Small Ship Cruises

Small ship cruising occupies the sweet spot between expedition travel and full-service luxury. The ships carry 100 to 700 guests — large enough for proper restaurants, lounges, and spas, but small enough to dock where mega-ships can’t and to create a social atmosphere that feels more private club than floating city.

Windstar’s sailing yachts are the most distinctive vessels in this category. Their wind-powered ships carry 148 to 342 guests and access ports throughout the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and South Pacific that larger ships skip entirely. Paul Gauguin is purpose-built for Tahiti and the South Pacific, with a shallow draft designed for lagoon anchorages. Azamara focuses on destination immersion with late-night and overnight port stays. Scenic’s ocean yachts include a submarine and helicopter for off-ship exploration.

The Port Advantage

This is where small ships earn their keep. While a 5,000-passenger ship docks at a commercial port and buses guests into town, a small ship ties up at the village quay. You step off the gangway and you’re in the heart of it — the morning fish market, the waterfront café, the medieval quarter. No tenders, no crowds, no two-hour transfer.

Groups on Small Ships

The intimacy of small ships makes them ideal for group travel. A booking of 20 to 30 guests represents a meaningful share of the ship’s capacity, which translates to leverage — upgraded cabins, private dining events, custom shore excursions, and dedicated group coordinators. Windstar and Azamara are particularly responsive to group requests and will tailor onboard programming to your team’s interests.

Who It’s For

Small ship cruising suits travelers who’ve done the big ships and want something different, or who never wanted the mega-ship experience in the first place. If your idea of a perfect evening is wine on a quiet deck watching a Greek island sunset rather than a Broadway show in a 1,500-seat theater, this is your category.