Windstar operates six yachts known for their ability to visit harbors and ports larger ships can’t reach. The yachts carry fewer than 300 guests and call on ports throughout Europe, Asia, Arabia, French Polynesia, the Caribbean, and the Americas with a complimentary water sports platform available when the ship is in anchor — subject to weather, of course — featuring water skiing, kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, and windsurfing.

The ambience is relaxed (no jackets or ties needed) but upscale. While these yachts aren’t meant for kids, they’re ideal for parents who want a getaway without the kids or a special trip with grown kids. The company was recently rated the No. 1 small ship cruise line in the world by Condé Nast Traveler and is known for impeccable service.

What’s new: Windstar is debuting two all-suite power yachts for new excursions to Scandinavia and Iceland, Northern Europe and Spain, as well as continued cruising to Windstar favorites such as the Greek Isles, the famed Riviera and Islands of the Western Mediterranean. The company will also offer new year-round sailing in Tahiti starting this year, including new itineraries to the divers’ paradise of the Tuamotu Islands.

In this series

• Family Cruise Guide (main article)