I Gave Up On Cruising Years Ago—Here’s What Changed My Mind

As I stepped off my last cruise —a massive 5,200-person floating city that docked at popular tourist towns—I swore I'd never embark on another again. But that was 27 years ago, and the cruise industry has changed significantly since then. Today, cruise and yacht companies are offering getaways on smaller ships to more unexpected destinations … and with amenities that have me more inspired than ever to give cruising another crack.

"Many people tell me they're 'not cruise people,' but often they're thinking of a mega-ship experience. Small ship cruising is an entirely different style of travel," says Kimberly Denison, the Dallas, Texas-based travel advisor and founder of Denison Travel . 

What Is A Small Cruise?

There isn't one universally accepted definition of a "small cruise." However, Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) defines a small ship as one that holds fewer than 1,000 guests. Some travel industry experts believe a maximum of 500 (or even 200) should be the cutoff to qualify.

Regardless of the exact head count, "it's really about the experience. Smaller ships can access ports that larger vessels can't, and they tend to offer a much more intimate atmosphere," explains Mary Helen Law, the Rome, Georgia-based founder of Law Luxury Travel .

Matias Lira, the Miami, Florida-based senior vice president of trade sales for Crystal Cruises , says that in 2023, their brand renovated ships that were originally meant to hold about 1,100 passengers to now welcome between 606 and 740 guests. That means guests can enjoy larger suites and more spacious public areas. All the while, they kept the crew count steady to ensure each individual on board could be treated like royalty. 

Emma Major Schroeder, an Atlanta-based luxury travel advisor and owner of Major Traveler , confirms that the demand for this is definitely increasing. "We've sold more small ship cruises than mainstream cruises this year," she says. "The small ship market is capturing clients who never would have called themselves cruisers, which is giving people who've historically been scared of cruising a way to explore the places that are truly best seen by ship."

Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of small cruises to find out if they might be a fit for you. Then, if you're sold on this way of sailing, stick around as Southern travel advisors reveal some of the best cruise lines to book.

The Benefits Of Small Cruises

Denison echoes Schroeder, confirming that this type of travel is a growing trend : "The vast majority of the cruise inquiries we receive today are for small ship cruises," she tells Southern Living . "Our clients appreciate detailed and personalized service, high-end amenities, and exceptional and authentic experiences over extensive onboard attractions."

According to Schroeder, Law, Denison, and Jonathan Alder, a Winter Park, Florida-based luxury travel advisor and founder of Jonathan's Travels , going small can make a big difference in four key areas:

Access

It can be incredibly challenging to get a true feel for a place when you're sharing it with three other mega-cruise ships.

"Large ships are limited to ports that can accommodate them, which often means the busiest, most tourist-heavy areas," Alder says. If the destination is just as important to you as the ship, "a smaller cruise is essential, as many of the most incredible cruise destinations simply aren't accessible to mega-ships," he adds.

"Small ships allow you to experience places you would never otherwise see, or that would be difficult or impossible to reach on a land-based vacation," Alder continues. "That's where cruising truly excels." And, because small ships and yachts aren't married to cruise terminals, the itineraries can be far more creative and far more flexible if weather or other boats get in the way of an authentic or comfortable experience, notes Schroeder.

Service

"Travelers have become much more intentional about how they spend their vacation time. They're looking for experiences that feel elevated and unique. Small ships deliver that in a way that's difficult for larger vessels to replicate," Law explains.

This is true both on land and on the boat. When crew-to-guest ratios are generous, you might feel like you're on a floating luxury hotel. Rather than just being a number, the staff will know your name, whether you have any crucial food allergies, and if you're all about Aperol Spritzes or are more keen on Caipirinhas. 

Better Food And drink

Speaking of the culinary offerings, small cruises tend to run more curated, intentional food and beverage programs as opposed to the standard formula of a main dining room, buffet, and a lineup of specialty restaurants you'll find on larger ships, Schroeder says.

"You'll typically find exceptional dining and experiences designed to deepen your understanding of the places you're visiting. Many small cruise lines also include wine and spirits, specialty dining, shore excursions, gratuities, and other amenities in the fare, creating a more seamless experience from start to finish," Denison adds.

More Space

If lines or crowds make you antsy but you still want to set sail, a small cruise is your solution. You'll never feel like you're competing with thousands of other guests for space, service, or a spot. "There's no line for coffee. No queue to disembark. Everyone has room to breathe, and you won't feel like you're part of the masses," Schroeder says.

The Drawbacks Of Small Cruises

All that being said, you will have to make a few sacrifices if you sail small.

Higher Cost

Most small ships operate in the luxury or ultra-luxury market, so fares are generally higher.

"Fares are usually all-inclusive, but you're still paying a premium for the experience," Schroeder admits. For travelers who prioritize a highly personalized experience, Law believes that it's still a very worthy investment. Still, "it isn't the right fit for every traveler." (For context, a typical small cruise might cost about $600 to $1,000 or more per person per day, compared to $100 to $400 per person per day on a large mainstream boat.)

Less Varied Programming And Amenities

Due to the scale of the ship, you won't find things like water slides, Broadway-style productions, nightlife until the early morning, or dozens of specialty restaurants.

"Families traveling with younger children may also find fewer dedicated kids' programs compared to larger ships," Law says. In addition, mainstream ships always have some type of snack bar or restaurant so your afternoon Diet Coke or chips craving can be cured in an instant. "On many small ships, however, your only options are room service or the minibar. When you're paying a premium, waiting on a room service delivery for a light bite can feel frustrating," Schroeder admits.

More Motion

A large vessel is heavy enough to weather many waves, and they often are equipped with technology that helps keep them steady. Smaller boats tend to rock more, so if you are particularly sensitive to motion , you may want to proceed with caution, Denison warns. (Or at least pack some motion sickness medication.)

7 Of The Best Small Cruise Lines To Consider

"If you're looking for a country club atmosphere, exceptional luxury, and destination-focused experiences, then a smaller ship is where you want to be," Alder says.

These seven brands are among the best, according to our panel of Southern travel advisors. We've assigned them superlatives based on their reviews so you can find your perfect match.

• Lindblad :Best for the Adventurous

• Silversea :Best for Food Lovers (we're big fans of their Sea And Land Taste program , which celebrates the foodways and cultural identity of your itinerary's ports of call via the menus)

• Ponant :Best for History Buffs 

• Crystal :Best for a VIP experience (each room has its own butler)

• Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection :Best for Travelers Who Swear They'll Never Cruise

• Delfin Amazon Cruises :Best for Outdoorsy Folks

• Explora Journeys :Best for the Sustainability-Minded (study up on their eco-friendly initiatives)

Read the original article on Southern Living