Luxury cruises and expeditions to the farthest corners of the world

Luxury cruises allow you to explore several countries, islands, or remote regions in a single trip, without the hassle of constantly changing hotels and repacking. Guests relax in a comfortable suite, enjoy the onboard restaurant, spa, and services, and wake up in a different location each day.

A cruise can take you through the Mediterranean islands, the Caribbean archipelagos, the coast of Japan, the fjords of Norway, Australia and New Zealand, or the remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctica. Depending on the vessel chosen, a cruise can resemble a stay in a cozy hotel, a voyage on a private yacht, or a true nature expedition.

CARTER® helps you choose the right route, operator, vessel, and apartment category for your desired vacation style. We also organize flights, transfers, pre- and post-cruise accommodations, and personalized port tours.

What is the difference between a luxury cruise and a standard cruise?

Luxury cruises are typically operated on smaller vessels that accommodate fewer passengers than the largest cruise ships. This allows for a more relaxed atmosphere on board, more personalized service, and the ship can visit intimate ports inaccessible to larger vessels.

Another distinguishing feature of a luxury cruise is the standard of accommodation. Instead of small cabins, guests can choose from suites with balconies, separate living rooms, dressing rooms, and sometimes even a private jacuzzi or terrace.

Depending on the cruise line, the price may include meals at several restaurants, beverages, select shore excursions, gratuities, spa access, butler service, or transfers. However, the scope of benefits varies between lines and specific fares, so be sure to carefully check what's included in the price before booking.

What does luxury mean on a cruise?

Luxury at sea isn't limited to the apartment's décor. It's all about space, privacy, high-quality service, and the freedom to choose how you spend your time.

Start your day with breakfast served on your private balcony. Then, you can explore the city with a local guide, take a small boat cruise, or stay on board and relax in the spa. In the evenings, guests can enjoy restaurants, bars, intimate concerts, or watch the sunset from the deck.

The best ships offer a variety of restaurants, extensive wellness centers, swimming pools, relaxation areas, and concierge services. Expedition vessels, on the other hand, feature expert teams, nature lectures, and equipment enabling exploration of hard-to-reach locations.

Luxury cruise or expedition cruise?

The choice should depend on whether your priority is relaxation, visiting famous ports, or discovering wildlife.

Luxury cruises

A classic luxury cruise typically visits attractive cities, islands, and seaside resorts. The itinerary can include the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, South America, or a round-the-world trip.

Onboard amenities include comfortable suites, restaurants, a spa, service, and entertainment. During port stops, you can enjoy group excursions or arrange private tours.

Expedition cruises

Expedition voyages focus on nature and reach regions that are difficult to explore otherwise. Popular destinations include Antarctica, the Arctic, Greenland, Svalbard, the Galapagos, Alaska, and the remote coasts of South America.

The daily schedule depends in part on weather, ice conditions, and animal activity. Participants can disembark via Zodiac boat, observe wildlife, take nature walks, and listen to lectures by biologists, geologists, historians, and photographers.

An expedition cruise doesn't have to mean sacrificing comfort. Modern ships combine the capabilities of an expedition vessel with the comfort of suites, restaurants, and wellness areas.

Luxury yacht cruises

Yacht cruises offer a more intimate atmosphere and access to smaller marinas, bays, and islands. Vessels accommodating fewer guests can stay longer in selected locations and embark on less typical itineraries.

This is an option for people who want to combine the standards of a luxury hotel with the atmosphere of a private yacht.

Luxury river cruises

A river cruise allows you to explore cities and regions located inland. Boats usually dock close to town centers, so sightseeing doesn't require long transfers from the port.

Popular routes include the Danube, Rhine, Seine, Douro, Nile, and Mekong rivers. River cruises are more leisurely than ocean voyages and can be a good choice for those planning a cruise vacation for the first time.

Where to go on a luxury cruise?

The best destination depends on the date, expected climate, interests, and whether travelers prefer sightseeing, island hopping, or nature watching.

Mediterranean

Mediterranean cruises connect Greek islands, Italian cities, the French Riviera, Spain, Croatia, Malta, and Turkey. They're a good choice for a first cruise or for those looking to combine history, cuisine, and relaxation.

