Deluxe - The Best Luxury Cruise Ships

Each year, and each magazine is printing or posting in the web their list of the 10 Best Luxury Cruise Ships. So do I now, with my view about their luxury ... Latest with the press releases at ITB in Berlin, we know, there is a stronger demand for luxury / luxurious cruises. 
by Earl of Cruise

SILVER EXPLORER, the former PRINCE ALBERT II, ex WORLD DISCOVERER of SOCIETY EXPEDITIONS, she was the expedition cruise vessels for SILVERSEA - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)

Most it is a copy paste story, as all the time the same ships/cruise companies appear ... and sometime the described vessels are are nothing else than mass market ships, with an added first class space for the "wanna-be´s" in the mass market. So the YACHT CLUB of MSC, the CLOUD 9 at CARNIVAL, the QUEENS GRILL at CUNARD, etc. And this "luxury" areas are promoted as the top of the notch ... still a cramped affair on a high density vessel.

Compared to the quarters of the emigrants that had been provided pre WWI, despite the, in their time, unheard luxuries on the OLYMPIC sisters, the cramped quarters of todays cruise ships are really luxurious. And some bargain finders will see more luxury than thought of at home, even in the mass market ships ...

What is luxury on a cruise ship?

My view, but not only mine: space, space and more space for the guests, or today voyagers on board, paired with the best service, that is pampering the voyager. No segregation amoung the voyagers onboard. Highest quality food and beverage. An entainment of the highest standard you can get. Individualized land excursions, that will avoid crowded places and will have the lowest carbon footprint that can be achieved. The same is for the propulsion today - TIER III is demanding, as the public opinion too ... or the luxury ships will be blocked and/or blackmailed as the filthy rich trash producers.
According to Ruth Stanath of SIS INTERNATIONAL the Park Avenue inhabitants would "flodd" a real 5star offer that is a real top of the notch offer. But there have to be certain conditions to be fullfilled. Privacy, no Chi-Chi and top exclusivity.

What are the "normal" suspects for top luxury in these articles?

- REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES, SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER, (by Earl of Cruise)

- CRYSTAL CRUISES, CRYSTAL SERENITY, CRYSTAL ESPRIT

- OCEANIA CRUISES, RIVIERA

- VIKING OCEAN CRUISES, relative new in the market, VIKING STAR

- SEABOURN CRUISES, SEABOURN ENCORE, (by Earl of Cruise)

- SILVERSEA CRUISES, SILVER SPIRIT

- SEADREAM YACHT CLUB, SEA DREAM I + II

- HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES, EUROPA 2

- AZAMARA CLUBCRUISES, AZAMARA QUEST + JOURNEY

- PONANT CRUISES, L´AUSTRAL, LE LYRIAL, LE SOLÉAL, LE BORÉAL

- SEA CLOUD CRUISES, a luxury sailing vessel cruise company, SEA CLOUD, SEA CLOUD 2 
- SCENIC CRUISES, coming in 2018 with a brand new top luxury expedition vessel SCENIC ECLIPSE

But all these lines are more or less mass market oriented with their concepts of interchangeability. Except in parts, and more changing - CRYSTAL CRUISES. CRYSTAL is somehow driven by SCENIC and their announcement for their first seagoing newbuilt.

But it is an interesting fact, most of the anglo-saxon publishers forget the German HAPAG-LLOYD - perhaps as it is too German speaking oriented, or less "americanized"? The same is with SEA CLOUD CRUISES, despite the vessel are much loved and often chartered by US tour operators.

And a vast number of cruise lines seek to go for the expedition market, as there the competition from the mass market is not that hard. And the luxury is most more within the destination, what the investment in the ship is reducing the costs ... a fatal misinterpretation of what the voyager really is expecting from a luxury company. Even when on expedition, please the best of the best! Chi-Chi will be no longer accepted, as plastic with a golden gleaming cover. The voyager will get the real thing for the money he is paying for his vacation. It seems that only CRYSTAL and SCENIC really have seen this shift in demand.

The moment you step aboard a luxury cruise ship, a host/-ess is at your arm proffering a glass of bubbling champagne, while a capable room steward offers to take your hand luggage as he escorts you to what will be your home-away-from-home for the next few days. He stows your things (likely in a walk-in closet) and then you emerge from your suite to get-in the layout of the ship. As you walk the decks, friendly crew members greet you ... by name!

You will be surprised, positivlely. How can that be? You just have set your foot onboard!

