small sailboat cruise

Protect Your Trip »

12 Top Cruises on Small Ships

From wildlife viewing in the remote polar regions to magical sunsets in the Indian Ocean, these ships offer unforgettable voyages.

Al Bakker | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Even if you're sailing in chilly Antarctica, cruising on a small ship offers comfort and coziness.

If you are feeling a sense of wanderlust and ready to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations in far-flung corners of the world, consider booking a small ship cruise. These luxury mega-yachts, expedition-style vessels and sailing ships can visit tucked-away harbors, exotic locales and pristine beaches that larger ships can't reach. And if you opt for a cruise on a rigged sailing vessel, there's nothing more romantic than watching the sun set into the ocean while the wind fills the sails of a tall ship at sea.

Smaller ships offer an intimate onboard vibe where the experience is highly personalized with a higher crew to passenger ratio – and where you'll get to know many of your fellow passengers. Smaller ships are often more fuel-efficient and eco-friendly than traditional cruise ships, using either wind power or the latest technologies. With the addition of new or existing cruise lines entering this market along with other lines investing in upgrading older ships, there are many more vessels in these smaller ship classes to choose from when considering your cruise options.

If you're seeking an adventure of a lifetime – whether to meet the penguins in Antarctica, people- and yacht watch in glamorous ports of call in the Mediterranean, or go island hopping in paradise in Hawaii – then plan your voyage to set sail on one of these small ships.

(Note: Some of the following activities, attractions and locations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. New policies may be in place, including capacity restrictions, reservation requirements or mask mandates. Check with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the U.S. Department of State and local tourism boards before traveling.)

Ready to plan a cruise? Find the best value sailings on  GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Star Clippers: Royal Clipper

Inspired by the legendary 1902 Preussen, the first five-masted ship, Royal Clipper was launched in 2000 as a true sailing vessel at 439 feet in length with 54,000 square feet of sails across 42 sails. With five fully rigged masts, the ship is recognized in Guinness World Records as the largest square rigger in service today.

Modeled after the historic clipper ships, Royal Clipper travels under full sail – and by wind power – for up to 80% of its voyages. When the vessel does navigate under power, the energy-efficient engines only use high-quality, low-sulfur gas oil, earning Star Clippers the International Air Pollution Prevention Certificate for all three of its clipper ships.

The ship can accommodate as many as 227 passengers in 114 staterooms, along with 106 crew. While on board, guests will enjoy 19,000 square feet of open teak deck, three swimming pools and hidden balconies on either side of the bow, where you can view wildlife like dolphins swimming alongside the ship. You can also relax in the bowsprit net overlooking the ocean and keeping an eye out for whales. For the more adventurous sailor, climbing the mast to 75 feet above the water affords unforgettable ocean views from your perch in one of the passenger crow's nests. Other features of Royal Clipper are its three-story atrium, trilevel dining room, and unique spa and health club with underwater portholes called the Captain Nemo Lounge.

The ship's seven-night Windward Islands itinerary sails round trip from Barbados with stops in Antigua , Martinique , St. Kitts, Îles Des Saintes and St. Lucia. You'll even have an opportunity to sail alongside one of the line's sister ships and another tall ship – Star Flyer – to the island of Dominica . Royal Clipper's longer itineraries include several Grand Voyages: The 19-night cruise from Cannes in France to Lisbon in Portugal, for example, calls on other ports in France, Italy, Spain, Gibraltar and Morocco.

Read: Cruise Essentials for Your Next Trip

Silversea Cruises: Silver Wind

Courtesy of Silversea Cruises

Launched in 1995, Silver Wind was Silversea's second of four vessels that the line built for the ultra-luxury market. This ship underwent a significant upgrade in 2018, followed by another refurbishment in 2021 that included an enhanced ice-class hull. This new addition allows Silver Wind to be one of the most adaptable ships in the fleet, sailing from the polar regions like Antarctica to sunny island climates in the Caribbean and cruising picturesque shorelines along the Mediterranean Sea.

Silver Wind measures about 515 feet in length and has 149 all ocean-view suites, more than 80% of which boast a private veranda. The ship carries 274 guests and 239 crew and features elegant public rooms, including lounges for gazing out at the ocean or watching onboard entertainment. There's also an upscale bar, shipboard boutiques and a spa.

Dining is a highlight, with four venues spanning international cuisine such as Italian, regional specialties and seasonally inspired menus. For an evening under the stars, The Grill features fine steaks and seafood or vegetables that guests can cook at the table on 400 degrees Celsius lava stones. After dinner, spend time chatting with fellow passengers at Connoisseur's Corner, where you can sip cognac and enjoy a cigar.

Silver Wind offers an epic 20-night expedition cruise from Tromsø, Norway, to Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, visiting various destinations in Iceland as well as remote regions and glaciers in Greenland. For a warmer voyage, the 10-night Puntarenas to Guayaquil itinerary takes you from Costa Rica to Ecuador in South America, with stops at the remote Darien Jungle in Panama, the Utría National Natural Park in Colombia and several ports in Ecuador, including the city of Guayaquil.

Want to cruise a small ship on Silversea Cruises? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Sea Cloud Cruises: Sea Cloud

Courtesy of Sea Cloud Cruises

Built in 1931 as a private yacht for Wall Street broker Edward Francis Hutton and his wife Marjorie Merriweather Post, an American socialite and philanthropist, this legendary windjammer maintains the elegance of a time gone by.

Originally named Hussar, the 360-foot Sea Cloud has a fascinating history – while the ship started as a private yacht, it later became a floating palace of diplomacy and then a warship. Today, Sea Cloud accommodates up to 64 passengers in 32 outside cabins and carries about 60 crew. The ship also boasts 29 sails, with the height of the main mast towering 184 feet above the water.

If you've never been on this type of vessel, cruising under full sail on a tall ship is unlike any other experience. Sea Cloud does not rely on motors (though they are installed just in case), allowing the wind and sea to determine the ship's course whenever possible, guided by the skills and seamanship of the crew for navigation. This setup provides an opportunity to teach the art of sailing to the passengers. The captain of Sea Cloud and guests prefer to cruise under full sail, which is the lure of sailing on a windjammer. Life on board the ship is intimate and relaxed – just as you would find on a private yacht.

Amenities on Sea Cloud include a lido bar and deck and a restaurant serving cuisine inspired by the destination, which features local products, fresh fish and regional wines.

One of Sea Cloud's top itineraries, Between Lifestyles and Nature's Paradises, sails for seven nights from Monte Carlo, Monaco , to the Spanish island of Palma de Mallorca , with calls on less visited ports along the Mediterranean coast in southern France like La Ciotat and Collioure. You can also join the jet-setters in St. Barts with a front-row seat from your sailing ship for the Bucket Regatta. This 10-night adventure includes two days in the French West Indies island of St. Barts and other picturesque ports of call in the Caribbean.

Read: The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Atlas Ocean Voyages: World Navigator

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

Atlas Ocean Voyages' first luxury expedition ship, World Navigator, launched in August 2021. With a length of 423 feet and capacity for 196 passengers and 127 crew, the ship sails to fascinating destinations around the world. By optimizing fuel efficiency with the incorporation of the latest hybrid power management and propulsion system, World Navigator uses as little as one-fifth of the fuel of standard cruise ship systems. The quiet alternate hydro-jet propulsion system allows for up-close viewing of marine animals and other wildlife.

The 98 beautifully appointed staterooms and suites feature upscale amenities like Egyptian linens and a menu to personalize your selection of a pillow. Some accommodations also have Juliet-style or walk-out balconies, and certain suites come with butler service. For dining options, you'll find Portuguese-inspired Porto, which is the main dining room, or the New York-style 7-Aft Grill for steaks and seafood. Passengers can also opt to have lunch poolside or enjoy light bites at the Dome Observation Lounge, which offers panoramic views of the sea.

Other ship amenities include three bars and lounges, the SeaSpa by L'Occitane, an auditorium, a mud room, a pool and two hot tubs, a boutique and a fitness center. To wind down after a day of exploring destinations in far corners of the globe, convene with other passengers to relive the experience during Àpres Sea.

For the ultimate bucket list adventure, book the nine-night round-trip expedition from Ushuaia, Argentina, to the southernmost continent. Highlights of this venture to Antarctica include navigating the Drake Passage; embarking on water safaris to Deception Island or Yankee Harbour; encountering wildlife like penguins, seals and whales; and even camping on land overnight. For a less adventurous itinerary, history enthusiasts will appreciate the 12-night Western Europe voyage sailing from Hamburg in Germany to London , with an overnight in Amsterdam and ports of call in cities like Antwerp and Bruges , Belgium; Plymouth, U.K.; and Honfleur, France.

Read: The Top Cruise Lines for Solo Travelers

Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Flora

This 100-passenger luxury mega-yacht is the first ship of its kind built for the Galápagos Islands . Launched in 2019, Celebrity Flora is 333 feet long and features 50 spacious all-suite accommodations, each designed with a veranda or an infinite veranda that extends the terrace to be part of the living space. Each suite is fully automated, allowing guests to control everything with the touch of a button. Amenities include luxurious linens and bathrobes, and you'll enjoy chocolates and toiletries locally sourced from Ecuador. The ship is also eco-friendly and built with the latest environmental technologies.

There are two dining venues on board Celebrity Flora. Seaside Restaurant offers an upscale casual experience with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout. For alfresco dining in the evening, Ocean Grill serves local, sustainable seafood during "Dinner Under the Stars." Other inviting indoor spaces include the Discovery Lounge, where Celebrity's naturalists host briefings and presentations, and the Observatory, a library and lounge with a view.

Outside, The Vista offers guests an open-air escape with private cabanas, cocoon-style loungers and a Jacuzzi. Cruisers can head to the outdoor Sunset Lounge for a dip in the plunge pool or experience Galápagos Glamping on the top deck with an evening of dining and sleeping under one of the most spectacular night skies in the world.

Celebrity Flora sails seven-night inner- and outer-loop Galápagos itineraries and has extended trips with land packages that add on Quito or Machu Picchu . The 16-night Galápagos Outer Loop & Machu Picchu itinerary includes island hopping in the Galápagos, where you'll have up-close encounters with giant tortoises, marine iguanas, Galápagos penguins, red- and blue-footed boobies, and sea lions. Afterward, head to Lima, Peru , where you'll fly to Cusco and venture onward to visit the Sacred Valley and Machu Picchu.

Looking to plan a small ship cruise on Celebrity Cruises? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Windstar Cruises: Wind Star

Michel Verdure | Courtesy of Windstar Cruises

When it first launched in Le Havre, France, in November 1985, Wind Star was the world's largest sailing vessel and the flagship for the line. While this schooner may not be the largest tall ship on the seas today, Wind Star is an elegant four-masted sailing yacht and the cruise line's namesake. Since its launch, this ship has been through a few renovations, with the most recent one in 2018. The 360-foot vessel features 73 deluxe ocean-view staterooms that accommodate 148 passengers, and it can carry 101 crew. Four masts stand at 204 feet tall, and six triangular Dacron sails, which are self-furling and computerized, make up a surface area of 21,500 square feet.

As with other Windstar vessels, you'll find the same casual elegance on board this sailing ship. Guests will get to sail away to the music Windstar traditionally plays while raising the flag during every port departure – Vangelis' song "1492: Conquest of Paradise," which is the musical score to the movie of the same name. The culinary program on Windstar's fleet is in partnership with the James Beard Foundation, so dining is a real treat. The three restaurant venues on Wind Star include Amphora, whose contemporary, international menu was created by James Beard-affiliated chefs. The romantic Candles offers an alfresco dining experience with grilled steaks and skewers, while the Veranda is the ship's casual breakfast and lunch buffet with outdoor seating.

Other onboard amenities include a lounge, the Yacht Club Café, a pool bar, a salon and spa, a boutique, a library, a fitness center, a water sports platform and an open bridge where you can enjoy a chat over coffee with the captain.

Treasures of the Greek Isles is a seven-night voyage that sails round trip from Athens to several Greek islands, including Mykonos and Santorini . This itinerary also includes a stop in Kusadasi, Turkey, where you'll be able to visit the fascinating ancient city of Ephesus. For a South America adventure to transit the Panama Canal and explore destinations in the region like rainforests, reserve the seven-night Costa Rica & Panama Canal voyage.

Read: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors and Retirees

Viking Cruises: Viking Octantis

Courtesy of Viking

Built in 2022, Viking's new Polar Class 6 ship, Viking Octantis, is 665 feet in length and accommodates 378 guests in 189 staterooms and 256 crew. The purpose-built expedition ship boasts more indoor and outdoor viewing areas than many other expedition vessels, providing guests with up-close views of some of the most incredible scenery in the world. The energy-efficient design of this ship and the line's other expedition vessel, Viking Polaris, exceeds the Energy Efficiency Design Index (EEDI) requirements by 36%. The cruise line is also recognized for receiving one of the first highest-level certifications for quiet ship propulsion, minimizing underwater noise pollution.

Cruisers familiar with Viking Ocean Cruises' ships will recognize familiar spaces and dining venues such as The Living Room, The Explorers' Lounge, The Nordic Spa, Manfredi's, The Restaurant and The World Cafe. New spaces on Viking Octantis include The Aula, a panoramic auditorium designed for lectures and daily briefings, and the adjacent Finse Terrace. This outdoor lounge area sits just above sea level and boasts recessed, heated couches and lava rock "fire pits." Passengers will also find the industry-first in-ship marina, The Hangar, where guests can easily embark and disembark the ship, and three pools offering varying temperatures with an inside-outside passage. In addition, all staterooms feature Nordic balconies that convert from a sunroom to an alfresco viewing area.

For a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, book the 12-night Antarctic itinerary sailing from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina. This expedition includes the Drake "rite of" Passage, scenic sailing around Cape Horn and wildlife viewing in the icy waters of the "White Continent." For U.S. travelers interested in staying closer to home, the seven-night Great Lakes Explorer departs Milwaukee for Thunder Bay in Ontario, Canada. Cruisers will enjoy a stop in Mackinac Island in Michigan, scenic sailing along the St. Mary's River and transit from the U.S. into Canada through the Soo Locks.

Want to plan a Viking Expedition Cruise? See top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Emerald Cruises: Emerald Azzurra

Emerald Cruises' luxurious 360-foot superyacht, Emerald Azzurra, launched in May 2022. The boutique ship carries just 100 passengers and is designed for cruising the waters of the Mediterranean, Adriatic Coast and the Red Sea. Its sister ship, Emerald Sakara, will debut in 2023. On board Emerald Azzurra, you can expect to be pampered by 68 crew members while soaking in the sun poolside or relaxing indoors during a day at sea.

The 50 spacious modern staterooms and suites, most with balconies, offer spectacular views of off-the-beaten-path destinations and smaller ports and harbors. The ship also features several dining, bar and lounge venues; quiet spaces for relaxing or reading a book; a wellness area; a hot tub with a view and an infinity-style pool; a boutique; and a fitness center. The marina platform on the ship's stern offers paddleboarding, snorkeling and other water sports activities.

The seven-night Gems of the Arabian Peninsula sails from Doha, Qatar, to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. This cruise calls on Sir Bani Yas Island and Abu Dhabi , United Arab Emirates, as well as two ports in the country of Oman. For unforgettable ocean and island views and a vacation in paradise, book the seven-night Tropical Charms of the Seychelles, sailing round trip from Victoria, Mahé , which is the capital of the Seychelles .

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Endurance

Alexandra Daley-Clark | Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Launched in July 2021 as one of two new polar vessels and a sister ship to National Geographic Resolution (November 2021), this extraordinary vessel can explore deeper and further into the Earth's polar regions. National Geographic Endurance is the first new polar build in the company's 50-year history, and its name honors the ship of renowned Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. The elegant Scandinavian-inspired design also features the patented X-Bow, offering eco-friendly benefits and a smoother, quieter ride.

National Geographic Endurance is 407 feet in length and has 69 spacious staterooms with large windows or balconies to accommodate up to 126 passengers. The ship also carries 112 crew. Unique onboard amenities include the first polar art exhibit at sea, curated by environmental artist Zaria Forman, and the first igloos at sea. Guests can arrange to spend an evening under the stars in these glass domes, which are available to reserve on a first-come, first-served basis.

Passengers can also enjoy one complimentary evening at the Chef's Table, sustainable cuisine during their voyage, a lounge and bar area, outdoor infinity-style hot tubs, a yoga studio, saunas with a view of the sea, and state-of-the-art facilities for presentations and films. Every expedition also has a National Geographic photographer and a certified photo instructor and video chronicler.

For an unforgettable rendezvous with nature, book a 10-night cruise called Land of the Ice Bears. This adventure sails to the best place in the world to view polar bears: the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard in the Arctic Ocean. In addition to many opportunities to see those amazing animals, you'll also encounter walruses, reindeer, arctic foxes and fur seals. Another incredible journey for the extreme adventurer is the 35-day Epic Antarctica sailing. This expedition will venture to remote West Antarctica and explore the sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia, traveling to destinations where possibly few – or even no – humans have set foot before.

