KCR Summer 2025 Mag V2 - Flipbook - Page 70
Sailing in Style: The Best
Summer Cruises
Few travel experiences rival the unparalleled luxury of a summer cruise.
Imagine gliding across azure oceans, indulging in world-class amenities,
and exploring captivating destinations—all without the hassle of
constant packing and unpacking.
For discerning travellers seeking elegance and exclusivity, Viking,
Riverside Cruises, and Norwegian Aqua each o昀昀er bespoke summer
itineraries tailored to enchant the luxury-seeker. Here’s what makes
these cruise lines exceptional and why they deserve a place on your
summer travel wishlist.
Norwegian Aqua – Next-Level Modern Luxury
For travellers seeking a contemporary twist on cruising, Norwegian
Aqua (www.norwegian.com/aqua) stands out. The cruise line’s Aqua
class ships rede昀椀ne how luxury unfolds on the seas, combining innovation with extravagant amenities and vibrant activities.
Experiences That De昀椀ne Norwegian Aqua
Norwegian Aqua elevates your cruising experience with awe-inspiring ships that function as 昀氀oating resorts. Their summer programme
includes island-hopping itineraries across the captivating Greek Isles
or the exotic coastlines of Asia. Dreamy routes like “Aegean Summer
Escape” feature bucket-list experiences, from exploring Santorini’s
volcanic caldera to private cooking classes in Mykonos.
Viking Cruises – Seamlessly Sophisticated Voyages
A byword for re昀椀ned elegance, Viking Cruises (www.viking.com) has
perfected the art of combining cultural immersion with understated
luxury. Known for their “thinking person’s cruise,” Viking’s summer
itineraries are meticulously curated, o昀昀ering destinations that span
Europe’s iconic waterways, the sun-soaked Mediterranean, and the
pristine coastlines of Scandinavia.
Why Choose Viking for Your Summer Escape?
On board, Aqua’s fusion of leisure and adventure comes alive. Guests
can take a morning Pilates or yoga session with ocean views, then savour
an afternoon at the exclusive Aqua Retreat, where in昀椀nity pools and
cabanas o昀昀er the ultimate in relaxation. For evenings, Michelin-starred
chefs—such as Dominique Crenn—craft immersive culinary narratives,
designed to indulge even the most re昀椀ned palate.
Onboard a Viking ship, sophistication is in the details. Expect serene
Scandi-inspired interiors designed with comfort and style in mind.
Cabins exude a minimalist aesthetic, equipped with 昀氀oor-to-ceiling
windows or private verandas for uninterrupted views.
Perhaps the most enticing aspect is Aqua’s commitment to
sustainability. Their reduced carbon footprint initiatives include
onboard eco-friendly technologies, o昀昀ering the a昀툀uent traveller luxurious experiences without the guilt.
Their summer 2025 highlights include itineraries like “Italy’s
Mediterranean Mosaic,” which explores hidden gems such as Cinque
Terre and ports like Livorno for exclusive access to Florence. For
something cooler yet equally captivating, Viking’s “Majestic Fjords”
itinerary introduces passengers to Norway’s stunning fjordlands,
complete with curated shore excursions like private glacier hikes or
vineyard tours in Hardanger.
Why Cruise This Summer?
Exquisite dining options include the Chef’s Table, where globally
inspired tasting menus change with each destination. Complemented
by included guided excursions and the absence of casino distractions,
Viking sets a tranquil and enriching tone for adult-only travel.
Opting for a luxury cruise this summer means accessing experiences
that are otherwise di昀케cult to arrange independently. Whether it’s private tours in Europe’s art capitals, secluded coves across the
Mediterranean, or unexpected culinary adventures at sea, cruises
provide an ease and elegance that land-based travel seldom achieves.
With Viking, Riverside Cruises, and Norwegian Aqua, it’s a seamless
mixture of relaxation and exploration—all wrapped in a cocoon of
indulgence.
By Lisa Curtiss
Riverside Luxury Cruises – Intimacy Meets Splendour
For those who appreciate the charm of small-scale cruising, Riverside
Luxury Cruises (www.riverside-cruises.com) o昀昀ers an intimate and
opulent way to traverse Europe’s most celebrated rivers. With ships
accommodating fewer passengers, Riverside focuses on delivering
personalised experiences and unparalleled comfort.
Unique Features of Riverside Cruises
This summer, travellers can explore legendary waterways such as the
Rhine, Danube, and Douro on luxurious vessels equipped with bespoke
suites boasting spacious river views. Seasoned butlers cater to every
need, whether it’s an impromptu champagne toast or assistance
unpacking.
Their summer itineraries include the “Danube Reveries” voyage that
meanders from Vienna to Budapest, with stops in undiscovered
treasures like Dürnstein, famed for its baroque monasteries. Guests can
opt for curated wine tastings along Austria’s Wachau Valley or private
access to historic landmarks including Budapest’s Parliament building.
While ashore, Riverside prides itself on o昀昀ering VIP treatment, such as
private guided city tours or exclusive dining experiences with regional
Michelin-starred chefs. On board, you’ll 昀椀nd their culinary o昀昀ering
rivals high-end land-based restaurants—indulgence with innovation.
KENSINGTON & CHELSEA REVIEW
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