Luxury and Expedition Cruises

Luxury European Cruises | Italy Luxury Cruises | Luxury Mediterranean Cruises | Luxury Family Cruises




We are luxury cruise specialist travel advisors serving discerning travelers seeking extraordinary experiences

Your ticket to the most luxe experiences on the sea

Our expert knowledge of the leading luxury and expedition cruise ships, itineraries, and pricing, ensures you make the right choices when planning your cruise. As a top producer within the luxury cruise industry, we're often able to secure complimentary onboard credit or exclusive shore excursions for our clients. Our close relationships with the leadership at the top luxury cruise lines from around the world benefits clients with various and unexpected personal needs. We make things happen for you.

SPECIALIST FOR SILVERSEA, SEABOURN, EXPLORA, LINDBLAD, AND MORE OF YOUR FAVORITE LUXURY, SMALL-SHIP AND EXPEDITION CRUISE LINES

Expedition Cruising

Hold on to your hats, thrill seekers! Luxury Expedition Cruising gives adventurers the opportunity to take the path less traveled and journey into the wild unknown. Voyages aboard expedition lines, like Lindblad Expeditions, are designed for those who crave an up-close encounter with the natural beauty of remote destinations and the amazing wildlife that call them home. Onboard, you'll find knowledgeable experts and naturalists eager to share their passion for exploration. Expedition cruising is your one-way ticket to the world's most extraordinary secrets!

Types of cruising 

Luxury Cruising

Indulge a little and treat yourself to a top-notch experience. Guests sailing aboard luxury cruise lines like Seabourn, Silversea Cruises, and Ritz Carlton Yachts, will enjoy the VIP treatment that rivals any 5-star hotel. Onboard you’ll find stunning suites, exceptional dining, and an array of fabulous amenities – from world-class spas to A-list entertainment. Personalized service and attention to detail are the cherries on top of these resorts at sea.

River Cruising

Float along the world’s most iconic waterways and enjoy the quiet charm of picturesque villages, historic landmarks, and vibrant cultures. With a more intimate and relaxed atmosphere than your typical ocean cruise, river cruising allows you to slow down and immerse yourself in a world where scenic beauty and local experiences reign supreme. Think plush accommodations, delectable cuisine, and friendly service, all wrapped up with a stylish bow on top. 

Looking to take a Virtuoso Voyage?

AS A VIRTUOSO MEMBER, we offer you coveted access to the Virtuoso Voyage welcome cocktail party, Virtuoso Voyage dinner party with your onboard host and an additional onboard credit or special shore excursion, exclusive to Virtuoso Voyage guests only.  

Browse Luxury And 
Expedition Cruise Partners

Exploring new destinations has always been a passion of mine, and I delight in sharing my expertise with like-minded, adventurous travelers. Recent years have seen the development of ultra-luxury cruise lines, each with their own personality and travel style. My favorite luxury cruise lines have also embraced expedition travel. Adventurous travelers are able to explore destinations that are only accessible by ship without sacrificing luxury. Sustainable, luxury expedition cruise ships provide guests with the comforts and amenities expected on a vacation while exploring land and wildlife once considered inaccessible to travelers.

On my first luxury cruise, I discovered the joy of being able to visit various destinations while also enjoying what I like to call a luxury resort at sea. Sea days are so important on an itinerary, because they allow you to relax and experience the fabulous amenities found onboard luxury cruise ships. It really is breathtaking to watch the open-seas while sitting on your veranda waiting for your butler to serve lunch or a cocktail. Once you fall in love with luxury cruises, you realize that you can expand your adventures to far-reaching destinations without sacrificing comfort or luxury. Luxury expedition cruises are quickly being discovered by adventure travelers. I know which cruise lines excel at luxury expedition cruises, which luxury expedition ships are superior in different climates such as the polar regions and which itineraries are ideal for my clients. There are many decisions to be made and tasks to be completed in order to take a luxury cruise. It is a mistake not to employ an expert in luxury cruises or luxury expedition cruises to plan such adventures.

In previous years, luxury world cruises were reserved mainly by retired travelers with the luxury of time. With the recent development of people working from home or really wherever one can find wifi, many clients are now scheduling luxury world cruises. These clients are able to travel the world at sea, working onboard their luxury cruise ship and exploring new destinations during their free time. It truly is the best of all worlds for those with an adventurous spirit. Luxury world cruises can last up to 270 days long. Clients can travel during all or part of that time. I also curate customized luxury world cruises for clients by creating journeys that connect itineraries best suited to my clients’ interests.

