The Top Small Luxury Cruise Lines and Their Small Ships
Willing to make your cruise journey more elegant? Do not get enchanted by huge vessels and book a cruise itinerary with one of the best small cruise lines in the world. These small liners offer more luxury and comfort as there are fewer people onboard. A smaller, luxurious vessel feels more like a private yacht where you get personal attention.
Small luxury cruise ships have an intimate ambiance, and they offer unforgettable access to hidden gems around the world.
So, if you crave a quieter and more personalized experience, explore the best of the world through the ocean. These small ships take you to some popular destinations, with some lesser-known ports in the itinerary that larger ships do not.
But how do you find a small luxury cruise line to travel with on an intimate ship? Here in this guide, we have a list of the best small luxury cruise ships from popular cruise lines. Let’s find out about them.
The Best Small Luxury Cruise Lines And Their Intimate Ships
Does a small, intimate cruise ship adventure has always been your dream? Well, you can fulfill it now with our easy guide to the best small luxury cruise ships. Here is the list:
1. Emerald Azzurra
Guest Capacity: 100
The modern and sleek ship of Emerald Cruises, Emerald Azzura, is a perfect cruise ship for those seeking a more intimate experience. It focuses on offering personalized service in a more exclusive setting. Major activities include Kayaking, Snorkeling, and Swimming on its watersports platform. Its small size means that it can reach smaller, more secluded ports and adds more unique destinations to your trip, which larger ships can not excess.
2. Celebrity Xploration
Guest Capacity: 16
YESS! With only 16 guests, it's one of the smallest luxury cruise ships owned by Celebrity Cruises. Majorly based in Galapagos Island, this ship offers an intimate cruising experience. You will experience an in-depth journey through the Galapagos with a highly exclusive atmosphere aboard this ship. Enjoy the incredible wildlife of the island and relax at the pristine beaches without the crowds aboard this small luxury ship and have a perfect experience on the high sea.
3. Silver Origin
Guest Capacity: 100
The Silver Origin is a luxury expedition ship of Silversea Cruises. It operates year-round in the Galapagos archipelago and has all ocean-view suites. It is a perfect ship for guests who want to enjoy shore excursions led by expert naturalists and relax in spacious suites. If you are not a fan of the heavy crowds and need a luxurious holiday anyway, Silver Origin is your ultimate option. Silversea is one of the best small luxury cruise lines and you can enjoy aboard Silver Origin to take in the best views.
4. Sea Cloud, Sea Cloud II, and Sea Cloud Spirit
Guest Capacity: 64 to 136
The Sea Cloud series of ships by SeaDream Yacht Club offer you a unique and historical cruise experience aboard its majestic vessels. Most of them are sailing ships- powered by the wind and require a skilled crew to hoist the sails om a centuries-old ritual. All these shops offer the romance and charm of old-world sailing while enjoying modern luxury in their relaxing cabins. Major destinations you can visit include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and the Adriatic.
5. Viking Octantis
Guest Capacity: 378
Viking Octantis is also an expedition ship mainly built for Viking Expedition Cruises, a division of Viking Cruises. If you want to spend your days at sea only with adults away from kids or banter, this ship offers you a perfect experience with your partner or friends. You can mostly find scientific and nature-based expeditions with them and sail on unique itineraries to the Arctic, Antarctic, and the Great Lakes. This is one of the best small luxury cruise ships and blends adventure with comfort for your perfect holiday journeys.
6. Crystal Endeavor
Guest Capacity: 200
What’s better than a cruising experience aboard the best small cruise ships? Yes, Crystal Endeavor by Crystal Cruises is a perfect example of luxury cruising and an intimate experience. It has a passenger capacity of 200, making it an extremely perfect experience for everyone onboard. Spaces are great, and you can have personal time anywhere you like because nothing is overcrowded. It has all-suite accommodations, making it even better for expedition cruising.
7. Hebridean Princess
Guest Capacity: 50
Hebridean Princess may not be your first choice for cruising because it is not a famous liner across the world. But if you want to explore Scottish Highlands and islands on a luxurious and highly personalized setting, this ship does wonders. You can enjoy picturesque Hebrides Islands on its charming small luxury cruise ships and savor fine dining experiences in a relaxed environment. Operated by Hebridean Island Cruises this ship is particularly for those looking to explore Scotland via the high seas.
8. Le Ponant
Guest Capacity: 32-88
Adventure and elegance combined are what Le Ponant offers as the best small cruise lines in the French region. This cruise line offers elegant yacht-style cruise experiences to some of the most secluded yet exotic locations across the globe. You can have an intimate cruising experience, explore the open waters in its beautifully designed cabins, and enjoy luxurious amenities.
9. Wind Star & Wind Spirit
Guest Capacity: 312
Still, looking for an ultra-luxury vessel that is large enough to ensure you get all the VIP treatment you seek? Star Breeze By Windstar Cruises gives you that treatment. You can rest assured that you’ll be looked after while at sea when aboard Star Breeze. This is slightly larger than other small luxury cruise ships but still offers a great, intimate experience with over-the-top services and attention to detail.
10. Seabourn Quest – Seabourn Cruise Line
Guest Capacity: 450
It is relatively larger than other smaller cruise ships, but Seabourn is known for being the best in Luxury among other small cruise lines. So, it offers you a unquie experience on the high seas. You can enjoy personalized service and a perfect atmosphere aboard SDeabourn Quest. It is an intimate ship with spacious suites and gourmet dining. You can also enjoy personalized service throughout your cruise trips with the liner.
Why Should You Choose a Small Luxury Cruise?
Selecting the best small cruise lines for a luxury cruise experience is a task. But you must choose small ships over large vessels because of several reasons. They are great for a personalized experience and offer access to destinations where larger ships can not reach. Other such reasons include:
Intimate Atmosphere
With fewer people onboard, you get a cozier, close-knit experience. You’ll recognize faces and make connections that feel more personal.
Access to Unique Ports
Small ships can go where big ships can’t. You’ll dock at secluded bays, charming coastal towns, and smaller harbors.
High-End Service
Small luxury cruise lines pride themselves on giving guests first-class service. Expect attention to every detail with a crew that quickly learns your preferences.
Luxury Amenities
Many small ships are packed with amenities like gourmet dining, spas, and even butler service—all this without crowds!
Sustainable Travel
Many small cruise lines focus on eco-friendly practices, making them a great choice for eco-conscious travelers.
With all these advantages, it’s no wonder many people are drawn to small luxury cruise ships for a refined, unique travel experience.
Why Book with Wizfaircruise?
Wizfaircruise is your ultimate choice for the best cruising experience and we can get you inside access to some of the perfect cruise deals for your upcoming vacations. You can enjoy travel with some of the major cruise lines aboard their boutique ships where you can get VIP treatment and travel the world through the beautiful oceans. Some major reasons to book with us include:
- Top Cruise Lines
- Choice of Departure Ports
- Special Cruise Deals
- Value for Money Services
- Expert Team for Assistance
- 100% Safety Guarantee
- A Cruise for Everyone
Ready to explore the world on a cruise that’s high on luxury and low on crowds? Choose the best small cruise lines and board their luxury ships. Start Planning your cruise adventure today and set sail to a journey full of surprises with your favorite liner.
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