Norwegian Epic

Launched in June, 2010, Epic raised the bar on entertainment at sea, made cruising more attractive and affordable for singles, and established NCL as a top innovator in the cruise industry.

She’s a beautiful ship that builds on the success of Norwegian Gem, NCL’s previous cruise ship.

Dining aboard Norwegian Epic.

Cruisers on NCL Epic can choose from 20+ Freestyle dining venues – everything from a bowling alley/pub to a Brazilian-style churrascaria. There’s a steakhouse, a Chinese restaurant and noodle bar, a Teppanyaki restaurant, Italian bistro, and fine French restaurant. Sushi lovers can satisfy their cravings for sashimi and sake at Wasabi. You can even have a pizza delivered to our stateroom at any time of the day or night.

Following industry trends, many of the better restaurants have a surcharge. But most diners feel the $15 – $25 charge is worth it. The ambience in the specialty restaurants is a little more refined, and service is professional and attentive.

Those who just want something casual will find a nice variety of hot and cold dishes at Garden Café – Epic’s main buffet – and Great Outdoors, which is also available for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

Located in the Atrium, Taste is another option for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Monitors located throughout the ship show how busy each of the restaurants is at the moment.

Norwegian Epic pool

Accommodations aboard Norwegian Epic.

Hats off to NCL for rethinking the design of their cabins and making them better suited for both families and singles. There are 128 innovative Studio cabins in a complex especially for solo travelers. Accessed by a keycard, it includes a Living Room where you can watch TV or have a cocktail and meet fellow singles easily.

The 100-square-foot studios have a double bed, a shower, toilet, and sink, and a porthole that looks out onto a hallway.

The conventional cabins have been reworked and now feature round, queen-size beds, recessed ceilings, curved walls, and divided bathrooms with separated showers and toilets.

All the outside staterooms have balconies and the deluxe balcony staterooms add another 30 square feet and some more storage. Families will appreciate the large number of connecting staterooms. And with Spa Suites, Courtyard Villas, and Family Villas, they sky is the limited when it comes to up-scale accommodations.

Facilities aboard Norwegian Epic.

If there’s one area where this ship exceeds expectations, it’s entertainment. Taking a cue from Las Vegas, as well as Broadway, Epic offers acts you wouldn’t expect to find at sea, including Blue Man Group, Second City, Legends in Concert, and Cirque Dreams – a combination circus, musical revue, and acrobatic show that takes place in a two-story tent.

No matter what your preferred quaff, there’s a watering hole just for you. The most notable is the Svedka Ice Bar, which is kept at a bracing 17 degrees. Don one of the huge, faux-fur coats and dive in. If you like blues, try Fat Cats.

When it’s time to unwind, the 31,000-square-foot Mandara Spa features thermal suites and offers more than 50 treatments.

With one of the best water parks at sea, Nickelodeon characters like Sponge Bob Square Pants, and good kids’ programs, Epic is a good choice for families too. Chances are, everyone in your group will enjoy their time on board.

Norwegian Epic Image Flickr: Stephen & Katherine
Norwegian Epic pool Image Flickr: Cruise News Weekly

Disney Dream

The first new Disney cruise ship in twelve years, Disney Dream launched in January of 2011. Although she’s 40% bigger than the other Disney cruise ships, with her navy blue hull and red funnels, she retains the classic good looks that recall cruising’s gilded age.

Of special appeal for families with young children, Dream also has plenty of offer older kids, and adults as well. Cool technology, innovative amenities, and stellar entertainment combine to ensure a great experience for everyone on board.

Dining aboard Disney Dream.

Dream offers passengers the same progressive dining experience as sister ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder. This gives passengers the opportunity to enjoy the all three main dining rooms with the same wait staff. Special visual effects transform the dining rooms from black and white to color or from day to night. The affect is stunning and really adds to the experience.

Disney characters are often on hand, so your kids will likely have the chance to share a little quality time with their favorite princess.

If you want to grab a quick bite, Flo’s Café has burgers and wraps, and Cabanas offers a hot and cold buffet morning, noon, and night.

Adults have two additional options – Palo, the Italian restaurant, and Remy, for French cuisine. With a $75 per person surcharge, Remy is one of the most expensive restaurants at sea. Wine pairings, which you’ll arrange with the sommelier, are an additional $99 per person. The 12th deck aft location provides sweeping ocean views, and the Art Nouveau interior is lovely. The menu was created by a Michelin 2-star chef from Reims, and it’s the equal of a fine restaurant in France.

The Meridian wine bar between Palo and Remy is a secluded place to relax with your favorite vintage.

Accommodations aboard Disney Dream.

Standard cabins on Dream are largest than most, which is key since there are so often four in a cabin. A nifty split bathroom divides the toilet and shower areas, so two people can use the facilities at once. Another thoughtful touch is the inclusion of two vanities.

