CRUISE REVIEWS
Cruising the World, Beautifully
Welcome to the newest chapter of ThePrivateTraveller.com — a curated collection of luxury cruise experiences from the world’s most iconic ships and voyages at sea. Here, I share first-hand reviews and stories from extraordinary journeys aboard legendary lines like Cunard’s Queen Mary II and other exceptional vessels that redefine travel by water.
From transatlantic crossings to tropical explorations, each review captures the onboard elegance, service, dining, and design that elevate these cruises into unforgettable adventures. Whether you’re a seasoned cruiser or dreaming of your first voyage, this collection is crafted to inspire and guide your next escape at sea.
Planning a cruise? I’d be delighted to help you book with exclusive perks through The Private Traveller and my partnership with Fora Travel. Let’s chart your course.
What Cruising Means to Me – Follow My Voyages Here…
For me, cruising is the perfect blend of elegance, exploration, and ease — where the journey is just as captivating as the destination. Whether it’s a transatlantic crossing aboard the Queen Mary II or a sun-soaked island escape, each voyage offers a unique rhythm of refined adventure.
Here, I share thoughtfully curated cruise reviews and stories from life at sea — from the design and dining to the atmosphere onboard. If you're ready to set sail, I’d love to help plan your perfect voyage with exclusive perks through The Private Traveller and Fora Travel.
Part 1 - Celebrity Xcel First Impressions: My Retreat Suite Experience on the Inaugural Preview Cruise
A first look at the brand-new Celebrity Xcel during its preview sailing, covering embarkation, early impressions, and an in-depth tour of my Retreat Sky Suite before diving into the full onboard experience in Part Two.
My First Impressions of Celebrity Xcel — A Preview Sailing on the Brand New Ship
I booked myself onto Celebrity Xcel for the ship’s first ever passenger sailing — a 5-day preview cruise from Fort Lauderdale to Cozumel. With only Cunard’s QM2 as a recent comparison, this voyage gave me a fresh perspective on modern cruising. From The Retreat suite experience to boarding chaos, dining highlights and design observations, here are my first impressions before the full review.