Small Ship Cruises
No crowds, no lines, and harbors the megaships can only sail past — small-ship cruising trades the water parks for intimacy, access and a place where the crew knows your name.
A small-ship cruise is a different kind of voyage. Instead of thousands of guests, you sail with dozens or a few hundred — on a sailing yacht, a boutique luxury ship or an expedition vessel — slipping into small harbors, hidden coves and remote wilderness the big ships can’t reach. The feel is casual-luxe and personal: open dining, a marina platform for watersports, immersive time in each port and easy camaraderie aboard. Small ships span every style — masted sailing yachts (Windstar, Star Clippers), small luxury (Seabourn, Silversea, SeaDream), and expedition yachts (Atlas, Ponant, Lindblad) for the poles and wild coasts. From the Greek Isles and the Dalmatian coast to Tahiti, the Caribbean out-islands and Antarctica, we match the ship, style and itinerary to you — and get you the best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist.
Why choose a small ship?
Ports big ships can’t reach
Tiny harbors, hidden coves and remote wilderness — small ships dock where megaships must sail on by.
Intimate and personal
Dozens to a few hundred guests, open dining and a crew that quickly knows your name — no crowds or lines.
Immersive time ashore
Longer stays, overnights and deeper access mean you experience places, not just tick them off.
Marinas & adventure
Fold-out marina platforms, kayaks and paddleboards, plus zodiacs and expert guides on expedition ships.
Sailing yacht, small luxury or expedition?
Sailing yachts like Windstar and Star Clippers add the romance of masts and sails, casual-luxe style and marina watersports in the Med, Caribbean and Tahiti. Small luxury ships (Seabourn, Silversea, SeaDream) bring all-suite comfort, gourmet dining and near-1-to-1 service to boutique harbors worldwide. Expedition yachts (Atlas, Ponant, Lindblad, Silversea Expeditions) are built for Antarctica, the Arctic, the Galápagos and remote coasts, with zodiacs and naturalists.
Which is right depends on the mood and the destination you’re after. Tell us where you want to go and how adventurous or refined you want it, and we’ll match the ship and voyage.
Small ships often leave from smaller harbors, but many voyages still begin in a major port city; for those, see pre-cruise hotels by port.
small-ship cruising in pictures
Ready to plan your small-ship cruise?
Tell us your destination, your style and your dates, and we’ll match the small ship and itinerary — and get your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation.
Get your best small-ship cruise price freeFrequently Asked Questions
How small is a “small ship”?
It ranges from sailing yachts and expedition vessels of a few dozen to about 100 guests, up to boutique ships of a few hundred. All share intimacy, access to smaller ports and a personal feel — versus the thousands aboard a megaship.
What’s the difference between the types of small ships?
Sailing yachts (Windstar, Star Clippers) add masts and marina watersports; small luxury ships (Seabourn, Silversea, SeaDream) offer all-suite comfort and gourmet dining; expedition yachts (Atlas, Ponant, Lindblad) are built for the poles and wild coasts. We match the type to your trip.
Where do small ships go?
Everywhere the big ships go, plus places they can’t — the small Greek Isles, the Dalmatian coast, the French and Italian Rivieras, Tahiti and the South Pacific, the Caribbean out-islands, and expedition regions like Antarctica, the Arctic and the Galápagos.
Are small-ship cruises more expensive?
Often, per night — you’re paying for space, service and access — but many are largely all-inclusive, and the value is in the experience. We’ll compare true all-in cost and find the best fit for your budget.
How do I get a quote?
Tell us your destination, preferred style and dates, and request your best cruise price free from a true cruise specialist, with no obligation.
