small ship cruise

The 18 best small cruise ships sailing the world

In a world where gigantic megaships draw all the attention, I've always found small ships to be the best.

I've sailed on more than 125 cruise ships of all sizes, but my favorites have never been the big "floating resorts."

I'm drawn to the intimacy and instant community that develops between a small number of passengers and crew cruising together. I enjoy the serenity of small-ship cruising, with no lines to wait in or crowds to contend with on board.

I also gravitate to the off-beat itineraries small ships offer because they focus on unusual and remote places that only small vessels can access.

Who needs the bustling Caribbean when you can explore Svalbard, a Norwegian archipelago in the Arctic Ocean; lesser-known Greek Islands like Skopelos and Skiathos; French Polynesia; or the Galapagos Islands?

For cruise news, reviews and tips, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

People often ask me which are the best small ship cruises, and that question is difficult to answer.

The new high-tech expedition ships, outfitted with the latest hardware and design touches, are incredibly appealing. However, I also adore certain older small ships for their heritage and atmosphere.

Of course, the best small ship for you may depend on where you wish to sail and whether you're looking for a relaxing yacht-like experience or a rugged adventure.

If you're like me and find that bigger isn't always better, this list is for you. Here are 18 of the world's best ocean-going small cruise ships, both older and new. Each carries fewer than 400 passengers and all are ideal for your next intimately sized travel adventure.

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance

How small? 128 passengers. Best for: Gadget-loving adventurers.

Lindblad Expeditions has been a leader in small-ship expedition cruising since 1966 when company founder Lars-Eric Lindblad pioneered expeditions to Antarctica, Easter Island and the Galapagos.

Today, the line's fleet of small ships explores nearly the entire planet, always with an impressive lineup of experts and photographers along for the ride.

Lindblad's newest 128-passenger ships, National Geographic Resolution (2021) and National Geographic Endurance (2020), were built for hard-core exploration in the polar regions they call home.

They sport a striking X-bow design (an inverted ship bow design for fuel efficiency), a polar class rating of PC 5 Category A (a notch above most Antarctica cruise ships), and a dynamic positioning system that keeps the ships hovering quietly in place.

Passengers can utilize each ship's fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks and stash of snowshoes and cross-country skis that aid in exploration.

High-tech toys, such as a remotely operated vehicle and underwater video camera, hydrophone, remote-controlled aerial camera and video microscope, allow guests to view footage of undersea life wherever the ships may be.

The ships also feature a gym, yoga studio, spa, ocean-view saunas, library and two dining venues. On deck, two infinity hot tubs offer amazing views.

All cabins are outward-facing (and 12 are single cabins, a rarity) with an "expedition command center" that includes a tablet, multiple electrical and USB outlets, a TV, a barometer and a National Geographic Atlas.

Cruise fare covers wine and spirits, excursions and excursion gear.

Related: These are the best Antarctica cruise ships

SeaDream Yacht Club: SeaDream I and II

How small? 112 passengers. Best for: Yacht enthusiasts seeking the sun.

SeaDream Yacht Club 's 40-year-old ships may not be new, but they're still some of the prettiest classic luxury yachts afloat. Suites don't have balconies. However, they're spacious, recently refurbished, and feature wood details that evoke a classic nautical feel.

What the ships lack in modern touches, they make up for in experience and service. The food is excellent and served both on the romantic outdoor decks and inside the cozy restaurant.

The line's iconic weekly beach barbecue on a remote stretch of sand, complete with Champagne and caviar in the surf, is a cruise highlight on all itineraries. An open bar contributes to the social atmosphere on board, and watersports from a stern marina when conditions are right are a great perk for active travelers.

The SeaDream twins winter in the Caribbean and summer in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe and Scandinavia.

Related: Why it's easier to meet new people on a smaller cruise ship

Sea Cloud Cruises: Sea Cloud I

How small? 64 passengers. Best for: History buffs and sailing ship lovers.

The one-of-a-kind, four-masted Sea Cloud was originally commissioned as a private luxury yacht by multi-millionaire Wall Street titan E. F. Hutton in 1931. Hutton's extravagant heiress and businesswoman wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post, oversaw the ship's interior design, outfitting it in marble, mahogany and gold-plated fixtures.

After passing through various owners, Sea Cloud I has spent the last several decades offering casually elegant windjammer cruises to old-ship lovers from Europe and North America.

Passengers choose from 10 original cabins, including Post's own suite with its Louis XIV–style bed and nightstands, marble fireplace and bathroom, chandeliers and intricate moldings.

Sea Cloud winters in the Caribbean and summers in Mediterranean, visiting the Greek Islands, Italy and the Canary Islands.

Related: Big vs small cruise ships: Which will I like better?

UnCruise Adventures: Wilderness Legacy

How small? 90 passengers. Best for: Sporty cruisers who love quirky ships.

Constructed in 1983, UnCruise Adventures ' Wilderness Legacy is truly a one-of-a-kind quirky ship. Its throw-back style exterior harkens back to a 20th-century steamboat.

The ship attracts a loyal fan base thanks to its roomy size and cabins that open onto covered promenade decks (rather than a central interior corridor). It even features a hot tub on deck and an elevator, a rarity on older small adventure ships like this.

The portable, custom-made "sea dragon" platform at the stern makes for easy access to kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming, activities popular with UnCruise's sporty fans. The adventurous can also enjoy hiking, bushwhacking and cycling in some ports.

Fares include everything from wine, beer and spirits to daily excursions.

The largest ship in the UnCruise fleet and built for coastal cruising, Wilderness Legacy spends its time in Alaska's Inside Passage and Glacier Bay National Park, as well as on the Columbia and Snake rivers.

Related: The best Alaska cruises for every type of traveler

Star Clippers: Royal Clipper

How small? 227 passengers. Best for: Sailing enthusiasts with a penchant for the past.

Star Clippers' handsome five-masted tall ship Royal Clipper is considered the largest square rigger in service. Modeled after the great 1902 German clipper Preussen, the ship is a real throwback, with lots of wood and brass features and nautical-style elements.

Royal Clipper also has impressive modern niceties for a ship of its size, including three small pools and an aft marina for easy access to complimentary water sports. It also offers a small gym and spa.

In the winter, Royal Clipper island hops around the Caribbean, sailing round trip from Barbados to some of the lesser-known islands. During the summer, it cruises the Mediterranean along the French and Italian rivieras and explores the coast of Croatia and the Canary Islands.

Windstar Cruises: Wind Star and Wind Spirit

How small? 148 passengers. Best for: Romantics and foodies.

Windstar Cruises ' 148-passenger four-masted motorized yachts are beloved for their upscale yet casual sailing vibe and great food in partnership with the James Beard Foundation.

Standing on deck when the sails are unfurled is one of the more romantic moments you'll likely experience on any ship.

The expansive wooden sun decks on Wind Star and Wind Spirit make you want to be on topside as much as possible to enjoy the yachting life. Each has multiple dining options, both indoor and on deck, including a weekly barbecue on deck under the stars.

Both have a stern marina for easy access to water sports like kayaking and paddle boarding.

The cozy cabins aren't huge, but they are well-appointed with wood details and nautical flair. Suites are a combination of two cabins.

Windstar offers both cruise-only and all-inclusive fares. You can build an a la carte vacation or pay upfront for an easy trip that includes an open bar, unlimited Wi-Fi and included crew gratuities.

Wind Spirit is stationed in the islands of French Polynesia, sailing year-round out of Tahiti through February 2024. Wind Star is its globe-trotting sister, focusing mostly on the Greek Islands in the summer and Costa Rica and Panama in the winter.

Related: The 2 classes of Windstar ships, explained

Ponant: L'Austral

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­How small? 264 passengers (200 in Antarctica). Best for: Chic Francophile foodies.

Ponant has been busy launching six new ships in its impressive Explorers series. However, L'Austral (with sister ships Le Boreal, Le Soleal and Le Lyrial) is my favorite ship in the fleet.

Why? L'Austral is the ideal size for a small ship — intimate but still large enough for amenities such as a gym, spa and show lounge.

Its gorgeous tiered stern decks feature a lovely outdoor pool area at the back of Deck 6 with a perfect stretch of deck for sunbathing and scenery watching and an open-air bar above for stunning views.

With Ponant's French pedigree, it's not surprising that food is a cut above, especially the desserts, cheeses and wine. I had the best chocolate mousse of my life on L'Austral. Dine outdoors on the pool deck or in the elegant indoor restaurant. Enhance your evening with complimentary wine (mostly French), Charles Heidsieck Champagne, beer and spirits.

L'Austral explores both polar regions and spends time in the Mediterranean, cruising along the coast of Croatia and around the smaller, less touristy Greek Islands like Amorgos, Milos and Delos.

Emerald Cruises: Emerald Azzurra

How small? ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­100 passengers. Best for: Travelers seeking intimate luxury.

Emerald Cruises' new Emerald Azzurra (and soon-to-debut sister Emerald Sakara) is one of the smallest luxury cruise ships afloat and a good choice for travelers who want something more intimate than what Silversea or Seabourn offer.

The ship's six gleaming white-tiered decks sport a futuristic pyramid-like profile that turns heads when it arrives in port.

Emerald Azzurra features a watersports platform at the stern for convenient access to kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and riding SEABOBs (electric underwater scooter-like jet skis). Inside, you can avail of a small gym and spa.

Choose from open-air and indoor dining for your meals. Wine and spirits are included, so take advantage of two impressive outdoor spots for a drink and stunning views — the Sky Bar at the top of the ship and the chic infinity pool at the stern of Deck 3, adjacent to a lounge and cafe.

Itineraries focus on the Mediterranean during the summer, with mostly one- to two-week cruises that call on ports along the coasts of Croatia, Albania, Italy, France, Turkey and the Greek Islands. It spends the winters in the Caribbean.

Explore these destinations in depth with included excursions.

Scenic Cruises: Scenic Eclipse

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­How small? 228 passengers (200 in polar regions). Best for: Design fans with wanderlust.

An impressively kitted-out expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse has an ice-strengthened hull with a C6 rating suited for polar cruising, including navigating the Northwest Passage. High-tech features include a GPS dynamic positioning system to maintain a location without dropping anchor.

The Australia-based line's debut into ocean cruising had Scenic Eclipse drawing attention with impressive additions like a pair of six-passenger helicopters and a five-passenger submarine (both offered at an additional cost), as well as kayaks, zodiacs and e-bikes. (Sister Scenic Eclipse II is set to debut soon.)

The ship's sleek angled silhouette makes for a handsome profile. The eye-catching interior is sophisticated, with a stark black, gray and beige color palette, lovely wood details, white Carrara marble surfaces and bold art.

Passengers can enjoy a relatively large spa and fitness area, plus multiple dining venues, including Asian, Japanese, French and Continental restaurants. Wine and spirits are included in the fare.

While small luxury ships typically have fancy owners' suites, the pair of top accommodations on Scenic Eclipse is on another level. Each measures over 2,000 square feet with a huge forward-facing teak-lined terrace, complete with a large whirlpool tub.

Scenic Eclipse cruises to nearly every corner of the world, including French Polynesia and the Pacific Islands, Australia, the Indonesian archipelago and Antarctica. The cruise fare includes excursions.

Related: These cruises cost $30,000 and have no set itinerary. Here's what to expect

Silversea Cruises: Silver Endeavour

How small? ­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­200 passengers. Best for: Intrepid travelers who demand the utmost luxury.

Silversea Cruises is a pro at luxury small-ship cruising — the line has been at it for more than 30 years. With Silver Endeavour, it achieves the perfect mix of ultra-luxury surroundings with tough-as-nails expedition hardware for its focus on polar cruising.

On board, many rooms are veranda suites measuring 356 square feet (including a private balcony), all with marble baths. The largest Grand and Owner's suites are massive multi-room affairs with huge private verandas. The passenger-to-crew ratio is one-to-one; service is excellent.

For dining, there are four main restaurants, including an Italian and a French-inspired venue. The Grill is an eatery enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass for the best views in the house.

There's an impressive spa, salon and gym with panoramic ocean views and several lounges for drinks (always included) and lectures.

Near the well-stocked library is the Expedition Study, where the 20-member expedition team is accessible for questions. Outdoor deck space includes the forward-facing bow area with an outdoor hot tub.

With its PC6 ice-class rating, Silver Endeavour spends November through April in Antarctica and the rest of the year in the Arctic, including Greenland, Arctic Canada, Iceland and Norway. Excursions are always complimentary.

Related: The best luxury cruise lines for elegance and exclusivity

Seabourn: Seabourn Venture

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­How small? 264 passengers. Best for: Travelers with high standards for luxury and special itineraries.

Seabourn 's new Seabourn Venture (and upcoming sister Seabourn Pursuit) are on par with Silver Endeavour and Scenic Eclipse when it comes to pairing top-of-the-line luxury and pampering with incredible itineraries.

Elegant interiors include a main restaurant, several lounges and bars where drinks are all included, a plush lecture hall, a cafe for coffee and snacks, and spacious balcony suites that start from 355 square feet (including the balcony).

The windowed fitness center and spa area includes an ocean-view sauna and the infinity pool at the back of Deck 5 boasts killer views.

Not just a pretty ship, Seabourn Venture is tough, built to PC6 Polar Class standards for a focus on expedition cruising in the polar regions. The ship carries two submarines, as well as a fleet of double sea kayaks and 24 Zodiacs that can accommodate all guests at once.

Seabourn's large expedition team leads daily complimentary excursions, such as Zodiac sightseeing tours, shore walks, hikes, snorkeling and kayak outings. Also, accomplished guest lecturers give onboard talks.

Like Silver Endeavour, Seabourn Venture will spend the year in the polar regions, with long repositioning cruises in between, such as a 51-day Antarctica, Atlantic and Northwest Africa voyage from Buenos Aires to Malaga, Spain.

Related: The 5 best destinations you can visit on a Seabourn cruise ship

Atlas Ocean Voyages: World Navigator

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­How small? 196 passengers. Best for: Travelers craving luxury and lots of open deck space.

World Navigator is a deluxe expedition ship sporting a 1B Ice Class-certified hull and the latest technologies, such as a GPS-based dynamic position system to minimize movement and noise.

Multiple dining options include the main restaurant with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the ship's wake and a steakhouse on the Lido Deck. For cocktails, head to either of two piano bars, the Dome Observation Lounge or the Atlas Lounge, just outside the lecture theatre.

The Atlas Ocean Voyages ship has terrific outdoor spots for remarkable views (not hogged by a helipad or stern and aft suite balconies), including a close-to-the-water spot on Deck 5 forward and a "secret" arc of deck on Deck 6 aft.

You can also take in the scenery from the ship's shallow pool and two adjacent hot tubs.

Don't miss the spa, even if you don't book a massage. It features an appealing seating area facing the sea and an ocean-view sauna. Walkers and joggers keep fit on the top-of-ship track.

World Navigator's itineraries focus on the polar regions, but the ship visits Europe and the Canary Islands while repositioning.

Landings and Zodiac safaris are included on Antarctica cruises, but excursions are not included on other itineraries. All non-polar cruises offered from April through October are called Epicurean Expeditions (with one complimentary wine- or food-focused experience per cruise).

American Queen Voyages: Ocean Victory

­­­­­­­­­­­­­­­How small? 186 passengers. Best for: In-depth Alaska cruises for nature lovers.

Newcomer Ocean Victory is large for a small cruise ship, which allows it to offer more on its Alaska expeditions.

Its sizable expedition team, which can number 18 on select voyages, comprises seasoned authorities in a wide range of fields, such as geology, whale communications and photography. Team members lead complimentary excursions on sea kayaks and 18 Zodiacs so passengers can experience glaciers, icebergs and wildlife up close.

