While you can’t visit the Alps, Grand Canyon or Yellowstone Park by cruise ship, many of the world’s most intriguing places are best explored by waterborne conveyance. The perfection of a cruise is that when you travel by ship you can be as enriched and fulfilled as you desire, or pursue each day at a snail’s pace.

Let your imagination wander and cast your net on a few spectacular places you probably never thought of cruising to, but should. These are at the top of my list!

Galapagos. A cluster of islands so isolated that many of its creatures can be found nowhere else on earth, this is where Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was conceived. From the giant tortoises that bear the Galapagos name, to the marine iguanas and “Darwin” finches, the Galapagos Islands afford visitors the chance to observe a living laboratory of adaptation. Travel in comfort aboard Celebrity Xpeditions to this cluster of remarkable islands.

The Panama Canal. While the full Panama Canal transit is between Florida and Mexico, I prefer the partial transit sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with more time to explore Costa Rica and the jungles of Panama plus Caribbean ports, Cartagena, Columbia and Grand Cayman. Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer frequent sailings.

Arabian Peninsula and Bahrain. Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas sails round-trip from Dubai with port calls in Fujairah, U.A.E.; Muscat, Oman; Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

Sea of Cortez. Lindblad Expeditions has 30 years of experience exploring Baja California so you’re almost guaranteed to have an up close and personal encounter with gray whales, dolphins and other aquatic life. Join naturalists and experts aboard the 62-passenger ship for a once in a lifetime voyage.

The Danube River. Uniworld Cruises makes visiting Germany a pampered experience. Sail from Nuremberg on Main/Danube Canal Transit visiting Regensburg, Deggendorf, Passau, plus Melk, Austria and Vienna, Austria

Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. Visit the two greatest cities in South America aboard Holland America’s Veendam with port calls in the Brazilian ports of Buzios, Ilha Grande, Santos (Sao Paulo) plus Montevideo, Uruguay.

Iceland,Greenland, Scotland – Sail between New York and Dover, U.K., stopping in some of the least known ports in the world. Greenland is renowned for its beautiful fjords and scenic towns while Iceland’s rugged coast, waterfalls and small villages is a memorable stop.

South of France by riverboat. Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers with Viking River Cruises past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer while exploring Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence. Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles and visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon,

Caribbean aboard a (almost) private yacht. Sea Dream Yacht Club’s 112-passenger small cruise ships sail to the Caribbean’s most exclusive ports of call including St. John St. John, U.S.V.I.; Saba; Gustavia, St. Barts; Anguilla;Virgin Gorda, B.V.I and Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I as you sample extraordinary cuisine, lovely amenities and a pampered voyage normally only available to owners of private yachts.

Tahiti & South Pacific. Yes you can cruise through the Hawaiian Islands but why not aim for the ultimate, a Paul Gauguin cruise in Tahiti or the South Pacific. On a one-week cruise you’ll visit Raiatea, French Polynesia; Taha’A, Society Islands; Bora Bora, French Polynesia and Moorea, French Polynesia.

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At the end of the cruise we invariably pick the “best port” of our voyage, the one where we had the most fun, a place that fulfilled our fantasies. And, there are some ports of call so special you never forget them. Sometimes it’s an extraordinary shore excursion, in other instances it’s breathtaking scenery, historic treasures or time spent exploring on your own.

Picking out personal favorites is tough because there are incredible ones I’ve left off.

Kauai, Hawaii: Aptly name “the garden isle” Kauai is where I took the best shore excursion of my life. By high-speed zodiac we toured the Na’pali coast, where sheer cliffs rising thousands of feet are lined with lush green foliage and pristine deserted beaches. Close to shore dolphins leap from the water as sea turtles languidly surfaced to breathe as we stopped for a picnic lunch.

New York: When standing on the deck of a cruise ship entering or leaving the harbor, one can feel the awe of millions of people who arrived in the United States to start a new life. The scenery is dramatic: gliding beneath the enormous Verrazano Bridge you pass the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island where immigrants were processed. Then we glide past the canyon of skyscrapers before docking in mid-Manhattan.

Prague. I started my Rhine River cruise by spending a few nights in one of Europe’s most enchanting cities. A guided walk takes you through Old Town to the famed Charles Bridge. After the tour, take the rest of the day to explore; see the Town Hall’s intricate 15th-century Astronomical Clock, spend time in Wenceslaus Square, visit one of Prague’s many

Puerto Rico. Hanging out in San Juan for a day is a chance to indulge in two favorite activities: shopping and history. El Morro Castle towers over the harbor much as it did when the Spanish began construction in 1589 to ward off pirates including Sir Francis Drake in 1595. A short distance from the castle is the historic area, Old San Juan, where it’s fun to stroll the cobblestone streets and browse the through stores in search of resort clothing, jewelry and crafts.

Stockholm. Before arriving in this stunning port the ship pasts what seems like a thousand small islands dotted with cabins, summer cottages and elegant homes. I always visit the Vasa museum, which houses the restored vessel with the same name. Sunk in 1628, it was raised and re-assembled in 1961. And, don’t miss the grandest buildings in town, City Hall and the Royal Palace where King Carl XVI Gustaf lives.

