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A cruising experience on one of the luxury small cruise ships is a great introduction to cruising for first timers. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by the thousands of other passengers — and the sheer massive size of the ocean cruiser itself — the focus is on creating intimate connections. The 100-passenger Emerald Azzurra, an ocean-sailing yacht from Emerald Cruises, is small enough to tuck into small ports, so passengers can be in town straight away when docked.
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You'll find an ocean-view fitness center, a small spa and an outdoor pool with two hot tubs. SeaDream Yacht Club's 40-year-old ships may not be new, but they're still some of the prettiest classic luxury yachts afloat. However, they're spacious, recently refurbished, and feature wood details that evoke a classic nautical feel. I've sailed on more than 125 cruise ships of all sizes, but my favorites have never been the big "floating resorts." Imagine savoring a gourmet meal as you pass quaint villages and historic landmarks, or listening to captivating stories from onboard experts who share their knowledge about the cultures that have thrived along these waterways for centuries. The intimate size of the ship allows you to truly immerse yourself in the experience, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
Sea Cloud Cruises: Sea Cloud I
In Viking's eyes (and ours, too), that means Viking will be able to offer the most consistent product on the river. Unlike some other Western companies operating in Egypt, Viking will have complete control of the experience. The river ship also has a swanky sun deck where you can kick back on shaded loungers while enjoying 360-degree views of the ancient Egyptian temples that line the waterway. The views are almost as grand from its main restaurant, which sits high on the ship and features floor-to-ceiling glass walls. Here, we look at three of the very smallest new cruise vessels of them all, all of which are in the process of starting up service on rivers and oceans from South America to Asia. Much of the buzz in the cruise world in recent years has been about a new crop of megaships that can carry many thousands of passengers and are packed to the gills with over-the-top attractions.
best small cruise ships, according to readers
The German company has traditionally catered to German and British passengers. As part of its effort to expand its reach and appeal, Sea Cloud is adding wellness programs with daily onboard yoga and guest fitness gurus, in addition to special food- and wine-focused sailings with well-known chefs making appearances. Whether it's a river or an ocean you want to cruise, Scenic can take you there in style.
For decidedly less academic pursuits, Viking Octantis has a fitness center and a spa that includes a lovely indoor pool with sea views, plus a sauna, snow grotto (with snowflakes descending gently from the ceiling through chilled air) and outdoor spa tub. It features an appealing seating area facing the sea and an ocean-view sauna. The windowed fitness center and spa area includes an ocean-view sauna and the infinity pool at the back of Deck 5 boasts killer views. Elegant interiors include a main restaurant, several lounges and bars where drinks are all included, a plush lecture hall, a cafe for coffee and snacks, and spacious balcony suites that start from 355 square feet (including the balcony). While small luxury ships typically have fancy owners' suites, the pair of top accommodations on Scenic Eclipse is on another level.
The ship's 12 crew members include wellness professionals (wellness is a big focus for the brand), naturalist guides and a local chef. There also are two local expert guides on board, who will provide insight as Kontiki Wayra stops at small Ecuadorian towns, historic sites and nature areas full of wildlife. If you've always wanted to explore the coast of Ecuador in style, this is your vehicle.
Designed to travel to off-the-beaten-path places along the country's coastline, the 18-passenger Kontiki Wayra is as upscale as it is intimate. We have just returned from a 16 day cruise to Tasmania and New Zealand on Silversea “Silver Whisper”. It’s chic and refined, with a suite of, well, suites that wouldn’t look out of place at a storied hotel on land. Each one houses a marble bathroom (some with whirlpools), balcony and living area, together with a bar ready-stocked with beverages. Hurtigruten also takes in destinations like the Galapagos, Svalbard and the Northwest Passage, and the West Coast of Africa, together with the explorations in search of the Northern Lights. What hasn’t changed, however, is the exceptional onboard service and comfort.
The Atlas Ocean Voyages ship has terrific outdoor spots for remarkable views (not hogged by a helipad or stern and aft suite balconies), including a close-to-the-water spot on Deck 5 forward and a "secret" arc of deck on Deck 6 aft. On board, many rooms are veranda suites measuring 356 square feet (including a private balcony), all with marble baths. The largest Grand and Owner's suites are massive multi-room affairs with huge private verandas. An impressively kitted-out expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse has an ice-strengthened hull with a C6 rating suited for polar cruising, including navigating the Northwest Passage.
SEABOURN SUBMARINES: THE EXPEDITION
The Best Luxury Cruises Of 2024 - Forbes
The Best Luxury Cruises Of 2024.
Posted: Thu, 14 Sep 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be. Luxury cruising provides you with a refined experience, but if you’re looking for the ultimate in personalised service, small ship cruising will offer it. Newcomer Ocean Victory is large for a small cruise ship, which allows it to offer more on its Alaska expeditions.
The 930-guest Viking Orion offers all-veranda staterooms with amenities like free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs and heated bathroom floors. It’s also the first ship in the fleet to feature a high-tech planetarium in a 26-seat dome theater. The 600-passenger Seabourn Ovation, sister ship to Seabourn Encore, attracts passengers with its inclusive cruise fares that even include unlimited caviar. Dining options abound, including alfresco dining at Earth & Ocean at The Patio. For the ultimate luxury small ship cruising experience, Silversea, Seabourn, Explora Journeys, and Seadream have options around the world for you.
When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. Four dining options include Manfredi's Italian and several attractive lounges, such as the windowed Aula auditorium for lectures.
The ship attracts a loyal fan base thanks to its roomy size and cabins that open onto covered promenade decks (rather than a central interior corridor). It even features a hot tub on deck and an elevator, a rarity on older small adventure ships like this. I also gravitate to the off-beat itineraries small ships offer because they focus on unusual and remote places that only small vessels can access. For the best in-suite views, book a room at the back of the ship, Kelly Cochrane, executive chef of Regent Seven Seas Cruises tells T+L. As you indulge in luxurious comfort, engage in meaningful interactions, and discover hidden gems along the route, you’ll come to appreciate the magic of small ship cruising — an experience in which each moment feels tailored just for you. Whether you’re seeking relaxation, adventure, or a blend of both, small-ship cruises offer an exceptional and customized way to explore the world’s most beautiful waterways.
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