Is Smaller Better?

There are so many of the larger ships out there, and they do seem to be getting bigger and bigger don’t they!  My lovely client Mr S asked me recently to give him a list of all the smaller ships that he could choose, because he isn’t a fan of the bigger ones.  Point taken Mr S. I actually prefer smaller ships too.

Of course, it is interesting to note what actually defines a smaller ship?  To some people it would be about 2000 people, to others about 300.  A smaller ship may not have all the facilities which a bigger ship has, such as ice rinks or climbing walls but they do have more personalized service from the crew, destination driven itineraries, the ships can get to ports the big boys cant get to etc.

Goes without saying that river cruising would be included in these smaller ships but for now here are the ones I think are worth a look at if it is ocean cruising you are more interested in.

Quite a few of the smaller ships are based on the “luxury ” cruise market. These ships would include the likes of Seabourn cruises which are 6 star and carry roughly 458 passengers.  Or the lovely Oceania cruises, passenger size ranges from 1250 to about 684. Then we have in no particular order, Silverseas, Regent, Hapag Lloyd, Viking , Holland America, Azamara (which now has the new ship which used to be the P&O Adonia), Ponant, and Paul Gauguin.

If you did not fancy the luxury market then you of course have Fred Olsen cruises, Hurtigruten, Cruise & Maritime, and Voyages to Antiquity.   One of the cruise lines I have not mentioned yet though is the lovely Hebridean cruises, on the Hebridean Princess.  We are now going down to only 50 guests on board and more luxury, but boy they will look after you.  The ship is actually the old Caledonian Macbrayne ferry but of course doesn’t look like it now! The Queen in fact has used this ship for her own holidays since the Yacht Britannia was taken out of service.  This ship might not be to everyone’s taste however, I would recommend her if you are looking for fantastic food, a great Scottish experience on board, travelling to some marvellous destinations in the Highlands and Islands around Scotland.

I do hope I have helped with the “hunt for smaller ships” give me a call if you are looking for one or would like to discuss anything in particular.  Would also be interesting to know if you think smaller is better?

Till next time x