Ti'a Moana
Line: Bora Bora Cruises
Passengers: 40
Itineraries: French Polynesia
This boat is so small that you need only toss a kayak off the stern and jump in yourself to be enjoying the South Seas. The local guide will take you to his favorite paddling spots, or show you the most prolific reefs to snorkel over. And since most of the Tahitian islands are completely surrounded by coral, the water is calm and viewing conditions optimal. Bora Bora Cruises may not be a household name in the United States, but this two-ship outfit owned and operated by a Tahitian has followers from Europe, South America, and Australia. The ships—this and Tu Moana (used for charters)—are identical, accommodating up to 40 passengers in what feels like a private yacht. Decks have wooden flooring and wicker furniture, while cabins combine clean lines and contemporary decor—Starck and Kenzo touches are evident in interiors—with flashes of Polynesian art. The onboard ambience is casual, and meals are not served at set times but whenever and wherever the passengers want them. One touch we like: Each night, the crew washes and dries passengers' swimsuits so they are ready at dawn for a new day in the Pacific. Perhaps the Ti'a Moana's greatest asset is her size—the hull's shallow draft allows the vessel to navigate through small channels and enables it to drop anchor by deserted beaches for champagne breakfasts (949-487-0522; boraboracruises.com; seven-day French Polynesia sailing from $8,122).

Wind Surf
Line: Windstar Cruises
Passengers: 312
Itineraries: Caribbean, Europe, Transatlantic
The Wind Surf's sports platform, which unfolds from the back of the ship when it's anchored, houses a plethora of water toys: sailboats for salty types to take out in harbors and lagoons, banana boats and water skis for adrenaline junkies, and all the equipment for snorkeling, kayaking, windsurfing, and diving. Though motors propel the ship most of the time, the Wind Surf's rippling sails are often deployed to catch an extra knot or two, and are a sight to behold. This ship is similar to its two smaller sisters in the Windstar fleet but comes with the added comfort of Bridge Deck suites absent from the Wind Spirit or Wind Star. There are also ten massage therapists on hand to undo any kinks you may develop on or in the surf. Passengers can even fleetingly feel like a ship's captain by dropping by the bridge at designated times when the vessel is at sea (800-258-7245; windstarcruises.com; seven-day Rome to Barcelona trip from $2,699).