First-class, personalized service is just one of the hallmarks of luxury cruise lines. You can also expect exotic itineraries, varying degrees of inclusivity in pricing, fine wines and gourmet cuisine as well as universally high crew-to-passenger ratios.
A marketing wording of SILVERSEA in the beginning has been: All exclusive, but all inclusive.

The luxury cruise offers include from the very first moment more in the offer than luxury hotels ashore. In the hotels you pay in first place only the stay - all other things are payed extra, food, beverages, treatments, etc.

That being the case, you might think any old luxury cruise ship will do, but that's not quite true. Like people, cruise ships have their own unique personalities - and some will be more suited to your vacation style than others. Companies like SEADREAM might not offer the most spacious accomodations, but their intimate yacht styled ships can stealthily visit ports that large ships can't manage. CRYSTAL CRUISES, SILVERSEA CRUISES, SEADREAM YACHT CLUB, AZAMARA CLUB CRUISES and REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES offer a a more or completely inclusive vacation experience while OCEANIA CRUISES, VIKING OCEAN CRUISES, HAPAG LLOYD CRUISES and PONANT CRUISES, draw travelers with a more independent streak. REGENT and OCEANIA are owned by the same parent company, NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE HOLDINGS´ (NCLH), but covers both segments with.

Here the brand indentity is much stronger than in the mass market, e.g. ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISES and CARNIVAL CORPORATION. The different brands are more or less the same. We see it with COSTA and now AIDA, what was once individual is today me-too, changeable. P&O and CUNARD are turned into something what Miami thinks is British. It is of no importance on which ship or which company you choose. That is globalisation at worst. Even the now again French owned PONANT is when looking closer "americanized". It seem to me as if the glory days of French service and food & beverage of Cie. Gén. TRANSATLANTIQUE are forgotten ...

Menue card of NORMANDIE of 9 Juin 1935

Menue card of NORMANDIE of 18 Octobre 1935

Only when a real strong partner is the partner in the joint-venture with an American oriented/owned cruise company, as with RCCL and TUI, to be seen in TUI CRUISES, or the British joint-venture of TUI with RCCL, there is more of the "local" identy, even in the mass market.

And in that very moment when a luxury cruise company is offering any kind of bargain, it is nothing more than a mass market product. A bargain, it does not matter waht it will be, is nothing more than a hint for: there is something wrong with the product. It must not be bad, but outdated, or overpriced and not fitting to the targeted clientele.

And within the mass market oriented companies we see a trend towards smaller passenger numbers. Years ago we have seen ships with 6,000 to 7,000 passengers, and the last order for was the P&O order for its 180,000 GT vessel at MEYER WERFT with a similar occupation, instead of 245,000 GT ... highest density as possible?

The last orders in the mass market are even stepping down from an 4,000 passenger capacity to 3,300 passengers ... destinations and companies have learned that bigger amounts of passengers can´t be handled quite well, if on board okay, but not ashore. And even lastest enviroment technologies onboard are contradicted with the amount of SOX producing busses needed to carry the troops of passengers away to locations to be visited. And let us not forgett VIRGIN VOYAGES with their big ships for 2,700 voyagers "only".

Following descriptions courtsey taken from CRUISE CRITIC, they are reflecting their view, not mine - Earl of Cruise

REGENT SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER - courtsey by CRUISE CRITIC

Passenger to crew ratio: 750 to 542 = 0.72

Passenger to GT ratio: 750 to 54,000 GT = 72 pax per GT

About the Ship: When luxury cruise line REGENT SEVEN SEAS CRUISES launched the "want to be palatial" SEVEN SEAS EXPLORER in July 2016, it told the world that she was the "most luxurious ship ever built." As the flagship for the line, Explorer exemplifies the hallmarks of exquisite cuisine and the super all-inclusivity that Regent is known for. If you're looking for extraordinary accommodations at sea, look no further than this ship. All cabins are suites, and if you love balconies, Seven Seas Explorer features some of the largest in the industry, ranging from 55 to 995 square feet. (Some apartment-dwellers in Manhattan don't have that kind of space!) Likewise, the public spaces are stunning. The ship features an enormous amount of granite and marble (half of it is Carrara) plus almost 500 chandeliers made of Czech crystal and glass. Art lovers will enjoy the 2,500 pieces of art displayed throughout the vessel, including some specially commissioned paintings by Spanish artist Eduardo Arranz-Bravo and works by masters such as Picasso.

