Hidden Ocean Gems: Don't Fear Small Cruise Ships

Although large cruise ships are very popular in the market, there are excellent options available in small cruise ships if you want to travel in more intimate surroundings like those on the Seven Seas Navigator from the Regent Seven Seas Cruises corporation. Vessels of this type cater to a particular kind of traveler and although they do not offer the ocean-going resort atmosphere of their larger brethren, they have a unique charm and comfort all their own.

What Are Small Cruise Ships?

"Little" cruise ships normally carry 500 passengers or less and concentrate on offering more personalized service to their guests. The average ratio of crewmen per passenger on such vessels is approximately 1:5. Rather than being overwhelmed by a huge array of activities and entertainment venues, these smaller ships often go to very specific destinations with key purposes in mind, for instance wildlife viewing off the coast of Alaska or cruising through the Panama Canal. In the more intimate environment of a smaller ship passengers and crew can socialize and interact without feeling they are part of a huge crowd or that their every move is being directed.

Which Are The Best Small Cruise Ships?

The Seabourn Spirit and the Seabourn Legend are luxury, five star liners that travel between Europe and the African continent. Owned by the Seabourn Cruise Line company, both ships have a capacity of 208 passengers and a crew of 150. Both ships have received several awards, like the 2000 Berlitz, the Frommer's 2001 and the Stern's Guide to the Cruise Vacation for 2000 and 2001.

Featuring all-outside cabins and a marina platform for aquatic sports, the Paul Gauguin was the first cruise vessel to be located year round in Tahiti. With a capacity of 320 passengers and a crew of 210, it offers a unique, luxurious experience to the traveler. According to Berlitz, it has a rating of 4+ stars.

The Silver Cloud cruise ship is part of the Silversea line of small cruise ships. Its fleet is also composed of the Silver Wind, the Silver Shadow and the Silver Whisper. Although each of these vessels was designed to offer top quality service, each is unique in its own right.

Continue to: The Most Famous and Small Cruise Ships