The differences between 5-star and 6-star cruises

Cruising offers an extraordinary blend of exceptional service, mouthwatering dining options, world-class entertainment, and unforgettable experiences that linger in your mind long after you return home. Whether exploring iconic destinations or uncovering hidden gems, the journey onboard should be as magical as the places you visit. 

When planning a cruise holiday, the sheer amount of options can feel overwhelming—even for the most seasoned cruisers. From selecting the perfect cruise line to choosing a ship that meets all your needs and preferences, there’s so much to consider. 

One common question is: should I opt for the luxurious offerings of a 5-star cruise line or elevate my experience further with an ultra-luxury 6-star cruise? In this guide, we’ll explore the key differences between 5-star and 6-star cruising, highlight the benefits of each, and introduce some of the most popular cruise lines to consider for your next adventure.

Both 5-star and 6-star cruises offer outstanding experiences, combining impeccable service, spacious accommodations, and exquisite dining. A 5-star cruise delivers a truly exceptional journey, offering a high standard of luxury that exceeds expectations. However, a 6-star cruise elevates luxury to the highest level, offering an unparalleled experience where even more is included, making it the ultimate choice for those seeking the pinnacle of indulgence at sea.

For a premium cruising experience that combines an array of benefits, including exceptional, personalised service, luxurious amenities and delectable fine dining options, opt for a 5-star cruise line. From the moment you step aboard, highly-trained staff will be on hand to ensure your every need is met. Sail to some of the most breathtaking destinations, including iconic spots further afield and idyllic gems closer to home. Onboard, enjoy the freedom of doing as much or as little as you please; enrich your voyage with fascinating talks delivered by guest speakers, partake in a cocktail masterclass, or simply soak up the sun by the pool. Whether you travel alone, in a couple, or as a group, there is truly something for everyone on a 5-star cruise. 

Azamara boasts a fleet of four beautiful mid-size ships that take guests to some of the world's most breathtaking destinations. On board each ship, guests can make the most of the fantastic modern amenities, enjoy first-rate entertainment, and savour culinary delights carefully prepared with the freshest ingredients. As standard, enjoy complimentary alcohol, gratuities, signature AzAmazing Evenings, access to a variety of dining venues, and much more. However, you’ll also have the option to experience more by purchasing one of the Experience More packages. Azamara’s Destination Immersion programme offers in-depth travel experiences with longer stays, more overnight stays, and even night touring.

Since its founding in 1989, Celebrity Cruises has set industry standards and has won numerous awards, including being the first cruise line to receive a Forbes Travel Guide 5-star rating. The Celebrity Cruises fleet currently consists of 17 incredible ships that can be distinguished by series, including Edge, Solstice, and Millennium. Sailing to over 300 destinations across 79 countries, explore all seven continents with this fantastic cruise line. Guests can expect gourmet dining as standard, along with eclectic entertainment and stylish accommodation options. Upgrade your experience by choosing to go all-inclusive and benefit from even more included within your fare. 

For over 180 years, Cunard has been a prominent name in the world of cruising. Embark on an extraordinary adventure as you travel across the globe on one of the four iconic ships in the fleet. Each ship has its own distinctive style and personality, but with the Cunard touches that guests know and love throughout. Cunard sets itself apart by continuously striving to exceed guests' expectations and delivering outstanding service. Described as refined, thoughtful, and non-compromising, the White Star Service you’ll experience on board will leave you wanting for nothing. With dozens of onboard activities included in your cruise fare, you’ll be spoiled for choice when choosing how to spend your day.

Discover the world in style aboard one of Oceania Cruises’ seven luxury ships, with the highly anticipated seventh ship arriving later this year. You can expect personalised service delivered by the highly-trained staff and crew, spacious accommodations, and the chance to explore the world on a deeper level. The Your World Included brand promise ensures that guests receive a rich selection of always-included amenities, from unforgettable dining experiences and complimentary speciality coffees, sodas, cold-pressed juices, and still and sparkling Vero Water® to unlimited free Wi-Fi, gratuities and much more. For the ultimate inclusion, you might choose to upgrade and add on one of the incredible drinks packages. 

Experience small-ship luxury with Saga Ocean Cruises, exclusively for those aged 50 and over. Saga prides itself on the vast amount that is included in the price. Benefit from a complimentary chauffeur service, all-inclusive speciality dining and premium drinks, excursions, onboard Wi-Fi, and gratuities. You can also enjoy peace of mind with optional travel insurance and additional cancellation cover. When you cruise on the luxurious Spirit of Adventure or Spirit of Discovery, you’ll also have your own balcony, allowing you to sit back, relax and watch the world go by. 

