Luxury small ship cruises are the fastest-growing corner of the cruise world, and it is easy to see why. Instead of sharing the ship with five or six thousand people, you might be one of a few hundred. There are no queues, the crew know your name, and the ship can slip into tiny harbours and anchor off islands the big ships simply cannot reach.
The short answer if you are wondering where to start: Silversea, Seabourn, Regent Seven Seas and Explora Journeys for all-inclusive ocean luxury, Azamara for destination-focused voyages with longer stays in port, and yacht-style lines such as Emerald Cruises for the most intimate experience. Here is how they compare, and where you can sail from the UK.
What counts as a small ship cruise?
There is no official definition, but as a rule of thumb:
- Yacht-style and expedition ships: up to around 250 guests
- Small luxury ships: roughly 250 to 1,000 guests
- Mid-size ships: around 1,000 to 2,000 guests
- Large and mega ships: 2,000 guests and upwards, with the biggest carrying well over 5,000
Most luxury small ship cruises fall into the first two groups. What really sets them apart is not just the guest count but the space and staffing: lots of room per guest and close to one crew member for every guest or two.
Why choose luxury small ship cruises?
- They go further: smaller ships can dock right in town, sail up rivers and reach ports with shallow or narrow harbours.
- Getting ashore is quick: with a few hundred guests, tendering and disembarking take minutes, not hours.
- Everything feels personal: from your butler or stewardess to the bar team, service is the whole point.
- Most are all-inclusive: drinks, gratuities, Wi-Fi and dining are usually built into the fare.
- Longer, later port stays: many itineraries include overnights or late departures, so you can have dinner ashore.
Where can smaller ships go that big ships can’t?
This is where small ships really earn their keep. A few favourites:
- London’s Tower Bridge: some small luxury ships sail up the Thames and moor in the heart of the city.
- Bordeaux and Rouen: sailing up the Garonne and the Seine right into the city centre.
- Portofino, Saint-Tropez and Monaco: chic Riviera harbours where only small ships can get close.
- Smaller Greek and Croatian islands: places like Patmos, Hydra, Hvar and Korcula.
- Remote Norwegian fjords and Arctic harbours: villages in Lofoten and narrow fjords off the main routes.
Which cruise lines have small luxury ships?
Silversea
All-suite ships with butler service for every guest, drinks included and one of the best expedition fleets at sea. Read our full guide to Silversea cruises from the UK.
Seabourn
Elegant, intimate ships with all-suite accommodation, a relaxed all-inclusive style and a famous marina platform on some ships for swimming and water sports straight from the ship.
Regent Seven Seas
Spacious all-suite ships with one of the most inclusive fares in cruising, often including shore excursions as well as drinks and gratuities.
Explora Journeys
Ocean residences with a contemporary, boutique hotel feel, from the MSC Group. Our guide to what’s included on Explora Journeys covers the fare in detail.
Azamara
Small ships focused on destination immersion, with more overnights and late nights in port than most lines. A more relaxed, upper-premium style rather than ultra-luxury.
Emerald Cruises and other yacht-style lines
Superyacht-style ships carrying around 100 guests, with a marina platform, an informal feel and itineraries packed with smaller ports. Read more about Emerald’s luxury yachts.
Two more worth knowing: Fred. Olsen and Ambassador are not luxury lines, but their smaller, mid-size ships sail from regional UK ports and reach places the mega ships cannot, which makes them a good middle ground.
Small ship cruises from Southampton and other UK ports
You do not always have to fly. Silversea, Seabourn, Azamara and Regent Seven Seas all run selected sailings from Southampton or other UK ports, typically around the British Isles, to Norway and the Baltic, or down to Western Europe and the Mediterranean. Fred. Olsen and Ambassador sail from a wide range of UK ports throughout the year. These luxury no-fly sailings are limited and popular, so it pays to plan ahead. Our guide to luxury no-fly cruises from the UK goes into more detail.
Best small ship cruises for the Norwegian fjords
Norway is one of the very best places for a small ship. Smaller vessels can reach narrower fjords and little harbours away from the main cruise ports, and with fewer guests, the scenic sailing feels far more peaceful from the deck. Look for itineraries that include Lofoten, the far north or the quieter western fjords, as well as the classics like Geirangerfjord. Our Norwegian fjords cruise guide covers the routes and the best time to go.
Are small ships right for you?
Small ships are perfect if you love destinations, good food and a quieter atmosphere. They are less suited to families with young children, or anyone who wants big production shows, waterparks and a choice of twenty bars. And while modern small ships are very stable, you may feel more movement in rough seas than on a giant ship, so choose your itinerary and cabin with that in mind. For a wider look at where each style of cruise fits, read which cruise line is right for you.
Luxury small ship cruise FAQs
What is the best small ship cruise line?
It depends on your style. Silversea and Regent Seven Seas are hard to beat for all-inclusive luxury, Seabourn for an intimate yacht-like feel, and Azamara for longer stays in port.
Are smaller cruise ships better?
For many travellers, yes. You get more space per guest, better service, quicker embarkation and access to smaller ports. Bigger ships win on entertainment, activities and facilities for families.
Do smaller cruise ships rock more?
You can feel a little more movement in rough weather, but modern small ships have stabilisers and most voyages are very comfortable. A mid-ship cabin on a lower deck helps if you are prone to seasickness.
Can you take a small ship cruise from Southampton?
Yes. Lines including Silversea, Seabourn, Azamara and Regent Seven Seas offer selected sailings from Southampton, and Fred. Olsen and Ambassador sail regularly from UK ports.
How many people are on a small cruise ship?
Anything from around 100 guests on yacht-style ships to roughly 1,000 on larger luxury ships. Most boutique luxury ships carry somewhere between 400 and 750.
Booking luxury small ship cruises with Need That Cruise
Luxury small ship cruises vary more than you might think, in style, inclusions and the type of guest they attract, so the right advice really matters. Our team knows these lines well and will match you to the ship and itinerary that suit you, whether that is a no-fly voyage from Southampton or a Mediterranean yacht cruise with a hotel stay. Call us on 01724 808800 for a chat.
