The 2400-passenger Norwegian Gem is the 6th and final ship in Norwegian Cruise Line's (NCL) Jewel class, and the 13th ship in the NCL fleet. It resembles the Norwegian Pearl, which was launched in 2006. Ten of NCL's ships have been built since 1999, and this summer the cruise line will introduce its largest ship, the Norwegian Epic.

Launched in October 2007, the Norwegian Gem capitalizes on NCL's Freestyle Cruising concept, which was first introduced to the cruising public in May 2000.

Norwegian Gem Photo Courtesy of NCL

The Celebrity Solstice has some gorgeous dining venues and common areas, and its accommodations are also top notch. The ship's cabins are 15 percent larger, on average, than other Celebrity ships, and they come equipped with plenty of storage space, digital in-stateroom entertainment, and some of the nicest baths (even in the standard cabins) I've ever seen.

These 36 photos of the cabins and suites on the Celebrity Solstice show that there is something for everyone!
Celebrity Solstice Cabins and Suites

Celebrity Solstice Royal Suite Photo (c) Linda Garrison

The Wind Surf is a sailing ship, but not in the traditional sense. This ship is all modern--from her five, 164-foot-high computerized masts with 27,000 feet of sails, to the DVD players and WiFi access in each cabin, to the water sport platform aft--all of these amenities and more make for a great cruise experience. Join me for a tour of the Wind Surf.

Wind Surf Photo (c) Linda Garrison

Table Mountain is the large plateau overlooking Cape Town and the city's icon. It is flanked by Devil's Head on one end and Lion's Head on the other. Viewing Cape Town from the sea is a spectacular sight, with the city nestled at the foot of the plateau and the mountains continuing south towards Cape Point. Viewing Cape Town from the summit of Table Mountain provides the ultimate view of the city, its beaches, and Robben Island.

Table Mountain in Cape Town (c) Linda Garrison