UnCruise Adventures: Safari Explorer

Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures

Built in 1998, Safari Explorer is 145 feet in length and one of UnCruise Adventures' four Safari-class ships in its expedition-style fleet. Nicknamed "the Bulldog," this ship transports passengers to wild and remote areas that larger ships can't navigate. The 36-passenger yacht was recently renovated with interior refinishes, touch-ups and upgrades. There are just 18 cabins and 18 crew.

The lifestyle is casual on board, and guests have access to three decks with a library, dining room, rooftop sun lounge and exercise equipment. You'll find common areas on the main deck such as the salon, bar and wine bar. When it's time to hit the water or go ashore, the vessel is equipped with expedition gear, including kayaks, inflatable skiffs, paddleboards, snorkel equipment and more.

In the summer months, Safari Explorer sets off in search of humpback whales in Alaska and spends winters island hopping in Hawaii. The seven-night Hawaiian Seascapes sailing cruises to four islands, including stops in Molokai, Lanai , Maui and the Big Island of Hawaii . There are two itineraries in Alaska. The seven-night Alaska Glacier Cruise itinerary sails one way from Juneau to Sitka through the northern passages. For an extended expedition that includes wilderness areas with even more opportunities for wildlife and whale viewing, book the 12-night Cruise to Alaska voyage from Seattle to Juneau.

Read: The Best Times to Cruise to Alaska

Ponant: Le Commandant Charcot

Ponant's first high polar expedition vessel, Le Commandant Charcot, launched in September 2021. The 492-foot-long ship is eco-friendly and powered by liquefied natural gas with the latest innovations and technologies. Le Commandant Charcot is also the first luxury hybrid electric polar exploration vessel.

All of the 123 staterooms and suites have a private balcony or terrace. The atmosphere for the 245 passengers on board is much like that of a private yacht, given an extraordinary ratio of passengers to crew with 215 crew members. Two culinary options, gastronomic restaurant Nuna and casual dining concept Sila, are part of a collaboration with Ducasse Conseil and Michelin-starred chef Alain Ducasse; the menus are designed by the renowned French chef. Guests can enjoy complimentary French wine, Veuve Clicquot Champagne and Ladurée macarons throughout their voyage.

You'll also find beautiful public spaces, a boutique, a theater, expedition rooms and a promenade deck where you can access the bow. Not to be missed is the wellness area, which is a partnership with Biologique Recherche and features amenities like a 14 degrees Fahrenheit snow room with fresh powder snow, a sauna and an indoor pool. On the pool deck, passengers can enjoy a sunroom, a heated outdoor blue lagoon, a giant fire pit, an outdoor bar and the Blue Lagoon bar.

Le Commandant Charcot sails to the farthest points in the Northern and Southern hemispheres, including Antarctica and the North Pole. The 24-night Northwest Passage cruise takes guests from Reykjavik in Iceland to Nome, Alaska, and features polar activities like kayaking between the ice floes, snowshoeing, ice fishing or even exploring with a naturalist guide by hovercraft. The 15-night Geographic North Pole expedition sailing from Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, in Norway pushes the limit of sailing to the northernmost point in the world. Le Commandant Charcot is the only passenger ship able to reach the geographic North Pole.

Read: The Top Luxury Alaska Cruises

Aurora Expeditions: Greg Mortimer

Matt Horspool | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Australian-owned Greg Mortimer is a 341-foot-long purpose-built expedition ship, and the first passenger ship designed with the Ulstein X-Bow. This state-of-the-art design offers environmental benefits such as producing fewer emissions and requiring less fuel. The unique bow design also provides a smoother cruise experience when crossing rough seas like the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica. In addition, the ship's Rolls Royce dynamic stabilizers contribute to the vessel's stability and lower its fuel consumption.

The vessel was built in 2019, features 79 cabins with ocean views – 85% of which have balconies – and can accommodate an average of 132 passengers and 74 crew. Onboard amenities include bars and lounges, the main dining room, lecture facilities, a library, a mudroom to store wet expedition gear, a spa, a sauna and a gym. The ship also has hydraulic viewing platforms offering unobstructed views of the local marine and wildlife, as well as 15 Zodiac boats that launch from four platforms.

With Greg Mortimer and its new sister ship, Sylvia Earle, Aurora Expeditions travels to wild and remote destinations around the world. Popular itineraries include its nine- to 23-day Antarctica voyages, navigating icy waters on the 17-day Northwest Passage expedition from Canada or on the 11-day Iceland Circumnavigation cruise, which sails round trip from Reykjavik.

Want to explore cruise options? See the top cruises on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

You might also be interested in:

• The Top River Cruise Lines
• The Top Mississippi River Cruises
• The Top Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Top Gay Cruises
• The Top All-Inclusive Cruises

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 beach resorts in the world.

Sept. 5, 2024

The 10 Best Rome Food Tours

Laura Itzkowitz Sept. 4, 2024

Top Things to Do in Hershey, PA

Amanda Norcross Aug. 30, 2024

The Best College Town Hotels

Rachael Hood Aug. 29, 2024

Fun Fall Weekend Getaways

Aug. 29, 2024

Best Hoover Dam Tours from Las Vegas

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson Aug. 29, 2024

The Best London Tours

Kim Foley MacKinnon Aug. 29, 2024

The 18 Best Barcelona Tours

John Rodwan Aug. 28, 2024

Best Fall Family Vacations

Aug. 27, 2024

The Top Fall Festivals in the U.S.

Katie Hearsum and Timothy J. Forster Aug. 27, 2024

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.

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

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

• » Diamant
• » Lyra
• » Vela
• Itineraries
• » Planning Guide
• » Sailing Guide
• » Hotels
• » Transfers
• » Boarding Instructions
• » FAQs
• » Solo Sailors
• » Love for Sail Rewards
• » Group Discounts
• » Specials
• » Theme Cruises
• » Weddings
• Sailing Schedule

If you’re looking for a sailing vacation ruled by the sun, moon, and tides, you’ve found it!

Island Windjammers offers six, ten, and twelve-night sailings aboard our classic clipper ship Vela, schooner Diamant, and sailing yacht Lyra! Vela hosts twenty-six guests, Diamant accommodates ten guests, while our new addition Lyra has room for eight. This is small ship cruising at its finest.

Our Island Girls are fully-crewed and feature air-conditioned cabins, private bathrooms, portholes, and all modern comforts.

Your Captain sets the course. Each day is a new adventure. Free your mind from schedules, and savor each moment as the crew hoists the sails, the trade winds fill the canvas, and you set off to your next secret island destination.

There’s no rush. You’ll have plenty of time ashore to explore vibrant villages, sip rum at quirky beach bars, or laze the days away on pristine beaches.

Even the nights are magical. Shipmates gather on deck to dance, share a joke or tell tales of the day’s adventures. Lean on the rail, and steal a kiss under a canopy of stars.

Live in the now, and breathe it all in. This is island life--and you’re living it!

ALWAYS ON ISLAND TIME

• BOAT OF THE YEAR
• Newsletters
• Sailboat Reviews
• Boating Safety
• Sails and Rigging
• Maintenance
• Sailing Totem
• Sailor & Galley
• Living Aboard
• Destinations
• Gear & Electronics
• Charter Resources
• Ultimate Boating Giveaway

20 Best Small Sailboats for the Weekender

• By Mark Pillsbury
• Updated: May 24, 2024

In order to go cruising, most of us require a sailboat with a head, a galley, and bunks. The boat, likely a 30-footer and more often a 40-footer, will have electronics for navigation and entertainment, refrigeration if the trip is longer than a coastal hop, an engine for light wind, and, depending on our appetites for food and fun, perhaps a genset to power our toys and appliances.

To go sailing , however, all we really need is a hull, mast, rudder, and sail. To experience the pure joy of sheeting in and scooting off across a lake, bay, or even the open ocean, there’s nothing better than a small sailboat – we’re talking sailboats under 25 feet. You can literally reach out and touch the water as it flows past. You instantly feel every puff of breeze and sense every change in trim.

Some of the boats in this list are new designs, others are time-tested models from small sailboat manufacturers, but every one is easy to rig, simple to sail, and looks like a whole lot of fun either for a solo outing on a breezy afternoon or to keep family and friends entertained throughout your entire sailing season. This list is made up of all types of sailboats , and if you’re looking for a list of some of the best small sailboats for beginners, you’ll find exactly that here.

Any one of these popular boats could be labeled as a trailerable sailboat, daysailer, or even a weekender sailboat. And while most would be labeled as a one or two person sailboat, some could comfortably fit three or even four people.

– CHECK THE WEATHER – The weather changes all the time. Always check the forecast and prepare for the worst case. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Marblehead 22 Daysailer

If you have an eye for elegant lines and your heart goes pitter-patter over just the right amount of overhang beneath a counter transom, the Marblehead 22 daysailer, designed by Doug Zurn and built by Samoset Boatworks in Boothbay, Maine, will definitely raise your pulse. Traditional-looking above the waterline and modern beneath, the cold-molded hull sports a deep bulb keel and a Hall Spars carbon-fiber mast with a wishbone rig and square-top main. The 11-foot-9-inch cockpit can seat a crowd, and a small cuddy forward will let you stow your friends’ gear for the day. samosetboatworks.com

Catalina 22 Sport

Many a harbor plays host to an active fleet of Catalina 22s, one of the most popular small sailboats over the years, given its basic amenities and retractable keel, which allows it to be easily trailered. Recently, the company introduced the Catalina 22 Sport, an updated design that can compete with the older 22s. The boat features a retractable lead keel; a cabin that can sleep four, with a forward hatch for ventilation; and a fractional rig with a mainsail and a roller-furling jib. Lifelines, a swim ladder, and an engine are options, as are cloth cushions; vinyl cushions are standard. The large cockpit will seat a crowd or let a mom-and-pop crew stretch out and enjoy their sail. It’s clear why the Catalina 22 is one of the best sailboats under 25 feet. catalinayachts.com

With its large, open-transom cockpit and sloop rig, the Hunter 22 makes a comfortable daysailer for family and friends. But with its cuddy cabin, twin bunks, optional electrical system, opening screened ports, and portable toilet, a parent and child or a couple could comfortably slip away for an overnight or weekend. Add in the optional performance package, which includes an asymmetric spinnaker, a pole, and a mainsheet traveler, and you could be off to the races. The boat features a laminated fiberglass hull and deck, molded-in nonskid, and a hydraulic lifting centerboard. Mount a small outboard on the stern bracket, and you’re set to go. marlow-hunter.com

Not sure whether you want to race, cruise or just go out for an afternoon sail? Since 1958, sailors have been having a ball aboard the Uffa Fox/George O’Day-designed Daysailer. Fox, who in the 1950s was on the cutting edge of planning-dinghy design, collaborated with Fall River, Massachusetts boatbuilder O’Day Corp. to build the 16-foot Daysailer, a boat that features a slippery hull and a small cuddy cabin that covers the boat roughly from the mast forward. Thousands of Daysailers were built by various builders, and they can be found used for quite affordable prices. There are active racing fleets around the US, and new Daysailers are still in production today, built by Cape Cod Ship Building. capecodshipbuilding.com

BayRaider from Swallow Boats

Easy to rig and trailer, the BayRaider from England’s Swallow Yachts is a relative newcomer to the small-boat market in the United States. Nearly all of its 19 feet 9 inches is open cockpit, though a spray hood can be added to keep the forward sections dry. The BayRaider is ketch-rigged with a gunter-style mainmast. The topmast and mizzen are both carbon-fiber, which is an option for the mainmast as well. The BayRaider can be sailed with a dry hull in lighter conditions or with 300 pounds of water ballast to increase its stability. With the centerboard and hinged rudder raised, the boat can maneuver in even the thinnest water.

$28,900, (904) 234-8779, swallowyachts.com

Big fun can come in small packages, especially if your vessel of choice happens to be the 12 ½-foot Beetle Cat. Designed by John Beetle and first built in 1921, the wooden shallow draft sailboat is still in production today in Wareham, Massachusetts at the Beetle Boat Shop. With a draft of just 2 feet, the boat is well-suited for shallow bays, but equally at home in open coastal waters. The single gaff-rigged sail provides plenty of power in light air and can be quickly reefed down to handle a blow. In a word, sailing a Beetle Cat is fun. beetlecat.com

– LEARN THE NAVIGATION RULES – Know the “Rules of the Road” that govern all boat traffic. Be courteous and never assume other boaters can see you. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

West Wight Potter P 19

With berths for four and a workable galley featuring a cooler, a sink, and a stove, West Wight Potter has packed a lot into its 19-foot-long P 19. First launched in 1971, this is a line of boats that’s attracted a true following among trailer-sailors. The P 19′s fully retractable keel means that you can pull up just about anywhere and go exploring. Closed-cell foam fore and aft makes the boat unsinkable, and thanks to its hard chine, the boat is reportedly quite stable under way. westwightpotter.com

NorseBoat 17.5

Designed for rowing and sailing (a motor mount is optional), the Canadian-built NorseBoat 17.5—one of which was spotted by a CW editor making its way through the Northwest Passage with a two-man crew—features an open cockpit, a carbon-fiber mast, and a curved-gaff rig, with an optional furling headsail set on a sprit. The lapstrake hull is fiberglass; the interior is ply and epoxy. The boat comes standard with two rowing stations and one set of 9-foot oars. The boat is designed with positive flotation and offers good load-carrying capacity, which you could put to use if you added the available canvas work and camping tent. NorseBoats offers a smaller sibling, the 12.5, as well; both are available in kit form.

$19,000, (902) 659-2790, norseboat.com

Montgomery 17

Billed as a trailerable pocket cruiser, the Montgomery 17 is a stout-looking sloop designed by Lyle Hess and built out of fiberglass in Ontario, California, by Montgomery Boats. With a keel and centerboard, the boat draws just under 2 feet with the board up and can be easily beached when you’re gunkholing. In the cuddy cabin you’ll find sitting headroom, a pair of bunks, a portable toilet, optional shore and DC power, and an impressive amount of storage space. The deck-stepped mast can be easily raised using a four-part tackle. The builder reports taking his own boat on trips across the Golfo de California and on visits to California’s coastal islands. Montgomery makes 15-foot and 23-foot models, as well. If you’re in search of a small sailboat with a cabin, the Montgomery 17 has to be on your wish list.

With long overhangs and shiny brightwork, the CW Hood 32 is on the larger end of the daysailer spectrum. Designers Chris Hood and Ben Stoddard made a conscious decision to forego a cabin and head in favor of an open cockpit big enough to bring 4 or 5 friends or family out for an afternoon on the water. The CW Hood 32 is sleek and graceful through the water and quick enough to do some racing, but keeps things simple with a self-tacking jib and controls that can be lead back to a single-handed skipper. A top-furling asymmetrical, electric sail drive and Torqeedo outboard are all optional. The CW Hood 32 makes for a great small family sailboat.  cwhoodyachts.com

Sun Cat from Com-Pac

Shallow U.S. East Coast bays and rock-strewn coasts have long been graced by cat boats, whose large, gaff-rigged mainsails proved simple and powerful both on the wind and, better yet, when reaching and running. The 17-foot-4-inch Sun Cat, built by Com-Pac Yachts, updates the classic wooden cat with its fiberglass hull and deck and the easy-to-step Mastender Rigging System, which incorporates a hinged tabernacle to make stepping the mast a one-person job. If you want a personal sailboat ideal for solo sailing, the Sun Can is a great choice. Belowdecks, the twin 6-foot-5-inch berths and many other features and amenities make this cat a willing weekender.

$19,800, (727) 443-4408, com-pacyachts.com

Catalina 16.5

The Catalina 16.5 sits right in the middle of Catalina Yachts’ line of small sailboats, which range from the 12.5 to the 22 Capri and Sport, and it comes in both an easy-to-trailer centerboard model and a shoal-draft fixed-keel configuration. With the fiberglass board up, the 17-foot-2-inch boat draws just 5 inches of water; with the board down, the 4-foot-5-inch draft suggests good windward performance. Hull and deck are hand-laminated fiberglass. The roomy cockpit is self-bailing, and the bow harbors a good-sized storage area with a waterproof hatch. catalinayachts.com

No roundup of best small sailboats (trailerable and fun too) would be complete without a mention of the venerable Hobie 16, which made its debut in Southern California way back in 1969. The company has introduced many other multihulls since, but more than 100,000 of the 16s have been launched, a remarkable figure. The Hobie’s asymmetric fiberglass-and-foam hulls eliminate the need for daggerboards, and with its kick-up rudders, the 16 can be sailed right up to the beach. Its large trampoline offers lots of space to move about or a good place to plant one’s feet when hanging off the double trapezes with a hull flying. The boat comes with a main and a jib; a spinnaker, douse kit, trailer, and beach dolly are optional features. hobiecat.com

Novice sailors or old salts looking for simplicity could both enjoy sailing the Hunter 15. With a fiberglass hull and deck and foam flotation, the boat is sturdily built. The ample freeboard and wide beam provide stability under way, and the heavy-duty rubrail and kick-up rudder mean that you won’t have to worry when the dock looms or the going grows shallow. Both the 15 and its slightly larger 18-foot sibling come standard with roller-furling jibs.