Santorini: Entering the harbor is where the excitement begins. The island is perched 900 feet above the rim of an ancient volcano, accessible only by cable car or perched atop a donkey. When you reach the top, stroll narrow streets of cafes, restaurants and souvenir stands – when you can take your eyes off the spectacular view.

Vancouver: Many people begin and end an Alaska cruise in this city, which is worth at least an extra day for sightseeing. Ringed with high peaks, Vancouver is one of the most beautiful ports in the world; in fact, to spend a peaceful day and get completely emerged in nature, head for Stanley Park.

Venice: Venice is one of the world’s most magical cities, where one can feel history seeping through narrow stone alleyways. The all streets lead to the famous square, San Marco, where visitors marvel at sights like the St. Marks Church (constructed in 828), the opulent Doge’s Palace and clock tower.

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Whenever I encounter someone who proclaims “I love to travel but I wouldn’t be caught dead on a cruise ship!!”, my response is “I have a ship for you!” Then I steer them towards small ships where they will encounter nary a typical cruise ship activity   like formal nights, floor shows, discos, assigned seating, art auction, etc.   The president of one small cruise line said “our most popular activity is conversation.”

While the behemoths make the news — “bigger is better!” — small cruise ships carrying 200 and fewer passengers deserve special praise. They are perfect for those seeking an up-close look at nature, the most exotic itineraries, unspoiled ports where the big ships can’t visit and greater camaraderie with other passengers and crew. Aboard these ships you frequently find guest lecturers and very knowledgeable staff offering indepth information about the unique flora, fauna and marine life outside the ship.

If Alaska beckons and your heart is set on an upclose experience with mother nature, your odds increase dramatically when cruising aboard a small vessel.   Although Cruise West went under last year there are still a few small ship cruises available (see below).

The Small Ship Experience:

The major on-board activity aboard a small ship is conversation. The only time I really get to know fellow passengers is aboard small ships because, with single open seating dining and typically one lounge, there are none of the diversions one finds aboard a conventional cruise ship. Packing is easy since standard attire is LL Bean or Lands End.

But the main reason for taking a small ship is discovering the few remaining places on earth untouched by tourism; many of them are only accessible by small ship. For example, interested in visiting Greenland? Hurtigruten (formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyage) visits the island plus both the North and South Poles.

Note:  While luxury cruise lines (Regent, Seabourn, Silverseas Cruises) have small cruise ships, I’ve included company which offer a more laid-back ambiance and informal style of cruising.

Top Small Ship Cruise Lines

Alaska Dream Cruises.  Owned by native Americans, this small company operates the 42-passenger Alaskan Dream and 78-passenger Admiralty Dream voyages that provide up-close immersion in local wildlife, aquatic life and culture.   Sailing on one-week itineraries round-trip from Sitka to Glacier Bay passengers will have a salmon bake at a remote lodge,  Spasski River Brown Bear Search, Rainforest Hike, and Icy Strait Point seafood feast

American Cruise Lines. Cruising regions include historic New England, the Hudson River, Antebellum South, Chesapeake Bay, great rivers of Florida and the coast of Maine. The America-flagged fleet includes four vessels, the American Star, Eagle, Glory and Spirit, all carrying fewer than 200 passengers. Aboard each cruise are “enlighteners” — naturalists, historians and other experts — who also lead shore excursions. Most cabins have private balconies with television, several lounges and an all-American crew.

American Safari Cruises. If you’ve always dreamed of owning a private yacht, this cruise line may be for you. The 12-passenger Safari Spirit and Safari Escape cruise in Alaska from May to September then reposition to Mexico’s Sea of Cortes. Or, opt for the 22-passenger Safari Quest or 36-passenger Safari Explorer which also sail in Alaskan waters and make fall wine cruises. These are luxury yachts with naturalists onboard, kayaks and water sports equipment.

The Boat Company.  This non-profit cruise line incorporated in Alaska in 1979 by the McIntosh Foundation, is a non-profit educational organization, allowing for a portion of your reservation to be tax deductible.  The 20-passenger Liseron and the 24-passenger Misty Cove sail on seven night itineraries between Sitka and Juneau have a policy of allowing passengers to decide where they want to go.  Activities include a salmon bake on the beach, fishing, hiking, kayaking; the crew even heads for a glacier to chip off ice for evening cocktails.

Celebrity Xpedition. The mainstream cruise company Celebrity Cruises operates one tiny vessel, the 90-passenger Celebrity Xpedition, on year-round Galapagos itineraries. Devoted to exploring the Galapagos’ unique flora and fauna, passengers hop on and off the vessel into zodiacs for excursions ashore lead by naturalists.

Lindblad Expeditions. Lars-Eric Lindblad set out with his first expedition in the late 1950’s and his son Sven-Olaf Lindblad runs the operations today. Lindblad and the National Geographic Society partnered to create some of the best, most exotic cruises on earth lead by top professionals. Cruising regions cover the entire globe, from Alaska to Antarctica, Europe, the Nile River, Central America and South America. Ships include the 148-passenger National Geographic Explorer and Endeavour, Sea Bird and Sea Lion, Polaris, National Geographic Islander, Sea Voyager, the elegant tall ships Sea Cloud II and Panorama, the River Cloud, Triton (a Nile river boat) and Lord of the Glens for visiting Scotland’s locks.

