Do you imagine a cruise as a massive ship teeming with thousands of passengers, long lines, crowded dining venues, and no space at the pool? Instead, imagine experiencing the thrill of cruising in remote locations without the chaos and crowds. Enter the world of luxury small cruise ships. Booking a small ship cruise offers personalized luxury, tranquility, and exclusivity.
From observing the dynamics of various cruises, it’s clear that small luxury ships offer a level of intimacy and exclusivity that large ships simply can’t match. The best small ships typically host between 16 and 300 passengers. This smaller capacity allows luxury cruise lines to offer a serene and indulgently luxurious cruise experience.
Luxury small cruise ships also have other benefits compared to larger vessels. They can sail to hidden gems and exclusive ports and navigate narrow channels, providing unique itineraries inaccessible to larger ships. This lets you discover lesser-known destinations and experience a more authentic, off-the-beaten-path voyage.
Are you ready to embark on a journey to learn about the benefits of choosing a luxury cruise line specializing in small ships? If so, please continue reading. Drawing from extensive research and insights from seasoned travelers, this guide offers an in-depth look at the finest luxury small cruise ships available.
Overview of the Unique Appeal of Luxury Small Cruise Ships
The contrast in atmosphere between large and small ships is striking. Seasoned cruisers often note that small ships provide a tranquil and personal experience, fostering close connections among passengers. This intimate setting is frequently praised in travel reviews and cruise forums for its ability to create a more cohesive and community-like environment on board.
Small luxury cruise ships typically accommodate 50 to 300 passengers; however, some host as few as 16 guests. Their limited capacity means these smaller vessels can offer a personalized, more intimate atmosphere on board. They usually include high-end dining options, spacious cabins, and excellent amenities to enhance the cruise experience.
The most popular and highly regarded cruise lines offering luxury small-ship cruises are Windstar Cruises, SeaDream Yacht Club, Silversea Cruises, and Seabourn Cruise Line. The vessels range from private yachts with 19 passengers to larger ships accommodating around 300 guests.
Many cruise lines also offer luxury river cruise ships to elevate inland excursions to a new level. However, I’ll focus on luxury ship cruise lines that offer sea cruises in this article.
Why Choose a Luxury Small Ship Cruise for Your Next Voyage
Luxury small cruise ships let you escape the crowds and offer an intimate, tailored experience. The vessels can provide expedition adventures, exclusive destinations, and enriching activities. Booking a cruise on a small ship can give you an unforgettable experience while you enjoy an indulgent voyage.
Based on industry insights and traveler reviews, here are six compelling reasons why booking a small luxury cruise ship is an excellent choice.
Intimate and personalized experience
Escape the bustling crowds of mega-ships with thousands of passengers. Small ships foster a sense of community and belonging. The lower passenger-to-crew ratios allows the crew to provide exceptional service and cater to your individual needs.
Travelers frequently highlight the exceptional service on small ships, where the crew quickly learns individual preferences, enhancing the overall cruise experience.
Some small luxury cruise lines like Silversea are more geared toward older passengers. Therefore, couples traveling without children and older guests may particularly enjoy the extra peace and quiet on these cruises.
Access to exclusive destinations
Small ship cruises have the advantage of navigating narrow passages, hidden coves, and secluded harbors. They can also dock at ports where the largest cruise ships cannot. This lets you enjoy unique cultural experiences, pristine natural environments, and a true sense of discovery.
Luxurious accommodations and amenities
Reports from luxury small ship travelers often emphasize the spacious cabins and luxurious touches that make each voyage feel exceptionally pampered.
From my observations, luxury small-ship cruises redefine comfort and indulgence. Spacious cabins or suites provide a haven of relaxation after a day of exploration. You can typically enjoy top-notch amenities onboard, gourmet fine dining experiences, complimentary WiFi, open bars with premium beverages, and pampering spas offering rejuvenating treatments.
Expedition adventures
If you love adventure, small ship cruises can be your ticket to exploring some of the most breathtaking destinations on the planet. Many luxury cruise lines specialize in expedition cruises to far-flung places like the Antarctic, the Arctic, Norwegian fjords, the Galapagos Islands, Asian islands, French Polynesia, Alaska, and the Scottish Islands.
Some luxury expedition small cruise ships also have kayaks, paddleboards, and even submarines and helicopters on board. These exclusive features open up a new world of adventure and exploration in remote locations like Antarctica, the Galapagos Islands, and the Arctic, where traditional shore excursions are not always possible.