$6,900/$9,500 (boat-show prices for the 15 and 18 includes trailers), (386) 462-3077, marlow-hunter.com

– CHECK THE FIT – Follow these guidelines to make sure your life jacket looks good, stays comfortable and works when you need it. Safety Tip Provided by the U.S. Coast Guard

Super Snark

Under various owners, the Snark brand of sailboats, now built by Meyers Boat Co., has been around since the early 1970s. The Super Snark, at 11 feet, is a simple, easily car-topped daysailer that’s fit out with a lateen rig and sail. Billed as unsinkable, the five boats in the company’s line are built with E.P.S. foam, with the external hull and deck vacuum-formed to the core using an A.B.S. polymer. The Super Snark weighs in at 50 pounds, and with a payload capacity of 310 pounds, the boat can carry two.

$970, (800) 247-6275, meyersboat.com

Norseboat 21.5

Built in Canada, the NorseBoat 21.5 is a rugged looking craft that comes in a couple of configurations: one with an open cockpit and small doghouse, and another with a smaller cockpit and cabin that houses a double berth for two adults and optional quarter berths for the kids. Both carry NorseBoat’s distinctive looking carbon fiber gaff-rigged mast with main and jib (a sprit-set drifter is optional), and come with a ballasted stub keel and centerboard. Because of its lightweight design, the boat can be rowed and is easily trailered.

$36,000 (starting), 902-659-2790, norseboat.com

Flying Scot

Talk about time-tested, the 19-foot Flying Scot has been in production since 1957 and remains a popular design today. Sloop rigged, with a conventional spinnaker for downwind work, the boat is an easily sailed family boat as well as a competitive racer, with over 130 racing fleets across the U.S. Its roomy cockpit can seat six to eight, though the boat is often sailed by a pair or solo. Hull and deck are a fiberglass and balsa core sandwich. With the centerboard up, the boat draws only eight inches. Though intended to be a daysailer, owners have rigged boom tents and berths for overnight trips, and one adventurous Scot sailor cruised his along inland waterways from Philadelphia to New Orleans.

Known primarily for its line of racing dinghys, RS Sailing also builds the 16-foot, 4-inch Venture, which it describes as a cruising and training dinghy. The Venture features a large, self-draining cockpit that will accommodate a family or pack of kids. A furling jib and mainsail with slab reefing come standard with the boat; a gennaker and trapeze kit are options, as is an outboard motor mount and transom swim ladder. The deck and hull are laid up in a fiberglass and Coremat sandwich. The Venture’s designed to be both a good performer under sail, but also stable, making it a good boat for those learning the sport.

$14,900, 203-259-7808, rssailing.com

Topper makes a range of mono- and multihull rotomolded boats, but the model that caught one editor’s eye at Strictly Sail Chicago was the Topaz Taz. At 9 feet, 8 inches LOA and weighing in at 88 pounds, the Taz is not going to take the whole crowd out for the day. But, with the optional mainsail and jib package (main alone is for a single child), the Taz can carry two or three kids or an adult and one child, and would make a fun escape pod when tied behind the big boat and towed to some scenic harbor. The hull features Topper’s Trilam construction, a plastic and foam sandwich that creates a boat that’s stiff, light, and durable, and shouldn’t mind being dragged up on the beach when it’s time for a break.

$2,900 (includes main and jib), 410-286-1960, topazsailboats.com

WindRider WRTango

WRTango, a fast, sturdy, 10-foot trimaran that’s easy to sail, is the newest portable craft from WindRider International. It joins a line that includes the WR16 and WR17 trimarans. The Tango features forward-facing seating, foot-pedal steering, and a low center of gravity that mimics the sensation of sitting in a kayak. It weighs 125 pounds (including the outriggers and carbon-fiber mast), is extremely stable, and has single-sheet sail control. The six-inch draft and kick-up rudder make it great for beaching, while the hull and outriggers are made of rotomolded polyethylene, so it can withstand running into docks and being dragged over rocks.

$3,000, 612-338-2170, windrider.com

• More: 21 - 30 ft , Boat Gallery , day sailing , dinghy , Sailboat Reviews , Sailboats , under 20 ft
• More Sailboats

Pre-Owned: 1988 Hylas 47

Catalina Introduces the 6 Series

Sailboat Preview: Elan GT6 Explorer

For Sale: 1984 Camper & Nicholsons 58

Galápagos: A Paradise Worth the Paperwork

Around Alone

Grease the Wheels of Your Boat: A Guide to Proper Lubrication

A Bowsprit Reborn: A DIY Renovation Story

• Digital Edition
• Customer Service
• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Use
• Email Newsletters
• Cruising World
• Sailing World
• Salt Water Sportsman
• Sport Fishing
• Wakeboarding

Small Ship Cruising

Cruise search.

About Small Ship Cruising

Imagine the unique feeling of cruising the world on a small ship and sharing your journey with anywhere from 6 to less than 1,000 guests. Small ship cruises are offered across the globe, following itineraries that tend to include visits to both larger and more intimate ports; ports where larger ships simply cannot call. Small ship cruises are offered by a variety of cruise lines, catering to a range of itineraries and budgets. The onboard experience is much more intimate and small ships make it easier to know the ship, its staff and your fellow travelers. On a small cruise ship the rhythm of daily life is delightfully different. There are no long lines for embarking and disembarking the ship. Smaller ships tend to focus more on the destinations with onboard lecturers or naturalists and unique excursions. Dining is an intimate affair where you can meet for cocktails followed by gourmet fare, often in a single seating or at a time of your own choosing.

As a guest on a small ship, it seems easier to meet your fellow travelers. There is a special camaraderie that happens over drinks or at meal times when all the tables hold friendly and familiar faces. You and your fellow travelers become the best entertainment of all as you linger over coffee to share stories about the events of the day and many lifelong friendships begin with these shared, memorable experiences.

And, oh, the places you can go! Small ships can be welcomed at smaller ports and can sometimes tie up at docks where the town or places of interest are simply a short stroll away. Many small ship itineraries include overnight stays or late departures, allowing you an opportunity to try a great local restaurant or perhaps visit a local pub, attend an evening concert or simply savor the pleasure of walking through a charming town just like a local. Smaller ships often have special access to churches and museums after they close to the public, to host a unique concert or performance ranging from folk dancing to opera. Fewer guests give small ships the ability to structure tours, special meals, market visits and other events that may prove more challenging for larger ships.

Another plus of small ship cruising is that you are never very far away from anything on board. Did you forget your phone or your glasses? You are only a short walk from your stateroom. Are you running a bit late to join your sightseeing group? It only takes a short time to walk off the ship. Forgot the tour tickets or need a sweater? There’s almost always time to make a quick trip back to your stateroom to retrieve the needed items. If you are on an adventure cruise, some small ships offer viewing platforms to help you get closer to the wildlife or sea life. Captains can sometimes maneuver these small ships closer to a spectacular sighting, or are able to dock the vessel in less-visited places offering once-in-a-lifetime chances to see or do something that may not be on the itinerary.

And sometimes it’s just kicking back and letting the sea and sun work their magic. From laid back to luxurious, small ships take you to the places of your dreams, engage with you more personally, and create an easy, friendly environment that makes for a memorable cruise holiday.

Best Small Ship Cruise Deals

• Single Supplements 150% - limited availability
• What's Included

• Receive Up to $100 Shipboard Credit: per stateroom
• Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Complimentary All-Inclusive Upgrade: on select voyages
• Take advantage of Reduced Rates: on a selection of categories and departures
• $200 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Windstar's Luxury Amenities

• Up to $1700 CASH BACK: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Reduced Single Supplements: on select voyages & categories
• Seven Seas Society Savings on Select Voyages
• Included Amenities: 2 for 1 Fares, FREE Pre-paid Gratuities, Unlimited Shore Excursions, Plus

• Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE
• Up to $2,000 USD per suite in Flight Ease Air Credit on select sailings
• SPECIAL AMENITIES: Private Host, Cocktail Reception & Exclusive Shore Event
• FREE Gratuities, FREE Open Bar, All Suite Accommodations + more

• Up to $300 ONBOARD CREDIT: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• Save 5%: when you book early & pay in full
• All Inclusive Journeys: FREE Gratuities, Unlimited Beverages, Wi-Fi, Culinary Experiences & more

• All-Inclusive Luxury: FREE Gratuities, Open Bar, Wines at lunch & dinner and more
• SPECIAL AMENITIES: Cocktail Reception, Exclusive Shore Event + more

• 2 For 1 Fares! + Free Airfare or up to $1000 Bonus Savings: on select ships and sail dates
• Labor Day Sale: Bonus savings of $1000 per suite on select departures
• EXCLUSIVE RATES: Book Now and Save
• Included Amenities: FREE Gratuities, Shore Excursions, Wi-Fi, PLUS Drinks at Lunch & Dinner

• Save Up to $3,000 + 15% Deposit: select categories & voyages
• Up to $1700 ONBOARD CREDIT EXCLUSIVE
• Up to $600 Shipboard Credit: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• SILVERSEA ALL-INCLUSIVE VALUE: FREE GRATUITIES + FREE Drinks + more

• Why Lindblad
• Exclusive Exploration Tools
• Exclusive Suite Amenities

• FREE GRATUITIES + Beverage Package + AzAmazing Evening Event

• FREE Beverage Package, Wi-fi, Excursions + More (select categories & sailings)
• Up To 50% of Single Supplement Waived: select sailings & categories
• Receive Up To a 4 Category Upgrade + simply MORE: on select sailings

• Viking Ocean Amenities: FREE Shore Excursions, Wi-Fi and Beer & Wine with lunch & dinner

• Exclusive Rates: Book Now and Save
• 2 For 1 Fares! + Free Airfare or up to $2000 Bonus Savings: on select ships and sail dates
• Labor Day Sale: up to $2,000 Bonus Saving on select ships and sail dates
• Complimentary Transfers, Gratuities, Unlimited Drinks, Wi-Fi & Excursions + Personal Butler
• BACK TO BACK SAVINGS: up to $400 Onboard Credit
• SAVE 10% when you book 2 or more voyages
• More Moments on Us Up to $4,400 Shipboard Credit on select sailings
• EXCLUSIVE $200 Shipboard Credit: on select voyages
• EXCLUSIVE: Up to $200 SHIPBOARD CREDIT
• Kids Sail from $999: on select voyages
• FREE First Class Air: on select voyages

• Included Amenities: FREE Wi-Fi & Complimentary cocktail hour each evening and Much More!
• End of Summer Sale Free International Airfare + $25 Deposit
• Solo Travelers Offer: Reduced Single Supplement Rates

• All Inclusive All the Way
• Exclusive 15% Discount on Select Atlas Ocean Voyages
• Complimentary Bottle of Wine and Box of Chocolates
• EPICURAL EXPEDITIONS
• Enjoy 10% savings + Member Benefits: on select voyages

• All Inclusive Luxury Small Ship Cruising
• CULTURAL EXPEDITIONS BY ATLAS
• Up to $400 ONBOARD SPENDING: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• FREE GRATUITIES: on select categories and sailings

• $500 Savings: per couple on select Taste of Egypt river cruises
• Included Amenities: Free Wi-Fi and Excursions + Free wine & beer at lunch and dinner

• All Inclusive Cruising: FREE Wi-Fi, Excursions & Beverages

• All Inclusive Cruising: FREE Wi-Fi, Shore Excursions & Beverages
• Fireside Chat with Guest Lecturer, Cocktails and Canapes
• Single Supplement Fares from 25%: on select categories and voyages
• Up to $300 ONBOARD SPENDING: EXCLUSIVE OFFER
• POLAR EXPEDITIONS BY ATLAS
• Up to $1,000 Savings: per couple on select Galapagos Island cruises

• GALAPAGOS 20% SAVINGS: ON ALL CRUISES & CRUISE PACKAGES
• Back to Back Savings: Save up to $200 Savings when you book a back to back cruise

• Save up to $3500: on select 2024-2026 Expedition Sailings
• Discover the Hurtiguten Difference
• $500 OBC for ALL + Choice of Wifi or Drinks in Veranda & above: on select sailings
• Amenities include a Cocktail Reception, Exclusive Shore Event + more
• Distinctive Voyages: Exclusive Host, Private Welcome Reception & Exclusive Shore Event
• Reduced Single Supplements 120% of Double Occupancy Fares: select ships and sail dates

• Zero Single Supplement on select sailings
• $500 ONBOARD CREDIT

All offers are based on select sailings and categories and are subject to availability at time of booking. All rates are per person based on double occupancy.

Modal title

EXCLUSIVE MEMBER SAVINGS

• Forgot Password?

Often cruise lines offer special rates that cannot be displayed to the general public. By registering with Cruise.com you will be able to view these special rates and offers.

Register with Cruise.com to get access to:

• Exclusive Rates
• Special Amenities

Login to Your Account

There was an error! Please re-enter your credentials and try submitting the form again.

Reset Your Password

Please enter the email associated with your account so that we may send you a link to reset your password.

An email was sent to the address provided with instructions on how to reset your password.

Oops! There was an error with the email you provided.

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?

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

Our Readers' Favorite 10 Small-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2021

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 .

Note: If you’re looking for our most recent recommendations, check out the 2023 list of our favorite small-ship ocean cruise lines.

This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. Survey rules have always allowed readers to reflect on their travel experiences over a three-year period. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world.

The travel industry at large contended with an extraordinarily difficult year as it weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, but cruise lines were particularly hard hit . Though ships around the world were grounded, readers still recalled fun times at sea as they rated the world's top small-ship ocean cruise lines.

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.

A few small-ship lines moved up in the World's Best Awards voting this year, as travelers sought distinctive experiences in far-flung ports — the sorts of adventures that only the smallest vessels can deliver . For example, No. 4 Lindblad moved up four spots this year, posting a better score for 2021 than 2020. Its vessels will go to Alaska and Iceland this year, and this summer should also see the inaugural cruise of the brand-new National Geographic Endurance, a 126-guest expedition ship that will sail the polar regions.

No. 5 Windstar Cruises rose five places since last year, as adventurers praised its three distinctive sailing yachts, including the Wind Spirit and Wind Star, both of which accommodate 148 guests. No. 2 Ponant also climbed five spots this year, winning over readers with an ever-expanding fleet of small ships. New on the list for 2021 is No. 10 Alaskan Dream Cruises, an Alaska Native–owned line that has a fleet of six ships, including the Kruzof Explorer, a Bering Sea crab-fishing vessel turned luxury-expedition yacht.

But one thing that didn't change this year was the top of T+L's list. No. 1 Quasar Expeditions kept its hold on first place, marking the fourth consecutive year the Galápagos Islands specialist has taken the honors. Quasar continued to impress travelers with its above-and-beyond service in a destination that's a forever favorite. One well-traveled reviewer said Quasar tops anything else in the destination: "As a 14-time Galápagos visitor, the M/Y Evolution is hands down my favorite boat in the islands. Best guides, excellent service, comfortably spacious cabins and outdoor spaces. The unique 32-passenger size is perfect for families."

Read on to see what other readers had to say — and which other companies made this year's list.

1. Quasar Expeditions

A specialist in Galápagos Islands cruises, Quasar has a two-vessel fleet that operates in the ever-compelling destination. The 32-guest M/Y Evolution and the 16-passenger M/Y Grace both get high marks from readers, who consistently score Quasar as not only one of the best cruise lines of any size but one of the top travel offerings in any World's Best Awards category. "This was our second cruise to the Galápagos because we loved our previous experience on the Evolution so much," said one reader about a trip aboard the Grace . "Quasar exceeded all our expectations yet again on a very unique and charming ship." (The Grace was named for Grace Kelly, who received the yacht as a wedding present from Aristotle Onassis when she wed Prince Rainier III in 1956 and became Princess of Monaco. Quasar has operated the historic vessel since 2007.) "The M/Y Grace is the only way to visit the Galápagos," said another traveler. "The intimate ship size and staff attention make you feel as if you're the yacht owner."

Score: 97.99 More information: quasarex.com

Score: 93.42 More information: us.ponant.com

3. Crystal Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 93.33 More information: crystalcruises.com

4. Lindblad Expeditions

Score: 92.97 More information: expeditions.com

5. Windstar Cruises

Score: 92.90 More information: windstarcruises.com

6. Silversea

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.15 More information: silversea.com

7. SeaDream Yacht Club

Score: 87.28 More information: seadream.com

8. Australis

Score: 83.72 More information: australis.com

9. Celebrity Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 83.69 More information: celebritycruises.com

10. Alaskan Dream Cruises

Score: 83.57 More information: alaskandreamcruises.com

See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021 .

Related Articles

Small Cruise Yachts

The best of small ship cruises.

Windstar's 148 to 342-guest small ships and personalized approach bring you closer to each destination and every port, so you can see the world from new perspectives. Share intimate moments away from the crowds, and immerse yourself in local, exotic cultures, all on a small cruise ship where surprise and delight are constant companions.

The Wind and the Stars Know the Way

You can slip past the crowds to discover smaller ports and get to know the local culture on more intimate excursions. Windstar's 148 to 342-guest small ships and personalized approach bring you closer to each destination and every port, so you can see the world from new perspectives. We offer two different yacht styles — the iconic sailing Wind Class and all-suite Star Plus Class — with custom-crafted journeys that highlight their unique attributes, whether island-hopping in Tahiti or cruising the Norwegian fjords. No wonder Windstar was voted the World’s Best midsize-ship ocean cruise line by the readers of Travel + Leisure in 2022.  

