Why Small Ships are Beautiful
Is bigger better? In the distant past, the focus has been on bigger and bigger ships, but in the past few years, that’s changing as more guests search out smaller, more intimate vessels that allow them to feel at home onboard and access more ports around the world.
We explore here in our blog, 20 reasons why we believe that passengers are returning again to smaller ships.
1. Intimate
Smaller ships are more intimate and exclusive with private spaces where you can relax away from the crowds.
2. Agile
Boutique vessels are more agile and can more easily negotiate narrow fjords and reach less visited, more enticing destinations where you can enjoy richer, more authentic experiences without the presence of thousands of fellow cruise passengers – often from multiple liners.
3. Delicate
Many small villages or fragile places limit the number of passengers that can visit. In Antarctica, for example, only 100 people are allowed ashore at any one time. This rules out most of the larger cruise ships, leaving it up to the smaller vessels get you to more of these interesting places.
4. Up Close
You’re closer to the scenery and it’s easier to spot wildlife ashore or in the water aboard a smaller ship. Larger vessels stay further away at sea and can only sail past places like Antarctica but on expedition vessels, Zodiacs can take you ashore so you can immerse yourself in the scenery. Imagine spotting bears in Alaska, penguins in Antarctica or even polar bears in the Arctic.
5. Learning
Small ships often have biologists, astronomers, historians, rangers and wildlife experts onboard who offer lectures and help interpret what you are seeing. You can also meet them and ask them questions.
6. Park it right here
In many ports, smaller ships can dock in the heart of a city or town, allowing you to step off and explore straight away whereas on bigger ships, docks are some distance away and buses are needed to get you into town, reducing time for sightseeing
7. Finding yourself
It’s far easier to find your way around smaller ships. No need for confusing maps or confounding, digital gadgets to find your cabin or the buffet and it’s easier to find your cruise companions or friends.
8. What Queue?
Lots of passengers mean that mega ships can come with long queues – for everything – including embarking and disembarking and for shore tours but on smaller ships – stepping off and on with ease is all part of the plan.
9. Just relax…
Small ships, especially those with an expedition focus, will plan your cruise around local conditions, local information and experts who are onboard. So, relax, and enjoy all the benefits that small ship cruising can offer without any of the planning headaches.
10. Really sailing
You’re more connected to the sea on a boutique ship, enhancing the experience. Some ships even have magnificent sails and offer an even more authentic sailing experience.
11. What’s in a name?
The service aboard smaller ships is far more attentive and personal with higher staff to guest ratios the norm. You learn the names of your waiter, cabin steward and bar staff and they remember yours and what you like to eat and drink.
12. Visit the bridge
On many small vessels, you can chat with the captain, freely visit the bridge and on sailing ships, even help to hoist the sails – it’s more hands-on and carefree.
13. Dining Dedication
Although there may be fewer restaurants, cafes and pools onboard a smaller ship, the chef and staff have fewer guests and therefore are keen to win you over with their service and culinary arts.
14. Less little people
There are usually fewer children on smaller ships, creating a quieter and more relaxed mood aboard. (Although there are some cruise ships that lend themselves perfectly to family and multi-generational cruising).
15. Cards but no Casino
Small ships are often without a casino too – to the delight of small ship lovers!
16. Rest easy
Big ships are big because they have decks and decks – and decks – of cabins. On a small ship, it’s easy to quickly pop up on deck for a polar bear sighting, to watch whales, or for an after dinner stroll.
17. More time ashore
With fewer passengers, excursions are smaller in scale too, with quicker transport for guests and more intimate touring.
18. VIP
On smaller ships you’re treated like a VIP guest (because you are), not a number – you are a valued guest.
19. Style and substance
Smaller ships are often more luxurious with superior decor and service levels – remember that you are very important to them, nothing is too much trouble.
20. Like minded-ness
And, finally, smaller ships attract compatible passengers who share your love for a more intimate and customised experience. This builds a special camaraderie amongst passengers and lasting friendships can result.
At Cruise Traveller, size does matter! We love small cruise ships – that’s why we bring you more information and offers aboard small ships to holidays and expeditions visiting all corners of the planet. These ships may be small, but hey deliver big and enriching experiences that last a lifetime. Share your big holiday dreams with us and we’ll match you with the perfect small ship and itinerary just for you.