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LAST MINUTE CRUISES

The moment you step aboard a luxury cruise ship, a hostess is at your arm proffering a glass of bubbly while a capable room steward offers to heft your carry-on as he escorts you to what will be your home-away-from-home for the next few days. You stow your things (likely in a walk-in closet) and then emerge from your suite to get the lay of the ship. As you walk the decks, friendly crew members greet you by name. How can that be? You just set foot onboard!

First-class, personalized service is just one of the hallmarks of luxury cruise lines. You can also expect exotic itineraries, varying degrees of inclusivity in pricing, fine wines and gourmet cuisine, as well as universally high crew-to-passenger ratios.

That being the case, you might think any old luxury cruise ship will do, but that’s not quite true. Like people, cruise ships have their own unique personalities, and some will be more suited to your vacation style than others. Yacht lines like SeaDream and Windstar may not offer the most spacious suites, but their intimate ships can stealthily visit ports that large ships can’t. Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises may be owned by the same parent company, but Regent offers a completely inclusive vacation experience, while Oceania draws travelers with a more independent streak.

• Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Mariner

Seven Seas Mariner was a rulebreaker when it first launched in 2001. It was the industry’s first all-suite, all-balcony ship. While many ships are now outfitted in that way, Mariner led the charge. The ship offers a flexible choice of accommodations that range from 252 to 1,204 square feet, many with concierge-style amenities (think priority access to shore excursions and dining reservations, 15 minutes of complimentary ship-to-shore phone calls and an hour of free Internet access). Penthouse suites and higher benefit from the services of a personal butler, upgraded bath amenities (Hermes instead of L’Occitane), an in-suite iPad and an iPod docking station.

• Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity

Crystal Cruises is one of the grand dames in the luxury cruise industry and is known for both its discerning service and interesting itineraries. This line, more than any other luxury line, has held steadfast to the old ways and still encourages passengers to dress for dinner and enjoy formal nights on all of its itineraries. In 2012, Crystal joined the ranks of other luxury lines by going the nearly all-inclusive route. Fares now include beverages and gratuities, in addition to the previously included specialty dining, enrichment programming, fitness classes, self-service laundry and shuttles into town from the cruise port.

• Oceania Cruises’ Riviera

Technically, Oceania Cruises is a “luxe lite” cruise line. Its pricing structure is more a la carte than all-inclusive, but its offerings in terms of accommodations, itineraries and dining venues means that it must be mentioned alongside the luxury lines mentioned above. Riviera shines when it comes to the array of activities it makes available onboard. There’s an expansive Canyon Ranch SpaClub, beauty salon, gym, Artist Loft enrichment center that offers arts and crafts instruction, and the well-equipped Culinary Center. For aspiring chefs and amateur cooks, a visit to the Culinary Center is well worth the trip. It’s a self-contained cooking school at sea that offers a hands-on experience at 12 individual cooking stations (two people per station). Classes focusing on a variety of topics do incur an extra fee, but get rave reviews from participants.

• Paul Gauguin Cruises’ Paul Gauguin

Paul Gauguin becomes a favorite ship of almost everyone who sails it. The vessel is in excellent shape, having come out of a multimillion-dollar renovation in December 2011, and the crew is incredibly knowledgeable about the Society Islands and French Polynesia as a whole. The cruise line also schedules fascinating guest lecturers like Mark Eddowes, an expert in the field of Polynesian anthropology, and Dr. Michael Poole, who discusses the habitats of spinner dolphins, whales and other marine mammals. The ship offers all oceanview cabins and suites, and 70 percent of them have balconies — and you definitely want a balcony when sailing this glorious, beautiful corner of the globe. Paul Gauguin draws many honeymooners and those celebrating special occasions like graduations, anniversaries and retirements. If that describes you, consider booking a category B or higher stateroom since those offer the services of a butler. He can unpack your suitcases, arrange for laundry and pressing services, make spa appointments or dinner reservations on your behalf, and help you throw a private cocktail party in your suite.

• Seabourn’s Seabourn Quest

Seabourn Quest like its nearly identical sister ships Odyssey and Sojourn — is visually stunning, with its aft spa atrium as its focal point. In fact, some cruisers even book Quest in order to spend much of their vacation at The Spa at Seabourn. This incredibly lovely 11,400-square-foot, two-level complex features a spa pool with therapeutic loungers; private Spa Terrace offering a mix of loungers in the sun and shade, as well as a whirlpool; and the special Spa Villas. Singles, couples and friends book the Spa Villas for a few hours of relaxation in a Persian-inspired setting with a day bed, sofa, dining table and chairs, tub and sun deck. A range of treatments is available, from facials and massages to manicures and pedicures. Quest is also the largest ship at sea to offer a retractable aft marina. A swimming platform surrounds a wire “basket” that’s lowered into the water to keep the fish out of your “pool.” It’s a worry-free way to enjoy a swim in the waters of the Mediterranean, Caribbean or wherever Quest has anchored during your vacation. A variety of personal watercraft is also available on marina days.

• Siversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit

Silver Spirit is the newest luxury cruise ship in Silversea’s fleet (not counting expedition ships), having made its debut in December 2009. It’s also the most posh. Silversea shines when it comes to personalized service. The crew is incredibly friendly and intuitive. They seemingly know what you want when the very thought has only barely crossed your mind. This is especially evident in the lounges, where the bartenders quickly memorize your drink preferences and always have your favorites, along with a few savory treats, waiting for you. Dining is another area where this Italian cruise line excels. Main dining at The Restaurant features the type of continental cuisine you’d expect from a luxury liner, while La Terrazza focuses on fresh Italian cuisine. Silver Spirit also houses three smaller dining venues: Le Champagne, offering meals with wine pairings designed by Relais & Chateaux; Seishin serving up the freshest sushi you’re likely to find on any cruise ship; and Stars Supper Club, which highlights inventive menus against a backdrop of live music and dancing.

• Un-Cruise Adventures’ Safari Explorer

You’ll never get lost on this cozy yacht that features just three public decks. Most of your time on Safari Explorer is spent relaxing in the sun lounge or in the sauna on the Bridge Deck; visiting the Captain on the Bridge; watching the world pass by in the Bow Viewing Area on the Cabin Deck; or mingling with other passengers in the salon, bar or wine library on the Main Deck. There’s also a full-beam swim step at the aft, making it easy for passengers to swim and snorkel directly from the ship. Despite the intimate nature of this ship, Safari Explorer offers plenty of options when it comes to accommodations, including six different stateroom categories — from singles all the way up to the spacious Commodore Suite, which includes a separate sitting area, king or twin beds, a balcony and bath with Jacuzzi tub and shower.