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Though better known for its big ships, Celebrity Cruises has been a leader in offering Galapagos itineraries on intimate vessels since it first launched the 98-passenger Celebrity Xpedition in 2004. Since then, two more small ships -- the intimate 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration and 100-passenger Celebrity Flora – have joined the fleet. Quark's Antarctica trips often go longer and farther south, with more varied itineraries than other lines. Days at sea are full of lectures and presentations from scientific experts and, on some vessels, photographers.
Our Experts Are Your Ticket To A Small Boat Caribbean Cruise Vacation
To ensure you end up on the right Royal Caribbean ship for you, it pays to study which Royal Caribbean ships are the biggest and which are the smallest before booking. Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability, and may not be combined with other offers. Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more on select 2024 and 2025 departures of the below-linked National Geographic expeditions. Our Caribbean cruise vacation deals offer discounts for cruises to the Caribbean in 2024.
Best Small Ship Cruise Deals
There is a lot of enjoyable walking to be had on this trip, varied routes and tantalising views of big ridges and high peaks. The line added Valiant Lady and Resilient Lady in 2022 and 2023, respectively. The debut of the line's fourth ship in the fleet, Brilliant Lady, has been delayed but could take place in 2024. The brainchild of unconventional business mogul Richard Branson, Virgin Voyages appeals to vacationers averse to the traditional cruising experience who crave a hip, party atmosphere.
Windstar Cruises
Here are 18 of the world's best ocean-going small cruise ships, both older and new. Each carries fewer than 400 passengers and all are ideal for your next intimately sized travel adventure. Holland America offers spacious midsize vessels that carry no more than 2,700 passengers, providing a relaxed and intimate cruising experience ideal for pairs seeking quality time at sea. Windstar Cruises specializes in small ships carrying between 148 and 342 passengers each.
The Top 10 Small-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2021
Mediterranean, Baltic and Caribbean SeaDream cruises incorporate hidden-away ports and crew-led activities, which are included in the pricing. Expedition cruising with Silversea means you'll visit a good mix of mainstream and less-crowded destinations (Galapagos, Polynesia, Micronesia and more) throughout the world's seven continents. Itineraries include complimentary shore excursions, such as Zodiac tours, nature hikes with certified guides, snorkelling and kayaking.
Best for an ultra-exclusive experiencePonant offers the most intimate cruise of all on their iconic, three-masted yacht Le Ponant, which holds just 32 guests. It was the first sailing ship in the world to be awarded the Relais & Châteaux label in 2023, and its regular seven-night Caribbean itinerary includes a host of shore excursions. Visit a turtle sanctuary in Bequia, try traditional dance lessons on Mayreau Island or join a guided tour with a local naturalist in the Tobago Cays, known for turtles, turquoise waters and kaleidoscopic coral reefs.
Harmony of the Seas
Scenic Eclipse cruises to nearly every corner of the world, including French Polynesia and the Pacific Islands, Australia, the Indonesian archipelago and Antarctica. While small luxury ships typically have fancy owners' suites, the pair of top accommodations on Scenic Eclipse is on another level. Each measures over 2,000 square feet with a huge forward-facing teak-lined terrace, complete with a large whirlpool tub. Wine and spirits are included, so take advantage of two impressive outdoor spots for a drink and stunning views — the Sky Bar at the top of the ship and the chic infinity pool at the stern of Deck 3, adjacent to a lounge and cafe. What the ships lack in modern touches, they make up for in experience and service. The food is excellent and served both on the romantic outdoor decks and inside the cozy restaurant.
For dining, there are four main restaurants, including an Italian and a French-inspired venue. The Grill is an eatery enclosed in floor-to-ceiling glass for the best views in the house. Itineraries focus on the Mediterranean during the summer, with mostly one- to two-week cruises that call on ports along the coasts of Croatia, Albania, Italy, France, Turkey and the Greek Islands.
