My DH and I have been on Radisson and Windstar cruises. We would love to cruise with our 5-year old too, but don't really want to do the mainstream cruises. Here's what we like:
* Great Food
* Open Seating
* Wine, Beer & Tips included
* Balconies
* Moderately sized ships for ease of embarkation, tendering, etc.
* Other similar families and kids
* Good value for $$$$

Does this exist? If so, please tell me of your experiences.

I doubt you can find a cruise line to match all of the above. You need to sacrifice something. It is either a mass market cruise line for family with kids, or luxury cruise line for adults.

Spurs has a point. Your description fits Regent(Radisson) and Silversea but I don't expect to find children aboard. Crystal does not have open seating or liquor and tips included but has a children's program. The kids I saw aboard were very well behaved. The dedicated area is small but since the kids are fewer than on the mass market lines, the kids get very personalized attention. Remember that there will be few if any children on an exotic cruise so take your child on a shorter more close to home cruise.

I think that many of Regent's Alaska sailings in the summer may have children's programs. Look for one of the "kids sail free" specials in Alaska for other families.

Sometimes there are children on Regent cruises and the ones we've cruised with were very well behaved. One young boy about 5 did a couple of segments on the World Cruise and 2 other older children (10 & 12) did the entire 4 month World Cruise in 2007 and were home schooled on board.

In addition to offering their youth program on Alaska sailings, Regent Seven Seas sometimes puts together a Club Mariner program when enough children are booked on a sailing to warrant it.

For instance, we sailed to Bermuda on Seven Seas Navigator a few years ago and counselors were brought aboard to operate a Club Mariner program for the 50 children sailing that week. We rarely saw the children and when we did they were well-behaved. It was quite impressive. Additionally, Regent installed temporary safety netting on the balconies where families with youngsters were accommodated.

Unfortunately, unless you select a sailing that has a Club Mariner program pre-scheduled, or happen to book a cruise that a large number of other families have also booked, there will be no program.

I've seen children on Silversea cruises, but not many and they were usually infants or toddlers. The occasional older child usually appeared to be bored stiff.

Since you've been on Windstar, I'm sure you realize how inappropriate their cruises are for your 5-year old.

I hope that helps.

Linda

Thanks for your replies. I figured as much but thought maybe there was some magical cruise line I hadn't heard of!

There's always Disney and I don't suggest it facetiously. We don't have kids, yet my husband and I enjoyed a cruise on Disney Magic enormously.

Disney Cruise Line is a premium product with lovely accommodations and they have one of the nicest spas of all the mainstream cruise lines. The adults-only lounges, pool, and alternative restaurant are superb.

There are a few options that would cover most if not all of these needs - i know you asked this a while ago but others might find this usefull. Luxury lines would be Silversea, regent, Crystal, Seabourn have a look at http://www.cruise.co.uk/cruise-lines/luxury-cruises/
for reviews, photos

Just because it says Disney, I would not rule them out. We went on a 4 day Disney Cruise a few years ago with my children and my parents. My parents have been on most of the major cruise lines. They were shocked at how much they enjoyed all aspects of the the Disney Cruise.

My wife and I are typical cruise ship fans. In fact, to this point two Disney Cruises are the only two cruises we've done. We've stayed at our fair share on high end hotels and resorts. I thought the food on the Disney cruise was very good and was more than pleasantly surprised by the staff and our room.

Needless to say, our kids loved it.

They recently added two new ships so their itineraries options have expanded.