This France-based line is a specialist in expedition cruising, a type of cruising that involves traveling to remote, hard-to-reach places on small, hardy vessels that carry their own landing craft.
Operating a fast-growing fleet of tough but upscale expedition ships (none carrying more than 264 passengers), Ponant is known for voyages to places like Antarctica and the Arctic.
Fans of upscale hotel chain Ritz-Carlton will feel at home on one of this line's yacht-like vessels. Or, at least, that's the idea.
The cruising arm of Ritz-Carlton has been in operation for less than a year, and the jury still is out on where it ranks in the pantheon of luxury cruise brands. The line notably struggled to get off the ground after years of construction delays for its first and only ship.
Dubbed Evrima, the 298-passenger vessel has been designed to appeal to Ritz-Carlton regulars with an elegant, residential look.
Another leader in luxury cruising, this brand offers all-suite vessels, top-notch service and elegant cuisine that includes dishes created by star chef Thomas Keller.
As with other luxury lines, Seabourn offers a wide range of itineraries around the globe. It also recently jumped into more adventurous, expedition-style cruising with two new 264-passenger vessels designed to operate in polar regions such as Antarctica and the Arctic.
Exquisite service, refined dining, and well-appointed accommodations are hallmarks of this Monaco-based luxury line with 12 vessels. Silversea Cruises is also known for its industry-leading array of off-the-beaten-path itineraries.
Its growing fleet of small expedition ships will take you everywhere from the Arctic to Papua New Guinea in style.
If the idea of sailing on a big ship makes you cringe, small-ship specialist Windstar could be the answer. Its six vessels carry just 148 to 342 passengers — fewer than fit on a single big-ship lifeboat — and are wonderfully intimate.
Romantic types will love Windstar's three vessels with sails — a relative rarity. Foodies can choose one of the James Beard-themed cruises, which include market tours and cooking demonstrations with a James Beard Award-winning chef.
