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Butlers, helicopters & uncrowded ports: 6 best small ship cruise lines

Small cruise ships can mean luxury sailing, attentive staff, lesser-visited ports and, just maybe, lifelong friends. Here are some of the best small ship cruise lines.

Small ship cruises could well be the antidote for new cruisers who are put off by sailing on enormous vessels – or for those who have had enough of sailing alongside thousands of others.

And the good news is that there are plenty of small cruise ship lines out there, many of which promise pampering and the high life as you sail the seven seas.

Travel agent Iglu Cruise has a wealth of small ship itineraries to pick from so we’ve rounded up some of the best-value trips and had a peek at the top cruise lines; simply pick the brand that suits you – from tall ship to expedition yachts – and get snapping up these great deals!

Explora Journeys

 

How many passengers are on Explora Journeys?

Explora ships have capacity for 922 passengers across 461 oceanfront suites.

Small ship cruising on Explora Journeys

Explora Journeys offers an intimate small luxury cruise ship experience. With a soon-to-be fleet of six state-of-the-art ships (Explora I launched last year and Explora II in 2024), this cruise line delivers opulence, privacy and personalised service. The smaller ships ensure high crew-to-guest ratios, allowing for impeccable service and attention to detail.

Small ship cruise line Explora Journeys boasts six distinct restaurants: from Italian dining at Anthology to the Mediterranean flavours of Med Yacht Club and the sophisticated European steakhouse at Marble & Co. Grill. Other dining options include Pan-Asian delights at Sakura and the casual, international Emporium Marketplace. Guests can also enjoy in-suite dining 24 hours a day.

Explora Journeys’ itineraries offer small ship Caribbean cruises as well as featuring destinations in Central America and the Mediterranean, with curated shore excursions and exclusive activities tailored to guests’ preferences. Onboard, passengers can unwind in the serene spa, swim in both indoor and outdoor pools, or work out in the state-of-the-art fitness centre.

For those who prefer relaxation with a cocktail in hand, the ships offer various lounges and bars, including the sophisticated Malt Whisky Bar, the all-day Astern Lounge, and the scenic Sky Bar.

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Set Sail

A Journey from Bridgetown to Miami

Save up to £1,362pp + all-inclusive: complimentary high-speed wi-fi, unlimited fine beverages & all onboard gratuities + get a FREE luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper when you book by October 31!

Duration: 6 nights
Where: Bridgetown, Barbados | Pointe-à-Pitre, Martinique | St. John’s, Antigua | San Juan, Puerto Rico | Miami, Florida, USA
Ship: Explora I
Price: From £2,395 pp (flights not included)

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A Journey from Istanbul to Athens

Save up to £1,734pp + all-inclusive: complimentary high-speed wi-fi, unlimited fine beverages & all onboard gratuities + get a FREE luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper when you book by October 31!

Duration: 6 nights
Where: Istanbul, Turkey | Bozcaada, Tenedos | Bodrum | Rhodes Town, Rhodes | Paros, Greece | Athens (Piraeus)
Ship: Explora I
Price: From £2,365 pp (flights not included)

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Emerald Yacht Cruises

 

How many passengers are on Emerald Yacht Cruises?

Emerald yachts have a maximum capacity of just 100 guests.

Small ship cruising on Emerald Yacht Cruises

Emerald Yacht Cruises offers luxury small ship cruising on two boutique yachts: Emerald Azzurra and Emerald Sakara, with Emerald Kaia joining in 2026. These intimate vessels serve up a bespoke experience, with a focus on low guest numbers and high-quality service. Guests can explore beautiful coastlines across destinations such as the Mediterranean, Adriatic, Caribbean and Central America.

Onboard, Emerald yachts offer the luxury and comfort of a top-tier hotel. Accommodations range from Oceanview Staterooms to the spacious Owner’s Suite, ensuring a variety of options to suit different tastes and budgets. The small size of the ships allows for a close-knit atmosphere and access to less crowded ports.

