Possessing one of the highest ratios of space per person in the Holland America fleet, the 1,848-passenger Zuiderdam is a modern ship with innovative, luxurious features. Expanded spa facilities — with 11 therapy rooms, hydrotherapy pool, sauna, steam and aromatherapy rooms —  pamper passengers in one of the cruise line’s most spacious spas. Elevators — two are glass-enclosed with panoramic ocean views —  give access to 11 passenger decks, including a covered promenade that encircles the entire vessel.

One of the most unique features is the Culinary Arts Center, a state-of-the-art show kitchen with plasma video screens and cooking display counters— a must-see for food and wine enthusiasts. Eighty-five percent of staterooms enjoy ocean views, and eighty percent of those have private balconies. Each stateroom is fitted with a data port for Web access, and there also is an Internet center and library.

When it comes to dining, the Zuiderdam offers a variety of options: gourmet meals in the two-tiered main dining room, fine Italian dining at the Odyssey restaurant, casual fare at the Lido restaurant and Terrace Grill and snacks at Round-the-Clock Cafe and 24-hour room service.

Entertainment is equally varied, with duty-free shops, casino, nightclubs and lounges, a sports deck, plus thrilling productions in the Vista Lounge showroom. Kidzone and Waverunner rooms provide younger passengers (ages 5-17) with their own places for supervised programs and hanging out.

Read ExpertCruiser’s Zuiderdam review.

After a $55 million dollar upgrade, Century’s 10 decks now feature 314 new balcony staterooms, 14 new Sky Suites and an expanded number of Concierge Class category staterooms. Aboard the Century, you’ll find the ideal blend of world-class amenities like AquaSpa by Elemis, advanced technology, and classic style like Michael’s Club, an intimate piano bar. This luxury ship is part of Celebrity’s top-rated fleet, which routinely earns the highest accolades in the cruise industry.

The Grand Restaurant on Century is a two-story dining room featuring majestic columns and floor-to ceiling windows and offers a true feast for the senses, with elegant china, attentive world-class service and gourmet cuisine. The Casual Dining Boulevard onboard Century offers a Sushi Cafe, Pasta & Pizza Bar, Ice Cream Parlor, Spa Cafe and many others. Catch a Las Vegas-style show at the Celebrity Theater, or try your luck at the roulette wheel at Fortunes casino. Sip a cappuccino or delicious specialty tea at charming Cova Cafe Milano. Or simply relax on your private veranda and watch an evening sunset to remember.

For more information on the Celebrity Century read our review here.

The first in Royal Caribbean’s Ultra Voyager class of ships, the Freedom of the Seas weighs in at an impressive 158,000 tons. The same innovative and adventurous onboard activities found on the popular Voyager-class ships, such as an ice skating rink, rock climbing wall and the Royal Promenade, are also available on this ship.

In addition, there are several other new features that help make a cruise aboard the Freedom of the Seas unforgettable, such as an interactive water playground and the FlowRider Surf Park, a surfing pool that simulates the feeling of riding a 10-foot ocean wave moving at 20 miles per hour. Staterooms and balconies are some of the largest and most spacious on the seas, and are equipped with full-size flat screen TVs. Freedom of the Seas also offers WiFi capabilities and connectivity for cell phones throughout the ship.

Read our review of the Freedom of the Seas here.

Click here to read the latest news regarding Royal Caribbean.

Debuting in May 2007, the Costa Serena is one of the largest of the new Costa ships, with the total capacity of 3,780 passengers. A sister-ship to the Concordia, the Serena features elegant, spacious interiors and a wide range of facilities. Health enthusiasts can take advantage of the two-deck fitness area, full-featured Samsara Spa, 3 swimming pools, 5 hot tubs and a tennis court. Entertainment is provided in the three-level Athens Theatre and London Show Lounge with cabaret acts, dancers and specialty programs. With a disco nightclub, 13 bars and lounges and casino, guests enjoy non-stop activities. The Serena also caters to families with children, offering babysitting services, a playground, video arcade and teen center. Cabin features include a television, telephone, in-room safe and 24-hour room service.

Read our review of the Costa Serena here.

Click here to read the latest news regarding Costa Cruises.