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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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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While it may seem that cruising is strictly a mass market vacation with ships carrying up to 6,000 passengers and activities geared towards families with little kids, endless buffets and cabins smaller than most kitchens, there’s another side that is decidedly more refined. Aboard a handful of luxury ships are suites with sublime creature comforts like butler service, private verandas for watching the sun sink below the horizon with a glass of bubbly, separate embarkation, marble bathrooms and space so enormous you can throw a party for dozens of fellow passengers.

Granted, these enormous staterooms (frequently called the owner’s suite) come with a hefty price tag but sometimes one wants to sell the family farm and hock the silver just to have the experience of the ultimate in pampering.

If these super suites tempt you, don’t wait to book one. The top suites, no matter how expensive, sell first!

Sea Cloud Owner’s Suite

Heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post — Sea Cloud’s first owner — had exquisite taste and you can book her personal suite on this glorious tall ship.  With 441 sq. ft. it’s not the largest owner’s suite, but you’ll find  golden bath fixtures, Carrara marble, precious woods, solid brass and antique furniture.   Carrying only 64 passengers, Sea Cloud was built in the 1930’s and is a tall ship.  An eight day Baltic voyage will cost around $10,000 per couple when staying in this opulent stateroom.

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Queen Mary 2 Balmoral Suite

Your butler will greet you in this 2249 sq. ft. duplex suite with champagne and strawberries before unpacking your bags.  You may want to book massages at the Canyon Ranch Spa before heading to the Queen’s Grill, a very exclusive restaurant only used by guests in the highest category suites.   A seven-day crossing between New York and Southampton costs $44,927 per couple in this stateroom.

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Oceania Marina’s Owner’s Suite

Oceania Marina enters service in January and promises to be the top luxury ships with outstanding cuisine overseen by master chef Jaques Pepin and a choice of six gourmet restaurants; single open seating and some of the best itineraries in the world.  Why not opt for the 2,000 sq. ft. owner’s suite with private butler, enormous private veranda and Ralph Lauren fabrics?     It’s a mere $32000 per couple (including airfare) on a 12-day cruise.

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Crystal Serenity Penthouse With Veranda

Crystal Cruises is known for its sublime food, service and enticing itineraries as well as sumptuous suites with butlers.  Aboard Crystal Serenity you’ll find the 1345-sq. ft. Penthouse Suite with Veranda offering all the creature comforts one could dream of, including butler, large private balcony, dining room, large bathroom with jacuzzi, large flat screen TV in all rooms and a workout area.  Book this suite on a 12-day South Pacific voyage and pay only $68,800 per couple.

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Silversea Cruises Silver Suite

While Silversea Cruises has suites twice this size, I personally love the 701 sq. ft. Silver Suite (available on all ships in the fleet) the best.  It’s a wonderful layout:  large living room with guest bathroom and separate dining area, enormous balcony, a marble bath with bidet, shower and separate tub, walk-in closet and large bedroom with lots of light.   Next summer take a 10-day Mediterranean cruise on Silver Wind in this suite and you’ll only pay $23,000 per couple.

So, cruisers….if money were no object, which suite would YOU pick?

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Cruisers often complain they feel “nickeled and dimed” because of all the extra costs that pop up during their vacation. However, you’ll never hear that from Regent Seven Seas’ passengers thanks to pricing that is as all-inclusive as you can get in the cruise industry. When you purchase a luxury cruise from Regent, your fare includes airfare, the cruise, gratuities, alcoholic beverages consumed aboard ship and shore excursions.

Now Regent has announced another perk.

Included in the fare will also be a pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay. The cruise line will collect you from the airport and bring you to the hotel; the following day they’ll transfer you to the ship.

Regent’s three spacious ships are 700-passenger Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Voyager, and, Seven Seas Navigator, which carries 490 guests.

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A question I’m frequently asked, “What’s The Best Cruise Line?”, is tough to answer because it’s subjective; what I personally consider the best may not be ships you adore.  So it’s wonderful that Conde Nast Traveler asks readers to rate the cruise lines’ food, service, cabins and itineraries to ferret out the top 10 cruise lines on the planet.   And while most of this year’s winning cruise lines offer the priciest voyages, you can still find some exceptional cruise experiences in the mid-price range.

Based on ratings, here are the winners of the 2010 Gold Award.  Below, you’ll find insider’s tips on which ships give the biggest bang for the buck.

Sea Cloud Cruises. (94.2) In 1931 financier E.F. Hutton constructed one of the world’s greatest sailboats, Sea Cloud, for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post’s world excursions.   The four-masted barque still charts a global course carrying passengers.   And, you may opt for the equally opulent Sea Cloud II and III, which boast larger staterooms.  The company also operates River Cloud II on the Rhine and Danube rivers.

Crystal Cruises (92.7) The dressy 922-passenger sister ships Crystal Symphony and the 1070-guest Crystal Symphony always top the Conde Nast list due to exceptional service, luxurious  Penthouse Suites (all with butlers) and an extensive on-board program of lectures, seminars and classes.