In place of an observation bow with direct views of the water, as many similar ships offer, Victory has a pair of viewing platforms on each side of the ship, thanks to its distinctive X-bow design. These platforms are cantilevered directly over the water for great views of bergy bits and potential marine life.

The American Queen Voyages ship offers three dining venues, plus multiple bars and lounges (drinks are included in your fare).

Like any good expedition ship, Ocean Victory has one lounge dedicated to lectures with large flat screens to view presentations. You'll find an ocean-view fitness center, a small spa and an outdoor pool with two hot tubs.

Ocean Victory's 11- and 12-night Alaska cruises depart between May and September. The ship sails between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Sitka, Alaska. It visits destinations such as Frederick Sound, Endicott Arm, Tracy Arm, the Waterfall Coast (Gut Bay), Misty Fjords National Monument and Fiordland (Kynoch Inlet) in Canada's Inside Passage.

Your fare includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay.

In winter, Ocean Victory sails in Antarctica for Albatros Expeditions.

Related: Looking for nature and adventure on an Alaska cruise? Choose a smaller ship

Swan Hellenic: SH Vega

How small? 152 passengers. Best for: Cruisers looking for unique itineraries including Africa and South America.

Swan Hellenic's compact, well-laid-out SH Vega is built for expedition cruising with a PC5 ice-strengthened hull.

The interior has a contemporary, Scandinavian-inspired low-key design ethos. SH Vega is nearly identical to its younger sister, Minerva. The third, slightly larger sibling Diana is set to debut in May.

When returning from a frigid Antarctica excursion, you will appreciate the fireplaces (yes, that's right) built into the walls of all cabins. They're electric but quite realistic, with flames and crackling sounds.

When the weather's good, skip the main restaurant and eat at the buffet, which is set up at the back of Deck 7, adjacent to the attractive (and heated) infinity swimming pool. Vega also has a small gym and a spa with an ocean-view sauna.

The expansive Observation Lounge takes up most of Deck 7 and is the spot for expedition lectures. Thirteen Zodiacs and eight kayaks take guests on water adventures and ashore.

Don't miss the little observation point called the Swan's Nest all the way forward on Deck 6. You play out your Jack and Rose fantasies there.

SH Vega cruises the Arctic region (visiting Greenland, Iceland and northern Canada), South America, the coast of Africa (including South Africa, Namibia and Angola) and the Antarctic Peninsula.

Cruise fare includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay and one excursion in each port.

Viking Cruises: Viking Octantis

How small? 378 passengers. Best for: Expedition cruisers with an academic bent.

Among the larger ships on our list, Viking 's new 378-passenger Viking Octantis (along with sister Viking Polaris) was designed to explore the polar regions with some pretty cool features, including a large two-level garage called the Hangar.

Inside are not only Zodiacs and kayaks but a pair of six-passenger submarines and military-grade speed used to shuttle cruisers on excursions.

The ship is equipped for scientific inquiry with a remote-controlled underwater robot, baited underwater camera and a FerryBox system for collecting water samples, which you can view under a microscope in the ship's science lab. Weather balloons are released on every cruise to capture info on temperature, humidity and wind speed.

For decidedly less academic pursuits, Viking Octantis has a fitness center and a spa that includes a lovely indoor pool with sea views, plus a sauna, snow grotto (with snowflakes descending gently from the ceiling through chilled air) and outdoor spa tub.

Four dining options include Manfredi's Italian and several attractive lounges, such as the windowed Aula auditorium for lectures.

Viking Octantis spends part of the year in Antarctica and the rest of the year cruising the Great Lakes and Canada, with a handful of repositioning cruises in between.

Planning a cruise? Start with these stories:

• The 5 most desirable cabin locations on any cruise ship
• A beginners guide to picking a cruise line
• The 8 worst cabin locations on any cruise ship
• The ultimate guide to what to pack for a cruise
• A quick guide to the most popular cruise lines
• 21 tips and tricks that will make your cruise go smoothly
• 15 ways cruisers waste money
• The ultimate guide to choosing a cruise ship cabin

Emergency Banner Component

Small Ship Cruising

A collection of treasures... our small ship cruises feature cultural journeys and expeditionary cruises that explore the world's most intriguing ports of call, with exclusive travel experiences ashore that take you the heart and soul of the world's most amazing destinations.

• Expeditions
• Cultural Journeys

• ITINERARIES

Welcome to Small Ship Cruising

Small is big aboard our small ship cruises. Experience uncommon access that gets right to the heart and soul of a destination... sail to some of the world's most beautiful ports of call as you seek out hidden harbors and island getaways where big ships don't go... and delight in moments both at sea and ashore as you experience rich cultures and indescribable exotic lands.

Small ship cultural journeys are a gateway to a collection of treasures..., culturally inspired cruising fuels the imagination....

Cultural journeys aboard our small ship cruises evoke golden sand beaches, vineyards bucolic with lemon trees, olives and vines, lavender fields fragrant from afar, limestone caves and rocky mounts, sculpted in time... Past is present in architectural artistry, fortified towns and terra cotta tableaus that play out in palaces and promenades steeped in history... in places immortalized with nature's colorful brush, where masterfully crafted wines were made to sip and savor, traditions toasted and tales fondly shared... where you become part of the stories, past and present, that make your cruise memories last lifetimes.

Expeditionary Cruises: Exhilarating adventures in unseen worlds...

Expeditionary cruises to exotic locations, from the sea to the shore....

The first maritime expeditions date back millennia when explorers in dugout canoes and sailing boats plied the seas to untraveled destinations. While the expeditionary ships you'll sail aboard with Tauck are modern in every way, the remote ports where you will cast anchor are timeless still. Imagine setting foot on an equatorial beach teeming with wildlife found nowhere else in the world. Or navigating ice floes to stand on the ethereal seventh continent. Come aboard our expeditionary cruises and get ready to check off bucket list experiences other travelers only dream of.

Treasures of the Mediterranean Isles

Designed to inspire

Cruise the azure waters of the Mediterranean, where we launched our first small ship cruise in 1993

And 30 years later, a new voyage of cultural exploration as you chart a course through the Mediterranean Isles on a thoughtfully reimagined itinerary that sets the standard for a new era aboard a Ponant ship designed for intimate cruising. Explore Elba, steeped in Napoleonic tales; cast anchor off of Corsica, a jet-setter's paradise; step ashore in two different ports of call in Sicily, enticing with antiquities and stunning vistas; experience Sardinia, culturally rich with prehistoric sites; and make history in Malta where the Knights of Malta left a living legacy gilded in gold and silver.

View Cruise

Journey Collection

Experience Small Ship Cruising

Search Again

{{ title }}

{{shortDescription}}

{{longDescription}}

{{priceFrom}}

From Price, Per Person

Price shown is the lowest price per person, double, on most journeys.

No Tours Match Your Room Configuration

Itinerary Related Content

Take a look below for other tours

Please enter a valid search term

No results found for “ ”.

Make sure your words are spelled correctly or use less or different words.

We can't find any itineraries that match your departure date. Try broadening your search by choosing a different year or month.

The keyword's results do not contain the selected date. Please reset the date filter or choose a different date.

Featured River, Small Ship and Land Journeys

Small is big... onboard and ashore.

Smaller ships mean bigger experiences. Our small ships are big on individualized service, special touches and comfort, making you feel like a welcomed guest the moment you come aboard. Intimate spaces invite conversation or quiet contemplation as you like. Whether you're inside your cabin or out on your deck, ocean views beckon with adventures yet to come.

Because of the size of our ships, we're not restricted to commercial routes or large ports. We're free to follow the fish, not the fleets. We dock in places where you can get lost in the moment and not in a crowd. We delight in sharing spontaneous moments, up-close discoveries, personal connections and unforgettable treasures, making each moment memorable and uniquely yours. At Tauck, small is big... and the best way to make your cruise so much more than you ever expected.

Guest Favorites in Small Ship Cruising

Explore the world aboard our cultural journeys and expeditionary cruises; discover the windswept landscapes of the Shetland and Orkney archipelagos, Alaska's spectacular glacial treasures, the dramatic scenery of the volcanic island of Iceland, and timeless secrets along the Adriatic Coast. Share spontaneous moments, up-close discoveries, personal connections and unforgettable treasures – making each moment memorable and uniquely yours.

Venice & the dalmatian coast, legendary scottish isles, edinburgh & glasgow, iceland: land of fire and ice, alaska's inside passage, traveling with tauck, uncommon access.

Enjoy exclusive, personal travel experiences that help you discover the true essence of your destination

Sophisticated Intimate Ambiance

A warm welcome and intimate ambiance awaits aboard Tauck's family of small ship partners

Travel In Good Company

Travel with Tauck Directors who take every moment of your vacation personally

All-Inclusive Cruising

Everything you need to experience the best of land and sea with Tauck is included...

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

• Destinations
• Antarctica & the Arctic
• Australia & New Zealand
• Israel & Jordan
• Latin America
• United States
• Tours & Cruises
• Exclusive Partnership
• Family Journeys
• Guest Favorites
• River Cruises
• Small Groups
• Small Ship Cruises
• Awards and Accolades
• Our History
• Tauck Impact
• The Tauck Difference
• The Taucker Blog
• About Tauck
• Media Center
• Tutorial Video
• Agent Connect
• Register Your Agency
• General Information
• Group Bookings
• Newsletter Sign Up
• Order an eGift Card
• Request a Brochure
• Tauck Forums
• Travel and Health
• Travel Protection
• Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

• CruiseMapper
• Cruise Lines

Small Cruise Lines

History, review, itineraries, ships, deck plans, news.

•   Fleet
•   Review
•   Itinerary
•   News

Small Cruise Lines fleet

Storylines mv narrative, orient express corinthian, mv magellan discoverer, ms utopia residences, ocean residences my njord, clydebuilt ms dark island, aranui aramana, ocean albatros, ecoventura mv evolve galapagos, mv janssonius, sylvia earle, island escape yacht, sea cloud spirit, coral geographer, review of small cruise lines.

Small ship cruise deals offer expedition-style travel in some of the most pristine regions of the world. Most of these deals are all-inclusive packages that include pre- and post-cruise hotels, all transfers (including domestic flights), and often even both international flights to and from the destination country.

Small ship cruise travel is the best (often the only) way to explore more exotic vacation destinations. You won't find much in the way of theater productions or casinos, but that leaves room for educational pursuits. Small ships commonly organize enrichment seminars on everything - from local culture to photography. Sometimes local performers (historians, dancers, and musicians) are welcome on board to entertain.

Small ships go into the smaller ports - often inaccessible for big-sized vessels . This allows "expedition travelers" to experience the local people, culture and traditions of the destinations, and not only the tourist areas. This "intimate travel" experience includes viewing the wildlife up close, getting to know the crew and forming a bond with fellow passengers. Small ships, by definition, are with a way smaller passenger capacity , so you'll likely meet the same people over and over on a daily basis.

Still, the biggest advantage of small-ship vacations is flexibility. Booking availability is usually great, so picking your departure date is easier. Not to forget the choice of unique itineraries on which are navigated the world's most pristine destinations, including narrow fjords, remote islands, even inland waterways.

Small-ship cruising experiences don't include traditional for large liners amenities - like multiple dining venues, grand-style shows, kids programming. However, enjoying a personalized vacation while cruising the world on a "boat" is usually not recommended for first-timers and in the same time is best for affluent and more active travelers - as the money must not be an issue.

Small cruise lines

This is a list of the world's most popular small-ship cruise companies. Again, there should be also added river shipping companies, the largest among which are Viking , Uniworld , Avalon Waterways , AmaWaterways , CroisiEurope , Emerald Waterways , Scylla , Luftner-Amadeus .

Alaskan Dream Cruises ( fleet , AlaskanDreamCruises.com) is Allen family-owned company (founded 1970) operating Inside Passage itineraries - wilderness adventures on small-sized expedition ships. Its ships also visit exclusive ports of call in Alaska, including native-owned lands and a private island. Cruise prices are around USD 600 pp per night.

Aurora Expeditions ( fleet , AuroraExpeditions.com.au) is among the pioneers of polar expedition cruising, as well as a leading adventure travel company on the Australian market. The company was established in 1991 by Greg Mortimer (one of the first Australians to climb Mt Everest without oxygen) and his wife Margaret Mortimer. The company initially specialized in small-group cruises to Antarctica. In 2008 it was sold and the new owners started expedition voyages in Norway's Svalbard Islands , Russia's Far East, Greenland, PNG-Papua New Guinea, and South America (on Amazon River). In 2014 were inaugurated Alaskan Inside Passage itineraries and also launched land-river-sea expeditions in Ecuador (northwestern South America). In 2015 was launched an African cruisetour with a luxury safari cruise on Chobe River (Botswana). For polar operations, Aurora Expeditions charters ice-strengthened Russian research ships.

Coral Expeditions ( fleet , CoralExpeditions.com) is among the best for South Pacific Islands cruises. Each vessel has a high-speed tender boat and Zodiacs for landings.

International Expeditions (TUI-owned) and Metropolitan Touring are among the best choices for Galapagos Islands. Metropolitan Touring's Galapagos ships are larger compared to most of the yachts deployed in this region.

"Island Windjammers" owns sailing ships on Caribbean island itineraries year-round.

Variety Cruises ( fleet ) owns superyachts (motorized and sailing) and operates in the Mediterranean Sea, West Africa, Indian Ocean, Central America.

Katarina Line (Croatia-based) also operates as an international travel booking agency for other lines. Katarina owns around 40 small-sized ships and yachts in the region of Adriatic Sea (Dalmatian Coast). Each of the ships can be fully chartered.

"Peregrine Adventures" is among the best lines in Antarctica. The itineraries are with regular roundtrip departures from Argentina (Ushuaia) and Chile (Punta Arenas), with a duration between 8 and 20 days. Among the visited destinations are Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, Falkland Islands, South Sandwich Islands. Deals are inclusive of hotels and all transfers. Fly cruise deals include departures from Buenos Aires. International flights are not included in the fares.

Noble Caledonia ( fleet , UK-based) operates chartered riverboats and owns two ships.

Quasar Expeditions (QuasarEx.com) is another major player on the luxury Galapagos cruising market. The company provides professional naturalists, and most of the tours (kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, walking, hiking) are included in the fares.

"Aggressor Fleet" owns an impressive number of smaller luxury yachts and operates in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Galapagos, Southeast Asia, Red Sea, Maldives, also in the South Pacific Ocean.

G Adventures (Gadventures.com) is a Galapagos cruise line brand. In July 2017, it acquired the UK-based company Swan Hellenic. G-Adventures restarted Swan Hellenic's operations in 2018. The company owns the MS Expedition (ice-strengthened vessel).

"Pearl Seas Cruises" operates in USA (Great Lakes), Canada (Canadian Maritimes) and also in the Caribbean. On January 23, 2017, started the first cruise to Cuba from Port Everglades (Fort Lauderdale Florida). The 10-day itinerary visited Havana plus other Cuban ports. In 2017, the 210-passenger ship Pearl Mist had 11 voyages from Fort Lauderdale to Cuba (January through April), plus more scheduled for winter season 2017-2018.

The following companies have their individual pages at CruiseMapper. Each of them provides top-quality, small ship cruising experiences on comparably larger vessels.

