The Joy of Small Ship Cruising

Written on September 17, 2025

Small ships offer a unique cruising experience designed to help us connect with destinations and slow down. Here are three reasons why we recommend considering a small ship itinerary for your next vacation.

1. Exclusive Access

Small ship cruises often have the ability to explore destinations and ports where larger ships aren’t able to sail. Paired with easy access to small, private tours in-destination, small ships can play a key role in helping travelers avoid large crowds and long lines while experiencing destinations in a more meaningful way.

2. Personal Service

Cruising on a small ship also offers personal service. The staff on small ship cruises get to know you by name and cater to your needs and wants, making sure you are taken care of at every turn. With an average of 100-200 passengers (compared with up to 6,000 on the largest ocean ships) and an impressive crew to passenger ratio, small ship passengers delight in the attention to detail and care the receive on board.

3. Inclusive Options

Many river cruises and expedition cruises are designed with inclusivity in mind. In some cases, excursions, tours, and even room service are part of the experience. Some ships, like those in the Avalon Waterways fleet, provide bicycles to cruisers looking to explore destinations on their own. While these will vary based on the cruise line, inclusive options can save you time and money when it comes to your onboard experience.

And that’s just the beginning. Whether you are thinking about a river cruise or are looking to sail the Caribbean in comfort, small ships are an option to consider for your next cruise vacation.