Hurtigruten. Formerly Norwegian Coastal Voyages, this cruise line has grown from Norwegian coastal ferries to hearty expedition cruises in Spitsbergen, Greenland and Antarctica plus a world cruise with stops in exotic ports of call, including Antarctica. There are nine ships in Hurtigruten’s fleet, all modern and comfortable, with lounges, cafes and a restaurant. Theme cruises include a killer whale safari, opera, folklore and culinary cruises, and stays at the Alta Igloo Hotel made completely of ice.

Swan Hellenic This British company has has offered cruises and travel excursions for 50 years to travelers who want the most in-depth visit to a port that is possible.  The 350-passenger Minerva cruises in Europe, the Baltic, Asia, India and the middle-east.   Think polished wood bar and country house, pre-dinner martinis and lectures by the top experts in their field.   It’s also a good value:  the fare includes shore excursions and gratuities.

SeaDream Yacht Club Now we’re getting into my idea of the ultimate fantasy cruise.   The two small cruise ships — Seadream 1 and 11 – carry 56 couples and 95 crew, visit the most exclusive ports on earth, boast incredible cuisine and pampering.   But unlike the other luxury cruise ships (Silversea, Regent, Seabourn) passengers don dressy casual clothes and eschew floor shows and casinos.   In the winter, the two yachts sail in the British Virgin Island, U.S. Virgin Islands, Windward and Leeward Islands and then head for the Mediterranean and a season in the Aegean and Adriatic Sea.   In a previous life, the ships were SeaGoddess vessels, considered the ultimate luxury cruising experience.

Quark Expeditions. The ultimate in adventure cruising, Quark’s ex-Soviet ice breakers plow deep into the Arctic Circle and Antarctica for those who want to venture where no one else can go. The company also offers soft adventure cruising aboard the Clipper Adventurer, a small ship with more creature comforts.

Windstar Cruises The two 148-passenger sisters Wind Star and Wind Spirit and Wind Surf, carrying 312, are motorized sailboats (e.g., small cruise ships with sails).  In the Caribbean you’ll visit some ports you never heard of and in Europe, the chicest spots typically frequented by private yacht.  The style is casual and laid back, the cabins comfortable and the food exquisite.

While I love small ships they’re not for everyone. Can you imagine yourself aboard one of these hearty expedition vessels?

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Within memory we haven’t witnessed political unrest, crime and natural disasters impacting the cruise industry to the degree it is now.    From rioting and political instability in the middle-East/Africa to crime in Mexico and Japan’s horrific earthquake, tsunami and potential nuclear disaster,  itineraries on three continents have been changed and port calls canceled which is affecting the bottom line of several cruise lines.

Carnival Corporation (which owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and Seabourn Cruise Line) last week revised its for 2011.   Last week the company said it anticipates diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $2.50 to $2.60, compared to its December guidance range of $2.90 to $3.10 and fiscal 2010 of $2.47.

While rising oil prices are credited with a portion of the drop in earnings,”the company estimates the impact of itinerary changes in the Middle East and North Africa will result in an approximate $0.05 reduction in earnings per share for the remainder of the year,” according to the Miami Herald.

Long term effect? Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seas home ports in Dubai from November through April and, because unrest is spreading from country to country, we predict future bookings will be negatively affected.   While RCI’s passengers are largely European,  Americans are much more geography-challenged and skittish  about visiting regions with problems.    Several luxury cruise lines, including Silversea Cruises and Seabourn, have multiple departures from Dubai in 2011/2012 but it’s too early to take the pulse of the better traveled passengers who frequent these ritzy vessels.

Japan.   While the devastating earthquake, tsunami and crisis at a nuclear power  plant happened in Northern Japan and cruise ships typically call in ports hundreds of miles away, cruise lines are canceling port stops entirely right now.  Oceania Cruises’ Nautica, which was scheduled to stop in Hiroshima and Kobe, will instead spend more time in China.    Cunard and Azamara canceled a port call this weekend.    Princess Cruises has two ships scheduled to call in Japan and has yet to make an announcement.    When the 2011/12 Asia cruise season begins in December, it’s likely ships slated to visit Japan will stay on scheduled itineraries.

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Guest bloggers Arline and Sam Bleecker explore the idea of spending months at sea and let you decide:  would you love or hate a world cruise?

When Lupe King stepped aboard Cunard’s newly minted Queen Elizabeth in
New York for its maiden world voyage in January, not only was it the
beginning of the ship’s global service but also King’s first day of
retirement.

We should all be so lucky.

King was doing what a lot of us wish we could do, except worry about
the practicality of leaving home for months at a time.

She learned that, though the desire to go to sea is impulsive, the
planning can’t be.

For their first globetrotting adventure, Lupe and husband Daniel
prepared for six months before leaving on their multi-month sojourn,
arranging for everything from automatic billing to a live-in pet
sitter. Both have been teaching at a Milwaukee community college,
where he continues to work as an instructor.

The Kings are but two of nearly 800 passengers on Queen Elizabeth’s
debut circumnavigation who will call the vessel home for 103 days
while they visit 38 ports worldwide.