Iconic Wind Class

Windstar's flagship, Wind Surf sails with just 342 guests in 171 total staterooms: 18 Ocean View Suites with his and her bathrooms, 2 Bridge Suites, 1 Officer's Suite, and 150 Ocean View Staterooms.

Wind Star sails with just 148 pampered guests in 74 total staterooms: 73 deluxe, ocean-view staterooms and 1 deluxe Owner’s Suite with queen beds and a dining/sitting area.

Wind Spirit sails with just 148 pampered guests in 74 total staterooms: 73 deluxe, ocean-view staterooms and 1 deluxe Owner’s Suite with queen beds and a dining/sitting area.

All-suite Star Plus Class

Star Pride welcomes 312 guests in 156 suites, including 4 Owners' Suites, 2 beautiful Classic Suites, 3 Deluxe Suites, 79 Ocean View Suites, 58 Balcony suites, and 10 Star Porthole Suites.

Star Breeze welcomes 312 guests in 156 suites, including 4 Owners' Suites, 2 beautiful Classic Suites, 3 Deluxe Suites, 79 Ocean View Suites, 58 Balcony suites, and 10 Star Porthole Suites.

Star Legend welcomes 312 guests in 156 suites, including 4 Owners' Suites, 2 beautiful Classic Suites, 3 Deluxe Suites, 79 Ocean View Suites, 58 Balcony suites, and 10 Star Porthole Suites.

Star Seeker (January 2025) welcomes 224 guests in 112 total suites: 2 Horizon Owner’s Suites, 4 Star Suites, 2 Classic Suites, 2 Triple Infinity Suites, 4 Deluxe Suites, 24 Infinity Suites, 4 Vista Infinity Suites,10 Vista Veranda Suites, 2 Triple Premier Veranda Suites, 32 Premier Veranda Suites,16 Veranda Suites, and 10 Oceanview Suites

Just added to your cart

Check out our NEW 2024-2025 brochure here!

Save BIG in 2025!

Get 2024 prices + 10% off on all Alaska 2025 sailings when you book by October 1st, 2024.

Save BIG in 2025

Get 2024 prices + 10% off all 2025 Alaska sailings when you book by October 1st, 2024

Why UnCruise?

We don't just take you to see a destination; we immerse you in it. From participating in exhilirating kayak excursions to induldging in gourmet sea-to-plate meals, the UnCruise Adventures crew is committed to providing you with an incredible experience you won't find anywhere else.

Current Offers

Whale-sized savings in 2024 & 2025. Applies to select sailings only.*

Alaska 2025

2024 prices + 10% savings

Warm Weather 2024

10% off any cabin category*

2025 Group Savings

5% off groups of 6 or more

Featured Destination

Darwin's Discoveries: The Galapagos Islands

Encounter wildlife found nowhere else in the world! Our 7-night Galapagos Islands cruise takes you to seven islands and islets aboard our luxurious cruise ship La Pinta.

Popular Warm Weather Destinations

Hawaiian seascapes.

Kona to Molokai (or reverse)

Ship: Safari Explorer

From: $5,900 USD/per person

Baja California's Whales & Sea Life

Round trip La Paz

Ship: Safari Voyager

From: $5,500 USD/per person

In Steinbeck's Wake: An Epic Voyage Through the Sea of Cortez

From: $6,500 USD/per person

Alaskan Adventures

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 Last Frontier has to offer.

Have questions?

Our Adventure Specialists are here to help! Reach out by phone or email and we will answer your questions and get you booked. Click the button below for contact information.

Keep up with UnCruise!

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

Caribbean Small Ship Cruises

Why Choose a Caribbean Small Ship Cruise

The Caribbean features uninhabited islets populated by hundreds of animal and bird species, crystal-clear waters rich with spectacular coral reefs and gorgeous vistas that unfold onto deserted shores. Aboard small cruise ships in the Caribbean, come face to face with rich biodiversity while swimming in tropical waters and learn about the enchanting ruins and history of the region.

Selecting a Caribbean cruise vacation with AdventureSmith safeguards your adventure as it’s backed by a fully insured, U.S.-based company. We also gain you access to remote, off-the-beaten path islands, away from tourist crowds. Relish the sense of seclusion only a small ship can bestow. The expert guides traveling alongside you are often from the region, ensuring each unspoiled stop is both special and fascinating.

Explore enchanting islands including Tobago, Grenada and more, on this luxury Caribbean cruise aboard a 184-guest luxury French ship. Enjoy a mix of Creole culture, UNESCO World Heritage sites, white-sand beaches, snorkeling and optional diving.

Spend 8 days discovering natural and cultural treasures of Panama and Colombia's Caribbean aboard 100-guest National Geographic Quest. Hike through dense rainforests, explore inlets by kayak, snorkel in blue water and explore age-old traditions that remain part of everyday life.

Come aboard 32-guest Le Ponant to sail among dancing waves and explore little-known places and long beaches lined with palm trees over 8 unforgettable days.

OUR EXPERTS WERE HERE

You have questions. We have answers.

Caribbean Small Ship Cruises with AdventureSmith

Small cruise lines in the Caribbean offer up-close, off-ship exploration of vibrant barrier reef, peaceful beaches, wildlife-filled jungles, mythical ruins and welcoming communities. Why book your Caribbean cruise vacation with AdventureSmith? 

More Exploration

Enjoy an active cruise with snorkeling, diving, swimming, paddling, hiking & more.

Tropical Wilderness

On your small Caribbean cruise, explore lush jungle, idyllic bays & private islands. 

Large Selection

Choose from a wide variety of itineraries, locales & small cruise ships in the Caribbean under 200 guests.

Added Value

We focus on premier experiences at the best value & discounts when available. Never pay more with us.

Find Your Small Caribbean Cruise

Our luxury Caribbean cruise options offer top-notch guides and five-star onboard service. Consider one of our Caribbean tall ship sailing cruises aboard the historic Sea Cloud . Revel in French-inspired opulence aboard modern expedition ship Le Dumont D’Urville . Enjoy the luxury-meets-active feel of Le Ponant motorsailer. Or opt for the luxury of an exclusive Caribbean catamaran charter aboard a private Belize charter yacht or any of our small ships. Our experts are ready to help you find the best luxury Caribbean cruise based on your timeline and interests.

Year-Round Cruises to the Caribbean in 2024 & 2025

Our Caribbean sailing vacations are offered year-round. Some itineraries focus on the North American winter, when the weather is ideal and there are dependable tradewinds. Conversely, the North American summer months offer the best diving. Search by month, or ask our experts to help narrow down the options, from Barbados to the Belize Barrier Reef.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Unique Caribbean Small Ships

Our Caribbean small ships offer a bright and airy atmosphere, bold colors, elegant decor and plentiful deck space perfect for taking in the sights and sounds of this sun-soaked region. Expedition ships feature sophisticated launch platforms, hydrophones and an underwater camera. Romantic tall ships or a Caribbean charter ship provide an exclusive experience. Caribbean sailing vacations aboard small ships offer opportunities for off-the-boat exploration that typical large Caribbean Sea cruisers can’t provide.

Small ships allow focused groups of likeminded travelers to tuck between unique islands into remote Caribbean resorts and beaches that are yours to savor. Access idyllic bays, hidden coves and white-sand beaches by inflatable skiff, stand-up paddleboards and kayaks. Spend your Caribbean cruise snorkeling, swimming and scuba diving in pristine waters near precious coral reefs and uninhabited islets.

The 58-guest Sea Cloud: Lindblad is the historic Marjorie Merriweather Post sailing yacht Sea Cloud, chartered by Lindblad Expeditions for select Caribbean and Mediterranean itineraries. Enjoy the grace and class of an extraordinarily elegant ship while relaxing in the casual atmosphere and informal style of expedition travel.

These 6- to 10-guest catamarans are colorful motorsailors equipped for your all-inclusive, tropical island-hopping Belize sailing vacation. Enjoy your own captain, gourmet chef and activity gear for an exclusive, customizable getaway.

This Relais & Chateaux ship with a crew of 33 treats her 32 guests to authentic and luxurious experiences with refined French touches. Come aboard for 3 decks of open-air spaces, upscale cuisine, onboard activity gear and the feel of a private yacht.

The 184-guest Le Champlain is a refined, luxury expedition ship cruising the Caribbean. Enjoy her ethnic-yet-chic ambiance, luxury service, engaging educational program and active excursions.

Purpose built to cruise coastal waters, shallow coves and fast-moving channels, the 100-guest National Geographic Quest is a luxurious and state-of-the-art expedition vessel designed for supreme comfort and enhanced wildlife viewing.

The 184-guest Le Bellot is a modern, luxury expedition ship cruising the Arctic and Caribbean. She offers an upscale onboard ambiance, impressive service, and an engaging expedition program of both onboard lectures and off-ship excursions.

Our Travelers Rate Their Small Ship Caribbean Cruises

This was an amazing trip. The accommodations, tours, and overall experience was amazing. Everything was planned to perfection.

Our trip guides were incredible. All of them were very nice and very knowledgeable about the trip. Every guide had great enthusiasm and was just very happy to have us.

The trip to Belize was fantastic. We got to experience both the jungle and the ocean. Both places were excellent and different.

The food and hospitality were fantastic. The people of Belize frequently thank us for visiting their country. We really felt welcome!

We traveled with another family so it was super fun and easy. This trip is a great way to go with 2 families. Kids and adults had a blast!

This was an amazing trip. The accommodations, tours, and overall experience was amazing. Everything was planned to perfection. We never were waiting or wondering what was next. Definitely booking more trips. It was family and we all loved every minute of our adventures in Belize.

Accommodations Review

Top notch accommodations.

Meals Review

All of the food and service was excellent.

Crew & Guides Review

All of the guides and trip leaders went above and beyond to make our experience as fun as possible.

Itinerary Review

Loved the Chaa Creek experience in the jungle. We never lacked for fun or relaxation. Everything was very well planned. The Chabli Mar in Placensia was also great. It was nice to have jungle and beach in one trip.

Transportation Review

Every transportation we needed was right on schedule.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

We were very prepared by Andrew Browning for what we would need for our trip. We had absolutely no issues, because he had prepared us so well. Would highly recommend a trip with Adventure Smith. Top notch accommodations, tours, guides, and transportation. They put together a trip geared specifically for you.

Traveler Advice

Follow all instructions Adventure Smith gives you and you will have an amazing trip.

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Custom Cruises & Travel
• The Lodge at Chaa Creek
• Andrew Browning

Our trip guides were incredible. All of them were very nice and very knowledgeable about the trip. Every guide had great enthusiasm and was just very happy to have us. (Our fellow participants were) very good. They were as active as us and very kind. They were also very social.

Chaa Creek and the sailboat were both great. In Chaa Creek your rooms are very open and comfortable and it had a nice pool for you to cool off in. The sailboat was great too; you can jump off it when you're stopped and the rooms are very cozy. It was amazing that the hotels we were staying at let us pick what we wanted to do; the boat also did the same and it was great.

I liked every meal I had on this trip. All of it was fresh and very well prepared. The meals on the boat were sometimes even fish we caught while moving.

My most enjoyed experience on this trip was scuba diving. Scuba diving was super fun and a great new experience for me. We saw super cool fish and creatures and the overall experience was great. My least Favorite experience was rafting down the river at Chaa Creek. You really have to raft at a certain time when the river is full and running fast; sadly, we did not go at that time and it was very slow and we had to paddle the entire thing.

The transportation was always on time and they used very good cars. The drivers were very nice and wouldn't be mad if you had to stop.

Be ready for the heat.

• Belize Catamaran Charter Cruise
• Belize Charter Yachts
• Chaa Creek Inland Expedition

The trip to Belize was fantastic. We got to experience both the jungle and the ocean. Both places were excellent and different. I enjoyed it all. It was so fun being able to explore and learn about the Belizean culture. Everything was amazing. We enjoyed every aspect of the trip.

I really enjoyed staying in the jungle at Chaa Creek. I have never done anything like that before so it was so cool to experience.

All meals were so delicious and unique.

Todd knows what he is doing and brought us on an excellent trip. (AdventureSmith is) the best travel company out there.

Get excited.

Trip of a lifetime!! It was a great combination of exploring the jungle, ruins, and caves with sailing, snorkeling, and exploring cayes! The amount of wildlife we encountered both on land and sea was overwhelming. We needed to start a log so we would not forget! The food and hospitality were fantastic. The people of Belize frequently thank us for visiting their country. We really felt welcome!

Both Chaa Creek and the boat were very comfortable and upscale.

Not much more to say than the food was fantastic!

Our guides were knowledgeable and friendly. Really made us feel at home.

Hard to say (what I enjoyed the most)! I loved the ruins and cave visit but also loved all our time on the boat. It was perfect to combine the two. (What places or experiences did I enjoy the least?) None! I just would have liked one more day at Chaa Creek because there is so much to do.

We did not even need to think about it. It was all arranged and timely.

They helped us navigate all the new Covid requirements easily.

If you are going from land to sea and have packed light, take advantage of having some clothes laundered from Chaa Creek.

After sitting idle for 16 months from traveling outside of the US, it was awesome to finally venture out and have it be to Belize! This was a trip that was postponed from 2020 and it exceeded our expectations in experience, accommodation and activity. (We had) a desire to go on a sail boat, snorkel and dive and get out to the Caribbean. We were able to dabble in the interior for some jungle love and then on a sailing catamaran extravaganza around the cayes of Belize. We traveled with another family so it was super fun and easy. This trip is a great way to go with 2 families. Kids and adults had a blast! The mantra of the trip "Now we're doing something" couldn't have rang more true!!

Chaa Creek was beautiful and our villa was quite fancy. Large windows, spacious, a/c, our own pool and howler monkeys hanging out next to it. The catamaran "Tranquilo" was equally as nice. It fit the 8 of us plus the 2 crew just fine. Had a/c in the rooms, seemed to have plenty of storage, and the bathrooms worked fine.

Food at both the lodge and on the catamaran was wonderful. All fresh and uniquely prepared. Kainie from the boat was amazing in what she prepared and even went the extra mile and gave us a 4th of July picnic since we were there for the holiday. Just awesome.

Our group loved the ATM wet cave where you swam and splunked through big caverns and narrow passageways only to come to a part of the cave where old pottery relics and skeleton bones dated 1600 years were left behind by Mayan people. The Mayan ruin of Caracol. The fishing, snorkeling and diving of the incredible reefs of Belize. There is not much not to enjoy but I probably would not have done the tubing from Chaa Creek as it was long and slow.

I think if you have a group that would like to go to Belize spending the money on a charter boat is the way to go. So intimate, lots of flexibility and fun. The kids were taught to spear fish by our captain, sailing to the different cayes was amazing. I would have liked to have seen some more local communities but that can be for the next sailing trip. Being in the jungle and at Chaa Creek was also a great side trip to do in addition to the boat. So glad we got to experience both the jungle and sea!

Transportation was arranged via Chaa Creek and Belize Sailing Vacation. All were flawless and we were met on time with comfortable travel vehicles all equipped with a/c which was great since it was so hot and humid!

Communication about expectations and how to prepare were spot on and well needed since it had been awhile since any of us had traveled out of the country. With all the nuances added due to Covid we never felt uninformed about changes or requirements. Pretty seamless. Adventuresmith also provided us with a useful app that had all of our pertinent information, flights, etc for easy access to resources.

Adventuresmith prepared us in such a way that we always were kept abreast on any and all changes, requirements or nuances with the trip that we needed to be aware of. The app we had that held all of our information was pretty slick. Trip information and details were complete and accurate. Friendly and knowledgeable staff that were genuinely excited for us to travel.

Flights seem to change constantly so keep up with it. Make sure to do your research on what excursions you want to do and ask questions. Sometimes while you're in the country of travel you need to work a little for clarification for some of the excursions or experiences.

Caribbean Small Ship Cruise Deals

Contact one of our Adventure Specialists for the latest Caribbean special offers. Our long-term relationships with vetted Caribbean partners translate into discounts and help you select the best option to cruise this incredible place at the optimal price.

Book early to lock in a low fare. AdventureSmith can help refine your options and determine which small boat cruise in the Caribbean is your best fit.

Receive $700 in expedition credit per person when you book your select 2024-25 Costa Rica and Panama cruise.

Book your 2026-2027 cruise and save in many ways!

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on a variety of 2024 or 2025 National Geographic expeditions worldwide.

Receive $700 in expedition credit per person when you book your select 2024 or 2025 departure of the below-linked Costa Rica and/or Panama cruise.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and may not be combined with any other offers. Baggage fees may be additional with complimentary airfares. See all cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.

