About us

Small Ship Cruise Experts

Sun Boat III luxury Nile River cruise ship from Abercrombie & Kent sailing on the Nile with a backdrop of lush riverbanks and a soft sunset sky.

Our Team

Ati Jain

Ati Jain

CEO & Founder

With over 30 years in the travel industry, Ati didn't just stumble into small ship cruising. He recognized its transformative potential long before it became a trend. During his time with a major Boston based tour-operator he witnessed the dramatic rise of river cruising and knew where the industry was headed.

At a university travel event in 2008, a potential client told Ati how overwhelming it was to search through countless cruise options online. That moment sparked his mission: create the ultimate resource for small ship cruising. One comprehensive platform where travelers could search, compare, read authentic reviews, and book with confidence.

Having personally sailed on multiple ships and rivers, Ati understands what makes a journey truly unforgettable. For him, it's about authentic experiences: sailing past fairy-tale castles on the Rhine, savoring wine in Portugal's Douro Valley, or exploring the imperial cities of the Danube. He firmly believes small ship cruising offers the most intimate connection to historic towns, cultural landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes, without the crowds or restrictions of mega-ships.

Under Ati's leadership, Small Ship Travel has become a trusted name in river and expedition cruising, with strong partnerships across leading cruise lines and a rewards program that celebrates travelers at every step of their journey.

Ajay Jain

Ajay Jain

Ajay brings a rare combination of full-stack engineering expertise and travel journalism to SmallShipTravel. Growing up minutes from Chicago O'Hare International Airport, he developed an early fascination with aviation that evolved into a passion for travel optimization and storytelling.

After a family trip to Egypt and Jordan opened his eyes to the world of premium travel, Ajay dove deep into the art of using points and miles to fund his adventures. He's used miles to explore Europe, Japan, Nepal, Bhutan, Fiji, and New Zealand. As a freelance writer for multiple publications, he's helped thousands of readers unlock similar experiences through strategic credit card rewards and airline programs.

On the technical side, Ajay has built user-facing products at high-growth startups, developing full-stack technical features for mission-driven organizations. At Small Ship Travel, he bridges the gap between technology and content, building the digital infrastructure that powers the site while crafting trips that help clients maximize their travel experiences.

What we do

We create unforgettable experiences for our clients

We specialize in small ship cruises. With a deep understanding of the unique charm and intimate nature of small ship travel, we curate extraordinary journeys for our clients. From carefully selecting boutique vessels to crafting bespoke itineraries, we ensure that each client has an unforgettable experience—whether on a river cruise along the Nile, or down the Mississippi.

Get in touch
Group of people toasting with champagne glasses during a luxury cruise, dressed in casual resort wear, enjoying a sunny day on deck.

consultation

Need information to make a decision?

Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.

*$250 credit applies to a non-cruise portion of your booking and is only available to new clients who have not previously booked with Small Ship Travel.