• American Cruise Lines is famous for having large paddlewheel ships deployed on the US rivers Mississippi, Snake and Columbia. Other ACL ships cruise in Alaska also along the East Coast USA and Canada, Hudson River, and on Florida inland waterways.
• Grand Circle Cruise Line owns riverboats (operating in Europe and Asia) and also ocean ships. Its deals are inclusive of all tours, onboard lectures, local gourmet food specialties.
• Hurtigruten , along with its regular (year-round operated) Norwegian coastal itineraries also operates in the regions of the European Arctic and Antarctica. Unique tours in Europe offered by Hurtigruten are Northern Lights, Spitsbergen, polar circle landings (Greenland).
• Lindblad Expeditions has an exclusive partnership with National Geographic. The experience features wildlife watching on kayaks and Zodiacs, and complimentary tours lead by National Geographic naturalists.
• Quark Expeditions is the leading Antarctica cruise line.
• SeaDream Yacht Club has two superyachts operating in the Mediterranean (summer) and Caribbean (winter). Deals are fully all-inclusive.
• Silversea Expeditions operates a small fleet cruising in Alaska, Asia, Indian Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Galapagos. Deals are fully all-inclusive.
• Star Clippers owns tall-sailing ships (clippers) and operates in the Caribbean and Europe (Mediterranean). Deals are inclusive of marina-based sports (kayaking, wind sailing, waterskiing).
• Windstar Cruises provides some of the best "top luxury" products on the small cruising market. All boats are relatively bigger and with aft marina platforms.
• Un-Cruise Adventures is among the best Alaskan small-ship lines. During winter, its boats are repositioned to Hawaii, Baja Mexico, USA Northwest Coast. The steamer SS Legacy is cruising in the USA, on Snake and Columbia rivers.
• Oceanwide Expeditions (Oceanwide-Expeditions.com) operates ice-strengthened ships in Antarctica and the European Arctic.

Itinerary of Small Cruise Lines

Since small ship cruising deals are mainly provided by riverboats, you can also see an extensive list of river cruise lines ships at CruiseMapper's River Cruises hub. CruiseMapper is tracking cruises on rivers in Europe, USA, Russia, and Asia as both itineraries and prices. It additionally provides lines reviews, along with information on major inland waterways and best-rated river travel destinations around the world.

Below you can see destination-grouped lists of small cruise ships. All ship links (in the "Fleet" section) provide information on itineraries, prices, deck plans and cabins, general vessel details, a concise history, as well as live AIS current position ship tracking.

In this survey, we use all Silversea 's official YouTube video releases. Each of those is add-free and will give you a "real-life" review of the destination's highlights, and professionally presented information on the small cruising experience it provides.

Galapagos Islands

Most of the listed here ships are actually big yachts and all can be full-chartered.

• Celebrity Xploration
• Celebrity Xperience
• Celebrity Xpedition
• Celebrity Flora
• Encantada (yacht)
• Estrella del Mar
• MV Evolution (G10)
• Galapagos Aggressor II
• Galapagos Aggressor III
• Galapagos Grand Odyssey
• Galapagos Legend
• Galapagos Odyssey
• Galapagos Voyager
• National Geographic Endeavour
• National Geographic Endeavour 2
• National Geographic Islander
• Queen of Galapagos
• mv Santa Cruz 2
• Silver Galapagos
• Silver Origin
• Treasures of Galapagos (catamaran)

South America (Antarctica and Patagonia)

Among Antarctica's most popular itinerary destinations are Ushuaia , Cape Horn , Elephant Island , Paulet Island , Paradise Harbor. Longer itineraries also visit the Falkland Islands .

• Evangelistas
• Grigoriy Mikheev
• MV Hondius, MV Ortelius, MV Plancius
• Marina Svetaeva
• Ocean Adventurer, Ocean Diamond, Ocean Endeavour, Ocean Nova
• mv Polar Star
• Sea Explorer
• Silver Explorer
• Stella Australis, Ventus Australis

European and Russian Arctic

The Earth's Arctic region includes the Arctic Ocean and territories of 8 countries (Russia, Canada, USA, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Finland). Arctic expedition itineraries are operated almost year-round (excluding winter months).

• Russian icebreaker ships
• Akademik Shokalskiy
• Lyubov Orlova
• Professor Molchanov
• Professor Multanovsky
• MS Expedition
• MS Spitsbergen
• National Geographic Explorer
• Noorderlicht
• Ocean Diamond
• Ocean Endeavour
• Polar Pioneer
• Rembrandt van Rijn
• Sea Adventurer
• Sea Endurance
• Sarfaq Ittuk

Hawaii and Alaska

Among the most operated Alaskan small ship cruising destinations are Inside Passage, Glacier Bay , Skagway , Juneau , Seward , Sitka , Ketchikan (Revillagigedo Island) , Homer , Kodiak Island .

Hawaii small cruises visit the islands of Hawaii (ports Hilo and Kailua-Kona ), Kauai , Oahu , Maui (ports Kahului and Lahaina , and Kona. Most itineraries are roundtrips from Honolulu.

• Admiralty Dream
• Alaskan Dream
• American Spirit
• Baranof Dream
• Chichagof Dream
• MV Misty Fjord
• Kona Aggressor II
• Island Odyssey
• Island Roamer
• National Geographic Sea Bird
• National Geographic Sea Lion
• Safari Endeavour
• Safari Explorer
• Safari Quest
• Wilderness Adventurer
• Wilderness Discoverer
• Wilderness Explorer

Mediterranean Sea

Europe's Mediterranean is among the largest market for small ship travel. Featured destinations in this region are French Riviera, Italian Riviera, Greek Isles, Dalmatian Coast (Adriatic).

• Star Clippers ships
• Aegean Odyssey
• Aegean Paradise
• ms Berlin (FTI)
• Club Med 2 (sail ship)
• La Belle de l’Adriatique
• Royal Eleganza
• Serenissima
• Variety Voyager

The UK and Baltic Sea

Europe's Baltic region is most attractive for the opportunities to visit Russia and Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland). Among the world's most popular destinations here are Norwegian Fjords and St Petersburg. The UK (British Isles) itineraries visit ports in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland. This region features over 6000 isles.

• Deutschland
• Hebridean Princess
• Hebridean Sky
• Lord of the Glens
• Sea Cloud 1, Sea Cloud 2

East Coast USA and Canada

New England is comprised of six US states along the Atlantic coast. Smaller ships here often sail on inland waterways as well.

• ACL-American Cruise Line fleet
• AQV-American Queen Voyages/AQSC fleet
• Grande Caribe, Grande Mariner

Caribbean and Bermuda

Caribbean small ship cruise itineraries visit popular island destinations, as well as mainland ports in Mexico, the USA, South America. Among the most visited destinations are the Bahamas, Grand Turk Island , Jamaica, Barbados , Grand Cayman Island , St Kitts Island , St Maarten Island , St Lucia Island, Aruba Island , Curacao Island , Roatan Island , US Virgin Islands, British Virgin Islands, also ports and inland waterways in Florida (USA).

• Belize Aggressor 3
• Cayman Aggressor 4
• Carib Dancer
• Diamant (schooner)
• MV Clio (Tere Moana)
• Okeanos Aggressor
• Sagitta (sail ship)
• Safari Voyager
• Sun Dancer II
• Turks and Caicos Aggressor 2
• Vela (sail ship)
• Wind Dancer

South Pacific, Australia, and New Zealand

The South Pacific Ocean as travel destination includes the archipelagos of Oceania (Melanesia, Micronesia, Polynesia), Australia and New Zealand. Among the most visited in this region are the islands of Fiji, Tahiti, Vanuatu, Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Solomon Islands, Tasmania, the Great Barrier Reef .

• Andaman Explorer
• Caledonian Sky
• Coral Expeditions 1
• Coral Expeditions 2
• Fiji Princess
• Island Dancer 2
• Island Passage
• Kimberley Quest 2
• National Geographic Orion
• Oceanic Discoverer
• Paul Gauguin
• Reef Endeavour
• Silver Discoverer
• Solway Lass
• Spirit of Enderby
• Wind Spirit (sail ship)

Small Cruise Lines related cruise news

Mano Cruises' ship Crown Iris arrives in Larnaca (Cyprus) for inaugural 2024 visit

The cruise ship Crown Iris received a cordial reception on her inaugural 2024 visit to Larnaca (Cyprus), having sailed from Haifa, Israel. Local...

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji debuts Southern Lau Expedition on Caledonian Sky ship

Captain Cook Cruises Fiji, renowned for its expedition expertise, has launched its inaugural 7-night voyage to the Southern Lau archipelago aboard...

Aranui Cruises marks 40th anniversary with exclusive Polynesian celebration

Aranui Cruises/fleet will commemorate its 40th anniversary of cargo cruising this year with a series of celebrations, culminating in a special...

Cordelia Cruises India launches summer sailings from Chennai for 2024 season

Cordelia Cruises has announced the start of its summer sailings from Chennai (India), set to run from July 12 through September 9, 2024. The company...

Goddess of Night docked in Brindisi to accommodate G7 Security Forces

The former Costa Cruises ship Costa Magica (now renamed Goddess of the Night/fka Mykonos Magic) will serve as accommodations for 2600 police officers...

Scylla christens 40th river ship, Porto Mirante, in Dusseldorf

The Swiss family-owned cruise ship owner Scylla AG christened its newest riverboat (Porto Mirante) in Dusseldorf Germany on Thursday, May 16th. With...

Albatros Expeditions christens 6th Infinity-class ship, Ocean Albatros

The Danish company Albatros Expeditions (fleet) has officially christened its latest addition to the fleet - Ocean Albatros. The 2023-built vessel...

Aurora Expeditions 2025-2026 season (ships Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, Douglas Mawson)

Aurora Expeditions (fleet), a renowned Australian-owned adventure travel company celebrated for its immersive and responsible exploration, has...

Aranui Cruises introduces 'Tiki Club' Loyalty Program to celebrate 40th Anniversary

Aranui Cruises/fleet, renowned for its unique cargo cruise ship Aranui 5, has unveiled its new loyalty program, the 'Tiki Club,' as a gesture of...

Cordelia Cruises India plans fleet expansion with 2 new ships amid surging demand

Cordelia Cruises India is capitalizing on burgeoning prospects within the industry, supported by government initiatives. With a remarkable 97...

•   show more news

• Twitter / X
• Readers' Choice
• Food & Drink
• Arts & Culture
• Travel Guides

USA TODAY 10Best

Royal Clipper named Best Small Cruise Ship

Best Small Ship (2022) July 22, 2022

These small cruise ships prove bigger isn't always better. These 10 cruise ships and yachts, each with a passenger capacity of under 1,000, can get to smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships and offer a more social atmosphere where it’s easier to get to know your fellow guests. 

The top 10 winners in the category Best Small Cruise Ship are as follows:

No. 10: Wind Surf - Windstar Cruises

The 310-passenger flagship vessel from Windstar Cruises looks and feels impressive. A recent renovation brings new finishes and furnishings onboard. Guests are greeted with fresh flowers and fruit in their staterooms, and amenities like welcome cocktails, a fitness center, nightly port talks and complimentary water sports equipment.

No. 9: Seabourn Ovation - Seabourn Cruise Line

Seabourn Ovation, sister ship to Seabourn Encore, is the newest addition to the fleet. This 600-passenger ship attracts passengers with its inclusive cruise fares that even include unlimited caviar. Dining options abound, including alfresco dining at Earth & Ocean at The Patio. The ship also comes outfitted with high-speed internet—the only one in the fleet.

No. 8: Viking Jupiter - Viking Ocean Cruises

Built in 2019, Viking Jupiter accommodates only 930 guests. Like her popular Viking sister ships, Jupiter features a spacious spa, several dining venues, an intimate jazz lounge, two cinemas, pool with retractable roof and a sports deck.

No. 7: Seabourn Encore - Seabourn Cruise Line

The ultra-luxury Seabourn Encore features 300 suites for 600 passengers with all the amenities of Seabourn’s Odyssey-class ships. New additions to Encore include a VIP area on the top deck, a wellness program and two new restaurants, The Grill by Thomas Keller and Sushi.

No. 6: Viking Sea - Viking Ocean Cruises

The 930-guest Viking Sea was built in 2016 as the second oceangoing vessel in the Viking fleet. Itineraries are destination focused, but onboard, passengers enjoy an inclusive experience with all-veranda staterooms, plenty of public spaces to spread out, excellent alternative dining options and top-notch service.

No. 5: Viking Sky - Viking Ocean Cruises

The 930-passenger Viking Sky feels more like a resort than a cruise ship, thanks to its all-veranda staterooms, tasteful decorations and elegant public spaces for reading, relaxing or socializing. Little extras, like numerous USB ports, ocean-facing lounge chairs on the pool deck and floor-to-ceiling windows in most venues, make for a comfortable sailing experience.

No. 4: Azamara Journey - Azamara

Azamara Club Cruises describes the Azamara Journey as “a luxurious boutique hotel at sea.” With a capacity of less than 700 passengers, this intimate vessel is packed with modern amenities, including a large number of suites, a spa, fitness center, pool and several restaurants, bars and lounges.

No. 3: Viking Orion - Viking Ocean Cruises

The new 930-guest Viking Orion offers all-veranda staterooms with amenities like free wifi, flatscreen TVs and heated bathroom floors. It’s also the first ship in the fleet to feature a high-tech planetarium in a 26-seat dome theater.

No. 2: American Constitution - American Cruise Lines

Carrying just 175 passengers, the American Constitution was designed to navigate the U.S. East Coast’s inland coastal waterways. The vessel offers large staterooms, spacious lounges, observation decks, and private balconies in many cabins with detail to elegance. Complimentary Wi-Fi, a fitness room, a grand dining room, a sundeck, and a putting green are some of the many amenities available.

No. 1: Royal Clipper - Star Clippers

Designed after the tall ship Preussen, the Royal Clipper is the world’s largest full-rigged sailing ship, complete with 42 sails. The vessel carries just 227 guests with luxurious accommodations and modern amenities like three swimming pools, relaxed dining and a marina platform for water sports. Passengers can even don a harness and climb the mast to a crow nest.

A panel of experts partnered with 10Best editors to pick the initial 20 nominees, and the top 10 winners were determined by popular vote.

Congratulations to all these winning cruise ships!

About 10Best Readers' Choice Awards

Nominees are submitted by a panel of experts. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. Readers can vote once per category, per day. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best .

The Experts

Don and heidi bucolo.

Don and Heidi Bucolo are the husband and wife team...   Read More

Don and Heidi Bucolo are the husband and wife team behind EatSleepCruise.com . Their love for cruising began after taking their first cruise together back in 2007. Having spent over 180 days at sea on more than 30 cruises with various cruise brands, they have learned a thing or two about planning and executing the perfect cruise vacation. The couple was voted as one of Porthole Cruise 's Top 10 Cruise Influencers and is featured in the new book  Cruising Interrupted . You can find them on the web and social media sharing detailed cruise ship reviews, port guides, packing tips and planning tips to help travelers "sea the world, one port at a time."

Jason Leppert

Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert...   Read More

Jason Leppert is a San Diego-based cruising expert with more than 140 sailings under his belt and a fresh, millennial perspective on the industry. He has been cruising since before he was two years old, thanks to his parents' shared passion for traveling and their desire to experience all journeys together as a family. Now, he regularly sails and writes "he said, she said" cruise columns with his wife Heidi. He is the founding editor of Popular Cruising , producer of the successful Popular Cruising YouTube channel  and Cruise Editor for TravelAge West.

Ming Tappin

Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been...   Read More

Residing in New Brunswick, Canada, Ming has been in the cruise industry since 1994. Ming spent over 20 years in the retail travel sector, working with travel agencies in marketing initiatives, cruise training, and promoting cruise vacations to their clients. In 2015, Ming created  Your Cruise Coach  and transitioned into travel writing, preaching the merits of cruising via her partnerships with Canadian and American travel trade publications as well as consumer media outlets. An avid cruiser since 1991, Ming has sailed on over 70 cruises and has experienced over 25 ocean, river, and expedition cruise lines combined.