For "foodies", all you need to know is that each restaurant excels. The two main restaurants are Compass Rose and La Veranda/Sette Mari. La Veranda is the buffet option for breakfast and lunch, and then the space transforms to Sette Mari in the evening, offering a hybrid experience that includes a buffet as well as an a la carte menu. There are also three complimentary specialty restaurants: the Pan-Asian-style Pacific Rim; Chartreuse, which has a "French flair"; and the line's signature steakhouse, Prime 7.

About the Cruise Line: When it comes to pampering, you can't do better than the completely all-inclusive nature of a cruise aboard Regent Seven Seas. The fare includes business-class intercontinental flights for all U.S. passengers in 2017 (and expanding cross the fleet starting in March), as well as premium alcohol, wine, spirits, beer, soda, water and sports drinks plus all dining (with at least one meal at every specialty restaurant onboard), unlimited Wi-Fi, unlimited shore excursions (though there is also a list of upgraded tours with a la carte pricing) and gratuities. Throw in use of the ship's thermal suite or experience across the fleet -- even if you don't have a spa treatment booked -- and the list of inclusions is impressive, making for a stress-free, chit-free vacation.

Who Sails This Ship: The passenger mix skews to English speakers: mainly Americans and Canadians, with some travelers from Australia and the U.K. mixed in. Nearly all are 60 or older and incredibly well traveled - especially when it comes to cruising. Many are Regent repeaters. You won't see many children or families, with the exception of summer and holiday sailings when the little ones are traveling with their parents and/or grandparents.

Itinerary Highlights: Seven Seas Explorer winters in the Caribbean with 10 to 14 night itineraries, summers in Northern Europe and the Baltic, and spends spring and fall in the Mediterranean.

Other Ships in the Fleet: REGENT has three additional ships in its fleet. Two of them - SEVEN SEAS MARINER and SEVEN SEAS VOYAGER - host 700 travelers per cruise, while SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR is the smallest ship in the fleet, with a capacity of 490. The luxury cruise line likes to say that it offers "6-star service" on all its vessels.

CRYSTAL SERENITY - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)

Passenger-to-Crew ratio: 1,070 to 655 = 0.61 

Passenger to GT ratio 1,070 to 68,870 GT = 64,36 GT per pax

About the Ship: CRYSTAL SERENITY offers a solid enrichment program that regularly hosts well-known authors, politicians and other experts and luminaries (think NASA astronaut Captain Scott Kelly and U.S. Marine Corps General (Ret.) Anthony Zinni) as guest speakers. American Contract Bridge League instruction is available on all sailings, and many tournaments take place throughout the year. PGA golf pros are also onboard many sailings to share their expertise. Travelers get the sense that CRYSTAL CRUISES will do all it can to provide access to the most interesting and knowledgeable people in the world.
The ship also excels when it comes to its entertainment options. If you love listening to music in the lounge or enjoying a show, CRYSTAL SERENITY will thrill you. You'll come across performers all over the ship -- from a classical quartet playing during afternoon tea service to a jazz or Broadway singer in the lounge as you sip a pre- or post-dinner cocktail. After dinner, there's karaoke and dancing at Pulse Disco. And if you love ballroom dancing, you can do so at Palm Court and even find a gentleman host dance partner if you're traveling alone or with a companion that has two left feet. Broadway-style productions are staged at the Galaxy Lounge, and the casino -- conveniently located on the way to the theater - has a respectable number of gaming tables and slots.
Dining is also an area that excels aboard CRYSTAL SERENITY. The main dining venue, the CRYSTAL Dining Room, is elegant yet comfortable and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. There are two specialty restaurants: Silk Road (with the Sushi Bar located within) and Prego. Chef Nobu Matsuhisa is the culinary mind behind Silk Road, and its Asian-fusion menu and sushi keep cruisers coming back for more. (Passengers get one complimentary meal at each specialty restaurant, and additional reservations may be available for $30 per person.) Even the ship's Bistro coffee bar and Lido Cafe buffet exceed expectations.
About the Cruise Line: Despite the fact that CRYSTAL CRUISES is currently expanding into the river cruise and yacht sectors, the company still places great emphasis on its oceangoing ships. In fact, in a move that reinforced CRYSTAL's commitment to ocean cruising, it's announced the addition of three new ships -- all with onboard residences - that will make their debut in a few years' time.
Who Sails This Ship: CRYSTAL Cruises feels more formal than the other luxury cruise lines (though it has relaxed its dress code policy in recent years). Even so, CRYSTAL still attracts a crowd of retirees and older professionals. You will sometimes see families with children on this line; as far as luxury lines go, it's a popular option for grandparents traveling with grandchildren as well as multigenerational gatherings. North American passengers are the norm, though you'll often meet Australians and Brits on the line as well, and sometimes a few people from other European countries.

