The Cruise Lines & Their Ships

In this section, we describe the ships offering cruises with predominantly Greek islands itineraries; that is, itineraries where at least half of the port calls are in Greece and Turkey.

Working with travel agent Sherry Laskin, owner of Florida-based Vacation Shoppe (tel. 866/727-8473; www.vacationshoppe.com), we present a sample of the actual prices people are paying for cruises aboard all the ships in this chapter (as opposed to the often-inflated brochure or cruise-line website fares). We priced summer 2010 cruises in July 2009, and fares are based on two people sharing a cabin, unless otherwise noted. With a few exceptions, most of these rates were quoted in U.S. dollars.

The itineraries we list are also for the 2010 season unless otherwise noted. Both prices and itineraries are subject to change.

We've listed the sizes of ships in two ways: passenger capacity and gross registered tons (GRTs). Rather than describing actual weight, the latter is a measure of interior space used to produce revenue on a vessel. One GRT = 100 cubic feet of enclosed, revenue-generating space.

Note that we've listed Athens as a port of call for many cruises, but in most cases you'll actually be calling in Piraeus, the port city for Athens. Other popular embarkation ports include Istanbul, Turkey; Venice, Italy; and Civitavecchia, Italy, about an hour's drive from Rome.

Celebrity Cruises

1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132. tel. 800/437-3111. www.celebrity.com.

Celebrity is a decently priced yet premium U.S. operator that offers eastern Mediterranean itineraries that, for the most part, operate on Equinox (built in 2009; 2,850 passengers; 118,000 GRTs). The line's biggest ship yet is megasize; a sophisticated mix of ultramodern and classic, spacious, and sleek, but not superflashy. Equinox is outfitted in muted woods, beiges, and reds. It has panoramic ocean views on nearly every cabin, and most staterooms have a veranda. The ship has plenty of spots in which to relax, including the lawn, spa, elegant bars and lounges, or the Oasis pool, with its retractable roof. If you're splurging, book a Sky Suite on Deck 12 for their extralarge, 179-square-foot balconies.

Service and cuisine are key with Celebrity. Little luxuries on its cruises include chilled towels when you return from a long day of port exploration and sorbets at poolside. The line, long known for its culinary focus, has signed a new contract with Las Vegas-based dining company Blau & Associates, which has worked with restaurants in the Bellagio and MGM Grand.

Ship Itinerary -- Equinox Ten-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Messina (Italy), Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes, Santorini, Naples (Italy). May 14, June 4, July 16. Rates: From $1,699. Ten-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Messina (Italy), Athens, Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos, Rhodes, Santorini, Naples (Italy). June 25. Rates: From $2,099. Ten-day Civitavecchia-to-Venice cruise calls at Naples (Italy), Santorini, Kusadasi (Turkey), Athens, Corfu, Dubrovnik (Croatia), overnights in Venice (Italy). August 6. Rates: From $1,849. Eleven-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Santorini, Mykonos, Istanbul (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey), Athens, Naples (Italy). May 3, 24; June 14; July 5, 26. Rates: From $1,799. Thirteen-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Athens, Rhodes, Kusadasi (Turkey), Haifa (Israel), Ashdod (Israel), overnights in Alexandria (Egypt), Naples (Italy). September 9. Rates: From $2,299. Thirteen-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Naples (Italy), Haifa (Israel), Ashdod (Israel), overnights in Alexandria (Egypt), Athens, Corfu, Messina (Italy). September 22. Rates: From $2,199. Thirteen-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Athens, Kusadasi (Turkey), Haifa (Israel), Ashdod (Israel), overnights in Alexandria (Egypt), Messina (Italy), Naples (Italy). October 5. Rates: From $2,099. Thirteen-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Naples (Italy), Messina (Italy), Corfu, overnights in Alexandria (Egypt), Ashdod (Israel), overnights in Haifa (Israel). October 18. Rates: From $1,999.

Costa Cruise Lines

Venture Corporate Center II, 200 S. Park Rd., Hollywood, FL 33021. tel. 877/88-COSTA (882-6782). www.costacruises.com.

