Small-Ship Cruise Lines

EasyCruise

The Rotunda, 42/43 Gloucester Crescent, London, UK, NW17DL. tel. 866/335 4975. www.easycruise.com.

Four years after easyCruise was founded by Greek shipping heir and self-described serial entrepreneur Stelios Haji-Ioannou (who founded ultra-low-cost carrier easyJet), at press time the one-ship company had just been sold to Greek ferry operator Hellenic Seaways. EasyCruise had evolved over the years, trying to find a formula that worked. Its original no frills bright orange ship that offered flexible one- to seven-night cruises targeting young people not interested in a traditional cruise experience proved to be a bit too minimalist. More services and amenities were added to the model and a larger ship replaced the original 232-passenger vessel. Haji-Ioannou is now one of the main shareholders of Hellenic Seaways, which operates 32 fast ferries in Greece, and the official party line is that the easyCruise brand will remain unchanged. Time will tell.

The line attracts a young crowd -- it says the average age of its passengers is 32. Because there are no set mealtimes, and a lot of passengers are off the ship during the day to see ruins or hit the beach, and off in the evenings for dinner, barhopping, and dancing, the atmosphere is quite different from a regular cruise ship. For those that want to hang out on board, the pool bar is the happening spot for live music and a late-night DJ. There's also a spa that doles out 30-minute massages and facials for 65 Euros.

Rates are for a cabin with twin beds and a window. Prices also include buffet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner (featuring continental and Greek cuisine) and daily housekeeping.

In 2008, easyCruise introduced the easyCruise Life (built in 1981; 540 passengers; 12,711 GRTs), and at press time, it was the company's sole ship.

Ship Itinerary -- Easycruise Life Three- and four-day round-trip Athens cruise calls at Mykonos,Kusadasi, Patmos, Heraklion, Rhodes (4 day only) and Santorini. Fridays (3 day) and Mondays (4 days) from April 3 through October 25, 2010. The line also offers embarkations from Kusadasi (Turkey) for 3- and 4-day cruises on Saturdays and Tuesdays from April 3 through October 23. Rates: From $393.

Seabourn Cruise Line

6100 Blue Lagoon Dr., Suite 400, Miami, FL 33126. tel. 800/929-9391. www.seabourn.com.

Seabourn excels in many areas, including food, service, itineraries, and a luxurious and refined environment. These cruises are pricey, and the customers who can afford them are often very discriminating. Discretion is key on these vessels, and the sophisticated environment and decor prove it.

Although the ambience aboard the ships can be casual during the day, it becomes decidedly more formal in the evening, although new dining options with modern cuisine and an "always informal" option at the restaurant at the top of the ship will go a way to making it feel more casual. There's an open-bar policy and lots of open, teak decks, which make these ships very yachtlike.

Nighttime entertainment is low key, though cabaret nights with themes like 1950s rock 'n' roll can get the audience going.

Seabourn has three nearly identical ships, and one new larger ship. The Seabourn Spirit (built in 1989; 208 passengers; 10,000 GRTs) is handling the line's Greece offerings along with the brand-new Seabourn Odyssey.

All cabins on the Seabourn Spirit are outside suites. Each cabin's fully stocked bar is complimentary. The ship was built before private balconies were a must-have amenity, so the must-get cabins are the ones with French balconies -- sliding doors you can open to let in the ocean breezes. The other cabins have 1.5m-wide (5-ft.) picture windows, plenty big enough to make the room bright and airy. Owner's suites are plush and offer private verandas.

The Seabourn Odyssey (450 passengers; 32,000 GRTs) debuted in 2009. Unlike her smaller cousin, 90% of the cabins on this vessel have a veranda (where you can step out, sit, and relax). Equipped with two pools, five whirlpools, and a spa pool, this ship is all about luxury. Fine dining restaurants and a modern look and feel add to the luxury.

Ship Itinerary -- Seabourn Odyssey Seven-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Mylos, Rhodes, Patmos, Khylos, Kusadasi (Turkey). May 8; July 3; August 21. Rates: From $5,135. Seven-day Istanbul-to-Athens cruise calls at Dikili (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey), Bodrum (Turkey), Santorini, Mylos, Nauplion. May 15; July 10, 31; August 28. Rates: From $5,135. Seven-day Venice-to-Athens cruise calls at Sibenik (Croatia), Bari (Italy), Cephalonia, Katakolon, Gythion, Mykonos. May 29; June 26; August 14. Rates: From $5,530. Seven-day Athens-to-Istanbul, Istanbul-to-Athens and Venice-to-Athens, Athens-to-Venice cruises continue until October 23.