Compared with other world travelers, however, the Kings are just
getting their feet wet. The record for globetrotting is held by a
couple who have spanned the globe 25 times with Cunard and another
couple who have spent more than 11 years, in total, aboard one or
another of the line’s vessels, said Robert Howie, the hotel manager of
the 90,900-ton Queen Elizabeth.

Avid challengers to the world cup of cruising are Raymond and Leonnie
Petitpren, with homes on the Gold Coast of Australia and near Daytona
Beach, Fla. They have circumnavigated the globe 15 times, 13 with
Cunard. For this couple, cruising is almost an addiction. When not
globetrotting, they take Christmas cruises or week-long sail-aways.

In particular, this maritime pair not only enjoy the ports, especially
discovering unique restaurants at each stop, but also mingling with
people of all nationalities, seeing old world-voyager friends, sharing
camaraderie among passengers and crew, and, like many others,
participating in the pomp and circumstance aboard Cunard’s very
British trio of oceangoing queens: Elizabeth, Mary and Victoria.

The Petitprens, for instance, relish ballroom dancing, a popular
staple on the ship, as well as the line’s many formal nights; indeed,
for about a third of the evenings aboard the vessel, tuxes and gowns
are de rigueur, while for the remainder suit jackets are required.

The regally appointed Queen Elizabeth struck a chord with the Petitprens.

“We think people just look better in formal attire,” Raymond Petitpren noted.

The vessel embodies the glamor of high society in the 1930s and
1940s. The Art Deco decor pays homage to the first Queen Elizabeth,
launched in 1938, with double- and triple-deck public areas and
intricately detailed interiors replete with rich wood paneling,
mosaics, gleaming chandeliers and cool marbles.

Howie noted that the average age of world-cruise passengers aboard the
Elizabeth’s maiden journey is 68, and fares on the 2,068-passenger
vessel for the world cruise range from about $18,000 per person to a
tad shy of $200,000 per person for the upper aerie of Queen’s Grille
suites, including even some duplex apartments.

For the Kings, their journey on the Queen will run about $70,000 for
the nearly four-month voyage, excluding the inevitable add-ons such as
excursions, wines and spirits, and expenditures for souvenirs and
memorabilia.

The Petitprens estimate that couples should expect to spend about
another third to half of the fare on such extras.

A veteran of a dozen world cruises himself, Howie cautions couples not
to plunge in without sampling voyages of two weeks or longer. The
Petitprens agree.

Know yourself and make certain you won’t get cabin fever gazing out to
endless seas for months at a time. (Of course, if you don’t want the
whole shebang, you need only book segments of the circumnavigation.)

The experienced Petitprens also advise that world cruisers plan their
wardrobe carefully. Between formal nights and changing climates, you
must think twice about what you will wear, they said.

Howie noted the importance of the itinerary in determining not only
your garb but also in satisfying your wanderlust for exotic locales.

Howie and the Petitprens agree that it’s vital to match your
personality to that of the cruise line and to see if the entertainment
and on board enrichment programs suit your tastes.

With these tips under your belt, you can confidently set sail for the
farthest reaches on the seven seas.

Plus, other luxe lines such as Princess Cruises, Holland America
Lines, Celebrity and Crystal Cruises, among others, offer
globetrotting vacations. For information contact a travel agent.

Circling the globe

The Queen Elizabeth left Southampton, England, on its world cruise
Jan. 5, reaching New York, its secondary embarkation point, Jan. 13.
The major ports on the itinerary from there:

Jan. 29 — Los Angeles

Feb. 22 — Sydney

March 19 — Singapore

March 31 — Dubai, United Arab Emirates

April 19 — Southampton

April 26 — New York

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boating licence test

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Due to the escalating violence in Egypt and for the safety of our guests, MSC Cruises has decided to alter the upcoming calls of MSC Magnifica and MSC Splendida at Alexandria on Sunday, January 30 and Monday, January 31.

Instead, MSC Magnifica will call at Limassol, Cyprus and Haifa, Israel on Sunday, January 30 and Monday, January 31, while MSC Splendida will call at Izmir, Turkey on Monday,  January 31.

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While you can’t visit the Alps, Grand Canyon or Yellowstone Park by cruise ship, many of the world’s most intriguing places are best explored by waterborne conveyance.     The perfection of a cruise is that when you travel by ship you can be as enriched and fulfilled as you desire, or pursue each day at a snail’s pace.

Let your imagination wander and cast your net on a few spectacular places you probably never thought of cruising to, but should.   These are at the top of my list!

Galapagos. A cluster of islands so isolated that many of its creatures can be found nowhere else on earth, this is where Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution was conceived.  From the giant tortoises that bear the Galapagos name, to the marine iguanas and “Darwin” finches, the Galapagos Islands afford visitors the chance to observe a living laboratory of adaptation.   Travel in comfort aboard Celebrity Xpeditions to this cluster of remarkable islands.

Partial Transit of the Panama Canal. While the full Panama Canal transit is between Florida and Mexico, I prefer the partial transit sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, with more time to explore Costa Rica and the jungles of Panama plus Caribbean ports, Cartagena, Columbia and Grand Cayman.   Both Princess Cruises and Royal Caribbean offer frequent sailings.