Itinerary Highlights: In summer 2016 CRYSTAL SERENITY completed an historic, 32-day journey through the Northwest Passage. The challenging voyage through the Canadian Arctic was a huge success and the line will repeat the voyage in 2017. In addition to the Arctic, CRYSTAL SERENITY sails Antarctica; the Caribbean, Mexico and Central America; South America; and the Pacific Northwest and Alaska.
Other Ships in the Fleet: CRYSTAL SYMPHONY is a bit smaller than CRYSTAL SERENITY, accommodating "only" 960 cruisers, and the ship strives to make vacations memorable with touches like its renowned on-deck jazz brunch. The line also sails CRYSTAL Esprit, a 62-passenger yacht (which you can learn more about below). Crystal's second yacht - CRYSTAL ENDEAVOUR, a polar-class mega-yacht - debuts August 2018. CRYSTAL introduced the first of its five riverboats, CRYSTAL Mozart, in July 2016, with two more coming on line in 2017, and three CRYSTAL Exclusive Class oceangoing ships are also in the planning stages. A contract with DNV GL for classifying the new ships has recently been signed.Besides CRYSTAL is going the way into an integrated luxury travel company with its new private jets and fly cruise jets, but too with a yacht and river cruise brand.

RIVIERA of OCEANIA CRUISES - Source: Wikipedia (original seize) 
Passenger to crew ratio: 1,250 to 800 = 0,64 
Passenger to GT ratio: 1,250 to 66,084 = 52,86 GT per pax

About the Ship: RIVIERA is known for its myriad dining venues, including complimentary specialty restaurants. Dining venues include the Grand Dining Room and other favorites like Jacques, a French bistro with menus designed by famed chef Jacques Pepin; Polo Grill, a refined steakhouse serving USDA prime and dry-aged beef; the Italian restaurant Toscana, where tables are set with custom-designed Versace china; and Red Ginger, which serves Asian classics. Two very special, intimate dining options are also offered for a fee. Each evening, 24 passengers can enjoy a seven-course meal at La Reserve by "Wine Spectator." As you can imagine, the wine pairings are of special note there. Three menus are available, starting at $95 per person. Privee is an even more exclusive option and can be reserved for up to 10 people for a fee of $250 per evening. Dinner from either Polo Grill or Toscana is included in the price, but wine is not.

Foodies might also wish to pay a visit to the well-equipped Culinary Center onboard Riviera (as well as on twin sister Marina). It's a self-contained cooking school at sea that offers a hands-on experience at 12 individual cooking stations (two people per station). Classes focusing on a variety of topics do incur an extra fee, but get rave reviews from participants.

About the Cruise Line: OCEANIA CRUISES´ pricing structure is more a la carte than all-inclusive, but its offerings in terms of accommodations, itineraries and dining venues means that it must be mentioned alongside the luxury lines discussed above. Oceania's OLife Choice and OLife Ultimate promotions on select itineraries level the cruise-fare field with offerings such as free airfare from certain gateways, unlimited Internet plus one or more perks like six shore excursions, a House Beverage Package and/or shipboard credit per passengers.

Who Sails This Ship: Expect to see a 65+ crowd on Riviera with the exception of its shorter voyages, which draw younger vacationing professionals. Most cruisers are American or Canadian but you will encounter some Australians, Brits and travelers from other European countries. You won't find many families sailing except on holiday or summertime itineraries, or in Alaska where the line offers the Alaska Explorer Youth Program.

This is the ship for anyone wishing to book a suite: There are 147 of them in various configurations, in addition to 478 non-suite staterooms. If you do want a suite, book as soon as you can because they sell out fast. The 2,000-square-foot Owner's Suites are knockouts, featuring Ralph Lauren furnishings throughout the living rooms, dining rooms and bedrooms. Oceania sweetens the suite pot by offering extra amenities including priority 11 a.m. check-in, priority luggage delivery, 24-hour butler service, priority online specialty restaurant reservations, unlimited access to the Canyon Ranch SpaClub's private Spa Terrace and much more. The perks make a suite worth considering.

Itinerary Highlights: Oceania Riviera spends its time sailing the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Greek Isles.

SIRENA the fourth vessel of the former R-Class ships - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)

Other Ships in the Fleet: Note that OCEANIA´s MARINA is nearly identical to Riviera. The line also sails four 684-passenger ships: NAUTICA, INSIGNIA and REGATTA, which were part of OCEANIA´s original ship lineup, and SIRENA that was added to the fleet in April 2016 after an extensive refurbishing. All four smaller vessels are R-class ships that formerly had been built and sailed for RENAISSANCE CRUISES. These well-designed smaller ships are favorites among cruisers, who find it easy to get around onboard and love the layout of the cabins.

