Boutique Chic: The Best Boutique Cruises

• Seabourn Quest: has its own marina to enjoy water sports.
• Uniworld – SS Antoinette: interior takes inspiration from 18th-Century France.
• Paul Gaugin – MV Tere Moana: All 45 staterooms on-board offer an ocean view.

Seabourn – Quest

Number of passengers, 450

With its sleek, contemporary design, Quest is designed for an ultra-glam cruise experience. The 225 guest suites have ocean views, most with their own veranda, separate living areas and bedrooms, walk-in closets, fully-stocked bars replenished daily, granite bathrooms with a separate tub and shower, two sinks and flat-screen interactive television. Quest even has its own built-in marina, where you can join in watersports straight from the ship. Sample cruise A 17-night Mediterranean cruise (departing 17 November 2012)

Uniworld – SS Antoinette

Number of passengers: 164
As the name suggests, Antoinette’s decadent interior was inspired by 18th century France, and the style of decor on this river ship is all about opulent luxury, from the blue Strauss 10-foot Baccarat chandelier in the two-storey lobby to the flamboyant leopard-print bar on deck and the luxurious staterooms. There’s even a cinema and mosaic-tiled heated swimming pool on board.

But the atmosphere on this beautiful river ship is far from formal—guests are able to relax in the glamorous green lounge, the Salon du Grand Trianon, with a cup of tea and a book just as much as they can dress up and sample the cocktail menu, mixed in front of you by the friendly bar staff who learn your preferences straight away.

To see the sights on both sides of the river, the best viewing point is up on deck where big gold-edged fleece blankets and cosy loungers are available for guests to curl up and watch the world go by until the on-deck L’Orangerie opens for a spot of light lunch. Sample cruise An eight-day Rhine cruise starts from $2400 per person

For more information and to book see sue@pointofdeparture.pro  or call 800-634-7414  

Paul Gauguin – MV Tere Moana

Number of passengers: 90
Previously Le Levant, Tere Moana will be unveiled in December after the ship has undergone a multi-million dollar renovation. The luxurious new Polynesian-influenced look promises laid-back cool. All 45 staterooms will have an ocean view, and eight will offer private balconies. There will be two restaurants including L’Etoile, featuring culinary creations by Michelin starred chef Jean-Pierre Vigato, and in select ports, the ship’s watersports marina will offer kayaking and paddleboarding.

Guests will be able to enjoy views from the decks, relaxing on chaise lounges by the pool or a Balinese bed.

Sample cruise A seven-night voyage between Athens and Rome departing in June 2013 will start from £2,721 per person, not including flights.

See jamey@pointofdeparture.pro   call Jamey (Pearls Expert) at 800-372-2497