This Italian line traces its origins back to 1860 and the Italian olive-oil business. Today, Carnival Corporation, parent of Carnival Cruise Lines, is the owner. Costa is a very modern cruise brand; its megaships beat several companies' ships in size, and the fact that the man who handles the interior design of Costa's new ships is the same interior designer who designs Carnival's "fun ships" has led some folks to compare the two. However, they differ when it comes to the onboard product. Italy shows through in nearly everything Costa offers, from the food to the Italian-speaking crew (although they are not all from Italy), to the mostly Italian entertainers.

The line's ships represent one of the newer fleets in the industry, sporting blue-and-yellow smokestacks emblazoned with a huge letter C. And the fleet is growing fast: Costa has added seven new ships in seven years. The product is popular in the U.S./Caribbean market but is not designed strictly for a North American audience, and therein lies the charm. In Europe, the ships attract a good share of Italian and French passengers, so don't be surprised if your tablemates speak limited English.

Entertainment includes Italian cooking and language classes. The line also offers an activities program for kids and teens.

CostaFortuna (built in 2004; 2,720 passengers; 105,000 GRTs) is a glitzy, modern cruise vessel that counts among its attributes cabins with balconies; multiple bars, lounges, and eateries; swimming pools; a large kids' play area; and a themed decor -- in this case, the great Italian ocean liners of yore. Public rooms are named after legendary Italian ships, such as the Rex Theater and the Restaurant Michelangelo. Check out the miniature fleet of Costa ships affixed to the ceiling of the bar in Fortuna's atrium.

Costa Magica (built in 2004; 2,672 passengers; 102,587 GRTs) is the sister ship with similar appointments.

Costa Allegra (built in 1992; 800 passengers, 28,597 GRTs) uses glass and water, marble and wood to create an opulence to rival that of any museum. Fountains, pools, and glass atriums adorn public spaces while cabins are simple, snug, and serene.

Costa Victoria (built in 1996: 1,928 passengers; 75,166 GRTs) combines space-age modern elements, Art Deco touches, and an abundance of beige simplicity in an avant garde montage that works, for the most part.

Costa Serena (built in 2007; 2,930 passengers; 114,500 GRTs) is the largest and by far the most flamboyant ship in the fleet. Space-age design is whimsically merged with every architectural theme in the book, then candy coated with a hodgepodge of rainbow hues that make Antoni Gaudi seem conservative.

Costa Pacifica (built in 2009; 1,465 passengers; 114,147 GRTs) is a brand-new ship that manages to be elegant and opulent without going over the top. It offers an abundance of bars and lounges all with a musical theme. Some unusual amenities include a music studio, Grand Prix simulator, and Virtual World that offers PlayStation games.

Costa Mediterranea (built in 2003; 2,114 passengers; 85,619 GRTs) was designed to reflect Italy's 17th- and 18th-century palazzai and castles, and it feels palatial indeed.

Costa Europa (built in 1986; 1,488 passengers; 54,763 GRTs) is an older ship and therefore more subdued than some of her companions in the fleet.

Ship Itinerary -- Costa Victoria Five-day Savona-to-Venice cruise calls at Naples (Italy), Valetta (Malta), Corfu, Dubrovnik (Croatia), Venice. April 12. Rates: From $519. Seven-day round-trip Venice cruises calls at Ancona (Italy), Santorini, Mykonos, Athens, Corfu, Dubrovnik (Croatia). Saturdays, April 17 through November 6. Rates: From $639.

Costa Serena Five-day Savona-to-Venice cruise calls at Naples (Italy), Valetta (Malta), Corfu, Dubrovnik (Croatia), Venice. April 20. Rates: From $659. Five-day Venice-to-Savona cruise calls at Bari (Italy), Corfu, Valetta (Malta), Naples (Italy), Savona. November 21. Rates: From $589. Seven-day round-trip Venice cruise calls at Bari (Italy), Katakolon, Izmir (Turkey), Istanbul (Turkey), Dubrovnik (Croatia). Sundays, April 25 through November 22. Rates: From $619.

Costa Pacifica Eleven-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Savona (Italy), Katakalon, Athens, Izmir (Turkey), Rhodes, Limassol (Cypress), Alexandria (Egypt). January 7, 29; February 20. Rates: From $929. Eleven-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Savona (Italy), Katakolon, Athens, Rhodes, Limassol (Cyprus), Ashdod (Israel), Port Said (Egypt), Alexandria (Egypt). January 18; February 9; March 3. Rates: From $1,099.

