Conde Naste Traveler's 2010 cruise poll rated two Seabourn yachts among the top five luxury ships holding fewer than 500 passengers. Seabourn was also voted the best luxury cruise line by the readers of Porthole Magazine in 2009. The fleet consists of five yachts, two of which offer world cruise itineraries of up to 111 days at sea. Seabourn offers vacations to ports of call rarely visited by larger ships, like Sardinia, Italy and Monte Carlo, Monaco. The staterooms are all suites, with free WI-FI service, high-end bath products and a bath drawn nightly by the cabin steward. The passenger to crew ratio is 2:1. The open bars and gourmet restaurants have a no-tipping policy. Restaurants are overseen by top celebrity chefs like Charlie Palmer, and the guests have the option of shopping with the chef while in port. Entertainment includes live guitar music in the observation lounge, dancing in the nightclub, or playing blackjack in the casino. As of summer 2010, the price range for a seven-day cruise is $2,200 to $6,500 per person, based on double occupancy and itinerary.
The Yachts of Seabourn
6100 Blue Lagoon Drive, Suite 400
Miami, FL 33126
800-929-9391
seabourn.com
In the medium-to-large category of 500 to 2000 passengers, Journey and Quest from Azamara Cruise lines were each given five star ratings by the Cruise Outlet. Journey was voted best medium-size ship by the readers of Porthole Magazine. Both ships have a passenger capacity of 694, and sail to over 140 different ports in 50 countries. The passenger to crew ratio is 2:1, with an anticipatory service style featuring crew members who remember your first name and how you take your coffee. In addition to the main dining room, buffet and room service, the ships offer specialty dining rooms with Mediterranean and steak house style menus. Each stateroom has two attendants, and suites are serviced by full-time butlers. Rooms are filled with fresh fruit and flowers. Options include in-room afternoon tea and treats, help packing and unpacking, and laundry pick up and delivery. Entertainment includes on-board activities, enrichment programs and cooking classes, a full service salon with acupuncture and a fitness center with personal trainers. In the evening, enjoy bars and lounges with live piano music, a show, an art auction or the casino. As of summer 2010, the price range for a seven-day cruise is $1,299 to $2,099 per person, based on double occupancy of a standard stateroom and itinerary.
Azamara Club Cruises
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, Fl 33132
800-256-6649
azamaraclubcruises.com
The Celebrity Cruise Line fleet contains five ships, with each earning a five-star rating from the Cruise Outlet. The Celebrity Solstice was named best mega ship in the Conde Nast Traveler's 2010 readers poll. This ship, released in 2008, is the first of four ships in the Solstice class with a passenger capacity over 2,000. The ship sails a majority of seven-day trips through the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. The staterooms range in size and amenities with 130 "AquaClass" balcony staterooms with unlimited access to the spa, relaxation and steam rooms and a cafe. The dining choices are varied, with eight venues to choose from, including the Silk Harvest Asian fusion restaurant. Entertainment is superior to the smaller vessels, due to the large variety of on-board activities for all ages. The ship has a lawn club, the Hot Glass dinner show and clubs for teens and children. The Solstice offers the most affordable cruise of the three classes. As of summer 2010, the price range for a seven-day cruise is $599 to $1,599 per person, based on double occupancy for an inside stateroom and itinerary.
Celebrity Cruises
1050 Caribbean Way
Miami, FL 33132
800-647-2251
celebritycruises.com