Engaging and enriching activities
Exclusive shore excursions on small ships often provide deeper insights into local cultures and environments, significantly enriching the travel experience. Forget crowded poolside lounging and endless buffets. Instead, luxury small cruise ships offer a wide range of carefully curated activities to enrich your cruise experience. Feedback from seasoned travelers underscores the spectacular once-in-a-lifetime shore excursions you can never find on typical cruises.
Enhanced privacy and relaxation
Luxury small-ship cruises attract discerning guests, with feedback emphasizing the enhanced privacy and tranquility. This means that on board, you avoid the commotion of cruise crowds. Instead, you can relax in a more peaceful ambiance on serene sun decks or enjoy the seclusion of quiet lounges.
Key Factors to Consider When Booking a Luxury Small Ship Cruise
Comparing a traditional cruise with luxury cruising is challenging. It’s like trying to compare staying in a large, all-inclusive resort with a luxury boutique hotel. They both offer different experiences.
From my observations and industry knowledge, here are some things to consider when thinking about small cruise options:
Cost: Luxury sailings on smaller passenger ships tend to be more expensive cruises than larger cruise ships. The premium experience comes with a premium price tag.
Limited amenities: Due to their size, many small cruise ships cannot offer the wide range of amenities found on mega-ships. For example, they may have smaller pools, limited dining options, and entertainment venues.
Itinerary focus: Cruises on smaller ships prioritize exploring offshore destinations with less emphasis on onboard relaxation and entertainment.
Potential for seasickness: Smaller cruise ships are more susceptible to movement in rough seas and oceans. This factor increases the chance of seasickness. However, sea conditions vary depending on the season, destination, weather, and type of ship. For example, the Mediterranean Sea is typically calm, and seasickness is rarely an issue.
Small Cruise Ship vs. Large Cruise Ship: What’s the Difference?
Small cruise ships are a hidden gem in the cruise industry. As more cruisers seek sustainable and authentic experiences, the popularity of traveling on smaller ships is rising.
In this comparison, I’ll explore the key differences between small cruise ships and their larger counterparts. Whether you’re considering a ship with hundreds or even thousands of passengers or a more intimate private yacht or expedition ship, you’ll find what you need.
Focus of cruise
Small cruise ships: These cruises offer onshore excursions and more flexible schedules. The focus is on making each passenger feel special while enjoying unique experiences. You’ll often find tailored shore activities and wildlife sightseeing from the deck. Shore excursions are usually included in the cruise price.
Large cruise ships: Large ships offer a variety of activities and entertainment options, ensuring there’s something for everyone. These cruises are all about diversity and keeping you entertained whether you stay on board or go ashore. You must pay extra for shore excursions.
Atmosphere
Small cruise ships: The atmosphere on private yachts, expedition ships, and small cruise ships is serene, relaxed, and personal. With fewer passengers, making new friends and enjoying a quiet, peaceful environment is easy. Travel connoisseurs often praise the tranquil and intimate environment of small cruise ships, which is a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of larger vessels.
Large cruise ships: Expect a lively, bustling vibe with a diverse crowd. There’s always something happening—from dancing to casinos, variety shows, and water parks.
Staterooms
Small cruise ships: Staterooms on luxury small cruises tend to be spacious and luxurious—on par with larger cruise ships. They offer high comfort and quality and usually have sea views. It’s good to note that some boats may have limited balcony space.
Large Cruise Ships: You’ll find a wide range of stateroom options, from budget-friendly to luxurious suites, catering to different tastes and budgets. You may have to pay premium prices for ocean views, a private balcony, or a suite.
Dining options
Small cruise ships: Dining is often a gourmet experience focusing on quality over quantity. Expect a more intimate setting, personalized service, and five-star cooking.
Large cruise ships: Multiple dining venues offer a variety of cuisines, everything from formal fine dining to specialty restaurants, fast food, and midnight buffets. You’ll find something for everyone’s taste.
Service
Small cruise ships: Expect five-star service from attentive crew members and a welcoming environment. Luxury yachts may feel more like floating B&Bs. By the end of the cruise, you’ll be on first-name terms with everyone, including the captain.
Large cruise ships: Service is usually efficient and varied but impersonal. Due to the number of passengers, you may spend time waiting in line to dine or disembark. Reservations are typically necessary for restaurants, shore excursions, and shows. Royal Caribbean has the largest cruise ship, and it can accommodate over 7,600 guests.
