An Adventure Excursion: Getting the Most From Small Cruise Ships
In America, taking an ocean cruise is a trendy vacation choice. In 2022, almost 5 million passengers took a relaxing vacation cruise.
Going on a vacation can be necessary for many, primarily if you work long hours at a taxing job. If you have a family, small cruise ships make the perfect vacation.
When on a cruise, there are several things to do on board that can keep everyone entertained. It's also a way to see different parts of the world, with many cruises traveling around the Caribbean, Bermuda, Bahamas, and more.
So, what better way to experience life on the ocean than traveling on small cruise ships? Keep reading to make the most of your small cruise because here's how to make some great memories.
What Is a Small Cruise?
A small cruise is a sea vessel that can accommodate a specific number of passengers. The ship has various forms of entertainment, daily activities, and a luxurious restaurant.
Typically, small cruise ships have a capacity for between 12 and 200 passengers. This makes it a much more intimate experience than larger ships that accommodate up to 3,000 guests.
Small cruise packages can span several days, making it an efficient way to spend a short vacation. Small cruise ships focus on a more personal experience and typically have higher standards. While smaller ships will have fewer amenities and activities than larger ships, those amenities can still include the following:
- Bars
- Spa Services
- Luxury Lounges
- Small Casinos
- A Movie Theatre
- A Restaurant
- Live Musicians
Popular Small Cruise Destinations
If you're booking a small cruise, you'll have the choice of traveling to several destinations. You can stay local and visit ports around America or purchase international small cruise packages. Popular small cruise destinations include places such as:
- Alaska
- Hawaii
- Caribbean
- Canada
- Thailand
- Greenland
- San Juan Islands
- New Zealand
- Asia
Another benefit that makes small cruise adventures so enticing is that taking a smaller cruise means visiting smaller ports that the larger ships can't access. This allows for a more cultural experience because you can see more of the country you're traveling to.
Booking a Small Cruise and Other Small Ship Tips
Now that we have you interested in booking a small cruise, let's review some small ship tips that you should know before parting with your hard-earned money. There are five things you need to know.
1. Consider The Travel Date
When booking a small cruise, choose your travel dates wisely. If you're flexible with your time, consider traveling during a region's early season. Doing this is an excellent way to have small cruise adventures on a budget.
You also want to ensure the season matches with the activities you plan on doing. For example, if you want to see the Northern Lights in Alaska, the best time to visit is winter or early spring.
2. Plan Your Ports
Another of our small cruise tips is to know which ports your small cruise will be stopping at. Unlike the larger ships, small cruise ships can visit ports you've never heard of. This is why knowing where you're going is essential to have a rough idea of what you want to do at each stop.
3. Bring Motion Sickness Medicine
Many people get seasick from traveling on the ocean, so it's wise to pack some seasickness medication just in case. Most ships will have modern stabilizers to help keep the rolling to a minimum, but some people are more sensitive and still feel ill regardless. Remember to pack enough for the whole vacation.
4. Pack Light
When booking a small cruise, it's important to remember to pack light. While larger ships typically have more room to store your luggage, small cruise ships will have significantly less space.
5. Be Prepared To Mingle
Compared to larger cruises, you have significantly fewer passengers on board on a small cruise. With 200 or fewer passengers, you'll likely encounter the same people several times, so come prepared to mingle and be friendly.
Small Cruise Ships and Kids
If you're traveling with children, you can still enjoy small cruise adventures. However, traveling with small kids vastly differs from traveling with adults only. That's why we've got some advice for you when taking children on a small cruise.
1. Pick a Kid-Friendly Cruise
The most important tip we can give you when traveling with kids is to pick your cruise carefully. Because they're so intimate, small cruise ships can often limit the age of children allowed onboard.
For example, some ships require children to be six and older, so ensure you choose a cruise with a kid-friendly itinerary. This includes activities onboard and shore excursions.
2. Pick an All-Inclusive Cruise
When traveling with children, it can get expensive to feed everyone. For this reason, looking for all-inclusive small cruise packages is essential. This means you won't have to pay extra for things such as:
- Meals
- Drinks
- Onboard activities
3. Pack The Right Stuff
Kids can get bored on a small cruise ship quickly, so another tip is to pack the right things. While things like towels, toiletries, and linens are provided, you must pack things like flip-flops, swimsuits, and snorkeling gear.
4. Review the Dining Times
A small cruise will have a more limited dining schedule, unlike larger cruises. This means it's best to plan your activities around this schedule because kids get hungry quickly when there's a full day of activities. If there is more than one dining session, book earlier so your children can eat sooner.
Reserve Your Small Cruise Adventure Now
If you are craving an adventure that's far unlike anything you've ever done, it's time to consider booking a small cruise. With so many destinations to choose from, exciting excursions, and exquisite onboard dining, small cruise ships are a great way to make great memories with the family. However, remember to choose your date wisely, pack light, and plan ahead!
If you're looking for great cruise deals, visit our site and see what we offer. Our adventure specialists are waiting to plan a fantastic itinerary for you.