VIKING STAR of VIKING OCEAN CRUISES - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)

Passenger to crew ratio: 944 to 550 = 0,58

Passenger to GT ratio: 944 to 47,842 = 50,68 GT per pax

About the Ship: Like OCEANIA, VIKING OCEAN CRUISES is more of an upper-premium line, but it rivals luxury lines when it comes to the inclusiveness of its fares, spa options and design aesthetic. The first thing you notice about VIKING STAR is its open, airy feel and the care put into the design of every space onboard. But never the less an "americanized" Scandinavian design interior.
All accommodations include a veranda, and the tightest quarters - the Deluxe Veranda and the Veranda categories - are comfortably sized at 270 square feet (25.08 m²). Larger accommodations include the Penthouse Veranda at 338 square feet (31.4 m²), the 405-square-foot (37.62 m²) Penthouse Junior Suite and the Explorer Suite, which spans more than 757 square feet (70.32 m²). Thoughtful touches in all cabins include bedside USB ports, quiet-closing drawers, heated bathroom floors and anti-fog mirrors.
Restaurants, including all specialty options except The Kitchen Table, are included in the cruise fare. The Restaurant (the main dining room) and The World Cafe (buffet) serve international menus in light-filled venues, with options to open floor-to-ceiling windows on balmy days. Manfredi's (arguably the best restaurant onboard) offers Italian fare, and The Chef's Table offers a rotating menu of themed, set course meals. If you'd like to sample Norwegian delicacies, don't miss Mamsen's with its heartily topped waffles, open-faced sandwiches and bacon-and-pea soup -- all inspired by the recipes of Viking chairman Torstein Hagen's mother. If all of those freebie dining options aren't enough for you, book The Kitchen Table experience. It's only offered twice per cruise, and participation is limited. You'll start by accompanying the chef onshore for a market tour in the morning; in the evening, you'll join the chef and help him prepare a gourmet meal that you then devour.
About the Cruise Line: Viking Ocean Cruises was birthed out of requests from loyal passengers who loved their experiences on VIKING RIVER CRUISES itineraries. They wished the company would replicate the onboard experience, Scandinavian design sensibility and emphasis on destination immersion that's found aboard the line's riverboats and translate that to an oceangoing cruise line. Viking Ocean Cruises began sailing in 2015, and in that short span of time it has gained kudos from past river cruise passengers and traditional ocean cruisers alike.
The line's ships are sleek and modern, and sail to some of the world's most interesting ports of call. A focus on the destination at hand means that VIKING OCEAN CRUISES stay longer in port - and often even overnight -- so passengers can get a true taste of the locality. As a tip of the hat to its river cruise roots, the line offers a choice of included tours in every port (though there are for-fee options available as well). Itineraries range from eight-night voyages to cruises of more than a month.

While Viking isn't branding itself as a complete luxury experience, you'll find plenty to love about the cruise fare, which includes transfers, complimentary wine and beer at lunch and dinner, no-fee specialty restaurants and free unlimited Internet.
The line programs interesting lectures that teach travelers about the region in which the ship is sailing, but other daytime activities are limited. Likewise, the ship is fairly quiet at night with no casino and limited entertainment options. The line doesn't cater to families; no one under the age of 16 can sail with Viking. While the line won't be right for everything, Viking Ocean Cruises is gaining ground for curious travelers who want a beautiful new ship, excellent service and plenty of time to focus on the ship's ports of call.
Who Sails the Ship: VIKING originally targeted well-traveled passengers ages 50 and older who were value-oriented. While you'll still find plenty of older but adventurous travelers on Viking Star, it also draws a younger crowd that appreciates itineraries that emphasize the destination over sea days, and the amazing Nordic-style spa that's complete with a refreshing snow grotto.

Other Ships in the Fleet: In addition to Viking Star, the nearly identical VIKING SEA set sail in April 2016. VIKING SKY will arrive in early 2017, and VIKING SUN will begin sailing at the tail end of the year. In 2018, the line will launch VIKING SPIRIT and, finally, in 2020, the sixth ship - VIKING SONG - will take to the sea. All of the sister ships share a design and layout, so you'll get the same experience regardless of which vessel you choose.

