Best for: Romantics
Why: Paul Gauguin Cruises offers a singular experience in the ultimate honeymoon/anniversary/special-occasion destinations of French Polynesia and the greater South Pacific. Its namesake ship doesn't skimp on romance: All cabins boast ocean views, and a majority has queen-sized beds and private balconies. Couples can feel the ooh-la-la over a Polynesian-accented French meal at the fine-dining restaurant L'Etoile, or during a private sunset dinner served on their stateroom balcony. The spa caters to twosomes with couples' treatments -- try the 40-minute aroma steam bath for two or a massage on a private islet off the coast of Taha'a. Plus, the line offers a complimentary package for honeymooners (with thoughtful touches like in-room Champagne and a special Polynesian blessing ceremony), as well as a selection of wedding and vow renewal ceremony packages.
Runner-up: Romance fills the sails of Windstar Cruises. a trio of multi-masted yachts plus a trio of luxury cruise ships. These intimate vessels, carrying between 148 and 312 passengers, float through such dreamy destinations as the Greek Isles, Costa Rica and the Panama Canal, the Windward Islands, the South Pacific and the Far East, and seek out interesting small harbors and coves where other lines don't go. If you want the romance of stargazing under billowing sails, choose one of the original ships (Wind Surf, Star and Spirit); for more spacious accommodations and private verandas, opt for newer acquisitions (Star Pride, Breeze and Legend). By day, doze on a padded lounger by the pool; by night, choose Candles Grill for an alfresco dinner date (though all dining venues are superb). All ships have water sports platforms for floating, kayaking, sailing, water skiing, windsurfing and diving in aquamarine waters worldwide.