Since A&K's fleet comprises four small vessels—the largest holds 124 passengers—"excursions are intimate...

This line, which mostly plies the rivers of Europe, Egypt, and China, also sails to the Galápagos. Excursions go to "quite charming cities" such as Prague...

Look forward to "first-rate ports" in Alaska, the Galápagos, the Caribbean, and Australasia. Ships are "beautiful and functional and have a nice flow..."

The service on the Gold List's top-scoring line is "unparalleled—I haven't experienced this kind of professionalism anywhere else." Ships sail to all corners...

Staterooms in this line that sails to the Bahamas and the Caribbean are "decorated in a classy nautical theme with subtle Mickey touches." The crew...

The vessels ply the rivers of Europe, China, South America, and beyond. "These sailings are the best value in travel today." Decor varies within...

Expect excursions that are "once-in-a-lifetime experiences"—like a helicopter tour of a glacier, panning for gold in an Alaskan miner's camp...

These ships, which sail the Arctic, Antarctic, Indian Ocean, Mediterranean, and more, are "kind of basic but suitably nautical, with lots of wood." Cabins...

This fleet's three small ships "can go places the bigger ships can't"—on all seven continents, in fact. Inside, dark woods and rich fabrics create...

"Almost every stateroom has a balcony" on this four-vessel line that visits 300 ports on every continent. Accommodations have a "muted but soothing...

Staterooms on this line's two mega-yachts have "touches like crystal stemware, Turkish-cotton robes, and Belgian linens," and staff take "real pride...

Expect stops in regions including the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Asia, and South America. The Restaurant, a staple on all Silversea ships, serves...

Most of the excursions on this line's European, Asian, and Egyptian river cruises "have good English-speaking guides, and are included in the...

The casual ambience and small scale of these ships attract guests who "aren't interested in Las Vegas–style nightlife or large group excursions..."

With vessels that sail to destinations as varied as Madagascar and the Arctic Circle, the line will add Seabourn Odyssey to its fleet in 2009. The new...