Claustrophobics won’t have to shun inside cabins. The “portholes” use a live video feed to provide real-time views of what’s going on outside. All cabins have a 22” LCD TV, iPod dock, a small fridge, and a couple of portable phones that work throughout the ship. These text-friendly devices replace the beepers that counselors used to use to contact parents.

Those who need more space can opt for a verandah cabin, a family cabin on the concierge decks, or a concierge suite. These include access to a private sun deck and a handy food and beverage area. At 600+ square feet, the one-bedroom suites are quite roomy and have a whirlpool tub in the master bathroom.

Throughout the ship, features have been designed to provide an extra measure of safety for the little ones.

Facilities aboard Disney Dream.

Disney Dream

Top-notch entertainment is synonymous with the Disney name, and Dream raises the bar with incredible live stage shows, Pirate deck parties with fireworks overhead, and 3-D movies shown as soon as they’re released in theaters.

AquaDuck a 756-foot water coaster is the first of its kind. Parents and kids alike love careening above the decks and ocean at break-neck speed. There’s also a water park for younger kids, and an adults-only pool area.

Senses Spa, includes an area called Chill, designed for teenagers. And there’s a small fitness center and sport court too.

Disney’s kids programs are second to none, and they’ve expanded what they have to offer teens and tweens with a 9,000-square-foot club called Vibe. Interactive programs, imaginative environments, and educational activities keep kids entertained night and day. Children as young as three months old can be cared for in the nursery.

Dream offers three-, four-, and five-night cruises to the Bahamas.

Disney Dream Images Flickr: The Oceanista

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth

Aside from Oceania’s spectacular new Marina, most of the new cruise ships for 2011 are carbon copies of their predecessors. Sure, there’s a new bar here, and a few new suites there, but for the most part the ships that were introduced last year stole the show.

The big innovations this year were in river cruising, where Avalon, Uniworld, and Viking all introduced exciting new ships that will make river cruising more competitive than ever.

Here’s our list of the Top 10 New Cruise Ships for 2011:

1) Oceania Marina
Oceania established itself with three of the old 700-passengers, R-class vessels that once belonged to Renaissance Cruises. Marina is their first newly built cruise ship, and she’s nearly twice the size. The line has always put special emphasis on food, and gourmets will appreciate the best culinary center at sea and the ten restaurants, which are overseen by Jacques Pepin. Best of all, there’s no extra charge for the specialty restaurants. The upscale but casual ambience of the other ships remains — there are no formal nights or ties required — but with Versace china and Balinese day beds out on deck, there’s certainly no roughing it.

2) Seabourn Quest
The third of Seabourn’s Odyssey-class ships, Quest has an enormous, two-story spa, some of the best restaurants in cruising and a water-sports marina in the stern. Carrying 450 passengers, Quest is nearly all inclusive with tips and drinks included in the fare. The ambiance is like that of a stylish boutique hotel with plenty of space to lounge outdoors. Due to shorter itineraries, passengers are younger than on Seabourn’s older vessels. Nearly 90% of the staterooms have balconies.

Spa deck on Oceania Marina

4) Celebrity Silhouette
Very similar to sister ships, Solstice, Equinox, and Eclipse, Silhouette introduces The Porch — an outdoor café overlooking the lawn — and a grill where passengers can barbecue the steak of their choice outside. There’s a new art studio that offers classes and demonstrations, and a bar with 64 craft beers. When you’re ready for a break, try one of the hammocks or cabanas on the lawn.

5) Carnival Magic
The second of Carnival’s Dream Class ships, Magic has two water slides, a large adults-only Serenity Area, and “family camps” with two bathrooms. At the Red Frog pub, passengers can enjoy private-label ales. And there’s a ropes course, outdoor fitness area, and two-level golf course. You can even play soccer at the SportsSquare complex. Sailing in the Mediterranean, Carnival offers both adults and children a lot of options.

6) Cunard Queen Elizabeth
A ship designed to evoke the golden age of cruising, Queen Elizabeth is just the ticket if you like ballroom dancing in formal attire. The décor is Art Deco with lots of wood accents, photos of British royalty, crystal chandeliers, and lots of marble. Passengers are assigned to one of three dining rooms, based on class of stateroom, and you can also dine in the superb French restaurant, The Verandah for an extra charge. The wine list and enrichment programs are heads above the rest.

Oceania Marina restaurant

9) Avalon Panorama
The big news here is the Panorama Suites, which have 11’ x 7’ windows that slide open to let the outside in. At 200 square feet, the suites are bigger than most, and when the windows are open, the small seating area becomes a lovely balcony. The sky deck runs the length of the ship and has lounge chairs, a shade system, whirlpool, and an outdoor bistro. There’s also a covered outdoor observation area at the front. This is one of the most appealing river cruise ships afloat.