Arabian Peninsula and Bahrain. Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Seassails round-trip from Dubai with port calls in Fujairah, U.A.E.; Muscat, Oman; Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.

Sea of Cortez whale watching. Lindblad Expeditions has 30 years of experience exploring Baja California so you’re almost guaranteed to have an up close and personal encounter with gray whales, dolphins and other aquatic life.   Join naturalists and experts aboard one of Lindblad’s 62-passenger ship for a once in a lifetime voyage.

The Danube River in Germany. Uniworld  and Viking River Cruises make visiting Germany a pampered experience.   On a riverboat you’ll find a greater degree of sightseeing flexibility because the at night boat ties up in the middle of town giving the opportunity of sampling nightlife and local restaurants.   Sail from Nuremberg on Main/Danube Canal Transit visiting Regensburg, Deggendorf, Passau, plus Melk, Austria and Vienna, Austria.

Rio de Janeiro to Buenos Aires. Visit the two greatest cities in South America aboard Holland America’s Veendam with port calls in the Brazilian ports of  Buzios,  Ilha Grande,  Santos (Sao Paulo) plus Montevideo, Uruguay.   Oceania Cruises and Royal Caribbean also winter in the southern hemisphere.

Iceland,Greenland, Scotland – Sail between New York and Dover, U.K., stopping in some of the least known ports in the world.   Greenland is renowned for its beautiful fjords and scenic towns while Iceland’s rugged coast, waterfalls and small villages is a memorable stop.   The Ocean Princess also stops in Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, Edinburgh and the Shelter Islands before arriving in Dover.

South of France by riverboat. Sail along France’s scenic Saône and Rhône Rivers with Viking River Cruises past some of the most beautiful vistas the French countryside has to offer while exploring Burgundy and the lavender fields of Provence.  Visit Gallo-Roman ruins in both Vienne and Arles; walk the cobbled streets of Arles and visit the historic Papal Palace in Avignon.

Caribbean aboard a (almost) private yacht. Sea Dream Yacht Club’s 112-passenger small cruise ships sail to the Caribbean’s most exclusive ports of call including St. John  St. John, U.S.V.I.; Saba; Gustavia, St. Barts; Anguilla;Virgin Gorda, B.V.I and Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I as you sample extraordinary cuisine, lovely amenities and a pampered voyage normally only available to owners of private yachts.

Tahiti & South Pacific. Yes you can cruise through the Hawaiian Islands but why not aim for the ultimate, a Paul Gauguin cruise in Tahiti or the South Pacific.   On a one-week cruise you’ll visit  Raiatea, French Polynesia; Taha’A, Society Islands; Bora Bora, French Polynesia and Moorea, French Polynesia.

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Giant waves, loosing power, broken down cruise ships …. with three mishaps in the last few weeks you may think this is a new trend.   But it really isn’t.  Things happen in threes?  I don’t know.  If you follow the cruise industry for any length of time you’ll know that “ship happens” and the tab will be much higher that it is when your car breaks down.

Here’s an update on ships that have suffered damage and, in some cases, have to be laid up.

1.  Carnival Splendor made world-wide headlines when, as a result of a fire, the ship lost power 200 miles from San Diego and hand to be towed into port.   Not so much as a sprained ankle and passengers disembarked in a pretty upbeat mood.   The reason:  while it was a drag sitting on a ship in the ocean for four days, Carnival refunded everyone’s money and Carnival gave everyone credit for a future cruise.  However, Carnival Splendor will be out of service even longer than expected and five more cruises have been canceled.   Now she’ll be back in service February 20, 2011.

2. Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance of the Sea had serious problems when a large storm caused damage to the ship and injuries to 30 people (two with broken arms).   The ship was off Alexandria, Egypt and the worst of the storm was the middle of the night:  beds slid across rooms, furniture went flying.   This mishap is the reason why the vast majority of cruise ships don’t sail in the Mediterranean from October through mid-April.  Of the cruise lines Americans are familiar with only Royal Caribbean’s Brilliance and Norwegian Cruise Line’s Jewel brave the elements.Huge storms aren’t all that uncommon.   The ship’s Captain said it was the worst storm he’d encountered in 35 years (click here for video interview)

3. Clelia II, a former 100-passenger Renaissance II, is leased by Travel Dynamics for cruises in the Antarctic.   A large storm broke glass on the bridge resulting in the vessel loosing power.  The passengers and crew were very, very lucky:  in this part of the world a mishap can turn into a disaster quickly.  A spokesman for the company said Clelia II encountered waves six meters high.  When I sailed in Antarctica aboard the Hanseatic we had 30 ft. seas through Drake’s Passage which the captain said was pretty normal.

While pitching and rolling with no power, the ship was spotted National Geographic Explorer, another cruise ship.   After establishing communications with  Clelia II, , the Explorer stood by for much of the day, while crew members repaired the engine and managed to get the damaged ship limping back towards South America once again.

*** Equally disturbing, on December 26, 2009,  Clelia II hit rocks while preparing for a passenger landing at Petermann Island, Penola Strait, Antarctic Peninsula. In that incident, the ship suffered damage to the starboard propeller and resulted in the shutdown of the starboard engine and the loss of electrical power. The ship subsequently returned to Ushuia under escort and was pulled from service for propeller repairs.