• Exploring Costa Rica’s National Parks & Preserves: Guanacaste, Santa Rosa & Rincon de la Vieja
• Panama & Colombia: Exploring The Caribbean Coast
• Costa Rica & The Panama Canal
• The Panama Canal, Pearl Islands & Darién Jungle

Early birds! Book one of the below-linked National Geographic expedition cruises and save in more ways:

• Receive 2024 pricing when you book your 2026-27 departure
• Save 5% when you bring a friend and book 2 or more cabins
• Save $1,000 per child (22 years and under)

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. See all  cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

• National Geographic The White Continent
• Antarctica & Patagonia: Legendary Ice & Epic Fjords
• Quest for the Antarctic Circle
• National Geographic Antarctica Direct
• National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & The Falklands
• Patagonia: Chilean Fjords & Argentina’s Staten Island
• Best of Chilean Patagonia: Fjords, Glaciers & Torres del Paine
• Southern Patagonia: Glaciers, Fjords & Wildlife Cruise
• National Geographic Wild Galapagos Escape Cruise
• National Geographic Exploring Galapagos: One Week Sailing the Islands
• National Geographic Galapagos by Catamaran: An Intimate Voyage
• Wild Alaska Escape: Juneau & Ketchikan
• Wild Alaska Escape: Sitka & Juneau
• Exploring Alaska’s Coastal Wilderness
• A Remarkable Journey to Alaska, British Columbia & Haida Gwaii
• Great Bear Rainforest Cruise: The Land of the Spirit Bear
• The Canadian Maritimes & Newfoundland
• Northwest Passage: Greenland to Alaska
• A Circumnavigation of Iceland
• Iceland & Greenland: Edge of the Arctic Cruise
• Svalbard in Spring: Polar Bears, Arctic Light & Epic Ice
• Wild Iceland Escape
• Norwegian Discovery: Svalbard & The Northern Fjords Cruise
• High Arctic Archipelago: Canada & Greenland
• Norway’s Fjords & Arctic Svalbard
• Svalbard, Iceland & Greenland’s East Coast Cruise
• Coastal Wonders of Norway, the Faroe Islands & Iceland
• Baja California: Among The Great Whales
• Baja California: A Remarkable Journey
• Baja California Discovery: Exploring Mexico’s Gulf of California
• Wild Baja California Escape: The Whales of Magdalena Bay
• A Southern Migration: From The Channel Islands to Baja California
• Wild California Escape: Channel Islands National Park
• Greek Isles Odyssey: Mythology, History & Cerulean Seas
• Ancient Mediterranean Odyssey: Exploring Greece, Croatia & Albania
• Ancient Isles: England, Ireland & Scotland
• Mediterranean Gems: Southern Italy & Sicily Aboard Sea Cloud
• Mediterranean Wonders: Sicily, Greece, Sardinia & Beyond
• Treasures of the Adriatic: Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast & Montenegro
• Crossroads of the Ancient World: Exploring Greece & Turkey
• Exploring British Columbia & The San Juan Islands
• Columbia & Snake Rivers: Food, Wine & History

Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on select 2024 and 2025 departures of the below-linked National Geographic expeditions.

Offer valid on new bookings only, for a limited time upon availability and may be combined with other select offers. Applicable on voyage fares only, not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from the standard policy. See all  small ship cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

• Treasures of the Inside Passage: Alaska & British Columbia
• Prince William Sound Cruise & Rail Adventure
• National Geographic Land of the Ice Bears
• South Greenland Exploration Cruise: Fjords, Waterfalls & Fishing Villages
• Iceland’s Wild West Coast to East Greenland Cruise
• Baja California Holiday Voyage: A Living Sea & Desert Isles
• Sailing the Caribbean Aboard Sea Cloud
• Croatia Under Sail: Dubrovnik, Split & Zadar Aboard the Sea Cloud Fleet
• Sailing the Greek Isles Aboard Sea Cloud
• Under Sail: Greece & The Dalmatian Coast Aboard Sea Cloud
• Scotland’s Highlands & Islands
• Ancient Polynesia: Tuamotu & Marquesas Islands Cruise
• Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring The Society & Tuamotu Islands
• Rites & Relics: Fiji Firewalking, Vanuatu Volcanoes & Beyond
• Fiji & Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs & Cultural History
• National Geographic Upper Amazon Cruise
• Vietnam & Cambodia: Along the Mekong River, Including Angkor & Saigon
• National Geographic South Georgia & The Falklands
• Coastal New Zealand: Scenic Fjords, Māori History & Abundant Wildlife
• Southern Odyssey: New Zealand & The Sub-Antarctic Islands
• Roots of the Pacific: Exploring New Zealand & Melanesia
• Exploring Indonesia: Bali, Raja Ampat & Papua New Guinea
• Jewels of The Java Sea: An Exploration Between Bali & Singapore

Our Experts Are Your Ticket To A Small Boat Caribbean Cruise Vacation

Need help narrowing down all the Caribbean cruise vacation options? Our experts are just a phone call or email away to assist you in finding cruises to the Caribbean in 2024, 2025 and 2026. Contact us to receive a personalized-to-you recommendation on the best Caribbean sailing vacations for your travel style, budget and timing needs. We have our finger on the pulse of the available options to cruise to Guatemala, Belize, Panama, Colombia and other hotspots along the Caribbean coast. Still want to research yourself? Head to our Caribbean Cruise Finder .

Contact Us - Caribbean Small Ship Cruises

Travel is best planned one-on-one, and we’re here to help you with your specific needs.

• First Name *
• Last Name *
• Phone (required because some email replies get blocked) *
• Country of residence (required in order to comply with privacy laws) * United States of America - US Afghanistan - AF Aland Islands - AX Albania - AL Algeria - DZ American Samoa - AS Andorra - AD Angola - AO Anguilla - AI Antarctica - AQ Antigua and Barbuda - AG Argentina - AR Armenia - AM Aruba - AW Australia - AU Austria - AT Azerbaijan - AZ Bahamas - BS Bahrain - BH Bangladesh - BD Barbados - BB Belarus - BY Belgium - BE Belize - BZ Benin - BJ Bermuda - BM Bhutan - BT Bolivia - BO Bosnia and Herzegovina - BA Botswana - BW Bouvet Island - BV Brazil - BR British Virgin Islands - VG British Indian Ocean Territory - IO Brunei Darussalam - BN Bulgaria - BG Burkina Faso - BF Burundi - BI Cambodia - KH Cameroon - CM Canada - CA Cape Verde - CV Cayman Islands - KY Central African Republic - CF Chad - TD Chile - CL China - CN Hong Kong, SAR China - HK Macao, SAR China - MO Christmas Island - CX Cocos (Keeling) Islands - CC Colombia - CO Comoros - KM Congo (Brazzaville) - CG Congo, (Kinshasa) - CD Cook Islands - CK Costa Rica - CR Côte d'Ivoire - CI Croatia - HR Cuba - CU Cyprus - CY Czech Republic - CZ Denmark - DK Djibouti - DJ Dominica - DM Dominican Republic - DO Ecuador - EC Egypt - EG El Salvador - SV Equatorial Guinea - GQ Eritrea - ER Estonia - EE Ethiopia - ET Falkland Islands (Malvinas) - FK Faroe Islands - FO Fiji - FJ Finland - FI France - FR French Guiana - GF French Polynesia - PF French Southern Territories - TF Gabon - GA Gambia - GM Georgia - GE Germany - DE Ghana - GH Gibraltar - GI Greece - GR Greenland - GL Grenada - GD Guadeloupe - GP Guam - GU Guatemala - GT Guernsey - GG Guinea - GN Guinea-Bissau - GW Guyana - GY Haiti - HT Heard and Mcdonald Islands - HM Holy See (Vatican City State) - VA Honduras - HN Hungary - HU Iceland - IS India - IN Indonesia - ID Iran, Islamic Republic of - IR Iraq - IQ Ireland - IE Isle of Man - IM Israel - IL Italy - IT Jamaica - JM Japan - JP Jersey - JE Jordan - JO Kazakhstan - KZ Kenya - KE Kiribati - KI Korea (North) - KP Korea (South) - KR Kuwait - KW Kyrgyzstan - KG Lao PDR - LA Latvia - LV Lebanon - LB Lesotho - LS Liberia - LR Libya - LY Liechtenstein - LI Lithuania - LT Luxembourg - LU Macedonia, Republic of - MK Madagascar - MG Malawi - MW Malaysia - MY Maldives - MV Mali - ML Malta - MT Marshall Islands - MH Martinique - MQ Mauritania - MR Mauritius - MU Mayotte - YT Mexico - MX Micronesia, Federated States of - FM Moldova - MD Monaco - MC Mongolia - MN Montenegro - ME Montserrat - MS Morocco - MA Mozambique - MZ Myanmar - MM Namibia - NA Nauru - NR Nepal - NP Netherlands - NL Netherlands Antilles - AN New Caledonia - NC New Zealand - NZ Nicaragua - NI Niger - NE Nigeria - NG Niue - NU Norfolk Island - NF Northern Mariana Islands - MP Norway - NO Oman - OM Pakistan - PK Palau - PW Palestinian Territory - PS Panama - PA Papua New Guinea - PG Paraguay - PY Peru - PE Philippines - PH Pitcairn - PN Poland - PL Portugal - PT Puerto Rico - PR Qatar - QA Réunion - RE Romania - RO Russian Federation - RU Rwanda - RW Saint-Barthélemy - BL Saint Helena - SH Saint Kitts and Nevis - KN Saint Lucia - LC Saint-Martin (French part) - MF Saint Pierre and Miquelon - PM Saint Vincent and Grenadines - VC Samoa - WS San Marino - SM Sao Tome and Principe - ST Saudi Arabia - SA Senegal - SN Serbia - RS Seychelles - SC Sierra Leone - SL Singapore - SG Slovakia - SK Slovenia - SI Solomon Islands - SB Somalia - SO South Africa - ZA South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands - GS South Sudan - SS Spain - ES Sri Lanka - LK Sudan - SD Suriname - SR Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands - SJ Swaziland - SZ Sweden - SE Switzerland - CH Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) - SY Taiwan, Republic of China - TW Tajikistan - TJ Tanzania, United Republic of - TZ Thailand - TH Timor-Leste - TL Togo - TG Tokelau - TK Tonga - TO Trinidad and Tobago - TT Tunisia - TN Turkey - TR Turkmenistan - TM Turks and Caicos Islands - TC Tuvalu - TV Uganda - UG Ukraine - UA United Arab Emirates - AE United Kingdom - GB United States of America - US US Minor Outlying Islands - UM Uruguay - UY Uzbekistan - UZ Vanuatu - VU Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic) - VE Viet Nam - VN Virgin Islands, US - VI Wallis and Futuna Islands - WF Western Sahara - EH Yemen - YE Zambia - ZM Zimbabwe - ZW
• Newsletter Subscribe to our email newsletter
• By submitting this form, you consent to our privacy policy .
• Hidden IP Location

Talk to an AdventureSmith Travel Specialist Call us toll free at 1-877-620-2875 . Call us direct at 530-583-1775 .

Office Hours Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm Pacific Time.

Address 40169 Truckee Airport Road, Suite 201 Truckee, CA 96161

Forget shuffleboard and cabaret – adventure cruising is all about the destination.

Cruising is an adventure in itself, but the beauty of traveling on a small ship with less than 36 passengers is that the real fun begins when you drop anchor. This way, you'll get to know the locals, rather than outnumber them. You'll still be looked after by your crew and get to relax on the deck with a cold beer, but you'll also get to explore the waterfalls of  Krka National Park , snorkel with green turtles in the  Galapagos  and taste locally produced olive oil, wine and lavender in Croatia. It's about exploring where the big ships can't go, so you can swim in hidden coves, view wildlife on remote islands and listen to live music in cobblestone laneways. This is cruising – Intrepid style. 

There’s a reason  Croatia's been crowned the darling of Europe! Cruise through the pristine waters of the Adriatic and taste the best of the country’s bountiful coastline. Visit rolling vineyards for wine tastings, dine on barbecue dinners on the deck of your ship, sample locally produced honey on a Croatian farm and stroll through fragrant fields of lavender. Detour into  Bosnia and Herzegovina  where you’ll pop into a local coffee shop to see how Bosnian coffee is made and try some yourself.

When we say go wild, we really mean it. Located just off Ecuador, the  Galapagos  Islands are a natural playground for wildlife lovers with over 9000 species to discover. Where else can you chill on the beach with a seal or kayak alongside a group of inquisitive penguins? Here, you'll snorkel in shallow coves teeming with green turtles, golden cow-nose rays and Galapagos sharks. Whether you cruise around the central, southern or western islands, you'll be well placed to have unforgettable wildlife encounters on and off the water.

With fewer than 36 passengers on every ship, our groups are the perfect size for really getting to know your fellow travelers. Smaller groups mean more personalized service, like one-on-one chats with your leader about history, culture and food, or your favorite beer handed to you by the bar manager at the end of the day.

We’re right there with you to ensure your adventure is memorable for all the right reasons. Our expert local leaders facilitate incredible land experiences, while the ship’s friendly crew make sure you have everything you need – from a room that’s sparkling clean to a glass of sparkling wine – to enjoy your time on board.

Whether it’s a dining alfresco on the deck at sunset, enjoying the catch-of-the day cooked up by your onboard chef or sitting down for a gourmet breakfast every morning, our culinary experiences are designed to complement your journey and help you create memories you’ll savor forever – both on and off the boat.

Our small ships give you access to those out-of-the-way spots the big ships can’t reach. We’ll show you the guidebook favorites from a new perspective, then cruise away from the crowds so you can stroll through seaside villages, swim in hidden coves, and get a real taste of what life is like for the locals.  

Our ships combine all the comforts and personality of a boutique hotel with the freedom of the open water. Relax in your well-appointed cabin and wake to a different outlook each morning. Enjoy panoramic views from the sun deck, spend time in comfortable lounges and dining rooms, or dine al fresco under the stars.

Filter by rating

Galapagos Encounter: Central Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

Croatian Coastal Cruising - Split to Dubrovnik (Aurora)

Galapagos Encounter: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)

What type of ship will I be on?

Our Adventure Cruising trips operate on a Motor Yacht that carries between 16-36 passengers, and the primary propulsion method is motorised. The decor varies between ships with some contemporary and some more traditional in their styling.

What are the cabins like? Why are they different prices?

All cabins are air-conditioned and our ship generators provide an electric current of 220v. Cabins are equipped with European type plugs so please remember to bring an adaptor if necessary.

Please be aware that cabins are compact in size, with wardrobe and storage space also compact. All cabins on all ships have private bathrooms with hairdryers and come with some toiletries such as shampoo and shower gel. A safe and minibar (containing water) are in every cabin. Pricing depends on the cabin type - similar to a hotel, some cabins offer superior views, larger windows/portholes and larger or additional living space. You can view cabin types on our  ships  page.

How long will be spent between sailing and port?

As much as possible, most relocation sailing will take place at night, allowing for more time to be spent at port and exploring. The majority of itineraries have at least one port stop or swim stop every day. In places of particular interest the ship will moor all day, allowing additional time for shore excursions and off-ship activities. It’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the trip itinerary in order to be aware of what time is scheduled at port and what excursions are on offer. However, please be aware that weather conditions may prompt a change to published itineraries.

How much time will I have on shore at each stop?

The amount of time you spend ashore at each stop will vary depending on the stop and each individual itinerary. It is not always possible to give accurate arrival and departure times from each port. Traveling on a small ship means we are more affected by changes to the winds and tides. If conditions are in our favour we may make excellent time and arrive in port earlier than expected. But if conditions are against us, it may take longer to reach our next stop. One of the charms of small ship cruising is letting nature be part of your journey.

How accessible are the ships?

It’s important to be aware that none of the ships have lifts and moving between decks will involve climbing fairly steep stairways. To disembark the ship in port, you will need to walk down a narrow gangway lowered to the dock. All ships are small enough that they can usually dock at all ports, and tenders (small dinghies) are rarely used.

Will I get seasick?

How often the ship sails in open waters depends on the itinerary. The itineraries that sail along the coast should experience sheltered conditions on most days, but those that sail between islands will cross open waters and may sail through heavier seas. Unless you are certain that you’re impervious to seasickness, it is necessary to come prepared with precautionary medication or other methods of combatting seasickness. Please be aware that there are no doctors aboard the ships.

Who will I be travelling with?

Our Adventure Cruises in the Galapagos have a maximum of 16 passengers and Croatia cruises have a maximum of 36 passengers.

What if I’m travelling solo?

On all our Intrepid itineraries, if you’re travelling solo, it is possible to share a twin share cabin with another passenger of the same gender, depending on availability. If you would like your own cabin, you can choose to pay a single supplement and receive a cabin to yourself.

What language is spoken on the ship?

The language on board is English (with fluent staff).

Is the itinerary always the same?

By its nature, all travel by sea is subject to the weather, winds, and tides. Occasionally the order in which we visit destinations may need to change to accommodate weather conditions and, sometimes, other ports may be substituted. Safety is always our first priority. All ships are operated by an experienced captain and crew.

What will the weather be like?

For the comfort and pleasure of our guests, our itineraries generally follow warm rather than hot weather patterns. The world's climate being at times unpredictable, our small ships are seldom far from a sheltered bay or port.

What is the official currency on board?

On our Croatia cruises, the Euro is the official currency on board. On our Galapagos Islands cruises, USD is the official currency onboard.  There is an optional credit system for expenses on board that may be paid/settled at the end of the cruise. Credit card payment is not always accepted on board. Please refer to the essential trip information” for further information

What if I have dietary requirements?

Most dietary requirements can be catered for on all ships, except for kosher and halal. Please advise us at the time of booking and we will do all that we can.

Are alcoholic drinks available on board?

Alcoholic drinks are available on all ships and are reasonably priced. For example, EUR5 for the cocktail of the day or EUR3.50 for a glass of wine. The bar runs on a chit system where you sign for drinks as you purchase them, with the amount added to your on-board account. This account is settled at the end of the voyage.

