Later the operation was expanded to cover all of Europe's rivers and select coastal cruisers. Top Small Ship Cruises of the Antarctic. For one thing, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, more personalized attention, and nearly nonexistent lines (rather than the hustle-and-bustle, village-at-sea effect that big ships can create); plus, you’ll get to see smaller and less-visited ports that large ships simply can’t squeeze into. Originally established as Pinto Basto tours, the company offered group and individual land programs in Portugal and Spain.In 1998, the company was a pioneer in marketing river cruising on the Douro River of Portugal. Small ship cruises are offered by a variety of cruise lines, catering to a range of itineraries and budgets. Preferred Starting Port. Small Ship Cruises. Small Ship Cruises has been serving the travel trade since 1987. The onboard experience is much more intimate and small ships make it easier to know the ship, its staff and your fellow travelers. Courtesy of Celebrity Cruises. The Evolution was perfect for our first trip: the ship is amazing and the staff could not be better,” said one voter. Murray River Cruises. Though small in size, the ship manages to offer an array of luxury amenities — huge guest suites, a formal dining room, spa treatments — while also offering a yacht-like experience, with an intimate on-board vibe, and outings via Zodiac. Any Duration. The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be. At Alaska Cruises & Vacations, small ship cruising is our passion! The Best Small Ship Experiences in the Mediterranean ... and the flagship of Windstar Cruises — so much that they voted the brand the No. Share intimate moments away from the crowds, and immerse yourself in local, exotic cultures, all on a small cruise ship where surprise and delight are constant companions. This year’s runner-up, Crystal Cruises, won praise for its 62-passenger Crystal Esprit. Small yacht types cruises typically have … View Gallery. Follow . Courtesy of Windstar Cruises, Credit: Is a cruise on a smaller ship the safest way to go in the era of COVID-19? Tasmania Cruises. That’s why “Think outside the boat” has been the company motto of AdventureSmith since we were founded in 2003. $0 Up to $10,000. Later the operation was expanded to cover all of Europe's rivers and select coastal cruisers. Cruise the protected waters of the Inside Passage, the glacier-studded bays of Prince William Sound or the coastline of Southcentral and Southwest Alaska, where wildlife abounds. Fly over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas to King George Island where you meet your ship. The greatest islands, cities, hotels, cruise lines, airports, and more — as voted by you. Are you looking for a small ship cruise that mixes the best of history, sun, fun and relaxation? with flight. This year’s winner, Quasar Expeditions, is another line known for its South American cruises. The Best of Small Ship Cruises. Large . 8 small cruise ships that are big on luxury, intimacy and adventure. These are the cruises that get you up close to what we think you are coming to Alaska to see, the real Alaska! Small Ship Cruises has been serving the travel trade since 1987. Email: cruise@small-ship.com. Nicolas Matheus/Courtesy of PONANT, Credit: Small ship cruising is all about allowing the ship to be your basecamp for off-ship adventures. “We really felt like we were home away from home.”. For one thing, you’ll enjoy fewer crowds, more personalized attention, and nearly nonexistent lines (rather than the hustle-and-bustle, village-at-sea effect that big ships can create); plus, you’ll get to see smaller and less-visited ports that large ships simply can’t squeeze into. Australia & Oceania. Courtesy of Crystal Cruises, Credit: “We’ve taken two trips with Quasar, one aboard the Evolution and one aboard the Grace. Courtesy of SeaDream Yacht Club, Credit: A … Aboard the all-suite, all-balcony, PC6 Crystal Endeavor, travel in butler-serviced luxury to discover a fascinating world Where Luxury Roams Freely™. Originally established as Pinto Basto tours, the company offered group and individual land programs in Portugal and Spain.In 1998, the company was a pioneer in marketing river cruising on the Douro River of Portugal. Sometimes local performers (historians, dancers, and musicians) are welcome on board … A small ship cruise around the Caribbean is a completely different experience, allowing you to visit the smaller islands and secluded bays that the bigger ships can't reach. use filters. Fax: +1 845 623 6111 OVER 100 CRUISES . Our new 12 night and 14 night itineraries will include cruises in Croatia and private land tours to her neighboring countries. It’s located on an island in the reservoir downstream of