Costa Mediterranea Eleven-day round-trip Savona cruise calls at Civitavecchia (Italy), Alexandria (Egypt), Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes, Izmir (Turkey), Athens, Katakolon, Civitavecchia. May 4; September 17. Rates: From $1,179. Thirteen-day round-trip Savona cruise calls at Civitavecchia (Italy), Mykonos, Izmir (Turkey), Istanbul (Turkey), Odessa (Ukraine), Yalta (Ukraine), Athens, Katakolon. May 26; August 24. Rates: From $1,569. Eleven-day round-trip Savona cruise calls at Civitavecchia (Italy), Alexandria (Egypt), Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes, Izmir (Turkey), Athens, Katakolon. June 8; October 20. Rates: From $1,139. Eleven-day round-trip Savona cruise calls at Civitavecchia (Italy), Alexandria (Egypt), Port Said (Egypt), Ashdod (Israel), Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes, Athens, Katakolon. June 19; August 2; September 6. Rates: From $1,339. Eleven-day round-trip Savona cruise calls at Civitavecchia (Italy), Alexandria (Egypt), Rhodes, Valetta (Malta), Tripoli (Libya). October 9. Rates: From $3,990. Eleven-day round-trip Savona cruise calls at Civitavecchia (Italy), Alexandria (Egypt), Port Said (Egypt), Ashdod (Israel), Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes, Athens, Katakolon, Civitavecchia (Italy). October 31; November 22. Rates: From $899.

Costa Magica Eleven-day round-trip Savona cruise calls at Civitavecchia (Italy), Alexandria (Egypt), Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes, Izmir (Turkey), Athens, Katakolon, Civitavecchia. April 5. Rates: From $1,139.

Costa Fortuna Seven-day round-trip Venice cruise calls at Bari (Italy), Katakolon, Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes, Dubrovnik (Croatia). Mondays, April 19 through November 15. Rates: From $829.

Costa Europa Five-day round-trip Venice cruise calls at Bari (Italy), Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik (Croatia). April 9. Rates: From $669. Eleven-day round-trip Venice cruise calls at Bari (Italy), Katakolon, overnights in Alexandria (Egypt), Ashdod (Israel), Limassol (Cyprus), Corfu, Split (Croatia). April 14; May 6; June 9; July 13, 24; August 15, 26; September 29. Rates: From $1,149. Eleven-day round-trip Venice cruise calls at Bari (Italy), Katakolon, Santorini, Izmir (Turkey), overnight in Istanbul (Turkey), Volos, Athens, Split (Croatia). May 29; July 2; August 4; September 6; October 10. Rates: From $1,199. Eleven-day Venice-to-Savona cruise calls at Bari (Italy), Katakolon, overnights in Alexandria, Ashdod (Israel), Crete, Naples (Italy). October 21. Rates: From $999.

Costa Allegra Seven-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Messina (Italy), Izmir (Turkey), Santorini, Mykonos, Athens. May 10, 31; June 21; July 5, 19; August 2, 16, 30; October 4, 25; November 15. Rates: From $439. Seven-day round-trip Civitavecchia cruise calls at Messina (Italy), Rhodes, Mykonos, Katakolon. May 17; June 7, 28; July 12, 26; August 9, 23; September 6, 20; October 11; November 1. Rates: From $439.

Crystal Cruises

2049 Century Park E., Suite 1400, Los Angeles, CA 90067. tel. 310/785-9300. www.crystalcruises.com.

Crystal's ships offer a cultured, elegant atmosphere and unobtrusive service. Its parent company, NYK, is a Japanese firm, the cruise line itself is based in Los Angeles, and you can see a kind of upscale, tranquil, and elegant California-influenced design to these ships, especially in the feng shui-designed spas, the Japanese cuisine (chef Nobu Matsuhisa of Nobu restaurant fame designed the menus in the ship's sushi restaurants) and some of its more modern interior looks, especially on the Crystal Serenity (built in 2003; 1,080 passengers, 68,000 GRTs).

