The mega-ship has been the phenomenon of modern-day cruising. With some accommodating 3,500 to 5,000 cruise guests and offering new, innovative facilities, they may seem the superior choice when booking a cruise holiday.
However, there are some excellent benefits of small-ship cruising too. In this article, we explore small-ship cruising vs big-ship cruising and reveal why smaller cruise ships can sometimes be better.
What is small-ship cruising?
There are varying definitions as to what represents small-ship cruising. A reasonable description of a small cruise ship would be one that holds less than one thousand passengers.
However, this category of small-ship cruising can also encompass yachts with several dozen to a few hundred guests.
Small-ship cruising vs big-ship cruising
Leading large cruise ships or mega-ships can be over 1,000 ft long and 200 ft wide. On board, the facilities are incredible, with each new cruise ship seeking to offer something more innovative and exciting.
Expect dozens of dining options, Broadway-style shows, outstanding spa and fitness facilities and water parks with huge slides, whirlpools and fantastic water features.
But, with that many people on board, there are downsides too. It can sometimes feel crowded around the ship, especially when joining various queues for its amenities or embarking or disembarking.
With small-ship cruising having fewer passengers, these downfalls are substantially reduced. Smaller cruise ships come with other advantages too.
So, what are the benefits of cruising on a small ship? Let’s take a closer look.
Can small cruise ships go to more ports?
One of the pros of small cruise ships is greater itinerary flexibility and small cruise port excursions.
There are some spectacular cruise destinations that larger cruise ships cannot access because the ports cannot deal with vessels of that size. The harbours may be too small or the waters too shallow. Furthermore, some regions do not allow large cruise ships access in an aim to protect their environment and wildlife.
Antarctica and the Galapagos Islands are two such places. Parts of the Arctic and the Norwegian fjords are also restricted to small cruise port excursions.
You’ll also find small-ship cruising offering itineraries around the stunning Scottish coast and its islands and to iconic European cities via their inland rivers. With more options of places to visit, many itineraries on smaller ships are also longer, encompassing more ports within a region.
How good is the service on small cruise ships?
Although leading cruise lines pride themselves in providing exceptional service on board their large cruise ships, smaller cruises are more personal due to fewer passengers. With thousands of guests on a mega ship, remembering everyone’s name is close to impossible.
On the contrary, you are much more likely to enjoy a personal experience on a small cruise ship, with many of these cruise lines aiming to provide a luxury boutique cruise experience. The crew will often address you by name and get to understand your likes and dislikes, which ultimately creates better service.
Familiarity with the ship and other guests
You can also enjoy a more personal experience on a small cruise by gaining familiarity with the ship and the other guests.
You’ll start to have favourite places to have your morning coffee or evening nightcap. Other guests’ faces will become familiar, and you may meet to enjoy activities together and share stories, making new friendships throughout your holiday.
Unique cruise ships
Large cruise ships are often part of a class of ships within a cruise line’s fleet. In these classes, cruise lines replicate many features between three or more ‘sister ships’ to make their build more economically viable.
On the other hand, smaller cruise ships typically tend to be unique. Therefore, you’ll find greater diversity across these ships, whether in their design and décor or the facilities and amenities offered.
More cultural experiences
Large cruise ships are usually all-singing and all-dancing when it comes to entertainment. Small cruise ships do not have this capacity, but you’ll find they often make up for it by offering more diverse and exclusive cultural experiences.
Many smaller cruise ships put on cultural lectures or inspirational presentations. They may also invite local musicians or dancers to perform on board.
Furthermore, small-ship cruising tends to offer more comprehensive, creative shore excursions, providing an in-depth exploration of the region.
Cruise lines offering smaller ship cruising
There are some excellent smaller cruise ships travelling to unique and beautiful destinations worldwide and providing a luxury experience while on board.
Silversea Cruises, Regent Seven Seas, Fred. Olsen Cruises, Seabourn Cruises and Hurtigruten Cruises are five popular cruise lines offering smaller ship cruises.
There are pros to both small cruise ships and larger ones. If you’re looking for a cruise holiday that offers an adventure on board with a new exciting experience each day, then the large cruise ships are for you.
However, if you’re looking to explore parts of the world away from the main tourist trails while enjoying a more personalised experience, we’d recommend small-ship cruising.