Sorry, I don’t believe in coincidences, especially in Antarctica, the most dangerous place on earth for ships.   See this  hair raising video for dramatic footage of the ship without power.

It’s your call.

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Don’t get me wrong:  I love the Caribbean, especially in January.   But it’s a big planet and there are regions best visited by cruise ship.   While I prefer to visit most of Europe on my own (six hours in Florence or Rome?),  my most memorable cruises were in Hawaii, the Baltic and Greek Isles because each day the ship delivered me to new experiences ashore.    However, European river boats deliver a more in-depth experience in France and Germany than I could have arranged on my own.

Some 60% of cruises are in the Caribbean and I’m certain the Mexican Riviera is a close second.   But after they take their first seagoing vacation in one of these two areas cruisers ask their agent for recommendation of new areas of the world to explore by ship.   My five favorite cruising regions are best visited by ship or boat because you’ll see much more than you would by taking a land tour.    And, my picks for the best ships in the region that deliver the best exploration of the region.

1.  Alaska.   Combine the most spectacular scenery on earth with wondrous sights not found anywhere else and you’ll get a glimpse of what awaits on an Alaska cruise.  From calving glaciers to soaring eagles, whales breaking the surface, bears fishing for salmon and moose grazing on shore the experience of Alaska will remain with you always.  You’ll fly to either Seattle or Vancouver to begin what is, for many, the voyage of a lifetime.   Favorite cruise line: CruiseWest, which operates a fleet of small ships carrying fewer than 100 people.   The smaller the ship, the closer you’ll get to the spectacular flora and fauna.

2. Hawaii. What I discovered on a one-week cruise, sailing round-trip from Honolulu, was a tropical paradise with more natural beauty and diversity than I’d ever dreamed. Each port was distinctive, and my shore-side activities ranged from going to the top of the world’s largest volcano to a high-speed zodiac ride along Kauai’s Napali coast, with hundreds of dolphins leaping around us as we navigated into caves and marveled at the sheer cliffs that line this part of the island.  Norwegian Cruise Line sails year-round on seven-night Hawaii cruises from Honolulu.    Favorite Cruise Line: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Pride of Aloha, the only ship sailing on seven night itineraries round-trip from Honolulu.

3. The Panama Canal. The “path between the seas” is considered to be one of the greatest engineering projects ever undertaken. It is awesome to stand on deck as your cruise ship is raised and lowered in locks on the nine-hour journey between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans as you inch through the Panamanian jungle. The 48-mile canal, which opened in 1914, accommodates 40 ships per day ranging from private yachts to large container ships.  While the full canal voyage between the Caribbean and Mexico is 14 days, you can also opt for a ten- or 11-night cruise sailing round-trip from Florida on Princess and Royal Caribbean.   Favorite Ship: On a ten-day itinerary,  Princess Cruises‘ sister ships Coral and Island Princess.  Carrying 1970 passengers,  the ships are mid-sized and very spacious inside.

4. The Greek Islands/Turkey. Spectacular beauty and world-famous antiquities abound on a one-week cruise to Greece and Turkey. From Kusadasi, Turkey, it’s a short ride to the 2,000-year old city of Ephesus, where a two-story ancient library lies at the end of the main thoroughfare, still marked with chariot tracks. In Delos, a short hop from Mykonos, you’ll walk among the 7^th century BC ruins of what was once the capital of the ancient world. Santorini is my pick for the most spectacular Greek island. You’ll sail into the bay — a huge volcanic crater — then ascend 900 feet to the winding streets of Thira, a tiny terraced town overlooking the Capri-blue Mediterranean.   Favorite Cruise Lines:  Oceania Cruises, with 640 passenger ships, Windstar Cruises and Star Clippers.   Size does matter in Europe because you don’t want to disembark in port with thousands of other passengers.

5. The Baltic. Every port in this varied region called the Baltic is loaded with history, culture and tradition. From the opulent palaces of the tsars in St. Petersburg to Stockholm’s breathtaking harbor and historic walking area and Copenhagen’s spectacular Tivoli Gardens, few cruising regions offer such diverse treasures. Best of all, most ships dock right in the center of town, allowing you to hop off and explore on your own. A beloved port is Stockholm, built on 14 islands with charming meandering streets lined with stores selling glass.  Favorite Cruise Lines: Oceania Cruises, Holland America.  Pick the smallest ship possible that gives you multiple days in St. Petersburg, Russia.

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Cruising aboard a luxury ship is the sort of rarefied travel experience most of us can only fantasize about. There are only a few cruise lines – the priciest afloat – where one finds caviar and bubbly served before dinner by a white-glove butler or very seasoned room steward. Men in black tie and women in elegant gowns dine in intimate restaurants on the finest food afloat, served by the most experienced crew in the world. And these ships cruise to the most exotic parts of the globe, with top lecturers aboard who are experts in the areas visited.

But no other segment of the industry seems to present more confusion about the choices of ships. While the five luxury cruise companies listed below all excel in high levels of food and service, large comfortable cabins and exotic itineraries, there are still enough significant differences in style, size and ports to warrant some further study.