SEABOURN ENCORE, aerial view - courtsey SEABOURN CRUISE LINES 

To me the vessel is depicting the typical "form follows function" inward to outward design, that is resulting in an unbalanced design. Forgetting the outward appearance is not really a pleasing affair to those who love a good design - Earl of Cruise 

Passenger to crew ratio: 604 to 400 = 0.66 
Passenger to GT ratio: 604 to 41,865 GT = 69.31 GT per pax 

About the Ship: It is always exciting when a new luxury cruise ship sets sail and that's the case with SEABOURN´s new flagship, SEABOURN ENCORE. SEABOURN ENCORE and coming sister ship are mid sized cruise ships. With a December 2016 inaugural voyage, the ship is the next generation of Seabourn's popular ODYSSEY-class. The ship is one deck taller than its little sisters and carries 150 more travelers for a complement of 600.

Beautiful interiors and intuitive spaces that are designed for the way people want to gather and relax are hallmarks of Seabourn Encore's indoor and outdoor public areas, which were created by renowned designer Adam D. Tihany. All 300 suites - ranging from 300 (27.87 m²) to 1,300 square feet (120.77 m²) - have balconies that are perfect for enjoying breakfast, drinks or dinner al fresco.

The Spa at SEABOURN set a new standard in wellness at sea when the complex was allotted so much space on the line's ODYSSEY-class ships. Now, in addition to an expansive spa, Seabourn Encore features The Retreat, a private, VIP-access-only outdoor lounge area on Deck 12. A daisy-shaped canopy stretches over The Retreat so you'll find both sun and shade. Fifteen cabanas - costing $350 per couple per day - are available, and come outfitted with flat-screen TVs, Evian misters, a beverage-filled mini-fridge and fresh fruit. The cabanas are conveniently arranged around the hot tub, which is a focal point of The Retreat.

About the Cruise Line: Many travelers looking for top-notch but friendly service are partial to SEABOURN. The line's all-inclusivity is also compelling: Cruise fares include interesting itineraries as well as entertainment and all meals, and there isn't even a surcharge for the line's excellent new restaurant from celebrity chef Thomas Keller. (Seabourn offers The Grill by Thomas Keller fleetwide, including on ENCORE. The line launched this eatery first on SEABOURN QUEST, in partnership with the famed chef known for his restaurants Per Se in New York and The French Laundry in Napa Valley. As with those eateries, The Grill is a not-to-be-missed experience.) The fare also includes open bars offering fine wines, beer and spirits throughout the ship (although there is an additional list of select vintage and spirits that do cost extra). Tipping is neither required nor expected onboard, making the experience stress-free.

Who Sails This Ship: Once passengers sail SEABOURN, their loyalties tend to remain with the cruise line so you'll find many cruisers are repeaters. The ODYSSEY-class ships have become a favorite choice for families with teens or adult children looking for family reunion-style getaways and multigenerational vacations.

Itinerary Highlights: SEABOURN ENCORE offers itineraries to Asia, Australia and New Zealand, the Mediterranean, Greek Isles and the Middle East.

Other Ships in the Fleet: In addition to SEABOURN ENCORE, the line sails a trio of 450-passenger Odyssey-class ships: SEABOURN ODYSSEY, SEABOURN SOJOURN and SEABOURN QUEST. In spring 2018, SEABOURN OVATION (a twin to SEABOURN ENCORE) will set sail.
But SEABOURN is one of those cruise companies which are massively selling via bargains and onboard credits.

SILVER SPIRIT - courtsey SILVERSEA CRUISES

Passenger to crew ratio: 540 to 376 = 0.69

Passenger to GT ratio: 540 to 36,009 GT = 66.68 GT per pax

About the Ship: SILVER SPIRIT is the largest luxury cruise ship (not counting expedition ships) in SILVERSEA´s fleet, but it won't be for long. Watch for the cruise line's forthcoming flagship, SILVER MUSE, which will make its debut in spring 2017.

Dining is one area where this cruise ship excels. Main dining at The Restaurant features the type of continental cuisine you'd expect from a luxury liner (plus a strong showing of Italian and Mediterranean favorites), while La Terrazza focuses on Italian cuisine adhering to the precepts of the "slow food" movement that emphasizes fresh, artisanal ingredients and natural preparations.

Silver Spirit also houses three smaller dining venues: Le Champagne, offering meals with wine pairings designed by Relais & Chateaux; Seishin, serving up the freshest sushi you're likely to find on any cruise ship; and Stars Supper Club, which highlights inventive small-plate menus against a backdrop of live music and dancing. (There is a $40 per person surcharge to dine at both Le Champagne and Seishin; all other Silversea restaurants are complimentary.)