Yachts of Seabourn (90.2) With a passenger/crew ratio of 2:1, sybaritic pampering is guaranteed on Seabourn’s yacht-like ships that sail to all corners of the globe on the best itineraries in the cruise industry.   The three older 200-passenger ships (Seabourn Pride, Legend and Spirit) lack balcony cabins while the newer Seabourn Odyssey, Sojourn and Quest have balcony staterooms plus more restaurants, facilities for entertainment and recreation.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises (89.9) The most popular luxury cruise line, Regent’s ships are big people pleasers because fares include practically everything:  cruise airfare, gratuities, alcoholic beverages, deluxe pre-cruise hotel stay and shore excursions.  The three spacious ships are 700-passenger Regent Mariner and Regent Voyager, and, Regent Navigator, which carries 490 guests.

Disney Cruise Line (87.9) Yes, I was surprised too that Mickey & Co have created such a high quality cruise experience for families with little kids and those who love all things Disney.   The older 2400-passenger Disney Wonder and Disney Magic and the 4000-passenger Disney Dream, which debuts in early 2011, have large cabins (all with a bath and a half) plus characters popping up all over, theme restaurants, a visit to a private island and even adults-only areas.

Seadream Yacht Club (87.1) The 112-passenger yachts visit classy Caribbean and Mediterranean ports too small for the behemoths carrying thousands of people.  The classy yet casual on-board atmosphere combined with incredible cuisine and pampered service best suits those who love fine cuisine and water sports.

Oberoi Cruises (86.1) Should you yean to explore antiquities along the Nile River, this company operates the two best riverboats, the Oberoi Philae and Oberoi Zahri. Elegant interiors with teak paneling, parquet floors, European antiques and Oriental carpets create an ambience of luxury with the penultimate in service and cuisine.

Oceania Cruises (86.0) Oceania operates a fleet of three  640-passenger cruise ships (Nautica, Regatta and Insignia) with a “country club casual” dress policy (no tuxes!).  You get four gourmet restaurants  (no surcharge) with single open seating, outstanding itineraries, suites with butlers and pricing that includes airfare and transfers.  In January, 2011, the 1250-passenger Oceania Maria will debut with large cabins, a culinary arts program and a choice of six restaurants.

Silversea Cruises (85.3) The 200-passenger Silver Cloud; Silver Spirit and Silver Whisper (both carrying 296 passengers); the 382-passenger Silver Shadow and the 540-guest Silver Spirit are dressy ships carrying an international crowd seeking the most exotic ports on earth.   This cruise line’s ships all have my pick for the best suites in the cruise industry, the 700-square foot Silver Suites.  Sell the family farm and hock the silver if you have to, these staterooms are sybaritic bliss.

Windstar Cruises (82.8) I’m a huge fan of this fleet of motorized computer sailboats, casual and laid back with superb itineraries, wonderful excursions ashore and sublime cuisine.   Wind Spirit and Wind Star carry only 148 passengers while Wind Surf’s capacity is 312 on cruises in the Greek Isles, Mediterranean, Costa Rica, Panama, Caribbean, Baltic and Holy Land.

LIFESTYLE CHOICES

When selecting one cruise line over another, it’s important to consider your personal interests and lifestyle.  Obviously, Disney Cruise Line works best when you have small kids are love all things Disney.  Here are a few pointers to help you

Dressiest ships, where tuxes are suggested attire several times during the voyage:  Crystal Cruises, Silverseas Cruises, and the Yachts of Seabourn

“Country Club Casual” attire recommended:  Sea Cloud Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Regent Seven Seas Cruises,

Casual dress policies: Seadream Yacht Club, Windstar Cruises,

THE BOTTOM LINE

*** Two cruise lines doing a great deal of discounting are the Yachts of Seabourn and Crystal Cruises; go to their websites and sign up for emails announcing sales.

*** My “Biggest Bang For The Buck” award goes to Regent Seven Seas Cruises.  Fares include the cruise, airfare, gratuities, all on-board alcohol and shore excursions.  The cruise line just even more all-inclusive by adding a pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay.

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Travel & Leisure magazine annually polls readers about their favorite hotels, airlines, destinations and cruise lines.   In the cruise categories,  cruise lines are selected by category:  large ship, small ship and river boats.

Here are readers picks for large ship cruise line.  (Note:  Crystal, Regent, Oceania & Azamara ships carry fewer than 1000 passengers and, in my opinion, shouldn’t be in this category)

1.  Crystal Cruises

2.  Regent Seven Seas Cruises

3.  Oceania Cruises

4.  Disney Cruises

5.  Azamara Club Cruises

6.  Cunard Line

7.  Celebrity Cruises

8.  Holland America

9.  Royal Caribbean Cruises

10.  Princess Cruises

Best Small Cruise Lines

1.  The Yachts of Seabourn

2.  Silversea Cruises

3.  Lindblad Cruises

4.  Sea Dream Yacht Club

5.  Windstar Cruises

World’s Best River Cruises

1.  Abercrombie & Kent

2.  Avalon Waterways

3.  Tauck

4.  Viking River Cruises

5.  Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection

Any surprises?   Do you agree?