Amenities
Small cruise ships: The best ships have high-end amenities like spas, gyms, and fitness centers. They also generally include observation decks and more intimate spaces for relaxation, reading, and unwinding.
Large cruise ships: Expect extensive facilities that include pools, cinemas, theaters, golf simulators, sports courts, and water parks. These floating cities provide endless options for entertainment and activities.
Itinerary
Small cruise ships: These ships can access smaller, exclusive ports, unique destinations, and remote locations. Private yachts and smaller cruise ships anchor in quiet bays or ports, whereas some may cruise through the night. They typically allow for a more authentic experience.
Large Cruise Ships: Large ships visit popular, well-known ports on a fixed itinerary. They typically cruise between ports at night and dock during the day at destinations. The large cruise ships can only berth at deep-water ports or anchor offshore and transport passengers on tender boats.
Detailed Profiles of Top Luxury Small Cruise Ships
Let’s look in detail at the best cruise lines with smaller ships suitable for luxury cruising anywhere in the world. Drawing from extensive research and conversations with seasoned travelers, I’ve compiled insights on these exceptional ships.
SeaDream I and II (SeaDream Yacht Club)
SeaDream I and II offer an ultra-luxury yachting experience with an intimate atmosphere and personalized service. The fleet of two cruise ships features spacious ocean-view staterooms, gourmet dining, sun loungers, and two-person hot tubs. The rooms have Balinese Dream Beds and luxurious amenities for the ultimate luxury. Travelers consistently praise the serene and exclusive cruise experience provided by these yachts.
Luxury cruises on the SeaDream yachts are all-inclusive, with lovely touches like kayaks, jet skis, a golf simulator, and an inflatable slide from the pool deck. They are perfect if you’re seeking a serene and exclusive cruise experience.
- Passenger Capacity: 112
- Design: Elegant and intimate, with yacht-like features.
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.24:1
- Cabins: Spacious ocean-view staterooms, including suites with balconies.
- Unique features: Open-air Balinese Dream Beds, spa, yoga classes, and a watersports marina.
- Luxury features: Fine dining, inclusive beverages, and personal service.
Wind Class Ships
Windstar Cruises has two types of luxury small cruise ships in its fleet—Wind Class and Star Plus Class. The Wind Class ships are elegant four or five-masted sailing yachts that deliver a luxury seafaring experience. Windstar Cruises has been recognized with several awards, including the Best Small Ship Cruise Line in 2019, which speaks volumes about their service and quality.
Many travelers have shared their awe at watching the sails unfurl on Wind Star, a moment that perfectly captures the blend of traditional sailing charm and modern luxury.
The Wind Class ships stand out for their innovative computer-controlled sail system, adding a class touch to their elegant design.
Wind Star
Wind Star, a beautiful four-masted sailing yacht from Windstar Cruises, offers an intimate and luxurious cruise experience. With its sleek design and attentive service, passengers can enjoy spacious staterooms, exquisite dining, and WiFi (for an extra charge). It also has an outdoor pool and watersports platform. Wind Star combines the charm of traditional sailing with modern luxury.
- Passenger capacity: 148
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.5:1
- Design: Four-masted sailing yacht with elegant and modern features
- Cabins: Spacious staterooms with ocean views and queen beds
- Unique features: Watersports platform, open bridge policy, three restaurants
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, casino, spa services, personal service
Wind Spirit
Wind Spirit is a sleek four-masted sailing yacht offering an intimate and luxurious cruise experience. The elegant ship features spacious ocean-view staterooms, queen beds, and expansive, open teak decks. The restaurants provide course-by-course menus and casual buffet dining. Like its sister ship, the Wind Surf, it features a watersports platform and open-air decks.
Wind Spirit combines traditional sailing charm with modern luxury, creating a serene and indulgent voyage.
- Passenger capacity: 148
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.46:1
- Design: Four-masted sailing yacht with elegant and modern features
- Cabins: Spacious ocean-view staterooms but no balconies
- Unique features: Watersports platform, open bridge policy
- Luxury features: Fine dining, personalized service, spa services
Wind Surf
Wind Surf is the world’s largest sailing ship for majestic, luxurious cruising. This five-masted beauty accommodates 342 guests and boasts spacious staterooms, gourmet dining, and a range of high-end amenities. With its unique combination of traditional sailing and modern luxury, Wind Surf ensures an unforgettable voyage.