Sherry Laskin

Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than...   Read More

Sherry hasn’t set foot on an airplane in more than 25 years.  Instead, she relies on cruise ships, river ships, trains and road trips to travel the world.  In that time, she’s been on more cruises than she can count and includes her solo cruise and travel adventures on her website,  CruiseMaven.com .  Her articles have been published in major newspapers and magazines - in print and online.  During a year and a half of living in Alaska, Sherry has cruised and spent time at every port in the Last Frontier except for Nome.  She’s become an avid transatlantic cruiser since 2005, as that is the only way for her to get to Europe without flying. Sherry hopes to inspire and encourage her readers to travel slow and travel solo, experience new cuisines and cultures. 

Catherine Smith

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards...   Read More

Catherine Smith, Readers' Choice Awards Production Manager and Social Media Director for USA TODAY 10Best, has a special interest in unique culinary experiences and  off-the-beaten-path adventures. Catherine is the founder of  Her Bags Were Packed  where she focuses on helping  women release emotional baggage through solo travel and self-discovery.

Best Fast Food Fried Chicken

Best Fast Food Sides

Best Fast Food Restaurant

Best Fast Food Fries

Best Fast Food Breakfast

Browse the best.

Best Alaska Cruise (2024)

Best Cruise Line for Solo Travelers (2024)

Best Boutique Cruise Line (2024)

Best River Cruise Line (2024)

Best Adults Only Cruise (2024)

Back to readers' choice.

• Australia & New Zealand
• Canada & New England
• Canary Islands
• Costa Rica & Panama Canal
• Cruise Tours
• Culinary & Wine Cruises
• Grand Adventures
• Latin America
• Mediterranean
• Middle East
• Northern Europe
• Ocean Crossings
• Select Sailing
• South America
• South Pacific
• Star Collector Voyages
• Themed Cruises
• U.S. Coastals
• Wind Spirit
• Star Breeze
• Star Legend

Each of Windstar Cruises yachts accommodates between 148 to 342 guests. This intimacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space, and freedom to immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination - in ways you may never have imagined possible.

Escape the Masses on These New Small-Ship Expedition, Luxury, and Sailing Cruises

With fewer crowds, excellent service, and the ability to get to remote destinations, small-ship cruising—on vessels that can only accommodate up to 500 passengers—might truly be the best way to explore by sea..

• Copy Link copied

Book a terrace suite on the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s newest vessel, Ilma , launching in 2024.

Photo by Jack Hardy/Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Authentic. It was Merriam Webster’s top searched word for 2023 and one that has dominated the travel vernacular in recent years. And while many would not necessarily associate the word with ocean cruising , the growth in popularity of small-ship cruises—particularly sailings with 500 guests or fewer—indicates that in the cruising world, passengers are seeking a more intimate, less crowded, and yes, arguably more authentic sailing experience.

Take expedition cruising , for example. As the number of adventure-focused ships and yachts has exploded in recent years, these cruises are no longer just about extreme voyages in polar regions. They are also about offering a deeper look into the culture, food, history, and environmental fragility of remote wonders of the world.

Although there isn’t a huge number of new small ships being introduced, there are a few notable vessels that have either recently launched or are launching this year with a focus on the idea that smaller is not just better, but more sustainable, too. These new small-ship cruises bring with them some exciting and more immersive new itineraries to destinations both warm and wintry that have us ready to pack our bags and sail away.

On Sea Cloud Spirit , passengers benefit from both age-old seafaring techniques and modern comforts.

Courtesy of Sea Cloud Cruises

Sea Cloud Cruises’ ” Sea Cloud Spirit”

• Suggested itinerary: Reset your mind and body on an eight-night sailing through Spain’s Canary Islands and on to Morocco on a special cruise featuring experts in restorative health. Pricing starts at $4,895 per person.

What’s more authentic—and sustainable—than setting sail on a tall ship where the sails are hoisted up each day by hand? Although not technically new (it was launched in 2021), the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit and its two sister ships, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II , are upping their game in a push to introduce Sea Cloud Cruises’ unique product to North American travelers. The German company has traditionally catered to German and British passengers. As part of its effort to expand its reach and appeal, Sea Cloud is adding wellness programs with daily onboard yoga and guest fitness gurus, in addition to special food- and wine-focused sailings with well-known chefs making appearances. Sea Cloud Spirit , the largest of the three-ship fleet with 69 cabins, was meticulously designed to pay homage to the original Sea Cloud , which was the world’s largest private sailing yacht when Wall Street broker Edward Francis Hutton had it built in 1931 for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

The Sea Cloud Spirit combines the experience of decades of traditional seamanship with the modern-day luxuries of a private yacht. Cabins range from 172-square-foot single cabins to 300-square-foot balcony suites with soaking tubs. There’s a large fitness center and spa, which has a steam room, sauna, and thermal area for two; indoor and outdoor lounges; and a main dining area, plus a more casual bistro. The action, however, is out on deck, where passengers can stargaze at night or simply gaze in awe at the impressive sails blowing in the wind.

Luxury expedition cruising comes with priceless views when sailing with Atlas Ocean Voyages.

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ” World Voyager”

• Suggested itinerary: Go searching for Arctic wildlife on a 12-night cruise from Reykjavík, which sails along the eastern coast of Greenland and to Longyearbyen in the Svalbard archipelago, one of the world’s northernmost inhabited areas and home to polar bears, reindeer, arctic foxes, and other Nordic wildlife. Pricing starts at $6,499 per person.

World Voyager , which sailed its maiden voyage in Antarctica this past November, is the third vessel to join the fleet of one of the newest players in small-ship expedition cruising, Atlas Ocean Voyages. The company’s 100-cabin expedition yachts are almost identical and provide a hybrid of sorts between traditional expedition and luxury cruising. Cabins are spacious, almost all with balconies, desks, and seating areas. The bathrooms have glass-mosaic tiled showers with rain showerheads, wall jets, and even benches.

Everything on the ship—including the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows—is designed to provide maximum views. The ships also have spacious pool decks with two hot tubs, a fitness center overlooking the sea, a spa, and water toys like kayaks and paddleboards. There’s even extreme camping gear for those willing to brave an overnight under the stars in Antarctica. During North American winters, all three of Atlas’s expedition yachts sail in Antarctica. With the addition of World Voyager , the company is launching more Arctic Circle cruises during the North American summers while also adding a host of new epicurean and cultural expeditions in South America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe this year.

Joining its sister ship Evrima (pictured), the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s Ilma is launching in 2024.

Courtesy of Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s “ Ilma”

• Suggested itinerary: Spend a little extra time in port on a 10-day sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon, which has three overnight stays, in Palma de Mallorca and Malaga in Spain, and in Lisbon, Portugal, one of Europe’s oldest cities. Pricing starts at $10,600 per person.

Another newcomer to luxury small-ship cruising is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which debuts its second ship, the Ilma , this year. With 224 suites, the ship is larger than the original Ritz-Carlton yacht, the 149-suite Evrima , which launched in October 2022. On the Ilma , all the suites will have private terraces, including a two-story suite with soaking tub; the coveted, 1,000-square-foot owner’s suite has a private outdoor whirlpool. Even the smallest suites are not all that small, at 300 square feet, and come with a personal concierge and 24-hour room service. The yacht boasts what Ritz-Carlton says is the highest ratio of space per guest at sea.

And you can expect to find the same meticulous service standards that you would find at Ritz-Carlton resorts throughout the world as the line aims to impress hotel guests seeking a luxury hotel experience at sea. Onboard are five dining venues, including S.E.A., a European tasting experience designed by chef Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at the Ritz-Carlton in Wolfsburg, Germany; Talaat Nam, featuring Southeast Asian cuisine and a sushi bar; and Mistral, a casual come-as-you-are alfresco grill with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Light bites are served at the marina at the aft of the ship, where you can also hop on a borrowed paddleboard. Oh, and did we mention there are two outdoor pools, too?

Small Ship Cruises

Top 10 small ship cruises for 2024-2025, antarctic small ship expedition, italy, montenegro & croatia, norway's fjords and arctic svalbard, islands and incas, the enchanting rhine - from zurich to amsterdam, wildlife odyssey, last frontier adventure, vietnam and cambodia: along the mekong river, including angkor and saigon, cook islands & society islands, top 16 destinations for small ship cruises for 2024-2025, north america, mediterranean, south america, central america, canadian maritimes, south pacific, new zealand, middle east, 10 best antarctic small ship cruises for 2024-2025, antarctica small ship cruise video.

Top 10 Arctic Small Ship Cruises for 2024-2025

10 best europe river cruises for 2024-2025, svalbard encounter expedition micro cruise, norway's fjords and arctic svalbard (northbound), svalbard odyssey, mediterranean gems: from dubrovnik to naples, magna on the danube - budapest to vilshofen, mediterranean enchantments, flavors of portugal & spain - cruise only, europe river cruise travel guide, river cruising has our attention, european rivers, top 10 small ship cruises of the mediterranean for 2024-2025, top 5 small ship cruises of the canadian maritimes for 2024-2025, 10 best small ship north & south america cruises for 2024-2025, alaska's inside passage sojourn, eastern galapagos catamaran cruise, wild alaska escape: haines, the inian islands, and tracy arm fjord, southeast islands, eastern & central islands, galapagos southeast islands, glacier bay national park adventure, western islands, north & south america small ship cruises travel guide, best small ship expedition cruises to alaska, 10 best central america & mexico cruises for 2024-2025, 10 best small ship cruises of the south pacific for 2024-2025, top 10 small ship cruises of the caribbean for 2024-2025, top 10 small ship cruises of asia for 2024-2025, mekong river - upstream - low water, mekong river - upstream - high water, mekong river - downstream - low water, mekong river - downstream - high water, mekong river - upstream, mekong river - downstream, 10 best africa small ship cruises for 2024-2025, top 1 middle eastern small ship cruises for 2024-2025, small ship cruises traveler stories, cruising among the fjords and glaciers, terri & mary's alaska cruise on the wilderness discoverer, why travel with adventure life, recognized by.

• Skip to primary navigation
• Skip to main content
• Skip to primary sidebar
• Skip to footer

Green Global Travel

World's largest independently owned Ecotourism / Green Travel / Sustainable Travel / Animal & Wildlife Conservation site. We share transformative Responsible Travel, Sustainable Living & Going Green Tips that make a positive impact.

20 Best Small Ship Cruises for Your World Travel Bucket List

Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. All hosted affiliate links follow our editorial policies .

Cruises have gotten a bad rap lately: One recent  scientific study found that air quality on a cruise ship deck was “worse than the world’s most polluted cities.”

But not all cruise companies feature gigantic cruise ships carrying 5000+ passengers. In our eyes, small ship cruises are much better for travelers, locals, and the environment alike.

The best small ship cruise lines typically have less than 300 passengers, a lower guide-to-passenger ratio, and expert local guides. These small luxury cruise ships have become increasingly popular in recent years, offering a more intimate and immersive travel experience.

Some small luxury cruises focus squarely on nature and wildlife , while others focus more on the history and culture of a destination. But in general, small cruises are less about the amenities of the ship itself and more about exciting shore-based adventures.

For those who can afford it, bespoke  private cruises are another attractive option, offering an excellent mixture of exclusivity and adaptability to your specific interests. 

Whether you’re taking a river cruise in Europe or India or an ocean cruise in Greece or the Galapagos Islands , the world’s best small ship cruises offer an opportunity to explore remote locations the big luxury cruise lines can’t access.

And because their itineraries are often more in-depth, these small boat cruises give travelers a better chance to connect to a place and its people in a more authentic way.

READ MORE: The Importance of Community-Based Tourism

WHY SMALL SHIP CRUISES ARE SUPERIOR

More Personal Space

With the jostling crowds at the buffet line, the ship docking points, and during shore excursions, large cruise ships can often feel overwhelming and claustrophobic.

The experience was so different from the small cruises we’ve taken that it’s virtually impossible to compare the two.

This makes it much easier to find your own personal space away from the crowd, to have quiet time or special moments as a couple or family.

READ MORE: 10 Romantic Places for Your World Travel Bucket List

Better Personal Service

When you’re just one of the 5,000 cruisers packed into a huge floating city, it’s unreasonable to expect the attention to detail that comes with four-star service.

For travelers willing to sacrifice luxury in exchange for rock-bottom prices, the affordability and all-inclusive convenience of mega-ship deals may be a worthwhile trade-off.

Having a bartender who knows you want a Blue Hawaiian with your Happy Hour appetizers may not make or break your trip. But traveling with a company who makes you feel like more than just a number-coded wristband goes a long way towards making your trip feel special.

READ MORE: The Top 10 Things to Do in Curaçao

Connect with Like-Minded People

When you’re on a small ship with just 20-50 passengers for a week to 10 days, you tend to get to know everyone on board to some degree.

Instead of being sat at the same table with the same people night after night, on small cruises there seems to be an unspoken agreement that passengers will swap dining tables nightly.

It’s like a game of musical chairs, giving you plenty of opportunity to find out who you click with.

Inevitably, you’re bound to meet a handful of folks that share your same ideals. Especially when you take a nature/wildlife or history/culture-focused cruise, which each tends to attract a certain type of traveler.

Going on life-changing adventures with perfect strangers can create some surprisingly strong bonds. Perhaps you’ll even meet your future travel buddies!

READ MORE: Small Ship Cruising the Peruvian Amazon

Small Ships Go Where Big Ships Can’t

You’ve heard the old saying, “Size doesn’t matter”? Well, in the case of cruise ships, it does. And in this case, bigger is very rarely better.

Small ships are simply more nimble than large ships. Unless you’re going to a mega port, big cruise ships often have to ferry their entire passenger load back and forth via small boats or Zodiac rafts.

Exclusive Experiences

One of our favorite things about travel is getting a chance to learn first-hand about the history, culture, nature, and wildlife of a destination.

While other travel bloggers may prefer to explore places on their own, we love the knowledge we gain by traveling with local experts.

Because the number of people on small ship cruises is limited, there is usually at least one guide for every 8 to 12 passengers. With such intimate access to an expert, you’re virtually guaranteed to have once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

READ MORE: NatGeo’s Don George on Travel Writing

THE WORLD’S BEST SMALL SHIP CRUISES

• Africa Cruises: Nile River Cruise, Seychelles Cruise, Botswana Cruise
• Antarctica Cruises: Antarctica Cruise, New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands Cruise
• Asia Cruises: India Cruise, Philippines islands Cruise
• Caribbean Cruises: Coastal Cuba Cruise, Lesser Antilles Cruise
• European Cruises: Greek Islands, European Christmas Markets Cruise, Black Sea Cruise
• North America Cruises: Northwest Passage, Alaska Inside Passage Cruise
• South America Cruises: Chilean Fjords Cruise, Galapagos Islands Cruise, Peruvian Amazon Cruise
• South Pacific Cruises: Great Barrier Reef Cruise, Micronesia Cruise, Polynesia Cruise

AFRICA CRUISES

Chobe River Cruise (Botswana)

Botswana is currently #1 on our African safari bucket list, primarily because of the country’s forward-thinking approach to wildlife conservation and its diverse array of national parks .

Botswana banned commercial hunting entirely in 2014, with an unofficial shoot-to-kill policy for poachers .Anti-poaching units are overseen by the Botswana Defense Force, with more training, weapons, and other resources than APUs in other African nations. 

As a result, Botswana has emerged as one of the world’s hottest ecotourism destinations. There are Big 5 safaris at Moremi Nature Reserve and canoe trips through the Okavanago Delta, plus uncrowded gems such as Nxai Pan National Park and the Central Kalahari Game Reserve.

But arguably the jewel in Botswana’s ecotourism crown is Chobe National Park, the country’s first, which boasts one of the highest wildlife densities in all of Africa . The park is world-renowned for its huge African Elephant population (estimated around 50,000), as well as many Lions and other predators that feed on young Elephants. 

Because road conditions in the area vary wildly depending on the season, taking a Chobe River cruise is arguably the best way to see the park.

