Today just so happens to be my birthday. To celebrate, I ordered room service and spent a relaxing morning sailing along the African coast. Sipping a cup of coffee from my balcony, I gazed out at fishing boats against the the backdrop of the Atlas Mountains, undulating along the distant horizon. Africa beckoned from afar. I was a “traveler in romance,” a phrase coined by one of my favorite authors during my youth, W. Somerset Maugham.

In the afternoon, Silver Cloud docked in Agadir, where I joined a tour to sample this fascinating resort city, completely rebuilt after an earthquake destroyed it in 1960. A relaxing morning, followed by a cultural immersion. From a traveler’s perspective, the day could not have been better.

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During the past year, I’ve cruised my share of ultra-luxury ships, including those operated by Silversea, Regent and Seabourn. I’ve come to expect a certain standard — palatial staterooms, superior service, exquisite dining, and yes, sadly, Bvlgari bath amenities.

I have become, much to my dismay, something that I never dreamed I would become: a ship snob.

This is somewhat surprising for someone who was once content to backpack through third-world countries and for whom a splurge for luxury meant plunking down cash for a room in a three-star hotel.

Am I to apologize for the occupational hazard and my addiction to Bvlgari? I think not.

On Star Flyer, SeaDream-like stateroom, But Alas, No Bvlgari

When I walked into stateroom 326 on Star Flyer, I confess to some disappointment. I don’t know why I would have thought that the stateroom would have been larger, but I expected to peer down a long room with a balcony at the end, despite the fact that Star Flyer clearly features no balconies. It is habit, you understand. Insert the key and express awe. Rinse and repeat with each new ship. Instead, I inserted the key and found myself looking at a small room — with a porthole.

Scanning the room, I did a quick comparison. In place of the flat-panel televisions that I’ve become accustomed to was a small and boxy Panasonic television perched high in a corner so that it could be seen from the bed.

The bed: No ultra-luxurious, super deluxe dreamer mattress here — or even a pillow menu as many of the luxury ships have nowadays. Rather, the bed was shoved against one side of the room, a queen capable of being made into twins with only two pillows (did I hear someone gasp? My apologies for alarming the more sensitive among you.)

The bathroom was of a size and function that merely pivoting the hips would allow one to accomplish all tasks that one would want to accomplish in a toilet. The shower, sink and toilet are in such close proximity that one could, theoretically, put all three to use at once.

The bathroom and the stateroom reminded me of those on SeaDream, whose two vessels are more than two decades old. While SeaDream’s staterooms are moderately larger and its bathrooms are a tad bigger, both vessels share the same dark wood trimmings and non-balconied staterooms.

There are other similarities between the vessels, although it should be pointed out that SeaDream offers an ultra-luxury experience, meaning that yes, SeaDream satisfies the Bvlgari addiction.

A cruise on SeaDream, however, will set you back several hundred dollars per person per day whereas a sailing on Star Flyer can be had for less than a couple hundred dollars per day per person. So it’s not really fair to compare the two beyond that of the initial impressions of the staterooms.

Before boarding a friend told me that I would have to “let go” of my luxury ship expectations. She must have pictured me to be like the millionaire Thurston Howell III trapped on Gilligan’s Island, for those who remember the corny television show of the 1960s. All these years later, I am certain that Thurston was a Bvlgari man.

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When we decided to create a top ten best honeymoon list the first thing we agreed upon was the approach. We looked at the entire cruise industry from contemporary cruise lines all the way up to the luxury lines, and destinations and itineraries all over the world.

We also know that some couples are interested in a traditional type of honeymoon experience, and that others are looking for something totally different; so we wanted to represent both it and the very best that each cruise line has to offer.

We rated the ships using a highly scientific method: our own opinion! Each contender was evaluated on the following criteria:

• Romance
• Destination
• Itinerary
• Ship
• Service
• Accommodations
• Dining
• Value

Then we placed them in the order of the scores. Price was not a deciding factor because everyone is going to have a different budget, but we can help you make a choice that you’re comfortable with. But here’s a great place to begin planning your vacation.

Drum Roll Please – Ladies and Gentlemen, from the Corporate Headquarters in Delray Beach, Florida. Here are the Top 10 Honeymoon Cruises!!

Number 10…

PRINCESS CRUISES – Star Princess
7 Night Alaska Inside Passage from Seattle, WA

If you’re looking for big scenery, big wildlife and big adventure, then you’ve found the perfect honeymoon. Departing conveniently from Seattle May through September, Star Princess sails to Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway and Victoria, British Columbia. You will experience exciting gold rush history aboard an antique train, trek magnificent glaciers and immerse yourself in the culture of Alaska’s native people while traveling in luxury aboard a new generation Love Boat.

