Luxury cruise ships: crystal esprit, ss antoinette, the seven seas

When picturing what 'luxury' looks like, cruise ships are often the first thing to leap to mind.  With the tropical surroundings, copious facilities and formal hospitality that the

21st century forgot, there is much to get excited about on a luxury cruise ship.  From the expansive pools and bubbling jacuzzis to the sea view suites and tail-coated staff.  But it can be

easy to spend a lot of money on a cruise experience that turns out to be far from luxurious.  Debbie Stevens, coordinator of The Cruise Line's marketing strategy, has identified the

best and most luxurious cruise ships in the world to get your cruise off to a better start. CRYSTAL ESPRIT Crystal Cruises' Crystal Esprit is the mother of reinvention. Having started

life on the high seas in 1991, she has experienced many a luxury voyage, before being rechristened back in 2015. With a focus on activity and extreme sports, Crystal Esprit challenged what

was possible on a cruise. Despite its small stature, it now boasts paddleboards, jet skis, snorkelling and even mini submarine dives, allowing you to experience the luxury both above and

below the surface. With a fresh, contemporary feel more akin to a boutique hotel, the Esprit caters to just 62 guests, promising an exciting, intimate voyage. SILVER SPIRIT The Silver Spirit

by Silversea Cruises is renowned for its unbeatable experience for overall luxury. With top staff trained by world leaders in hospitality and a butler assigned to each and every cabin, the

crew know exactly how to make you feel relaxed and well looked after. Particularly strong on cuisine, the Silver Spirit is decked out with fine dining, offering everything from sushi to

rustic Mediterranean, all sourced from the finest and freshest of ingredients. The Silver Spirit is the ship for any true luxury seeker. SS ANTOINETTE Uniworld's SS Antoinette is the

pinnacle of luxury and sophistication. Decked from head to toe in majestic Brazilian marble, original artworks and Venetian glass, and tied together with the magnificent blue sapphire

Strauss Baccarat chandelier, the SS Antoinette is the picture of opulence, and befitting royalty. This is the ship for any travellers looking for the ultimate in relaxation and hospitality.

SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER No top cruise ship article would be complete without a mention for Regent Seven Seas Cruises' Seven Seas Explorer. Having only been christened last Summer, she is

fresh on the water, and is already being hailed as the most luxurious ship ever built. This mighty vessel makes extensive use of granite, Italian Cararra marble and goldleaf detail, with

Czech crystal chandeliers and hundreds of pieces of commissioned artwork. All accommodation types are suites with balconies, while a fully-equipped spa awaits to lull you into utter

relaxation, and pan-Asian and Parisian flavours tantalise in the ship's restaurants.