Silver Spirit

Ship Size: 540 passengers.

Suites: The largest of any Silversea ship, starting at 312 square feet. Each room has its own soaking tub, and 90 percent have terraces.

Dining: Six-course tasting menus change daily at the upscale Le Champagne; for a casual lunch, there’s the Star Supper Club, with tapas-style dishes.

Destinations: A slew of Mediterranean and Caribbean itineraries are slated for fall, followed by French Polynesia (January 20–February 1).

Favorite Amenity: Plan your own picnic at the Grill, where you can cook kebabs and line-caught fish over volcanic rocks. Silversea Cruises; 10-day itineraries from $4,182 per person.

Seabourn Sojourn

Ship Size: 450 passengers.

Suites: Rooms begin at 295 square feet, with walk-in closets and separate living areas; most have private verandas.

Dining: Star chef Charlie Palmer is behind the ship’s four restaurants, which include a casual patio grill and the open-kitchen Colonnade, serving American classics such as New York sirloin steak.

Destinations: The ship travels the Mediterranean and Scandinavia, and a world trip is scheduled for 2011.

Favorite Amenity: Don’t miss the two-story Spa at Seabourn, the largest on any luxury ship, with Elemis products, six treatment rooms, and a private couples villa. The Yachts of Seabourn; 12-day itineraries from $4,995 per person.