Other popular turnaround ports include San Juan(Puerto Rico) and Philipsburg (St Maarten), convenient for the USmarket but less so for the UK, with no direct flights. There arealso occasional cruises departing from St Lucia, Antigua orJamaica, as well as longer itineraries that visit the Caribbean enroute to Central and South America. Four dining options include Manfredi's Italian and several attractive lounges, such as the windowed Aula auditorium for lectures. In place of an observation bow with direct views of the water, as many similar ships offer, Victory has a pair of viewing platforms on each side of the ship, thanks to its distinctive X-bow design. These platforms are cantilevered directly over the water for great views of bergy bits and potential marine life.
Watching the crew hoisting the sails by handis a remarkable spectacle, and you'll be the envy of other cruisersas you set sail from ports including Bridgetown, Santo Domingo and Havana. Windstar's fleet of six small ships includes three sail-assistedyachts and three all-suite former Seabourn ships, giving you twodifferent ways to cruise the Caribbean. Their 14-night Star Collector voyages out of Barbados are a greatoption if you're looking for a longer trip, and Windstar also havea handful of itineraries visiting the so-called 'ABC Islands' ofAruba, Bonaire and Curaçao. The travel industry at large contended with an extraordinarily difficult year as it weathered the COVID-19 pandemic, but cruise lines were particularly hard hit.
Solo travelers can avoid a single supplement by opting for the Request-Share program where they will be matched with a same gender passenger to share a cabin. Topflight naturalists, historians, undersea specialists and expedition leaders accompany each trip; many itineraries also have National Geographic photographers or at least a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor. Besides kayaks and Zodiacs for landings, ships are equipped with scientific tools like hydrophones (to listen in on marine mammals), underwater cameras and video microscopes.
The summer and fall, outside the traditional high season of winter and spring, can provide fewer crowds, lower prices, and a more relaxed atmosphere. However, this is also the hurricane season, and while operators take utmost precautions, it's essential to be aware of potential changes in weather conditions. Royal Caribbean's biggest ships have room for many more onboard venues and attractions than Royal Caribbean's older ships. That makes them more alluring for vacationers who prefer a big, bustling megaresort experience to a stay at a smaller resort.
After sailing Royal Caribbean's mega ships, I tried a small ship and here's what I liked about it - Royal Caribbean Blog
After sailing Royal Caribbean's mega ships, I tried a small ship and here's what I liked about it.
Posted: Sat, 25 Nov 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Built in response to the growing interest in small ship cruising, Emerald Yacht Cruises is the ocean arm of river cruise operator Emerald Waterways. Its first "super yacht", Emerald Azzurra, has 50 cabins and suites; 88 percent with balconies or terraces. Passengers can relax on the sun deck and take a dip in the infinity-style pool or head to the marina platform to enjoy various water sports. For the tall-ship enthusiast, there's nothing quite like sailing under a starry or sunny sky, powered by the bluster of ocean winds.
Icon of the Seas was built with a lot more cabins that have plenty of extra bunks to accommodate families with many children. This includes a new-for-the-line outdoor "neighborhood" called Surfside dedicated to families with young children. Contact us to receive a personalized-to-you recommendation on the best Caribbean sailing vacations for your travel style, budget and timing needs.
Magical islands, heavenly settings and an easygoing lifestyle… welcome to the Caribbean! It is hard to resist the charm of these islands afloat on a turquoise and indigo sea, where time seems to stand still. Between coral reefs and mountainous reliefs, gentle sea turtles and vibrant flora, this region contains so many natural treasures; an exceptional ecosystem both on land and at sea. A vast territory, a cultural heritage dating back thousands of years and unspoiled nature.
Star Clippers' handsome five-masted tall ship Royal Clipper is considered the largest square rigger in service. Modeled after the great 1902 German clipper Preussen, the ship is a real throwback, with lots of wood and brass features and nautical-style elements. The portable, custom-made "sea dragon" platform at the stern makes for easy access to kayaking, paddleboarding and swimming, activities popular with UnCruise's sporty fans. The adventurous can also enjoy hiking, bushwhacking and cycling in some ports.
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