Be sure to book a room with a private balcony so you don’t miss one moment of the gorgeous scenery while you enjoy your morning coffee or an evening cocktail. Star Princess offers a decadent spa and adults-only areas, flexible dining, a huge casino and a wide variety of nightly entertainment. And for an intimate, romantic evening, make a reservation at one of the most delicious restaurants at sea: Sabatini’s Italian Trattoria. Then take in a comedy show and don’t miss the champagne waterfall extravaganza, a Princess Cruises exclusive.

Prices start at $699 per person plus airfare. click for more info

Number 9…

DISNEY CRUISE LINE – Disney Dream
4 Night Disney cruise and 3 Night Walt Disney World Resort stay from Port Canaveral/Orlando

Begin on Sunday by spending four nights on board Disney’s newest and most spectacular ship, the Disney Dream. Sail from Port Canaveral on one of the most delightful cruise ships ever, and visit Disney’s secluded island retreat, Castaway Cay, and charming colonial Nassau, Bahamas. Honeymooners will be thrilled to learn that on board there are uniquely separate areas created just for adults: a pool, an intimate Italian restaurant, a decadent spa, a nightclub complex with several different bars and even a beach on Castaway Cay all off limits to kids!

You’ll enjoy a completely different dining experience every night. Plus spacious accommodations, excellent service and a wide variety of entertainment, all done in classic Disney style, add up to make this one of the most enchanting honeymoons available. Then Thursday morning, transfer just 45 minutes away to Orlando and spend the rest of the week at one of the fabulous Walt Disney World resorts. Once at the parks the magic continues! All of Disney’s honored guests enjoy unlimited park admissions and convenient, complimentary Disney transportation.

Prices start at $1419 per person plus airfare. click for more info

Number 8…

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES – Carnival Freedom
6 Night Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, FL

This is a ship built for fun and an itinerary designed for fun in the sun! Departing every other Sunday from Fort Lauderdale, you can sail year-round for 6-nights to Western Caribbean ports of call in Key West, Grand Cayman and Jamaica. And you can enjoy some of the most sought after adventures in the Caribbean. Carnival’s Las Vegas-style atmosphere keeps the party going from the show lounge to the casino to the nightclub to the piano bar. Plus, Carnival offers a terrific variety of flexible dining options, including an intimate adults-only supper club serving fine steaks and seafood delicacies.

Prices start at $309 per person plus airfare. click for more info

Number 7…

HOLLAND AMERICA – Eurodam
7 Night Eastern Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, FL

The first in the newest line of Holland America Line vessels, Eurodam sails conveniently from Fort Lauderdale every Saturday from January through April and again in November and December. She calls in Grand Turk, San Juan and St. Thomas, plus Holland America’s award-winning private island retreat, Half Moon Cay. Holland America Line offers a traditional cruising experience with a refined social atmosphere and gracious Asian-style service from an all-Filipino and Indonesian crew. Their unique Pinnacle Grill dining experience specializes in the finest food and wine from the Pacific Northwest. Plus, the Culinary Arts Center, sponsored by Food & Wine Magazine, appeals the foodie in everyone. The ships are decorated like elegant fine- art galleries, and the cabin accommodations are very spacious.

Prices start at $599 per person plus airfare. click for more info

Number 6…

CELEBRITY CRUISES – Summit
7 Night Bermuda from Cape Liberty (Bayonne), NJ

This will definitely be a vacation to remember, even if it weren’t your honeymoon, because you’re aboard one of the finest ships in the cruise industry on a cruise line with one of the highest ratings of customer satisfaction. Every Sunday from May to August, this gorgeous ship sails for 7 nights from Cape Liberty to beautiful Bermuda with an unequaled length of stay: three days in port. Sexy and elegant, Summit provides an experience rich in opportunities for relaxation and rejuvenation, turning this cruise into a sophisticated, club-style spa vacation. A must-do for honeymooners: the couples body spa treatments or partner’s massage instruction.

