Get ready to hit the high seas with these small ships cruising companies that are anything but ordinary
Ahoy there! So you’re thinking about taking a small ship cruise. Well, let me tell you, you’re in for a real treat! Not only will you get to experience the wonders of the open sea, but you’ll also get to bond with your fellow passengers on boats that offer more bespoke experiences.
They are like floating houses with less people, and attentive staff that can help create itineraries on the go should guests request this.
So pack your Dramamine and a sense of fun, and set sail on a journey you’ll never forget!
Here are some of the popular small ship cruising companies:
- UnCruise Adventures: UnCruise Adventures offers small ships cruises to destinations in Alaska, Mexico, Central America, Hawaii, and the Pacific Northwest. The company’s ships carry 22 to 90 passengers, offering an intimate experience with personalized attention from the crew. The company focuses on adventure and exploration, with activities like kayaking, hiking, and snorkeling emphasizing sustainable tourism practices.
- Lindblad Expeditions: Lindblad Expeditions offers small ship cruises to destinations in Antarctica, the Galapagos, Alaska, Baja, California, and other regions. The company is known for its expert guides and educational programs, focusing on natural history and cultural immersion. The ships are designed for expedition-style travel, with Zodiac boats for exploration and a range of onboard amenities.
- Hurtigruten: Hurtigruten is a Norwegian company that offers small ship cruises to destinations in Norway, Greenland, Iceland, and Antarctica. The company’s ships are designed for exploration and provide a range of activities, from hiking and kayaking to cultural excursions and lectures. Hurtigruten is committed to sustainability and to becoming carbon neutral by 2050.
- Aqua Expeditions: Aqua Expeditions offers small ship cruises on the Amazon River, the Mekong River, and the seas of Indonesia. The company’s ships are luxurious and intimate, with a maximum of 32 passengers. Aqua Expeditions offers a range of activities, from wildlife watching to cultural immersion, and focuses on sustainability and responsible tourism practices.
- Star Clippers: Star Clippers offers small ship cruises on tall sailing ships, with destinations in the Mediterranean, Caribbean, and Asia. The ships provide a unique sailing experience, with opportunities for guests to help hoist the sails and climb the rigging. The company also offers onboard activities like snorkeling, kayaking, and cultural lectures.
- Ponant: Ponant is a French company that offers small ships cruises to destinations worldwide, including the Arctic, Antarctica, the Mediterranean, and Asia. The company’s ships are luxurious and stylish, focusing on French gastronomy and culture. Ponant is also firmly committed to sustainability, with eco-friendly designs and practices.
Did you know?
Small ships cruising can have a lower environmental impact than larger cruise ships. Small ships are often more energy-efficient, producing less pollution and carbon emissions per passenger. They can also access smaller ports and destinations that are not accessible to larger vessels, which can help spread out the environmental impact of tourism.
Many small ships cruising companies are also firmly committed to sustainable practices and conservation efforts, such as reducing plastic waste and supporting local conservation initiatives.
A little history:
Small ships cruising has a rich history that dates back to the early 20th century. In the 1920s and 1930s, small ships were used for adventure and exploration in remote areas such as Alaska and the Arctic. These ships were often rugged and practical, designed to withstand harsh conditions and facilitate scientific research.
Small ships cruising became more popular as leisure travel in the post-World War II era. One of the pioneers of this type of cruising was the Norwegian company Hurtigruten, which began operating small ships along the Norwegian coast in the 1950s.
Other companies soon followed suit, offering small ship cruises to destinations such as the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon River, and the Greek Islands.
Small ships cruising took off in the 1980s and 1990s as travelers sought more immersive and authentic travel experiences. Small ships offered a more intimate and flexible way to explore remote destinations. They allowed passengers to connect with local cultures and wildlife in a way that larger vessels could not.
This type of cruising is famous for exploring the world’s oceans, rivers, and coastlines–from adventure cruises to luxury river cruises, small ships cruises suit every taste and budget. And with a growing focus on sustainable travel practices and conservation efforts, small ships cruising is poised to remain a popular travel form for many years.
