Contrary to popular wisdom not all cruises are created equal.  For a taste of luxury life afloat here's a run down of ten top cruise lines.

Azamara Club:  A fleet of just two ships offers Mediterranean, African, Asian and Indian Ocean deluxe cruises.  Shore excursions are well considered, providing more than drive-by sightseeing, whilst aboard ship there's an emphasis on wellness - spa treatments, yoga, pilates and other physical activities.  However, it's not all earnest self-improvement.  Suite guests are looked after by 'English' butlers, each one skilled in the art of mixing pre-dinner cocktails.

Cunard Line:   Heritage has become a Cunard byword, 2015 marking the company's 175 year anniversary of Atlantic passenger ship operation.  A policy of 'British-ness' sees cabin-class determine restaurant choice, white gloved waiters serve high teas, and a higher level of onboard formality.  Three vessels operate a worldwide cruise programme from the company's home port of Southampton.  However, a transatlantic crossing aboard Queen Mary 2 comes closest to evoking the golden age of the great liners.

Oceania:  Five mid-size vessels sail to more than 330 destinations worldwide, each providing a luxurious two staff to three guest onboard ratio.  Well-known must-see cities are mixed with intriguing less-frequented ports, shore visits often extending beyond an overnight, and in general allowing a more thorough and less hurried appreciation.

Paul Gauguin Cruises:  Having made its name offering small ship luxury cruises amongst the islands of French Polynesia and the South Pacific, a second vessel acquired in 2012 saw the company's programme expand to include European and Caribbean waters.  All-inclusive pricing encompasses alcoholic drinks, watersports - including diving, lectures and gratuities.

Regent Seven Seas:  Almost synonymous with six-star cruising, four mid-size ships each accommodate 700 passengers on voyages that claim to be the most inclusive available.  Unlimited excursions, cabin mini-bars together with other wines and spirits, and 24-hour room service, are all included, whilst Penthouses suites and higher grades of cabin also feature butler service. Gratuities too are pre-paid, taking one more uncomfortable variable out of the cruise equation.

Scenic Cruises:  The Rhine, Danube, Moselle and Seine, along with other great rivers of Europe, are explored by Scenic's ever expanding fleet of luxury cruisers.  Expansive cabins unconstrained by the prerequisites of ocean going marine architecture join butler service, fine dining and ever changing riverside landscapes in an increasingly popular all-inclusive up-market cruise format.

Seabourn:  Six ships accommodate between 208 and 450 passengers each in all-suite ocean view cabins (what else?)  Smaller vessels are able to include ports inaccessible to larger ships, creating more varied itineraries.  Voted 'The World's Best Small Ship Cruise Line' on more than one occasion, a staff to guest ratio of almost one to one is a strong indication of the superlative all-inclusive service level. 

SeaDream Yacht Club:  Unique flexibility is the key to SeaDreams' strategy, its Caribbean voyages sharing some aspects with private motor yacht charter - the company's two vessels each accommodating just 108 passengers in relaxed luxury.  Apart from set departures and returns, intermediate landfalls are at the ultimate discretion of the captain.  Excursions ashore often take the form of ships' officers leading the way to share personal insights. 

Silversea:  A fleet of eight ships in all-suite cabin configurations combine in a programme that includes staples such as Asia, the Caribbean, Africa and Australia as well as specialist voyages to the Galapagos and Antarctica.  The company's all-inclusive experience sees mini-bars, alcoholic drinks, room service, lectures and entertainment all covered in the initial price.

Windstar:  Lofty masts, elegant white canvas and teak decks provide an experience borrowing much from larger private yacht charters - although Windstar's fleet of six does now includes three motor vessels.  Smaller ships - 148 to a maximum of 312 passengers - in some cases mean smaller cabins.  However, shallow draughts permit access to anchorage otherwise off-limits.  Life aboard is relaxed, luxurious and without formality.

This article has been produced in association with www.talkholiday.com