You’ll get incredibly unique opportunities for wildlife photography  as the boat parts the waters between hippos, elephants, crocodiles and more. 

READ MORE: 55 Interesting Facts About Elephants

NILE RIVER CRUISE

If you’re interested in ancient history, archaeology , and rich indigenous culture, exploring Egypt’s pyramids , temples, and colorful bazaars should definitely be on your bucket list. And right now the country’s lagging tourism industry could really use more visitors.

Small ship cruises down the Nile River and/or Lake Nasser offer an excellent alternative to overland adventures. They allow travelers to hit world-renowned highlights such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Temple, and the massive rock temples of Abu Simbel along the way.

Cruises are also the only way to visit the Temple of Isis at Philae. It’s located on an island in the reservoir downstream of the Aswan Dam, and accessible only by boat.

If you get a chance, don’t miss an opportunity to take a hot air balloon ride over the Valley of the Kings, which is home to at least 63 tombs and chambers that served as the final resting place for Pharaohs and nobles buried during the 16th to 11th centuries BC.

READ MORE: 20 Longest Rivers in the World

Seychelles Cruise

Located nearly 1,000 miles off the coast of mainland Africa east of Kenya and Tanzania , the Seychelles is an archipelago of 115 islands dotted across the Indian Ocean.

Realizing the nation was extremely vulnerable to climate change , the government recently brokered a deal in which their debt was cleared in exchange for protecting two important marine areas . Together, these marine reserves cover more than 81,000 square miles.

The Seychelles are collectively very small, with a total population of around 94,000 people spread across 177 square miles of land. But their natural beauty makes them a favorite on lists of the world’s most beloved islands, with some visitors describing it as like “a garden of Eden.”

Highlights include the Seychelles National Botanical Gardens, Curieuse Marine National Park, Veuve Nature Reserve, and Morne Seychellois National Park. About 42% of the archipelago is set aside for conservation, protecting wildlife such as the rare Seychelles Black Parrot, Seychelles Giant Tortoises, and some of the world’s largest seabird colonies.

A Seychelles cruise is the best way to explore the islands’ myriad attractions. These range from idyllic beaches and abundant marine life to cities like Victoria (the country’s capital), which are rich with a unique mixture of African, British, Chinese, French, and Indian cultural influences.

READ MORE: The World’s 30 Best Exotic Islands to Visit

ANTARCTICA CRUISES

Antarctic Cruise

There’s a lot of very good reasons why taking a cruise to Antarctica ranks high atop most nature-lovers’ bucket lists. We frequently rank our 2012 Antarctic cruise among our favorite trips we’ve even taken.

Antarctica is the planet’s coldest, driest , iciest, and windiest continent. This leads to some seriously stunning scenery, from icebergs that tower like skyscrapers to epic mountains reflected in the still polar waters .

As if that’s not enough, there are also historic sites and scientific research stations to explore, with around 20 hours of summer daylight from December through February.

READ MORE:  30 Antarctic Animals You Can See on an Antarctic Cruise

Cruising New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands

You may know that New Zealand is divided into a North and South island. But did you know that the country also boasts remote archipelagos of  islands , which have been collectively named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for their pristine wilderness and weird wildlife ? 

As part of these protections, the government restricts the number of people allowed to visit the region each year. So only a few expedition-style tour operators are allowed to offer travelers cruises of New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic islands. 

These islands range from relatively well-known to completely obscure. The six Auckland Islands are located nearly 300 miles south of New Zealand’s mainland. They were formed by two ancient volcanoes , with sheer cliffs and verdant valleys carved by glaciers. They’re surrounded by the Motu Maha Marine Reserve, which is home to Sea Lions, Seabirds, and Whales . 

Other Sub-Antarctic islands include Campbell Island, which is home to six species of Albatross and numerous beautiful bird species ; Stewart Islands, which is rich with Māori culture and home to Rakiura National Park (which protects 85% of the land); and the Snares Islands, which is arguably the most pristine part of the region.

But the area’s biggest tourist attraction is arguably its numerous species of Penguins. These include the Little Blue Penguin (or kororā among the Māori), Yellow-Eyed Penguin, Fiordland Penguin, and Snares Penguin. You can also see massive colonies of Royal Penguins on Macquarie Island, which boasts several hundred thousand mating pairs.

READ MORE: Ecotourism in New Zealand (Top 10 Things to Do for Nature Lovers)

ASIA CRUISES

Brahmaputra River Cruise (India)

The northeast Indian state of Assam, which shares its border with Bhutan and Bangladesh, has emerged in recent years as a bright spot in Asian ecotourism .

This is thanks in large part to wildlife conservation efforts in Kaziranga National Park , which is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The park is home to the world’s largest population of Indian Rhinoceros, mammals ranging from Bengal Tigers and Asian Elephants to Sloth Bears, the endangered South Asian River Dolphin, and thousands of bird species.   In short, it’s a must-see for animal lovers!  

READ MORE:  Indian Animals: A Guide to 40 Incredible Indian Wildlife Species

Cruising the Philippines Islands

Located in Southeast Asia near Malaysia and Indonesia , the Philippines is comprised of approximately 7,641 islands. They’re roughly divided into three geographical sections, with Luzon in the north, Visayas in the center, and Mindanao in the south. 

The world’s fifth largest island nation, the Philippines covers 120,000 sqaure miles and is home to over 100 million people. They’re the most welcoming people we’ve ever met, with a diverse cultural background that includes indigenous Negritos, Polynesian , Asian, and even Spanish influences.

The Philippines Islands are jaw-droppingly beautiful, with idyllic ocean views, dynamic karst landscapes, and immense biodiversity. Mass tourism hasn’t become a huge problem yet, but palm oil plantations are endangering some of the once-pristine forests of Palawan . 

Still, there are plenty of off-the-beaten-path places you can visit while cruising the Philippines Islands, from traditional villages in remote communities to some of Southeast Asia’s finest ecotourism attractions. 

Highlights include Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with abundant  marine life (including 300+ types of coral and 600 fish species); Apo Reef, a Scuba diving hotspot and the world’s second-largest contiguous coral reef; the beautiful beaches of Hundred Islands National Park; and Coron, with the breathtaking scenery around Kayangan Lake. 

READ MORE: Top 15 Things to Do in Coron, Palawan (Philippines)

CARIBBEAN CRUISES

Coastal Cuba Cruise

President Obama loosened the decades-long restrictions on Americans traveling to Cuba several years ago, causing a dramatic surge of interest in traveling to the Caribbean island.

With Donald Trump actively working to reverse these improved diplomatic relations, there’s never been a better time to explore Cuba’s pristine natural wonders and rich local culture .

A circumnavigation of Cuba via small ship offers travelers a unique opportunity to explore parts of the country that most Havana visitors never get to see.

In addition to the culture of the capital city, the Caribbean’s largest island offers majestic mountains , verdant valleys, and rich Colonial history. There’s also a diverse array of wildlife in national parks and nature reserves that remain far off the beaten path of mass tourism .

Lesser Antilles Cruise

When most Americans think of the Caribbean , they tend to think of perennial sun/surf/sand hotspots such as the Bahamas, Cayman Islands, and Jamaica.

But the more remote islands of the Lesser Antilles (which form the eastern boundary of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean) are generally less over-developed and more pristine than those crowded mass tourism destinations.

Included among the Lesser Antilles islands are Martinique, St. Lucia, Saba, Sint Eustatius, and Grenada, which has recently emerged as a haven for ecotourism . Popular activities in the region range from bird watching and snorkeling/ Scuba diving to fascinating history tours.

But our favorite island in the area is Dominica . From the gorgeous Emerald Pool waterfall and diving Champagne Reef to hiking Morne Trois Pitons National Park, the Caribbean’s “Nature Island” should be on every beach vacation lover’s bucket list.

READ MORE:   20 Best Caribbean Islands to Visit

EUROPEAN CRUISES

Black Sea Cruise

As bodies of water go, the Black Sea is pretty strange. On the map, this inland sea looks more like a giant lake, connected to the Aegean Sea (and the Mediterranean) by the narrow Bosphorus Strait.

But, with 168,500 square miles of surface area and a maximum depth of 7,257 feet, the Black Sea is considerably bigger than the world’s largest lakes . It touches the shores of six different countries– Bulgaria, Georgia, Romania, Russia, Turkey, and Ukraine . 

With layers of both fresh and salt water, the Black Sea is home to three species of endemic Dolphins and Porpoises, Grey Seals, and Beluga Whales. These unusual waters are also home to a diverse array of anemones, coral, fish, jellyfish, seahorses, and stingrays. 

Taking a Black Sea cruise is the best way to explore this unique region, which also offers historical cities, natural wonders (including the Caucasus, Crimean, and Pontic mountains ), rich traditional cultures, fabulous art, and ancient archaeological sites .

Must-see sites you can visit while cruising the Black Sea include Instanbul’s Hagia Sophia and Blue Mosque, Romania’s Danube River Delta, the Ukranian city of Odessa, and Sochi Olympic Park, the first theme park in all of Russia. 

READ MORE:  40 Fascinating Facts About Russia’s Amur Leopard

European Christmas Market Cruise

Although we’re not at all religious, our family goes bonkers for Christmas, especially anything to do with Santa Claus , Christmas Lights, Christmas Trees , and other holiday traditions.

European Christmas markets date back more than 600 years, making them one of the world’s most ancient Christmas events . The “December market” in Vienna dates back to 1298, but the first true Christmas markets originated in German cities such as Bautzen (1384) and Frankfurt (1393).

Also commonly known as a Weihnachtsmarkt or  Christkindlmarkt (Christ child market), these popular street markets are held in town squares during the four weeks of advent. They typically include open-air stalls selling seasonal food (including Lebkuchen , or gingerbread cookies), drinks, and  Christmas decorations , plus Nativity scenes, Christmas carols, and more.

The holiday tradition has since spread all across the continent. You’ll find some of the best European Christmas markets in German hotspots like Nuremberg and Dresden, Florence, Prague , Vienna, Budapest, Krakow, and Strasbourg, France .

If you want to visit multiple Christmas markets in one epic journey, a small ship cruise down rivers such as the Danube (Hungary-Austra-Germany) or Rhine (Switzerland-Germany-France- Netherlands) offers opportunities to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of the season.

READ MORE: 75 Christmas Traditions Around the World

Greek Islands Cruise

From to the ancient history of Athens  to Meteora’s majestic mountains, mainland Greece has plenty to offer travelers with an interest in nature, culture and history.

But for a true taste of Greek tradition, it’s hard to beat small ship cruises through the countless Greek islands (estimates of which range from 1,200 to 6,000). The two cruises we took back in 2014 introduced us to wonderful array of foods, cultural traditions, and archaeological sites.

The Saronic Island s are tiny (7.4 to 59 square miles) and quaint: Many mainland residents have vacation homes there, so it’s a great place to catch locals in a celebratory mood. They’re also considerably less crowded with tourists than some of the more famous islands.

The Cyclades, with 220+ islands, is the densest and most popular grouping in Aegean archipelago thanks to Delos, Mykonos, and Santorini . For ancient history, the Dodecanese Islands (especially Rhodes) and Crete are hard to beat.

And while Mediterranean cruises can be expensive, you can also find some great cruise deals if you’re willing to travel during the shoulder season or off-season!

READ MORE: 40 Photos Of Greece That Will Make You Want To Go

NORTH AMERICA CRUISES

Northwest Passage Cruise

The Arctic Circle is considered to be one of the planet’s last truly wild places.

The Arctic region encompasses northern Alaska and Canada , most of Greenland, and parts of Russia and Scandinavia . It’s home to more than 500,000 indigenous peoples (whose ancestors settled there tens of thousands of years ago) and an impressive array of wildlife.

From viewing the Aurora Borealis to learning about Inuit cultural traditions, this is a dream trip for every explorer’s bucket list.

READ MORE: Polar Bears Photo Gallery

Alaska Inside Passage Cruise

Stretching from Washington State’s Puget Sound north to the Alaska Panhandle, the Inside Passage is a coastal route in the Pacific Northwest. Popularized during the Klondike Gold Rush , the route allows ships to avoid the bad weather and often rough waters of the open ocean. 

Today, around 36,000 boats navigate portions of this route each year, from massive cruise ships and freighters to smaller fishing vessels and tugboats. But tourism is by far the most profitable industry in the area, attracting some 2 million travelers per year. 

Fortunately, mega cruise ships can’t access many of the stunning sites we saw during our Alaska Inside Passage cruise with AdventureSmith and Alaskan Dream Cruises. The Alaskan portion encompasses 1,000 islands , 15,000 miles of shoreline, and thousands of bay, coves, and glaciers. 

Highlights of this epic adventure include exploring Glacier Bay National Park, kayaking around icebergs in the Ford’s Terror Wilderness area, hiking around Lake Eva in Sitka, and learning about the indigenous Tlingit culture at museums in Juneau and Wrangell.

There’s also plenty of Alaskan Animals along the way, including Black and Grizzly Bears, Moose , Caribou, Bald Eagles, Puffins, Harbor Seals, Sea Lions, Orca, and Humpback Whales. 

READ MORE: Visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center

SOUTH AMERICA CRUISES

Chilean Fjords Cruise

When it comes to Chilean travel, the wine region around Santiago and the dynamic landscapes of Torres del Paine National Park in Patagonia tend to get most of the attention.

But, tucked away on the coast where the Atlantic meets the foothills of the Andes Mountains , there’s an incredible archipelago that’s far removed from the path the mass tourism crowd takes.

Chiloé Island is small, intensely green and populated by the Chilote people, whose spirituality is rooted in the mythology of forest gnomes, ghost ships and witchcraft .

The area also offers stunning Andean landscapes, massive glaciers , and wildlife ranging from Dolphins and Whales to Leopard Seals. There are myriad seabirds, including huge colonies of Humboldt and Magellanic Penguins. A small ship cruise is arguably the best way to see them.

READ MORE:  Exploring Grytviken, South Georgia Island

Galapagos Islands Cruise

A small ship is vital if you want to really explore the Galapagos Islands . With 18 major islands (most of which remain uninhabited) and 3 smaller islets spread across 3,040 square miles, land-based tours barely scratch the surface of this nature-lover’s paradise.

The incredible array of flora and fauna you’ll find in the Ecuadorian archipelago is wildly different from island to island. As documented in his book The Voyage of the Beagle , Charles Darwin found that animals adapted genetically to a given island’s unique ecosystem .

Endemic species such as Galapagos Flightless Cormorants , Galapagos Penguins , Galapagos Sea Lions , Giant Tortoises and Marine Iguanas are mostly unafraid of humans. And the snorkeling/diving you’ll find off the coast is undeniably spectacular.

READ MORE: 30 Amazing Galapagos Island Animals

Peruvian Amazon River Cruise

Brazil boasts a whopping 60% of the Amazon rainforest ’s total area of 2,100,000 square miles. Unfortunately, that country’s unsustainable exploitation of its natural resources has damaged this once-pristine ecosystem, perhaps irreparably.

For a better taste of the Amazon rainforest’s world-famous biodiversity, you’ll want to take a river cruise out of Iquitos, Peru.

There you can board a small ship cruise that will take you 600 miles along the mighty river. You’ll also take smaller boats that allow guests to venture deep into the Amazon river’s various tributaries .

There are no words that can aptly describe the feeling of seeing countless Howler Monkeys , Iguanas, Pink River Dolphins, tropical bird species, and occasional big cats (Jaguars, Ocelots, etc.) as you glide through the forest.

Spending time with the welcoming Ribereños who live there is a memory we’ll treasure forever.

READ MORE: Cruising the Peruvian Amazon

SOUTH PACIFIC CRUISES

Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Don’t believe the hype! Click-bait headlines claimed Australia’s Great Barrier Reef dead in 2016 after a cheeky column by Rowan Jacobson appeared in Outside . But news of the demise of the place UNESCO called “the most impressive marine area in the world” was greatly exaggerated.