Is there a dress code on board?

Dress aboard the boat is very casual – it is a holiday after all. However, you may wish to bring a smarter outfit, such as a sundress or a shirt with a collar, for the final night’s Captain’s Dinner or if you plan to eat off the ship in port.

Is there Internet available on board?

Wifi is available on our ships at an additional cost. Please note, it may be unavailable in more remote locations or when sailing.

Can I combine an Adventure Cruise with another land tour?

Yes definitely, and it's a popular option for many. While dates might not always align perfectly, there are plenty of options like  day tours  to bridge the time between the tours. Contact us or your local travel agent to find out more.

Are the Adventure Cruises guaranteed departures?

If you've found a tour you like, we can request space and confirm availability within 2-4 days.  Once availability is confirmed, a deposit is required within 7 days.  We suggest not booking other things like flights until availability is confirmed.

Once the space is confirmed by our local team and your deposit has been paid, your tour is guaranteed to depart - meaning you can book your airfares and additional accommodation with confidence. Please note that like all of our tours, this is subject to our regular  booking conditions.

Why are the cabins different prices?

Pricing depends on the cabin type. Similar to how hotel room pricing works, some cabins offer superior views, larger windows/portholes and larger or additional living space. You can view cabin types on our  ships  page.  Contact us  to find out more

Are flights included?

While International flights aren't included in the tour cost, we can assist with booking these. Our partnerships with the major airlines mean we can get you the best price on flights for your intended travel dates. Sometimes it can be challenging organising flights. Some destinations are harder to get to than others, and we know it can be tricky trying to negotiate dates, transfers and prices. So  speak to us  about how we can get you there easier.

Can you book additional accommodation, day tours and transfers?

Yes, we can generally assist with all of this when you're ready to book your trip.  Contact us  to find out more.

Can I go swimming from the ship?

Of course! All ships have a swimming platform which is usually located at the back of the ship. The crew will always be present to monitor the safety of swimmers, watching either from the ship or a small zodiac safety boat. Additional towels are available during swim stops. All ships are equipped with snorkelling equipment that you are free to use. Some ships also offer kayaks and stand-up paddleboards for use at swim stops.

What is included in my cruise cost?

With itineraries operated by Intrepid, we include: a minimum of two meals daily, activities and land excursions (as per the itinerary), Comfortable accommodation on the boat, all port fees, services of local tour leaders, airport arrival transfer, drinking water, 24-hour coffee station with fruit and snacks, and snorkeling equipment. Some trips have kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available for use.

With itineraries operated by Variety Cruises, we include: a minimum of two meals daily, comfortable accommodation on the boat, all port fees, services of a cruise co-ordinator, drinking water, 24-hour coffee station with fruit and snacks, and snorkelling equipment. Some trips have kayaks and stand-up paddleboards available for use. All onshore activities are optional and are an additional cost which is paid on board.

What is not included in my cruise cost?

With itineraries operated by Intrepid, we do not include: International flights, travel insurance, discretionary tips for leaders and crew, some meals, onboard purchases (such as beverages), hotel to port transfer (if arriving prior to day of embarkation), airport departure transfer (unless pre-booked), any additional hotel accommodation not outlined in trip itinerary, personal expenses.

With itineraries operated by Variety Cruises, we do not include: International flights, travel insurance, activities and land excursions, all gratuities, some meals, onboard purchases (such as beverages), transfers to/from airport or hotel to/from port (unless pre-booked), any additional hotel accommodation, personal expenses.

Are tips included in the price?

Tips for all crew and services are at your discretion.

Where can I find the joining point/hotel details for my trip?

Your agent or sales representative will provide you with all the necessary joining point details once you have booked, along with other essential trip information. This information can also be found on the web page for your trip – scroll down past the itinerary until you see the Essential Trip Information link.

Feel the wind in your hair on a sailing yacht. You can lend a helping hand with navigating, tacking and steering, or simply stretch out on deck and relax with a good book.

8 reasons to try a small ship Adventure Cruise

5 reasons why it’s worth exploring Indonesia beyond Bali

What to pack for your Adventure Cruise

Murky waters: the ethics of big ship cruising

What to expect on an Adventure Cruise

What it’s like cruising the Cyclades on an Adventure Cruise

I thought I hated cruises; then I tried Adventure Cruising

All aboard: why summer is the best time for an Adventure Cruise in Europe

• Find an Expedition
• Voyage Calendar
• Travel Advisors
• Manage My Booking
• Call Now: +1-833-826-5828

Small Ship Cruises

Home > Small Ship Cruises

Small Ship Cruises that redefine the very essence of sea-based travel.

Embark on a Small Ship Cruise and experience a medley of culture, traditions and history as you travel beyond the ordinary, discovering the hidden gems and untold narratives that make each destination unique. Framed by crafted pre- and post voyage city stays, these journeys offer seamless travel from beginning to end.

Our all-inclusive ‘Your Choice’ excursions allow you to personalise your journey, while our enrichment program makes every day a highlight.

Exclusive to Aurora Expeditions, this curated approach to cruising, hosted by an expert storyteller and team of dedicated explorers, appeals to experienced globetrotters eager to share the magic of exploration with like-minded travellers in a relaxed atmosphere.

Discover our most popular Small Ship Cruises

Athens to naples: myths of the mediterranean.

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Myths of The Mediterranean  Embark on an epic journey through legendary kingdoms, mythical lands and ancient sites as we explore Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Sicily....

From USD $ 16,156.00 /pp

Sailing the Greek Islands

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Sailing the Greek Islands   Set sail on a journey through the Greek islands, where the essence of island living unfolds amid azure waters, whitewashed villages, and waterfront...

From USD $ 11,516.00 /pp

The Amalfi, Sicily and Malta: The Godfather

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ The Godfather For Italy aficionados, no trip to their favourite country is complete without visiting its southern shores, spending time on the cherished island of Sicily and...

From USD $ 10,476.00 /pp

Morocco and Spain: Moor than a Myth

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Moor Than a Myth. Follow the captivating narrative of the Moorish Empire, and the Iberian Christians whose cultures collided to forge the kingdoms of Spain and Morocco....

From USD $ 11,196.00 /pp

Madrid to Marrakech: An Atlantic Adventure

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ An Atlantic Adventure Embark on an exhilarating voyage from the rugged Atlantic Coast of Northern Spain to the exotic shores of Morocco, tracing the historical routes of...

From USD $ 11,916.00 /pp

Ireland: The Luck of the Irish

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Ireland: The Luck of the Irish. Pounded for eternity by its surrounding seas, Ireland’s coastline is best explored by ship. The country’s intimate size affords seafarers an...

From USD $ 9,756.00 /pp

Featured Small Ship Cruise Destinations

Discover some of the captivating destinations we visit below then  request a booking  and let us help you start planning your dream trip. Your Antarctic expedition begins here!

'Your Choice' Experiences

Hosted by our team and led by local guides, our handcrafted onshore and onboard experiences immerse us in a myriad of adventures. Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions invite you to experience our destinations hands-on. Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps through the streets of Arles, sense the echoes of Pompeii’s last moments, and hear stories of survival from the Titanic.

Immersive Travel

Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions invite you to experience our destinations hands on. Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps through the streets of Arles, sense the echoes of Pompeii’s last moments, and hear stories of survival from the Titanic.

Local Flavours

Whether it is mint tea in Marrakech, a limoncello on the Amalfi Coast, or a paella in Valencia, rest assured your tastebuds will be tantalised.

Locally Guided Walks

No one knows their hometown like a local. Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions are guided by local experts, ensuring every experience is authentic and insightful.

Cultural Enrichment

Explore the culturally fascinating, from Salvador Dali’s eccentric mausoleum to the complexities of Londonderry’s ‘Troubles’, and the hilltop village whose century old traditions have crafted the world’s most popular perfumes.

Past & Present

Exploring Europe is akin to flipping through the pages of history, where each chapter unfolds in real time before your eyes.

Art & Artisans

Whether you are an art aficionado or simply captivated by the beauty of art, our curated experiences at galleries, architectural wonders and artisan workshops will entice your curiosity.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Whether exploring Athen’s Acropolis, Granada’s Alhambra, Italy’s Cinque Terre or the medina of Marrakech, we ask you to join us in preserving the world’s most treasured sites.

Need Help? Call us on  1800 637 688

Explore More: Download our latest  Brochures

Request a customised quote

Privacy Overview

More From Forbes

Why you should consider a small ship for your next cruise vacation.

• Share to Facebook
• Share to Twitter
• Share to Linkedin

Smaller cruise ships can provide a more intimate, enjoyable experience on a cruise vacation.

When researching a cruise vacation, the massive, feature-packed ships often take center stage in advertising and promotions. However, smaller vessels can offer a more relaxed atmosphere, closer connections with fellow guests, and a deeper immersion in your destinations, harking back to the golden era of cruising.

You might associate smaller ships with luxury cruise lines, and while it's true that many high-end lines do operate smaller vessels, you can still find smaller ships within mainstream cruise lines.

For example, while Royal Caribbean's Icon of the Seas captures attention with its capacity of nearly 10,000 passengers and crew, the fleet also includes much smaller vessels. Rhapsody of the Seas and other Vision-class ships accommodate less than a third of that number.

Similarly, Britain’s P&O Cruises is famous for its family-friendly mega-ships like Arvia and Iona , each accommodating over 5,000 passengers. However, the line also offers the smaller, adult-only ships Arcadia and Aurora , with the latter hosting fewer than 2,000 guests.

Fred Olsen Cruise Lines, another British operator, specializes in more traditional cruising on ships that carry no more than 1,300 passengers. In Norway, Hurtigruten and Havila Voyages offer coastal cruises on smaller ships , with most carrying less than 500 passengers.

Best High-Yield Savings Accounts Of 2024

Best 5% interest savings accounts of 2024.

Although you may have to look a little harder to find them, value deals on smaller ships are available. With that in mind, here are five important reasons why choosing a small ship for your next cruise vacation could offer a more rewarding and unique experience.

Intriguing Itineraries

Small ships have the distinct advantage of accessing ports that larger vessels simply can’t reach. This opens up a world of unique and off-the-beaten-path itineraries, giving passengers the opportunity to explore destinations that are less impacted by mass tourism.

Smaller ships can get under Norway's Hardanger Bridge to reach the interesting ports Eidfjord and ... [+] Ulvik.

For example, while larger ships cruising through the Norwegian fjords can dock at popular spots like Flåm and Geiranger, these charming destinations can quickly become overcrowded with passengers from just one large cruise ship.

Smaller ships can navigate under the Hardanger Bridge , for example, to reach more secluded ports like Eidfjord and Ulvik. These picturesque villages offer an authentic experience, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty and culture of the region without the distraction of large crowds.

Intimate Onboard Experience

With fewer passengers, these ships naturally foster a closer, more community-oriented environment. It’s easier to strike up conversations with fellow travelers, form lasting connections, and enjoy more attentive service from the crew.

This smaller scale typically also means fewer lines, less waiting, and a greater sense of space. Whether you’re dining, participating in onboard activities, or simply relaxing on deck, the camaraderie on smaller ships can make your journey feel more like an exclusive getaway rather than the bustling atmosphere of a large, crowded resort.

Less Stress

A smaller ship naturally means fewer choices, which might seem like a downside, but it often results in a more relaxed vacation. Although smaller ships lack some of the incredible attractions of modern ships, they offer a more streamlined experience.

You won’t spend your time overwhelmed by endless options or rushing across massive decks to get to the start of an activity.

Instead, everything is conveniently accessible, from dining to entertainment, ensuring you can spend more time enjoying your cruise and less time navigating the ship. Plus, with fewer passengers, there’s a better chance of snagging a seat at shows or getting that perfect spot on the deck for the sailaway.

While it's not a guarantee, smaller ships tend to attract fewer families, leading to a generally quieter atmosphere. On larger vessels, the pool deck can sometimes turn into a lively, bustling scene with loud music and energetic activities, often aimed at children and young people.

In contrast, even when children are onboard a smaller ship, the overall ambiance is typically calmer and more relaxed, allowing you to unwind and enjoy a calmer cruise vacation.

More Ocean Views

Taking breakfast on the balcony or enjoying a sunset drink with the sea as a backdrop is often an integral part of any cruise vacation.

The stacked aft decks of Fred Olsen's Balmoral offer guests lots of space for viewing landscapes or ... [+] wildlife during a cruise.

While older ships may lack the abundance of balcony cabins found on newer vessels, they offer something equally special: expansive outdoor deck spaces.

Classic ship designs often feature wide promenade decks and stacked outdoor aft decks, providing multiple levels of stunning ocean views.

These elements not only enhance your scenic enjoyment but also evoke the charm and nostalgia of the golden age of cruising, allowing you to experience the romance of the sea in a way that modern mega-ships often can't replicate.

Fewer Upsells

Another perk of small ships is the reduced emphasis on upselling. With fewer specialty restaurants and additional amenities onboard, the focus tends to be more on the overall experience rather than constant sales pitches.

While you might still be offered beverage packages, specialty dining, or other extras, the pressure to upgrade is noticeably less intense compared to larger ships, where upselling is often a key part of the business model of cruising at scale.

This more straightforward approach allows you to fully enjoy what’s included in your cruise without feeling pressured to spend more.

• Editorial Standards
• Reprints & Permissions

Join The Conversation

One Community. Many Voices. Create a free account to share your thoughts. 

Forbes Community Guidelines

Our community is about connecting people through open and thoughtful conversations. We want our readers to share their views and exchange ideas and facts in a safe space.

In order to do so, please follow the posting rules in our site's  Terms of Service.   We've summarized some of those key rules below. Simply put, keep it civil.

Your post will be rejected if we notice that it seems to contain:

• False or intentionally out-of-context or misleading information
• Insults, profanity, incoherent, obscene or inflammatory language or threats of any kind
• Attacks on the identity of other commenters or the article's author
• Content that otherwise violates our site's  terms.

User accounts will be blocked if we notice or believe that users are engaged in:

• Continuous attempts to re-post comments that have been previously moderated/rejected
• Racist, sexist, homophobic or other discriminatory comments
• Attempts or tactics that put the site security at risk
• Actions that otherwise violate our site's  terms.

So, how can you be a power user?

• Stay on topic and share your insights
• Feel free to be clear and thoughtful to get your point across
• ‘Like’ or ‘Dislike’ to show your point of view.
• Protect your community.
• Use the report tool to alert us when someone breaks the rules.

Thanks for reading our community guidelines. Please read the full list of posting rules found in our site's  Terms of Service.

• South Pacific
• Start Date Select Month September 2024 October 2024 November 2024 December 2024 January 2025 February 2025 March 2025 April 2025 May 2025 June 2025 July 2025 August 2025 September 2025 October 2025 November 2025 December 2025 January 2026 February 2026 March 2026 April 2026 May 2026 June 2026 July 2026 August 2026 OR, More specific start
• Easy Active
• Most Popular
• Scheduled Group Tour
• Small Ship Cruises
• Solo Travel
• Wildlife & Safari Exploration
• Photography Seminars
• Scuba Diving
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife Viewing
• Wine Tasting
• Adventure Options
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Helicopter Tours
• Land & Sea Exploration
• Local Market Visits
• Rainforest Exploration
• Small Ship Sailing
• Spa Relaxation
• Stand Up Paddle Boarding
• Village Visits
• Akademik Shokalskiy
• Coral Adventurer
• Coral Discoverer
• Coral Geographer
• Douglas Mawson
• Heritage Adventurer
• Heritage Explorer
• Le Commandant Charcot
• Le Jacques Cartier
• Le Laperouse
• National Geographic Orion
• Ombak Putih
• Panorama II
• Paul Gauguin
• Scenic Eclipse II
• Seabourn Pursuit

Tahiti & the Society Islands

• Spend a relaxing day on Motu Mahana
• Explore stunning Bora Bora
• Visit the island of Moorea
• Experience Tahiti's capital Papeete

Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji

• Discover Motu Mahana beach
• Tour Fiji's capital city, Suva
• Experience unique Tongan culture
• Snorkel one of the largest reefs
• Marquesas, Tuamotus & Society Islands
• Explore Tahiti and Papeete
• Visit the remote island of Fakarava
• Experience Polynesian Culture
• Capture the Beauty of Fatu Hiva
• See the Grandeur of the Marquesas
• Unwind in Tahuata
• Immerse in Rangiroa's Local Culture

Islands Of The Marquesas & Tuamotus

• Dive into Rangiroa's local culture
• Explore Polynesian culture
• Enjoy Fatu Hiva's remote island
• Explore Ua Poa's volcanic beauty

Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands

• Visit Lautoka, the Sugar City
• Explore fascinating Suva
• Enjoy Tongan culture and food
• Discover dramatic Bora Bora

Society Islands & Tuamotus

• Uncover hidden treasures
• Experience Raiatea's sacred beauty
• See Fakarava UNESCO Nature Reserve
• Indulge in island paradise
• Marvel at Bora Bora's iconic views
• Immerse in Polynesian culture

Crossing Melanesia: Australia To Fiji

• Explore coral reefs of Milne Bay
• See WWII historical sites in Alotau
• Swim in the waters of Espiritu Sant
• Discover Vanuatu's beaches

