Luxury Cruise Vacations Your Way

Sometimes the best way to see a country’s true colors is along its rivers or coastline by boat. Watch the destination reveal itself through the windows, stopping off to get up close to the culture, history and wildlife. We can seamlessly pair the world’s finest cruises with our luxury tailormade trips on land, creating our bespoke Journeys by Land & Sea. Let our cruise experts reveal a world of travel, where terra and tide meet.

Cruise Holidays

Scott Dunn Choice Cruises

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Ponant Le Champlain

Heavenly Islands & Iberian shores with Ponant Le Champlain

11 nights
Departing 6th May 2026 from Barcelona

PONANT invites you to discover sumptuous landscapes and exceptional cities during a 12-day cruise between Portugal and Spain. Be inspired by this unforgettable journey aboard Le Champlain as you visit major cities of the Iberian Peninsula.

Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, discover the Sagres fort, near Lagos; attend a cavalcade at a finca in Cartagena; or go to a flamenco show in Cadiz. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).

Leaving from the bustling capital of Catalonia, Barcelona, you will sail west to reach the mythical Balearic Islands archipelago. On the preserved island of Menorca, Mahon will charm you with its age-old history and its port, which, at 6 kilometres (3.7 miles) long, is the biggest in the Mediterranean. A little further on, Ibiza, the “White Island” will enchant you with its wild coves and villages of white fincas, a natural beauty that has earned the status of UNESCO World Heritage Site.

In Valencia, a lively city brimming with culture, do not miss the Silk Exchange, a flamboyant Gothic masterpiece listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, illustrating how powerful this mercantile city was in the 15th and 16th centuries.

You will arrive in Cartagena, a former Roman colony where there is still a majestic amphitheatre. As you roam the city, you will discover the many monuments reflecting its numerous influences and rich history.

After a port of call in Motril, at the foot of the Sierra de Lújar, Le Champlain will sail for Malaga, the cultural capital of the Costa del Sol. To the heart of the old town, its history can be read in its buildings, in particular the 10th century castle built by the Moors. You will also have the possibility of strolling through the picturesque town of Ronda and discovering its famous Puente Nuevo. Then, you will discover Cadiz, one of the country’s oldest cities, built on a rock and surrounded by the sea.

Your exploration continues in the Algarve region at the country’s southern tip. Portimão invites you to explore Silves, the ancient Moorish capital of the Algarve, and Monchique, a peaceful village with cobbled streets leading up to the sea. Further north, you will arrive in Lisbon, sitting on the Tagus River, distilling its one-of-a-kind charm imbued with rich history. In Figueira da Foz, at the mouth of the Mondego River, you will love the slow pace of this historic seaside resort and its beaches of white sand.

Your cruise will end in Leixoes, one of Portugal’s largest maritime ports, not far from Porto.

$12,000 pp

Ponant Le Bellot

Celtic Voyage: The Hebrides and the Irish Sea – with Smithsonian Journeys with Ponant Le Bellot

8 nights
Departing 7th May 2026 from London (Greenwich)

In alliance with Smithsonian Journeys.

This cruise is part of a collection of PONANT voyages that are specially-tailored for English-speaking travelers who want to engage with the world. In addition to the usual elements of the PONANT experience, the listed price for these voyages includes transfers to and from the ship, talks and discussions aboard ship by world class experts, and a shore excursion or activity in each port of call that encourages guests to embrace the sights, sounds, tastes, and smells of the local environment and culture.

Join us for this 9-day cruise aboard Le Bellot exploring the rich history and culture that thrives on either side of the Irish Sea.

Begin with a night aboard ship docked near London Bridge, then set sail in the early morning down the Thames to discover historic Dover Castle, perched high on the emblematic White Cliffs, and perhaps visit the nearby UNESCO Heritage site of Canterbury Cathedral.

Enjoy a morning on the Isle of Wight visiting Osborne House, Queen Victoria's favorite residence, before a relaxing afternoon cruising along the shores of the English Channel. Arrive the following day some 30 miles off the southwest coast of Cornwall in the Isles of Scilly, where you visit the world-famous Tresco Gardens.

Crossing the Irish Sea, you call in Kinsale, Ireland, your gateway to proudly Irish Cork and its iconic Jameson Distillery. A stop in Douglas, Isle of Man, allows for a visit to Chapel Hill, the site of an excavated Viking ship dating to between 850 and 950 AD. Or choose to ride the Manx Electric Railway, in service for more than 130 years, for a breathtaking trip through green glens and hollows, with excellent views of the coastline.

Belfast, Northern Ireland's dynamic capital, is home to Titanic Belfast, a state-of-the-art museum on the site of the yard where the ill-fated ship was built. It is also your opportunity to experience the spectacular unspoiled scenery of the Antrim Coast and the famed Giant’s Causeway of over 40,000 interlocking, hexagonal columns, formed by the cooling of molten lava some six million years ago.

Your final full day is spent exploring the fabled Hebrides, beginning in the charming fishing port of Tobermory, whose distillery produces a renowned single malt scotch whisky, before proceeding to Duart Castle, ancestral home of Clan Maclean on the Isle of Mull, and ending with the mystical abbey of the Isle of Iona, home to the first Christian settlement in Scotland.

