River Cloud
Sea Cloud Cruises
Passengers: 90
Itineraries: Europe
Meals aboard the River Cloud make the most of the bounty of the surrounding countryside: The vessel's chef features the dishes of each region visited, picking up fresh produce at local farmers' markets. Culinary cruises combine cultural sights and top-notch food experiences: The Cologne-Nuremberg itinerary includes a tour and a tasting at the Robert Weil Vineyard; a sumptuous onboard feast prepared by chef Harald Wohlfahrt, of the three-Michelin-starred Die Schwarz-waldstube restaurant; and a concert at the Church of St. Valentin, on Germany's oldest working organ. A far cry from floating behemoths with frenetic activity schedules and massive buffets, this old-fashioned cruiser has suites done up in teak and gleaming marble (888--732-2568; seacloud.com; eight-day Rhine and Main trip from $2,695).

Seven Seas Voyager
Line: Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Passengers: 700
Itineraries: Worldwide
The imprimatur of French culinary institute Le Cordon Bleu is no mere seal of approval: In the Seven Seas Voyager's dinner-only Signatures restaurant, it means that every dish is prepared and served to exacting standards by Bleu-trained chefs. You can also sample La Veranda's aromatic North African dishes and Latitudes' family-style French Vietnamese fare, plus spa-style and vegetarian alternatives at Compass Rose. Circles of Interest sailings feature tastemakers like chef Cathal Armstrong and fromagier Max McCalman, and on special Cordon Bleu itineraries, chefs from the famed school host cooking workshops, farmers' market tours, and intimate dinners. Every cabin on this sleek, all-suite vessel has its own balcony (877- 505-5370; rssc.com; seven-night Baltic trip from $5,795).