I saw the photo above this morning of SeaDream II sailing under Tower Bridge, readying to dock just a few hundred yards further up the Thames next to HMS Belfast. It departs again on Saturday and we will even have a client on this sailing with an itinerary that features The Hague, Harlingen, Kiel, Fredericia, Copenhagen, Lysekil, finishing in Oslo. If you haven't heard of many of these ports, that's sort of my point (again) this week.
If you are on a large ship cruise with London listed as a port, you almost certainly dock in Southampton, which is 80 miles and a 2-hour drive from London.
In the paradoxical world of modern cruising, I think we're at a fascinating crossroads. On one hand, the sheer scale of newly launched mega-ships, veritable floating cities, continues to astound. With their dizzying array of amenities - water parks, robot bartenders, even full-sized Central Parks - they offer an unparalleled, all-inclusive resort experience designed to cater to every whim, often at an accessible price point. They are, quite simply, massive marvels of engineering and entertainment, attracting a broad spectrum of travelers seeking a vibrant, diverse vacation.
Yet, simultaneously, the small ship cruise market is booming with equal vigor. From intimate river barges navigating historic European waterways to luxury yachts exploring hidden coves in the Mediterranean, these vessels offer a stark contrast: a focus on destination immersion, personalized service, and access to the "un-mass-marketed" corners of the globe. It's a reflection of a growing segment of travelers who prioritize authenticity, curated experiences, and a more serene, less crowded journey.
I see this not as a conflict, but rather a testament to the ever-evolving desires of today's traveler, proving that whether you seek the bustling energy of a floating metropolis or the quiet luxury of an exclusive escape, the perfect cruise experience is out there for you.
Prodded by my own slight bias though, here is another article featuring small ship experiences. Click the pictures for a few specially selected itineraries.
1. SeaDream Yacht Club
SeaDream's motto, "It's Yachting, Not Cruising," perfectly encapsulates their philosophy. With just two intimate mega-yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, hosting a maximum of 112 guests, they offer an unparalleled level of personalized service and a distinctly unregimented ambiance. Their signature experiences include the "Champagne & Caviar Splash" beach party, sleeping under the stars on Balinese Dream Beds, and a retractable watersports marina at the stern offering complimentary use of jet skis, kayaks, and more.
They specialize in visiting charming, smaller ports and secluded coves in the Caribbean and Mediterranean that larger ships simply cannot access, creating a true private yachting escape.
2. HX Expeditions
HX Expeditions leverages over 125 years of polar expertise to offer immersive and sustainable expedition voyages to the world's most remote and awe-inspiring destinations, primarily the Arctic and Antarctica, but also to destinations like Alaska and the Galápagos. Their fleet, including the world's first hybrid-powered expedition ships, is designed for exploration with a focus on scientific discovery and environmental responsibility.
Onboard, a dedicated expedition team of scientists and naturalists provides enriching lectures and guides daily Zodiac excursions, kayaking, and hiking, ensuring deep engagement with the unique wildlife and landscapes of these pristine regions.
3. Azamara
Azamara champions "Destination Immersion," distinguishing itself with longer stays in port, more overnights, and late departures, allowing guests to truly delve into local cultures and nightlife. Their boutique-style ships, provide a comfortable, club-like ambiance with attentive service. A hallmark of Azamara is their signature "AzAmazing Evenings"—complimentary, bespoke cultural events held ashore in iconic settings, from classical concerts in ancient amphitheatres to local performances in town squares. This deep focus on onshore experiences ensures guests connect authentically with each destination.
4. Swan Hellenic
Swan Hellenic combines luxury expedition cruising with a strong emphasis on cultural enrichment and "seeing what others don't." Their new ice-class ships, featuring elegant Scandinavian-inspired interiors, offer a boutique hotel-at-sea experience while venturing to off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Arctic, Antarctica, and cultural hotspots across the globe.
What sets them apart is their curated itineraries focused on art, history, wildlife, and natural phenomena, complemented by expert onboard lecturers and unique shore excursions, including Zodiac tours to remote landing sites, allowing for a deeper understanding and appreciation of each destination.
5. Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages targets "spirited adventurers" with its modern, all-inclusive luxury expedition yachts. Their polar-class ships are designed for both rugged exploration in the Arctic and Antarctic and stylish voyages to warmer, culturally rich destinations. A key differentiator is their "All Inclusive All The Way" promise, covering everything from included shore excursions in many ports and premium beverages to prepaid gratuities and complimentary use of expedition gear.
They also feature unique elements like "Water's Edge Lookout" for up-close wildlife viewing and a focus on longer, more immersive port calls, appealing to those who seek both adventure and refined comfort.
Have we convinced you? Are you ready to go beyond the crowds and experience your very own small ship luxury cruise experience? Click the button below to get started.
Hi, I'm John, and I'm told I have a cool accent. I absolutely love travel and I am proud to have built a team as passionate about exploring the world as myself. It took me a very long time to align my career with my undeniable passion for exploring, but now I and the team are here for you. Your personal travel tailors - award reservation and luxury custom itinerary experts. We provide a bespoke service, imagining and creating itineraries for independent minded families and groups.