The small ships are equipped with premium amenities, including the Elements Spa, where guests can enjoy massages, facials, manicures, pedicures and an infrared sauna (additional costs may apply). For dining, guests can feast on locally sourced meals inspired by the regions they sail through, with options for both indoor and alfresco dining. Bars and lounges also provide spaces to unwind throughout the day.

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Eastern Caribbean with St. Barths from Marigot

Included: Flights, transfers, wi-fi, tips + free all-day drinks + get a FREE luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper when you book by October 31!

Duration: 7 nights
Where: Marigot, St. Maarten (overnight) | Prickly Pear Cays, Anguilla | Gustavia, St. Barts (overnight) | Charlestown, Nevis | Falmouth, Antigua | Iles des Saintes | Soufriere, St Lucia | Bridgetown, Barbados
Ship: Emerald Sakara
Price: From £3,255 pp (flights included)

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Yachting Gems of the French & Italian Rivieras from Nice

Included: Flights, transfers, wi-fi, tips + free all-day drinks + get a FREE luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper when you book by October 31!

Duration: 7 nights
Where: Nice, France | Santa Margherita, Italy | Portofino | Porto Venere | Calvi, Corsica | St. Tropez, France | Cassis | Roses, Spain | Barcelona
Ship: Emerald Sakara
Price: £3,560 pp (flights included)

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SeaDream Yacht Club

 

How many passengers are on SeaDream Yacht Club ships?

SeaDream Yacht Club ships have a maximum of 112 guests onboard.

Small ship cruising on SeaDream Yacht Club

The SeaDream Yacht Club fleet is home to two stylish vessels, SeaDream I and SeaDream II. With a capacity of just 112 guests and a dedicated crew of 95, these yachts offer a high level of service and attention.

The focus is on relaxation and high-quality amenities. Guests can enjoy ocean-view suites, sun decks, jacuzzis and Balinese dream beds for unwinding. For the more adventurous, water sports facilities and curated shore excursions provide activities such as exploring ancient sites like Pompeii or zip-lining through Caribbean treetops.

As for dining aboard SeaDream, award-winning cuisine is served in either an elegant indoor dining salon or outdoor dining areas. The resident sommelier is on hand to guide wine choices, and an all-day menu ensures that guests can tuck into gourmet dishes whenever they like, with surprises from the chef enhancing the dining experience.

SeaDream’s itineraries cover the Caribbean and Mediterranean, including exclusive access to lesser-visited destinations and private events like beach parties. With all-inclusive pricing covering gratuities and beverages, guests can fully immerse themselves in the experience without added costs.

For 2024, SeaDream’s Mediterranean cruises introduced new stops such as Morocco, Albania, and Tunisia, along with overnight stays in famous ports including Monte Carlo and Santorini. Caribbean voyages continue to offer stunning coastal explorations. In 2025, SeaDream will expand with Norwegian fjord cruises and new Mediterranean routes, comprising the Spanish Riviera and Greek islands.

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St. Barths & Caribbean Gems from St. Thomas

Includes: Open bars throughout the ship with select premium brands, shoreside activities, access to the Watersports Deck & gratuities + and a FREE luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper when you book by October 31!

Duration: 7 nights
Where: Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas | Spanish Town, Tortola | Leverick Bay, British Virgin Islands | Prickly Pear, Anguilla | Norman Island, British Virgin Islands | Sandy Ground, Anguilla | Gustavia, St. Barts (overnight) | Charlestown, Nevis | Marigot, St. Maarten
Ship: SeaDream II
Price: £2,630 pp (flights not included)

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Western Mediterranean Delight from Nice with Stay

Includes: Open bars throughout the ship with select premium brands, shoreside activities, access to the Watersports Deck & gratuities + and get a FREE luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper when you book by October 31!

Duration: 9 nights
Stay: 2-night hotel stay in Nice, France
Cruise: Nice, France | St. Tropez | Monte Carlo | Sanary Sur Mer | Cassis | Roses, Spain | Tarragona | Barcelona
Ship: SeaDream I
Price: From £4,699 pp (flights included)

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Star Clippers

 

How many passengers are on Star Clippers ships?

There are 166 guests on Star Clippers ships.