This operator offers luxury, but on a slightly larger and less inclusive scale than lines like Silversea and Seabourn -- alcohol, for example, is an a la carte purchase, but sodas are complimentary. It still preserves a traditional, two-seating dining pattern in its main restaurant and does formal nights. Crystal has invested heavily in education and enrichment. During the daytimes, passengers can take a financial planning class or pick up a new recipe or two. Cabins are spacious; the ship's upper-level penthouse suites (especially the top-of-the-line Crystal Penthouses) are top-notch.

Ship Itinerary -- Crystal Serenity Seven-day Civitavecchia-to-Athens cruise calls on Sorrento (Italy), Taormina (Italy), Crete, Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos. May 11. Rates: From $2,979. Seven-day Athens-to-Venice cruise calls on Santorini, Bodrum (Turkey), Corfu, Dubrovnik (Croatia), overnights in Venice. May 18. Rates: From $2,979. Seven-day Athens-to-Venice cruise calls on Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Corfu, Split (Croatia), overnights in Venice. June 18. Rates: From $3,175. Twelve-day Venice-to-Athens cruise overnights in Venice and calls on Ravenna (Italy), Corfu, Rhodes, Bodrum (Turkey), Mykonos, overnights in Istanbul (Turkey). June 25. Rates: From $5,169. Twelve-day Athens-to-Venice cruise overnights in Athens and calls at Kusadasi (Turkey), Santorini, Patmos, Crete, Kotor (Montenegro), Split (Croatia), 2 overnights in Venice. July 7. Rates: From $5,169.

Crystal Symphony Seven-day Athens-to-Civitavecchia cruise calls at Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes, Santorini, Sorrento (Italy). May 26. Rates: From $2,549.

Holland America Line

300 Elliott Ave. W., Seattle, WA 98119. tel. 877/SAIL-HAL (724-5425). www.hollandamerica.com.

Holland America is a premium-level line that offers a more traditional cruise flavor onboard new, modern cruise ships. The line takes pride in its Dutch heritage -- the tradition of naming its ships with a "dam" suffix goes back to 1883 -- and in offering good service in a refined setting: teak deck chairs around the promenade deck, classical music in the Explorers Lounge after dinner, formal nights, and a collection of art and artifacts from around the world. A few changes are in the mix, including a new dinner plan -- guests can choose whether they'd like the traditional, two-seating dinner experience or eat at any time during restaurant hours. A few years ago, Holland America embarked on a plan to enhance its onboard experience, and the well-publicized "Signature of Excellence" program resulted in new Culinary Arts centers where passengers can go for cooking classes, bars with mixology classes, bigger-than-ever children's facilities, a specialty Pinnacle Grill restaurant on every ship, and big, comfortable lounges that encompass the library, game room, and specialty coffee shop.

The Westerdam (built in 2004; 1,848 passengers; 85,000 GRTs) is extraordinarily spacious, with large standard cabins, truly glamorous two-level dining rooms, and distinctive specialty restaurants. Cabins in all categories are comfortable and are among the industry's largest, with a simple decor of light woods, clean lines, and subtly floral bedding. Overall, more than two-thirds of them have verandas.

The Niew Amsterdam (will be completed in 2010; 2,104 passengers; 86,000 GRTs) will feature private cabanas on upper pool decks, a culinary arts center offering interactive cooking demonstrations, and a coffeehouse complete with an extensive library.

Ship Itinerary -- Westerdam Twelve-day Venice-to-Barcelona cruise overnights in Venice and calls at Dubrovnik (Croatia), Corfu, Argostoli, Santorini, Catania (Italy), Naples (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy), Livorno (Italy), overnights in Barcelona. May 16. Rates: From $1,799.

Nieuw Amsterdam Twelve-day round-trip Venice cruise overnights in Venice and calls at Split (Croatia), Athens, overnights in Istanbul (Turkey), Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Santorini, Katakolon. July 14; August 19; September 24. Rates: From $2,099. Twelve-day Venice-to-Barcelona cruise overnights in Venice and calls at Dubrovnik (Croatia), Corfu, Argostoli, Santorini, Catania (Italy), Naples (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy), Livorno (Italy), overnights in Barcelona. July 26; August 31; October 6. Rates: From $1,999. Twelve-day Barcelona-to-Venice cruise overnights in Barcelona and calls at Monte Carlo (Monaco), Livorno (Italy), Civitavecchia (Italy), Nafplion, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik (Croatia), overnights in Venice. August 7; September 12. Rates: From $1,999.