Silver Spirit also excels in terms of its public areas. The gorgeous, expansive pool deck features plenty of comfortable loungers, a large pool and three raised hot tubs, making it the perfect spot to enjoy an afternoon cocktail. Once the sun goes down, the various lounges -- the Art Deco-inspired Bar off Reception; the Observation Lounge, with its floor-to-ceiling windows; and the Panorama Lounge, with its indoor/outdoor space -- are all inviting and boast live music along with other activities such as trivia or karaoke.

About the Cruise Line: SILVERSEA shines across its fleet when it comes to personalized service. The crew is incredibly friendly and intuitive; they seemingly know what you want when the very thought has only barely crossed your mind. This is especially evident in the lounges, where the bartenders quickly memorize your drink preferences and always have your favorites (along with a few savory treats) waiting for you. Staff is trained by The Leading Hotels of the World, a well-regarded hospitality consortium.

The line's claim to fame is the fact that a butler is assigned to tend to every cabin aboard every Silversea ship in the fleet, including the 270 ocean-view accommodations aboard Silver Spirit. Butlers are educated by the Guild of Professional English Butlers and will assist you when it comes to unpacking and packing your luggage, serving breakfast on your balcony, making arrangements for shore tours and dining times, and even serving dinner - course by course - in your suite.

Silversea also loves to throw a good party, and does so on every warm-weather cruise in the form of its deck party. Chefs spend the day preparing for this pull-out-the-stops event at which they serve roast suckling pig, carved meats, shrimp and crab-leg cocktail, pasta, salads and an array of mouth-watering desserts.

Who Sails This Ship: Silver Spirit has fans from many walks of life, so you'll see older couples alongside honeymooners, all dancing the night away. Well-heeled families with older children also appreciate the ship for its spacious suites and compelling summertime itineraries. If you're not sailing during school break or summer vacation, though, you're more likely to cruise with older professionals and retirees.

Itinerary Highlights: Silver Spirit sails the Caribbean, Panama Canal, South America, Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Other Ships in the Fleet: Silversea offers two distinct cruise experiences: itineraries offered aboard traditional cruise ships and those geared to active discovery courtesy of a fleet of rugged yet luxurious expedition vessels. In addition to Silver Spirit, the line's traditional luxury ships include SILVER WIND, SILVER SHADOW and SILVER WHISPER. Its newest flagship, SILVER MUSE, sets sail in spring 2017. As for its expedition fleet, look to SILVER EXPLORER, which visits Africa, the Indian Ocean, Asia and remote regions in the Pacific; SILVER GALAPAGOS, which sails the Galapagos Islands year-round; and SILVER DISCOVERER, which sails Antarctica and the Arctic, Africa, Northern Europe and the Norwegian fjords, and the Panama Canal. SILVER CLOUD, formerly one of Silversea's traditional luxury cruise ships, is transferring to the expedition fleet in 2017 after a refurbishment.

CRYSTAL ESPRIT - courtsey Maritime Matters

Passenger to crew ratio: 62 to 91 = 1.46

Passenger to GT ratio: 62 to 3,370 GT = 54.35 GT per pax

CRYSTAL ESPRIT - courtsey CRYSTAL CRUISES

CRYSTAL ESPRIT - courtsey by CRYSTAL CRUISES

The ESPRIT is depicting a super yacht feature: waterline light bulbs

CRYSTAL ESPRIT - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)

When LADY DIANA, built at FLENDER WERFT, became the MEGA STAR TAURUS, she was massively, but not nice rebuilt and sailed for the Asian luxury brand of STAR CRUISES, a subsidiary of the new owner of CRYSTAL, GENTING GROUP

About the Ship: CRYSTAL ESPRIT is CRYSTAL´s first yacht, and while it's not new, the line did an amazing job refurbishing the ship before launching it in 2015. It's now one of the most contemporary and comfy ships at sea, feeling much more like a boutique hotel than a yacht. Even the smallest suites -- which range from 223 to 280 square feet -- feel spacious, and all accommodations feature an interactive bedside iPad that lets you set an alarm, order room service, learn about the ship and more. Even though the ship only caters to 62 passengers, there are several dining venues, including The Yacht Club, Patio Cafe and Terrace for alfresco breakfasts. Each restaurant offers dine anytime open seating.

For sun worshippers, CRYSTAL ESPRIT offers a beautiful sun deck as well as a retractable marina that's stocked with water skis, wakeboards, paddleboards, ocean kayaks (single and tandem), Skidoo Jet Skis and snorkel gear.