Prices start at $799 per person plus airfare. click for more info

Number 5…

ROYAL CARIBBEAN CRUISE LINE – Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas
7 Night Eastern or Western Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale, FL

Allure of the Seas and Oasis of the Seas definitely have the “WOW” factor. They are the largest and most innovative ships ever built. The entertainment and activities are endless including rock climbing, zip lining, ice skating (yep, you read that right), basketball, volleyball or mini-golf. At night you’ll find a wide variety of live entertainment in the many restaurants, bars and lounges, and the aqua theatre, not to mention a world-class casino. And look out for those crazy Dreamworks characters from Shrek and Madagascar! Every Saturday and every Sunday, Allure and Oasis carry more than 5,000 guests each to the most beautiful and most popular islands in the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale to St. Thomas, St. Maarten, and Nassau or to Labadee, Jamaica and Mexico.

Prices start at $749 per person plus airfare. click for more info

Number 4…

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE – Pride of America
7 Night Hawaiian Islands from Honolulu , HI

See more of Hawaii from a whole new perspective aboard Pride of America sailing year round in Hawaii. All of Pride of America’s itineraries include the beautiful ports of Honolulu, Hilo, Kona, Kauai and Maui. Norwegian’s unique flexible style is perfect for such an adventurous and port-intensive itinerary. This cruise spends more than 100 hours docked in the islands, including overnights in both Maui and Kauai, so you have plenty of time to explore without rushing. The ship delivers a fabulous vacation value, without time wasted checking in and out of hotels and catching inter-island flights. Plus, the dining menus and night-time entertainment capture the best of the islands. Flagged in the US with a Hawaiian-American crew, Pride of America provides a unique perspective into the culture and history of Hawaii.

Prices start at $959 per person plus airfare. click for more info

Number 3…

AMA Waterways – AmaCello
7 Night Rhine River from Basel, Switzerland or from Amsterdam, The Netherlands

The Rhine River is an ideal backdrop for a fantasy honeymoon. The region’s quintessential castles and Medieval villages are direct from the pages of your favorite fairy tales. The Rhine flows through mythic Rhineland Germany, which has a great appeal for foodies and wine lovers. AmaCello carries only 148 people in an intimate, modern atmosphere and the common language on board is English. Dining and entertainment showcase the culture of the area, plus, all accommodations offer a river view, most have a private verandah. Imagine the convenience of traveling the interior of Europe without all the hassles of packing and unpacking. Amacello will take you door-to-door with the area’s most charming and delightful experiences, and daily shore tours are included in the cruise price. Lengthy port calls allow you to walk on and off the ship any time you want or borrow the ship’s bicycles for more private independent exploration.

Prices start at $2,499 per person. click for more info

Number 2…

WINDSTAR CRUISES – Wind Spirit
7 Night Greek Islands and Turkey from Istanbul, Turkey or from Athens, Greece

Windstar defies any attempt to be labeled an ordinary cruise by giving guests the chic feel of a chartered sailboat. With only 146 other guests you will find attentive service, superb dining, a casual atmosphere and the romance of some of the trendiest destinations in the Mediterranean. Choose one of two 7-night cruises among the Greek Islands from Istanbul , or from Athens, including Mykonos, Santorini, and Bodrum and Kusadasi. The ship offers such a laid-back atmosphere that even the captain goes without socks and there are no schedules and no restrictions.

Prices start at $2,499 per person plus airfare. click for more info

And the Number 1 Honeymoon Cruise Vacation is…

PAUL GAUGUIN CRUISES – Paul Gauguin
7 Night Tahiti and The Society Islands from Papeete, Tahiti

The cruise sails every Saturday from Papeete, Tahiti for a 7-night voyage the idyllic coral atolls of Raiatea and Tahaa, and the itinerary includes overnight stays in Bora Bora, Moorea and Papeete before disembarkation. This allows you plenty of time to bask in pure pleasure and even enjoy watersports right off the back of the ship! Paul Gauguin offers a retractable water-level marina platform and a full range of PADI SCUBA excursions. Informal, yet elegant, the Paul Gauguin carries only 320 guests who receive only the finest personal service, fabulous gourmet cuisine meticulously prepared and presented under the supervision of top rated French chefs.

Prices start at $2,999 per person including airfare for a suite! click for more info

Whichever honeymoon cruise you choose, you will have the most romantic time of your life!

An increasingly common trend on cruises: passengers toting iPads. No doubt that Apple’s iPad is an effective and highly transportable device for staying connected both on land and at sea.

This morning, leaving The Colonnade following breakfast, I was approached by a Seabourn Sojourn staff member who, seeing that I was clutching an iPad, remarked on the emerging prevalence of the technology on cruise ships. “I’m seeing more and more people using the iPad on board,” he said. “Probably 30 percent of the guests have them on this cruise.”