Norwegian Cruise Line

7665 Corporate Center Dr. Miami, FL 33126. tel. 866/625-1166. www.ncl.com.

Many mega-cruise lines operate with dinner seatings at set times and offer an alternative restaurant or two for a change of pace. Not so NCL; this company pushed the envelope a few years ago with a concept called Freestyle Dining: Pick one of several restaurants and make a reservation for dinner or stroll in whenever, just as you would at a shoreside restaurant. NCL started building its ships to take advantage of the Freestyle concept, and the result is a fleet of new ships that offer about 10 restaurant choices. Another difference: No required formal nights.

The Norwegian Gem (built in 2007; 2,380 passengers; 93,000 GRTs) is among the fleet's newest ships and among the most fun megaships at sea today, offering a supersocial atmosphere, creative decor, and onboard music and pop culture references tailored to a surprisingly youngish demographic -- generally, from folks in their 20s to folks in their 50s. Want fun? How about Bliss Ultra Lounge, which juxtaposes bordello decor with a four-lane, Day-Glo bowling alley. Want fantasy? The nightclubs and atriums feature furniture right out of Alice in Wonderland. Want high style? Check out Bar Central on Deck 6. Want extravagance? These ships' Garden Villas spread out up to an astonishing 500 sq. m (5,350 sq. ft.), making them the largest suites at sea today. Each features private gardens, multiple bedrooms with mind-blowing bathrooms, separate living rooms, full kitchens, and private butler service. Zowie!

Ship Itinerary -- Norwegian Gem Seven-day round-trip Venice cruise calls at Split (Croatia), Corfu, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete. April 24; May 8, 22; June 5, 19; July 3, 17, 31; August 14, 28; September 11, 18; October 9, 23. Rates: From $749.

Oceania Cruises

8300 NW 33rd St., Suite 308, Miami, FL 33122. tel. 800/531-5619. www.oceaniacruises.com.

This cruise line has grown quickly since its 2003 debut. It now boasts three ships, and it has orders in for two new 1,260-passenger ships. The current vessels are identical in layout, and their sizes, at 680 passengers each, make them cozy and intimate but able to stock a lot of amenities like multiple restaurants and big spas. Oceania straddles the line between the small luxury players and the larger, though less pricey, premium cruise lines. It tries to offer a reasonably priced yet intimate, casual, upscale experience.

Regatta and Nautica (built in 1998-2000; 684 passengers; 30,277 GRTs) are the two ships sailing in Greece. The emphasis is on casual, so you won't need to dress up (or even bring a tie or fancy dress). Many of the outside cabins have nice-size balconies. Public rooms, too, are of the big-but-not-too-big mold, and there are nice touches throughout the ships like teak decks and DVD players in the cabins. Eight private cabanas at the very top of the ship can be reserved for the day or for the whole cruise, and come with a dedicated attendant and food and beverage services. Two restaurants, the Polo steakhouse and Toscana Italian trattoria, are fine complements to the main restaurant.

Ship Itinerary -- Nautica Twelve-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Nauplion, Zakynthos, Corfu, Katakolon, Monenvasia, Crete, Rhodes, Santorini, Delos, Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey). September 10. Rates: From $2,869. Twelve-day Istanbul-to-Athens cruise calls at Kusadasi (Turkey), Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Crete, Monenvasia, Katakolon, Corfu, Zakynthos, Nauplion. September 22. Rates: From $2,869. Fourteen-day Barcelona-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Marseille (France), Monte Carlo (Monaco), Livorno (Italy), Corsica (France), Civitavecchia (Italy), Amalfi (Italy), Taormina (Italy), Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi (Turkey), Lesbos. August 15. Rates: From $3,459.

Regatta Twelve-day Venice-to-Athens cruise overnights in Venice, then calls at Dubrovnik (Croatia), Kotor (Montenegro), Corfu, Itea, Zakynthos, Monenvasia, Crete, Santorini, Kusadasi (Turkey), Delos, Mykonos. October 12. Rates: From $2,629.

Ocean Village

Richmond House, Terminus Terrace, Southampton, UK SO14 3PN. tel. +44 845/075-0032. www.oceanvillageholidays.co.uk.

