Destination
Ocean Cruises
Ocean cruising on small ships offers an exceptional way to explore the world’s most iconic and remote destinations—without the crowds and limitations of large cruise vessels. From Mediterranean harbors to Arctic fjords, and from transoceanic crossings to tropical archipelagos, small ship ocean cruises provide the perfect blend of refinement, adventure, and cultural depth.\n\nAt Small Ship Travel, we specialize in carefully curated ocean cruises aboard small ships, with many accommodating fewer than 300. This smaller size allows for access to off-the-beaten-path ports, more personalized service, and a more immersive travel experience—whether you're seeking island-hopping in the Caribbean, coastal explorations of Europe, or epic journeys to the ends of the Earth.
Small ship ocean cruising offers unmatched freedom, flexibility, and connection to place. Unlike mega-ships, small ocean vessels can anchor in hidden harbors, scenic bays, and city centers, making every stop a more intimate and authentic experience.
You’ll enjoy:
Whether you're crossing the Atlantic, cruising the coast of Croatia, or exploring the volcanic islands of the South Pacific, small ship ocean cruising delivers depth, comfort, and authenticity with every nautical mile.
Ocean cruising is available year-round, with itineraries following the seasons and climate patterns of each region:
At Small Ship Travel, we curate only the best ocean cruise experiences for discerning travelers. We know the ships, the routes, and the difference between a good itinerary and an extraordinary one. Whether you're seeking coastal elegance, cultural immersion, or expeditionary adventure, we guide you to the ideal voyage for your style and interests.
Through our trusted cruise partnerships, we offer exclusive benefits designed to enhance your journey. These include shipboard credits, cabin upgrades, private shore excursions, and custom travel extensions. You'll also gain access to early-booking promotions and limited-availability sailings that are often difficult to find elsewhere. From your first conversation with us to post-cruise follow-up, our team provides personalized service every step of the way.
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
Get in the mood for cruising by reading our travel guides, recommendations and cruise reviews.
There is a moment I return to often when I think about why I do this work. It was 2008. I was staffing a university travel event when a woman approached the booth — not to ask about a specific trip, but to unload a frustration. She had spent weeks trying to plan a river cruise and had nearly given up. "There are hundreds of options," she told me. "I have no idea how to compare them. I don't know which companies are reputable, which ships are actually what they claim to be, or who I can trust to help me." She left without booking anything. That conversation never left me. Because she wasn't describing a failure of desire — she clearly wanted to go. She was describing a failure of the industry to serve her. I had spent nearly 30 years watching small ship travel evolve from a niche for adventurous retirees into one of the most sophisticated, diverse, and rapidly expanding sectors in all of travel. That woman at the travel fair sparked a mission: build the resource that she deserved. What followed was Small Ship Travel.
The Galápagos Islands demand more than a typical cruise experience. Small ship cruises provide unparalleled wildlife access, expert-guided excursions, and visits to islands like Genovesa and Fernandina that larger vessels simply cannot reach.
River cruising offers a seamless and luxurious way to experience Europe’s most historic and scenic waterways, from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the imperial capitals of the Danube and the artistic treasures of the Seine. Unlike ocean cruises, these intimate voyages bring travelers directly into the heart of medieval villages, grand cities, and world-renowned wine regions, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. Along the way, passengers can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, savor locally inspired cuisine, and enjoy exclusive excursions, from private château tours to classical concerts in Vienna.