10) Uniworld S.S. Antoinette
The first river ship built by Uniworld, S.S. Antoinette breaks new ground with an indoor swimming pool, a top-drawer cinema, and alcoves that convert to balconies with the flip of a switch. The Leopard Bar and l’ Orangerie are indoor/outdoor venues that can be enjoyed in any kind of weather. And the design — which is an homage to the age of Marie Antoinette — is smashing with a Baccarat chandelier, Venetian glass, and dazzling mosaics.

Read about more new cruise ships.

Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth Image Flickr: garybembridge
Spa deck on Oceania Marina Image Flickr: Josh Friedman Luxury Travel
Oceania Marina restaurant Image Flickr: Josh Friedman Luxury Travel

Allure in Port Everglades

Allure of the Seas sailed her maiden voyage on December 1, 2010. She was supposed to be the same size as sister ship Oasis of the Seas. But so vast are these ocean-going cities, that even though Allure was built on the same superstructure, she emerged five centimeters longer and 70,000 tons heavier. She is currently the largest cruise ship in the world.

All the best features of Oasis are present on Allure — the open-air park, Aqua Theater, and Loft Suites. But Allure has some exciting new features all her own, including the first Starbucks on a mainstream cruise ship. And the Royal Caribbean Dreamworks partnership is even more in evidence on Allure, much to the delight young passengers.

The seven-night Caribbean itinerary gives Oasis past passengers another option in the Caribbean. And travelers aboard Allure can enjoy the Broadway-style production of Chicago in the 1,400-seat Amber Theater, instead of Hairspray, which plays on Oasis.

Dining aboard Allure of the Seas.

In addition to the most popular restaurants on Oasis — Johnny Rocket’s, Chops Grille, and Giovanni’s — Allure offers passengers three new venues: the aforementioned Starbucks, a hot dog place called the Boardwalk Dog House, and a Mexican restaurant named Rita’s Cantina. There’s even a tapas bar and a churrascaria,

Accommodation aboard Allure of the Seas.

Staterooms on Allure feature enhanced connectivity that will be appreciated by tech-dependent travelers. Each cabin has a dock for charging or playing an iPad, iPod, or iPhone, and grounded outlets are now available. The outlets have been relocated so they’re more convenient. And Internet access is available on TVs in cabins and via WiFi throughout the ship.

Facilities aboard Allure of the Seas.

Royal Caribbean is going toe to toe with Disney in the battle to attract families with young children. Dreamworks characters abound and a colorful parade with nearly 100 performers — including Kung Fu Panda, and Shrek — provide memorable entertainment for kids and their parents.

St. Maarten

Disney pioneered 3D theaters with first-run movies, and Allure can show the latest 3D hits from Dreamworks in the Amber Theater. Currently playing is Megamind with Shrek Forever After and How to Train Your Dragon in the queue. And shows in the Studio B ice rink and Aqua Theater feature Dreamworks Animation characters.

As a convenience to passengers, Allure will also offer kiosks where cruisers can print out boarding passes, reconfirm on-board services and reservations, or review their shipboard account. And shoppers can indulge themselves at the Coach and Guess boutiques.

Read about sister ship Oasis of the Seas. Or read about the other top 10 largest cruise ships.

Allure in Port Everglades Image Flickr: Josh Friedman Luxury Travel
St. Maarten Image Flickr: Rennett Stowe

The perfect martini -- at sea

There’s never been any shortage of water holes on cruise ships. In fact, most have a dozen or more bars and lounges. But the latest generation of vessels has raised the bar with innovative new spaces, including an authentic, Scandinavian-style ice bar.

Here’s our list of the Top 10 Bars on Cruise Ships:

1) Svedka Ice Bar on Norwegian Epic
With walls, tables, stools, and a bar made of ice, the Svedka Ice Bar on the new Norwegian Epic is the only one of its kind at sea — and one of only 14 in the world. Made from 1,500+ gallons of water and kept at a brisk 17 degrees, the bar seats 25 guests, who bundle up in loaner fur-lined coats for 45-minute visits. LED lights mimic the shifting colors of the Aurora Borealis, and the $20 admission charge include two specialty cocktails made with vodka.

2) Veuve Cliquot Champagne Bar on Queen Mary 2
Guests in this elegant, 64-seat space can enjoy seven different Veuve Cliquot Ponsard Champagnes — including Brut Carte Jaune and La Grande Dame — by the bottle or Waterford crystal flute. The Art Deco-style bar is conveniently located for pre- or post-theater quaffs and small plates, including fois gras and caviar.