- Passenger capacity: 342
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.6:1
- Design: Five-masted sailing yacht with luxurious and modern features
- Cabins: Spacious suites and staterooms with ocean views
- Unique features: Watersports platform, open bridge policy, pool, pool bar
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, various spa and massage services, fresh fruit daily in your room
Star Plus Class Ships
Windstar Cruises has three luxury small cruise ships in its fleet—Star Breeze, Star Legend, and Star Pride. All the salubrious yachts have grand suites with various options for luxurious cruising, from porthole suites to expansive balcony suites with ocean views.
Having reviewed multiple luxury cruise offerings, I can confirm that these ships provide a unique blend of comfort and adventure, ideal for exploring hidden harbors and narrow waterways and docking at small ports.
Star Pride, Star Breeze, and Star Legend
Star Pride is a luxurious all-suite yacht that provides an intimate cruising experience. The ship is large enough to offer luxury cruise amenities yet small enough to navigate hidden coves and small harbors. The elegant boat features two dining venues, spacious suites, a spa, and an infinity pool.
Star Pride offers a perfect blend of comfort and adventure, ideal for exploring hidden harbors and narrow waterways and docking at small ports.
- Passenger capacity: 312
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.5:1
- Design: All-suite motor yacht with modern features
- Cabins: Spacious suites with ocean views, verandas, or balconies
- Unique features: Infinity pool, watersports platform, fitness gym, cinema, hot tub
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, spa, personalized service
Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, and Sea Cloud Spirit (Sea Cloud Cruises)
Sea Cloud Cruises has three spectacular sailing yachts in the fleet for luxury cruising in Central and Northern Europe. The Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, and Sea Cloud Spirit are full-rigged sailing ships that combine traditional sailing with modern amenities. Each vessel has spacious staterooms, a lido deck with a bar, luxurious public areas, and expansive decks. Their excellent crew-to-guest ratio ensures the best pampering and cruising experience.
They all feature an excellent crew-to-guest ratio for the best pampering and cruising experience.
Sea Cloud
- Passenger capacity: 64
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1:1
- Design: Classic luxury yacht with four full-rigged masts
- Cabins: 32 outside cabins, including ten luxury suites
- Unique features: Original 1930s design elements, handset sails
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, personalized service, WiFi
Sea Cloud II
- Passenger capacity: 65
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1:1
- Design: Modern sailing yacht with classic touches
- Cabins: 47 cabins, including 16 junior suits and two owner suites
- Unique features: Manually set sails, three-masted design
- Luxury features: Fine dining, onboard spa, exclusive cosmetics, WiFi
Sea Cloud Spirit
Sea Cloud Spirit is the newest addition to the fleet, embodying the spirit of classic sailing with contemporary luxury. This three-masted, full-rigged ship offers elegant suites with balconies, spacious decks, WiFi, and state-of-the-art amenities. The vessel combines traditional sailing with modern comforts, ensuring an exceptional voyage for its guests.
- Passenger capacity: 136
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.3:1
- Design: Modern full-rigged ship with traditional sailing features
- Cabins: Luxurious suites with large balconies and panoramic views
- Unique features: Large sails operated manually, upscale ambiance
- Luxury features: Multiple dining venues, fitness center, luxurious spa
Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture (Seabourn)
Seabourn Cruise Line operates world-class luxury cruise ships, two of which are for luxurious expeditions.
Cruisers have often highlighted the luxurious amenities and the sense of adventure on Seabourn Venture, making it a top choice for those seeking both comfort and exploration.
Seabourn Pursuit
Seabourn Pursuit is an ultra-luxury expedition ship for diverse environments, including polar regions and tropical destinations. With advanced technology, it offers an all-inclusive, yacht-like experience featuring elegant suites, ocean views, and multiple dining venues. It also carries exploration amenities like submarines, Zodiacs, and kayaks.
The ship emphasizes both luxury and adventure, ensuring an unparalleled cruising experience.
- Passenger capacity: 264
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 2.2:1
- Design: Custom-built exploration ship with a yacht-like atmosphere with modern amenities
- Cabins: 132 all-balcony ocean-facing suites, including the luxurious Wintergarden Suites
- Unique features: Two custom-built submarines, 24 Zodiacs, and a 24-person expert expedition team
- Luxury features: Multiple dining venues, complimentary WiFi, infinity pool, and spa services
Seabourn Venture
Seabourn Venture is a purpose-built expedition ship that offers luxury combined with the thrill of adventure. Journey to the Arctic and Amazon, navigate the famous Northwest Passage or travel to warm-weather destinations. It features advanced technology, elegant suites, and a range of amenities to enhance the guest experience.
