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Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours. Essentially floating boutique hotels, they make romance easy, which is why they are one of our best cruise lines for couples. Explore the Antarctic, Niagara and the Great Lakes, or Panama and Scenic South America on one of its expedition cruises. These adventure cruises allow you to get up close to witness the nature and wildlife of your destination. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best.
Midsized Ships: 1,500–2,499 Passengers
Luxury Mediterranean Cruises: All You Need to Know - Cruise Critic
Luxury Mediterranean Cruises: All You Need to Know.
Posted: Wed, 10 Apr 2024 07:00:00 GMT [source]
On the other hand, for more premium, midsized lines, like Holland America and Celebrity, 2,100-passenger ships don't feel as different from their newer fleetmates, with standard amenities found across the fleet. Disney's smallest ships are also this size, and they're certainly not lacking for entertainment and kid facilities. Regardless of line, with this size of ship, it's especially important to read reviews and look at which amenities a particular ship has because there will be a lot of variation, even within a fleet. The atmosphere on a smaller cruise ship tends to be quieter and less hectic, allowing passengers to enjoy a peaceful and tranquil cruise experience. Popular cruise lines like Royal Caribbean and Carnival, in recent years, have tended to focus their efforts on their bigger vessels. This can mean that the quality of the ship and service can slide on their smaller ships.
Lindblad Expeditions: National Geographic Resolution and National Geographic Endurance
The line’s 17-ship fleet features five-star amenities and every decor aspect is inspired by the ship’s destination. Spas, fitness centers and swimming pools are available on select ships, all featuring regional cuisine, theater shows and other onboard entertainment. Enjoy talks from certified naturalists from Galapagos National Park, see native wildlife, including blue-footed boobies, sea lions and penguins, and interact with locals. These cruises aren’t for everyone — if you’re looking to relax on the beach while sipping a cocktail, you’re better off on a river or ocean cruise.
No. 1: Royal Clipper - Star Clippers
In a world where gigantic megaships draw all the attention, I've always found small ships to be the best. For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor.
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If you're like me and find that bigger isn't always better, this list is for you. Here are 18 of the world's best ocean-going small cruise ships, both older and new. Each carries fewer than 400 passengers and all are ideal for your next intimately sized travel adventure. The ships are the 148-passenger Wind Spirit and Wind Star, each with four masts and six sails, and the 342-passenger five-masted Wind Surf, which is the world's largest sailing vessel. Vessels come equipped with kayaks, paddle-boards, snorkelling equipment and hot tubs onboard for relaxing after a day of hiking or paddling.
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. The Sea Cloud Spirit combines the experience of decades of traditional seamanship with the modern-day luxuries of a private yacht. Cabins range from 172-square-foot single cabins to 300-square-foot balcony suites with soaking tubs.
The Top 10 Small-ship Ocean Cruise Lines in 2021
Fortunately for adventurous travelers several cruise lines offer small ship Alaska cruises -- and they’re expanding their fleets, itineraries and excursion offerings. Readers consistently rank the providers with the smallest ships highest in our survey of the best and worst ocean cruise lines. Small ships are the most nimble, so they can travel to remote areas (like the Arctic or South Pacific) or smaller ports in popular cruise regions like Europe and the Caribbean.
Celebrity Cruises
When not bunking down or out exploring in port, head out for some sunbathing or alfresco dining on deck, or retreat to the indoor dining room or lounge area. Though better known for its big ships, Celebrity Cruises has been a leader in offering Galapagos itineraries on intimate vessels since it first launched the 98-passenger Celebrity Xpedition in 2004. Since then, two more small ships -- the intimate 16-passenger Celebrity Xploration and 100-passenger Celebrity Flora – have joined the fleet.
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Its sizable expedition team, which can number 18 on select voyages, comprises seasoned authorities in a wide range of fields, such as geology, whale communications and photography. Team members lead complimentary excursions on sea kayaks and 18 Zodiacs so passengers can experience glaciers, icebergs and wildlife up close. The windowed fitness center and spa area includes an ocean-view sauna and the infinity pool at the back of Deck 5 boasts killer views. Passengers can enjoy a relatively large spa and fitness area, plus multiple dining venues, including Asian, Japanese, French and Continental restaurants. Sailing exclusively in French Polynesia, the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin offers an experience that is both luxurious and immersive.
These are incredible itineraries where you’ll fly on a small aircraft into the polar region before trekking to your ship, which permanently resides amongst the glacial islands. Owned by Variety Cruises, the ship is a motor sailer meaning she relies partially on the wind, which adds a certain air of traditionalism to her sailings. With the exception of the smaller vessels, each ship has lounges for happy hours, as well as post-dinner lectures and programs.
Medjet provides premier air medical transport, travel security, and crisis response memberships, providing peace of mind for an affordable price. Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list. As you’re hosted by Alaskan experts, you’ll get the best experience of this stunning region, getting closer to wildlife and learning fascinating information about the area. All cabins are classed as Junior Suites with a view, with some having a private veranda.
With sustainability front and center, expeditions are focused on local culture, regional cuisine and nature. The larger ships in the line feature built-in docks for kayaks and stand up paddleboards, while the smaller yacht-style ships include drinks and a spa treatment in the fare. 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. There's "cruising" and there's "yachting" – small ships that dock in harbors and ports inaccessible to larger ships. SeaDream offers 7- to 15-day voyages with a maximum of 56 couples and a 95-person crew, so service and attention to detail are highlights.
The expansive Observation Lounge takes up most of Deck 7 and is the spot for expedition lectures. Thirteen Zodiacs and eight kayaks take guests on water adventures and ashore. When the weather's good, skip the main restaurant and eat at the buffet, which is set up at the back of Deck 7, adjacent to the attractive (and heated) infinity swimming pool. Swan Hellenic's compact, well-laid-out SH Vega is built for expedition cruising with a PC5 ice-strengthened hull. Emerald Azzurra features a watersports platform at the stern for convenient access to kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling and riding SEABOBs (electric underwater scooter-like jet skis). L'Austral explores both polar regions and spends time in the Mediterranean, cruising along the coast of Croatia and around the smaller, less touristy Greek Islands like Amorgos, Milos and Delos.
Small ships, by definition, are with a way smaller passenger capacity, so you'll likely meet the same people over and over on a daily basis. Everything on the ship—including the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows—is designed to provide maximum views. 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.
It’s also the first ship in the fleet to feature a high-tech planetarium in a 26-seat dome theater. Seabourn Ovation, sister ship to Seabourn Encore, is the newest addition to the fleet. This 600-passenger ship attracts passengers with its inclusive cruise fares that even include unlimited caviar. Dining options abound, including alfresco dining at Earth & Ocean at The Patio. The ship also comes outfitted with high-speed internet—the only one in the fleet.
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