I must admit I wasn’t sure if I would like cruising on a smaller ship. Wouldn’t it be boring? No shows, nightclubs, or the glitz and glamour that large ships offer, what would I do?
I remember standing on the top deck of my mega ship, cruising through the glaciers of Alaska and watching a ship less than a quarter of our size traveling right up to the base of the glacier.
I wondered what that experience would be like, but I also knew that everyone on the small ship must be bored out of their minds for the duration of the cruise. Right?
Small ship cruising has been gaining in popularity over the years and I had to question why? I finally decided to check it out for myself and I was pleasantly surprised!
The more intimate atmosphere, the increased level of service, and the flexible and unique itineraries won me over. After sailing on the big ships many times, I must admit that the small ship experience raised the bar for me.
Wondering why so many people are sailing on small ships?
Here are a few reasons why I will be cruising on small ships again:
1. Unique Itineraries & Excursions
Small ships can go to places big ships can’t. Some areas in the world, such as the Galapagos Islands and Antarctica, restrict the number of passengers that ships can have in the region.
In the Caribbean, small ships seek out ports of call and hidden gems that the big ships can’t get to. That means they are not overrun by tourists and you get to experience the Caribbean as it used to be.
You also will get a unique experience in Alaska. You have the opportunity to experience remote ports of call, like Wrangell and Petersburg, before visiting the secluded wilderness of Baranoff Island.
It’s a special, unique adventure that will turn your small ship experience into something magical.
2. Personalized Service
Small ship cruising offers a personalized service because it features a high crew to passenger ratio. A few days in and the passengers are on a first name basis with the captain and the entire crew!
Imagine having your favorite drink waiting for you when you arrive at dinner or being greeted by name as you come back onboard from that day’s port of call.
All of this is possible because of the reduced passenger count. The staff learns what you enjoy and that translates into excellent service!
3. Smaller, More Immersive Ports of Call
Small ships can sail on unique waterways, which means you get to enjoy the sights of small coastal communities and riverside towns.
In the Caribbean, for example, you have the opportunity to cruise with the natives in their canoes and venture into their village to learn about their daily way of life and culture.
You don’t just learn about it, you get to experience it first hand and be completely immersed in the experience. Small ship cruising takes you beyond the typical tourist traps — now that’s a true adventure!
4. No Buffet Lines or Assigned Seating
Small ships typically offer a casual dining room that encourages open seating so that you can meet different passengers during each meal.
Expert chefs prepare breakfast, lunch, and dinner serving fresh, creative dishes. Have a food allergy or preference? No problem.
Due to the smaller number of passengers onboard, the chef can prepares dishes custom-made for you!
5. Get to Know the Experts
You might find yourself taking an excursion or sharing a dinner table with an onboard expert.
Small ships often invite biologists, glaciologists, local dancers, local musicians, and other guests that reflect the destinations you are visiting onboard.
These experts will offer the cruise line lectures and tours in exchange for the opportunity to travel to remote locations to perform their research or field work.
On a small ship, you get to meet and interact with these experts, learning from their formal presentations as well as your casual interactions with them.
6. Make Lifelong Friendships
With fewer passengers onboard, you become fast friends. Free time is either spent off the vessel exploring, or in the ship’s common areas.
This allows you to create meaningful connections with your fellow, like minded travelers. You may find yourself planning your next cruise with your new friends before you even leave the ship.
My Conclusion
I will admit that cruising on a small ship was an experience that I didn’t expect to enjoy. I was very surprised! You get to spend more time in ports.
I enjoyed being able to spend some of my evenings experiencing the culture and activities in the destinations. I’ve already have my sights set on a small ship cruise along the Mississippi River!