Smaller ships and yachts can visit intimate ports and islands that cannot be reached by the largest vessels.

Norway's Fjords and Northern Europe

A fjord cruise allows you to admire mountain landscapes, waterfalls, and small towns from the sea. Routes can also include Iceland, the Faroe Islands, Scotland, and the northern coasts of Europe.

This is an option for people who value nature, a more peaceful atmosphere and moderate temperatures.

The Caribbean

The Caribbean offers a combination of warm climate, beaches, water sports, and diverse islands. Cruises can take you to the Lesser Antilles, the Bahamas, the Virgin Islands, or lesser-known ports accessible to smaller vessels.

It's a good choice for a winter vacation, a trip for two, or a holiday combined with visiting several islands.

Japan and Asia

A Japan cruise allows you to explore modern metropolises, historic cities, temples, gardens, and islands in a single journey. Some itineraries connect Japan with South Korea, China, or other countries in the region.

In Asia, cruises to Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and along the Mekong are also popular.

Australia, New Zealand and Oceania

Cruises in Australia and New Zealand can connect major cities, wine regions, fjords, islands, and national parks. Due to the considerable distance from Poland, it's worth combining the cruise with a few days on land.

Oceania also offers cruises to Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, and other Pacific islands. In this region, intimate ships and yachts are particularly attractive.

South America and Patagonia

A cruise around the southern tip of South America allows you to explore the fjords of Chile, Patagonia, and Tierra del Fuego. Select routes may lead further towards Antarctica.

This is a journey for those seeking rugged landscapes, nature and places located far from the popular trails.

Arctic and Antarctica

Polar expeditions are among the most extraordinary expedition cruises. Depending on the route, participants can observe icebergs, glaciers, penguins, whales, seabirds, and other animals native to the polar regions.

Antarctica voyages most often depart from southern South America. Arctic expeditions may include Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland, Canada, or the northern coast of Norway.

How to choose the right ship?

Two cruises with a similar itinerary can offer completely different experiences. When choosing, it's worth considering not only the destination and price, but also the size of the ship, the number of passengers, and the nature of the journey.

Unit size

Larger ships offer extensive infrastructure, numerous restaurants, and a wide entertainment program. Smaller vessels offer a more relaxed atmosphere, more personalized service, and access to intimate ports.

On expedition cruises, the number of passengers also influences the way disembarkation and activities using Zodiac boats are organised.

The apartment and its location

When choosing an apartment, you should pay attention to the area, the presence of a balcony, the location in relation to elevators and public spaces, and the height of the deck.

Those concerned about rocking often choose suites located closer to the midship section and on lower decks. On scenic cruises, a balcony can significantly improve the view.

Restaurants and catering

It's worth checking the number of restaurants, booking policies, and which establishments are included in the price. Some airlines offer flexible meal times, in-suite dining, and menus tailored to dietary requirements.

The style and atmosphere of the cruise

Some ships are elegant and formal, while others offer a more relaxed atmosphere reminiscent of a modern resort stay. Variations also include music, entertainment, guest ages, and onboard organization.

What is a day like on a cruise?

Every day can be different. In port, guests can join excursions, explore independently, or rent a private car with a driver and guide. Back on the ship, there's time for relaxation, a spa, dinner, and evening events.

On days at sea, you can enjoy the swimming pool, wellness center, restaurant, library, lectures, and activities organized by the crew. On expedition cruises, the program includes meetings with experts, shore leave preparation, and nature observation from the deck.

The schedule may change due to weather, port conditions, or sea conditions. This is especially true for polar expeditions, where safety and the opportunity to observe wildlife are more important than rigid adherence to a plan.

A tailor-made cruise

While each cruise has a specific route and departure date, the entire journey can be tailored to individual preferences. This includes suite selection, flights, shore breaks, and port visits.

Choosing the route and date

First, we determine the preferred region, trip length, and cruise type. We also check the best time of year for our chosen destination.

Ship and apartment selection

We compare vessel sizes, accommodation standards, range of services, and onboard atmosphere. We help you choose the apartment category that best suits your needs and budget.