3) Cellar Masters Wine Bar on Celebrity Solstice
Solstice is one of the best ships for wine lovers, and Cellar Masters is a big part of the appeal. Modeled after a Napa Valley tasting room, the wine bar features an enomatic wine-serving system that lets guests dispense a glass or taste of wine at the touch of a button. A sommelier is usually on hand to help passengers make their selections. You can enjoy your wine by the bottle or glass and there’s a terrific selection of tasting flights in a variety of prices. If you don’t finish your bottle, they’ll save it for another visit.

4) The Martini Bar and Crush on Celebrity Solstice
Travelers who prefer something stiffer than wine will also enjoy Celebrity Solstice. With more than 100 kinds of vodka, a bar with a frozen surface, and a mind-boggling selection of cocktails, the Martini Bar is a great place for hand-crafted drinks. Martinis here are made with four parts of premium spirits and served in individual shakers. And you can sample Polish, Russian, or French vodka flights. At Crush, guests can indulge in caviar tastings at an ice-filled table.

5) Glass House Wine Bar on P&O’s Azura
With 32 wines hand-picked by British wine connoisseur Olly Smith, the Glass House also has an enomatic wine system that preserves each wine and serves it at the perfect temperature. Seven different wine flights are available, and if you’re hungry, food designed to pair with the wines is available in the adjoining restaurant. Azura caters to a largely British clientele.

6) Il Grappolo d’Oro on MSC Poesia
Wine lovers can taste Italian wines from many different regions at Il Grappolo d’Oro. The sommelier can help point you in the right direction, and you can enjoy your wine with Italian meats and cheeses. This 120-seat enoteca is one of the most attractive at sea. And the Italian slow food that served on board is a great compliment.

7) Posh Beach Club on Norwegian Epic
With private elevator access, VIP table service, gaming tables, private cabanas, and beds under the stars, POSH Beach Club is one of the most appealing nightclubs on NCL. A secluded spot for sunning during the day, at night POSH is an open-air venue designed to remind patrons of South Beach. It’s open to passengers in villas and those who purchase a one-day or week-long pass.

POSH Beach Club on Norwegian Epic

8) Maltings on Norwegian Gem
Beer and whiskey drinkers aren’t catered to as much as wine and martini lovers. But with more than 60 kinds of whiskey, single-malt scotch, and bourbon and more than three dozen beers, Maltings offers the best selection at sea. Artisanal beers from the U.S. and British brewers like Samuel Smiths are poured to grateful fans. Irish whiskey tastings and beer tastings are available. And there’s a small stage where sometimes acoustic musician perform.

9) Red Frog Pub on Carnival Magic
Which Carnival Magic debuts in 2011, the Key West-style Red Frog Pub will give passengers a taste of the Caribbean on board. The 100-seat indoor/outdoor watering hole will feature a private-label draught beer, a full line of Caribbean rums and beers, and Caribbean food and music. Order a tasting flight of beer or rum and some conch fritters or Jamaican chicken wings.

10) AIDABlu
Germany’s largest cruise line, AIDA Cruises is owned by Carnival Corporation. It attracts young, German-speaking travelers looking for an affordable, casual vacation. AIDAblu, which launched in 2010, is the first cruise ship with an actual brewery on board. Located on deck ten, the brewery has copper fermentation and lagering kettles with a capacity of 100 U.S. barrels. The German brew master, Andreas Hegny, desalinates sea water and uses it to produce several fresh, draught beers.

The perfect martini — at sea Image Flickr: wickenden
POSH Beach Club on Norwegian Epic Image Flickr: Cruise News Weekly

Aqua Theater on Oasis of the Seas

Fifteen years ago, a passenger vessel over 100,000 tons was newsworthy. But today, ships twice that size are pleasing cruisers with amenities and activities that would have been unheard of back then. Pretty much everything you enjoy ashore — from bowling to ice skating — is now offered at sea. And the biggest cruise ships can compete with their land-based rivals when it comes to spa services, fitness facilities, dining, and entertainment.

Royal Caribbean has consistently raised the bar with bigger ships and industry-changing innovations. And their new Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas are no exceptions. The biggest ships in cruising, these twins will likely hold the title for years to come.

Here’s our list of the Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships:

1) Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas
Launched in 2009, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis Class ships weigh in at a mind-boggling 220,900 tons. Carrying 5,400 passengers on seven-night voyages in the Caribbean, these larger-than-life vessels introduced living parks, bars that can raise and lower themselves several decks, synchronized swimming shows, zip lines, Broadway musicals, and more to eager cruisers looking for unique experiences.

2) Freedom of the Seas, Independence of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas
Named for Freedom of the Seas, which launched in 2006, Royal Caribbean’s 3,634-passenger Freedom Class vessels have a water park on the top deck with slides, surf simulators, and plenty of ways to get wet. In fact, the pool areas on these ships is 43% bigger than on Voyager Class. They offer seven-night itineraries in the Caribbean and Mediterranean.

