Out To Sea: Small ships offer different experiences – London Free Press

One size doesnt fit all in these days of huge mega-floating resorts.

More cruise passengers are opting for small-ship cruising with dozens, not thousands, of their closest friends.

Theyre looking at voyages with a few fellow passengers up to several hundred, not multiple thousands that disgorge boatloads of visitors all at once at private islands and ports of call.

These ships include the Tugboat MV Swell for 12 guests and the Schooner Maple Leaf for eight, both from eco-tourism Maple Leaf Adventures of Victoria, B.C., to expedition ships, riverboats and yachts.

Forget, also, the crowds onboard lined up at the buffet, dining rooms, shows and packed shore excursions.

The largest at sea is Royal Caribbeans Harmony of the Seas that can carry a maximum of 6,687 guests and 2,193 crew.

Interest in travelling onboard ships with a smaller passenger capacity is on the rise, says Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA).

Cindy DAoust, president and chief executive of the industry trade association, said small-ship cruising allows for a unique and intimate cruise unlike any other.

The association has reviewed the small vessel category and has the following observations to help plan that perfect vacation.

Cruise the world

Small ships have the ability to sail to many destinations around the world, some of which are unattainable by larger ships.

They often can cruise along famous and historic rivers while offering themed itineraries that focus on different interests.

As an example, Avalon Waterways Danube Dreams for Beer Enthusiasts is a 10-day European voyage with ale-centric activities onboard and on land.

Avalons Golden Myanmar and the Alluring Irrawaddy cruise takes 36 passengers from Bhamo, near the border of China, along the Irrawaddy River.

Next year, Paul Gauguin Cruises will be the first line to visit the port city of Vairao in Tahiti Iti with its wild coastline, ancient temples, Polynesian culture and incredible surfing.

Tauck is taking travellers to far-reaching destinations ranging from Costa Rica and Antarctica to the Galapagos Islands with a deeper understanding of each destination in association with BBC Earth.

More intimate travel

Seabourn ships have fewer than 300 suites similar to private clubs where travellers share open decks, social spaces and enjoy personalized attention.

At its Caviar in the Surf beach barbecue, staff members plunge into the water to offer guests iced champagne and caviar at a surfboard bar.

The lines cruisers can also accompany the executive chef to the local market to buy products to be cooked in the ships kitchen.

Many large ships travel through the Panama Canal, but small vessels can offer a more intimate experience.

Windstar Cruises offers wet landings and access to ports such as Bahia Drake, Puerto Jimenez, Parida and Bocas del Toro in Costa Rica and Panama for personal experiences.

The lines Barcelona and Grand Prix of Monaco voyage allows cruisers to meet a Formula One racing expert and attend a cocktail reception.

More fun onboard, on shore

Theres no lack of amenities or entertainment with many smaller ships having a crew-to-traveller ratio of nearly one-on-one.

Among the lines are Emerald Waterways, Uniworld for Danube itineraries, Ama Waterways for personalized trips, Silversea Cruises for onboard enrichment programs, Regent Seven Seas for all-inclusive trips, Oceania for meals cooked to order and SeaDream in the Mediterranean.

Top destinations

CLIA reports that 25.8-million people are expected to take a cruise this year, up from 24.2million in 2016.

Top seven destinations are the Caribbean, Mediterranean, rest of Europe, Asia, Australia/New Zealand/Pacific, Alaska and South America.

The CLIA-member fleet is made up of 458 ships with 26 new vessels including 17 river ships added last year.

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Out To Sea: Small ships offer different experiences - London Free Press