If you’re new to luxury cruising, don’t be confused by the cruise lines calling all cabins “suites.” Technically, true suites have two separate rooms and are very rare in the cruise industry. Staterooms “suites” are simply larger balcony cabins. They are measured in square feet and I suggest that you use this as your standard when comparing cabins from one category to another and one vessel to another.

Since I think you need a very experienced travel agent to make sure your voyage is flawless, I recommend finding a top agent through Virtuoso and America’s Vacation Center, both with years of experience in booking luxury cruises.  Herein lies my take on the subtle- and not-so-subtle differences I’ve found when good fortune had me sailing with the luxury cruise lines.

Crystal Cruises

Crystal’s two 960-passenger ships, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity,are — aside from the mammoth QM 2 – the largest luxury vessels afloat. While there are lovely alternative restaurants (with a small surcharge), this is a two-seating ship with assigned dining, a negative for many luxury cruisers. And pricing for these ships is far from all-inclusive, since the fare does not include gratuities or complimentary wine with any meals.  This is the dressiest cruise experience I’ve ever taken, with black tie and gowns the norm on formal nights; in fact, if you don’t want to conform to the suggested dress policy I suggest that you skip this ship.

Still, Crystal Cruises outshines the other players with on-board lectures, lessons and seminars. After dinner, the action continues with lavish Las Vegas-style reviews and the largest, busiest casinos in the luxury segment. You’ll find more days at sea and fewer ports of call on Crystal’s itineraries, a plus or minus depending on your preferences. The most popular accommodations are the Penthouse Suites, which all have butlers. Crystal is the only cruise company that gives solo cruisers a break: The single supplement is only 25 percent above the per person, double occupancy rate.

Fellow passengers:Crystal’s 65+ passengers love the full-day lineup of speakers, lecturers and lessons; at night, this is a glitzy bunch that stays up late frequenting the casino and shows. Bring gowns and tuxes for these elegant voyages. That’s why Crystal is my pick for solo cruisers – on board activities enable you to meet many new friends.

The Bottom Line:The cruise fare does not include alcohol, wine, gratuities or any special shore excursions. And pre-dinner caviar and champagne is extra as well. However, singles get the biggest break in the cruise industry with single supplements of 125%. Reality rates are closer to $300 per person, double occupancy during the 2009 recession.

Crystal Cruises’ biggest plus: It’s my pick for the warmest, most professional staff and crew, with the most consistently high levels of service. The food is also superb. The shore excursions are very pricey, but they are among the best offered by any cruise line in terms of diversity, attention to detail and comfort. Crystal offers more days at sea with non-stop lessons, guest lecturers and activities. The only cruise line offering low-cost single supplements.

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CUNARD LINE

While Cunard says it no longer operates three-class ships, it really does. If you purchase  Queen’s Grill accommodations aboard Queen Mary 2 or Queen Victoria, your cruise experience will be very luxurious indeed. Of course the staterooms in the top category are much bigger and you also have a terrific concierge lounge/service that is a big plus when making reservations or booking a taxi to meet you at the pier. But the big difference is dining in the single-seating restaurants created exclusively for passengers booking Queen’s Grill suites.    While I think the restaurant resembles a airport business class lounge on QM 2, it is are stunning aboard Queen Victoria.

In addition to more real estate, Queen’s Grill passengers have butlers who will pack and unpack your bags; a bottle of French champagne and early embarkation.   The single, open seating Queen’s Grill restaurant is a true gourmet experience and you may order whatever you please.

While Princess Grill suites also share the concierge lounge and have a separate dining room, I’m not including them in the luxury category.  When I sailed the food and service in Princess Grill was mediocre, perhaps because it does not have its own kitchen as the Queen’s Grill does.  In addition, you get a larger cabin but little else.

Important caveat: I only recommend Queen Mary 2 on transatlantic crossings or World Cruises.  Because she is one of the largest vessels afloat QM 2 can’t dock in most of the world’s ports requiring passengers to transfer between the ship and the port via large tenders (boats).  This is a very time consuming procedure that cuts down on the shore-side experience.

Fellow Passengers:Cunard markets Queen Victoria to English and other European cruisers.   Aside from her annual world cruise, the ship sticks to Mediterranean itineraries. My pick for one of the grandest, most elegant ship experience is taking Queen Mary 2 transatlantic between New York and Cherbourg. On crossings, you’ll find more sophisticated travelers and a mix of Europeans and Americans in a wide range of ages, 40+, and even families with young children.

Exclusive Features I Love: Queen Mary 2 boasts the largest library at sea, top-flight lecturers, ballroom dancing to a live 17-piece band and even a planetarium.

The Bottom Line: Not factoring in discounts, Queen’s Grill staterooms start around $560 per person, per day on six day transatlantic crossings.  The fare does not include gratuities or any alcohol consumed aboard ship.

