Crowded decks, warmed-over buffets, a theme-park vibe on open water (complete with screaming children …)—yes, it’s safe to say that today’s mega ocean cruise ships aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.  

But small-ship cruising couldn’t be more different. For one, there’s a sense of intimacy on board. Small cruise ships often host fewer than 1,000 passengers (mega cruise ships routinely host more than 4x that number). This smaller size means you get a less crowded feel on the ship, and better service as well—since small ships tend to have higher crew-to-passenger ratios. 

The size of the ship itself also affects the itinerary. A scaled-down ship means that your cruise can dock in ports that are a bit more off the beaten path. Mega cruise ships are forced to dock only in ports that can accommodate ships of their size, and then the cruisers stream off the ships and overwhelm the port. With far fewer passengers, that just doesn’t happen with a small-ship cruise—which means you’ll enjoy more interesting, authentic, and local experiences when you explore.    

Finally, when you choose a smaller ship, you’re leaving the world of “mass market” cruising behind. Small-ship cruises generally range from “posh” to “off-the-charts luxurious.” Here are two of my favorite small-ship cruise brands trawling the waters right now: 

Explora Journeys

Explore Journeys exude a classic feel, harkening back to the more glamorous days of cruising. The ships strike the balance of being nimble in size while providing plenty of entertainment on board, with their two ships—Explora I and Explora II—averaging around 460 staterooms for 922 passengers each.  

The vibe on the ship? Understated European elegance. Muted colors, luxurious fabrics, and clean-lined design accents keep things comfortable and keep the focus on the stunning ocean views everywhere you look. Expect gourmet dining, cosmopolitan lounges, and serene spa spaces and pools. Stepping onto an Explora ship is like checking into a five-star, all-inclusive resort—except you get to discover multiple destinations seamlessly on a single itinerary, from the sun-splashed Mediterranean or Caribbean to the Pacific Northwest and even the Arabian Peninsula

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection 

One of the most esteemed and historic luxury brands is still innovating. The Ritz-Carlton has launched a small fleet of superyachts that takes the sophistication and service it is known for for a spin on the high seas. The feel on board is very intimate; the passenger count for their three yachts ranges from 298 to just under 500—and they boast a nearly 1:1 crew-to-passenger ratio. 

The yachts are sleek, modern, and very comfortable, with some special features you won’t find on more traditionally styled cruise ships. For example, the yachts are equipped with their own marinas, where guests can borrow kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and other watersports equipment to splash through the water even on sailing days. The yachts’ slim profiles mean you’ll be able to discover tiny coves and tucked-away ports on your Caribbean or Mediterranean journeys. Ritz-Carlton also offers trans-Atlantic sailings—it’s the ultimate way to fully unplug and embrace “yacht life.”    

Ready to embark on your own luxury small-ship cruise? Book your complimentary consultation call with me now to start planning together!