- Passenger capacity: 264 to 317
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 2.2:1
- Design: Stylish and modern with a focus on comfort and functionality
- Cabins: 132 spacious suites, some with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Unique features: Two submarines for underwater exploration, numerous Zodiacs, discovery, and an expert expedition team
- Luxury features: High-end dining options, a fitness center, WiFi, and personalized service
Hebridean Princess (Hebridean Island Cruises)
The Hebridean Princess is a unique luxury cruise ship known for its intimate and traditional British charm. The small luxury cruise ship has rooms resembling a country house hotel. Look for the Scottish decor, gold-plated faucets, brick fireplace, and luxurious dining area. One of the outstanding features is the stunning menu featuring local produce from Scotland.
Guests often highlight the cozy, country house feel of the Hebridean Princess, with its Scottish decor and personalized service making them feel at home.
- Passenger capacity: 49
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.3:1
- Design: Traditional country house style with rich historical elements
- Cabins: 28 unique cabins, including one suite, many with classic Scottish decor
- Unique features: Real brick fireplace in the Tiree Lounge, historic elements from its ferry past
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining with locally sourced ingredients, exceptional personalized service, cozy and homely atmosphere
Silver Endeavour and Silver Origin (Silversea Expeditions)
Silversea Expeditions has a fleet of two small luxury cruise ships designed for adventure seekers. The ships feature unparalleled comfort and exclusive travel experiences to the world’s remotest destinations. Their fleet includes state-of-the-art ships equipped for polar and tropical explorations. These feature butler service, hot tubs, hot showers, and ocean views.
Silver Endeavour
Silver Endeavour is built to PC6 Polar Class standards, ensuring safety and comfort in the harshest environments. This ship features all-suite accommodations, an observation lounge, a library, and a lecture space. It has several dining options with butler service for every suite. It also has some of the latest exploration technology, Zodiacs, kayaks, and warm coats.
- Passenger capacity: 200
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 0.9:1
- Design: Built to PC6 Polar Class standards
- Cabins: All-suite accommodations with private verandas
- Unique features: Advanced navigation and exploration technology, large observation lounge
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, onboard spa, butler service, WiFi, remote Shotover gimbal camera system
Silver Origin
Silver Origin is an exploration ship designed exclusively for Galápagos Islands expeditions. It combines luxurious all-suite accommodations with balconies, floor-to-ceiling windows, and Ecuadorian-inspired cuisine. You’ll feel like being on a private yacht with few passengers and plenty of space.
- Passenger capacity: 100
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.1:1
- Design: Designed specifically for the Galápagos Islands
- Cabins: All-suite accommodations with floor-to-ceiling windows
- Unique features: Ecuadorian-inspired design and cuisine, environmentally sustainable features
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, champagne, butler service, extensive expedition program
Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II (Scenic Ocean Cruises)
Scenic Ocean Cruise ships—Eclipse and Eclipse II—offer the ultimate adventure and luxury expedition cruising. The small ships provide a luxury yacht atmosphere, making it feel like a boutique hotel. They also feature kayaks, stand-up paddle boards, two helicopters, and a submarine. It’s capable of luxury cruising in polar and tropical destinations.
Design aficionados I’ve spoken to are particularly impressed by the sleek interiors of Scenic Eclipse, which perfectly complement the ship’s high-tech expedition capabilities.
Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II
- Passenger capacity: 228 (200 in polar regions)
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.33:1
- Design: State-of-the-art luxury expedition yacht with Polar Class 6 notation
- Cabins: All-veranda suites with luxurious amenities
- Unique features: Helicopters, a submarine, zodiacs, advanced stabilization system
- Luxury features: Ten dining options, expansive spa, gym, WiFi, personalized butler service
Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara (Emerald Cruises)
The two luxury ships in the Emerald Cruises fleet—Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara—have a superyacht feel. The luxury yachts feature expansive deck space, superb dining options, and expensive fittings in suites. The ships have three tenders in their custom-designed garage at the rear.
An advantage of sailing on the Emerald Azzurra or Emerald Sakara is that they can dock beside other superyachts rather than use commercial cruise ports. Also, there is a range of quality water toys, an infinity pool, a jacuzzi, a gym, a spa, and top-notch food on board.
Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara
- Passenger capacity: 100
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.47:1
- Design: Modern and sleek ocean-going superyacht for cruising
- Cabins: 50 luxurious staterooms with ocean views, eight of which are suites
- Unique features: Marina platform for water sports, infinity pool, shore excursions included
- Luxury features: Multiple dining venues, wellness center, double cocoon loungers, plush furnishings
National Geographic Islander II (Lindblad Expeditions)
National Geographic Islander II offers a luxurious and intimate way to explore the Galápagos Islands. The small cruise ship combines luxury and adventure. It’s an all-suite ship featuring spacious rooms, all-inclusive drinks and food, and exceptional dining venues. A range of activities include kayaking, snorkeling, Zodiac rafts, a glass-bottomed boat, and guided hikes.
Wildlife enthusiasts find the National Geographic Islander II’s excursions particularly enriching, with expert guides offering insights that bring each destination to life.
- Passenger capacity: 48
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1:1
- Design: Intimate five-deck expedition ship with modern amenities
- Cabins: All-suite accommodations with local Ecuadorian touches
- Unique features: Open bridge policy, outdoor promenade deck, front viewing area, marina platform for Zodiac loading
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, complimentary beverages, extensive expedition equipment
Le Laperouse (Ponant)
Le Laperouse combines Scandinavian design and French flair for a luxurious small cruise ship experience. This intimate yacht is perfect for polar explorations and cruising Northern Europe, Iceland, the Mediterranean, and the Seychelles. A special feature is its unique Blue Eye underwater lounge. Also, ocean noises and images of sea creatures are projected onto digital screens.
Travelers frequently comment on the unique Blue Eye underwater lounge on Le Laperouse, describing it as an unparalleled experience that connects them with the marine environment.
Accommodations range from standard staterooms with balconies to suites with expansive balconies and separate living areas.
- Passenger capacity: 184
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.5:1
- Design: Modern expedition yacht with eco-friendly features
- Cabins: 92 staterooms and suites with private balconies
- Unique features: Underwater lounge, French cuisine, hydraulic marina platform, infinity pool
- Luxury features: Two gourmet restaurants, spa, fitness area, watersports platform and marina, panoramic lounge
Celebrity Xploration, Celebrity Flora (Celebrity Cruises)
Celebrity Cruises offers luxurious eco-friendly cruising yachts to explore the Galápagos Islands. Both ships feature all-inclusive experiences, luxurious lounges, sun decks, and stunning suites with ocean views. Two small cruise ships in their fleet are the Celebrity Xploration and Celebrity Flora.
Celebrity Xploration
Celebrity Xploration is a mega-catamaran with a 16-guest capacity. The private yacht is perfect for family getaways or groups of friends who want to experience unique exploration adventures in the Pacific Ocean. It features cozy staterooms with verandas, suites, a lounge, and a sun deck. It offers a personalized experience, alfresco dining, and guided shore excursions.
- Passenger capacity: 16
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.3:1
- Design: Intimate superyacht, catamaran-style
- Cabins: Luxurious staterooms with ocean views and private verandas
- Unique features: Small group excursions, personalized service, air conditioning, personal refrigerator
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, sun deck
Celebrity Flora
Celebrity Flora is a state-of-the-art mega-yacht designed specifically for the Galápagos. This all-suite ship features a unique outward-facing design, luxurious suites with verandas, and bathroom fixtures with full automation.
Also, commitment to eco-friendly technology minimizes its environmental footprint. For example, it has solar panels and a dynamic positioning system to avoid dropping anchor. It’s regarded as one of the most eco-friendly cruise ships in the world.
Guests often comment on the eco-friendly design of Celebrity Flora, appreciating the ship’s efforts to minimize its environmental footprint while providing luxurious accommodations.
The cruise ship has won awards, notably the Gold Award for Best Small Ship and the Gold Award for Luxury Ship.
- Passenger capacity: 100
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1:1
- Design: Eco-friendly, innovative, outward-facing design to enhance the cruise experience
- Cabins: All-suite accommodations
- Unique features: Dynamic positioning system, eco-friendly technologies, all-suite accommodations
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, personal suite attendants, stargazing platform, champagne, in-suite dinner service
Aqua Mare (Aqua Expeditions)
Aqua Mare is a stunning superyacht offering an ultra-luxury cruising experience in the Galápagos Islands. The four-deck yacht features elegant suites, a jacuzzi, a sun deck, and an outdoor BBQ area. It also includes a panoramic lounge, swimming platform, and indoor and outdoor dining areas.