I’m not sure of the statistical accuracy of his statement, but indeed, I have seen a fair number of iPads in use during our cruise of the Norwegian fjords.

With Seabourn’s unlimited internet package, it’s easy to share access between computers, and you won’t need to count your minutes as the package covers the cost of all access while on board. I am using both a Macbook Pro and an iPad to stay on top of email and other work-related activities.

As some on this cruise have remarked, the ability to stay connected makes the cruise — and particularly returning home after the cruise — more enjoyable than not being connected. They contend that they would return home to an overwhelming workload, whereas logging on for an hour a day helps them manage their inboxes and smooths the transition of stepping off this luxury cruise and back into real life.

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On Wednesday, I step aboard Silver Whisper to set sail through the archipelago that ships transit on their way to and from Stockholm.

My journey begins in Stockholm’s city center, near Gamla Stan (the old town), and travels for about 50 miles to the end of the archipelago. Along the way are some spectacular sites, and many experienced cruisers have said that the archipelago is one of the world’s most beautiful transits.

The archipelago is comprised of 30,000 islands, islets and rocks. Many of the islands are uninhabited, rocky outcrops that are homes only to birds. Others have quaint red-and-white Swedish cottages. It’s advisable to be on deck or out on your balcony to admire the passing scenery.

Silver Whisper is one of Silversea Cruises’ six luxury ships. She was recently refurbished (2010) in an Italian shipyard.

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Diners are impressed with the presentation and selection at Seabourn Odyssey’s Patio Grill, possibly one of the most attractive pool dining venues afloat.

As expected, the Patio Grill serves up the usual offerings of burgers and fries, along with turkey burgers, hot dogs and grilled chicken. And while most pool grills have a fish offering, Seabourn Odyssey featured grilled wild seabass on the menu today. There is also a selection of salads and panini, the Italian sandwiches.

Also at the Patio Grill was pico de gallo and guacamole, both exceptionally fresh. Also tempting was the thin-crust, gourmet pizza, made on the spot from noon until 7 p.m.

Lots of attention to detail make for a masterful presentation at Seabourn Odyssey’s Patio Grill. Weather-permitting, the Patio Grill transforms to an evening venue for intimate al fresco dining.

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Few industries have experienced the kind of growth that has characterized river cruising. There’s good reason: River cruising is a great way to see interior Europe.

Companies like AmaWaterways and Uniworld are moving along with their newbuilds.

Part of the reason for the success of river cruising lies in its ability to transport guests to areas that would be inaccessible to ordinary deep-ocean cruise ships. And unlike land-based tours, which often involve multiple motorcoach rides and hotel changes, river cruising allows passengers to unpack once, yet enjoy a multitude of fascinating ports. Every night, you return to the same ship, mingle with the same friends, and sleep in the same bed. River cruising is like a land tour coupled with the convenience of a traditional cruise.

European river cruises are by far the most popular. The rich mix of culture and history resonates strongly with passengers, who find themselves returning to “The Old World” year after year.

For those unsure about where to begin, theme cruises help to highlight some of the most fascinating times and places to visit, from spring Tulip Time cruises that explore the natural beauty of the Netherlands to the popular Christmas Markets voyages.

For many, a Europe under snow is a breathtaking way to spend the holidays with friends and family. A European river cruise also offers an astonishing array of river cruise ships.

Operating the line’s Imperial Jewels of China, Roof of the World and China’s Cultural Delights itineraries, these 12-to-17-day cruisetours offer guests the best of both worlds: a six-day river cruise along the famed Yangtze coupled with a land-based tour of Asia. Days are filled with the exploration of some of China’s most impressive sights, including a visit to the legendary Terra Cotta Army; a stop at a local night market in Xian; a fully guided monastery tour in Lhasa; a trip to Shanghai’s famous Bund, and of course, visits to the Great Wall of China and Beijing’s Tiananmen Square. Guests will also be able to visit the school in Jingzhou, China that was set up expressly by Viking as a way to give back to the community. Enjoy a performance by the schoolchildren before returning to your ship and continuing your Yangtze adventure.

River cruising is also quickly gaining popularity in Russia, where ships ply the legendary Volga River. A true departure from the ordinary, these itineraries sail to places like Moscow, Uglich, Yaroslavl and St. Petersburg and offer passengers a tantalizing glimpse behind the former Iron Curtain into modern-day Russia. River cruises through Egypt have remained popular despite that country’s recent political unrest, with passengers drawn by the continuing allure of the Valley of the Kings. River cruising is also taking hold in Portugal, where smaller ships are uniquely suited to exploring the country’s Douro River, which winds through the legendary port wine-producing region known as the Douro River Valley.