Flights and accommodation before the cruise

It is recommended to arrive at the departure port well in advance. This will reduce the risk of missing your ship in the event of a flight delay or cancellation.

We can arrange flights, transfers, and hotels before your cruise. After your trip, you can extend your stay with a city tour, a beach break, or further exploration of the region.

Private tour

Instead of standard group tours, you can schedule a private tour with a local guide. The program can be tailored to the interests and abilities of participants, as well as the ship's port stay.

When is the best time to book a luxury cruise?

The most attractive suites, especially those with large balconies and located in preferred areas of the ship, can be booked well in advance of the voyage.

Advance planning is especially important for polar cruises, holiday cruises, around the world cruises, and routes that only operate a few times a year. A wider range of dates also makes it easier to find convenient flights.

Cruises can sometimes be booked on shorter notice, but availability of the best apartments, flights and private services on land may be limited.

How much does a luxury cruise cost?

The price depends on the route length, region, operator, vessel, apartment category, and date. The included services are also important.

The total cost of your trip may include:

• cruise and accommodation on the ship,
• port fees,
• flights,
• accommodation before and after the cruise,
• transfers,
• land excursions,
• insurance,
• tips and drinks, if not included in the tariff,
• additional restaurants, spa and on-board services.

When comparing offers, it's worth considering the full range of services, not just the base price of the suite. A cruise with a higher starting price may include more services and ultimately prove to be a better value.

Who are luxury cruises for?

A luxury cruise can be suitable for couples, solo travelers, families, groups of friends, and anniversary or honeymooners.

Choosing the right vessel is crucial. Some vessels offer extensive programs for children, while others are designed primarily for adults. Some focus on relaxation and dining, while others focus on active sightseeing and exploring nature.

Frequently asked questions about luxury cruises and expeditions

Is a cruise a good choice for a first-time traveler?

Yes. A multi-day cruise on the Mediterranean, Caribbean, or one of Europe's rivers is a good place to start. A shorter itinerary allows you to experience the ship's operations without planning a multi-week voyage.

Do I have to take part in excursions every day during the cruise?

No. Guests decide for themselves whether they want to explore the port, take a tour, or stay on the ship. In some locations, you can also plan a private program.

Is a luxury cruise formal?

It depends on the cruise line and the ship. Some lines offer more elegant evenings, while others prefer a more casual resort style. It's worth checking the dress code before your trip.

Can I combine a cruise with a hotel stay?

Yes. Before or after your cruise, you can plan a city tour, an island getaway, a safari, or a further trip around the country.

What is included in the price of a luxury cruise?

The scope varies depending on the cruise line and the tariff. The price may include accommodation, meals, beverages, gratuities, and selected excursions, but this is not the case for all cruises. Each offer should be reviewed individually.

Do expedition cruises require good physical fitness?

The level of activity varies depending on the specific program. Some tours require boarding a Zodiac boat, navigating uneven terrain, or taking longer walks. However, activities of varying difficulty are often available.

Is there internet access on expedition ships?

Satellite communications are available on many vessels, but the quality may be poor in polar regions and remote areas. Terms and conditions, and any fees, vary by vessel.

Can children participate in expedition cruises?

This depends on the operator, the route, and the minimum age of participants. Not all polar expeditions are suitable for young children. Families should choose a vessel that offers appropriate infrastructure and programs.

How to reduce the risk of seasickness?

It's a good idea to choose a larger or stabilized vessel and a suite located midship. It may also be helpful to consult with a doctor or pharmacist before departure.

Can the cruise program change?

Yes. The captain may change the route or port order due to weather, safety, sea conditions, or port authority decisions. Flexibility is a natural part of the journey on an expedition.

Plan a luxury cruise with CARTER®

Tell us what regions of the world you want to see and what your ideal cruise should look like. We'll help you choose the route, ship, operator, and suite that best suits your needs.

We'll also organize flights, transfers, pre- and post-cruise accommodations, and private sightseeing. This ensures that your entire trip—from departure from Poland to your return home—forms a cohesive and carefully planned itinerary.