didn’t just rip up the rule book. He practically destroyed it.

Visualized by Nirmal Saverimuttu – a Virgin Group executive – back in 2011, Virgin Voyages created a splash by going public in December 2014. Their first ship, Scarlet Lady, sent shockwaves through the cruise community. Sir Branson firmly stipulated that whereas cruising had become stuffy and exclusive to those of a certain age and demographic, Virgin Voyages set about regenerating the scene for those of a youthful disposition.

With an emphasis on fun, relaxation, and innovation, rather than pomp and ceremony, Virgin brings a modern, club-like vibe to the high seas. It’s more Dubstep meets steampunk-Tchaikovsky, rather than a Mozart symphony. There are no buffets, for instance, replaced with a variety of chic, Michelin-star-inspired restaurants.

Instead of the usual age-old destination calls, Branson-on-Sea offers exclusive beach club experiences at ports like Bimini, in the Bahamas, and pockets of lively onboard activities that make you feel part of an off-Broadway spectacle, rather than a traditional cruise.

Virgin’s focus on sustainability is equally groundbreaking. The Virgin fleet features energy-efficient designs that spearhead a commitment to ocean conservation. This is the cruise line for those who see a ship not as a mode of transportation, but as a destination in itself.

Viking

Viking offers a different horizon to mainstream providers. It’s not just a cruise – you’re set up for a cultural immersion. Viking’s small and mid-sized ships make docking in less-touristy, culturally rich ports possible, offering itineraries that read more like bucket lists.

Whereas mammoth cruise ships are limited to deep-water ports that swarm with tourist traps, Viking can take passengers straight into the heart of lesser-explored locations. But that doesn’t mean you have to skimp on dining or luxury. Each ship within the Viking fleet provides the level of decadence normally reserved for a Baz Luhrmann film set.

Think of sipping fine wines in Bordeaux, strolling through ancient ruins in Athens, or witnessing the ethereal beauty of Norway’s UNESCO fjords. A Viking ship feels like a floating boutique hotel, surrounded by panoramic views, with no screaming kids, no casinos, no feverish waterslides, and only a pure focus on understated elegance.

What truly sets Viking apart is its educational programming, including onboard lecturers, immersive excursions, and curated art collections. For cruisegoers who see cruising as an extension of their intellectual and cultural pursuits, Viking is a clear winner.

If your typical cruise holiday pupates with a modern soundtrack full of screeching fakery and talentless autocues, then a Viking voyage is pure John Barry.

Royal Caribbean

A household name in cruising, Royal Caribbean goes above and beyond. The marque takes great pride in reconceiving the very ideal of onboard entertainment and adventure, pushing for innovation where others fear to tread.

This is the cruise line that brought the world skydiving simulators, surf pools, and robotic bartenders at sea. Ever wanted to sail in a world where Star Trek meets James Bond? This is your calling. From AI-enhancement that takes mealtime to a whole new level, to complete escape from reality, Royal Caribbean seems to have had your picture on their desk when designing passenger experiences. That’s how personalised everything feels.

Royal Caribbean’s Oasis-class ships are practically floating cities, but without the crippling council tax or crime rate. These vessels are vast enough to house neighbourhoods, featuring Central Park-inspired greenery to thrilling aqua theaters; where performers dive from dizzying heights in jaw-dropping displays of precision and synchronisation.

The cruise line continuously pushes boundaries, recently debuting Icon of the Seas, a ship designed to be a self-contained universe of family fun, dining, and relaxation. Bigger ships are yet to come! If your idea of “different” is non-stop thrills paired with exceptional service, Royal Caribbean delivers on all fronts.

Regent Seven Seas

Luxury cruising reaches new heights with Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which turns travel into an all-inclusive masterpiece. While many cruise lines boast inclusivity, Regent takes this to unparalleled levels.

Every suite on board is spacious and indulgent, with no expense spared in design or amenities. What’s truly transformative is that excursions—often premium add-ons elsewhere—are part of the package.

Whether you're touring opulent castles in Europe or swimming in the pristine waters of the South Pacific, Regent handles every detail. Dining, too, is an elevated experience, with gourmet restaurants featuring global cuisines crafted by world-class chefs.

Regent is a revelation for travelers who crave the finer things in life and want their journey to be as rich as their destination.