The appeal of small-ship cruising is growing, offering travelers a more intimate and immersive way to explore destinations that larger vessels cannot reach. These voyages contrast sharply with the experience on giant, resort-style ships, providing passengers with a more personalized journey.
Andy Harmer, UK and Ireland managing director of the Cruise Lines International Association, noted that small-ship cruising has gained popularity because it allows for travel to remote islands, smaller ports, and longer stays in destinations, offering a distinct travel experience.
Exploring Alaska's Wilderness
For those looking to escape the crowds in Alaska, smaller vessels offer access to deserted bays and unparalleled wildlife viewing opportunities. Specialist UnCruise Adventures holds exclusive permits around Chichagof Island, a prime location for bear spotting. Passengers can explore remote areas via kayak or skiff and engage in activities like mountain biking and hiking. The Wilderness Legacy, an 86-passenger ship, sails to the LeConte Glacier, a destination accessible only to smaller craft. A nine-night package departing April 30, 2027, from Juneau starts at £5,575 per person, including flights and hotel stays.
Croatian Island Hopping
Croatia's Dalmatian Islands are a popular route for small coastal boats, often combining visits to Dubrovnik and Split with islands like Hvar, Korcula, and Vis. The motor-yacht MV Aretis, which accommodates 36 guests, offers a social atmosphere with group tours and daily swimming stops in secluded coves. Unforgettable Croatia cruises feature lively captain's dinners and opportunities to explore ashore most evenings. A seven-night sailing from Split to Dubrovnik departing May 8, 2027, is priced from £1,842 per person, half-board, with excursions and some meals included.
Tall Ship Adventure in Costa Rica
Star Clippers offers tall ship sailings along the Pacific coastlines of Costa Rica and Panama. These voyages provide a nautical experience, with opportunities to spot wildlife such as macaws and sloths in Quepos, Costa Rica, and sea turtles while snorkeling in Panama's Golfo de Chiriqui. The Star Clipper ship carries 166 guests. A 15-night package, including a week-long cruise and an eight-night land stay, departs January 1, 2027, from £6,308 per person, with flights included.
Luxury French Riviera Yachting
The Orient Express Corinthian, described as the world's largest sailing yacht, offers a luxurious experience on the French Riviera. This yacht, operated by the luxury train and hotel brand, features vintage-inspired interiors and amenities including five restaurants, eight bars, a theater, and a spa. It can accommodate 110 guests who receive butler service. A six-night voyage from Marseilles to Monte Carlo, with stops in St. Tropez and Cannes, departs July 11, 2027, starting at £14,600 per person, all-inclusive.
Cruising Egypt's Nile River
Traditional Egyptian dahabiyas offer a slow-paced journey along the Nile River, allowing access to smaller landing jetties and lesser-visited historical sites. The Farouz El Nil dahabiya, carrying just 12 guests, features wood-paneled cabins and elegant décor, with a sundeck offering views of the Valley of the Kings and the Aswan riverside. A one-week round-trip voyage from Luxor on February 22, 2027, costs from £3,185 per person, full-board, including flights and excursions.
Sailing the Scilly Isles
The Pilgrim of Brixham, a wooden sailing trawler built in 1895, offers voyages around the Scilly Isles. Designed for adventurers, the trip includes sailing around Land's End and crossing to the Scilly Isles, known for their white-sand beaches and gardens. The ship accommodates ten guests with traditional onboard meals and bunk beds. A six-night round-trip voyage from Falmouth, departing July 7, 2027, is priced from £1,750 per person, full-board.
Exploring the Bahamas Out Islands
SeaDream Yacht Club's mega-yachts provide a way to explore the Bahamas' Out Islands, including the Exumas, Andros, and San Salvador, areas removed from the main tourist hubs. These 112-guest yachts, featuring classic interiors with varnished wood and polished brass, offer a house-party atmosphere with attentive service and fine dining. A one-week round-trip sailing from Palm Beach, departing March 20, 2027, costs from £5,697 per person, all-inclusive.
Wildlife in the Hebrides
Autumn is an ideal time for wildlife viewing along Scotland's west coast in the Hebrides, with opportunities to see red deer, eagles, and seals. Family-run Hebrides Cruises operates a fleet of three motor yachts, each accommodating up to ten guests. Their wildlife cruises are flexible, guided by tides and weather, with daily shore excursions. The motor yacht Lucy Mary features modern interiors and a deck area for dining. Four-night round-trip voyages from Oban start at £2,375 per person, with availability on Inner Hebrides Big 5 Autumn Wildlife Cruises departing October 2 and 7.
Searching for Tigers in India
Cruises along India's Brahmaputra River offer exploration of Assam's wilderness, including temples, tribal villages, and tea plantations. Kaziranga National Park, known for its one-horned rhinos and Bengal tigers, is a key attraction. The MV Mahabaahu, a traditional riverboat for 46 guests, provides panoramic views from its open top deck. A 15-night package, including an 11-night voyage and three nights in Kolkata, departs January 10 and 31, 2027, from £6,295 per person, including flights and shore excursions.