Yes, the reef suffered coral bleaching due to warming caused by climate change. But most of that damage happened in a relatively small area.

The Great Barrier Reef is our planet’s largest and most vital marine ecosystem. It’s comprised of over 2,900 individual reefs and 1,050 islands, which stretch out over 1,400 miles. With an expansive 133,000-square mile area, the reef is larger than the United Kingdom.

Despite the bleaching, it remains one of the world’s great bastions of marine biodiversity. It’s home to 30 different species of cetaceans, over 1,600 species of fish, 3,000 species of mollusk, around 125 species of sharks and stingrays, and 220 species of birds.

It also harbors the world’s largest dugong population and major breeding grounds for six species of sea turtles.

READ MORE:  10 Awesome Australian Road Trips

Micronesia Cruise

Spread across the western Pacific northeast of Papua New Guinea, the Federated States of Micronesia is comprised of more than 600 islands.

The country is made up of four island states– Pohnpei, Kosrae, Chuuk, and Yap– and known for its palm-shaded beaches, ancient ruins, and thriving indigenous cultures. If you want to see the best of them in one trip, a cruise is really the only way.

The islands are widely ranked among the world’s best Scuba diving destinations . The archipelago offers pristine coral reefs which are home to around 1,300 species of fish. Its waters are also littered with WWII shipwrecks, many of which lie in fairly shallow depths.

If you’re into wreck diving and history, the San Francisco Maru (discovered in 1972) is a must-see. The ship’s cargo holds are filled with sea mines, torpedoes, bombs, aircraft engines, two Japanese tanks and many more WW2 artifacts.

It’s a deep, technical dive at 131 to 190 feet, but well worth it for those who are qualified.

READ MORE:  5 Rare Sharks Worth Saving

Polynesian Islands Cruise

There are so many beautiful Polynesian Islands, it would be impossible to pick just one favorite.

But, with less than 2,000 miles separating tropical hotspots such as Tahiti and Fiji, a small-ship cruise offers the perfect way to explore numerous gorgeous getaways in just a few weeks.

From pearl diving in Bora Bora and birdwatching in the Cook Islands to scuba diving in the Marquesas Islands and immersing yourself in the traditional culture of Tonga , these islands offer an incredible array of exciting ecotourism activities.

After exploring several Polynesian islands for ourselves a few years ago, we can assure you that their romantic allure is even more magical than the guidebooks would lead you to believe! –by Bret Love; photos by Bret Love & Mary Gabbett unless otherwise noted

READ MORE: 21 Photos of Tahiti To Fuel Your Fantasies

About the Author

Green Global Travel is the world's #1 independently owned ecotourism website encouraging others to embrace sustainable travel, wildlife conservation, cultural preservation, and going green tips for more sustainable living.

We've been spotlighted in major media outlets such as the BBC, Chicago Tribune, Forbes, The Guardian, Lonely Planet, National Geographic, Travel Channel, Washington Post and others.

Owned by Bret Love (a veteran journalist/photographer) and Mary Gabbett (business manager/videographer), USA Today named us one of the world's Top 5 Travel Blogging Couples. We were also featured in the 2017 National Geographic book, Ultimate Journeys for Two, for which we contributed a chapter on our adventures in Rwanda. Other awards we've won include Best Feature from both the Caribbean Tourism Organization and the Magazine Association of the Southeast.

As Seen On…

Join the 300,000+ people who follow Green Global Travel’s Blog and Social Media

Cruise Collection

Find Your Trip

Explore the world by boutique small ship cruises.

Some of the most spectacular places in the world can only be reached by small ships, and we’re thrilled to offer you this curated collection of the most intriguing cruising itineraries aboard the finest ships. These are real voyages for real travelers—perfect for Wilderness Travel’s style of adventuring.

What Makes Our Small Ship Cruises Special?

• Small-ship cruises allow you to experience far-flung destinations that are otherwise unreachable—from ice-draped polar coasts to remote Pacific atolls
• When exploring the world by ship, smaller truly is better. Small expedition ships can travel to more remote and uncrowded ports and places that the larger ships can’t reach
• We have hand-selected each cruise company for our collection, and while these voyages are neither operated by nor exclusive to Wilderness Travel, your participation in these cruises does count toward your Toucan Club discounts.

Choose Your Cruise Type

Browse our cruises based on your specific interests. Whether you are looking for river cruises, polar cruises, rail journeys, or more, we have the trip for you.

River Cruising

Rail Journeys

Polar Expeditions

Snorkeling & Kayaking

Featured Cruise Collection Adventures

Argentina, Antarctica

From $8,650

Belgium, Netherlands

From $2,999

Enticing Douro

Spain, Portugal

From $3,599

Tierra del Fuego Cruise, Punta Arenas to Ushuaia

Argentina, Chile

From $2,375

Iconic Christmas Markets

Austria, Germany, Hungary

Antarctica Air Cruise

From $11,495

Bali to Komodo Expedition Cruise

Indonesia, Bali

From $9,415

Hawaiian Seascapes

From $5,900

Romantic Danube

Slovakia, Hungary, Germany, Austria, Czech Republic

From $2,799

Antarctica: Fly and Sail Expedition

Argentina, Chile, Antarctica

From $17,195

Tahiti and the Society Islands

French Polynesia, Tahiti

From $3,400

Explore the Wonders of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, and Vanuatu

Australia, Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

From $10,695

Download Digital Brochure

Our 2024-2025 Cruise Collection brochure is here! Get inspired for your next journey by downloading our online digital brochure.

REVIEWS FROM OUR CLIENTS

The cruise was fantastic, and the boat, crew, and staff were absolutely great! Can’t imagine how it could have been better. We loved every minute of the adventure.

This was without a doubt one of the best trips I’ve taken in my entire life. The professionalism and thoughtfulness that was demonstrated time and time again by the crew and the staff was superlative. An outstanding experience for me and my kids!

The Antarctica cruise was fantastic and the quality of the ship and staff exceeded my expectation. I was especially impressed by the experience and friendliness of the expedition staff.

This trip is unique—there is nothing comparable. The expedition director was superb, and the procedures for getting ashore were well organized. There was a rich variety of lectures that expanded the experience and our knowledge.

This trip is an adventure of a lifetime. The crew really knows what they are doing; their passion and dedication to the environment makes the experience fabulous. Everyone on the ship loves what they do and it shows—they really do care about your experience and want you to have the best trip possible. I would recommend this trip to anyone as my words and pictures can’t convey what a truly amazing experience I had. Every time I think of Antarctica, I smile!

Fantastic trip! From the moment we landed, the journey was seamless. Excellent attention to detail and warm, enthusiastic communication. The naturalist was best-in-class and really made the trip extra special!

This is the trip of a lifetime! For most of us, it is the only opportunity to be part of an expedition to one of the most remote places on the planet. The lectures were excellent and certainly enhanced the whole experience.

This was a fantastic experience for us and for the rest of the family. The crew was exemplary, and they made it a trip of a lifetime for all. We look forward to another similar trip, and we also look forward to several upcoming Wilderness Travel adventures.

Thank you, Wilderness Travel, for putting together this wonderful experience. Our Trip Leaders made every minute count. We appreciated all the planning it took to juggle the tides, the winds, and the calendar to make sure we immersed in as many habitats as possible.

Talk to an Expert

Our Small Ship Cruise Specialists know every detail about our Cruise Collection. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

Just added to your cart

Check out our 2024-2025 destinations here!

Alaska 2024

• It's Not Too Late to Sail with the Highest Awarded Company in Alaska!

2025 Early Booking Savings

• Book now for best savings!

KID & FAMILY ONLY ADVENTURES

• Newly Launched for Select 2024 Dates

Looking To Get Out of the Cold?

• Save On Warm Weather Destinations

Leap Into Adventure in 2024

Adventure Specialists are here to help you navigate our offerings and make sure you take advantage of our leap year savings by booking now, and booking the adventure that is perfect for you! Book early for Spring Alaska Awakening, April and May. Gather your group and leap into savings with 29% off on select Wilderness Legacy or Safari Endeavour cruises. Make this summer unforgettable with $500 off Alaska cruises and more. See all savings.

Open Mon-Fri 7:30 am to 5 pm, Sat 7:30 am to 3 pm, Closed Sundays, U.S. Pacific Time.

Email: [email protected]

Speak with a Specialist | (888) 862-8881 | [email protected]

Hawaiian Seascapes Adventure

Starting at $6800

Kodiak, Katmai & Kenai Wilderness

Starting at $8900

Kids in Nature; Alaska

Starting at $6300

How do you choose to UnCruise?

UnCruise Defines Adventure

When we say adventure, we mean it. It’s our name and our passion. Our small boats and crew expertise redefine what’s possible on a cruise: Flexibility. Authenticity. Active exploration. Unmapped territory. Sustainability. All-inclusive, all of the time. The future is cruising small!

Special Offers

Looking for another reason to book your small boat adventure? We get it. Sometimes we’ll offer exclusive savings for select cruises, eliminate our single supplement fee or offer family deals. We have something for everyone ages 8 - 98 who are ready for adventure. Stay up to date with our newsletter.

Awards & Accolades

Not to toot our own horn, but if you haven't seen us in popular magazine, podcasts, TV, radio or follow our social media, what are you waiting for? Check out awards page, including Travvy and USA Today awards for best adventure cruise line, best Alaskan adventure, best new cruise podcast and more.

Alaska was the birthplace of UnCruise Adventures and it continues to be wide open for exploration. Twenty-five years later, innovation continues to be at the core of our motto. We’re serious about your fun and driven by a commitment to leaving the charted course and really experiencing what the world has to offer. UnCruise Adventures operates from its homeoffice in Juneau, Alaska with a satellite office at historic Fishermen's Terminal in Seattle, Washington.

Follow us on instagram! @UnCruise

See what others are saying.

“This was perfect for us! Like everyone we met on board, we would not consider a cruise with thousands to be a vacation. We made friends each night in the lounge and it felt like a dinner party. The flexibility of the captain and our guides was a fantastic touch. Being able to go into places where it was just our boat was very special.”  —  Richard L, Kamas, UT

• Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh.
• Press the space key then arrow keys to make a selection.

• Search Please fill out this field.
• Manage Your Subscription
• Give a Gift Subscription
• Newsletters
• Sweepstakes
• World's Best

Top 10 Small-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2020

Paul Brady is the news director at Travel + Leisure and the brand's expert on cruise travel. He has been covering the travel industry for more than 15 years for outlets including Condé Nast Traveler , Skift , and The Huffington Post .

This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be.

The smaller the ship, the more T+L readers seem to love it. At least, that’s the story with this year’s voting, which gave smaller vessels some of the highest scores in any category in the 2020 World’s Best Awards. Readers said the travel opportunities these smaller vessels unlock are the key to what makes them so wonderful. (The fact that many lines also deliver excellent food and sterling service certainly didn’t hurt.) With journeys to legendary destinations, including the Galápagos , Antarctica , and Svalbard , the Norwegian archipelago, these lines open up the world — and for voters this year, that was key.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in five categories; small-ship ocean cruise lines have ships that can carry 249 or fewer passengers.

Related : The World's Best Awards 2020

This year’s runner-up, Crystal Cruises, won praise for its 62-passenger Crystal Esprit . Though small in size, the ship manages to offer an array of luxury amenities — huge guest suites, a formal dining room, spa treatments — while also offering a yacht-like experience, with an intimate on-board vibe, and outings via Zodiac. “This is a fantastic small ship with outstanding food and service,” said one reader of the Crystal Esprit . “It was our first experience with the cruise line, and we were sold.” “The Crystal Esprit is like traveling on the private yacht of the wealthy relative you wish you had,” raved another reader. “I can't say enough how much we enjoyed the serenity of small coves and ports not visited by the larger ships and the personal attention by all the excellent staff.”

Seattle-based No. 5 UnCruise Adventures rocketed up the list this year, from tenth place in 2019. Known for trips in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, UnCruise also organizes small-ship itineraries in Hawaii and the Galápagos, among other alluring destinations. “Absolutely loved traveling with them,” said a reader, who traveled on the Safari Endeavor . “It’s like being in a bed-and-breakfast with more personal service.” Another voter, who sailed on the Wilderness Discoverer , agreed: “The benefits of this cruise were the top-notch crew and excursions.”

No. 3 Australis moved up two spots this year, which is perhaps an indicator of readers’ eagerness to see Tierra del Fuego up close. The line’s two expedition-style ships, Stella Australis and Ventus Australis , put passengers nose-to-nose with wildlife in the waters off southernmost Chile. “The detailed attention from all the staff was refreshingly impressive,” said one fan, who traveled aboard the Ventus Australis .

This year’s winner, Quasar Expeditions, is another line known for its South American cruises. Find out what else sets it apart — and the full list of the best small-ship ocean cruise lines — below.

1. Quasar Expeditions

Score: 99.17

More information: quasarex.com

This is the third year in a row that Quasar has taken top honors in the small-ship ocean cruise lines category. Fewer than a dozen hotels, resorts, and tour operators had scores above 99 in this year’s World’s Best Awards, and Quasar was the only cruise line to notch such an eye-popping number. This small-ship brand simply wowed readers with its trips to the Galápagos Islands aboard its two distinctive yachts, the 16-passenger M/Y Grace and the 32-guest M/V Evolution . “We’ve taken two trips with Quasar, one aboard the Evolution and one aboard the Grace . The Evolution was perfect for our first trip: the ship is amazing and the staff could not be better,” said one voter. Other readers chimed in with similar raves. “The islands themselves don’t disappoint, but everything was made so much better by our yacht, the staff, crew, and guides,” said a traveler who also sailed on the Evolution . “We really felt like we were home away from home.”

2. Crystal Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 97.50

More information: crystalcruises.com

3. Australis

Score: 92.72

More information: australis.com

4. SeaDream Yacht Club

Score: 92.42

More information: seadream.com

5. UnCruise Adventures

Score: 91.39

More information: uncruise.com

6. Silversea Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 90.16

More information: silversea.com

Score: 89.47

More information: ponant.com

8. Lindblad Expeditions

Score: 89.37

More information: expeditions.com

9. Windstar Cruises

Score: 89.22

More information: windstarcruises.com

10. Celebrity Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 86.05

More information: celebritycruises.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2020 .

Related Articles

America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises

Columbia and snake rivers.

T hese nine-day American river cruises on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Empress sail from Vancouver, Washinton to Portland, Oregon and show you a glimpse at some of the most gorgeous scenery in the Pacific Northwest. From the paddle wheeler, you'll get to see the dramatic waterfalls at the Columbia River Gorge, the pioneer town The Dalles, and sea lions and filming sites from the hit 1980s film, The Goonies in Astoria.

Rivers of Wine Theme Cruise on the Columbia and Snake Rivers

These seven-night American river cruises on the UnCruise Adventure's S.S. Legacy sail round trip out of Portland, Oregon cruising a similar route to American Empress but focusing on wine. A sommelier and guest wine expert sail with passengers for the week, serving as an onboard resource and hosting tastings. There are also wine tastings, vineyard tours, and wine cave tours in Columbia Gorge, Walla Walla, Red Mountain, Columbia Valley, and the Willamette Valley and guests get to taste old-vine varietals and wines from eco-cultivated vineyards. River cruises are also popular across the pond.

Adventure Theme Cruise on the Olympic Peninsula

Sailing round-trip out of Seattle through Puget Sound and the San Juan Islands on an elegant little yacht, this seven-night cruise on UnCruise Adventure's Safari Quest includes kayaking, paddle boarding, and plenty of hikes. There are also opportunities to spot bald eagles, sea lions, and whales and to enjoy local seafood, including oysters and clams.

