While retaining ownership, other lines are finding ways to please the traveler seeking a second home afloat. Radisson Seven Seas' new ship, the Mariner, is completely made up of suites with balconies. Occupants will be treated to such long voyages as a 28-day South Pacific tour. Crystal's new ship will have more penthouses and verandas on 85 percent of outside staterooms and suites. The new ship will also make possible longer voyages, like the line's annual 104-day world cruises.
Some passengers keep returning to the long voyages.
After her husband's death, she decided to take a long voyage and stayed aboard for eight months. Yet she might be tempted to jump ship when Cunard's Queen Mary 2, predicted to be the widest and longest cruise ship, is launched. That journey made just five brief stops at South Pacific islands. The route of the last nine of the at-sea days came near no islands, no ships, no ocean life except some flying fish. The ship was out of TV satellite range.