25,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers can’t be wrong.

Looking for the “best of the best” for your next incentive or group event? Conde Nast Traveler’s 16th annual Gold List is the ultimate guide to the “Best Places to Stay in the World”, as elected by more than 25,000 Condé Nast Traveler readers.

We are pleased to announce that four of Seasite’s cruise line partners made the “Top 12 Cruise Line” list for 2010, including SeaCloud Cruises, who won the coveted #1 spot. All four lines feature small vessels (the largest accommodates 700 persons), running the gamut from classic tall sailing ships and deluxe river vessels to luxurious all-suite ships and all-inclusive intimate yachts – making them just right for exclusive full-ship charters. Congratulations to:

#1 CRUISE LINE: SeaCloud Cruises

This top-scoring cruise line provides customized, intimate travel experiences on beautiful sea-going sailing ships and deluxe river vessels. Whether sailing to exotic lands under the billowing white sails of one of their classical tall ships; or discovering the heart of Europe while gliding along a beautiful river on a luxury river yachts, a Sea Cloud journey is a one-of-a-kind experience.

Imagine discovering pristine Caribbean beaches, romantic harbors of the Mediterranean, Medieval villages of Central Europe, or historic Aegean treasures as you sail the ocean or meander down a scenic river on your own private windjammer or yacht.

Unique shore excursions, exceptional service, culinary delights prepared by Master Chefs, casually elegant ambiance and deluxe accommodations earned SeaCloud Cruises the highest scores.

In the fall of 2010, Sea Cloud Cruises will proudly introduce the Sea Cloud Hussar – the largest full rigged, three mast passenger ship ever built.

Readers of Condé Nast Traveler called the SeaCloud experience “fabulous” and thought the wood paneling and gold railings gave the vessels the “ambiance and décor of a private club.” They were impressed by the unique, experiential shore excursions such as food tastings and demonstrations by chefs from Michelin-starred restaurants, and added that the local guides were “first-rate and knowledgeable.”

AND MORE WINNERS:

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is recognized as one of the world’s premier luxury lines with features such as all-suite, all-balcony ships, Le Cordon Bleu menus, complimentary beverages, and superior space and service ratios. The emphasis is on providing a memorable cruise experience  for 490 or 700 guests who appreciate unsurpassed service and attention to details in elegant and relaxing surroundings.

The ambiance on board Regent ships is intimate, with the amenities you would find on a much larger ship. Expansive Canyon Ranch spas were recently added to all ships during an extensive fleet-wide refurbishment.

The adventurous spirit of Regent is also compelling – guests experience “luxury goes exploring” with imaginative itineraries and unique shore excursions. Regent ships offer voyages of exploration and discovery to more than 300 ports on all seven continents.

Conde Nast Traveler readers noted that “Staff enjoy their work, and this happiness transfers to guests.” They also enjoyed the Le Cordon Blue menus in Signatures restaurant which they found to be  ”unique compared with the expected menus found on other ships” as well as the new Prime 7 steak restaurant.. They thought the excursions – including dogsledding in Juneau, zip-lining in Belize, and touring vanilla plantations in Tahiti – were “incredible”.

SeaDream Yacht Club

“It’s yachting, not cruising” defines this family-owned company’s mission. Groups of up to 112 guests are “splendidly spoiled” by an award-winning crew of 95 dedicated to their pleasure. Twin luxury yachts reflect a passion for style, quality, and casual perfection; with yacht-casual dining in the dining room or al fresco, sumptuous ocean view accommodations and elegant public rooms.

SeaDream’s specially designed yachting itineraries visit harbors and ports not accessible to larger cruise ships; late night and overnight stays in port let guests experience the night life of some of the most famous yachting ports in the world.

SeaDream’s all-inclusive yacht cruises fine wines with lunch and dinner, open bar and cocktail receptions with select premium brands, all gratuities, use of water toys from the yachts’ Marina, and SeaDream’s signature “Champagne and Caviar Splash™”.

Here’s what the readers of Condé Nast Traveler had to say: A yacht voyage begins when “smiling staff offer you champagne” upon boarding. Other comments: “The food is the best of all the cruise lines”; excursions and onboard activities “cater to the young and the fit,” while others tried the golf simulator at sea or were content to “idle away an afternoon on the top deck’s Balinese beds.”

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises feature warm and inviting ships that define ultra-luxury cruising. We know that it’s a collection of all the little things that make a Silversea voyage so special – the warm and professional staff, perfectly chosen amenities, private teak verandas and sumptuously appointed suites.  It’s also the carefully crafted land programs in exotic destinations; exquisite cuisine; and all-inclusive lifestyle, including complimentary fine beverages served throughout ship.

Silversea’s fleet of ships feature the luxurious of a private yacht, amenities of a country club, and services of a fine hotel. The intimate, all-suite ships accommodate 294, 388 or 540 passengers.

Silversea’s newest and largest vessel, Silver Spirit, was launched in December 2009 and set a new standard of luxury with enticing enhancements including a new supper club and expanded spa.

The readers of Condé Nast Traveler appreciate the casual luxury of  Silversea ships that “blend contemporary and traditional furniture” and exude “European elegance.” They also awarded high scores for “Unusual and exciting onshore excursions”.

To read more about these ships and all the winners go to Conde Nast Traveler Gold List 2010.

Sound off:
Care to share your experiences with the cruise lines mentioned? Please feel free to comment below.

More Information:

• Request a Group Quote for one of these lines or call 888-713-1371 today to speak with one of our expert Cruise Advisors (int’l callers: 305-403-3002).

Filed under: Cruise News, Miscellaneous