Seabourn Spirit Seven-day Civitavecchia-to-Athens cruise calls at Sorrento (Italy), Lipari (Italy), Katakolon, Itea, Nafplion. May 8. Rates: From $4,260.

Sea Cloud Cruises

32-40 N. Dean St., Englewood, NJ 07631. tel. 888/732-2568. www.seacloud.com.

The flagship vessel Sea Cloud (built in 1931; 64 passengers; 2,532 GRTs) was built for heiress Marjorie Merriweather Post, who was involved in the design and construction of the sailing ship, planning the layout of the vessel right down to where the antiques would be placed. At the time it was the largest sailing yacht to be built. The Sea Cloud also served as a military support ship during World War II, was briefly owned by Dominican Republic dictator Rafael Trujillo, and sat tied up for 8 years before it was bought by a Hamburg-based group in the late 1970s and given a new, luxurious lease on life.

Guests can still see the care that Post originally put into the ship: Fireplaces in the cabins, antiques, marble, and shining wood. In the owner's suite, guests sleep in a Louis XIV-style bed next to a decorative marble fireplace; the bathroom alone is 9 sq. m (97 sq. ft.). The Category 5 cabins, on the other hand, are upper-and-lower berths, but Sea Cloud points out that since the cabins open to the promenade deck guests can sleep with the doors open to let in the sea air. Sailing buffs will be happy to gaze up at the 3,973 sq. m (32,000 sq. ft.) of sail -- it has 36 separate sails, from the flying jib to the mizzen royal to the jigger gaff.

Sea Cloud is often chartered out by tour operators, who set their own itineraries for the ship; contact Sea Cloud for information on possible 2010 Greece cruises through tour operators. A new vessel, Sea Cloud Hussar, debuts in April 2010 with visits to the Mediterranean, so keep an eye out for that.

Ship Itinerary -- Sea Cloud Seven-day round-trip Athens cruise calls at Crete, Mylos, Naxos, Siros, Nafplion. May 31. Rates: From $4,515. Seven-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Mylos, Siros, Patmos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Dikili (Turkey), Lesbos. June 7; July 9. Rates: From $4,515. Seven-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Mylos, Santorini, Marmaris, Rhodes, Patmos, Kusadasi (Turkey). July 31. Rates: From $4,515.

Seadream Yacht Club

2601 S. Bayshore Dr., Penthouse 1B, Coconut Grove, FL 33133. tel. 800/707-4911. www.seadreamyachtclub.com.

The owner and operator of SeaDream Yacht Club, Atle Brynestad, has a luxury-line pedigree as the founder of Seabourn Cruise Line. For the past 10 years, he has been carrying on the Seabourn tradition of luxury and elegance, albeit on a smaller, more casual, yachtlike scale. SeaDream in 2001 purchased the Sea Goddess I and Sea Goddess II from Seabourn, and after renovations renamed them SeaDream I and SeaDream II (built in 1984; 116 passengers; 4,260 GRTs). Updated in 2009, the ships have all new bedding and one additional suite.

The company defines itself not as a cruise line but an ultraluxury yacht company whose vessels journey to smaller, less charted destinations. Guests are offered an unstructured, casually elegant vacation (no formal nights) with no shortage of diversions. Toys carried aboard include jet skis and mountain bikes. You can choose to dine outdoors or indoors; there are enough tables to accommodate all the passengers in one outdoor lunch seating. None of the cabins have private balconies, but the line often urges guests to treat the teak decks as one large veranda where you can sprawl on bed-size Balinese loungers. With advanced reservation, they will even make the beds up for you with a turn-down service so you can sleep under the stars. Another evening option is to congregate for a drink at the Top of the Yacht Bar -- SeaDream has an open-bar policy.

Ship Itinerary -- Seadream II -- Six-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Lesbos. May 23; July 31. Rates: From $3,599. Seven-day Istanbul-to-Athens cruise calls at Canakkale (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Sifnos. May 29; August 7. Rates: From $4,599. Seven-day Athens-to-Civitavecchia cruise calls at Mykonos, Itea, Cephalonia, Taormina (Italy), overnights in Sorrento (Italy), Naples (Italy). June 5. Rates: From $4,599. Seven-day Dubrovnik-to-Athens cruise calls at Itea, Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Santorini, Sifnos. July 10. Rates: From $4,699. Seven-day Athens-to-Venice cruise calls at Santorini, Mykonos, Itea, Gaios, Dubrovnik (Croatia), Korcula (Croatia). July 17; August 14. Rates: From $4,599. Seven-day Venice-to-Athens cruise calls at Hvar (Croatia), Dubrovnik (Croatia), Corfu, Itea, Mykonos, Santorini. July 24. Rates: From $4,799. Nine-day Dubrovnik-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Kotor (Montenegro), Preveza, Cephalonia, Itea, Paros, Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Lesbos. September 24. Rates: From $4,799.