Upper Mississippi American Heartland Theme Cruise

This river cruise from Chicago to St. Louis is on American Queen Steamboat Company's newest ship, the American Duchess , a paddle wheeler as majestic as her older sisters, with the same iconic red paddlewheel. You'll see the towering skyscrapers of Chicago and get the perfect photo op of St. Louis's famed arch. The focus of this cruise is American history, and you can see towns that were settled as trading posts by French explorers, visit the site of the first Lincoln-Douglas debate in Ottowa, Illinois, and check out places from Mark Twain's writings in his hometown of Hannibal, Missouri. Want to learn even more of America's backstory? Start with these 16 best cities for American history buffs .

Ohio River Cruise

These 11-day cruise tours on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi travel from St. Louis to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania visiting Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati (among other towns) along the way. You'll get a behind-the-scenes tour of Churchill Downs, home of the Kentucky Derby, and tour the Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati. In Cape Girardeau, you'll see everything from Trail of Tears sites to Civil War battlefields. Best of all, expect plenty of bluegrass music and mint juleps along the way.

Music Cruise on the Cumberland River

These seven-night American river cruises from Nashville to St. Louis also on American Cruise Line's Queen of the Mississippi will take you to the Country Music Hall of Fame, the Grand Ole Opry, and the Johnny Cash Museum and then heads on to St. Louis for a celebration of blues music.

Mississippi River Bourbon Theme Cruise

Cruise up the Mississippi River from Memphis to Louisville on the American Queen Steamboat Company's American Queen, with private tastings and cooking demos along the way, as well as lectures by historians. This special sailing, offered annually in July, also includes the opportunity to sample rare and vintage bourbons as well.

Lake Michigan

On this eight-day cruise roundtrip out of Chicago on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grande Mariner , you'll visit Mackinac Island, Michigan, home to historic homes and plenty of rocking chairs as well as Sturgeon Bay in Wisconsin's Door County, where you'll see lighthouses and plenty of yachts.

Lower Mississippi from New Orleans to New Orleans

See—and eat—the highlights of New Orleans—from beignets to po' boys—before setting sail on American Cruise Line's America Song . You'll head to Natchez and Vicksburg in Missouri for Civil War sites and St. Francisville and Houmas House, Louisiana for historic plantations with a stop in the middle in Baton Rouge to see the Louisiana State Museum and the capital buildings. Occasionally, the line also offers a food-themed cruise out of New Orleans, too.

Maine Coastal Cruises

Maine Windjammer Association's Lewis R. French is a dramatic 21-passenger schooner that offers two- to six-night cruises in the summer and through the month of September out of the town of Camden, Maine. The schooner, which dates back to 1871 and is a National Historic Landmark, has no engine, and powers through Penobscot Bay just with the wind in its sails. You can help out with the sails, and watch for porpoises and eagles.

Newport, Nantucket, and Martha's Vineyard Cruise

This sailing yacht, the Arabella , may winter in the Caribbean, but it summers in the northeast, home of lobster rolls, lighthouses, and clambakes. The five-night sailings in July, August, and September let you travel to the area's loveliest beaches under billowing white sails.

Chesapeake Bay Cruise

This seven-night cruise on American Cruise Line's Independence sails round-trip out of Baltimore to Oxford, St. Michael's, and Annapolis, Maryland as well as Yorktown and Williamsburg, Virginia. You'll visit coastal fishing villages and eat plenty of hard-shell blue crabs, and get to visit Baltimore's famed aquarium.

Hudson River Valley Fall Foliage Theme Cruise

This eight-day American river cruise on American Cruise Line's American Constitution sails round-trip out of New York City before taking you to Hyde Park, the Catskills, and West Point as well as Sleepy Hollow, all in upstate New York. But in addition to the history in the region, the highlight of the cruise is easily the changing colors of the autumnal leaves.

Savannah to Baltimore

Cruise one of our favorite 12-day American river cruises in the Southeast on Blount Small Ship Adventures's Grand Mariner and you'll spend your days exploring Beaufort by horse-drawn carriage and wander the cobblestone streets of Charleston, South Carolina as the port town of Annapolis. Read on to discover the best cruise to take every month of the year .

The post America’s Most Scenic Small-Ship and River Cruises appeared first on Reader's Digest .

Protect Your Trip »

The 8 top alaska cruise lines of 2024.

Discover the best lines and itineraries for your type of travel style.

The Top Alaska Cruise Lines

Courtesy of Royal Caribbean International

A cruise vacation to Alaska is a profound adventure. The spectacular natural beauty, rugged wilderness, massive glaciers and endless opportunities for wildlife viewing make a trip to the 49th state a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many travelers. As an added bonus, cruise ships can reach remote parts of the state, including Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve: one of the most significant (and picturesque) marine and wildlife sanctuaries in the world.

With the ever-growing popularity of the destination and an extended cruising season (some lines now travel to Alaska between April and October), more ships are heading north to the shores of The Great Land. With these expanded itineraries, there's more than ever to think about when booking your Alaska cruise.

To assist in your decision-making process, U.S. News listed the top cruise lines to consider across five categories, including the best options for families , luxury-seekers and adventurers. U.S. News consulted data provided by Cruiseline.com and the results of our 2024 Best Cruise Lines rankings to help develop this list of the top cruise lines sailing to Alaska.

• Best Overall: Holland America Line; Princess Cruises
• Best for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line; Royal Caribbean International

Best for Couples: Celebrity Cruises

• Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises; Silversea Cruises

Best Small-Ship Expedition Line: UnCruise Adventures

Find your perfect cruise

Best Overall: Holland America Line and Princess Cruises

Holland america line.

Courtesy of Holland America Line

Alaska cruise ships: Eurodam , Koningsdam , Nieuw Amsterdam , Noordam , Westerdam , Zaandam Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Anchorage , Fairbanks and Whittier, Alaska; Seattle; Vancouver, British Columbia Starting from: $379 per person for seven-night Alaska Inside Passage cruise on May 1, 2024, or Sept. 22, 2024. Round-trip from Vancouver.

Holland America Line has been cruising Alaska's pristine glacial waters for more than 75 years – longer than any other cruise line. On top of that, the line features more voyages to Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve than its competitors. Seven-night round-trip sailings depart from either Seattle or Vancouver, while cruisetours – Holland America Line 's sea- and land-based packages – leave from several cities and extend each trip to nine to 18 days.

If this will be your first visit to Alaska, consider booking the comprehensive 14-day Yukon + Denali cruisetour. This Alaska adventure includes a voyage aboard Koningsdam, plus a three-night stay at Holland America's exclusive lodge in Denali National Park, where you'll have the opportunity to see Alaska's big five: moose, caribou, grizzly bears, Dall sheep and wolves – and book bucket list activities like flightseeing over Denali. If it's a picture-perfect day, your pilot might even be able to land on the tallest mountain in North America, also known as "The Great One." Other excursions include meeting dog mushers from the Iditarod, landing on the Yanert Glacier, heli-hiking or embarking on a covered wagon adventure on the Alaska tundra. The Yukon Territory portion of this trip is exclusive to Holland America; while there, visit the mining town of Dawson City and learn about Northern Canada's Klondike Gold Rush of August 1896.

Another highlight of sailing Alaska with Holland America is the Alaska Up Close program, which immerses guests in an array of expert-led lectures and excursions on board and shore. When it comes to dining , Holland America is the only cruise line to achieve the Responsible Fisheries Management (RFM) certification, which means cruisers will enjoy certified sustainable wild Alaska seafood on board (think: Alaskan king crab legs and fresh salmon). You may also have access to culinary excursions in partnership with Food & Wine magazine, as well as special offerings like Alaska salmon bakes.

Cruisers should also consider one of the Holland America's new itineraries for 2024: the 28-night Alaska Arctic Circle Solstice voyage aboard Westerdam, round-trip from Seattle. This sailing, which departs on June 9, 2024, features highlights like crossing the Arctic Circle; celebrating the summer solstice in Nome, Alaska; and watching Kodiak bears – the largest bears in the world – on Kodiak Island.

Insider tip: Sample Holland America Line's famous Dutch pea soup while glacier viewing on the outside decks. The crew passes around mugs of the warm soup in this Holland America tradition that gives a nod to the line's heritage – and keeps guests warm on chilly summer days in Alaska.

Princess Cruises

Courtesy of Princess Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Grand Princess , Sapphire Princess , Royal Princess , Ruby Princess , Majestic Princess , Discovery Princess , Crown Princess Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seattle; Anchorage, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; San Francisco ; Fairbanks, Alaska Starting from: $398 per person for seven-night cruise from Anchorage (Whittier, Alaska) to Vancouver on May 18, 2024

Princess Cruises has a long history in Alaska, boasting more than 50 years of sailing to the Great Land. Cruise itineraries last between seven and 14 nights, and many visit the Inside Passage. Princess Cruises also owns and operates five wilderness lodges for guests of its cruisetours, plus exclusive "Direct to the Wilderness" rail service to those properties. The line's wide selection of cruisetours includes independent adventures and off-the-beaten-path destinations, like Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve, the largest national park in the U.S. For travelers seeking the highest level of service and the most time on land, the Connoisseur cruisetour is a good option, including up to 10 nights ashore following the seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise. The Connoisseur trip is hosted by a tour director and includes select sightseeing outings and most meals in the fare.

Princess' special programming, North to Alaska, offers guests unique insights into the history and culture of the region with visits from local Alaskans, photography sessions, demonstrations on lumberjacking and excursions like Cook My Catch, where guests will go fishing (with a guide), then bring their fish back for chefs to prepare for dinner at one of the designated Princess lodges.

There are two new Princess cruisetours to consider for 2024. The 15-night National Parks Tour includes a seven-day cruise, visits to five national parks, scenic rail travel and a total of eight evenings across four Princess wilderness lodges. Meanwhile, the Katmai National Park Tour is a nine-day adventure that takes guests to the famed Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park & Preserve to see bears feasting on wild salmon in Alaska's wilderness.

Insider tip: While visiting Denali National Park, be sure to check out the Princess Treehouse at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge. Built by Pete Nelson of Animal Planet's "Treehouse Masters," the treehouse offers a different perspective of Denali and features "Sappy Hour" and other fun activities.  

Best for Families: Norwegian Cruise Line and Royal Caribbean International

Norwegian cruise line.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Alaska cruise ships: Norwegian Encore , Norwegian Bliss , Norwegian Jewel , Norwegian Sun , Norwegian Spirit Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seattle ; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska Starting from: $349 per person for seven-night sailing between Seward and Vancouver (itineraries visit Hubbard Glacier and Skagway, or Glacier Bay, Skagway and Juneau). Available on Norwegian Jewel in April, May and June 2024.

Norwegian Cruise Line has one of the longest seasons in Alaska, extending from April through October. The line operates two of its larger ships in Alaska: Norwegian Bliss and Norwegian Encore. These ships feature a plethora of onboard activities to keep kids and adults entertained, like racetracks, laser tag, mini-golf, complimentary kids and teen clubs, video arcades, themed parties, live performances and more. Families will also enjoy entertainment by Nickelodeon, character breakfasts, salmon bakes and sessions with a park ranger who comes on board to narrate the Glacier Bay passage. You'll find many spacious room options on board perfectly suited to larger families – especially in The Haven, the line's exclusive ship-within-a-ship concept. In addition, Norwegian Cruise Line offers select cruise deals where third and fourth guests sail free .

There are two new Alaska shore excursions for 2024: the Mendenhall Glacier Canoe Paddle & Trek and the Fly-In Norris Glacier Hike and Packraft. The first outing takes place in Juneau , where you'll paddle a 12-person canoe across Mendenhall Lake to reach the towering glacier. Prepare to be surrounded by the spectacular setting of Tongass National Park, a 400-foot waterfall and an Arctic tern nesting ground. The second excursion, also in Juneau, takes participants on a flight into the Alaska wilderness via floatplane; you'll then paddle across a pristine glacial lake and hike the surface of Norris Glacier. Unforgettable sights along the way include densely forested mountains; the mouth of the Taku Inlet, a waterway that offers access to Juneau Icefield; and plenty of wildlife, including sea lions and bald eagles.

Also new for 2024 is the option to take the Denali Talkeetna Explorer tour after your cruise. (This cruisetour previously only took place prior to the voyage.) The 13-day sea and land package, Denali Talkeetna Explorer – Northbound Cruisetour, is available on three dates in 2024 in combination with a Norwegian Jewel sailing. The package includes a seven-night cruise; a total of six nights in Fairbanks, Denali and Talkeetna; a stop at the Trans-Alaska Oil Pipeline; a riverboat cruise in Fairbanks; a visit to an Iditarod dog musher's kennel; a deluxe glass-domed Alaska Railroad journey between Fairbanks and Denali; and more. You'll also have free time to book optional shore excursions like whitewater rafting, park tours, helicopter flightseeing and other outdoor adventures.

Insider tip: If you're sailing on Norwegian Bliss or Norwegian Encore, be sure to grab a front-row seat in the Observation Lounge when sailing in Glacier Bay Park & Preserve. This expansive space on Deck 15 at the bow of the ship offers breathtaking panoramic views from the comfort of inside the ship. 

Royal Caribbean International

Alaska cruise ships: Radiance of the Seas , Quantum of the Seas , Brilliance of the Seas , Ovation of the Seas Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle Starting from: $439 per person for seven-night cruise on Radiance of the Seas, Seward to Vancouver on May 24, 2024

Royal Caribbean International offers seven-night cruise-only Alaska options (some featuring the Inside Passage) and extended cruisetours (lasting nine to 13 days) with land portions before or after the voyage. Cruisetours may visit Denali National Park & Preserve, among other highlights. The line also offers select "kids sail free" itineraries, which will appeal to families.

If you want nonstop entertainment while on board, choose one of Royal Caribbean International 's two larger Quantum Class vessels: Quantum of the Seas or Ovation of the Seas. Both megaships accommodate approximately 4,900 passengers. If you prefer a smaller ship, consider booking one of the Radiance Class vessels, which hold a maximum of around 2,500 guests.

Quantum Class ships have multiple outdoor attractions that provide panoramic views of the scenery. For example, the surf simulator, FlowRider, affords views of magnificent snow-capped mountains and glaciers all around the ship. If you're adept at rock climbing, this is another chance for optimal scenic viewing – at 40 feet above the deck. Additional entertainment includes free-fall skydiving at RipCord by iFly, outdoor movie nights, live performances and musical entertainment, bumper cars, an escape room, a sports court and indoor pools for those cool Alaska summer days.

Insider tip: For more awe-inspiring vistas, take a ride on North Star. Exclusive to Royal Caribbean (on Quantum and Ovation of the Seas), the glass-enclosed capsule rises 300 feet above sea level while suspended over the ocean.

Read: The Most Affordable Alaska Cruises

Celebrity Cruises

Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Celebrity Summit , Celebrity Edge , Celebrity Solstice Departure cities (cruises and cruisetours): Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia; Seattle Starting from: $397 per person for seven-night voyage on Celebrity Summit, Seward to Vancouver on May 17, 2024

Adventure-seeking couples will have many options to choose from during Celebrity Cruises ' 2024 Alaska season. The line's six- and seven-night cruise-only itineraries include up-close views of the Dawes Glacier in the Endicott Arm Fjord and the Hubbard Glacier, the world's longest tidewater glacier at 76 miles long. For an in-depth exploration of Alaska's interior, Celebrity's cruisetours extend the trip to a maximum of 13 nights and feature small-town destinations like Talkeetna, Alaska – the quirky village that inspired the 1990s television show "Northern Exposure." There are also themed tours centered on wildlife viewing and national parks, as well as culinary tours highlighting the flavors of Alaska.

