2022 US Editors' Picks Awards: Best New Luxury Cruise Lines

"If it’s pampering you want, Silversea delivers. From the spacious and beyond comfy suites to the personalized butler service, Silversea treats you to an all-inclusive luxury experience, even before you board. What we love is that the line keeps innovating, adding new programs such as Otium spa and in-suite wellness options and the made-for-foodies S.A.L.T. excursion and dining program."

"With Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Cruises has staked its claim in the world of luxury cruising. Its 100-person cruise ship looks and feels like a luxury yacht, with sleek, modern spaces, gorgeous outdoor enclaves and suites that are decked out with anything a guest could need. Playing on the yacht theme, the intimate ship features a marina that doubles as a sundeck, for water-based activities in warm climates."

"There is nothing about a Regent suite that is typical of a cruise ship cabin. In fact, if you didn't know you were on a ship, you would assume you had woken up in a Four Seasons hotel. From the upholstered walls (deadening all sound); to the marble work surfaces, the shape (square, rather than oblong); the sumptuous carpet and drapes to the marble bathrooms, these are hands down the finest rooms at sea."

"While Silversea delivers more than its share of indulgent ingredients such as lobster and caviar, the line’s room service menus also feature Wagyu beef burgers and truffled popcorn. But where Silversea has an edge is with its S.A.L.T. program, bringing the flavors of your destination straight to the table. The S.A.L.T. Kitchen changes its menu to focus on regional specialties, while the S.A.L.T. Bar offers authentic and creative cocktails."

"Viking calls itself the “thinking person’s cruise” and with the amount of enrichment options onboard and onshore, we agree. Every ship has a Resident Historian onboard, giving lectures on the history, geography and current events of the places on your itinerary. Plus, the interactive Viking TV in the staterooms has a wide variety of destination-specific programming, so you can truly dive into wherever you’re cruising."

"Small ships allow you to visit more interesting places – and Oceania puts together itineraries that go beyond the same old, same old. The line’s World Cruise and its segments are thoughtfully designed to maximize time in marquee cities, while European, Caribbean and other cruises bring you to the next cool port you’ve yet to discover, with more maiden calls than most – all complemented by a new shore excursion program."

"The best service comes when the staff are genuinely invested and interested in you having the best possible vacation. And that’s what we always find on Seabourn, where the crew go the extra mile to provide intuitive service. Whether it’s daily caviar service, knowing your favorite morning coffee drink or helping you spend your time in port your way, the friendly Seabourn staff excel."

"Windstar's casual approach to hassle-free small-ship cruising shines with its shore excursions. Tours are often off-the-beaten path, and the ship size means excursions always retain an intimate feel. Excursions offer little surprises that make a big impact on guests, and there is something for everyone, from the foodie to the adventurer. Best of all, the line has secured options exclusive to Windstar, virtually guaranteeing once-in-a-lifetime experiences."

"Traveling solo can sometimes be intimidating -- but not on Seabourn, which offers luxury passengers regular dinner invitations to meals hosted by members of the ship's staff, on a near-nightly basis. It's a great icebreaker for passengers without the gusto to introduce themselves to strangers, and just one of many great ways the line goes above and beyond for the solo cruiser."

"No one does a spa better than Viking. The cruise line leans into creating beautiful thermal spaces that combine relaxation with cold and hot therapies. From the expansive thalassotherapy pools to the blue-lit snow grotto, all of the thermal spa offerings are included in your cruise fare. Viking's partnership with LivNordic spa means treatments are excitingly different than what you might see on other lines."

"When it comes to value, SeaDream Yacht Club delivers. With both of its two ships having recently been completely renovated, the vessels feel fresh. The line offers thoughtful inclusions that deliver magical experiences like sleeping under the stars on its Balinese beds or enjoying caviar and Champagne in the surf. But it's SeaDream's exceptionally intuitive and friendly service that has guests coming back again and again."