- Passenger capacity: 16
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1:1
- Design: Luxurious superyacht with modern, luxury amenities
- Cabins: Spacious suites with ocean views
- Unique features: Two tenders for excursions, expert naturalist guides
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, jacuzzi, personalized service
Hanseatic Inspiration (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises)
The Hanseatic Inspiration is part of a fleet of small cruise ships that offer luxurious cruising. Destinations include the polar regions, the Amazon, the British Isles, and the Great Lakes in North America via the St. Lawrence Seaway. Unique to this modern expedition ship is the onboard high-tech Open Academy to learn about the places you visit. It also has the opulent amenities you’d expect from a world-class small cruise ship.
- Passenger capacity: 230
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.31:1
- Design: Modern expedition ship with advanced technology
- Cabins: 120 cabins with customizable lighting and heated walls
- Unique features: Extendable glass balconies, high-tech Ocean Academy, excursions, lectures, pool deck
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, spa, bilingual crew, champagne, and personalized services
World Navigator, World Traveller, World Voyager (Atlas Ocean Voyages)
Atlas Ocean Voyages offers luxury expedition cruising in small ships with under 200-guest capacity. The fleet of state-of-the-art cruise ships is designed for adventure and comfort. Each vessel features spacious suites, fine dining, and advanced amenities, providing an immersive and luxurious exploration experience.
A unique aspect of Atlas Ocean Voyages is that activities, Zodiac trips, beverages, fine dining, butler services, shore excursions, and equipment are included in the cruise price.
World Navigator, World Traveller, World Voyager
- Passenger capacity: 196
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.57:1
- Design: Modern expedition ship with eco-friendly technology
- Cabins: Spacious suites with luxurious amenities
- Unique features: Hybrid power management system, water sports platform, binoculars, coffee machine
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, spa, luxury L’Occitane toiletries, swimming marina
UnCruise Adventures
UnCruise Adventures offers intimate, comfortable cruises on a fleet of well-appointed small ships. The best small cruise ships are the Safari Endeavour, Safari Explorer, and Safari Voyager. All ships provide spacious accommodations, elegant dining rooms, and unique experiences in some of the world’s most remote and pristine destinations.
Features of their adventure small ship cruises include the following:
- Launch platform
- Kayaks, paddleboards, and inflatable skiffs
- Passenger capacity between 22 and 86
Paul Gauguin Cruises
Paul Gauguin Cruises offers an intimate and luxurious experience aboard The Gauguin. Designed explicitly for luxurious cruising, the small cruise ship travels to spectacular ports inaccessible to larger cruise ships. The vessel has spacious suites, three dining venues, a spa, and all-inclusive beverages and food.
- Passenger capacity: 330
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.5:1
- Design: Luxurious small ship designed for cruising the South Pacific and French Polynesia
- Cabins: 165 staterooms and suites, three-quarters of which have private balconies
- Unique features: Watersports marina, exclusive private beaches, optional shore excursions, scuba diving,
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, onboard spa and beauty services, personalized butler service, options to extend your trip
Viking Octantis (Viking Expedition Cruises)
Viking Octantis is a luxurious small ocean cruiser that allows you to explore the world’s most remote and captivating destinations. The ship includes stunning staterooms with ocean views, climate control, exclusive toiletries, and fine dining. You also get gear for enrichment activities and excursions.
The Viking Octantis exploration ship has the stunning Anula & Finse Terrace—a panoramic auditorium with outdoor lounges, firepits, and al fresco dining.
- Passenger capacity: 378
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.48:1
- Design: State-of-the-art expedition ship with Polar Class 6 standards
- Cabins: Luxurious staterooms with private Nordic balconies
- Unique features: Two submarines, hangar for expedition equipment, science lab
- Luxury features: Multiple dining options, spa, panoramic lounge, keepsake jackets, enclosed ship marina
Evrima (Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection)
Evrima offers an ultra-luxurious cruising experience in the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, and Asian Pacific waters. This elegant yacht features spacious suites with private terraces, multiple dining venues, and a range of upscale amenities. Cruises are all-inclusive of food, beverages, and activities—including the Moët & Chandon champagne.
Evrima ensures personalized service and sophisticated design, providing an exclusive and intimate journey for discerning travelers.