Seadream I -- Seven-day Civitavecchia-to-Athens cruise calls at Naples (Italy), Taormina (Italy), Cephalonia, Itea, Santorini, Mykonos. May 29. Rates: From $4,099. Seven-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Santorini, Paros, Mykonos, Patmos, Kusadasi, Lesbos. June 5. Rates: From $3,599. Seven-day Istanbul-to-Athens cruise calls at Canakkale (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Sifnos. June 12. Rates: From $4,599. Seven-day Athens-to-Dubrovnik cruise calls at Mykonos, Santorini, Sifnos, Itea, overnights in Dubrovnik. June 19. Rates: From $4,599. Seven-day Istanbul-to-Athens cruise calls at Canakkale (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos, Paros, Santorini, Sifnos. July 24. Rates: From $4,599.

Silversea Cruises

110 E. Broward Blvd., Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301. tel. 800/722-9055. www.silversea.com.

The luxurious sister ships Silver Cloud and Silver Wind (built in 1994 and 1995; 296 passengers; 16,800 GRTs) carry their guests in splendor and elegance. Passengers are generally experienced cruisers, and are well traveled.

On Silver Cloud and Silver Wind, accommodations are outside suites with writing tables, sofas, walk-in closets, marble bathrooms, and all the amenities you'd expect of a top-of-the-line ship. Throughout, both vessels allot more space to each passenger than most other ships. There's also more crew, with the large staff at your service, ready to cater to your every desire on a 24-hour basis.

The ships offer five-star cuisine; guests can dine when, where, and with whom they choose. In the evening, the elegant buffet restaurant is open for a single-seating dinner on most nights.

The rates listed for Silversea are regular brochure prices, but the line offers a Silver Sailings saving program on some of its cruises that can result in up to 50% off cruise-only fares; the program is based on availability and time of booking. Port charges are not included in the rates listed.

Ship Itinerary -- Silver Wind Ten-day Istanbul-to-Venice cruise calls at Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos, Santorini, Athens, Corfu, overnights in Venice. June 13. Rates: From $8,446. Seven-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Kusadasi (Turkey), overnights in Istanbul. August 27. Rates: From $6,350.

Silver Cloud Ten-day Istanbul-to-Venice cruise calls at Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos, Rhodes, Santorini, Corfu, Korcula (Croatia), overnights in Venice. October 3. Rates: From $7,479.

Silver Spirit Seven-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Santorini, Heraklion, Rhodes, Kusadasi (Turkey), Mykonos, Canakkale (Turkey). June 12. Rates: From $6,366. Seven-day Istanbul-to-Athens cruise calls at Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos, Rhodes, Mykonos, Santorini. June 26. Rates: From $6,366.

Star Clippers

7200 NW 19th St., Suite 206, Miami, FL 33126. tel. 800/442-0550. www.starclippers.com.

Star Clipper (built in 1991; 170 passengers; 2,298 GRTs) is the name of the vessel this three-ship line, named Star Clippers, is sending to Greece in 2010. It is a replica of the big 19th-century clipper sailing ships (or barkentines) that once circled the globe. Its tall square rigs carry enormous sails, are glorious to look at, and are a particular thrill for history buffs.

And on this ship, the 3,345 sq. m (36,000 sq. ft.) of billowing sails are more than window dressing. The Star Clipper was constructed using original drawings and specifications of a leading 19th-century naval architect, but updated with modern touches so that today it is among the tallest (68m/226 ft.) and fastest clipper ships built.

The atmosphere onboard is akin to being on a private yacht rather than a mainstream cruise ship. It's active and casual in an L.L. Bean sort of way, and friendly.

Cabins are decorated with wood accents; the top categories have doors that open up directly onto the deck. There is one owner's suite. The public rooms include a writing room, an open-seating dining room, and an Edwardian-style library with a Belle Epoque fireplace and bookshelf-lined walls. There are two small swimming pools.