the Aswan … Company founder Todd Smith helped pioneer the concept of wilderness cruising, and since founding AdventureSmith in 2003, he and his team have matched guests with the top names in small ship cruising as well as intimate, boutique ships and lodges that may not … Best small ship experiences from the best boutique cruise lines River. Courtesy of UnCruise Adventures, Credit: AdventureSmith Explorations is the global leader in small ship, adventure cruise vacations. When you embark aboard a small ship cruise, you will be immersed in a destination-focused journey. Ship: Wilderness Discoverer With a passenger capacity of 76, this small ship has the ability to explore the shallow inlets and passages of the West coast. UnCruise Adventures offers small ship cruises focused on wilderness, wildlife, and culture. A growing number of cruise fans apparently think so, judging from the high number of bookings that are coming in for 2021 sailings at cruise lines that specialize in small ships. this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines. Price. Known for trips in Alaska and the Pacific Northwest, UnCruise also organizes small-ship itineraries in Hawaii and the Galápagos, among other alluring destinations. EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT. All Ships. Small ship cruises are a unique way to explore the world's most enticing destinations. Our ships range in size from 50 to 304 suites to ensure each of our guests finds the perfect balance between choice and intimacy. The 71-guest Magellan Explorer is new ship that was purpose-built for Antarctica air cruises that fly over the Drake Passage. With journeys to legendary destinations, including the Galápagos, Antarctica, and Svalbard, the Norwegian archipelago, these lines open up the world — and for voters this year, that was key. Only Reduced Offers. Optional Stopover. Copyrights © EuroRiverCruises. with flight. Courtesy of Quasar Expeditions, Credit: Ship: Wilderness Discoverer With a passenger capacity of 76, this small ship has the ability to explore the shallow inlets and passages of the West coast. Most people associate ex-UK cruising with the big mainstream lines like P&O or Cunard, but there are also plenty of small ship options for those who prefer not to fly. Only Reduced Offers. A Hands-On Experience. Tasmania Cruises. Any Cruise Line. UnCruise Adventures offers small ship cruises focused on wilderness, wildlife, and culture. Step back in time on the beautiful Murray River with these scenic cruises onboard the region’s iconic paddle steamers. 3 Australis moved up two spots this year, which is perhaps an indicator of readers’ eagerness to see Tierra del Fuego up close. Earliest departure. Small ship cruises are a unique way to explore the world's most enticing destinations. Small. Each room abroad the ship has an outside-facing window and TV that broadcasts highlights from the day's journey. Explore destinations such as Alaska, the Hawaiian Islands, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, the Galapagos Islands, the San Juan Islands, and more. Travel + Leisure is a registered trademark of Meredith Corporation Travel + Leisure Group All Rights Reserved, registered in the United States and other countries. Start listening to T+L's brand new podcast, Let's Go Together! This is the third year in a row that Quasar has taken top honors in the small-ship ocean cruise lines category. Each room abroad the ship has an outside-facing window and TV that broadcasts highlights from the day's journey. 13 November 2021 Tides of the Indian Ocean 13 Days - Mahe to Port Louis Island Sky. 8 Days from $12,995. At least, that’s the story with this year’s voting, which gave smaller vessels some of the highest scores in any category in the 2020 World’s Best Awards. Small ship tours and day cruises are a popular way to explore Alaska’s oceans and rivers in a limited timeframe, with maximum aesthetics. On a … Latest return. Find out what else sets it apart — and the full list of the best small-ship ocean cruise lines — below. Facebook Twitter Email. Small Ship Cruising Calendar. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. The best cruises for people who don't like cruise ships Save The Amalfi Coast in Italy. Enjoy the serenity of sailing on a small sailboat … Readers said the travel opportunities these smaller vessels unlock are the key to what makes them so wonderful. 