Small ship cruising on Star Clippers

Star Clippers offers a distinctive sailing experience aboard its three tall ships: Star Clipper, Star Flyer and Royal Clipper — combining the charm of traditional sailing with modern comforts. Each ship accommodates a limited number of guests, with 166 on Star Clipper and Star Flyer, creating a chilled onboard atmosphere that evokes the feel of a private yacht.

With spacious teak decks, two swimming pools and elegant décor featuring mahogany and brass accents, the ships offer ample outdoor space and a welcoming environment. Guests enjoy open-seating dining, with international cuisine served in the stylish dining room. Royal Clipper’s three-level atrium adds grandeur, and guests can enjoy casual shore-side barbecues during select itineraries.

Star Clippers emphasises the authentic sailing experience, inviting guests to participate in hoisting sails, climbing the mast and learning navigation skills from the crew. Stargazing with the officers adds to the maritime feel. The ships also provide complimentary water sports, including snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding and windsurfing. Royal Clipper’s marina platform offers direct access to the water for these activities.

Itineraries explore the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Southeast Asia, visiting lesser-frequented ports and secluded beaches. With tenders and zodiacs for easy beach landings, guests can avoid crowded tourist spots and explore each destination at their own pace.

Accommodations range from outside cabins to suites, all designed with traditional yacht-like décor, featuring polished woods and marine prints. Many cabins offer convertible double beds, providing flexibility for different guest preferences.

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Rome Roundtrip

Extra savings available + past passenger discounts

Duration: 4 nights
Where: Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy | Bonifacio, Corsica | Bastia | Portoferraio, Elba | Rome (Civitavecchia)
Ship: Royal Clipper
Price: From £1,269 pp (flights not included)

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Panama to Costa Rica

Extra savings available + past passenger discounts

Duration: 7 nights
Where: Balboa, Panama | Pearl Islands | Isla Iguana | Isla de Coiba | Golfito, Costa Rica | Quepos | Islas Tortugas | Puerto Caldera
Ship: Star Clipper
Price: From £1,849 pp (flights not included)

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Crystal

 

How many passengers are on Crystal ships?

There are 740 passengers on Crystal Serenity and 606 on Crystal Symphony.

Small ship cruising on Crystal

Crystal has aimed to redefine luxury travel with the relaunch of its vessels: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. With reduced capacities of 740 and 606 guests, respectively, these ships feature larger, updated suites and enhanced spa and wellness facilities, ensuring holidaymakers feel at home from the moment they board. Dining options range from the main Waterside Restaurant to up to seven speciality restaurants.

For 2024 and 2025, Crystal Cruises presents an extensive collection of itineraries. Highlights include a 141-night World Cruise and Grand Journeys across Asia, North America and the Pacific Islands. For those seeking shorter getaways, options span seven to 14 nights in popular locations such as the Caribbean, Mediterranean (from Croatia small ship cruises to Greek Island small ship cruises), Australasia and Alaska.

Crystal provides an all-inclusive onboard experience, ensuring nearly every detail is taken care of in the cruise fare. This includes all dining across various restaurants, complimentary fine wines and spirits, 24-hour room service, and access to entertainment and enrichment activities. Guests can enjoy instructor-led fitness classes, with gratuities included for added convenience.

Additionally, guests in Penthouse accommodations and above receive personalised butler service and the option to order from speciality restaurants for in-suite dining.

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Doha to Dubai

All-inclusive! Includes: wi-fi, tips, unlimited drinks + butler service + get a FREE luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper when you book by October 31!

Duration: 6 nights
Where: Doha, Qatar | Muscat, Oman | Khor Al Fakkan, UAE | Dubai (overnight)
Ship: Crystal Symphony
Price: From £2,650 pp (flights not included)

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Greece & Croatia from Athens (Piraeus)

All-inclusive! Includes: wi-fi, tips, unlimited drinks + butler service + get a FREE luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper when you book by October 31!