Local entertainment is sometimes brought aboard. Other activities on the ship tend toward the nautical, such as visiting the bridge, observing the crew handle the sails, and participating in knot-tying classes. Or just padding around the decks and lying in a deck chair underneath the sails. When seas are calm you can lie in the rigging.

Ship Itinerary -- Star Clipper Seven-day round-trip Athens cruise to the northern Greek islands calls at Camilimani (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey), Patmos, Amorgos, Delos, Mykonos, Tinos. Alternating most Saturdays, May 1 through October 2. Rates: From $1,245. Seven-day round-trip Athens cruise to the southern Greek islands calls at Bodrum (Turkey), Santorini, Mylos, Hydra. Alternating most Saturdays, May 8 through September 25. Rates: From $1,245. Five-day round-trip Athens cruise to Mykonos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Santorini, Hydra. October 9. Rates: From $1,345.

Travel Dynamics International

132 E. 70th St., New York, NY 10021. tel. 800/257-5767. www.traveldynamicsinternational.com.

This operator of small ships offers a number of interesting itineraries that include Greek ports, and no wonder: The co-founders of Travel Dynamics are two Greek brothers from the island of Rhodes. The journeys are tailored to be unique, visiting some of the smaller and lesser known ports. Top-notch onboard educational programs complement the itineraries, and shore excursions are included in the cruise price. This line won't attract the budget-minded passenger or the folks who want to laze around. Itineraries are fast paced and educational. Each day has several components: a museum in the morning and an archaeological site in the afternoon, for example. The company's itineraries often include references to the nearby sites (Iraklion for Knossos or Gortyn, for example).

The larger Corinthian II (built in 1992; 114 passengers; 4,200 GRTs) is the newest addition to Travel Dynamics' fleet. Luxe touches include marble bathrooms, minifridges, and private balconies. An outdoor bar and cafe accommodates alfresco diners. The ship also has a gym, salon, sun deck with hot tub, and Internet cafe.

The line has several eastern European itineraries that include ample time in Turkey and Italy as well as Greece.

Ship Itinerary -- Corinthian II Ten-day Limasso-to-Civitecchia cruise calls at Paphos, Rhodes, Heraklion, Valetta (Malta), Trapani (Sicily), Cagliari (Sardinia), Porto Vecchio (Corsica), Civitavecchia. May 22. Rates: From $6,995. Eight-day round-trip Athens cruise calls at Canakkale (Turkey), Istanbul (Turkey), Chios, Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes, Heraklion, Santorini. June 19. Rates: From $6,995. Eight-day round-trip Athens cruise calls at Canakkale (Turkey), Kusadasi (Turkey), Rhodes, Santorini, Rethymnon, Katakolon. June 27; July 5. Rates: From $6,495. Ten-day Istanbul-to-Civitavecchia cruise calls at Canakkale, Delos, Rethymnon, Preveza, Syracuse (Sicily), Tunis (Tunisia), Trapani (Sicily), Naples (Italy). August 31. Rates: From $6,495. Eleven-day Istanbul-Alexandria cruise alls at Chios, Delos, Kusadasi (Turkey), Heraklion, Rhodes, Paphos, Marsa Matruh (Egypt). October 28. Rates: From $6,995.

Variety Cruises

494 Eighth Ave., 22nd Floor, New York, NY 10001. tel. 800/319-7776. www.varietycruises.com.

These Greek-flagged and -operated yachts might be just the ticket if you're looking for a casual, intimate experience with a more international flavor. Formerly known as Zeus Tours, the cruise portion of the company has been around since the mid-1960s when it chartered the yacht Eleftherios; it began scheduled weekly cruise service in 1973. Today, it divides its ships into three divisions. The more upmarket Variety Cruises division emphasizes a blend of cruising and yachting, relaxing, and exploring Greece's historical treasures. Ships in this fleet include the yachts Harmony G (built in 2003; 46 passengers; 490 GRTs) and Harmony V (built in 1985; 50 passengers; 495 GRTs), which underwent a major refurbishment in 2007. The Zeus Casual Cruises skews a little more in the sun-'n-fun direction, with beach barbecues and free drinks during the day. This fleet includes the motor sailboats Viking Star (built in 1991; 50 passengers; 248 GRTs) and H&B I and H&B II (built in 2001-02; 42 passengers; 390 GRTs), and the yacht Zeus II (built in 1982; 38 passengers; 204 GRTs). The third division is Variety Yachts, which operates vessels for charter that sleep 8 to 12 guests.