1 February 2021 Tasman Coastal Cruise 16 Days - Launceston to Hobart Coral Discoverer. Related: The best credit cards for booking cruises The friendly camaraderie. Experience uncommon access that gets right to the heart and soul of a destination... sail to some of the world's most beautiful ports of call as you seek out hidden harbors and island getaways where big ships don't go... and delight in moments both at sea and … Earliest departure. Hosted by Kellee Edwards. (The fact that many lines also deliver excellent food and sterling service certainly didn’t hurt.) Then, operating as Euro River Cruises under the original management, the company specialized in selling cruises along the beautiful and historic rivers of Europe. Antarctica 4 February 2021 Antarctic Voyage 15 Days - Buenos Aires Return Le Soleal. To find out more about small ship cruising please call our team of Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677. At The Small Cruise Ship Collection, we only do small ship cruises - Our smallest 'ship' carries just 8 people - and most fewer than 250. View the Brochures Request a Quote. Connecticut-based American Cruise Lines operates 14 small, spacious vessels along the U.S. coasts and on rivers such as the Mississippi and the Columbia. Optional Stopover. Preferred End Port. Regardless of which operator you choose, a voyage on a small ship promises a truly unforgettable cruise experience with the highest standards in onboard service, dining and facilities and the opportunity to visit more off-the-beaten-path ports and islands; many of which are inaccessible to larger cruise ships. Courtesy of Silversea Cruises, Credit: Whether you're traveling solo or planning a family vacation, here are the 50 best places to visit in 2020. mall ships range from megayachts and sailing vessels of less than 5,000 tons to ships of about 25,000 tons. Take a small ship cruise to immerse yourself in your adventure and maximize your learning. Small Ship Cruises in Croatia 2020 & 2021. Ocean. Medium. “Absolutely loved traveling with them,” said a reader, who traveled on the Safari Endeavor. Planning ahead? Price. Travel + Leisure is part of the Travel + Leisure Group. That’s where small ship cruises come in. Our fleet of modern riverboats, paddlewheelers, and small cruise ships offer the latest amenities, state-of … Small ship cruises are a unique way to explore the world's most enticing destinations. Our domestic small ship cruises are growing in popularity among all those who want to experience the sights close up which is something that is not possible to experience while cruising along the Adriatic coast on large ships. The intimacy. The Triton small cruise vacation has you cruising around the Aegean over eight days and seven nights, taking the in the splendours of Santorini, the traditional Kynthos and Samos as well as the archaeological wonders of Delos and Ephesus. Browse our upcoming voyages and book yours today! There is something uniquely satisfying about a smaller ship. Here is our guide to ten of the best small ship cruise lines visiting the Baltic: 1. None of the ships hold more than 190 passengers. Regardless of which operator you choose, a voyage on a small ship promises a truly unforgettable cruise experience with the highest standards in onboard service, dining and facilities and the opportunity to visit more off-the-beaten-path ports and islands; many of which are inaccessible to larger cruise ships. … Courtesy of Quasar Expeditions, Credit: 15 Pictures. Windstar Cruises. The onboard experience is much more intimate and small ships make it easier to know the ship, its staff and your fellow travelers. VIEW VIEW CRUISES. Small. The Best Small Ship Experiences in the Mediterranean ... and the flagship of Windstar Cruises — so much that they voted the brand the No. Small ship cruise travel is the best (often the only) way to explore more exotic vacation destinations. Small ship cruising means ships ranging from only 8 to 250 passengers. 2019 sees the launch of its forthcoming flagship, 530-passenger MS Roald Amundsen. Small Ship Cruises has been serving the travel trade since 1987. Each journey is enhanced by our knowledgeable multilingual Cruise Directors, and experienced Captains, who will dock the ship in the heart of the city, an opportunity only available to small capacity ships. Enjoy 3 night, 4 night and 7 night small ship cruising options on the historic Murray River. To find out more about small ship cruising please call our team of Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677. Wind Surf. They allow travelers to hit world-renowned highlights such as the Great Pyramids of Giza, Luxor Temple, and the massive rock temples of Abu Simbel along the way. Explore the World by Small-Ship Cruises Some of the most spectacular places in the world can only be reached by small ship, and we’re thrilled to offer you this collection of journeys aboard the finest ships with the most intriguing cruising itineraries. Medium. Small, sustainable travel options are at our core. Don Campbell, for CNN • Updated 15th April 2017. Small ship cruises from the UK. With the small ship cruise capacity ranging