Tall Ship Cruises

Sailing the Seas with Tradition, Elegance, and Adventure

Tall ship cruises offer a rare opportunity to experience the romance of classic sailing combined with the intimacy and comfort of small ship travel. Aboard graceful clipper ships and fully rigged barques, guests are transported not only across oceans and coastlines—but across time.

At Small Ship Travel, we curate a select range of tall ship voyages for travelers who appreciate craftsmanship, nautical heritage, and the thrill of open-sea adventure. These cruises balance the elegance of traditional sailing vessels with the comforts of modern hospitality, offering an unforgettable blend of wind, water, and cultural discovery.

Whether you dream of gliding under sail through the Greek Islands, crossing the Atlantic in the wake of great explorers, or discovering hidden coves in the Caribbean, tall ship cruises provide an experience unlike any other.

What Sets Tall Ship Cruises Apart

Tall ship cruising is defined by its connection to the sea. The pace is slower, the journey more tactile, and the experience more interactive. These are not ships of spectacle—but of soul.

Key features include:

• Fully rigged sailing ships with working sails and traditional masts
• Limited passenger capacity, often fewer than 200 guests
• Open deck space for sunbathing, stargazing, or simply watching the sails catch the wind
• Opportunities to learn about sailing, navigation, and maritime history from the crew
• Access to smaller, off-the-beaten-path ports unavailable to larger vessels
• A relaxed, informal onboard atmosphere with an emphasis on connection and camaraderie

Sailing is dictated by wind and weather, and itineraries are often flexible—adding an element of spontaneity and adventure to each voyage.

Popular Destinations for Tall Ship Cruises

Tall ships operate in some of the world’s most scenic and historic sailing regions. Itineraries may include:

• Caribbean – Island-hopping under sail with visits to secluded beaches, colonial towns, and marine parks
• Mediterranean – Classic routes through Greece, Croatia, Italy, and the French Riviera
• Northern Europe – The Baltic Sea, Norwegian fjords, and British Isles
• Transatlantic Crossings – For those seeking a pure ocean sailing experience, without port calls
• Southeast Asia – Exotic itineraries in Indonesia, Thailand, and the Philippines
• Central America and Panama Canal – Unique coastal routes that combine nature and culture

Most sailings emphasize outdoor enjoyment, relaxed schedules, and rich cultural touchpoints ashore.

Tall Ship Operators We Feature

We partner with the world’s leading tall ship cruise lines, each offering a distinct experience rooted in tradition and nautical excellence:

• Sea Cloud Cruises – Historic and luxurious windjammers with German precision and a global footprint
• Windstar Cruises – Their Wind Class ships combine sailing with motorized capabilities for expanded access

These ships deliver elegance, intimacy, and a strong connection to maritime history—all while offering modern amenities and exceptional cuisine.

Booking with Small Ship Travel

Tall ship cruises are not mass-market sailings—they are crafted experiences, best matched to travelers by those who understand their nuances. Our team provides:

• Personalized consultation to determine the right ship, itinerary, and season
• Assistance with flights, pre- and post-cruise stays, and transfers
• Guidance for solo travelers, special celebrations, or private group charters

We help clients choose not just a destination, but a style of travel that reflects their spirit of exploration.

Set Sail with Purpose and Poetry

Tall ship cruises offer more than transportation—they evoke the freedom of the open sea, the legacy of exploration, and the quiet luxury of wind-driven travel. For those drawn to authenticity, craftsmanship, and the rhythms of the sea, this is sailing at its most evocative.