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3/5/2026
My Take On Small Ship Cruising Photo courtesy of Sea Dream Yacht Club Originally published January 9, 2018 As I re-read this article from 2018, I realized something interesting - very little has changed... except for one thing: the popularity of small ship cruising has grown exponentially. While still somewhat under the radar compared with the mega ships dominating cruise advertising, the appeal of what I like to call elbowroom inspired travel - experiences away from the crowds, with fewer people and more authentic destinations - has clearly struck a chord with today’s travelers. River cruising continues to surge. Expedition cruising is one of the fastest-growing segments in travel. Even luxury hotel brands are entering the space, adding small ship yachts to their portfolios. The desire is simple: Travel experiences that feel more personal, immersive, and connected. Below is the essence of the original article - with a few updates. Why Small Ship Cruising Has Such a Loyal Following Full disclosure: the largest cruise ship I have sailed on carried about 2,500 passengers. I truly enjoyed that cruise, and for that particular itinerary it was a great fit. But these days, like many seasoned travelers, I find myself naturally drawn toward smaller ship experiences. Why? Because with smaller ships, it’s all about the experience.  Photo courtesy of Star Clippers More intimate environment One of the things many people love about cruising is meeting new people—learning about where they are from, hearing their travel stories, and exchanging ideas about where to go next. Personally, I find this fascinating. Over the years I’ve made some wonderful—and lasting—friendships while cruising. Smaller ships make this even easier. On a mega ship, you may pass the same people once or twice during a week-long sailing. On a small ship, you quickly begin to recognize many of your fellow travelers. Conversations start naturally, friendships form easily, and even the crew becomes part of the experience. It creates a welcoming, almost community-like atmosphere on board.  Avalon lounge Relaxed and Comfortable - Not Formal Here’s a myth worth clearing up. Many people assume that small ships—especially luxury or river cruises—are formal, stiff, or even a bit pretentious. In reality, the opposite is usually true. Most small ship cruises are very relaxed and comfortably casual. Formal nights are rare, and the prevailing style is best described as country club casual. If you enjoy dressing up for dinner, you certainly can. But if that’s not your style anymore (or never was), you’ll feel perfectly comfortable. Some cruise lines even allow nice jeans at dinner, and on expedition cruises you might show up straight from a day of exploration in shorts. Best of all? No need to pack a second suitcase just for formalwear.  Avalon Rhine River cruise Personalized service Small ship cruising is also well known for its exceptional level of service. With fewer guests on board, the crew quickly learns your name, your preferences, and even your favorite drink. It’s not unusual for the staff to remember these details within the first day or two of a sailing. These small touches—often literally—add up to an experience that feels thoughtful, welcoming, and personal. And that’s really what great travel is about.  Photo courtesy of Paul Gauguin Cruises More elbow room For travelers who prefer a bit of space, small ships offer one major advantage: Fewer crowds and fewer lines. Boarding is quicker. Getting on and off the ship is easier. Dining tends to be open seating or single seating rather than multiple large dining rotations. You won’t find long buffet lines or packed lounges where people scramble for seats during port talks or evening cocktails. There’s room on the sun deck. Quiet corners to read. Cozy lounges to relax. In other words--plenty of elbow room.  Photo courtesy of European Waterways New ports of call - go where the big ships can't Perhaps the biggest reason travelers choose small ship cruising is the destinations. Large ships are limited to major cruise ports that can accommodate thousands of passengers. Small ships can go almost anywhere. Instead of visiting the same well-known ports on a typical Alaska itinerary, imagine exploring hidden fjords where whales feed and glaciers calve. Instead of crowded tourist centers, picture walking through small coastal villages or historic towns where locals still outnumber visitors. Small ships open the door to remarkable places such as:
The options are extraordinary—and growing.  Photo courtesy of Sea Dream - traveling through the Corinth Canal Photos courtesy of (left to right): Lindblad Expeditions; Lindblad Expeditions, copyright Ralph Lee Hopkins; American Cruise Lines; Quark Expeditions Today, much of the buzz in cruising still centers around the mega ships—floating resorts carrying 4,000 to 7,000 passengers, filled with cutting-edge technology, dozens of restaurants, water parks, and even race tracks at sea. These ships can be fantastic for certain travelers and certain vacations. In many ways, the ship itself becomes the destination. But quietly—and steadily—the world of small ship cruising has been expanding. New ships. New routes. New regions of exploration. From expedition vessels and luxury yachts to river ships and sailing vessels, capacities range from just a dozen guests to around 700 passengers. For travelers seeking deeper experiences, fewer crowds, and a stronger sense of connection with the places they visit, small ship cruising offers something very special. And for many seasoned travelers, once they experience it… There’s no going back. Ready to explore Small Ship Cruising?
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