Small Ship Ocean Cruises

A More Refined Approach to Ocean Travel

Small ship ocean cruises offer a dramatically different experience than traditional large-ship cruising. With fewer guests on board—often fewer than 500—these vessels provide a more intimate, relaxed, and culturally immersive way to travel across the world’s oceans and coastlines.

At Small Ship Travel, we specialize in curating exceptional ocean cruise itineraries aboard the world’s leading boutique and luxury cruise lines. From the Mediterranean and Northern Europe to the South Pacific, Asia, and the Americas, our small ship cruises deliver world-class service, distinctive itineraries, and meaningful access to ports that larger ships simply cannot reach.

This is ocean cruising redefined—designed for those who value depth of experience, personal space, and thoughtful service over crowds and spectacle.

The Small Ship Advantage

Small ship ocean cruises blend the sophistication of a premium travel experience with the flexibility and warmth of a smaller, more personal vessel. Key benefits include:

• Fewer guests, resulting in a quieter, more relaxed onboard environment
• Access to smaller ports, coastal villages, and hidden harbors that are off-limits to large ships
• Seamless embarkation and disembarkation with minimal wait times
• A strong sense of community onboard, with more opportunities for meaningful interaction with fellow travelers and staff
• Fine dining and cultural enrichment tailored to the regions visited

These cruises typically range from 7 to 21 days, with a focus on regional depth, coastal exploration, and maritime elegance.

Featured Destinations for Small Ship Ocean Cruises

Small ship ocean itineraries span the globe, offering both iconic and lesser-known coastal experiences. Notable routes include:

• Mediterranean – Explore historic ports in Italy, Greece, Croatia, and Turkey with fewer crowds
• Northern Europe & the British Isles – Discover fjords, Celtic castles, and Viking heritage
• South Pacific – Visit the remote islands of French Polynesia, Melanesia, and Fiji
• Japan & Southeast Asia – Cruise between cultural capitals and remote archipelagos
• South America & Patagonia – Sail from Chile to Argentina via the fjords and ice fields of the southern continent
• Australia & New Zealand – Coastal voyages with access to wine regions, wildlife reserves, and UNESCO-listed landscapes
• Caribbean & Central America – Avoid mega-ports in favor of curated island-hopping with cultural depth

Each region is carefully matched with operators known for their regional expertise and onboard excellence.

Ocean Cruise Lines We Feature

Small Ship Travel partners with the most respected names in small ship ocean cruising, including:

• Seabourn
• Silversea
• Ponant
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Windstar Cruises
• Swan Hellenic
• The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
• Scenic

Each line offers its own style—ranging from all-suite luxury and expedition hybrid vessels to yacht-style cruising with open decks and al fresco dining.

Planning with Small Ship Travel

Our team works with travelers to identify the right ship, destination, and departure date based on individual travel goals and preferences. Booking through Small Ship Travel includes:

• Personalized recommendations from small ship cruise specialists
• Assistance with pre- and post-cruise hotels, flights, and transfers
• Coordination of private shore excursions and custom experiences
• Support for solo travelers, milestone celebrations, and multi-generational groups

Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat along the Dalmatian Coast or a culturally rich voyage through Southeast Asia, we ensure your cruise aligns with your expectations for quality, service, and authenticity.

Explore the Ocean in a More Meaningful Way

A small ship ocean cruise is an invitation to explore the world with greater access, more comfort, and fewer distractions. It is travel with intention—delivering luxury without excess and adventure without crowds.