There’s the ultimate discussion of whether small ship or big ship cruises are better when traveling to a distant destination. For those of you who have traveled on a large ship previously, you’ve probably noticed thousands of tourists strolling down the stairs and exiting the large ships docked at the port to get the best excursion, attraction, and shore activities deals.
With the small ships, the story is a bit different. Small ship cruises have personal itineraries and are often docked to more remote locations and ports where larger ships are fewer. Smaller ships can squeeze into the narrower canals and navigate through the ports more easily.
We are not saying you should never book a large cruise, but there are a plethora of benefits of booking a small ship cruise. In this post, we will highlight a few of them so that you are aware of the advantages of a small cruise ship the next time you plan your trip.
Remote Destinations Are Accessible
Obviously, large ships can’t fit where small ships can. For that purpose, they can access more remote locations, better shore excursion deals, a bike tour through a village or even book a cooking class. Those who travel via a small cruise prefer a more authentic and intimate experience so they can learn more about the locals, culture, and lifestyle.
While smaller cruise ships host fewer passengers, the ship’s course is more flexible, so they can monitor the circumstances in case of bad weather. To find great deals on small ship cruises, check this link and find your dream destination.
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Feeling of Inclusiveness
Often you’ll find yourself calculating the approximate cost of your trip and the budget you need to prepare. It’s quite frustrating when the traveling agency informs us about additional fees that are not included in the offer and need to be paid separately. Fees like internet service, gratuities, and transfers are among the most common ones.
Small ship cruises create their prices based on their demand and the number of services included in the deal. They are also known for the level of inclusiveness and luxury offered because you can literally find a boutique hotel.
The services are 4 or 5-star quality, including high-end art facilities. In this type of environment, it’s recommended that you pack your casual type of wardrobe instead of wearing a pair of elegant shoes and a fancy dress that is normally part of the dress code on a larger cruise. It’s your journey so you can enjoy it the way you like!
Cultural Enlightenment
While large ship cruises feature restaurants, bars, casinos, and many entertainment facilities, it often distracts passengers from the real purpose of the trip. Small ship cruises focus more on the cultural experience and living in the moment while visiting the country. You can swim alongside the ship whenever it anchors at a port, enjoy a glass of wine on the deck or watch educational films.
Some of the cabins on small ships are opened directly into the passages, so you will be close to the water all of the time. Additionally, you will get the chance to engage with locals, visit remote locations, and spend a couple of hours in a workshop learning some handcraft skills or trying out their cuisine.
Small ship cruise lines often offer a vibrant on-shore program which is one of the main reasons people choose this type of cruise. Because the groups are small, there are enough crew members to guide and make the group feel safe despite the type of adventure. Most of these onshore excursions will include riding bikes in wild nature, familiarizing yourself with wildlife, or getting to know the locals and their culture. It is an inclusive and immersive experience for those looking forward to exploring.
On the contrary, large ship cruises are more suitable for people who like to have fun, laze around a pool, drink cocktails and enjoy free time on a vast boat that feels like an independent town in the middle of the big blue.
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Personalized Service
Small ship cruises offer personalized services from the moment you step onto the ship. Their teams are of great help with anything you might need. One of the perks of sailing small is that you won’t need to get up early in the morning to get your breakfast table because there will be room for everybody.
You can enjoy a more intimate atmosphere, relaxing moments with your close ones, and a pleasant afternoon by the deck. Personalized service is the main perk of small ship cruises. After several hours of boarding, the waiters and cruise crew will know your name and make you feel very welcome. This is especially good when you decide to take a cruise for a special occasion or family celebration. The crew will be happy to help you celebrate a birthday, engagement, or arrange a surprise for your loved ones and make it an unforgettable moment for all of you.
Great for Foodies
On a small ship, chefs tend to be more creative and cook unique meals, which is not the case for the large ship cruises where mass production of food is at its highest. The cuisine in the small ships is a level above the mega-ships because the food is fresher and tastier since it’s sourced locally when the ship docks at a certain port.
Most chefs source ingredients from the local stores because they want to include diversity and a special level of service to their consumers. Wine connoisseurs are drawn to this type of traveling because they get to taste the wines scouted along the way.
Final Thoughts
The type of cruise you’ll choose will depend on your budget, needs, preferences, and availability. If you are looking for a more intimate experience where you’ll learn more about the destination’s culture, traditions, and lifestyle, small ship cruises are perfect for you!
For more information regarding cruises, the pros and cons of each of them, and travel tips, please feel free to check our blog.
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
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Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to Expedia.
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