3) Norwegian Epic
Launched in 2010, Norwegian Epic introduced studio cabins for single travelers, cruising’s first ice bar, and arguably the best entertainment at sea with Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams, Second City, and Legends in Concert. Carrying 4,300 travelers, and weighing 153,000 tons, she offers seven-night voyages from Miami and Barcelona.

4) Queen Mary 2
The only ocean liner purpose -for crossing the Atlantic, the 148,528-ton Queen Mary 2 was the largest ship when she launched in 2004. And at a cost of $780 million, the most expensive too. With a capacity of 2,620, she offers guests some of the glamour of bygone days. Fine dining, a Canyon Ranch SpaClub, and a top-notch enrichment program make time at sea fly by.

5) Voyager, Explorer, Adventure, Mariner, and Navigator of the Seas
Royal Caribbean’s Voyager Class ships were introduced to much acclaim in 1999. The first to feature rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks, and multi-deck promenades filled with shops and restaurants, these 137,308-ton ships carry 3,634 passengers.

6) MSC Fantasia and Splendida
When she launched in 2008, Fantasia was the largest ship ever built for a European cruise line. Constructed of 67 individual blocks, she carries 3,274 passengers and weighs 133,500 tons. The hotel-within-a-hotel concept of The Yacht Club gives guests in suites additional services and facilities. Nearly all of the outside staterooms have balconies, and there are French, Italian, and Tex-Mex restaurants on board. Expect lots of European passengers.

Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas

7) Carnival Dream
This long awaited, 3,652-guest vessel has an indoor-outdoor plaza, a waterslide that plunges four decks, and a full promenade. Especially family friendly, Carnival Dream has lots of cabins that sleep five comfortably and a good kids’ program. She offers seven-night programs from Port Canaveral.

8) Celebrity Eclipse, Equinox, and Solstice
When Celebrity Solstice launched in 2008, many travel industry pundits named her Best New Cruise Ship — and with good reason. Real grass lawns, glass-blowing studios, gorgeous dining rooms, and innovative wine programs make these 2,852-passenger vessels elegant and refined.

9) Azura and Ventura
P&O’s twin sisters are the largest ships built specifically for British cruisers. While Ventura, which launched in 2008, is family friendly, Azura was created for couples. Offering longer itineraries, private cabanas, and Indian food from a Michelin-star chef, Azura also has 18 cabins for singles with no surcharge. Both carry 3,092 guests and weigh 116,000 tons.

10) Diamond and Sapphire Princess
The first Princess vessel built in Japan, Diamond Princess was launched a year later than planned due to a fire at the shipyard. These Grand Class ships boasted a pod propulsion system that was innovative in 2003. With four pool areas — one of which is covered by a retractable glass dome — a balcony off the Skywalker lounge, and a club with 42 video screens, the 2,674 cruisers have lots of distractions.

Aqua Theater on Oasis of the Seas Image Flickr: Paul Dickerson
Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas Image Flickr: brianholsclaw

Melk, Austria

Ships that sail Europe’s great waterway are low and narrow by design, so they can tuck under bridges and make their way through tight canals. In some ways, this limits how grand a first impression they’re able to make. And many first-time river cruisers who are accustomed to the over-the-top lobbies found on ocean-going vessels may be underwhelmed when they first board a river boat.

As far as Uniworld’s new River Beatrice goes, the opposite reaction is likely for seasoned river cruises who will probably be swept off their feet by the four-deck lobby of the ship. With its silk-covered walls, Murano-glass chandelier,marble floors, antiques, l’Occitane toiletries, and Egyptian-cotton linens, this is the first European river boat in the luxury category.

Dining aboard River Beatrice.

Nicely decorated in white, The Restaurant is River Beatrice’s main dining venue. It’s open for breakfast, lunch, and, dinner, and on evenings when cruisers might go ashore for an evening concert, a buffet is laid out for their convenience.

The chef does a nice job of incorporating local ingredients and dishes, so travelers are able to enjoy regional specialties like weiner schnitzel in Vienna.

Breakfast and lunch are buffet style, but you can order specialty items such as omelets or eggs Benedict. If the ship is sailing during lunch time, the staff may also set up a buffet out on the roof deck.

A four-course dinner is served each night between 7PM and 9PM, and guests can come and sit where and when they like. The menu features continental dishes such as trout and veal. And healthy and vegetarian selections are also available.

The most exciting dining innovation aboard River Beatrice is an alternative dining venue. Several nights on each cruise, the library is transformed into the Captain’s Club Lounge. With seating for just 25, reservations are essential, but there’s no additional charge. Passengers in suites may also order room service.

Accommodations aboard River Beatrice.

Eighty percent of the cabins have French balconies, a term that denotes sliding glass doors that open so you can enjoy the fresh air. You can’t really step out, and a guard rail keeps you from going overboard.

