Small cruise ships range from yacht-like sailing vessels to medium-sized classic cruise ships. The best small cruise lines sail to exotic destinations – the pristine wilderness of the Arctic, the lush beauty of the South Pacific, or the smallest islands in the Mediterranean.
Aboard a small cruise ship, you can explore the unique cultures and history found along the rivers of Europe and the great waterways of North America, sip champagne from the crow's nest of a tall ship or visit remote wilderness areas accessible only by small ship.
These cruise trips offer more intimate experiences than the larger mass-market cruise ships. The ships cruise to less familiar destinations to provide once-in-a-lifetime experiences and adventures.
Our choices for the best small cruise lines are grouped loosely by category.
Eco-cruises focus on the environment and culture of a specific region and include on-board experts in these areas. Most land tours and excursions are included in the cruise fare.
Adventure and Discovery cruises tend to focus on the experiences of the destinations visited during the cruise but the amenities on the ships may not be as luxurious or extensive as on other lines. Generally, evening activities include lectures and discussions of the local culture and environment, with a small lounge available for unwinding and quiet conversation.
Boutique Cruises are unique - from romantic sailing vessels in the South Pacific to religious cruises in the Mediterranean.
Luxury Cruises are the top-rated best small ship cruise lines. These ships cater to their discerning guests and ensure that service, cuisine and accommodations are the very best.
River cruise ships float along scenic rivers, allowing opportunities to dock at quaint villages and historic sites. Generally walking tours at each port are included in the cruise fare.
Browse through our selection of the best small cruise lines and call us at 1-888-825-4529 for more information. As certified niche cruise specialists, we bring the expertise to assist you in planning your next cruise on the small cruise ships.
Explore the most remote regions of the southern hemisphere - Australia's northern coastline, the wilderness areas of Tasmania, Papua New Guinea and New Zealand - aboard a luxuriously appointed, one-of-a-kind modern expedition ship.
Galapagos Explorer II
Darwin's Enchanted Islands
Experience the abundance of marine and wildlife on the Galapagos Islands from an ocean-view suite with no more than 100 fellow passengers.
The Galapagos Explorer II has all the amenities of a luxury cruise ship and includes six onboard naturalist guides to lead nightly discussions and daytime shore explorations of the islands.
Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Voyage)
Soft Adventure
to Awe-inspiring Worlds
Experience Hurtigruten's unusual and extraordinary soft-adventure cruises through the world's most beautiful scenery in the Norwegian fjords and the world's last frontiers of Antarctica and Greenland.
Special savings are available on 2009-10 sailings - call us at 1-800-825-4529 for details.
Experience small ship cruising up close and personal on Cruise West, winner of Conde Nast Traveler's 10 Perfect Cruise Itineraries award for 2 unique itineraries.
Cruise West leads the field for Alaskan cruises where its small cruise ships get so close to wildlife you can actually smell their breath. Combine a short cruise with a land package for a total Alaskan experience.
In fall and winter, join Cruise West in explorations to Asia, Japan, the Sea of Cortez and beyond.
Exploring destinations including Alaska, Mexico's Sea of Cortez, and the Columbia and Snake Rivers, American Safari offers intimate yachting experiences with no more than 36 guests.
Each all-inclusive yacht cruise features a professional Expedition Leader/Naturalist and local guides who provide educational lectures on the destinations.
Shore excursions, water toys, and alcoholic beverages are included in the cruise fare.
Star Clippers
Romance on the Seas
Experience the glamour and romance of a tall ship on a true sailing adventure. With a relaxed, casual atmosphere and educated international guests, Star Clippers offers the opportunity to hone your sailing skills or relax on the spacious decks.
Planning to honeymoon in Tahiti? For the ultimate in romance, sail through the islands of French Polynesia and save with Star Clippers' Bridal Special.
Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises
Spiritual Adventures in the Mediterranean
Travel through the history of early Christianity with well-researched itineraries and educated guides on a choice of itineraries in Greece, Turkey and Italy.
Steps of Paul Coastal Cruises sails to the key sites associated with the missionary journeys of the Apostle Paul and the New Testament.
Hapag-Lloyd raised the bar for excellence in luxury cruising in 2006 when its Europa won the first ever "Six Star Diamond Award" presented by the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences.
Experience the ultimate in luxury cruising in the sophisticated traditions of Europe. Contact us for special pricing on Hapag-Lloyd's 2009-10 adventures.
SeaDream Yacht Club
Yachting, not Cruising
A SeaDream yachting experience provides you an opportunity to enjoy luxurious yachting at your own pace and style. Winner of numerous "World's Best" awards, SeaDream provides a truly unique experience - it's yachting, not cruising.
Book now for savings on 2009-10 cruises in the Caribbean and Mediterranean. Call us toll-free at 1-888-825-4529 for details.
Silversea Cruises
Best Cruise Line - All-inclusive
Visit exotic destinations on an all ocean-view suite Silversea cruise. Experience the new Viking Cooking School; savour gourmet cuisine and outstanding wines with an Italian flair. Silversea is an all-inclusive luxury line - alcoholic beverages and gratuities are included in your cruise fare.
With Personalized Voyages, you can choose your own embarkation and disembarkation ports for maximum flexibility.
Cruise the Waterways of the Tsars, the Yangtze River, or the magnificent rivers of Europe on a Viking River Cruise. Frequently named to the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List, these all-inclusive vacation packages include roundtrip air from the US, shore tours with English-speaking guides, and gourmet meals.
Call for the latest specials on luxury Viking River Cruises.
Uniworld River Cruises
Cruising the Historical Rivers of Europe
Little is as relaxing as floating along the rivers of Europe on luxury European river cruises and watching years of history pass by.
Celebrate a special birthday or anniversary with a Uniworld cruise.
Your choice of itineraries includes Europe, Russia, China, Egypt and the Ukraine.
* All prices shown are per person based on double occupancy. Taxes, port fees and fuel surcharges are additional. Single occupancy surcharges vary by cruise line and can be as high as 200%.
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