Small Ship Cruising
At a recent Cruise Showcase, I was reminded that bigger isn’t always better. Some of the most meaningful cruise experiences come from smaller ships, longer stays, and a genuine sense of cultural connection. These ships aren’t about onboard zip lines or show-stopping theatres—they’re about intimate voyages focused on immersive exploration, authentic connection, and access to destinations large ships simply can’t reach.
What Is Small-Ship Cruising?
Small-ship cruising blends comfort with discovery. You won’t find sprawling casinos or Broadway shows here, but instead enjoy refined service, thoughtful enrichment, and scenery that takes centre stage.
Ships in this category include expedition vessels, luxury yachts, ice-class polar ships, and boutique coastal cruisers. Destinations might include Antarctica, Melanesia, the Kimberley, the Arctic, the Galápagos Islands, or Mediterranean ports untouched by the mega-ships.
This article shines a light on several small-ship cruise lines to help travellers identify which ones may suit their style, interests, and expectations.
Azamara Cruises
Slow travel, long stays, and cultural immersion.
Positioning & Message
Azamara specialises in “destination immersion” — with a strong focus on country-intensive itineraries, late-night departures, and overnight stays. Their small ships (700 guests) and crew remember your name — and guests often sail back-to-back to extend the experience.
Target Traveller
Culturally curious, independent travellers aged 50–75, including a large baby boomer demographic and solo guests. Ideal for those who enjoy land travel and are moving into smaller ship cruising.
Standout Features
- 700-guest ships with a boutique hotel feel
- 850 longer port stays, 370+ destinations, 380 overnight stops
- Azamara Ashore: Victoria Falls, Chobe, and other pre/post land programs
- Azamara Always Included: drinks, laundry, specialty coffees and more
Memorable Insight
Azamara offers the luxury of time—a chance to linger, connect, and go beyond the tourist trail.
📝 Read more: The Azamara Experience
Windstar Cruises
Your best friend’s yacht—with better service and a spa
Positioning & Message
Windstar brings the charm of yachting to cruising, with ships carrying just 148–224 guests. The vibe is relaxed, the food is exceptional, and the destinations are refreshingly off-radar. Sailing and all-suite vessels offer flexibility and flair.
Target Traveller
Young-at-heart travellers aged 45–70 who want casual luxury, cultural connection, and shipmates who feel like new friends. Also appealing to solo guests and wellness travellers.
Standout Features
- Wind Class (sail ships) and Star Class (all-suite yachts)
- Whole-food, plant-based menus available
- Year-round Med cruising, especially popular in shoulder seasons
- No theme nights or formalwear required
- Star Seeker joins the fleet in 2026
Memorable Insight
Windstar feels like the world’s best dinner party at sea—delicious, spontaneous, and full of interesting people.
📝 Read more: Windstar Star Seeker
Paul Gauguin Cruises
An overwater bungalow that sails.
Positioning & Message
Paul Gauguin is purpose-built for French Polynesia, offering a unique blend of barefoot luxury, cultural warmth, and ocean access. With just 330 guests, a watersports marina, and a 1:1.5 crew ratio, it delivers the South Pacific in style.
Target Traveller
Honeymooners, romantic travellers, divers, bucket-listers and those seeking an immersive island escape. Increasing interest from Aussie travellers with new itineraries close to home.
Standout Features
- 330 guests onboard Le Paul Gauguin
- Retractable marina for kayaking, paddleboarding & diving
- New voyages: Darwin–Bali–Fiji; classic Society Islands itineraries
- South Pacific focus with exceptional service and value
Memorable Insight
This isn’t just a cruise—it’s Polynesian soul in motion, where smiles are genuine and the sea is your playground.
📝 Read more: Le Paul Gauguin - A Personal Glimpse
Celestyal Cruises
Greek hospitality with time to explore.
Positioning & Message
Celestyal Cruises offers small-ship comfort and extended port stays in the Mediterranean and Arabian Gulf. Their crew learn your name. Their itineraries avoid the crowds. And their ships feel like a boutique hotel by the sea.
Target Traveller
Mediterranean enthusiasts, first-time cruisers, solo guests and value-driven travellers who want cultural depth without large-ship energy.
Standout Features
- Ships carry ~1,200 guests
- Itineraries from 3 to 14 nights in the Med & Arabian Gulf
- Crew speak 2–4 languages; 2.5 crew-to-guest ratio
- Onboard experience includes all meals, wifi, soft drinks, juices, and activities
- Longer stays in port mean fewer crowds in iconic spots like Santorini
Memorable Insight
Celestyal offers local-style travel by sea—warm, relaxed, and always real.
Boutique Luxury Meets Cultural Discovery
While featured in our luxury guide, both Seabourn & PONANT offer beautifully enriching journeys aboard small ships, with solo hosting, cultural events, and itineraries built for connection.
Is This Cruise Style Right for You?
You’ll love these cruise lines if:
- You value personal connection and cultural immersion
- You travel solo, in small groups, or as a curious couple
- You’d rather linger in one place than tick off a list
- You enjoy meaningful conversations and slower moments
- You believe less crowd = more authenticity
Ready to discover your small ship style?
Whether you're craving Greek island life, Pacific serenity or European exploration with a cultural twist, I’ll help match you to the cruise that's right for you.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes small-ship cruising different from regular cruising?
It’s about access, scale, and purpose. Rather than entertainment and retail, the focus is on connection—to place, people, and fellow travellers.
Do small ships offer luxury?
Yes. Many offer butler service, fine dining, and spacious suites. Luxury comes in the form of quality, not quantity.
Will I get seasick more easily?
Modern stabilisers and expert routing reduce this risk, but smaller ships do feel the ocean more. Always bring motion sickness remedies just in case.
Is it suitable for children?
Not all ships are child-friendly, but some family-focused expedition cruises cater for older children and teens.
Share this on Social Media