Ocean Village's tagline is that it's a cruise line "for people who don't do cruises." It's a vibrant two-ship line (from its bright website to its fun-colored cruise ships) for a primarily British audience of vacationers who aren't into the two-dinner-seating-dress-codes-and-formality of a more traditional cruise. The Ocean Village (built in 1989; 1,578 passengers; 63,500 GRTs) has a fun, relaxed atmosphere -- there's no formal dress code, for example. The ships even pack a few mountain bikes onboard for passengers who want to check out the ports on two wheels.

Ship Itinerary -- Ocean Village Seven-day round-trip Heraklion cruise calls at Istanbul (Turkey), Lesbos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Athens, Santorini. Every other Thursday, from July 2 through August 27. Rates: From $957.

Princess Cruises

24844 Ave. Rockefeller, Santa Clarita, CA 91355. tel. 800/PRINCESS (774-6237). www.princess.com.

Premium U.S. operator Princess hasn't completely shed its Love Boat past. Captain Stubing still makes appearances on behalf of the line now and then, but it's grown up into a multidestination, multimegaship line that blends California-style casual with elegance and sophistication.

Princess's signature vessels, the Grand-class ships, were so ahead of their time when they debuted in 1998 that the design of sister ships isn't significantly changed. Though the vessels give an impression of immensity from the outside, inside they're extremely well laid out, very easy to navigate, and surprisingly cozy. The cozy carries over to public rooms like the dimly lit Explorer's Lounge and Wheelhouse Bar, whose traditional accents recall a grander era of sea travel. In the elegant three-story atriums, classical string quartets perform on formal nights and during embarkation. Throw in good-size kid and teen zones and a plethora of show lounges, bars, and pools, and you've got ships that can keep you busy for a week, never mind the destination.

Star Princess (built in 2002; 2,600 passengers; 109,000 GRTs) is a Grand-class ship, whereas Crown Princess and Ruby Princess (built in 2001; 3,070 passengers; 113,000 GRTs) are slightly larger versions of the original Grand-class concept, with a similar layout but one extra deck, plus an international cafe, a wine and seafood bar, a piazza-style atrium with a street-cafe vibe, and a steak and seafood restaurant. Ruby Princess, which debuted in November 2008, added some newness to the onboard experience: a British pub at lunch on sea days (no charge), a range of cheeses to go with the wine and seafood snacks available in Vines, and the Ultimate Ship tour, a truly behind-the-scenes look at how a ship operates.

Ocean Princess (built in 1990; 670 passengers; 30,277 GRTs) is a smaller vessel, but comfortable, traditional, and sedate, with an emphasis on intimate spaces -- just like Princess's larger ships, but here it's the real thing. Like a European boutique hotel, it's decorated mostly in warm, dark woods and rich fabrics, and offers a small-scale, clubby feel that larger ships can only hope to mimic.

Ship Itinerary -- Ruby Princess -- Twelve-day Venice-to-Civitavecchia cruise overnights in Venice and calls at Split (Croatia), Corfu, Katakolon, Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes, Santorini, Naples (Italy). June 10; July 28. Rates: From $1,950. Twelve-day Civitavecchia-to-Venice cruise calls at Monte Carlo (Monaco), Livorno (Italy), Naples (Italy), Santorini, Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos, Athens, Katakolon, Corfu. June 22; August 8. Rates: From $1,990.

Crown Princess -- Twelve-day Civitavecchia-to-Venice cruise calls at Monte Carlo (Monaco), Livorno (Italy), Naples (Italy), Santorini, Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos, Athens, Katakolon, Corfu. May 15. Rates: From $1,629. Twelve-day Venice-to-Civitavecchia cruise overnights in Venice then calls at Dubrovnik (Croatia), Corfu, Katakolon, Athens, Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes, Santorini, Naples (Italy). May 27. Rates: From $1,740.

Ocean Princess -- Seven-day Civitavecchia-to-Athens cruise calls at Naples (Italy), Itea, Argostoli, Santorini, Mykonos. September 1. Rates: From $1,199. Seven-day Athens-to-Civitavecchia cruise calls at Mykonos, Santorini, Argostoli, Itea, Naples (Italy). September 8. Rates: From $1,199.