Crystal's yacht experience aboard CRYSTAL ESPRIT is all about uncommon experiences. For example, shore excursions are included in your cruise fare -- unlike on the line's traditional oceangoing cruise ships where you must pay a la carte for every shore tour you book. One or two complimentary options are available each day, such as a visit to a botanical garden, a culinary excursion or a ziplining outing over the jungle canopy. There are also a handful of additional for-fee tours -- including a private car/driver and guide -- that you can book if none of the free excursions are of interest. The yacht even carries a submersible for passenger use. The three-person submersible descends about 1,000 feet into the sea to spot reefs and marine life. This splurge-worthy experience lasts 20 to 30 minutes and costs $599 per person, but it's worth it.

About the Cruise Line: This foray into ultra-small ship cruising allows CRYSTAL to focus on some of its strengths: customized but unobtrusive service, and incredible cuisine paired with the world's finest wine. They've translated the traditional CRYSTAL experience and (dare we say) improved upon it for individuals that love attentive service on a very small ship. Esprit is getting rave reviews and it paves the way for Crystal's first new-build yacht, Endeavour, which will start sailing in 2018.

Who Sails This Ship: Not many ships attract an international clientele, but CRYSTAL ESPRIT does. You'll meet cruisers mainly from the United States, Canada and the U.K. but it's not uncommon to meet others from places like Australia, Asia, Germany and South Africa. Due to the more active nature of a yacht voyage, passengers are of all ages - from young adults traveling with their parents to retirees. Everyone onboard tends to be well traveled and is there to have a good time.

Itinerary Highlights: CRYSTAL ESPRIT sails the Seychelles in the Indian Ocean, as well as the Adriatic. A limited number of Middle East voyages are also available.

Other Ships in the Fleet: CRYSTAL SERENITY and CRYSTAL SYMPHONY entry above for more details about the CRYSTAL fleet.

SEA DREAM II of SEADREAM YACHT CLUB - Source: Wikipedia (original seize)

Passenger to crew ratio: 112 to 95 = 0.84

Passenger to GT ratio: 112 to 4,253 GT = 37.97 GT per pax

About the Ship: SEADREAM YACHT CLUB´s SEADREAM II offers an intimate and luxurious yachting experience. With just 56 cabins, travelers and crew get to know each other quickly, and it really does feel like you're traveling on a friend's yacht instead of a cruise ship.

Two things make this ship exceptional: the all-teak deck that features numerous Balinese sun beds, and the aft retractable marina. The marina offers glass-bottom kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, banana boats, snorkel equipment and Laser sailboats. You can even go water skiing or ride a Jet Ski.

Being that this is a cozy yacht, you won't find massive suites. The cabins are roomy, but none is fitted with a balcony. Instead, in-room amenities -- think Belgian linens, down duvets, wool blankets and Bvlgari bath products -- are the focus. Passengers always get a kick out of the monogrammed pajamas that are laid out in their stateroom upon arrival.

About the Cruise Line: SEADREAM offers several signature experiences across its two-ship fleet. One is spending an evening "sleeping under the stars" on the Balinese beds on Deck 6. This pastime is booked on a first-come, first-served basis and is very popular. At 10 p.m., crewmembers rope off the area and set up the beds with linens, duvets and pillows. Scattered rose petals and flickering, battery-operated candles set the scene. A bucket of chilled Champagne waits, along with a tray of chocolate truffles. Sleeping on the deck of a yacht is an experience that isn't easily replicated -- unless you happen to own a yacht!

If you like spending the evening outdoors but prefer to sleep inside, check out the line's "Starlit Movies" series. On balmy evenings, the crew pops copious amounts of popcorn for cruisers who show up on the Pool Deck to enjoy a film as part of this program.

And let's not forget that the cruise line offers its signature "Champagne and Caviar Splash" on Caribbean voyages. This decadent spread includes a Champagne toast and buffet loaded with caviar and other snacks, all to be enjoyed during a shoreside beach barbecue.

Who Sails This Ship: Those traveling with SEADREAM tend to skew a bit younger than the average cruiser, but the demographic really includes anyone who enjoys the camaraderie of a small ship and is looking for some of the finest cuisine at sea. The relaxed dress code (resort casual is the norm every night) also draws a younger, hipper crowd.

Itinerary Highlights: The ship sails the Caribbean, Mediterranean and the Greek Isles.

Other Ships in the Fleet: SEADREAM I is identical to SeaDream II.

to be continued

except for SCENIC´s SCENIC ECLIPSE as the vessel is still under construction