Vacation ideas with most popular Cruise Lines

Radisson Seven Seas Cruises

Destinations include Tahiti and Antarctica on this line where "the crew goes out of their way to cater to you". "Rates are all-inclusive, so you don't feel you're being nickeled-and-dimed". The Tahiti-bound Paul Gauguin has ocean views from every stateroom and is "a magical experience". "Crew really shine they even had special wines put aside for us" and "four waiters are there to carry everything from the buffet to the table". Cabins are decorated in subdued colors and cherry-wood furniture. Onboard diversions include an art auction and an underwater-ecology and wildlife-education program geared toward teenagers. Cuisine varies from ship to ship, but "there are good choices at all meals. Under the supervision of Cordon Bleu chefs, Signatures serves a la carte French food.
800-285-1835; rssc.com

Seabourn Cruise

This all-suite line has ocean-view rooms with queen or twin beds, walk-in closets, and separate seating areas. "The best ones have balconies." The refrigerator and bar are constantly stocked according to each passenger's requests: "You can hardly take out a soda before it's replaced." Charlie Palmer designed the main restaurant, where "there are lots of healthy options and they respect portion-size requests", "you feel like you're at home with a great chef". The dining staff is "incredible". "After a couple of days, they know if you like still or sparkling water or yours dressing on the side". Take advantage of complimentary on-deck massages. "The day-trips are outstanding "because they try not to put you in a big bus full of people". A three-month refurbishment of all three ships ends in January 2006.
800-929-9391; seabourn.com

Sea Dream Yacht Club

“I don't think you could find anything better" than this boutique line whose vessels look like big yachts": "I saw one and knew I had to go on it". Travelers praise the "intimacy and privacy" of these small ships that sail through Europe and the Caribbean. "The service is inconspicuous but extraordinary they do everything for you". Rooms include Turkish bathrobes and Bulgari amenities, and some have flat-screen TVs. The onboard Asian spa opened this year, offering holistic treatments such as a Javanese lulur body scrub. "We stopped in all the right spots", include one that allowed a seasoned traveler to do a mountain bike excursion. The "fantastic food" includes a range of international dishes and vegetarian options.
800-707-4911; seadreamyachtclub.com

Silversea

With ports of call in Asia, South America, the South Pacific, and more, this cruise line "attracts a dynamic clientele". Despite the no-tipping policy, "the service is superior". Sip complimentary champagne at the onboard casino. Continental cuisine is served in the main restaurant; for special occasions, head to Saletta, which prepares international dishes that "resemble art you don't even want to bite into them". "Lecturers put what you're seeing in a larger context", and "well-planned excursions take you to places you would never find on your own". Use the new online booking service to reserve spa treatments and shore excursions up to two months in advance. Personalized butler service was recently added to the suites.
877-215-9986; silversea.com

Windstar Cruises

The smaller passenger capacities of this fleet make its cruises "less touristy and more intimate and low-key". Destinations span the Atlantic and the Mediterranean, from a trip around the Virgin Islands to a Rome - Barcelona itinerary that includes a walking tour of Portofino, a town inaccessible to larger ships. All cabins have sitting areas, wood-paneled walls, flat-screen TVs and ocean views that are "the highlight of the otherwise snug rooms". Onboard amenities including a book/DVD lending library, a pool, a lounge, and a casino "are limited but adequate". As for the casual restaurants, "it's so convenient to be able to just walk in and eat without having to plan mealtime’s weeks in advance". "Crew really pay attention to your needs."
800-258-7245; windstarcruises.com