Star Princess -- Twelve-day Civitavecchia-to-Venice cruise calls at Naples (Italy), Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos, Athens, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik (Croatia), overnights in Venice. September 23. Rates: From $1,690.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

1000 Corporate Dr., Suite 500, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33334. tel. 800/285-1835. www.rssc.com.

In 1992, Radisson Hotels Worldwide decided to translate its hospitality experience to the cruise industry, offering to manage and market upscale ships for their international owners. Several years ago the company exchanged the name Radisson Seven Seas Cruises for Regent Seven Seas Cruises, but its commitment to luxury cruises has remained the same. The Seven Seas Mariner (built in 2001; 700 passengers; 50,000 GRTs) was the first all-suite, all-balcony ship. Many cabins have sizeable suites and bathrooms with a tub (very unusual on a cruise ship). The spacious ship is artfully appointed, with an abundance of tasteful art on the walls (save for the enormous metal and mesh figures haunting the main lobby). Outdoor deck furniture has a South Beach feel, and indoor spaces effectively combine classic furnishings with modern accents. The ship's size means it's easy to get around to the different restaurants and bars. Select alcoholic beverages are included in the rates. The four restaurants onboard (five if you count the Pool Grill) include Signatures, operated by Le Cordon Bleu of Paris.

Ship Itinerary -- Seven Seas Mariner Ten-day Istanbul-to-Venice cruise calls at Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Santorini, Katakolon, Corfu, Dubrovnik (Croatia), Korcula (Croatia), Koper (Slovenia), overnight in Venice. May 4. Rates: From $5,195. Seven-day Venice-to-Athens cruise calls at Dubrovnik (Croatia), Corfu, Katakolon, Nauplion, Kusadasi (Turkey), Santorini. May 14. Rates: From $3,995. Fourteen-day Venice-to-Istanbul cruise overnights in Venice then calls at Dubrovnik (Croatia), Santorini, Crete, Alexandria (Egypt), Port Said (Egypt), Haifa (Israel), Ashdod (Israel), Limassol (Cyprus), Rhodes, Kusadasi (Turkey), overnight in Istanbul. May 28. Rates: From $8,295. Seven-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Crete, Rhodes, Kusadasi (Turkey), overnights in Istanbul. June 21; September 15. Rates: From $4,295. Seven-day Venice-to-Athens cruise overnights in Venice then calls at Dubrovnik (Croatia), Corfu, Serande (Albania), Katakolon, Santorini, Nafplion. August 19. Rates: From $4,295.

Royal Caribbean International

1050 Caribbean Way, Miami, FL 33132. tel. 877/202-1520 or 800/327-6700. www.rccl.com.

Heard about those megaships carrying the rock-climbing walls? Those are the vessels of Royal Caribbean International, which has made its unusual onboard features -- ice-skating rinks and self-leveling billiards tables, for example -- a benchmark for other companies in the cruise-vacation business. Royal Caribbean sells a reasonably priced, big-ship, American-style experience. And they do it very well: The line's ships are consistent and well run, and there are a lot of things to do onboard, from wine tastings to climbing the ubiquitous rock wall at the rear of the ship. Royal Caribbean cultivates an active, fun image, most typified through advertising that urges would-be cruisers to "get out there."

Royal Caribbean's Splendour of the Seas will be making its home in the waters surrounding the Greek isles. A Vision-class ship built in 1996 with 70,000 GRT, it was refurbished in 2006 and can carry 1,802 passengers. The superattractive and well-accoutered Brilliance of the Seas (Radiance class; built in 2002, refurbished in 2009) will be cruising to the Mediterranean; a 12-night May 3 cruise will touch on ports in Turkey and in Athens, and Satorini. The ship that will be in the Ionian Sea more often, however, is the Splendour of the Seas. The vessel has an indoor-outdoor pool in the relaxing Solarium, the nautically themed Schooner Bar, an 18-hole miniature golf course and the Viking Crown Lounge, the observatory and disco perched at the very top of the ship.

Ship Itinerary -- Splendor of the Seas Seven-day round-trip Venice cruise calls at Split (Croatia), Corfu, Athens, Mykonos, Katakolon. Alternating Saturdays from May 8 through October 23. Rates: From $749. Seven-day round-trip Venice cruise calls at Dubrovnik (Croatia), Kusadasi (Turkey), Santorini, Corfu. Alternating Saturdays from May 1 through October 30. Rates: From $749.