Tahiti & the Pearls of French Polynesia

• Explore Moorea
• Discover Makatea
• Experience Rangiroa
• Explore Tikehau

Tahiti, the Society & Tuamotu Islands

• Explore Mo'orea
• Discover Makatea island
• Enjoy Tikehau

Tahiti & Islands of French Polynesia

• Discover Taha’a
• Enjoy Papeete
• Experience Raiatea

Cape York & Arnhem Land

• Experience the unique Arnhem Land
• Explore the Cobourg Peninsula
• Witness the Tiwi people's culture
• Snorkel across Lizard Island

Coastal Wilds of Tasmania

• Hike to Wineglass Bay
• Learn about Maria Island’s history
• Visit Port Arthur
• Admire the Tasman Peninsula
• Observe unique wildlife
• Discover Taha'a
• Experience Bora Bora
• Discover Huahine

Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef

• Snorkel the Great Barrier Reef
• Swim and snorkel Lizard Island
• Discover the pristine Ribbon Reefs
• Learn about Cook’s landing

Fiji and Tahiti Adventure: Vibrant Reefs and Cultural History

• Explore Tahiti and Fiji
• Explore wildlife
• Underwater adventures
• Experience culture and communities
• Explore South Pacific's reefs

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

• Visit the best islands for birding
• See the Albatross Latitudes
• Marvel at diverse seabird colonies
• Learn about nature and history

Pearls of the Pacific: Exploring the Society and Tuamotu Islands

• Swim on Makatea
• Learn Polynesian history
• Visit Anaa's small island
• See Mount Otemanu landscape

Australia's Iconic Kimberley

• See the Warton stones
• Learn prehistoric art
• Explore Kimberley
• See the birds

South Pacific Travel Guide

• All South Pacific Trips
• All South Pacific Videos
• All South Pacific Travel Stories
• Papua New Guinea Overview
• Fiji Overview
• Marquesas Islands Overview
• Tahiti Overview
• The Solomon Islands Overview
• When to Visit the South Pacific
• Easter Island

Favorite South Pacific All Trips

• Cook Islands & Society Islands
• Hawaiian Seascapes

Top South Pacific Travel Destinations

• Auckland Islands
• Campbell Island
• Cook Islands
• Enderby Island
• Invercargill
• Macquarie Island
• Milford Sound
• Mitchell Falls
• New Zealand
• Papua New Guinea

South Pacific Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 South Pacific trips (56)
• 2025 South Pacific trips (89)
• 2026 South Pacific trips (19)
• September 2024 (18)
• November 2024 (26)
• December 2024 (25)
• January 2025 (29)
• February 2025 (19)
• March 2025 (20)
• July 2025 (17)
• November 2025 (16)
• December 2025 (20)

Top Experiences in South Pacific

• South Pacific Cruises (115)
• South Pacific Small Ship Cruises (106)
• South Pacific Beaches (40)
• South Pacific Wildlife & Safari Exploration (26)
• South Pacific Cultural (22)
• South Pacific Luxury (15)
• South Pacific Active (11)
• South Pacific Family (9)
• South Pacific Land Tours (6)
• South Pacific Trekking (4)
• South Pacific Most Popular (3)
• South Pacific Scheduled Group Tour (3)

South Pacific Trips by Duration

• 5 day trips (3)
• 7 day trips (3)
• 8 day trips (6)
• 9 day trips (5)
• 10 day trips (7)
• 11 day trips (20)
• 12 day trips (13)
• 13 day trips (10)
• 14 day trips (5)
• 15 day trips (13)
• 16 day trips (6)
• 17 day trips (8)
• 24 day trips (3)
• 25 day trips (4)

South Pacific Trips by Activity

• South Pacific wildlife viewing (90)
• South Pacific snorkeling (51)
• South Pacific kayaking (39)
• South Pacific village visits (33)
• South Pacific scuba diving (22)
• South Pacific archaeological site visits (17)
• South Pacific whale watching (17)
• South Pacific stand up paddle boarding (16)
• South Pacific hiking (15)
• South Pacific spa relaxation (14)
• South Pacific helicopter tours (13)
• South Pacific wine tasting (11)
• South Pacific adventure options (8)
• South Pacific small ship sailing (6)
• South Pacific local market visits (5)
• South Pacific land & sea exploration (4)
• South Pacific photography seminars (4)
• South Pacific rainforest exploration (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

Discover the Best Small Cruise Lines for Alaska: Sustainable Adventures Await

Dreaming of exploring the stunning wilderness of Alaska aboard a small cruise ship? Wondering which cruise line would offer you the perfect blend of intimacy and adventure? Picture yourself surrounded by towering glaciers and majestic wildlife, cruising through the pristine waters of the Last Frontier. You’re not alone in seeking that unique Alaskan experience that only a small cruise ship can provide.

Imagine effortlessly gliding past rugged coastlines and witnessing nature’s grandeur up close, all while enjoying personalized service and a sense of community on board. With so many small cruise lines to choose from, finding the right one can be overwhelming. In this article, we’ll guide you through the best small cruise lines for Alaska, helping you navigate your way to the ultimate Alaskan adventure tailored just for you.

Key Takeaways

• Choosing a small cruise line for Alaska offers a more intimate and immersive experience with personalized service and a sense of community among like-minded travelers.
• Small cruise lines provide access to remote and exclusive destinations, offering tailored excursions for a more authentic Alaskan adventure.
• Top-rated small cruise lines like UnCruise Adventures, Alaskan Dream Cruises, American Cruise Lines, and Lindblad Expeditions offer unique experiences ranging from wilderness immersion to cultural exploration.
• Small cruise lines in Alaska prioritize personalized service, unique itineraries focusing on off-the-beaten-path adventures, and engagement with local communities and the environment.
• The best months to cruise Alaska are typically from May to September, with packing essentials including layers for varying weather conditions, binoculars, and camera gear.
• When choosing a small cruise line, consider factors such as ship size, onboard amenities, itinerary, and sustainability practices to ensure the cruise aligns with your preferences.

Exploring the Appeal of Small Cruise Lines in Alaska

The advantages of a more intimate experience.

Choosing a small cruise line for your Alaskan adventure comes with unique benefits that set it apart from larger ships. On smaller vessels, you’ll enjoy a more intimate experience where you can truly immerse yourself in the breathtaking surroundings of Alaska. Picture yourself on a cozy deck surrounded by fellow adventurers, forming close bonds and sharing the excitement of each wildlife sighting or glacier encounter. It’s a chance to foster a sense of community and camaraderie that may be harder to achieve on larger cruise ships.

Access to Remote Destinations and Exclusive Excursions

One of the standout features of small cruise lines in Alaska is their ability to access remote and secluded destinations that larger ships simply can’t reach. Imagine setting foot on untouched shorelines, exploring hidden coves, and witnessing wildlife in their natural habitats without the crowds. Small cruise lines often offer exclusive excursions tailored to provide a more personalized and authentic Alaskan experience. You might find yourself kayaking through serene fjords, hiking pristine trails, or interacting with local communities in ways that showcase the true essence of Alaska. The access to these hidden gems adds a sense of adventure and discovery to your journey, making each day a new and exciting exploration.

Top Rated Small Cruise Lines for Alaska

When it comes to exploring Alaska on small cruise ships, you’re in for an intimate and adventurous journey that offers a unique perspective on this stunning destination. The allure of cruising through Alaska’s wilderness, with its majestic glaciers and abundant wildlife, will truly captivate you. Opting for a small cruise line for your Alaskan adventure brings with it a range of benefits that enhance your experience, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among like-minded travelers.

UnCruise Adventures: Embracing Wilderness Up Close

With UnCruise Adventures, you can expect a truly immersive experience that allows you to get up close and personal with Alaska’s wilderness. These small ships provide an intimate setting, giving you the opportunity to forge connections with fellow adventurers and the natural beauty surrounding you. UnCruise Adventures offers unique itineraries that take you to remote destinations, offering exclusive excursions that let you explore untouched shorelines and hidden coves where larger ships can’t go.

Alaskan Dream Cruises: Local Heritage and Culture

Exploring Alaska with Alaskan Dream Cruises is a cultural journey that delves into the local heritage of this remarkable region. You’ll have the chance to interact with Alaskan locals and learn about their traditions and way of life. These small cruise lines pride themselves on their focus on community engagement and authentic cultural experiences. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Alaskan culture and history as you sail through this captivating landscape.

American Cruise Lines: Luxury in The Last Frontier

For those seeking a touch of luxury in the wild beauty of Alaska, American Cruise Lines offers a premium cruising experience. Revel in the comfort and elegance of these small ships as you navigate Alaska’s waterways. Enjoy personalized service, exquisite dining options, and well-appointed accommodations that make your Alaskan journey a luxurious retreat. Explore the Last Frontier in style and sophistication with American Cruise Lines.

Lindblad Expeditions: In Partnership with National Geographic

Embark on a voyage of discovery with Lindblad Expeditions, in partnership with National Geographic, and explore Alaska through the lens of science, conservation, and exploration. These small cruise ships provide a platform for in-depth learning and exploration guided by experts in various fields. Delve into the wonders of Alaska’s natural world with engaging presentations and expert-led excursions that offer a deeper understanding of the environment and wildlife. Experience Alaska like never before with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.

Each of these top-rated small cruise lines for Alaska offers a distinct and enriching experience, tailored to provide you with unforgettable moments in one of the most breathtaking destinations on earth. Whether you seek adventure, cultural immersion, luxury, or educational enrichment, these cruise lines have something special to offer, ensuring your Alaskan journey is nothing short of extraordinary.

What to Expect on a Small Cruise in Alaska

When you choose a small cruise line for your Alaskan adventure, you can look forward to a more intimate experience compared to larger ships. Here’s what you can expect:

Personalized Service and Smaller Groups

On small cruise lines in Alaska, you’ll enjoy personalized service where the staff can cater to your needs more attentively. With smaller groups of passengers, you’ll have a chance to form close connections with fellow travelers and the crew. The smaller size allows for a more communal atmosphere, creating a sense of belonging and camaraderie among guests.

Unique Itineraries and off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures

Small cruise lines offer itineraries that focus on exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations in Alaska. You can expect to visit remote locations that larger ships can’t access, providing you with a more exclusive experience. These unique itineraries often include activities like kayaking through serene fjords, hiking in pristine wilderness areas, and encountering wildlife up close in their natural habitats.

Engagement with Local Communities and Environment

One of the charms of small cruise lines in Alaska is the emphasis on engaging with local communities and respecting the environment. You’ll have the opportunity to interact with indigenous cultures, learn about their traditions, and support local businesses. Additionally, these cruise lines prioritize environmentally sustainable practices to minimize their impact on the delicate ecosystem of Alaska’s wilderness. By traveling with a small cruise line, you can contribute to the conservation of this spectacular region while enjoying a truly authentic Alaskan experience.

Planning Your Trip: Best Times and Tips

Best months to cruise the alaskan waters.

When considering the best time to take a small cruise in Alaska, the optimal months are typically May to September. During these months, you’ll experience milder weather, longer daylight hours, and a higher chance of spotting wildlife such as whales and bears. May and September are ideal for avoiding the peak tourist season while still enjoying the stunning scenery and wildlife Alaska has to offer.

What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise Adventure

Packing for an Alaskan cruise requires preparation for various weather conditions. Be sure to bring layers of clothing, including waterproof outerwear, warm hats, gloves, and sturdy footwear for exploring on land. Don’t forget essentials like binoculars for wildlife viewing, a camera to capture the breathtaking landscapes, and any necessary medications. Packing smartly ensures you’re ready for any adventure that comes your way.

Tips for Choosing the Right Small Cruise Line

When selecting a small cruise line for your Alaskan voyage, consider factors such as the ship’s size, onboard amenities, the itinerary offered, and the focus of the cruise (wildlife, culture, etc.). Research the cruise line’s reputation, customer reviews, and sustainability practices to ensure it aligns with your preferences. Opt for a cruise line that offers activities and excursions that match your interests to make the most of your Alaskan journey.

Onboard Amenities and Activities

Culinary delights: local cuisine and fresh seafood.

Indulge in the flavors of Alaska as you sail on small cruise lines that prioritize local cuisine and fresh seafood. Enjoy culinary delights prepared by talented chefs who showcase the region’s specialties. Imagine savoring wild-caught salmon, delectable crab dishes, and mouthwatering berries picked from the Alaskan wilderness. Each meal is a culinary journey that reflects the essence of Alaska’s bountiful land and waters.

Onboard Enrichment: Lectures and Educational Programs

Engage your mind with onboard enrichment activities that offer a deeper understanding of Alaska’s natural wonders. Immerse yourself in educational programs and captivating lectures led by expert naturalists and historians. Dive into topics ranging from local wildlife and marine ecosystems to indigenous cultures and conservation efforts. Enhance your Alaska cruise experience by gaining knowledge and insights that enrich your travels.

Wellness and Recreation: Staying Active Amidst Natural Beauty

Stay active while surrounded by Alaska’s breathtaking natural beauty on small cruise lines that prioritize wellness and recreation. Join guided yoga sessions on deck as you take in panoramic views of glaciers and forests. Participate in outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, and wildlife watching to connect with the pristine wilderness around you. Embrace the opportunity to rejuvenate your body and spirit in the heart of Alaska’s untamed landscapes.

Sustainability and Conservation Efforts

Environmental responsibility and ecotourism.

When considering the best small cruise lines for Alaska, environmental responsibility should be at the forefront of your decision-making process. Opt for cruise lines that prioritize ecotourism practices by implementing sustainable initiatives to protect the fragile ecosystems of Alaska. Look for cruise companies that are committed to minimizing their environmental impact by employing advanced waste management systems, using clean energy sources, and supporting local conservation projects.

Participatory Conservation Initiatives by Cruise Lines

When booking a cruise to Alaska, inquire about the participatory conservation initiatives led by different cruise lines. Select companies that actively engage passengers in conservation efforts to contribute to the preservation of Alaska’s natural beauty. These initiatives may include onboard educational programs about wildlife conservation, opportunities to participate in citizen science projects, and partnerships with local organizations dedicated to environmental protection. By choosing a cruise line that involves you in conservation activities, you can have a meaningful impact on safeguarding Alaska’s pristine landscapes for future generations.

You’ve now discovered the allure of small cruise lines in Alaska, offering intimate adventures, a sense of community, and access to remote locales. UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions stand out for their immersive experiences and commitment to sustainability. As you plan your Alaskan voyage, remember to prioritize eco-friendly cruise lines with a focus on conservation. By choosing companies with ecotourism practices and active support for local projects, you can contribute to preserving the pristine beauty of Alaska. Look for opportunities to engage in conservation efforts during your cruise, whether through educational programs, citizen science projects, or partnerships with environmental organizations. Make your Alaskan journey not just memorable, but also meaningful by supporting sustainable practices in the breathtaking wilderness of Alaska.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: what makes small cruise ships in alaska unique.

A: Small cruise ships in Alaska offer an intimate and adventurous experience, with a community feel and access to remote destinations.

Q: Which are some notable small cruise lines for Alaska?

A: UnCruise Adventures and Lindblad Expeditions are renowned for their immersive experiences and sustainability efforts in Alaska.

Q: What are some planning tips for an Alaska small cruise?

A: Consider visiting in the best months, pack essential items, and carefully choose a cruise line based on your preferences.

Q: Why is sustainability important in choosing a cruise line?

A: Opt for companies with ecotourism practices, advanced waste management, and support for local conservation projects to preserve Alaska’s natural beauty.

Q: What participatory conservation initiatives should I look for?

A: Seek educational programs, citizen science projects, and partnerships with environmental organizations offered by cruise lines in Alaska.

Hi, I'm Richard, a passionate traveler and cruise enthusiast. With over a decade of experience exploring the world's oceans, I've developed a deep love for all things related to cruising. Whether it's luxury liners or intimate river cruises, I enjoy sharing my insights and tips to help others plan their perfect getaway. When I'm not sailing the seas, you can find me writing about my adventures or planning my next voyage

Related Posts

Best wheel size for cruising skateboard: choosing the optimal diameter for speed and stability, discover the best cruiser motorcycles for passengers: enhancing comfort and safety for memorable journeys, the ultimate guide to finding the best cruise for your 20s adventure.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Type above and press Enter to search. Press Esc to cancel.

• Find an Expedition
• Voyage Calendar
• Travel Advisors
• Manage My Booking
• Call Now: +1 800 637 688

Small Ship Cruises

Home > Small Ship Cruises

Small Ship Cruises that redefine the very essence of sea-based travel.

Embark on a Small Ship Cruise and experience a medley of culture, traditions and history as you travel beyond the ordinary, discovering the hidden gems and untold narratives that make each destination unique. Framed by crafted pre- and post voyage city stays, these journeys offer seamless travel from beginning to end.

Our all-inclusive ‘Your Choice’ excursions allow you to personalise your journey, while our enrichment program makes every day a highlight.

Exclusive to Aurora Expeditions, this curated approach to cruising, hosted by an expert storyteller and team of dedicated explorers, appeals to experienced globetrotters eager to share the magic of exploration with like-minded travellers in a relaxed atmosphere.

Discover our most popular Small Ship Cruises

Athens to naples: myths of the mediterranean.