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Regent Seven Seas Cruises

This cruise line’s three modern luxury ships include the 490-passenger Seven Seas Navigator; and the 700-passenger sister ships Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager. They attract a well-heeled but less pretentious traveler. Single, open seating dining translates into a more leisurely atmosphere. The larger Mariner and Voyager each boast a choice of four restaurants, including Compass Rose, another restaurant serving food prepared by chefs from Le Cordon Blue school of Paris and, new this year, all ships will boast steak houses. At night, everyone seems to disappear after dinner and head for a cozy lounge or their cabins, where videos and complimentary CDs are popular. Unlike Crystal, fares include gratuities, all beverages, including spirits in your stateroom when you arrive. One superb service offered by Regent is a “Travel Concierge” who can arrange independent sightseeing, entrance to closed art exhibits and anything your heart desires. This is the only cruise line using a top-flight company, Carita of Paris, to operate the ship’s spa.

With seven-night Europe itineraries, Regent is attracting a younger affluent crowd to luxury cruising. These are port-intensive itineraries and passengers are early to rise and early to bed. If you’re new to luxury cruising and don’t want to haul a mountain of gowns and shoes on your cruise, this may be your cup of tea.

Fellow Passengers: Couples in their 40s and 50s are more prevalent on Regent Seven Seas (formerly Radisson Seven Seas) Europe cruises than on the other luxury vessels. On itineraries over seven days, passengers are normally 65+.

The bottom line: Upon arrival, you’ll find your favorite spirits already stocked in the cabin. Fares, which start around $400 per person, per day, include wine with lunch and dinner, plus gratuities.

Exclusive Features I Love:Regent Seven Seas Cruises biggest plus: the new “travel concierge” aboard each ship, who will book any shore activity you like or book individual sightseeing excursions, making it easy to tour with private car and driver and visit attractions most tourists miss. This cruise line also offers the best spas afloat, operated by the famous Carita of Paris, as well as Cordon Bleu dining and a choice of four restaurants. Regent recently launched an innovative “Circles of Interest” program on Europe itineraries featuring three special topics per voyage, such as art and design, architecture and cuisine, so passengers can delve more deeply into their specific interests. Each “Circle of Interest” theme includes lectures aboard the ship and excursions ashore led by the expert in that field. Not only is your experience ashore enhanced but passengers and lecturers in each small group bond more closely.

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YACHTS OF SEABOURN

The line’s three tiny ships — Seabourn Pride, Legend and Spirit- are 208-passenger, yacht-like vessels offering the best itineraries afloat, navigating into fabulous tiny ports larger vessels could never visit. Built in the late l980s, these ships lack balconies, but some cabins have “French windows” that allow the sounds of the sea to enter your stateroom. Entertainment and nightlife are limited, but you’ll dine on some of the best cuisine at sea, served by an impeccable crew, many of whom have been with the company for years. Service is a critical aspect of luxury cruising, and some of the best is found on Seabourn, which has the largest number of staff per passengers. By the end of a cruise everyone will have been invited to dine with senior officers and often the ship’s Captain. On Seabourn, everyone gets dressed to the nines a few nights during each cruise. However, a day at sea may seem endless if you’re active or restless since there is little to do and very limited public space. One Seabourn executive described the main on-board activity as “conversation.”

NEW VESSEL TO ENTER FLEET:Seabourn is introducing a brand new ship June 24, 2009, the 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey. She will be loaded with large staterooms, 90% with private verandahs and there will be four restaurants to choose from.

Fellow Passengers: Sophisticated, dressy and primarily 60+.

The Bottom Line:Fare includes all alcoholic beverages and gratuities. Fares run as high as $800 per person, per day outside recessions. At present, Seabourn is offering discounts of 50%+

Seabourn’s biggest plus:The best itineraries on earth, very personal service and haute cuisine. In major shopping ports, Seabourn offers the services of a personal shopper with car and driver. And you’ll find one exclusive shore excursion on each cruise — like caviar and champagne served by waiters as you lull in a secluded Caribbean cove.

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Silversea Cruises

The 296-passenger Silver Cloud and Silver Wind or the slightly larger Silver Shadow and Silver Whisper (382 passengers) cater to a dressy and very chic international crowd of “been there, done that” travelers.

Silversea gets my vote for the most beautiful ships in the luxury category, and offers my favorite suites in the cruise industry, the Silver Suites, found aboard both sizes of ships. These are beautiful vessels with more than enough public rooms, plus a good spa and fitness center, to keep passengers busy during days at sea. There is one main dining room plus the ship’s cafeteria, which is set up for theme alternative dining at night. This cruise line has one big problem, inconsistency. I have experienced inconsistency in food and service on Silversea – one voyage was as close to perfection as it gets, but a year later I found spotty service and so-so cuisine, and this was on the same ship! Still, it’s safe to say you’ll find glamour, good service and beautiful, spacious ships with all the creature comforts one expects today. A new, comprehensive “Wellness Program” helps you create a fitness regimen and dine on low-fat, low-carb gourmet cuisine.

Fellow Passengers: Wealthy passengers from many countries, the majority in the 65+ age group, although I’ve seen families during summer months and holidays. You’ll frequently find a mix of American and European passengers who enjoy getting very dressy at night.

The Bottom Line:Practically everything is included in the cruise price, like mixed drinks, wine and gratuities. Per person, per diem fares can be as high as $800 per person, per day but during the 2009 recession you’ll find very steep discounts.

Silversea’s Biggest Plus: Beautiful ships and lovely cabins, top flight itineraries and gracious service.

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