Duration: 7 nights
Where: Athens (Piraeus), Greece | Thira, Santorini | Monemvasia | Katakolon | Corfu | Dubrovnik, Croatia | Trogir | Fusina (Venice), Italy
Ship: Crystal Serenity
Price: From £3,100 pp (flights included)

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Scenic Discovery Yachts

 

How many passengers are on Scenic Discovery Yachts?

There are up to 228 passengers on Scenic yachts.

Small ship cruising on Scenic Discovery Yachts

Last but not least, Scenic Discovery Yachts are among the best small cruise ships. They offer a revolutionary approach to ultra-luxury cruising, blending exploration with opulence. Their world-class vessel, Scenic Eclipse, is designed for unparalleled adventure, with a Polar Class 6 rating, reinforced hull and advanced GPS technology, allowing navigation through polar regions without harming delicate ecosystems. Equipped with two helicopters and a custom-built submarine, Scenic Eclipse goes where few other ships can, offering unique exploration opportunities.

All-inclusive travel is at the heart of the Scenic experience. Fares cover flights, transfers, tips, a pre-departure hotel stay, shore excursions, premium beverages, in-suite mini-bars and all dining. The onboard culinary journey showcases up to 10 dining venues, including French cuisine at Lumière and gourmet dishes at Elements restaurant.

Scenic Eclipse’s luxurious suites are spread across five decks, offering floor-to-ceiling windows, private verandahs, butler service and state-of-the-art amenities. The ship’s design puts comfort at the forefront, featuring spacious rooms, Egyptian cotton linens and an atmosphere of sophistication reminiscent of a six-star hotel.

For wellness, guests can relax in the Senses Spa or engage in invigorating shore excursions aimed at enhancing mind, body and soul. Scenic’s Freechoice activities provide flexibility, with expert-led adventures tailored to individual preferences. From kayaking and snorkelling to hiking the Arctic tundra, Scenic’s Discover Leaders guide guests through breathtaking, rarely accessed landscapes. Small ship Mediterranean cruises are also available for cruisers seeking something less adventurous.

Scenic Eclipse takes exploration further with a fleet of Zodiacs, kayaks, and submersibles, offering extraordinary underwater adventures up to 300 metres below the ocean.

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Taste of New Zealand: Norfolk Island & Bay of Islands from Wellington

Save up to £1,104pp! Includes: butler service for every guest, complimentary premium beverages, all-inclusive shore excursions, free Starlink Wi-Fi plus + tips and taxes on board and onshore! + and get a FREE luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper when you book by October 31!

Duration: 10 nights
Where: Wellington, New Zealand | New Plymouth | Norfolk Islands | Bay of Islands | Auckland
Ship: Scenic Eclipse II
Price: From £4,425 pp (flights included)

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French Riviera & the Catalan Coastline from Monte Carlo

Save up to £1,577pp! Includes: butler service for every guest, complimentary premium beverages, all-inclusive shore excursions, free Starlink Wi-Fi plus + tips and taxes on board and onshore! + and get a FREE luxury Fortnum & Mason Hamper when you book by October 31!

Duration: 7 nights
Where: Monte Carlo, France | Calvi, Corsica | Cannes, France | Saint Tropez|/ Sanary Sur Mer | Collioure (Port Vendres) | Roses, Spain | Barcelona
Ship: Scenic Eclipse
Price: From £4,945 pp (flights included)

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Small ship FAQs

What is the best small ship cruise line?

The best small ship cruise line will, of course, depend on what you’re looking for from your holiday – and where you want to go. However Scenic Discovery Yachts, Explora Journeys, Emerald Yacht Cruises, SeaDream, Star Clippers and Crystal Cruises are among the top brands offering small cruise ship holidays.

What is considered a small ship cruise?

The definition of this varies, but, according to Iglu Cruise, cruise ships carrying fewer than 1,000 passengers count as small ships.

Are smaller cruise ships less crowded?

Generally yes. Smaller ships tend to attract fewer families which can lead to a quieter atmosphere onboard. The lines are often high-end brands that strive for personalisation, space and a high guest-to-staff ratio. Small cruise ships will also result in less crowded shore excursions plus they often call at lesser-visited ports of call so there will be fewer tourist hordes when you disembark.

 

Published 02.10.24