Does Ship Size Matter?

CRUISE SHIPS ARE NOT ALL THE SAME. 

Top differences? The number of passengers, itineraries, dining options and activities are just a few things that differ.  And yes, ship size.  

Cruise lines have distinct personalities, and the key to a great cruise experience is knowing what types of experiences and activities are important to you (which can differ by trip) and who you want to travel with.  

Photo courtesy of Hurtigruten

Shows, casinos, water slides, climbing walls, roller coasters, laser tag and lots of other activities?  A big ship cruise may well be the answer for you.  No lines, no crowds, getting to know your fellow passengers, routes less traveled, unique nature and wildlife? A small(er) ship cruise may be the best option.   

Generally speaking, the bigger the ship, the more amenities and activities.  The ship is considered as much of the experience as the itinerary.  In some cases the ship is actually more important than where it is sailing to.  It's like going to a resort, maybe a Walt Disney park or Las Vegas.  Bigger ships offer a wider variety of staterooms, a lower cruise fare, more people (and crowds) and can generally only access the bigger ports.     

Small ship cruises focus more on the destinations and what happens off the ship.  They offer exceptional experiences and greater opportunities to meet fellow like minded travelers.  Fewer amenities or onboard activities are less or not important to the guests.  Besides, in recent years, many/most of the small ships have been refurbished with upgraded cabins, added specialty dining areas and other public spaces. 

As the saying goes, there is a cruise line out there for every type of traveler, but not every cruise line is a good match to every type of traveler. 

Photos courtesy of Windstar Cruise Line and Celebrity Cruise Line

Following are a few things to consider when choosing a cruise and ship size: 

Mega Ships (3000 - 5000+ passengers)

• Like floating resorts - often as much or more of the experience than the ports of call
• Family oriented (often many children) with a wide variety of activities for all age groups
• Itineraries include large ports that can accommodate the ships, some may be a good distance form the city visiting; Often in port with a number of other large ships which equates to crowded ports (My visit to the Grand Caymans had 7 ships in port on the same day!)
• A large variety of amenities, activities and evening Broadway style shows and entertainment
• Multiple dining venues and specialty restaurants (at an additional cost)
• Wide variety of staterooms to suit all tastes
• Dress code is casual during the day to country club casual and semi formal/formal in the evening

Medium Ships (1000 - 3000)

• Itineraries include both large and smaller ports that can accommodate the ships; Often in port with a number of other large ships
• A variety of amenities including casinos, spas, music venues, bars, evening Broadway style shows and entertainment
• Multiple dining venues and smaller specialty restaurants (usually at an additional cost)
• A variety of staterooms to suit all tastes
• Fewer people equates to smaller crowds and lines
• Dress code is casual during the day to country club casual and semi formal/formal in the evening

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Small Ships (500 - 1000 passengers)

• Cruise lines focus on destinations, longer port stays and off ship experiences
• Itineraries include smaller, lesser visited and off the beaten path ports where the big ships can't go
• Ships have a number of amenities (casino, spa) and a variety of live entertainment (music, lectures) and multiple dining venues
• A variety of comfortable stateroom and suite categories (but fewer than the larger ships)
• Dress code is casual during the day to country club casual in the evening

Small Ships (<500 passengers)

• Adventure, expedition and yacht style ships make up this category and generally range between 90 - 350 guests and a high crew to guest ratio (exceptional customer service)
• Adventure and expedition cruises are largely about the destination with a focus on culture and the outdoors.  There may be no ports of call, instead exploring secluded bays, zodiak adventures and nature and wildlife up close and personal.
• Yacht style itineraries combine relaxing days at sea with visits to small and iconic ports of call
• Cabins range from comfortable to luxurious suites
• Entertainment is focused on what takes place off the ship during the day, relaxation and enjoying the scenery while on board, educational lectures with onboard naturalists and historians, or simply enjoying your fellow guests 
• Gourmet dining experiences, often regionally based or even fresh caught
• Dress codes are casual to country club casual

Both big and small ship cruises offer exceptional experiences,  though they are quite different.  The best experience for you depends on what you are looking for out of the cruise and overall trip.

As a cruise specialist (highly focused on the small ships), I help match you to the perfect experiences to your travel style.  Get started HERE or call 602.540.7338 for more information on how I can help you.