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Oh dear.

I just returned from a cruising aboard the 5,100-passenger Norwegian Dream to learn that the head of Holland America admits he’s “thinking” of building a 3,000-passenger cruise ship.  You don’t say something like this to a journalist unless it’s  certain that the formal announcement will follow in a few months.

And while the biggest ships get the most publicity — think Royal Caribbean’s 6300-passenger Oasis of the Seas and the 4300-passenger Carnival Dream — it may be tempting to assume that the newest, biggest ship is the best.   But is that true?

While the super-behemoths have so many more choices, you do loose something valuable:   an intimate level of service.  Should HAL build 3,000-passenger vessels they will be in the mass market category of ships instead of the premium category because the fine level of service will suffer.

Why Cruise Ships Are So Big

Cruise line execs say they build these mammoth ships because passengers want more to do, more choices in dining and entertainment, more fitness facilities and kids programs.   Well, that’s part of it.  But the real reason is because of economy of scale:  the larger the ship, the lower the cost of each cabin.   You have one set of officers, one set of engines and air conditioning units.  Remember, the biggest cost of operating a sea-going vessel is below deck.

Keep in mind that the priciest ships are in the luxury category and none carry more than 1000 passengers.    The two most important features of a luxury cruise are outstanding food and service, which can’t be accomplished when you substantially increase the size and number of passengers.   Add to that staterooms which are significantly larger.   And, these ships call in the world’s most glamorous ports of call and in some cases larger vessels can’t dock.

When the Best Pick is a Huge Ship

* Families with children will love the largest ships afloat because they offer the most extensive kids programs and facilities.    Think water slides, zip line, rock climbing and private teen clubs for older children plus colorful pools and day-long supervised activities for tots and youngsters.

* Couples who would otherwise head to Las Vegas or Atlantis for the wide array of nightlife,  dining and large casinos will undoubtedly love ships carrying 4,000+ passengers.

* Caribbean cruising, because there is ample time (plus multiple days at sea) to enjoy all the diversity these ships offer.

When The Best Pick is a Ship with Fewer than 2500 Passengers

* When cruising outside the Caribbean and Mexico.    For example, in Europe one of the most delightful things to do is wander around ports like Venice, Stockholm and Barcelona.   The fewer number of people disembarking with you, the less crowded it will be.

* When you’re unlikely to take advantage of all the entertainment and dining options.  In Europe, few itineraries include a day at sea.  You’re off the ship at 8:30 a.m. and sightseeing all day: many cruisers just want a bite to eat before retiring early.

* When you’re on a tight budget.   In the case of Norwegian Epic and Oasis/Allure of the Seas, the best food costs extra and it’s tough to pass up a restaurant others are raving about.

* If you have problems walking or don’t want to walk great distances.

* If a more personal style of service is important.

Cruisers, what size ship works best for you?

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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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Silversea Cruises will carry very special guest speakers when leading figures in Middle East politics, culture history and religion sail on Silver Wind during the 2011 World Leaders Symposium.  Sailing December, 29, 2011 from Amman, Jordon, the cruises’ notable participants include former U.S. Secretary of State James A. Baker, III, former Egyptian first lady Jehan Sadat and journalist Bill Moyers.

The the seven night itinerary includes a comprehensive educational program, a Persian Gulf cruise aboard the exclusively chartered Silver Wind, five-star hotel accommodations, and specially arranged events and excursions in Jordan, U.A.E., Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar. Optional program extensions include Christmas in Bethlehem, as well as Iran and Oman.

Among the highlights are a special New Year’s Eve celebration on the shore of the Dead Sea; the rare opportunity to experience the magic of Petra by candlelight; an engaging discussion with female students at Dubai’s Zayed University; a private visit to the impressive Arab Organizations Headquarters Building in Kuwait; behind-the-scenes access at the Al Jazeera media complex, the I.M. Pei-designed Museum of Islamic Arts, and the Al Shaqab Arabian horse stables in Qatar; and a meeting with Aramco executives during an excursion to the source of Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth, the famous Well #7.

In addition to Baker, Sadat, and Moyers, the educational team also includes Karen Armstrong, best-selling author and expert on world religions; Joan Brown Campbell, director of the department of religion at the Chautauqua Institution; Zalmay Khalilzad, former U.S. Ambassador to the U.N., Afghanistan and Iraq; Aaron David Miller, Middle East policy expert and advisor to six U.S. secretaries of state; and Crocker Snow, Jr., director of the Edward R. Murrow Center for Public Diplomacy. Other notable experts and scholars, including a lineup of local speakers, will be confirmed prior to departure.

For all-inclusive pricing information, a detailed brochure, or to book today, please contact your professional travel advisor, sponsoring organization, or World Leaders Travel at (800) 395-3288, or visit the organizers’ website.

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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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