Whether a client is taking their first luxury cruise, expanding their adventures on a luxury expedition cruise or diving deep on a journey with a luxury world cruise, my team has the connections at each of the best cruise lines to provide the most valuable added-amenities and special services clients may require. My expertise in each of the luxury cruise ships and itineraries ensures that clients make the best choices and are placed in the stateroom best-suited for them. My concierge team then tirelessly works to ensure every moment of the trip is planned to perfection. When bumps in the road happen, we are there for clients every step of the way to reach positive resolutions. The end result for my clients are vacations filled with adventure, fun, fabulous food and wine and memories with family and friends that will last a lifetime.

Our luxury cruise partners include but are not limited to:

  • Silversea
  • Seabourn
  • Four Seasons Yachts
  • The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
  • Explora Journeys
  • Lindblad Expeditions
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • AmaWaterways
  • Belmond Cruises

Our services take all of the stress and hassle out of planning and booking a luxury cruise. Time is my clients’ most valuable commodity. It only makes sense to take advantage of my expertise in luxury cruises and allow our concierge team to handle all the details. Contact me to start planning your next journey.  

Once everything is confirmed, you are set to sail! All you have to do is sit back, relax, and enjoy your time wherever you are headed.

4. Sail Away

You won’t need to sit on hold with the the cruise line. We will work directly with the cruise line to handle all payments using your credit card, requests and questions. TopFlight Travels does not charge a fee for luxury and expedition cruise bookings.

3. Management

Once you decide on a cruise from the options we provide, we work with you to pick the best stateroom at the best rate with amenities. We can also assist with your flights, recommend shore excursions and handle your pre-cruise and post-cruise logistics.   

2. Research and booking

After receiving your request form, we can suggest a cruise line and itinerary based on the information you provide.

1. Complete our Take a Cruise form.

How To Book Your Luxury And Expedition Cruise

As luxury and expedition cruise specialists, we are experts at customizing and managing luxury world cruises. Our clients spend up to 180 nights at sea with all the details and logistics handled by TopFlight Travels. 

“Julie has been a refreshing change from the cookie-cutter agencies we've used in the past.”

- Melissa B.

TopFlight has assisted us with two completed trips. There are two more on the calendar and many more to come! Julie's ideas are refreshing, and she won't stop until she finds a solution for your family! She takes the time to understand the family's needs and wants, and is super responsive. I'm so glad we found her!

“Would be great if all professionals were nearly as attentive to clients.”

- Lee B.

Julie Jones is a great travel agent! She booked our cruise on Uniworld, fabulous!, and managed our flights.
She returns email immediately, calls you right back, fixes any problem, and just a joy to work with.
Although we live in LA and Julie lives in St. Louis, she's our forever agent.

“We were all so impressed and will definitely be using Julie to plan future trips!!"

- Susie M.

Julie helped some girlfriends and I plan a trip to Playa Del Carmen for our 45th birthdays. She was on top of every last detail and answered all of our questions right away. We LOVED the hotel where we stayed, and also had a few upgrades that Julie arranged for us that were really nice.

“My first experience with Top Flight could not have been better.”

- Carey S.

Julie took my original ideas, and made recommendations that brought us to a place I would NEVER have found on my own. It wasn't a vacation, it was an experience. From the moment we landed until we left, there was awesomeness at every turn. I'm usually a scrooge about travelling but now I can't wait for our next trip.....planned, or course, by Julie Jones or not at all.

Client Love

Cruising FAQs

Luxury cruising is all about the details that transform a vacation into an experience. When you book a luxury cruise, you're choosing smaller, intimate ships — typically 200 to 750 guests — where the staff actually knows your name. You'll enjoy spacious suites with verandas, gourmet dining at multiple specialty restaurants (no buffet lines required!), complimentary premium beverages, and incredibly personalized service.

But here's what really sets luxury apart: it's the destination immersion, the enrichment programs with expert speakers, and those exclusive shore excursions that take you beyond the typical tourist stops. You're not dealing with crowds, Vegas-style entertainment, or nickel-and-diming for every little extra. Instead, you're experiencing refined elegance, genuine relaxation, and the kind of attention to detail that makes every moment feel special.

Luxury cruising is an investment in unforgettable experiences, and pricing varies widely depending on several factors: the cruise line, itinerary, time of year, and suite category.

Generally, you can expect to pay above $500+ per person per night, though some ultra-luxury suites and world cruises can exceed $2,000 per night. But here's the important part: with luxury cruising, nearly everything is included in that price. When you factor in what you'd pay separately for fine dining, premium beverages, gratuities, shore excursions, and sometimes even airfare, the value becomes much clearer.

