Discover the Best of Small Ship Cruising

Plan your next small ship cruise vacation with personalized experiences for everyone!

Have you ever wanted to take a cruise but thought “That ship is just too big”? There is a solution for you! Small ship cruising is the perfect option for you. Like larger ships, they travel all over the world like Alaska, the Dalmatian Coast, Croatia, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, New Zealand… literally anywhere you want to go, they go too. It also isn’t just for couples. Small ship cruising is perfect for singles, seniors, families… literally anybody!

While the larger ships can carry 3,000 passengers or more, these small ships are generally in the hundreds (if not less). What makes this type of vacation special is that you get to truly know not just other guests on board but the crew members of the ship as well. This makes it possible on some ships to visit the bridge and personally talk with the captain or help put up the sails on others. The smaller ships can also get into smaller ports where the larger ships just cannot go. Some also have a water sports platform directly off the back of the ship so you can just go right into the water. Do you dream of having Champagne and caviar served to you in the surf while a barbecue is smoking on the beach? This is possible with small ships!

Take a look at some of our favorites below and contact us to plan your next small ship cruise vacation today!

Windstar

Windstar

With both large yachts and sailing ships, Windstar is amazing in its dedication to their class of sailing vessels. With continuous upgrades to their ships and exciting new destinations throughout the years, their ships are a must-sail. With stellar service and award winning cuisine, their family friendly cruise has something for everybody. Although you may not see many smaller children on board, the ones that are there generally are more well-traveled and excited to experience the destinations. You won’t find Broadway style shows on board but who has time for that when you are out exploring secluded coves, tiny villages and misty fjords?

Seabourn

seabourn

With an elegant cruising experience, this intimate cruise line visits desirable destinations world-wide, sailing to landmark cities and finding hidden gems where the larger ships just cannot follow. Guests share experiences beyond the extraordinary with hospitality that is sincere, thoughtful and personal. Do you like caviar? Try ordering their exclusive Thomas Keller brand Regiis Ova Siberian Reserve caviar, which is sustainably produced anytime and anywhere you want on a Seabourn ship.

Silversea

silversea

Silversea’s mission is to unlock the most amazing experiences and destinations, delivering them to you in superlative comfort and luxury. They offer large ship amenities but they are designed for an atmosphere of casual elegance. Their ships sail to all seven continents with over 900 destinations worldwide. It is also not uncommon to get free airfare to several of their destinations as well as all-inclusive packages to destinations like the Galapagos, Polar Regions and the South Pacific.

Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Regent

With Regent Seven Seas Cruises, "All Included" means free pre-paid gratuities, free unlimited shore excursions, free airfare or a business class upgrade, free unlimited beverages, free 24-hour room service and no charge for their specialty restaurants. When you combine all of their inclusions, it is no wonder guests return year after year to sail the different itineraries across the globe.

SeaDream Yacht Club

seadream

It’s yachting, not cruising when you sail with SeaDream Yacht Club. With only 112 guests on board these intimate ships, the level of attention and service you will receive is unrivaled. Indulge in their 5-star cuisine on and off their inclusive ships from their dining salon to Al Fresco on deck to even beach side on their Caribbean voyages. SeaDream’s Signature Champagne & Caviar Splash™, featured during Caribbean Voyages, is a true celebration of the yachting lifestyle as it exemplifies “Casual Perfection”. A gourmet barbecue served on a white sandy beach is a celebration of the yachting experience in every deliciously decadent bite. Let the bubbles flow & enjoy some caviar with a special beach party & barbecue. You can also sleep under the stars. For those daringly romantic souls, reserve a night’s slumber out on the forward deck. SeaDream provides you pajamas, crisp linens and a bottle of champagne to add to your comfort while you snuggle under the night sky.

Looking for more information about your new favorite small ship? Contact one of our travel advisors today at vacations@dt.com and let us help plan your perfect vacation.