All the staterooms are plush, well designed, and attractive. If you’re familiar with the Red Carnation hotel group, you’ll recognize the look.

River Beatrice has 15 suites, the most of any river boat. And at 225 square feet, they are some of the roomiest in Europe. Nicely outfitted with DVD players and marble bathrooms, they include butler service and in-room breakfast service on request. One even has a four-poster bed. And the 300-square-foot Owner’s Suite features a soaking tub and a high-tech entertainment system.

Facilities aboard River Beatrice.

Travelers who are accustomed to sports courts, full-service spas, gymnasiums, and other ocean-ship amenities may find river ships lacking. But European river cruises are all about enjoy the destinations, not the boat. And passengers have plenty of time to explore Budapest, Vienna, Durnstein, Linz, and Passau.

To help travelers make the most of their time ashore, at least one orientation tour is included in each port free of charge. And the innovative Quietvox audio systems make it easy for everyone to hear the guide’s commentary through a lightweight headset.

Additional shore excursions are offered and evening concerts ashore are a highlight. The guides and shore staff working for River Beatrice are all first rate. And independent travelers can use the boat’s complimentary bicycles to explore on their own. Nordic walking sticks are also available for passengers.

River Beatrice has a beautiful teak roof deck that runs the length of the ship. It’s a great place to take in the scenery when she’s underway, and three big sun tents provide plenty of shade. There’s also a pleasant, open-air seating area surrounding the Captain’s Lounge.

A big plus for travelers with mobility issues is the elevator — a rarity on river boats.

If you’ve already done one or more cruises, a European river cruise will show you another side of Europe in comfort and style.

Uniworld is currently offering special deals on 2011 cruises on River Beatrice. See their site for more details.

Learn more about European river cruises.

Melk, Austria Image Flickr: Dieter Karner

Santorini is a frequent call for Seabourn Odyssey

When Seabourn first announced their plans to built a 450-passenger ship, everyone wondered if they could provide the yacht-like experience the brand promises on that scale. After all, the new Seabourn Odyssey carries twice as many passengers as any of the other Yachts of Seabourn.

Most critics agree that Seabourn pulled it off and that Odyssey offers the best of both worlds — the service and attention to detail found on their smaller ships with more amenities, facilities, and elbow room.

The design was well planned to minimize the perceived size of the ship. Although she’s three times as large as the other Seabourn ships, inside, she’s quite intimate and refined. And all the Odyssey staff trained aboard another Seabourn vessel before joining the ship.

Dining aboard Seabourn Odyssey.

Seabourn has always been known for exceptional dining, overseen by Charlie Palmer. And Odyssey raises the bar with a separate Restaurant 2, serving a seven-course tasting menu matched with wine. You’ll need to make reservations to dine here, but there’s no charge.

The Restaurant – Palmer’s fine dining venue – is one of the prettiest at sea with billowing drapes dividing the room into more intimate spaces. Sparkling chandeliers, pale roses, and a row of raised banquettes make a dramatic backdrop for the incredible food. As on other Seabourn ships, selected wines are complimentary, and the Restaurant’s open-seating policy remains.

For more casual meals, the Colonnade has indoor and outdoor seating, as does the Patio Grill. Another welcome addition is in-suite dining from The Restaurant menu, served on the balcony of your stateroom.

Accommodations aboard Seabourn Odyssey.

Of the 225 staterooms on Odyssey, 197 of them have verandahs. At 300 square feet, these cabins are good sized and have curtains to block off the bedroom area. Bathrooms have marble counters, two sinks, luxury toiletries, and bathtubs. The 65-square-foot verandas each have a table, two chairs, and a chaise longue.

The suites are expensive but very nicely done.

Facilities aboard Seabourn Odyssey.

Sydney Harbor

The 11,500-square-foot, two-level Spa at Seabourn is the largest on a luxury ship, and passengers can be pampered in seven treatment rooms, an open-air relaxation area, the thalassotherapy pool, steam room, sauna, or thermal suite. If you want more privacy, two Spa Villas are available by the half day.

Those who want to stay fit will find plenty of options including a Motions Studio with Kinesis Wall, a water sports marina, two swimming pools, six whirlpools, and nine holes of mini golf.

All in all, Seabourn Odyssey delivers on the promise of a small ship in a big-sized package. If you’re looking for fabulous service with the facilities that are only practical on a larger ship, it’s the perfect choice.

Santorini is a frequent call for Seabourn Odyssey Image Flickr: Jorge-11
Sydney Harbor Image Flickr: Linh_rOm

Crystal Serenity Art Glass

In the world of cruising, luxury and intimacy go hand in hand. Conventional wisdom dictates that the smaller the ship, the more exclusive the experience. So when Crystal Cruises launched as a luxury brand with a ship that carried more than 900 passengers, many industry insiders were skeptical

But Crystal delivered on the promise – in spades – and today, Crystal cruises are among the best money can buy. And loyal passengers think their service is absolutely tops.