The key is understanding exactly what's included with each line and sailing. That's where my expertise comes in — I'll help you find the best value for your budget and ensure you're getting the experience you're dreaming of.

For the best suite selection and itinerary choices, I recommend booking 12 to 18 months in advance, especially for popular destinations like the Mediterranean, Alaska, Antarctica, and bucket-list expeditions. Early booking often comes with perks like reduced deposits, complimentary upgrades, and generous shipboard credits.

That said, I do occasionally see excellent last-minute opportunities 60 to 90 days before sailing. These can offer tremendous value, but you'll have limited choices in suite categories and locations.

My approach? As soon as you know you want to travel, let's start exploring options. The peace of mind that comes with securing your perfect suite and itinerary far outweighs any potential savings from waiting.

The world truly is your oyster! Luxury cruises excel in destinations where the journey matters as much as the destination. Some of my clients' favorites include:

The Mediterranean — from the Greek Isles to the Amalfi Coast, you'll experience history, culture, and cuisine at its finest.

Alaska — dramatic landscapes, incredible wildlife, and glaciers that take your breath away.

Northern Europe & the Baltic — explore Scandinavia, Russia, and the stunning Norwegian Fjords.

Antarctica & the Arctic — for truly intrepid travelers, these expedition cruises offer once-in-a-lifetime wildlife encounters.

Southeast Asia — the Mekong River, Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia offer rich cultural immersion.

The Caribbean — yes, even the Caribbean shines on luxury ships with private island experiences and authentic cultural excursions.

South America — from the Galápagos to Patagonia, these are transformative journeys.

The beauty of luxury cruising is that you're not just visiting ports — you're experiencing destinations in depth, often with overnight stays and exclusive access.

This is exactly why working with a travel advisor makes such a difference! Choosing the right luxury cruise line is about understanding your preferences and priorities.

Ask yourself: Do you prefer smaller, yacht-like ships or something more substantial? Are you a foodie who wants exceptional culinary experiences? Do you love cultural enrichment and expert lectures? Are you more about destination immersion or onboard relaxation? Do you want truly all-inclusive pricing or are you comfortable with a few extras?

I spend time getting to know my clients — your interests, your travel style, even your dining preferences — so I can match you with the line that feels like it was designed just for you. That personal connection is what transforms a good vacation into an extraordinary adventure.

This varies by cruise line, but luxury cruises are significantly more inclusive than mainstream cruising. Most include:

- All dining at specialty restaurants (no upcharges)
- Premium spirits, wines, and champagne
- Gratuities for the crew
- Wi-Fi throughout the ship
- Specialty coffees and teas
- In-suite bar setups

Many lines also include:
- Shore excursions in every port
- Pre- or post-cruise hotel stays
- Roundtrip airfare
- Unlimited beverages in-suite
- Spa treatments or other onboard credits

The key is knowing exactly what's included with your specific sailing. I always provide my clients with a detailed breakdown so there are zero surprises — just relaxation and enjoyment.

I may be biased, but I genuinely believe working with an experienced luxury travel advisor is the smarter choice — and here's why:

First, you won't pay a penny more. The cruise lines pay me directly, so the price is identical whether you book with me or on your own. But when you book with me, you receive exclusive Virtuoso amenities that you simply can't get booking direct — shipboard credits, complimentary upgrades when available, private cocktail receptions, exclusive shore excursions, and priority embarkation.

Second, I save you countless hours of research. I know these ships, these itineraries, and these cruise lines inside and out. I'll match you with the perfect experience based on your preferences.

Third — and this is huge — I'm your advocate if anything goes wrong. Flight delays? Itinerary changes? Special requests? I handle it all. You have a single point of contact who genuinely cares about your experience.

Lastly, I monitor your booking. If prices drop, I work to get you onboard credit or cabin upgrades. I keep you informed of any changes or opportunities.

The relationship-first approach I bring means you're not just a reservation number — you're part of the TopFlight family.

Absolutely not. The price is identical. Cruise lines pay travel advisors a commission directly, so you're not paying extra for my services.

In fact, you often get MORE value working with me because of the exclusive Virtuoso benefits and perks I can secure — things like $100 to $600 in shipboard credits, complimentary specialty dining, private shore excursions, and welcome amenities. These benefits are in addition to any promotions the cruise line is offering.

So you're getting the same price plus added value, expert guidance, and personalized service. It's truly a win-win.

Look for an advisor who specializes in luxury and expedition cruising — not just someone who books travel occasionally. Here's what matters:

Experience: Have they sailed on the lines they're recommending? Do they have first-hand knowledge of the ships and itineraries?