These lines don't promote an ultraluxury experience; the word on all these small ships is casual. There are sun decks but no pools except for the surrounding Mediterranean: passengers can swim right off the side of the ships during swim stops. On the Variety Cruises ships the price includes only two meals a day, breakfast and then either lunch or dinner, depending on the itinerary, which gives guests the chance to eat and drink in port (local wine and refreshments are included with meals onboard). Zeus Casual Cruises, meanwhile, includes three meals a day and local wine, beer, and soft drinks between 11am and 11pm. On both lines there's no organized onboard entertainment per se, except for chatting with other guests in the saloon or while catching rays up on deck. And with only a couple dozen other guests with you, you'll probably get to know everyone within a day. Open-seating dinner helps with the mingling.

The cuisine is international and Mediterranean. Zeus Casual itineraries offer a "famous" Greek Night, with themed food and music; their brochures also promise that the crew will help with the basics of Greek conversation and dancing.

Ship Itinerary -- Harmony G and Harmony V Seven-day Athens round-trip cruises call in Kea, Delos, Mykonos, Santorini, Iraklion, Rethymnon, Monemvassia, Nafplion, Spetses. Fridays from April 25 through October 31. Also allows embarkations for 7-day round-trips in Iraklion on Mondays and Rethymnon on Tuesdays. Rates: From $2,040 (20% off the cruise-only portion of the fare on Apr 25 and Oct 31 cruises).

H&B I and H&B II Seven-day Athens round-trip cruises call in Santorini, Ios, Paros, Mykonos, Siros, Kea, Sounion, overnight in Athens. Fridays from April 4 through October 31. Rates: From $1,230 (10% off the cruise-only portion of the fare on Apr 4, 11, 18 and Oct 24, 31 cruises).

Viking Star Seven-day Rhodes round-trip cruise calls at Nissiros, Kalymnos, Kos, Halki, Symi, and Lindos. Thursdays between May 8 and October 23. Also allows embarkations for 7-day round-trips from Lindos on Wednesdays. Rates: From $1,200 (10% off the cruise-only portion of the fare on May 8, 15 and Oct 16, 23 cruises).

Zeus II Seven-day round-trip Corfu cruise calls at Sivota, Paxi, Antipaxi, Lefkas, Kefalonia, Ithaca, Zakynthos, Parga. Saturdays between May 10 and October 11. Also allows embarkations for 7-day round-trips from Zakynthos on Thursdays. Rates: From $1,200 (10% off the cruise-only portion of the fare on May 10, 17 and Oct 4, 11 cruises).

Windstar Cruises

2101 Fourth Ave., Suite 1150, Seattle, WA 98121. tel. 87-STAR-SAIL (877/827-7245). www.windstarcruises.com.

Although they look like sailing ships of yore, Wind Star and Wind Spirit (built in 1986 and 1988; 144 passengers; 5,350 GRTs) and their bigger sister Wind Surf (built in 1990; 312 passengers; 14,745 GRTs) are more like floating luxury hotels with the flair of sailing ships. These vessels feature top-notch service and cuisine. Million-dollar computers operate the sails, and stabilizers allow for a smooth ride.

Windstar deploys its two smaller vessels, Wind Spirit and Wind Star, in the Greek islands. Casual, low-key elegance is the watchword. There's no set regime and no dress code above "resort casual." Most of the passengers are well heeled; the ships appeal to all ages except children. (There are no dedicated kids' facilities onboard the ships.)

None of the roomy outside cabins has balconies, but they do have large portholes. The top-level owner's cabins are slightly bigger. Refurbishments in 2009 include flat screen TVs and DVD players; new mattresses, bedding, carpet, and curtains to the cabins; an expanded gym; and an updated spa.

A watersports platform at the stern allows for a variety of activities when the ships are docked. Entertainment is low key and sometimes includes local entertainers brought aboard at ports of call. Most of the onboard time revolves around the sun deck, plunge pool, and outdoor bar. The ships also have small casinos.

In 2007 the Windstar ships were sold to Ambassadors International, a California-based company that owns several U.S. river cruising brands.

Ship Itinerary -- Wind Spirit Seven-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum (Turkey), and Kusadasi (Turkey). Saturdays between May 29 and October 16. Cruises run in the reverse order on alternating weeks. Rates: From $3,399 to $3,799. The prices listed do not include taxes or port charges.

Wind Star Seven-day Athens-to-Istanbul cruise calls at Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Bodrum (Turkey), and Kusadasi (Turkey). Saturdays between May 22 and October 9. Cruises run in the reverse order on alternating weeks. Rates: From $3,349 to $3,749.