- Passenger capacity: 298
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.21:1
- Design: Luxurious yacht with contemporary elegance
- Cabins: Spacious suites with private terraces
- Unique features: Marina-style platform, onboard water sports, pool, marina, gym
- Luxury features: Multiple dining venues, spa, personalized butler service, wellness center
True North and True North II (True North Adventure Cruises)
True North Adventure Cruises has a fleet of two small ships offering the ultimate in luxury sea voyages. The luxurious cruises are in remote and pristine locations around the Australian coast. Aboard the super yacht, you can enjoy an intimate cruising experience in spacious staterooms with en-suite facilities. It also has an onboard helicopter and multiple adventure boats to provide a unique adventure.
- Passenger capacity: 36
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1:1
- Design: Purpose-built for adventure with luxurious amenities
- Cabins: 18 spacious cabins and staterooms with modern comforts
- Unique features: Onboard air-conditioned helicopter, six adventure boats, satellite phone, sports deck
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, sundeck, observation lounge
Island Sky, Hebridean Sky, and Caledonian Sky (Noble Caledonia)
Noble Caledonia offers luxurious small-ship cruising with the Island Sky and Hebridean Sky. Both vessels provide an intimate and refined experience, more like a posh country hotel than a cruise ship. The ships feature spacious cabins, informal lounges, a lido, and indoor and outdoor dining options.
Both ships are designed for comfort and exploration, including polar regions. Shore excursions are included, and local naturists come on board for lectures or entertainment. Dining is a mixture of buffet-style for breakfast and lunch and fine dining in the evening.
It’s good to note that various cruise lines charter these vessels for their own luxury small-ship cruises.
Island Sky, Hebridean Sky, and Caledonian Sky
- Passenger capacity: 114-118
- Passenger-to-crew ratio: 1.69:1
- Design: Elegant expedition ship with a traditional feel
- Cabins: Spacious suites with modern amenities, rainfall showers, and home comforts
- Unique features: Teak decks with wood and brass paneling, open-seating dining, superyacht atmosphere
- Luxury features: Gourmet dining, library, observation lounge, air conditioning, luxury toiletries
Luxurious Small Ship Cruise: FAQs
What is the best time to book a luxury small cruise?
Booking six to 12 months in advance ensures availability and better rates. Limited capacity on small luxury cruise ships means securing a spot can be tricky if you leave reservations until the last minute. It’s not uncommon for luxury small cruises to sell out quickly.
Are shore excursions included in the cruise fare?
Many luxury small cruise lines include shore excursions in the fare. However, as policies vary, it’s best to check with the specific cruise line. High-end excursions like helicopter or submarine rides may have additional costs.
How should I pack for a luxury small cruise?
Pack casual, comfortable clothing for daytime and smart casual attire for evenings. Also, bring weather-appropriate clothing—swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes for summer cruises. Luxury cruises to polar regions or Alaska typically provide a complimentary insulated jacket and appropriate boots.
Is there WiFi available on board?
Most luxury small cruise ships offer WiFi on board, but the speed and availability may vary depending on the location. Depending on the cruise line, onboard internet use may come at an additional fee.
What types of dining options do small cruise ships offer?
Luxury small cruise ships typically offer gourmet dining in intimate settings. The premium price for the cruise means you can expect the best food, usually showcasing local cuisine.
How do luxury small cruise ships handle seasickness?
Smaller ships are more susceptible to movement, but many are equipped with advanced stabilization systems, ensuring a smooth and comfortable journey even in less than ideal sea conditions. Large ocean swells or rough seas are often season-dependent, so check about typical sea conditions before booking. It’s also helpful to bring seasickness remedies or consult your doctor before the trip.
Are luxury small cruises suitable for children?
While luxury small cruises generally cater to adults, some cruise lines offer family-friendly options. However, don’t expect the type of entertainment programs that large cruise companies offer. Check with the cruise line for specific amenities and programs for children.
Are tips included in the cruise fare?
Many luxury small cruise lines include gratuities in the fare. However, it’s advisable to check the specific policies of the cruise line. For exceptional service, you may decide to tip one or more of the crew; however, this is usually optional.
What activities are available on board?
Onboard activities depend on the size and type of vessel. Many small luxury cruise ships have spas, fitness rooms, hot tubs, and pools. Expedition cruise ships usually have auditoriums for lectures or educational activities. You can also find cruise ships with swimming platforms for kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding directly from the boat.
Is there a risk of feeling confined on a small, luxurious cruise ship?
It’s rare to feel confined on a small cruise ship. The best ships have spacious staterooms, plenty of space on deck, and excellent dining facilities. Also, small luxury ships are never crowded due to the limited number of guests on board. Therefore, you’ll usually enjoy an enriching experience without feeling confined.
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