Seeking Recommendations for Best Small Ship Cruises: Ultimate Experience for Relaxation and Scenic Views

[Luci James]

Hello, fellow travelers!

I’m considering booking a cruise for an upcoming vacation, and I’m curious to hear your thoughts on small ship cruises. I’m not a fan of large, crowded cruise ships, so I’m looking for a more intimate experience where I can enjoy breathtaking views, great food, and a relaxed atmosphere.

What small ship cruise lines do you recommend for a scenic journey, whether it’s to the Caribbean, Alaska, or Europe? Bonus points for any tips on the best ports or excursions to avoid crowds but still experience the essence of the region!

Has anyone had any particularly memorable experiences with smaller ships? Any advice on what to look for when booking? Looking forward to hearing your thoughts!

Thanks!

 

[PEB]

The small ships are pretty expensive however I would take a look at Un-Cruise. They are some of the smallest ships and can go to places that the big cruise lines are unable to get into. They also have some interesting things to do right from the ship. You may also want to check out some of the river boat type cruises to get to some ports you will never see from the bigger ships. These lines will not have the fancy shows or entertainment the big lines have but they will have good food, interesting stops and talks about the areas you will see that can be very interesting.

 

[sptrout]

We have been on Oceania & Windstar and both have small to very small ships. Depending actual cruise their ships can go where larger main-stream ships cannot. Very comfortable atmosphere, some may say that they are too confortable in that entetainment can be very low key and other onboard activites are lacking. We found both to be true and can become boring in the evenings or sea days.

French Polynesia on Windstar has been my all time favorite cruise. The Islands are spectacular and the seas are equally inviting. Cruises are not much higher than typical, but land prices are stunning. Also the plane fares may be painful since it is an 8-hour flight from LAX.

Any way small ships are okay as long as you inderstand the basic differences: plus side )1 small crowds, 2) differnet destiantions 3) food is typically very good. Minus side 1) can be boring sea days and evenings 2) expensive.

Just a matter of picking the best for you.

 

[Luci James]

The small ships are pretty expensive however I would take a look at Un-Cruise. They are some of the smallest ships and can go to places that the big cruise lines are unable to get into. They also have some interesting things to do right from the ship. You may also want to check out some of the river boat type cruises to get to some ports you will never see from the bigger ships. These lines will not have the fancy shows or entertainment the big lines have but they will have good food, interesting stops and talks about the areas you will see that can be very interesting.

Thanks so much for the suggestion! I havve heard great things about Un-Cruise, especially their ability to access more remote and unique destinations. I am drawn to the idea of being able to visit places that the larger ships can't reach. Also, I love the idea of smaller ships providing a more relaxed atmosphere and interesting on-board activities. The lack of flashy shows doesn’t bother me, as I'm more interested in exploring the region and enjoying the food. I will look into riverboat cruises as well, sounds like a fantastic way to see hidden gems. I will keep your tips in mind when booking. Appreciate the insights.

 

[Luci James]

Thanks for sharing your experiences. It sounds like both Oceania and Windstar offer a great way to experience smaller, less crowded ships with some unique destinations. I agree that the more relaxed atmosphere can sometimes make sea days feel a bit quiet, especially if you are used to more onboard activities.

French Polynesia on Windstar seems like a dream, on my list now. I also appreciate the reminder about the costs, both for the cruises and flights, which is something to consider when planning.

It is good to know what to expect, small ships offer an intimate, peaceful experience but can be a bit slow-paced during those quiet evenings or sea days. Thanks again for sharing.

The small ships are pretty expensive however I would take a look at Un-Cruise. They are some of the smallest ships and can go to places that the big cruise lines are unable to get into. They also have some interesting things to do right from the ship. You may also want to check out some of the river boat type cruises to get to some ports you will never see from the bigger ships. These lines will not have the fancy shows or entertainment the big lines have but they will have good food, interesting stops and talks about the areas you will see that can be very interesting.