If you want your cruise to include charming itineraries, personalised cruise experiences, and off-the-beaten-path destinations, small ship cruises are the best way to achieve this. They’re your ticket to exploring the world in a more intimate and immersive way, while still enjoying all the luxurious amenities that you find on larger cruise ships.
What are small ship cruises?
In cruising terms, a small ship cruise is one that holds fewer than 800 passengers. Unlike some of the larger cruise ships that can have over 3,500 people on board, smaller ship cruise lines are there to provide personalized ship journeys and more intimate cruise travel.
As you can imagine, there are lots of advantages of choosing this type of cruise. Smaller ships naturally mean fewer guests, which can make chatting to people and striking up new friendships much easier. Queues and crowds are very unlikely – so no having to wait to get a table in your favourite restaurant – and you’ll enjoy more space in public areas. You may also end up with a bigger cabin or suite compared with some of the larger ships.
Want unique cruise adventures? Smaller ships give you the option to explore a wider range of places and offbeat destinations. Due to their smaller size, these ships can sail down narrower waterways and go to secluded ports of call that the larger cruise ships simply can’t access. This means fewer people at ports, and thus more opportunities to explore at a relaxed, leisurely pace, without the need to fight your way through crowded streets and busy shops.
If you like the idea of all these advantages, plus the idea of not having to fly abroad to start your cruise, read on for three of our small ship travel recommendations that sail from the UK and have the best small ship itineraries.
Tailored UK departures with Fred. Olsen
Fred. Olsen cultivates a personal, friendly atmosphere onboard all its ships. This family-run company has three small ships – Bolette, Borealis and Balmoral – all of which offer intimate voyages. Life on board is geared towards making the most of the journey and the unique experience of being at sea, so you’ll find amazing food and drink, great entertainment and interesting activities.
Fred. Olsen sails from five UK ports – Dover, Southampton, Newcastle, Liverpool and Portsmouth – so whether you’re in the north or the south of the country, you’ll find a port to suit. This cruise line gives you the chance to head around the British Isles on coastal exploration cruises, or go further afield to Mediterranean countries including Greece, Italy and Cyprus.
Boutique cruise options with Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Regent Seven Seas Cruises positions itself at the luxury end of the small ship market, particularly with its all-suite experience. Regent prides itself on providing truly all-inclusive travel and unrivalled space at sea. Fares include unlimited short excursions, pre-paid gratuities, unlimited WiFi, access to speciality restaurants and much more.
Regent’s programme of hidden gems cruises sailing from the UK include its Isles of Legacy and Legend, where you can explore charming coastal towns in England, Ireland and Scotland from the luxury of its small ships. You can also sail from Southampton to Iceland to experience the land of fire and ice, or head on a North Sea odyssey to visit Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and Denmark.
UK departure cruises with Ambassador Cruise Line
Ambassador Cruise Line may be a small(er) ship cruise line but it has a mighty selection of adventures! Britain’s newest premium-value cruise line has a focus on 50+ age group but everyone is welcome onboard, and it also offers multi-generational cruises to give younger sailors a taste of life at sea.
All cruises from Ambassador are no-fly, with cruises departing (and, crucially, returning) from eight UK regional ports. And the list of destinations available is second to none: Ambassador really does sail the whole world, from Mediterranean and European cruises to Singapore, Australia, the Caribbean and South Africa. And for the ultimate small ship immersive voyage you could opt for a grand round the world cruise, which visits 24 countries over six continents.
Getting the best value for your UK small ship cruise
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