from 5 to 36 cabins, Variety cruises' luxury yachts and experiential cruise itineraries embrace each destination by visiting much loved and unfrequented ports of call in a private, intimate, and relaxed environment. On sleepy islands like Bequia and Tobago you'll encounter none of the hassle that plagues the more mainstream islands, and you'll find idyllic beaches and lush rainforests still largely unsullied by mass tourism. For more detailed information about booking and payment conditions please contact our agents. “The detailed attention from all the staff was refreshingly impressive,” said one fan, who traveled aboard the Ventus Australis. Any Cruise Line. Curiosity is a hallmark characteristic of small-ship cruisers, and even those of varying age and physical ability tend to be enthusiastic about what’s in store. This is the third year in a row that Quasar has taken top honors in the small-ship ocean cruise lines category. EARLY BOOKING DISCOUNT is valid for certain departure dates in 2021. Fewer than a dozen hotels, resorts, and tour … That’s why “Think outside the boat” has been the company motto of AdventureSmith since we were founded in 2003. … Any Destination. Classic Antarctica Air Cruise. All Rights Reserved. Africa. SEARCH. Most carry 40-100 passengers, and this has many advantages. We offer you the best cruises in Croatia with guaranteed departures from the end of April to … Small Ship Cruises. A small ship cruise around the Caribbean is a completely different experience, allowing you to visit the smaller islands and secluded bays that the bigger ships can't reach. Small-ship cruisers tend to be on the more active side, with lengthy shore visits and ample water-based activities keeping people busy throughout the trip. mall ships range from megayachts and sailing vessels of less than 5,000 tons to ships of about 25,000 tons. Enjoy 3 night, 4 night and 7 night small ship cruising options on the historic Murray River. This year’s World’s Best Awards survey closed on March 2, just before widespread stay-at-home orders were implemented as a result of COVID-19. Travel + Leisure may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. With the small ship cruise capacity ranging from 5 to 36 cabins, Variety cruises' luxury yachts and experiential cruise itineraries embrace each destination by visiting much loved and unfrequented ports of call in a private, intimate, and relaxed environment. Our small ship cruises include land and sea packages to Croatia, Montenegro and the beautiful Greek Islands. Murray River Cruises. Scenic wonders, marine wildlife, outdoor adventure all can be had from the comfort of your ship and give you more of an Alaska experience than just a trip! Our fleet of modern riverboats, paddlewheelers, and small cruise ships offer the latest amenities, state-of … This small-ship brand simply wowed readers with its trips to the Galápagos Islands aboard its two distinctive yachts, the 16-passenger M/Y Grace and the 32-guest M/V Evolution. The excitement of exploring secluded harbours where others cannot go. You won't find much in the way of theater productions or casinos, but that leaves room for educational pursuits. Windstar's flagship sailing ship, the 342-guest Wind Surf, is a regular visitor to the Baltic, and she is lovelier than ever following her refurbishment in November 2019. 5 UnCruise Adventures rocketed up the list this year, from tenth place in 2019. Experience Alaska on a small ship cruise along the shore of Canada. These are the cruises that get you up close to what we think you are coming to Alaska to see, the real Alaska! Step back in time on the beautiful Murray River with these scenic cruises onboard the region’s iconic paddle steamers. The line’s two expedition-style ships, Stella Australis and Ventus Australis, put passengers nose-to-nose with wildlife in the waters off southernmost Chile. No. Route. Then, operating as Euro River … On a small cruise ship the rhythm of daily life is delightfully different. use filters. The smaller the ship, the more T+L readers seem to love it. At Alaska Cruises & Vacations, small ship cruising is our passion! Types of small ship cruises There’s many types of small ship cruising you can choose from including yacht-style cruises, river cruises, expedition cruises and more. Enjoy scenic small ship cruises taking in the Harbour Bridge and Sydney Opera House. The ship’s dedication to keeping it small fits perfectly with AdventureSmith Explorations’ philosophy of small, sustainable cruises. Offers may be subject to change without notice. Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Windstar's 148 to 342-guest small ships and personalized approach bring you closer to each destination and every port, so you can see the world from new perspectives.