Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Spacious Suites: Everyone stays in an expansive suite on these ships, and most cabins have balconies, walk-in closets, large bathrooms, and even bathtubs. As the price goes up, the space and amenities grow impressively. One special addition: The top Regent Suite on the Seven Seas Explorer comes with a solarium plus its own spa and a driver in ports ... and, for a fare of $5,000 per person, per day, it's being called the most exclusive suite in the world.

Socializing Encouraged: Early on in the cruise, you'll be asked to join the "block party." This Regent exclusive is a fun and easy way to meet your neighbors: You just step out of your cabin into your corridor  at 6 pm with an empty glass. Stewards serve wine, and you get to meet your cruise mates. Since you'll be with the same people on ship and shore during excursions, it's a lovely way for the line to help facilitate friendships — especially since those massive cabins don't discourage you from hiding out. 

Understated Elegance: The design here is both tasteful and subdued. The crowd, too, is fancy without being flashy. You can dress up if you want to (and many passengers do at night), but it's optional. Service is also friendly yet unobtrusive.

Special Requests Accepted: While the menus in the dining rooms, including acclaimed steakhouse Prime 7, list plenty of great dishes, Regent has also built a reputation for fulfilling guests' culinary whims. You can even bring favorite recipes from home for the chefs to prepare.

Worldly Older Travelers: While the median age does go up and down depending on the length of the itinerary and the destination, most passengers on these ships are age 60 and up. Younger passengers may be bored by the low-key nightlife and slow pace of some tours. The one exception: Some families come on board during summer and holiday periods, when the line offers a limited array of kids' activities on select routes.

Be Prepared to See High Rates: With everything from air to shore excursions included in the cruise fare, you should expect the price to reflect what you get.