Your voyage comes to an end in Greenock, gateway to Glasgow, Scotland's modern cultural capital.

$9,100 pp

Luxury Cruise FAQs

  • Which cruise line offers the finest luxury experience?

    Silversea stands as the epitome of traditional luxury cruising, renowned for its impeccable service and refined onboard atmosphere. While some guests appreciate the formal elegance, others may find it quite traditional in approach.

    Explora Journeys delivers the same exceptional luxury standards as Silversea but with a refreshingly contemporary and relaxed ambiance, perfect for those seeking sophistication without formality.

    The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection offers an ultra-intimate experience aboard smaller vessels that feel more like private superyachts. While the experience is undeniably exclusive, the premium pricing reflects this heightened level of intimacy and personalized service.

  • What are the best luxury cruises for adult travelers?

    While none of our luxury cruise partners operate adult-only vessels, Silversea and Seabourn naturally attract a more mature, sophisticated clientele. These cruise lines focus on creating refined atmospheres with world-class spa facilities, cultural enrichment programs, and elegant social spaces designed for discerning adult travelers seeking tranquil, sophisticated voyages.

  • Which luxury cruises work best for families?

    Explora Journeys excels as the premier choice for luxury family travel. Their ships feature thoughtfully designed spaces for all ages, including a comprehensive kids' club with age-appropriate programming, multiple swimming areas, and active recreation facilities, including pickleball, paddle tennis and basketball courts. The line successfully balances family-friendly amenities with the sophisticated luxury experience parents expect.

  • What makes a cruise ideal for couples seeking romance?

    Every luxury cruise line creates a naturally intimate atmosphere - perfect for couples. While Explora serves families beautifully, Silversea, Seabourn and Four Seasons cater to a more mature clientele, creating inherently romantic environments.

    Four Seasons particularly shines for couples, offering an intimate ship atmosphere with exceptional attention to romantic details, making it ideal for honeymoons, anniversaries or simply reconnecting in an elegant setting.

  • What defines a true luxury cruise experience?

    Luxury cruising is characterized by several key elements that distinguish it from mainstream travel:

    • Intimate Ship Size: Fewer than 1,000 guests ensure personalized attention and uncrowded spaces.
    • Spacious Accommodations: Every suite features significantly more space than traditional cruise cabins, with no interior staterooms - every accommodation includes a private terrace or balcony.
    • Exceptional Dining: World-class restaurants helmed by renowned chefs offer diverse culinary experiences throughout your voyage.
    • Personalized Service: High staff-to-guest ratios ensure attentive, individualized care throughout your journey.
    • All-Inclusive Luxury: Most onboard amenities, dining, and beverages are included, eliminating unexpected expenses.
    • Award-Winning Spas: Full-service wellness facilities offering rejuvenating treatments and relaxation spaces.
    • Curated Shore Excursions: Small-group, culturally immersive experiences designed to provide deeper destination connections, with options for completely private tours.

  • Which luxury cruise lines offer the most enriching cultural experiences?

    Explora Journeys stands out for its extensive portfolio of culturally immersive shore excursions. Their destination experts design experiences that go beyond typical tourist attractions, offering authentic encounters with local traditions, cuisine, art and history that provide meaningful connections to each port of call.

  • What are the best options for educational and expedition cruising?

    For travelers seeking intellectual enrichment and natural discovery, AE Expeditions leads in expedition-style luxury cruising. Their vessels feature dedicated naturalists, historians and regional experts who provide fascinating insights into wildlife, geology and cultural history -particularly in polar regions.

    Silversea and Seabourn also offer expedition programs with onboard experts and specialized expedition teams, combining luxury amenities with educational exploration for those who want to learn while they travel in comfort.

Meet Our Cruise Travel Specialists

Our team of specialists are waiting to help you book your next adventure. Contact us today to start planning your tailor-made trip.

Why Book a Cruise with Scott Dunn?

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Unique
Unique to You
Person kayaking off the Ponant l'Austal

  • We listen to you, and tailor your cruise to your travel style, pairing you with the right ship and the right destinations.
  • We can make your itinerary as relaxing, active or cultural as you like. There is no one size fits all when it comes to cruising with Scott Dunn – it’s all about you.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Service
Seamless Service
Bartender aboard the EXPLORA I

  • We take care of all the logistics, including your cruise, flights, transfers, and luxury hotels, ensuring a smooth journey from start to finish.
  • You are always in safe hands with us and our trusted worldwide partners. As with any Scott Dunn trip, we are just a phone call away 24/7.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Collection
Carefully Curated Collection
Ritz-Carlton Ilma at sunset in a European port

  • Whether before, after or during your luxury cruise, we curate the best experiences on land to compliment your journey by sea, accompanied by our expert local guides.
  • We only partner with small-ship luxury cruise lines with high staff to guest ratios – designed to never feel crowded.

Why SD and In the Know Icons_Luxury
Luxury in Every Sense
Person in the pool aboard the EXPLORA I

  • Our cruises are carefully chosen for their five-star offering: fine dining, luxe facilities, attentive staff, and personal in-cabin butler service.
  • We have personally experienced these ships and will only suggest those that meet the level of service and luxury that our guests expect.

Call us on 858 345 1751 to start planning