Credentials: Are they part of an elite network like Virtuoso? This matters because it unlocks exclusive amenities.

Relationship-first approach: Do they take time to understand YOU — your interests, preferences, and travel style? Or are they just trying to make a quick sale?

Accessibility: Can you reach them when you need them? Do they proactively communicate?

Track record: What do their clients say? Look for testimonials and referrals.

I'm proud to be a Virtuoso Top Producer in both luxury cruising and adventure travel.  I am recognized on the Travel + Leisure A-List  as the Small Ship and Expedition Cruise Specialist.  I am also a Condé Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist.   However, what matters most is that I genuinely love what I do, and that passion shows in the experiences I create for my clients.

Onboard credits (OBC) are like money in your pocket to spend during your cruise. They're typically loaded onto your shipboard account and can be used for:

- Shore excursions not included in your fare
- Spa treatments and salon services
- Specialty dining experiences (on lines where not everything is included)
- Premium wines and spirits beyond what's included
- Shopping in the onboard boutiques
- Casino gaming

Virtuoso bookings through TopFlight Travels typically include $100-$600 in onboard credits depending on the sailing length and suite category. These credits are in addition to any promotions the cruise line is offering, so you're maximizing value.

The credits are usually non-refundable and must be used during the cruise, so I always encourage clients to treat themselves to something special!

Suite selection depends on your priorities and budget. Here's my guidance:

Balcony suites are essential for scenic cruising — there's nothing like morning coffee on your private veranda as you sail through the Norwegian Fjords or past glaciers in Alaska.

Midship location offers the most stability and is closest to main amenities.

Higher decks provide better views and more natural light.

Consider bathroom configuration: Some suites offer separate tubs and showers, walk-in closets, and separate living areas.

Butler service: On many luxury lines, higher suite categories include butler service, which is absolutely worth it if it fits your budget.

Special access: Top suite categories often include exclusive perks like private lounges, priority embarkation, and complimentary laundry.

I always ask my clients about their priorities — is it the view, the space, the bathroom, the perks? — and then match them with the perfect suite category. I know these ships intimately and can tell you which suites to avoid and which are the hidden gems.

Great question! Here's my advice:

Higher decks (8, 9, 10+) offer:
- Better views and more natural light
- Less engine noise and vibration
- More privacy (fewer people walk by)
- Often the location of premium suites

Middle decks (4, 5, 6, 7) offer:
- More stability and less motion
- Convenient access to main dining rooms and entertainment
- Often the best value

Lower decks (2, 3) offer:
- Even more stability
- Less elevator wait time
- Sometimes more affordable
- But can have obstructed views or noise from above

Midship on higher decks is the ideal combination for most travelers — great views, good stability, convenient access.

That said, on smaller luxury ships, the differences are minimal. I know the specific layouts of each ship and can guide you to the perfect location based on your priorities.

Luxury cruises are designed primarily for adult travelers seeking sophistication and tranquility, but that doesn't mean families are excluded.

Most luxury lines welcome children but don't offer extensive kids' programs. If you're traveling with children, consider:

Crystal and Oceania offer family-friendly sailings during school holidays with enhanced activities for younger guests.

Book connecting suites so everyone has space.

Look for itineraries with ports that offer family-friendly excursions.

Set expectations: Luxury ships are quieter and more refined than mainstream cruise lines. If your children need constant entertainment and activities, a different cruise style might be better.

For multi-generational travel with older children (teens) who appreciate culture, history, and fine dining, luxury cruises can be absolutely wonderful.

I always have honest conversations with families to ensure we find the right fit. Sometimes that's luxury cruising; sometimes it's a premium line that better balances family-friendly amenities with upscale experiences.

Luxury cruising can be fantastic for solo travelers! Here's what to know:

Single supplements: Most cruise lines charge a single supplement (often 150-200% of the per-person double occupancy rate) for solo travelers. However, some lines and sailings waive or reduce this supplement on select categories.

Solo-friendly atmosphere: Luxury ships create warm, welcoming environments. You'll meet fascinating people at dinner, on excursions, and in the lounges.

Some lines offer:
- Dedicated singles events and meetups
- Solo traveler get-togethers
- Reduced single supplements on select sailings

Seabourn and Silversea are particularly welcoming to solo travelers.

As a solo traveler myself on occasion, I understand the unique considerations. I'll help you find sailings with reduced single supplements and connect you with the solo traveler community on your ship.

Reach out to Julie at julie@topflight.travel or 314-966-8555. You can also complete our Take a Cruise form which allows us to dig right into researching your best options.