They're a couple of gorgeous twins who live life to the full, pampering you at every moment. The all-day open bar, with complimentary wine, beer and spirits, also gets lovers in the mood. With just 56 staterooms and 95 crew, the attentive ambience on SeaDream is indulgent without being effusive. There's a cocktail party every night and meals (or popcorn) can be served alfresco. Stopping by day at a private beach, champagne and caviar are dished out from a surfboard in the water. Around the pool, a steward delivers your drinks, cools you with a spray of mineral water and offers to clean your sunglasses. An increasing number of Australians are choosing this line because it's a luxury experience but with a smart casual dress code and friendly, never-stuffy service.

Seabourn Odyssey

The new Odyssey will make her maiden visit to Australia in January 2010. She's more than twice the size as her sister ships and therefore loses points on intimacy, but this also means she has more nooks and crannies to find your special spot – from a poolside cabana to a double sun-bed near the bow. Staterooms are roomier and most have balconies, a walk-in wardrobe, separate shower and full-size bath, with in-suite dining available free of charge. Two outdoor spa villas, each with a private hot tub, can also be found onboard. For romance, Odyssey offers movies, dancing and dessert under the stars.

Celebrity Equinox

Although the brand new Equinox is aimed at the British, many Australian travel agents were on her preview cruise so it's likely she'll welcome a few Aussies since we're such big travellers to England. And she's certainly worth the flight. The decor is sleek, with lots of clean, chic, white and intimate spaces; a gorgeously draped martini bar; floor-toceiling windows; superbly styled restaurants; and suspended above the lobby is a ficus tree planted in a huge vase studded with hundreds of crystals. The AquaClass suites have exclusive access to the Blu dining venue and a "secret" staircase that leads to the spa deck, plus use of the Persian Garden and relaxation room. Another point of difference is the uppermost deck covered in half an acre of grass, where it's quite nice to walk barefoot. What better setting for a romantic picnic in the middle of the sea?

Silver Whisper

With its sexy Italian heritage, lashings of personal attention and impeccable hospitality, Silversea is always winning awards for best small-ship cruise line. Returning to Australian waters this season, its newest vessel, the 382-passenger Silver Whisper, has the service of a five-star hotel and the feeling of a private yacht. The all-inclusive fare includes complimentary beverages; in-suite bar fridge stocked with your preferred drinks; Bulgari toiletries; and free 24-hour room service. Owner's, Grand and Royal Suite guests enjoy dedicated butler service – they'll even unpack (and pack) your bags and prepare a bubble bath for two.

Orion

Adventure is sexy, and this Aussie explorer retains her elegance while venturing through rugged and remote regions. The fittings, furnishings and facilities are top quality, including the health spa and marble bathrooms, and there's a Jacuzzi and unisex sauna. The atmosphere is relaxed and distinctly Australian, and famous Sydney chef Serge Dansereau of The Bathers' Pavilion created the signature menus.

Honourable mentions:

- Athena, for her onboard wedding chapel, vow renewal ceremonies and gay cruises.

- Rhapsody of the Seas, for her adultsonly indoor pool and rockclimbing wall, often crawling with athletic bodies.

- Sea Cloud Hussar, an elegant, sensual ship with 28 white sails, launching early next year.

- Norwegian Epic, also launching next year, has a "love setting" that bathes your cabin in a sexy red light.

- Windstar, a tall-ship where couples can enjoy an in-room "romance dinner" of aphrodisiac foods such as sun-dried love apples and chantilly cream. - MSC Splendida, for the crystal staircase, lush pile carpet, and L'Aurea del Mare massage using pink clam shells.

Louise Goldsbury is the editor of Cruise Weekly, available FREE to all cruise lovers in Australia and New Zealand. Sign up at www.cruiseweekly.com.au