Couples will also find plenty of adult-focused activities and entertainment on board, no matter which vessel they choose. Each ship offers a spa, multiple bars and lounges, and an excellent selection of complimentary and specialty restaurants. Celebrity's three Alaska-bound ships carry between 2,158 guests (Celebrity Summit) and 2,908 passengers (Celebrity Edge). Celebrity Edge, the newest of the ships, offers immersive entertainment and especially beautiful public spaces – like Grand Plaza, a three-story venue at the heart of the vessel.

For extra privacy during your couples' vacation, consider splurging on a suite or villa in The Retreat. This all-inclusive space features luxurious accommodations; a private lounge; a sundeck (unavailable on Celebrity Solstice); and a private restaurant, Luminae at The Retreat. The swanky culinary venue serves dishes curated by renowned French chef Daniel Boulud. In addition, you'll have a team of attendants, butlers and concierges to indulge every whim.

Insider tip: Book your Alaska cruise on Celebrity Edge. The outward-facing design of the ship and expansive outdoor spaces, including the Magic Carpet, offer guests excellent viewing opportunities of Alaska's vast landscapes, calving glaciers and wildlife, including humpback whales in the Inside Passage and around Juneau and Sitka.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks Newsletter

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Sign up to receive the latest updates from U.S News & World Report and our trusted partners and sponsors. By clicking submit, you are agreeing to our Terms and Conditions & Privacy Policy .

Best Luxury: Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Silversea Cruises

Regent seven seas cruises.

Alaska cruise ships: Seven Seas Explorer Departure cities: Vancouver, British Columbia; Seward, Alaska Starting from: $4,699 per person (all-inclusive) for seven-night cruise, Vancouver to Seward on May 1, 2024

Regent's Seven Seas Explorer will spend the 2024 season in Alaska, with the first sailing embarking from Vancouver, British Columbia, on May 1, 2024. The line offers 20 seven-night voyages and two 14-night sailings between May and September. The 746-passenger ship provides an in-depth exploration of Alaska's wilderness, thanks to the vessel's smaller size and all-balcony suites. Regent Seven Seas Cruises ' all-inclusive fares include free unlimited shore excursions (though select tours come with a fee); complimentary fine wines and spirits; dining at specialty restaurants; 24-hour room service; unlimited Wi-Fi access; prepaid gratuities; free valet laundry service; and more. Depending on the suite category, guests may also receive a pre- and post-cruise hotel stay with their voyage.

Complimentary shore excursions are available in a number of Alaska ports. In Ketchikan, sign up for the Tongass Rainforest Expedition, the Great Alaska Lumberjack Show or the Alaskan Lodge Adventure & Seafest. (Note: Some excursions in Ketchikan, such as the Alaska Fishing & Wilderness Dining option, come with an additional fee.) In Juneau, guests can take the complimentary hiking adventure through the Mendenhall Glacier National Recreation Area, home to black bears, mountain goats and other wildlife. Cruisers can also dine on wild Alaska salmon grilled over a fire at the Gold Creek Salmon Bake.

Insider tip: Take advantage of the complimentary shore excursions during your cruise. These are tours you'd normally have to pay for on a ship that's not all-inclusive – and that can add up quickly.

Silversea Cruises

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Alaska cruise ships: Silver Nova , Silver Muse , Silver Shadow Departure cities: Seward, Alaska; Vancouver, British Columbia Starting from: $3,450 per person for seven-night cruise, Vancouver to Seward on Silver Muse on Aug. 1, 2024

Debuted in August 2023, Silversea's latest addition, Silver Nova, is the newest luxury vessel sailing Alaska for the 2024 season. Silver Nova features an asymmetrical design and advanced technologies that make it Silversea Cruises ' most environmentally friendly vessel yet. With just 728 guests, spacious suites (some affording 270-degree views) and outdoor spaces showcasing The Great Land's pristine wilderness, Silver Nova is an excellent luxury option for an Alaska adventure. Silversea offers seven-night itineraries on its three Alaska ships, plus longer voyages on Silver Muse and Silver Shadow.

Silversea's all-inclusive fares include pre- and post-cruise hotel stays; complimentary nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; in-room minibars; gourmet dining; all gratuities; at least one excursion per port; butler service in every suite; and other upscale amenities. Complimentary Alaska excursions include a scenic railway tour aboard the White Pass and Yukon Railway in Skagway, the Sea Otter & Wildlife Quest in Sitka Sound and more. You can also visit the Iditarod dogs' summer camp in Juneau. For an additional cost, Silversea offers more exclusive experiences, like a helicopter ride to Mendenhall Glacier followed by a dogsledding adventure with a team of Alaskan huskies in Juneau, or a remote fly-fishing trip in Sitka.

Insider tip: Spend some time on Deck 10; you'll enjoy unobstructed views of the spectacular scenery from the comfort of the heated pool, thanks to the asymmetrical design of the pool deck.

UnCruise Adventures

Alaska cruise ships: Wilderness Discoverer, Wilderness Legacy, Safari Endeavor, Safari Explorer, Safari Quest Departure cities: Ketchikan, Juneau, Whittier, Dutch Harbor and Sitka, Alaska; Seattle Starting from: $3,600 per person for seven-night cruise, Juneau to Ketchikan (or reverse itinerary) on Wilderness Discoverer; various dates between April and September 2024

UnCruise's expedition-style small ships call on ports and remote areas in Alaska that larger ships can't access, taking guests to locales that the line coins, "UnAlaska." The five ships operating in The Great Land accommodate between 22 passengers (Safari Quest) and 86 guests (Wilderness Legacy), and there are seven-, 12- and 14-night itineraries to choose from. You can also book optional land tours, including a Denali & Talkeetna Wilderness Rail Adventure. Expedition teams take guests on kayaking, skiffing, paddleboarding, bushwhacking, waterfall walks and hiking excursions close to the glaciers and visit secluded areas and waterway passages known for optimal wildlife viewing.

Cruise fares include group transfers to and from the ship; all meals; premium wine, beer and liquor; all nonalcoholic beverages; daily activities; wellness amenities; onboard heritage and expedition guides; and access to guest experts. You'll need to disconnect from your devices in remote areas, as there is no Wi-Fi access on UnCruise vessels.

For a once-in-a-lifetime trip, book the 14-night Alaska's Fjords & Glaciers Bay Adventure Cruise on Wilderness Discoverer, a 76-passenger ship. This voyage includes birding in the South Marble Islands, where you'll see puffins, cormorants, oystercatchers and other bird species. You can also search for brown bears in Corner Bay, bushwhack in old-growth forests, visit the town of Haines to sample local brews and spirits, and more.

UnCruise has introduced a few new cruises for 2024 with a renewed focus on The Great Land. One of these is the Kids in Nature, Wild Woolly & Wow with Glacier Bay cruise. The seven-night, family-focused voyage departs round-trip from Juneau aboard Wilderness Legacy and is available on three dates between June and July. One highlight of the voyage is exploring off-the-grid in Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve's "Outback."

A second new option is the seven-night Prince William Sound Explorer with Cordova cruise. This adventure visits dozens of glaciers; the small fishing village of Cordova; the Harriman and College glacial fjords; the islands of Knight and Montague; and multiple places where you can see orcas, humpback whales, sea otters, seals, sea lions, puffins and other wildlife. The itinerary is offered round-trip from Whittier, Alaska, on Safari Explorer throughout the summer.

Insider tip: Depending on your itinerary, you may be able to hop in a skiff directly off the ship to watch bears along the shore hunt for salmon just 100 feet away. This is an Alaska experience you can only have when sailing on a small ship.

Read: The Top Cruises on Small Ships

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, traditional masted sailing ships, river ships in Europe and a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica. She has cruised to Alaska and visited The Great Land in the summer, fall and winter, and journeyed to remote areas by bush plane above the Arctic Circle. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications, including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Top Things to Do in Alaska
• The Top Northern Lights Alaska Cruises
• The Top Antarctica Cruises
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Vacation Ideas for Every Traveler

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

• # 1 South Island, New Zealand
• # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

The best places to go for july fourth.

Sharael Kolberg June 10, 2024

The Best Places to Celebrate Juneteenth

Suzanne Mason June 6, 2024

The Best Salem Tours

Lyn Mettler June 6, 2024

The Best Key Largo Snorkeling Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 6, 2024

The Best London Tours

Kim Foley MacKinnon June 5, 2024

Celebrity Ascent Review

Megan duBois June 5, 2024

The Best Graceland Tours

Gwen Pratesi June 5, 2024

Top Things to Do in Orange County, CA

Brittany Chrusciel and Sharael Kolberg June 4, 2024

Fun Things to Do in Arkansas

Ben Luthi and Justine Harrington June 3, 2024

Top Things to Do in Florida

Gwen Pratesi May 31, 2024

• Share full article

Advertisement

Supported by

The Alternative to Huge Cruises? 3 Masts, 28 Sails and Wind Power.

We checked out the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit on a Mediterranean cruise. In this era of gargantuan ships, its elegant clipper design, wooden decks and relatively small size stands out.

By Ceylan Yeğinsu

From the bridge of the three-masted windjammer, the Sea Cloud Spirit , the captain called out the words we’d all been waiting for.

“Let’s set the sails!” he cried, after turning off the engines, while maneuvering to maintain an optimum angle for his 18 deckhands to climb into the shrouds and unfurl the ship’s 44,132 square feet of sails by hand.

Like acrobats, the crew scurried up the masts to the upper topgallant sails that rose nearly 200 feet above us. The ship’s captain, Vukota Stojanovic, later insisted that none of it was for show. “Whenever there is an opportunity to sail, we sail,” he said.

For the next hour, the crew hauled the ropes until the 28 sails were billowing in the wind, propelling the 452-foot-long ship — the world’s largest passenger sailing vessel on which the sails are raised by hand — toward its first port of call, Portofino, Italy.

At a time when cruise lines are packing their ever-more-gargantuan ships with water parks and basketball courts, the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit, with its old-fashioned clipper design and wooden decks, stands out. It is the newest ship from the Hamburg-based Sea Cloud Cruises , and while it is the company’s biggest, Sea Cloud said it wanted to leave space for passengers to connect to the surrounding elements.

“Wherever you are on the ship, it feels like you are sitting on the water,” said Amelia Dominick, 71, a retired real estate agent from Cologne, Germany, who was on her third cruise onboard the Sea Cloud Spirit.

I had arrived for a four-night “taster sailing” from Nice, France, to the Ligurian region of Italy, designed to entice passengers to sign up for a longer cruise. Here’s what I found.

The ship and cabins

The Spirit has many comforts and luxuries, including a fitness center, library, hair salon and a spa with a Finnish sauna that overlooks the sea. The deck layouts are spacious, with nooks carved out for privacy and relaxation.

Sixty-nine spacious cabins have windows that open onto the sea. My room, a junior suite on the third deck, had two large arched windows, mahogany tables, a balcony and a comfortable couch and armchair. The marble bathroom was lavish, with a gold-plated sink and large jetted bathtub.

The elegant interior design is inspired by the original Sea Cloud, built in 1931 for Marjorie Merriweather Post, the American heiress of the General Foods Corporation, with glossy wooden panels and gold trimmings. The Sea Cloud was the largest private sailing yacht in the world before Post handed it over to the U.S. Navy for use as a weather-reporting vessel during World War II. The four-mast, 64-passenger ship has since been restored to its former glory and will sail across the Aegean and Adriatic this summer.

The experience felt authentic — even before the sails were set — with a detailed safety drill. On most cruises, the drill entails a safety video and signing in at an assembly point. But here, passengers put on their life jackets and walked through emergency scenarios that included rationing food supplies and fishing from the lifeboat.

Each day, the sails were set, even during heavy rain and wind speeds over 30 knots. Guests wanting to participate in the rigging are usually invited to do so, but the weather conditions made it too risky for this sailing.

“It was amazing to watch the work go into putting the sails up and down and to experience the wind power pulling the ship so fast without the engines,” said Malte Rahnenfuehrer, a 50-year-old psychologist from Zurich, who was traveling with his partner and two children.

The captain

It is rare for cruise passengers to see the ship’s captain after the initial welcome drinks or gala dinner. But Capt. Vukota Stojanovic was omnipresent throughout the cruise, from setting sails to lifeguarding to mingling with guests.

Originally from Montenegro, Captain Stojanovic piloted container ships for years. When he was asked to consider helming the original Sea Cloud nearly 10 years ago, he hesitated because he had no experience sailing. Even after he learned the ropes — and there are 340 ropes (known as running rigging) on the vessel — he was unsure. “I grew to love the sailings, the boats, the crew the lifestyle, but I still felt I belonged on container ships,” he said. “It would be a big adjustment, especially because I would have to shave every day,” he joked.

Eventually, he accepted the opportunity and worked tirelessly to learn how to sail and operate the ship. Today, he keeps an “open bridge” policy, allowing passengers to visit the control room, even when he is wrestling with the wind.

“The crew and the passengers are all part of the experience, and I like to meet people and receive their feedback,” Captain Stojanovic said.

Environment

Sea Cloud Cruises aspires to take a “gentle” approach, using wind power to drive its ships wherever possible, even if that means changing course for optimal weather conditions. When sailing is not possible, the Spirit has two diesel-electric engines that run on low-sulfur marine diesel fuel. The company is also working with ports that have shore power capabilities to plug into the local electric power.

Onboard, there is an emphasis on reusable bottles and paper straws, and crew members separate solid waste to be compacted and removed when in port.

Excursions and Activities

We made stops in Portofino, San Remo, Italy, and St.-Tropez, France, anchoring offshore and getting to land by tender — a contrast to the big cruise ships with their loud horns and thick plumes of exhaust spewing from their funnels.

For passengers wanting to take a dip (there is no pool), the crew marked an area in the water with floats and an inflatable slide. The water was frigid, but many passengers took the plunge from the swimming deck. Guests could also take “Zodiac Safaris” around the ship to get views of the vessel from the water.

Excursions ranged from food and wine tours to e-biking and beach trips. In Portofino, passengers were free to explore the sights independently, including the Castello Brown Fortress and the lighthouse on Punta del Capo rock. There was ample time to eat meals on shore as the ship did not depart until 11 p.m. Over the summer, the Sea Cloud Spirit will sail to Spain, Portugal, France and the Azores, among other destinations. On Nov. 11, she will depart for St. Maarten in the Caribbean for the winter.

Wherever the vessel goes, said Mirell Reyes, president of Sea Cloud Cruise for North America, the company tries to “stay away from the crowds and ports where big cruise ships spit out 6,000 passengers.”

Summer prices, which include food and beverages, range from $3,995 for a four-night sailing in a superior cabin to $9,420 for a veranda suite. Seven-night sailings cost between $6,995 and $16,495.

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

Ceylan Yeginsu is a travel reporter for The Times who frequently writes about the cruise industry and Europe, where she is based. More about Ceylan Yeğinsu

Come Sail Away

Love them or hate them, cruises can provide a unique perspective on travel..

 Cruise Ship Surprises: Here are five unexpected features on ships , some of which you hopefully won’t discover on your own.

 Icon of the Seas: Our reporter joined thousands of passengers on the inaugural sailing of Royal Caribbean’s Icon of the Seas . The most surprising thing she found? Some actual peace and quiet .

Th ree-Year Cruise, Unraveled:  The Life at Sea cruise was supposed to be the ultimate bucket-list experience : 382 port calls over 1,095 days. Here’s why  those who signed up are seeking fraud charges  instead.

TikTok’s Favorite New ‘Reality Show’:  People on social media have turned the unwitting passengers of a nine-month world cruise  into  “cast members”  overnight.

Dipping Their Toes: Younger generations of travelers are venturing onto ships for the first time . Many are saving money.

Cult Cruisers: These devoted cruise fanatics, most of them retirees, have one main goal: to almost never touch dry land .