Is this style of cruising right for you?
Cruise travel is changing, and not in subtle ways.
Across the industry, there is a clear shift towards smaller ships, more immersive experiences, and more flexible ways of travelling. This includes the rise of solo cabins and a move towards more independent travel styles.
Cruise lines are responding accordingly. In a recent trade press article, PONANT highlighted increasing demand for experience-led journeys, along with the rise of what they describe as “separately together” travel, where people journey together while maintaining their own space.
I have seen this echoed more broadly in conversations with cruise lines at a recent Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) conference.
What this points to is something deeper than a trend.
Travellers are becoming more intentional about how they want to experience a destination, and cruise travel is evolving to reflect that.
Why are more Australians choosing smaller, immersive cruises?
For many travellers, the appeal of cruising is no longer about visiting as many ports as possible.
It is about how those places are experienced.
Smaller ships allow for a very different kind of journey. They can access ports that larger ships simply cannot reach, including smaller coastal towns, remote regions, and less-visited harbours. You are often staying longer in each destination, arriving closer to the heart of a place, and moving at a pace that feels more considered.
That might mean stepping straight into a small Mediterranean village rather than docking hours away, or spending extended time in one place rather than passing through.
The shift is subtle but important.
It moves the focus from covering distance to building a genuine connection with where you are.
If you value time in place, a slower pace, and a stronger sense of context, you can explore more detail in my guide to small ship cruising, including what sets it apart and where it can take you.
Why is solo cruising growing so quickly?
Solo travel is no longer a compromise. It is a deliberate choice.
More travellers are choosing to travel independently because they want the freedom to shape their days, follow their own interests, and move at their own pace.
At the same time, they do not necessarily want to feel alone.
Cruising offers a balance that is difficult to find elsewhere. There is structure, ease, and a natural social environment through shared dining, excursions, and time on board, while still allowing for complete independence.
Cruise lines are responding by introducing more solo cabins and reducing single supplements, making this style of travel more accessible.
This is particularly relevant for experienced travellers, including those over 50, who are increasingly choosing solo travel from a position of confidence rather than necessity. Many are looking for cultural depth, personal enrichment, and meaningful experiences, while still valuing opportunities to connect with others along the way.
This shift also reflects what PONANT described as “separately together” travel. Travellers want independence, but they also want the option to share parts of the journey when it suits them.
It is not about travelling alone.
It is about travelling on your own terms.
If you’re considering travelling this way, you can explore suitable options through the Solo Cruise Finder to identify itineraries that align with your preferences.
What does “separately together” travel mean?
The term “separately together,” highlighted by PONANT, describes people travelling on the same journey but not sharing a cabin.
This might include:
- friends with different routines
- couples who prefer their own space
- family members travelling together, but independently
It reflects a simple reality. People do not always travel the same way, even when they travel together.
This approach allows for shared experiences during the day, including excursions, meals, and time in destination, while still having personal space to retreat to.
It removes a quiet friction that often exists in travel.
You do not have to compromise your habits, your pace, or your preferences in order to share the experience with someone else.
For many travellers, that leads to a more relaxed and enjoyable journey overall.
How is luxury cruising being redefined?
Luxury in cruising is becoming less about formality and more about how a journey is designed and experienced.
There is a clear move away from large, highly structured environments towards something more considered and intentional.
This includes:
- smaller ships with fewer passengers
- itineraries built around time and access rather than volume
- destinations that feel less crowded and more personal
Cruise lines such as Scenic and Seabourn reflect this shift. The emphasis is on space, thoughtful planning, and access to places that are harder to reach.
In some cases, this includes expedition-style experiences, using smaller vessels or zodiac landings to explore remote environments. In others, it is about arriving in destinations where you are not one of thousands of passengers disembarking at once.
Luxury has not disappeared.
It has become more refined, more personal, and more closely tied to the quality of the experience itself.
How do you know if this style of cruising suits you?
This approach to cruising tends to appeal to travellers who:
- prefer a slower, more considered pace
- want a stronger connection to the destination
- value space and flexibility over structure and scale
- are comfortable travelling independently, even within a shared journey
It also resonates with those who may not have previously considered themselves “cruise travellers.”
If your perception of cruising has been shaped by large ships, fixed schedules, and crowded ports, this newer style may feel quite different.
What are the best cruise options for this new style of travel?
There is no single type of cruise that defines this shift, which is part of the appeal.
Some travellers are drawn to:
- small ship ocean cruising, for its cultural depth and access
- expedition voyages, reaching more remote regions
- river cruising, offering proximity to cities and a slower rhythm
- solo-friendly itineraries, designed to support independent travellers
Each offers a different way to approach the same idea. Travel that feels more aligned with how you want to move through the world.
The starting point is not the ship or the brand.
It is your travel style.
One important consideration is that smaller ship and expedition-style cruising often comes at a higher price point than larger, more traditional cruises.
For some travellers, that reflects the level of access, space, and experience included. For others, it may mean exploring alternative cruise styles that still align with how they want to travel.
The key is understanding what matters most to you and finding the right balance between experience and budget.
If you’re curious about how expedition cruising works and what to expect, my guide to expedition cruising explores this in more detail. For a different perspective, my river cruise guide explains how river cruising compares and what makes it appealing.
What travellers often get wrong about cruising today
Many travellers are still making decisions based on outdated assumptions.
Common perceptions include:
- that all cruises involve large ships
- that solo travel is either expensive or isolating
- that luxury cruising is formal or rigid
In reality, much of the industry has already shifted.
Understanding what has changed can open up options that may not have felt relevant before.
Where should you start if you’re considering a cruise like this?
A good starting point is not the destination, but how you want to travel.
Consider:
- whether you prefer independence or structure
- whether you are travelling solo or with others
- how important time in destination is to you
- whether you are drawn to cultural centres or more remote regions
Once you are clear on that, the right style of cruise becomes much easier to identify.
If you’re unsure where to begin, my guide on how to choose the right cruise walks through the key decisions to help you find the most suitable option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is small ship cruising better than large cruise ships?
Small ship cruising offers a more immersive and less crowded experience, with access to smaller ports and more time in destination. Larger ships may suit travellers seeking onboard entertainment and variety, but the experience is typically less destination-focused.
Can I cruise solo without paying a single supplement?
Some cruise lines offer solo cabins or reduced single supplements, particularly on small ship and expedition voyages. Availability varies by itinerary, so it’s worth identifying suitable options early.
What does “separately together” mean on a cruise?
It refers to travelling with others while maintaining your own cabin or personal space. This approach is becoming more common among friends and family who want to share the experience without sharing accommodation.
Are expedition cruises only for adventurous travellers?
Not necessarily. While expedition cruises visit more remote destinations, many offer a comfortable, well-supported experience with guided excursions, making them accessible to a wide range of travellers.
How do I choose the right type of cruise?
Start by considering how you prefer to travel. Factors such as pace, destination style, level of independence, and whether you are travelling solo or with others will help determine the most suitable cruise.
Ready to explore your options?
If you are starting to think differently about cruising, the next step is understanding which style actually fits how you like to travel.
That might mean exploring smaller ships, comparing solo-friendly options, or narrowing down itineraries that prioritise time and access.
If you would like help working through that, I am happy to guide you through the options and help you find something that aligns with how you prefer to travel.
Meet Your Cruise Specialist, Philip
As a CLIA Top 100 Master Cruise Consultant in Australia, my accreditation provides me with specialist knowledge in the luxury cruise space, allowing me to offer expert guidance on selecting the perfect voyage. Read More
