Myself and Kendall are in Las Vegas attending Virtuoso Travel Week and I will have a full report for you next week, on the new connections we are making, all to improve our clients experiences. So  many thanks to Kanise for this weeks blog post, and it's over to our cruise specialist...

Despite many setbacks cruising has returned and the demand has been quite high. Even though many are ready to set sail there is still some hesitation surrounding the safety of cruising. The cruise industry has gone to extraordinary lengths to ensure the utmost attention has been given to sanitation,  testing requirements, and overall health safety. Reduced capacity, elimination of buffets, vaccination requirements, improved ventilation/circulation systems and frequent testing onboard are just a few of the safety measures put into place.

So if you're ready to cruise but somewhat dubious of larger ships or maybe you just prefer the small, boutique cruise experience then this list is for you. Think ultra luxury yachts and top of the line service. Today we share with you some of our top choices for cruising in intimate settings and glorious locations.

1. Atlas Ocean Voyage (above and below)

Brand spanking new to the cruise world is Atlas Ocean Voyages. They sail to unique and adventurous locations such as Antarctica and Egypt. Their 188 passenger has spectacular, spacious accommodations (seen above) with touches of elegance shown in every aspect from L'occitane bath products, Egyptian cotton bed linens and terry cloth robes & slippers . Their all-inclusive experience includes choice of complimentary excursions in every port, premium beverages, prepaid gratuities and complimentary roundtrip commercial airfare. For their Antarctica voyages they include air service on their private jet.

2. Ponant (above and below)

Satisfy your wanderlust on a Ponant cruise to just about anywhere you want to go. They have amazing itineraries that explore places like Madagascar, The Seychelles and the Maldives. They also cruise to Antarctica. Their mega yacht, Le Ponant, has a guest capacity of just 32 guests for a close knit experience. Part of their unique, curated voyages are themed cruises. They offer cruises that dive into Music, Theatre and Literature, Wine Tasting and Golf just to name a few. These cruises focus on cultural discovery in the current location and enhanced education from subject matter experts. A French crew, expertise, attentive service, fine dining and more add to the fully 5 star setting.

3. Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection (above and below)

If you're a lover of the Ritz Carlton Experience on land then you'll adore the Ritz Carlton experience at sea. Sailing with Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection has all the luxury, individualized service and attention to details that you're accustomed to with the hotel brand. They will begin sailing in November of this year throughout the Caribbean and will make their way to the Mediterranean in Spring of next year. Their yacht, Evrima, can hold 298 guests in all terrace suites that are beautifully designed. They include gratuities, wifi, personal concierge for every suite and premium beverages while onboard. You will also find your every craving fulfilled in one of their six dining venues that all feature world-class menus and expertly curated flavors of local ingredients. Their restaurant S.E.A has a menu specially crafted by Chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg.

4. Celebrity (above and below)

You probably know Celebrity cruises for their ultra premium cruise ships and upgraded experiences from traditional mass-market cruising. But did you know they have a luxury ship that holds just 100 guests and goes to one of the most coveted destinations in the world? This ship is the Celebrity Flora and it sails to the stunning Galapagos Islands all year round. The Galapagos program is an amazing program that features all inclusive luxury, delicious cuisine and an opportunity to learn about the nature and the culture of this magical place. Keeping in step with the nature of preservation that the Galapagos is known for, the Flora was designed and built with innovative and environmentally friendly technology. It has solar panels, a reverse osmosis system to turn sea water into drinking water and an anchorless positioning system that protects the seabed.

5. Scenic (above and below)

For the ultimate wow factor Scenic cruises would be the way go and specifically on their mega yacht, Scenic Eclipse. This 228 person ship is exclusive, elegant and luxurious. Special attention has been paid to every amenity and accommodation. It even has a helicopter and submarine for one of kind exploration, so its title as a premium "Discovery Yacht" is well deserved. The Eclipse sails all over the world and stops in awe inspiring destinations from Alaska to Peru. In addition to what is already an amazing experience Scenic offers six star dining in ten venues and a phenomenal 5920 sq ft spa that takes relaxation to a whole new meaning. Setting sail with Scenic is sure to be an unforgettable adventure.

If you're ready to start planning your next cruise, let us know by clicking the button below.

I love travel and I love travel planning just as much and I am proud to be building a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.

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