Radisson Seven Seas

Radisson carries passengers in style and extreme comfort. Its brand of luxury is casually elegant and subtle, and its cuisine is near the top.

Radisson's ships are spacious, service is as good as it gets, and cuisine is some of the best at sea. In addition to their formal restaurants, all three ships have alternative, reservations-only restaurants specializing in northern Italian food. Even if what tickles your fancy isn't on the menu, the chef will prepare it for you. These ships tend to be less stuffy and a bit more casual than Seabourn and Cunard. You can chuck your tux for the most part, although on formal nights they certainly aren't uncommon.

Few extra charges. Unlike some of its peers, Radisson includes tips, wine at dinner, unlimited soft drinks and mineral water, and an initial stocked minibar in its cruise rates. The only extra charges are for alcoholic beverages and shore excursions.

Lots of private verandas. The Radisson Diamond has private balconies on over half of its cabins; the all-suite Seven Seas Navigator has them on about 90% of hers; and the all-suite Mariner has them on every single stateroom. None of the three have any inside cabins.

Great dining. Cuisine is superb, and the main restaurant on each ship can accommodate all guests at one open seating.

Large staterooms. All of the Navigator's and Mariner's suites measure at least 301 square feet (including balcony), bigger than Seabourn's and Crystal's.

Amazing bathrooms on the Navigator. Bigger and better than those on the high-end Seabourn and Crystal ships, every single cabin bathroom on the Navigator has a separate shower stall and a full-size bathtub long enough for normal-size humans.

Few windows on the Diamond. This boxy vessel has much underutilized space, and many key public rooms lack windows and come across cold.