With an unprecedented amount of ships, destinations and itineraries to choose from, travellers should ask themselves not why they should take a river cruise, but why they have waited so long to do so.

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Uniworld’s River Empress isn’t the newest vessel on the Danube. She was built in 2002 and refurbished in 2005.

There are no balconies gracing the 63 double cabins and four suites. Cabin sizes are fairly standard for river cruisers: 151 square feet; and 214 square feet for the suites.

Generously sized bathrooms feature showers with soap, shampoo and other bath amenities provided, so you can save room in your suitcase by not packing those items.

River Empress features a lounge, fitness center, launderette (laundry services also are offered), sauna, boutique and a beauty salon. For those with mobility problems, there is an elevator.

The restaurant is situated just below the sundeck, with plenty of tables offering a view from the window.

On one day of each cruise, a Bavarian lunch buffet is served on the top deck. Passengers also have the option on one night to be served in the Solarium on the top deck, a pleasant setting just behind the wheelhouse.

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The Canal opened in 1914, and since then close to a million ships have made the trip from ocean to ocean. In 1999 the United States turned the canal over to Panama. Soon it will be bigger. There will be two new locks that will handle ships up to 160 feet wide and 1,200 feet long. It won’t be completed until 2015, but when it opens, it will be a big benefit to the cruise lines.

The canal still functions in a way like it did in 1914. Take one huge ship, add one rowboat, throw a line and attach it to a “mule.” They’ve tried different ways to grab on to boats, but the rowboat has yet to be bettered.

As you go through the Canal, big freighters, oil tankers, etc. pass you going the other way. I think each ship has a designated “waver.”

The ship that captured my attention was a yacht transport. The expansive deck packed with million dollar boats. Actually, the Pacific to Atlantic traffic was sparse, but the people still turned out to watch whatever came by.

I must say it’s the little things that make Seabourn Odyssey special, like Miraflores Margaritas served on deck.

If the Panama Canal is in your future plans, be sure to read “The Path Between The Seas.” You’ll be mesmerized by the story of the creation of the ditch, and your passage will mean much more to you. It took 400 years to get the job done.

Last night we ate in Restaurant 2. Before we went, I checked the menu, which changes each night and then repeats weekly. I couldn’t figure out the courses, or how we would order what appealed to us.

It worked this way: Each paragraph describes a course that is served on an oblong plate. Each described food is deposited on the plate in small separate portions. Tasty for sure, with immediate service and explanations of each course. It was an out-of-the-ordinary culinary experience.

One of the great things about Odyssey is the dining venues. Colonnade changes its theme each night. For example, Thai Bistro, Japanese Bistro, Indian Bistro, etc. The dress code is always casual.

My digital camera has a feature that, when set, will automatically take a shot the moment the shootee smiles. Left in that mode and pointed at any of the crew, it would be clicking all the time. There must be a smile class that has to be taken before getting a job on Odyssey.

Here’s a quote from my wife’s email to the kids:

“This is the best ship we have EVER been on! Gorgeous, fantastic food, everyone is so friendly, even the passengers!”

Entertainment is specialized; famous violinist, famous pianist, and a vocal quartet that gets good reviews. We’ll make it to their next performance, but for tonight it’s tuna tartar in The Restaurant.

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Crystal Symphony recently called on Belfast. One of the key attractions in the capital of Northern Ireland is the Belfast City Hall, situated in the city center.

Built mainly from Portland stone in Baroque Revival style, Belfast City Hall dominates the city center skyline. The design of the building is reminiscent of London’s Old Bailey.

Free guided tours are offered daily, except Sundays. Monday through Friday the 45-minute to one-hour tours are offered at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. On Saturdays, tours are offered at 2 p.m. and 3 p.m. If you plan to join a tour, show up in the City Hall reception area 15 minutes in advance.

Plans for the City Hall began in 1888 when Queen Victoria awarded Belfast city status. The original proclamation can be seen in the reception area. City status was in recognition of Belfast’s expansion and thriving industries, including ship-building (Titanic was constructed here) and linen.

Construction of the city hall began in 1898 under the supervision of architect Sir Alfred Brumwell Thomas and was completed in 1906. Durban, South Africa’s City Hall is almost an exact replica of Belfast’s City Hall.

Belfast City Hall was officially reopened on October 12, 2009, following a two-year refurbishment. U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton performed a ribbon cutting ceremony and unveilled a plaque to mark the reopening.

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