A 6-star cruise offers the pinnacle in luxury. Most ultra-luxury cruise ships are smaller, with a more intimate feel and a higher staff-to-passenger ratio, which results in exceptional, highly personalised service. With more included, guests can typically make the most of complimentary beverages, Wi-Fi packages, gratuities, and much more included in the cost. Enjoy an in-depth exploration of the world with incredible shore excursions and itineraries featuring beautiful destinations that might be impossible to visit on a bigger ship. Every detail is meticulously crafted and catered to, ensuring guests experience unparalleled pampering and indulgence.

For over three decades, Regent Seven Seas Cruises has been celebrated as one of the world's finest luxury cruise lines. The award-winning Regent Seven Seas Cruises takes pride in offering The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience®. Guests enjoy unparalleled benefits, including thousands of unlimited shore excursions, fine wines, craft cocktails, speciality coffees, and more—all part of the unlimited beverage offerings. Every speciality restaurant is included at no extra cost, along with unlimited spa access, unlimited Wi-Fi, pre-paid gratuities, and so much more. At the heart of Regent’s philosophy is the belief that expansive, all-inclusive experiences and an abundance of lavish personal space define true luxury travel. Find your sanctuary at sea with the all-suite fleet featuring spacious and luxurious accommodations boasting large, private balconies across 99% of suites. These stylish suites benefit from a dedicated attendant for every suite, and those who book a penthouse or above will have butler service. 

Seabourn is a popular choice amongst cruisers searching for an ultra-luxury, all-inclusive experience. With a fleet of six smaller vessels, Seabourn takes pride in producing hand-crafted itineraries, which visit idyllic locations beyond the reach of larger ships. Onboard the beautifully designed, intimate ships, expect an atmosphere akin to a private yacht with intuitive, personalised service delivered by a passionate team. You can expect stunning accommodation with luxuriously appointed ocean-fronted suites, most with a private veranda, welcome Champagne, complimentary in-suite bar stocked with your preferences, complimentary premium spirits and fine wines, and complimentary caviar offered throughout your voyage. In addition, guests benefit from all dining venues being complimentary, with the flexibility to dine where, when, and with whomever they choose, as well as complimentary entertainment experiences, complimentary Wi-Fi packages, complimentary signature events, and much more. Plus, tipping is neither required nor expected. 

Intimate guest numbers, ultra-luxury suites, and state-of-the-art design and technology are just some of the many reasons that guests love Scenic Ocean Cruises. As leaders in luxury expedition cruising, guests sailing with Scenic Ocean Cruises can expect a truly unforgettable adventure at sea. Offering all-inclusive excursions combined with a dedication to world-class innovation and a commitment to having the highest safety standards, Scenic makes it its mission to take guests into hard-to-reach destinations that few will ever have the pleasure of visiting. On board, make the most of gourmet dining options with open galleys which invite you to see first-hand the expertise that goes into every culinary creation, bespoke entertainment, and unsurpassed wellness facilities. After a day spent making the most of the incredible onboard facilities, head back to your spacious, ultra-luxury suite. 

Boasting a fleet of eleven ships, Silversea sets the benchmark in small-ship luxury cruising. From off-the-beaten-track destinations to iconic bucket-list locations, discover all seven continents with Silversea. With a commitment to making every experience unforgettable, guests will receive ultra-luxury treatment before their voyage begins with their door-to-door service featuring executive private transfer service. Once on board, make the most of the extraordinary gastronomic options, superb entertainment, attentive butler service, and complimentary beverages, including premium alcoholic options. Plus, gratuities, shore excursions and onboard lectures are all included in the fare too. 

There’s nothing quite like the Emerald Yacht Cruises experience. Guests are made to feel like part of the family from the moment they step on board. There are three ships in the Emerald Yacht Cruises fleet, with the latest due to launch in 2026. Emerald Azzurra was the first custom-built luxury yacht by Emerald Yacht Cruises, with Sarah Wikevand, Managing Director of ROL Cruise, appointed as Godmother. From sailing the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean and the Adriatic to cruising the idyllic waters of the Caribbean, there is so much to discover with Emerald Yacht Cruises. Savour exquisite meals inspired by the flavours of the region you’re exploring, complimented by a selection of onboard drinks included with your experience.