Small Cruise Ships Fewer Than 350 Guests

Table Of Content

• Sea Cloud Cruises: Sea Cloud I
• Suggested searches
• Poseidon Expeditions opens bookings for Sea Spirit ship's Arctic and Antarctic cruises
• Viking Cruises for a River Adventure
• Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance
• Emerald Cruises: Emerald Azzurra
• Island Escape yacht

A few small-ship lines moved up in the World's Best Awards voting this year, as travelers sought distinctive experiences in far-flung ports — the sorts of adventures that only the smallest vessels can deliver. For example, No. 4 Lindblad moved up four spots this year, posting a better score for 2021 than 2020. Its vessels will go to Alaska and Iceland this year, and this summer should also see the inaugural cruise of the brand-new National Geographic Endurance, a 126-guest expedition ship that will sail the polar regions. Island Windjammers focuses more on the joys of sailing than on over-the-top shipboard amenities. The line offers sailings in the Windward Islands from Grenada on the 10-passenger Diamant; its 24-passenger schooner and 26-passenger Vela offers a mix of both. Other itineraries include the French West Indies and the British Virgin Islands.

Sea Cloud Cruises: Sea Cloud I

For something that will give you plenty to talk about when you get home, expedition cruises to far-flung places like Antarctica are thrilling and intrepid without sacrificing comfort. The 310-passenger flagship vessel from Windstar Cruises looks and feels impressive. Guests are greeted with fresh flowers and fruit in their staterooms, and amenities like welcome cocktails, a fitness center, nightly port talks and complimentary water sports equipment.

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The line generally doesn't stop in touristy ports like Skagway, and instead keeps its ships close to Alaska's wilderness, though Wrangell, Misty Fjords and Tracy Arm do feature on some itineraries. You’ll feel a deeper connection to the sea, and there’s a certain pleasure from being docked in chic little ports among the superyachts or anchored in a remote bay far from the crowds. Of course, there won’t be Broadway shows and a choice of restaurants, but simplicity is all part of the appeal.

Poseidon Expeditions opens bookings for Sea Spirit ship's Arctic and Antarctic cruises

Vessels come equipped with kayaks, paddle-boards, snorkelling equipment and hot tubs onboard for relaxing after a day of hiking or paddling. As the diverse fleet incorporates upscale expedition ships, yachts and even a replica turn-of-the-century steamboat, onboard offerings vary. Expect thoughtful premium appointments and amenities throughout, though, with fitness areas, lounges, libraries and mealtimes highlighting gourmet, locally sourced cuisine and fine wines and microbrews. Serving more as base camps for exploring the world's waters, the line's ships cruise to all seven continents, including the Galapagos, South Pacific, Antarctica and the Arctic. These 10 cruise ships and yachts, each with a passenger capacity of under 1,000, can get to smaller ports inaccessible to larger ships and offer a more social atmosphere where it’s easier to get to know your fellow guests.

Cunard Line for a Classic British Cruising

These adventure cruises allow you to get up close to witness the nature and wildlife of your destination. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021. Touted as the “thinking person’s cruise line,” Viking also offers culturally enriching programs such as guest lecturers, resident historians, regional performance arts such as traditional Greek dancing, an onboard cooking school, and more. Europe's Baltic region is most attractive for the opportunities to visit Russia and Scandinavia (Norway, Sweden, Finland). Among the world's most popular destinations here are Norwegian Fjords and St Petersburg. The UK (British Isles) itineraries visit ports in England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland.

Hurtigruten ships are known for being eco-friendly, with hybrid engines, minimal single-use plastics and eco-education onboard. They also strive to boost the local communities they visit, so expect locally sourced food and connections with community leaders to give you an immersive cultural experience. Voyage to the Arctic Circle to see the Northern Lights or explore Norway’s fjords and coastal towns with Hurtigruten.

Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance

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There are also plenty of opportunities to taste the local port wine at the Quinta da Roseda estate near Pinhão and sip from the ship’s selection as you look out at the passing scenery from ALVA’s Panorama Lounge. Join Good Housekeeping on a foodie cruise of Bordeaux in October and you'll sail through one of France's premier gastronomic regions in style. As well as lessons Scenic Culinaire, you'll have an exclusive live cooking demonstration and Q&A session with iconic chef, Raymond Blanc. One standout feature on board Scenic Diamond is its cookery school, Scenic Culinaire, where you can learn more about the art of French cuisine in between shore excursions. Croatia's Adriatic Coast is home to some of the country's most spectacular locations, like the Krka National Park and the sleek island resort of Hvar. Set sail with us on boutique ship MS Prestige on a voyage that takes you through these wonderful waters.

Emerald Cruises: Emerald Azzurra

Because there’s a little more wriggle room in the itinerary than on larger ships, don’t be surprised if your crew makes an unscheduled swim stop for guests to take a refreshing dip in the sparkling waters. Journey down the west coast of Central America on Star Clipper, a traditional tall ship that evokes the romance of a grander age and carries just 166 guests. With a range of opulent finishing touches, Scenic Diamond is a luxurious ship that carries a maximum of 155 passengers and offers exceptional dining, with all meals included on board. Royal Clipper is an extra-special ship and one that turns heads wherever she roams. Dressed to the nines with a complement of 42 white sails, she really is a beauty. You can explore Mediterranean waters powered by the wind whenever possible, giving a wonderful romance to your cruise that's hard to beat.

Island Escape yacht

In 2019 the line was acquired by upscale Ponant, although both lines operate under separate management. Life onboard reflects the rich cultural heritage of the South Pacific islands through local entertainers and storytellers. Additionally, the Moana Explorer program offers hands-on interactive and fun learning for children and teens. Swimsuits, cover-ups and T-shirts are typical daytime attire on these windjammer cruises, and dress for dinner and evenings remains refreshingly casual. Cabins come with air-conditioning, and all but two offer portholes and private bathrooms.

The ships feature suites and cabins with balconies, as well as ocean-view cabins. At least, that’s the story with this year’s voting, which gave smaller vessels some of the highest scores in any category in the 2020 World’s Best Awards. Readers said the travel opportunities these smaller vessels unlock are the key to what makes them so wonderful. Fancy boarding a ship that’s more like a private yacht than a cruise ship? MS Galileo is a vessel that harks back to the ships of yesteryear, venturing around the Greek islands with its white, billowing sails unfurled. You’ll dock at smaller islands, including gorgeous Folegandros – but you won’t miss out on experiencing why sun-splashed Santorini and Paros get their sought-after status.

The ships also have spacious pool decks with two hot tubs, a fitness center overlooking the sea, a spa, and water toys like kayaks and paddleboards. There’s even extreme camping gear for those willing to brave an overnight under the stars in Antarctica. During North American winters, all three of Atlas’s expedition yachts sail in Antarctica.

International Expeditions (TUI-owned) and Metropolitan Touring are among the best choices for Galapagos Islands. Metropolitan Touring's Galapagos ships are larger compared to most of the yachts deployed in this region. Newcomer Ocean Victory is large for a small cruise ship, which allows it to offer more on its Alaska expeditions.

However, L'Austral (with sister ships Le Boreal, Le Soleal and Le Lyrial) is my favorite ship in the fleet. Passengers can utilize each ship's fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks and stash of snowshoes and cross-country skis that aid in exploration. The new high-tech expedition ships, outfitted with the latest hardware and design touches, are incredibly appealing. However, I also adore certain older small ships for their heritage and atmosphere. People often ask me which are the best small ship cruises, and that question is difficult to answer.

Team members lead complimentary excursions on sea kayaks and 18 Zodiacs so passengers can experience glaciers, icebergs and wildlife up close. Elegant interiors include a main restaurant, several lounges and bars where drinks are all included, a plush lecture hall, a cafe for coffee and snacks, and spacious balcony suites that start from 355 square feet (including the balcony). On board, many rooms are veranda suites measuring 356 square feet (including a private balcony), all with marble baths. The largest Grand and Owner's suites are massive multi-room affairs with huge private verandas.