When Crystal Serenity debuted in 2003, she was more than a third larger than Crystal Symphony, but carried only 15% more passengers. Consequently, she’s a spacious, refined ship with twice as many Penthouse Suites as her predecessor.

Crystal Serenity is unique in her ability to provide passengers with big-ship amenities and small-ship attention to detail.

Dining aboard Crystal Serenity.

Unlike most luxury cruise lines, Crystal still offers only assigned seating in the tasteful, wood-paneled dining room. Since most itineraries offer a few leisurely sea days, and most fellow passengers are seasoned travelers, you’ll probably enjoy dining here. And the food and service are much better than on most cruise ships.

But the real stars of the show are the alternative restaurants – Silk Road and Prego. The former is guided by culinary legend Nobu Matsuhisa. Signature dishes from Nobu, including his miso-glazed black cod, are featured. And inside Silk Road, there’s an eight-seat sushi bar that seats guests on a first-come, first-served basis.

Prego is overseen by Piero Selvaggio, who owns Valentino, the most critically acclaimed Italian restaurant in Southern California. The Northern Italian cuisine here is some of the finest at sea. And the dining room is lovely.

An additional fine-dining option is The Vintage Room, where groups of ten or more can enjoy a private seven-course dinner with wine pairings. On the topic of wine, Crystal Serenity has more than 230 labels in their 20,000-bottle cellar. The cruise line also offers several food and wine cruises each year.

There’s no extra charge to dine at Silk Road or Prego, but reservations are required. They’re often available on formal nights when most passengers dine in the main dining room. Note that wines and alcoholic beverages are not included as they are on many other luxury cruise lines.

Accommodations aboard Crystal Serenity.

At 226 square feet, the most basic cabins are roomier than on some other cruise ships. But you’ll likely be happier if you upgrade to a stateroom with a balcony – 85% of the cabins have them.

With Butler Service, room service from the specialty restaurants, and marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, the staterooms on the Penthouse deck are worth the splurge. Cabins are 403 square feet and have a sleeping area separated from the living area with a curtain. The 491-square feet Penthouse Suites have a separate bedroom.

The four Crystal penthouses are 1,345 square feet and have a separate master bedroom and an astonishing array of thoughtful touches including Riedel stemware, personalized stationery, and a fully stocked bar.

Facilities aboard Crystal Serenity.

Crystal Serenity

Spa lovers will be ecstatic over the 8,200-square-foot spa and salon. Passengers can enjoy everything from weightlessness in the dry-float bed suite to the Zen rock garden. With sweeping views of the ocean, and a serene Feng Shui design, it’s a beautiful place to unwind or be pampered.

There are two swimming pools, two paddle tennis courts, and two walking programs to help guests stay fit. Golfers can keep up their long and short game with driving nets and a putting green. The fitness center has all the latest cardio and resistance machines, and walkers can do a circuit on the Promenade Deck.

Crystal’s enrichment program is truly a cut above and on sea days, passengers can take part in a wide range of seminars and hands-on classes. Whether you want to learn how to speak foreign language, play the piano, or match wine and food, you’ll find their programs interesting and informative.

Although onboard entertainment may pale compared to what’s offers on 3,000+ passenger ships, Serenity offers more than any other luxury cruise ship. The Galaxy Lounge presents professional Broadway-style shows. There live music for dancing in the Stardust Club. And recent movies are screened in the Hollywood Theater. Luxe, a South Beach kind of club, is a popular venue for younger passengers.

Travelers who want excellent food, attentive service, and a true luxury experience should look closely at Crystal Serenity.

Crystal Serenity Art Glass Image Flickr: lotopspin
Crystal Serenity Image Flickr: Trondheim Havn

Good wine is now available on all cruise ships.

In order to attract more sophisticated travelers, the cruise ships upgraded the dining experiences they offered their passengers a few years ago. Since good food and wine go hand-in-hand, expanded wine cellars, professional tastings, and multiple-course dinners with food-and-wine pairings weren’t far behind.

Today, you can drink as well at sea as you can on dry land. Many of the luxury cruises include good wine in the cruise fare. In addition to on-board tastings and seminars, many voyages include vineyard visits and tastings in some of the world’s top wine regions. And most ships have at least one wine bar where you can enjoy new and classic wines by the glass.

Here’s our list of the Top 10 Cruise Ships for Wine Lovers:

1) Avalon Scenery
Those who want to learn more about French wines should opt for a European river cruise on Avalon Scenery. Their Burgundy & Provence itinerary travels through the vineyards of the Saone and Rhone River valleys and offers plenty of opportunities to sample great wines. Cruisers visit a cave in Beaune, and sample Burgundy, Beaujolais, and Chateauneuf-du-Pape wines both on and off the ship. An on-board expert conducts seminars, and food-and-wine pairings enhance the experience.

