2012 World’s Five Best Medium Cruise Ships

According to a poll conducted by Condé Nast Traveler, a premier travel magazine with vacation ideas, destination information and travel tips, the following are voted as the world’s 5 best medium cruise ships in random order.

  

Here is the list of the world’s five best medium cruise ships of 2012 according to the votes of Condé Nast Traveler travel magazine readers. Both Crystal Cruises and Regent Seven Seas occupy two slots each. Oceania occupies the remaining other.

Crystal Serenity of Crystal Cruises

Crystal Serenity underwent a general renovation in May 2011, with updated decor and new bedding as good as modern lightings and tufted headboards. This 535-cabin cruiser has Creative Learning Institutes that offer courses from language to keyboard lessons. These help the line high scores for traveler activities; plus their “Perfect Choice Dining” that provides passengers with flexible dining schedules in the main restaurant and the “You Care, We Care” program that Crystal subsidizes of their new shore excursions focusing on voluntourism. Aside from world cruises, Serenity can be found often in the Baltic early summers, in the Mediterranean in late falls and summers and in the Caribbean during winters. Itineraries are all-inclusive with prepaid gratuities and complimentary drinks.

Crystal Symphony of Crystal Cruises

Crystal Symphony of Crystal Cruises was the first of Crystal Cruises’ ships that underwent renovation, which was a multimillion-dollar one and was completed in 2009. It then gave the ship a modern feel. Symphony and Serenity have similar lineup of dining locations, including Silk Road which is helmed by restaurateur Piero Selvaggio’s Prego and celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa. Symphony spends summer 2012 in Europe. In fall foliage seasons, it is often found off the easter Canadian and New England coasts. Itineraries are all-inclusive with prepaid gratuities and complimentary beverages.

Regatta of Oceania Cruises

Oceania Cruises’ Regatta is the line’s very first ship which it launched in 1998 and renovated in 2011. For its line, it set the tone for a luxury cruise at competitive price. Regatta has 342 staterooms and four dining venues managed by Jacques Pépin. In 2009, it started a partnership with Canyon Ranch for its spa to offer more than standard therapeutic services and to also include reiki, Ayurveda and acupuncture. This 2012, Regatta shall initiate some firsts for its line, by sailing to Alaska in summer and eastern Canada and New England in the fall.

Seven Seas Mariner of Regent Seven Seas

Launched in 2001, Regent Seven Seas’ Mariner is the world’s first “all-suite, all-balcony” ship, and since then, has regularly been refurbished. All the three Regent ships underwent an “enhancement” in 2009 which included having Prime 7 modern steak house as an addition. On the same year, Regent Seven Seas collaborated with Canyon Ranch which takes care of its ships’ fitness and spa areas. All Regent packages include pre-cruise hotel accommodations as well as ground transfers to the cruiser. The Mariner usually sails the Mediterranean from April to November, makes crossings in the Atlantic in March and November then begins in the Caribbean and circumnavigates South America in winter and spring.

Seven Seas Voyager of Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Seven Seas Voyager is the highest-rated ship of its line Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Seven Seas maybe labeled as the second to its sister Mariner in “all-suite, all-balcony” ship as well as the second cruiser which restaurant is operated by Le Cordon Bleu, but it is the first in terms of staterooms size.  Voyager has the biggest “lead-in” suites in the cruise industry even with its smallest 356 square feet size. After its renovation in December 2008, the ship got new additions that include a spa that is Canyon Ranch-branded and the Prime 7 steak house. The Voyager is always cruising, from Indian Ocean to the Pacific. In summer, she can be found in Scandinavia or Mediterranean.

2012 World’s Five Best Small Cruise Ships

According to a poll conducted by Condé Nast Traveler, a premier travel magazine with vacation ideas, destination information and travel tips, the following are voted as the world’s 5 best small cruise ships in random order.

Here is the list of the world’s five best small cruise ships of 2012 according to the votes of Condé Nast Traveler magazine readers. Seabourn occupies three slots and two are by Lindblad and Paul Gauguin.

National Geographic Endeavour of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions’ forerunner first went tours on the Galápagos in 1967. In 1996, the company acquired Endeavor to be a North Sea fishing trawler. Thus, both the lines and the ship are veterans at sailing the islands which Charles Darwin made popular. Endeavour has 96 passenger capacity with 10 and 16 day long itineraries from Guayaquil, Ecuador, Friday. The Endeavor is a small cruise ship where passengers should not expect luxury-liner amenities. However, all its cabins have small writing desks and water views. The meals are at single-seating at unassigned tables. Endeavor’s one unusual feature is a floating massage platform, for massage treatments which are completed by the sea’s gentle rocking motion.

Paul Gauguin of Paul Gauguin Cruises

The sole ship of Paul Gauguin Cruises line, Paul Gauguin is a 332-passenger capacity cruiser that sails where Gauguin painted. It was specifically built for the islands of French Polynesia where shallow depths keep bigger ships away from ports. Paul Gauguin itinerary include several more far archipelagoes, such as the less-known Tuamotus and other islands that may never heard even by veteran travelers, like the Ua Huka in the Marquesas which is mainly populated by goats and horses. Paul Gauguin has seven decks for guests which accommodate passengers in cabins from Porthole Staterooms to various suites. All cabins have 70 percent occupied by verandas and balconies. A retractable marina and dive programs onboard occupy days, and ending with dinners where drinks are served gratis.

