Small Ships, not for everyone

Small Ships: Advantages and Disadvantages

Many times we get requests from people who are tired of the lines, crowds, and formality of the larger cruise lines, namely those holding more than 2,000 passengers. While we normally choose these lines because it is the mass market that we sell to, I do admit to sometimes feeling like cattle herded into the chute. Royal Caribbean’s newest ship, set to debut in December 2009, will have the capacity of over 5,400 passengers, and that does not count the crew! While the ship is huge, there are some people who would consider that number of passengers as just “too many fellow travelers”.

For this article let’s look at ships with a guest capacity of 500 or less. (Princess does have 3 ships that they call small, holding from 670 - 710 passengers.)

Small ships come in many classifications, such as expedition cruising, coastal and river cruising, sailing ships, soft-adventure cruises, freighter, and barge cruises. Because of their smaller size, these ships and get into smaller ports that are often gems as far as experiencing the native culture. One example that comes to mind is Petersburg, Alaska. It is a small fishing port that retains much of the Norwegian heritage of its founders. It is located in the Wrangle Narrows of Alaska’s Inside Passage, and the main stream larger cruise lines just don’t fit.

Small ships can also get closer to shore for wildlife viewing. You’re not going to see a bear when your large ship is several miles off shore. Many small ships are equipped with inflatable zodiacs, which can get you ‘”up close and personal” with whales, sea otters, and seals. Indeed the emphasis on small ships is more toward outdoor activities, nature and wilderness exploration. There is often a naturalist on board, and your evening “entertainment” is his lecture and slide show. No Broadway production shows or poker tournaments of these ships. The food is usually very good, often specializing in local cuisine, always fresh, and there is no assigned seating. There is also only one seating, and no room service. Also no grill by the pool, no pizza or ice cream parlors, and no place to buy your espresso mocha-chino latte. Most of the small ships are not suitable for families. There are no quad cabins nor children’s programs. Often there is no TV in your room, much less wi fi service.

Then there’s the “ride”. There are no stabilizers on these small ships, and when they get in the open seas, like the gulf of Alaska, they do bob around a little. Most do not have a doctor or nurse on board should you get sea sick or worse, but since they sail close to land they can put you off for any medical treatment needed. Cabins are simple, and there usually is not a large choice of cabin style, so if you’re the penthouse type, you won’t find any on the small ships. Very few small ships are equipped with elevators, or have handicap cabins, and are decidedly wheelchair unfriendly. Also, there are not a lot of activities to fill your day, since the emphasis is on the world beyond the ship.

The biggest advantage to small ship cruising: the personalized treatment you receive from the staff, who will know your name and preferences within a few days. The atmosphere is casual and intimate. Think bed and breakfast versus mega resort.

The biggest disadvantage: the price. Why are small ship cruises so expensive? Despite their size, large ships are often more fuel efficient. It costs almost as much to push a large ship through the water as a small ship. The fees that the ship pays for docking in a port of call are the same, regardless of the size. But on a small ship you have fewer people to divide that cost into. And if you have ever cruised before, you know the pitfalls to your pocketbook that exist on large ships: the casino, the spa treatments, the photographs, the bingo games, the art auctions, and the shore excursions. Remember that on many small ships, like Cruise West, the shore excursions are included in the cruise price.

So whether you want a barefoot windjammer cruise, where you actually become part of the crew, or more of an expedition experience, a coastal, river barge, or Great Lakes cruise, or even a freighter cruise (now that’s really roughing it), we can find the cruise and destination to fulfill your expectations.