2) Azamara Journey
Complimentary red and white wines chosen from the 8,000-bottle wine cellar are served at lunch and dinner. Reserve wines are available from an extensive wine list featuring selections from all over the world. The specialty restaurant, Prime C, has a glassed-in wine cellar with seating for 12 where tastings and seminars are held.

The Adam Tihany wine tower on Celebrity Solstice

3) Celebrity Solstice
With more than 500 selections and a cellar that stocks over 10,000 bottles, Celebrity Solstice is a wine-lover’s dream. The staff of 23 USSA-certified Sommeliers will help you choose the perfect wine to complement your meal. And the Enomatic system in the Cellar Masters Wine Bar lets passengers pour their own wines by the glass. The Wine Experience includes classes, a comparative tasting using Reidel glasses, and a Connoisseur’s dinner that pairs five wines with food courses. Taste of the Vineyard packages run from $129 to $191.25 per person. The Adam Tihany-designed glass wine tower in the dining room is a thing of beauty.

4) Crystal Serenity
Crystal offers 16 food and wine cruises a year, and if you’re serious about wine, they’re a great way to learn more and to taste wines you may not have encountered before. The Crystal’s wine list has more than 230 selections with 20,000 bottles in the cellar. The Reserve wine list even includes a 1959 Chateau Lafite Rothschild. In the Vintage Room, up to 12 guests can gather for an evening of wine appreciation. With the assistance of the Head Sommelier, you can select an array of wines to taste and the Executive Chef will prepare dishes to match.

5) MSC Poesia
The Italian cruise line, MSC Cruises, is a great choice for lovers of Italian wines. They offer dozens of wines from Italy, including the highly rated Barbera d’Asti Cremosini and Barbaresco Mantico in their bars and restaurants. Salumi, cheeses, and other antipasto items are also served in Grappolo d’Oro, the attractive wine bar. Their wine packages, especially those that include their house wines, are some of the most affordable on any cruise ship. MSC also offers several food and wine-themed cruises.

6) Oceania Marina
Oceania partnered with Wine Spectator Magazine to create the 24-seat La Reserve, a top-deck venue where a seven-course tasting menu was designed to complement fine wines selected by Wine Spectator experts. Wine tastings and educational seminars will also be featured in the space which opens onto a patio with sweeping views. The editors of the magazine also helped create the wine list and chose the selections offered in the main dining room. Marina’s maiden voyage is in January, 2011.

7) Seven Seas Voyager
Complimentary wines served at lunch and dinner might include Louis Jadot Pouilly-Fuisse, St. Armand Macon Villages, Dry Creek Sauvignon Blanc, Chateauneuf du Pape Grenache Syrah and Mourvedre, Spy Valley Pinot Noir, and St. Supery Cabernet Sauvignon. Premium wines selected by Regent sommeliers are top of the line. Spotlight on Wine voyages include wine-focused shore excursions and on-board tastings. And five-course wine connoisseur dinners are offered on most voyages.

8) Seabourn Odyssey
Seabourn includes good quality wines such as R.H. Phillips Chardonnay and Domaine St. George Cabernet Sauvignon with lunch and dinner and offers packages for those who want to enjoy reserve wines with their meals. Passengers who purchase the Silver Package for $225 can choose three bottles from a list of six reds, six whites, and a dessert wine. The Gold Package runs $450 and includes four bottles chosen from a deeper list. The wine list features more than 200 wines from all over the world. Prices range from reasonable to fairly extravagant. Tastings of reserve wines usually take place during the cruise. Space is limited so make reservations as soon as you board. Several shore excursions include visits to wineries and vineyards.

9) Sea Dream Yacht Club I
Sea Dream includes freely flowing wine and Champagne throughout the cruise. The Sea Dream Sommeliers have also chosen classic vintages and boutique wines which are available for purchase. One of the most popular features of these cruises is the Champagne and Caviar Splash, which is usually held on a deserted island.

10) Silversea Silver Spirit
Complimentary wines served at lunch and dinner aboard Silver Spirit include Domaine Bastide Cote du Rhone and Hugel Gentil. Reds on the Connoisseur’s list lean heavily toward France and Napa and are in the $200 – $250 range. The whites are mostly French and run from $45 – $180. The Wine Restaurant by Relais & Chateaux, called La Champagne, serves a six-course tasting menu with food chosen to complement wines from the world’s most celebrated regions. The Degustation Dining option includes five premium wines for $200 per person.

Read about the Top 10 Cruise Ships for Food Lovers here.

Good wine is now available on all cruise ships Image Flickr: Mr. T in DC
The Adam Tihany wine tower on Celebrity Solstice Image Flickr: Tom Mascardo 1