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Myths of The Mediterranean  Embark on an epic journey through legendary kingdoms, mythical lands and ancient sites as we explore Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Sicily....

From AUD $ 23,196.00 /pp

Sailing the Greek Islands

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Sailing the Greek Islands   Set sail on a journey through the Greek islands, where the essence of island living unfolds amid azure waters, whitewashed villages, and waterfront...

From AUD $ 16,556.00 /pp

The Amalfi, Sicily and Malta: The Godfather

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ The Godfather For Italy aficionados, no trip to their favourite country is complete without visiting its southern shores, spending time on the cherished island of Sicily and...

From AUD $ 15,036.00 /pp

Morocco and Spain: Moor than a Myth

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Moor Than a Myth. Follow the captivating narrative of the Moorish Empire, and the Iberian Christians whose cultures collided to forge the kingdoms of Spain and Morocco....

From AUD $ 16,076.00 /pp

Madrid to Marrakech: An Atlantic Adventure

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ An Atlantic Adventure Embark on an exhilarating voyage from the rugged Atlantic Coast of Northern Spain to the exotic shores of Morocco, tracing the historical routes of...

From AUD $ 17,116.00 /pp

Ireland: The Luck of the Irish

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Ireland: The Luck of the Irish. Pounded for eternity by its surrounding seas, Ireland’s coastline is best explored by ship. The country’s intimate size affords seafarers an...

From AUD $ 13,996.00 /pp

Featured Small Ship Cruise Destinations

Discover some of the captivating destinations we visit below then  request a booking  and let us help you start planning your dream trip. Your Antarctic expedition begins here!

'Your Choice' Experiences

Hosted by our team and led by local guides, our handcrafted onshore and onboard experiences immerse us in a myriad of adventures. Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions invite you to experience our destinations hands-on. Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps through the streets of Arles, sense the echoes of Pompeii’s last moments, and hear stories of survival from the Titanic.

Immersive Travel

Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions invite you to experience our destinations hands on. Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps through the streets of Arles, sense the echoes of Pompeii’s last moments, and hear stories of survival from the Titanic.

Local Flavours

Whether it is mint tea in Marrakech, a limoncello on the Amalfi Coast, or a paella in Valencia, rest assured your tastebuds will be tantalised.

Locally Guided Walks

No one knows their hometown like a local. Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions are guided by local experts, ensuring every experience is authentic and insightful.

Cultural Enrichment

Explore the culturally fascinating, from Salvador Dali’s eccentric mausoleum to the complexities of Londonderry’s ‘Troubles’, and the hilltop village whose century old traditions have crafted the world’s most popular perfumes.

Past & Present

Exploring Europe is akin to flipping through the pages of history, where each chapter unfolds in real time before your eyes.

Art & Artisans

Whether you are an art aficionado or simply captivated by the beauty of art, our curated experiences at galleries, architectural wonders and artisan workshops will entice your curiosity.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Whether exploring Athen’s Acropolis, Granada’s Alhambra, Italy’s Cinque Terre or the medina of Marrakech, we ask you to join us in preserving the world’s most treasured sites.

Need Help? Call us on  1800 637 688

Explore More: Download our latest  Brochures

Request a customised quote

Privacy Overview

I spent $7,000 on an 8-day luxury cruise with just 100 passengers on board. I can't recommend it enough.

• I went on an eight-day Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic cruise.
• The $7,000 cruise included hiking, snorkeling with sea lions, and seeing gray whales.
• The all-inclusive trip ended up being a great value and I'd gladly do it again.

In February, I went on a Lindblad Expeditions National Geographic cruise that was unlike any other trip I'd been on before.

I snorkeled next to sea lions, swam with exotic fish, and came so close to a gray whale that I could've reached out and touched it.

Although $7,000 per person for an eight-day, seven-night journey isn't cheap, my trip came with a lot of perks — and I didn't spend any additional money on board.

Here's why this bucket-list experience was worth every penny.

Getting to the boat was easy, and the staterooms were comfortable

My son and I flew nonstop from Los Angeles to Loreto, Mexico, where Lindblad's team greeted us. Comfy coaches whisked us to our temporary floating home, the National Geographic Venture.

The luxurious ship had outdoor decks, an indoor lounge with seating for all passengers, and numerous practical amenities, such as a fitness center.

The Venture has 50 cabins for 100 guests. We shared a stateroom with Scandinavian-style furniture, including two single beds, a foldout couch, and a desk.

Our room's large windows allowed us to watch the scenery float by.

Experts aboard the ship ensured we made the most of our adventure

As soon as we unpacked, passengers and crew got acquainted at an introductory meeting.

Related stories

Our captain mapped out the route: We'd start in Loreto on the Gulf of California and loop around the Baja California peninsula to the Pacific Ocean. We'd disembark in San Carlos, where a coach would escort us back to the Loreto airport.

The ship's team of naturalists, educators, and photography instructors introduced themselves and shared their enthusiasm from the start.

There was never a dull moment on this trip

One standout part of the Venture was its fleet of Zodiacs. These sturdy, inflatable boats hold a dozen passengers and allowed us to access places larger vessels can't, ferrying us to remote locations for up-close observations and interactions with marine life.

Accompanied by a naturalist, we'd board the Zodiacs early in the morning and go on adventures every day.

We got to experience the striking landscape of red volcanic ash and fossilized sand dunes on remote Puerto Los Gatos. There, we chose which activity to partake in: I snorkeled and kayaked while my son balanced on a paddleboard.

Together, we also hiked the dry riverbed with a naturalist who pointed out exotic desert vegetation.

While on Los Islotes, we encountered dozens of playful sea lions as they sunbathed on rocks and frolicked in the sea.

At Cabo Pulmo National Park, we snorkeled around coral reefs filled with colorful fish.

I've snorkeled in many parts of the world, but being in Cabo Pulmo made it clear to me why the oceanographer Jacques Cousteau once referred to Baja as "the world's aquarium."

Of course, we saw many whales during the trip. After all, our itinerary was called Baja California: Among the Great Whales .

February is Baja's prime whale-watching season , so the calendar was in our favor.

In Puerto Adolfo López Mateos, we boarded small boats and observed gray whales, which travel from their Arctic feeding grounds to breed and raise their calves in these sheltered waters. I got so close to these majestic mammals that I nearly touched one.

Cultural experiences were also woven into the trip.

We spent an afternoon watching a folkloric dance performance, visited an organic cattle farm, and sampled authentic local cuisine at several Baja restaurants.

There was also plenty to do on the ship

We spent a lot of each day off the ship, but we had fun while we were on it.

While on board, life revolved around spotting humpback whales on deck, attending lectures with the naturalists, trying hands-on photography clinics, and partaking in a daily sunrise exercise class.

The onboard lounge was a guest magnet. Bartenders mixed cocktails, and the lounge steward made sure there was always plenty of hot coffee available — even for an early bird like me who craves caffeine at 6 a.m.

The scenery around us was stunning, and the ship offered great views every time of day.

Food was abundant and satisfying

The onboard meals were delicious. Breakfast was a buffet with made-to-order eggs. Lunch and dinner were multi-course, plated meals with five or six different main dishes featuring locally caught fish.

The daily cocktail hour and a morning snack for early risers kept us well-fed.

Above all, the all-inclusive pricing ensured there weren't any surprise expenses

I really appreciated Lindblad's all-inclusive pricing. Once I paid the $7,000 per person, I never opened my wallet again.

The cost of the trip included all activities, equipment (like wetsuits and loaner cameras), food, beverages, and airport transfers. I also got access to satellite internet, which allowed me to check my email and send text messages.

Service was attentive right up to the very end of the trip when the staff prepared boxed lunches for us to eat as we waited for our flights home.

It was an unforgettable experience that I'd book again in a heartbeat.

Watch: I went shark diving in the middle of Denver, Colorado. It was surreal to see the massive animals in my landlocked state.

• Main content

Lisbon: Private Tagus River Sunset Cruise on a Luxury Boat

Set out on a breathtaking sunset journey along the Tagus River in Lisbon with a private cruise on a luxurious boat. This exclusive 2-hour excursion promises awe-inspiring views of the city’s iconic landmarks , from the stately Belem Tower to the captivating Jerónimos Monastery. As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a warm, romantic glow over the water, you’ll savor a complimentary welcome drink and learn about the tranquil ambiance. Whether you’re a couple seeking a magical date night or a family looking for an unforgettable experience, this Tagus River cruise offers a unique opportunity to witness Lisbon’s beauty from a remarkable vantage point.

This 2-hour private Tagus River cruise departs from Belem, offering scenic views of iconic Lisbon landmarks like Belem Tower and Monument to the Discoveries during sunset.

The cruise provides a magical and romantic experience, with a complimentary welcome drink and an opportunity to witness the city’s skyline in stunning golden hues.

The cruise is wheelchair accessible and available in multiple languages, ensuring an inclusive and hassle-free experience for diverse travelers.

Bookings are flexible, allowing customers to reserve now and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

The cruise has an exceptional rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars, with reviewers praising the service quality, tour experience, and accessibility features.

More tours and experiences nearby.

• Lisbon City Center Tour – The Unmissable Lisbon
• Sintra and Cascais Small-Group Day Trip From Lisbon
• Best of Lisbon Small-Group Guided Walking Tour
• True 4Hour/Half Day Tuk Tuk Tour of Lisbon – Local Overview

Activity Overview

The Lisbon Sunset Cruise offers a private Tagus River excursion that lasts for 2 hours .

Setting off from the Doca do Bom Sucesso in Belém, this cruise is a popular choice, often selling out quickly.

Priced from $277.80 per group (up to 2 participants), it provides a free cancellation policy allowing you to back out up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later, ensuring a hassle-free booking process.

The cruise showcases stunning views of Lisbon’s renowned landmarks, including the Belém Tower, Monument to the Discoveries, and Jerónimos Monastery, all while sailing along the scenic Tagus River and witnessing a breathtaking sunset .

Itinerary Highlights

As guests embark on the Lisbon Sunset Cruise , they’ll have the opportunity to witness an array of notable landmarks along the Tagus River.

This includes the iconic Belem Tower , the Monument to the Discoveries, and the stunning Jerónimos Monastery. They’ll also catch glimpses of the Museum of Art, Architecture and Technology, the 25 de Abril Bridge, and the charming neighborhoods of Bairro Alto, Commerce Square, Castle Quarter, and Alfama.

Throughout the cruise, travelers can enjoy scenic views and the breathtaking experience of watching the sun dip below the horizon, creating a magical atmosphere on the water.

Inclusions and Accessibility

The Lisbon Sunset Cruise offers a range of inclusions that enhance the overall experience.

The private cruise comes with a skipper, ensuring a safe and guided journey along the Tagus River. Guests will receive a complimentary welcome drink to start their voyage in style.

The activity is wheelchair accessible , catering to a diverse range of travelers. Multilingual tour options are available, with guides offering services in Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese.

Plus, the cruise provides skip-the-line access through a separate entrance, allowing guests to avoid lengthy queues and maximize their time on the water.

These inclusive features contribute to a seamless and accessible sunset cruise along Lisbon’s iconic waterfront.

Customer Experience and Reviews

Based on the provided information, customers have overwhelmingly praised the Lisbon Sunset Cruise , with an impressive overall rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars from 49 reviews.

Customers describe the cruise as magical and a highlight of their trip, praising the service and tour quality. Many have enjoyed romantic proposals and family experiences while sailing along the Tagus River and taking in the scenic views of notable landmarks like the Belem Tower and Jerónimos Monastery.

The cruise’s wheelchair accessibility and skip-the-line access have also been appreciated by reviewers, making it an accessible and convenient option for visitors to Lisbon.

Meeting Point and Booking

To meet for the Lisbon Sunset Cruise , passengers should head to door number 3 at Doca do Bom Sucesso , the meeting point for this activity.

Arriving 15 minutes before the scheduled start time is recommended to ensure a smooth check-in process.

During the booking process, participants can select the number of people in their group, the preferred date, and their language of choice from the available options of Spanish, English, French, and Portuguese.

The private cruise can be reserved now, with no payment required until the day of the tour.

This allows customers to secure their spot and pay later, providing greater flexibility.

Scenic Cruise Along the Tagus

After securing their spot for the Lisbon Sunset Cruise, passengers embark on a scenic journey along the Tagus River. As the boat glides across the tranquil waters, they’re treated to breathtaking views of Lisbon’s iconic landmarks. The 25 de Abril Bridge and the towering Christ the King statue stand tall on the horizon, while the Belem Tower and the Monument to the Discoveries come into view. The cruise’s timing ensures that guests witness the sun’s golden hues dancing across the city’s skyline, creating a truly magical atmosphere. With a complementary welcome drink in hand, passengers can sit back, relax, and savor the experience.

Iconic Lisbon Landmarks

As the Lisbon Sunset Cruise sails along the Tagus River , it offers passengers a unique vantage point to admire the city’s iconic landmarks.

The tour showcases the Belem Tower , a UNESCO World Heritage site and symbol of Portugal’s Age of Discovery. Nearby stands the impressive Monument to the Discoveries, honoring the nation’s explorers.

Passengers can also marvel at the Jerónimos Monastery , another architectural gem from the same era.

The cruise provides stunning views of the 25 de Abril Bridge, the MAAT museum, and the historic neighborhoods of Bairro Alto and Alfama.

Witnessing these landmarks against the backdrop of a Lisbon sunset creates an unforgettable experience for all who embark on this private boat tour.

Sunset Viewing Experience

The crown jewel of the Lisbon Sunset Cruise is the opportunity to witness the city’s skyline bathed in a stunning array of hues as the sun dips below the horizon.

As the boat gently glides along the Tagus River, passengers are treated to a breathtaking show of nature’s artistry.

The cruise offers three key advantages for the ultimate sunset experience:

• Unobstructed views of the skyline and river from the boat’s vantage point.
• Timing the cruise to coincide perfectly with the golden hour for optimal lighting.
• Enjoying the tranquility and romance of the moment while sipping a complimentary welcome drink .

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

• Fatima, Nazare and Obidos Small-Group Day Trip From Lisbon
• Lisbon Small-Group Portuguese Food and Wine Tour
• Lisbon: Half Day Sightseeing Tour on a Private Electric Tuk Tuk
• Alfama Tour in Lisbon Old Town
• Undiscovered Lisbon Food & Wine Tour With Eating Europe
• 2 Hour Lisbon Sunset and Wine Sailing Tour

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Alcoholic Beverage Service Available During the Cruise?

One welcome drink is included in the cruise, indicating that alcoholic beverage service is available during the experience. The private nature of the cruise also suggests the possibility of additional beverage options.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on Board?

Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and non-alcoholic drinks on board the cruise. However, one welcome drink is included in the tour price, and additional alcoholic beverages may be purchased during the cruise.

Is There a Bathroom on the Boat?

Yes, there is a bathroom on the boat. The private cruise offers this amenity for the convenience and comfort of passengers during the 2-hour experience on the Tagus River.

What Is the Size of the Boat, and How Many Passengers Can It Accommodate?

The boat is a private luxury vessel that can accommodate up to 2 passengers. It’s designed for an intimate and romantic experience, providing scenic views of the Tagus River during the sunset cruise.

Can I Request a Specific Departure Time for the Cruise?

Yes, customers can request a specific departure time for the cruise. The booking process allows users to select the desired starting time during the reservation process, subject to availability.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

• Tourist Tour in Bairro Alto – the Tuk Experience
• Lisbon Downtown & Belém: Private Tour on a Tuk-Tuk
• Transfer From Lisbon Airport to Cascais, Sintra or Estoril
• One-Way Private Transfer To/From Lisbon Airport and Óbidos
• From Lisbon: Pena Palace, Regaleira, Cabo Da Roca & Cascais.
• Lisbon: Layover Tour With Pickup and Dropoff up to You
• From Lisbon: Sanctuary of Fatima & Little Shepherds Village
• Chaparru’s Street Art Tuk Tuk Tour 3 H
• Lisbon: Lomi-Lomi Anti-Stress Massage With a Physiotherapist
• Lisbon: Relaxation Massage by a Physiotherapist
• Arrabida and Bacalhoa Wine Tasting Private Tour From Lisbon
• Lisbon Boat Tour From Parque Das Nações
• Private Walking Tour of Lisbon With Official Tour Guide
• Lisbon Half Day Private Tour
• One-Way Private Transfer To/From Lisbon Airport and Fátima

This private Tagus River sunset cruise offers a unique and unforgettable way to experience Lisbon’s iconic landmarks and stunning natural beauty. Glide along the tranquil waters, soak in the vibrant sunset colors, and create lasting memories on this exclusive 2-hour excursion . Whether you’re a couple seeking romance or a family looking for a special outing, this cruise provides an unparalleled opportunity to learn about Lisbon’s charm and enchantment.

Similar Posts

Puerto vallarta: las animas and majahuitas private tour.

Vip Private Tangier Tour From Marbella With Ali All Included

From Positano: Amalfi Coast Private Full-Day Boat Trip

Private 6-7 Hour Tsaghkadzor, Kecharis, Lake Sevan, Sevanavank Tour From Yerevan

Small-Group Sunset Sailing Experience on San Diego Bay

Cape Town: Lions Head Hiking Experience