SeaDream takes the "Yacht" part of its name seriously; if you want a very personalized cruise experience with a captain and crew who go out of their way to accommodate special requests, this is it. About the experience: Picture yourself floating in the gin-clear turquoise waters off a picture-perfect beach in the North Sound, Virgin Gorda, BVI. You've been enjoying the sun and surf for a while when suddenly, you're hungry and thirsty; as if on cue, a portable bar--actually a surfboard--appears, along with two attendants serving caviar and champagne. Only the Caribbean sun is shining brighter than your smile.

#2 Oceania Cruises. We continually hear rave reviews from members about Oceania for its excellent crew and elegant-yet-unpretentious atmosphere. About the experience: You're at an open-air market in the Mediterranean with a Master Chef--and a few other passengers from the new ship, the Marina--in search of the choicest seafood. Back on board, you'll use what you bought in a cooking class focused on regional cuisine at the Bon Appétit Culinary Center, the world's only hands-on culinary studio at sea. Bon voyage, and bon appétit! Member-only perk: $100 - $200 in shipboard credit on select sailings.

#3 Star Clippers. A voyage on a Star Clippers reproduction clipper ship will inspire you; the line's fully-rigged sailing ships are so small, you can easily interact with the captain, crew, and your fellow passengers, usually a very international bunch. About the experience: After a relaxing afternoon spent lounging in the safety net around the bowsprit, watching dolphins playing in the frothy bow waves, you'll join in the nightly ritual of raising the sails to catch the evening breeze, and then climb the rigging to the crow's nest for an incomparable horizon-to-horizon sunset view. Life is good!

The Rest of the List
We have even more unexpected cruise experiences to share with you; here's a sneak peek:

See all of Hideaways' Top 7 Unexpected Cruise Experiences now. Hideaways Cruise Specialists are available (toll-free: 800-843-4433) to help identify the perfect cruise line, ship, and itinerary for members of the Hideaways Aficionado Club.