From Steinway to Nobu: the best cruise line partnerships

Published 19th of October 2023 | By Alex Loizou

Cruise Lines:

Here at Mundy Cruising, we specialise in and work with a curated selection of what we consider to be the best luxury small ship cruise lines, and in a similar way, our favourite cruise lines partner with people, companies, and organisations which align with their values to offer exclusive benefits or enhancements both on board and ashore. With cruise partnerships spanning the fields of cuisine, music, art and history, here are some of the best.

Explora Journeys

With resort-style luxury at the forefront of new cruise line Explora Journeys' ethos, it is no surprise that they have partnered with several companies that offer the best in their field. Their partnership with Steinway & Sons offers the chance for guests to enjoy performances by acclaimed pianists on the finest Steinway Spirio pianos.

On the culinary side, exclusive dining venue Anthology showcases a rotating line up of guest chef-curated menus. Recently announced on Explora I is celebrated chef Emma Bengtsson who holds two Michelin stars at New York's Aquavit restaurant and whose innovative, sustainable and Scandinavian-influenced cuisine marries perfectly with the Explora Journeys culinary experience.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

An agreement announced this year between Regent Seven Seas Cruises and the Global Hotel Alliance offers benefits to GHA members who book a Regent cruise, including accruing rewards to redeem in GHA hotels that include luxury brands such as Anantara and Corinthia.

Regent also partners with globally renowned luxury artist jeweller, Fabergé, allowing guests to immerse in the heritage of this iconic brand. Seven Seas Grandeur undertakes a Spotlight on Fabergé voyage in May 2026, hosted by Founding Member of the Fabergé Heritage Council, Sarah Fabergé. Guests on board this special sailing can expect exclusive events, lectures and the chance to see the first Fabergé egg to reside permanently at sea as part of the beautiful art collection on board.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

The first foray into cruising from a luxury hotel brand means that guests expect thesame loyalty programme at sea as they do on land, and the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection partners with Marriott Bonvoy to provide guests with a new way to earn and redeem points.

Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points by booking voyages in the same way that guests can earn points by booking participating hotel stays, plus you can redeem points towards your cruise fare. On board you can expect exclusive benefits depending on your member status, such as an invitation to a private reception or in-suite welcome gifts.

Crystal

Another exclusive culinary partnership that many loyal guests were pleased to see return with Crystal's much anticipated relaunch this year is the collaboration with renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa.

On board both Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony the elegant and stylish Umi Uma showcases the innovative Japanese- Peruvian cuisine from Chef Nobu with a menu featuring Nobu signatures as well as exclusively created unique dishes. Guests can enjoy a complimentary reservation here on cruises of up to 11 days and be amongst the lucky diners to experience the only Nobu restaurant at sea.

Silversea

With an aim to foster an understanding and informed enjoyment of the world,the Royal Geographic Society is the perfect partner for Silversea cruises. This landmark partnership provides engaging enrichment resources such as archives, maps, experts and more from the Royal Geographical Society's collection which spans more than 500 years of exploration and geographic endeavour.

The partnership enriches guests' expeditions by providing a deeper understanding of the history, culture and environment of the unique places Silversea visit, more than simply ticking off the bucket list.

Seabourn

Seabourn has a long-running exclusive partnership with Tim Rice, the acclaimed English musical theatre lyricist of Broadway, West End and film. This manifests itself in the production "An Evening with Tim Rice", featuring songs from Jesus Christ Superstar to Aladdin and The Lion King and narrated by Rice, describing how each song came to life.

On the expedition fleet a partnership with Helly Hansen provides complimentary custom-designed PolarShield parkas to ensure utmost comfort, plus backpacks for convenience, for guests to keep.

Meet the Author

Alex is the Director of Sales, Marketing & Operations at Mundy Cruising, having worked with the company for over 12 years and in the travel industry for more than 20 years. During this time, he has been fortunate enough to experience all the top luxury cruise lines across six continents.

More about Alex

Let us guide you

Get your free subscription to Cruise News

The UK's most authoritative magazine about the world of luxury cruising. New ships, new destinations, new experiences and new offers. Be more informed, every two months, with Cruise News.

Order your copy