Seabourn Odyssey of Yachts of Seabourn

At the top of the list is one of the cruises of Yachts of Seabourn – Seabourn Odyssey. This highest rated impressive fleet of Seabourn started operation in 2009 as the company’s first of larger ships trio (Soujourn and Quest followed in June 2010 and June 2011 respectively). Compared to the earlier ships of Seabourn having 104 suites, these trio have 225 suites each, 90 percent of the cabins of which have verandas and are from 295 to 1,989 square feet.

Like the other Seabourn cruise ships, chef Charlie Palmer heads the kitchens. However, a new indoor and outdoor restaurant is added where the meals are set in an open kitchen. The 11,400 square feet sized Spa at Seabourn is one of the largest ones found in luxury ships. Odyssey usually cruises the Mediterranean whole year round – Dalmatian Coast, Turkey and the Greek Isles and has itineraries to Fort Lauderdale-to-Los Angeles and South Pacific as well.

Seabourn Pride of Yachts of Seabourn

Like sister ships Legend and Spirit, Seabourn Pride maintains a staff-to-passenger ratio of almost one to one. Suites number to 104, with 40 percent of its 277 to 575 square feet size occupied by balconies and having all ocean views. Your fare includes all meals, drinks at the four bars and lounges. The Pride has a private marina that extends from the ship’s rear to let guests enjoy water sports even at sea. Pride gets around world cruises, Baltic, Middle Eastern, Asian and Mediterranean itineraries.

Seabourn Sojourn of Yachts of Seabourn

Second of the three most recent cruise ships of Seabourn, this 450-passenger capacity Sojourn is almost two and a half times the size of the company’s older ships. With Sojourn’s bigger space, you shall find a lot to see and do including the two-storey 11,400 square foot spa having outdoor cabanas and space. Cabins are 90 percent verandahs and there are suites with solariums. Most of all, it has Seabourn’s signature of fabulous service, water-sports marina and plenty of space per cruiser.

A Glimpse of Some of Asia’s Cruise Lines

With the ever rising population in the Far East and with interests of tourists around the globe, Asia has become one of the major cruise destinations; thanks to the growing cruise lines companies which make Asian cruising possible and more rewarding.

Cruising in Asia brings an exciting series of contrasting cultures, colours, traditions, sounds, scents and sights. In its cities pavilions and old temples serenely sitting side-by-side with contemporary skyscrapers, man-made wonders like the Great Wall of China and Angkor temples are just glimpses of Asia’s wealthy history. Tropical beaches and isles that bound in the area provide best spots for snorkeling or hammock swinging under the shades of palm trees.

Asia is likewise a shopper’s paradise with its bustling markets to contemporary malls plus gourmet delights of rich flavors, various cuisines and fresh produce that can tempt all types of palates.

Typical Asia Cruise is between 5 to 25 days and there are those which offer longer cruises too. There are a lot of cruise lines which have jumped to the chance of sailing to this exotic destination of natural wonders. These cruise lines offer best itineraries paired with fine dining and memorable experience.

Here is a glimpse of some of the cruise lines in Asia that are famous for their superb service in offering the travelers with the best Asian cruising experience.

Crystal Cruise Lines

Crystal Cruise Lines is a top ranking Asian cruise line. Crystal cruises are excellent sea adventure catalysts. Start your trip in lovable Asian hotspots such as Singapore, Hong Kong then sail to Beijing. While sailing along South or East China Sea, you can visit Yokohama, Tokyo or Shanghai while enjoying famous attractions of Great Wall and the Forbidden City along with a stopover to Bangkok. Crystal Cruise can brag of its perfect and comfort relaxation facilities which come with exotic entertainment. Its ships feature Caesars Palace at Sea casino and celebrity gigs. For another better experience, you shall have the company of exotic drinks and meals designed especially in an informal menu and relaxing atmosphere.

Holland America Line

Asia cruising can be good with Holland America Lines. This line highlights exotic vacationing to Asia at high-value service and competitive rates. Most of this line’s ships sail for about 14 to 36 days to the Asia Pacific region. Holland America’s best traits are its unparalleled comfort, courteous service and extensive activities. Ships of this line in Asia cruising are Ms Zaandam and Ms Volendam. Overnight stays in destinations include Bangkok, Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.

Star Cruises

The Star Cruises is one of the most favored and most famous Asian cruise lines. Together with NCL, it is known to be the world’s third largest cruise operator. It has 18 ships sailing around 200 destinations. Covering mostly Asia, the line features about 35k lower berths. Star Cruises in Asia include SuperStar Aquarius, SuperStar Libra, Star Pisces  and SuperStar Virgo. Destinations are Hong Kong, Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

Other best lines that are cruising in Asia and equally offering superb facilities and services are Costa Cruises, Princess Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean International, Seabourn and Silversea Cruises.