Ten of the best small-ship cruises
Table Of Content

Even better, Norwegian's ships offer an exclusive studio for solo guests, where passengers can chat, grab snacks and get to know one another. The line's not stopping there -- it's expanding the number of solo cabins across its entire fleet. Paul Gauguin Cruises operates just one ship, but it is exquisite, hosting 330 guests and sailing only in the South Pacific to destinations like Tahiti, Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook Islands. The ship is small enough to access private ports at remote beaches and take travelers well off the beaten path. Named the best small-ship ocean cruise line in T+L's 2022 World's Best Awards, Golden said the line is known for Tahitian-inspired massage techniques in the onboard spa and noted that cruisers particularly love the wonderful staff.
The relationship between ship size and luxury
See the lines and ships that best represent excellence in ocean and luxury cruising, chosen by Cruise Critic's international team of editors. On Viking ocean ships, Scandinavian design details, such as the glass-enclosed Wintergarden, with high ceilings and natural lighting in its pool and lounge areas, are showcased throughout. French line Ponant’s Le Commandant Charcot is the world’s most luxurious icebreaker—and one of the best cruise ships in the world.
Search
Slightly bigger than its sister ships, Viking Vela will hold 998 passengers at double occupancy — 68 more than its siblings. But it'll still be less than a third the size of the giant ships operated by such well-known cruise brands as Royal Caribbean, MSC Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line. In addition to asymmetry in many areas, one thing that will be particularly noticeable about Silver Ray is its spaciousness — something it will share with Silver Nova. At 54,700 tons, the two ships are about 34% bigger than Silversea's last three new vessels — Silver Muse, Silver Moon and Silver Dawn — but they are designed to hold only about 22% more passengers. Plus, the top deck of the ship is getting some unusual-for-Princess sizzle with the addition of a glass-dome-topped pool area that will transform into a nightspot after the sun goes down.
Explora Journeys’ Explora I

The long and narrow pool won't be in the middle of the deck but offset to its starboard side, and it'll be oriented to face outward to the sea. Nearly all the lounge chairs around the pool will face in the same direction toward the sea, too. The newest ship for the luxury line Silversea Cruises is a sister to the brand's recently unveiled Silver Nova — a groundbreaking vessel that has been turning heads since it debuted in August. As is always the case for Cunard vessels, Queen Anne will have a soaring Grand Lobby with a cascading staircase where you can take selfies in your formal night splendor. That staple of all Cunard ships, the ballroom known as the Queens Room, is also making a comeback.

Navigator – Regent Seven Seas
You won't find big water parks, kiddie splash zones, zip lines or bumper car pavilions on this ship. The vessel also has multiple pool areas, a water park, a miniature golf course and a rock climbing wall on its top deck. It also has one of Royal Caribbean's signature Royal Promenades in its interior — a mall-like space filled with eateries, bars and shops.
11 of the best transatlantic cruises for a once-in-a-lifetime sailing - The Times
11 of the best transatlantic cruises for a once-in-a-lifetime sailing.
Posted: Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:48:18 GMT [source]
Windstar Cruises
Noted hospitality designer Adam D. Tihany had yachts in mind when he designed Seabourn’s ultra-luxe, 600-passenger Seabourn Ovation, as well as sister ships Seabourn Encore and Seabourn Odyssey. He likes to describe the ships as “sexy,” for their smooth corners and tactile fabrics. The ships have an at-home quality—if you happen to live in an art-filled modern mansion.
Travel
The right accommodation can enhance your cruise experience, providing you with a comfortable retreat after a day of adventure, but some choices may turn out to be an expensive mistake. The first, Marquee, will be an alfresco dining venue that is also off-center, with an orientation that offers commanding views of the sea from the ship's port side. It'll be home to The Grill, Silversea's signature outdoor "hot rocks" dining venue, and also double as the ship's Spaccanapoli pizza outlet. The second venue, The Dusk Bar, will be an open-air sky bar at the back of the vessel that, like Marquee, is positioned on the port side of the ship.
The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024 - Condé Nast Traveller
The Best Cruise Ships in the World: The Gold List 2024.
Posted: Fri, 29 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
The redesigned pool deck also encourages time in the sunny outdoors, or in the shade, in a top-deck bar and in two deep-tank pools linked by sunken seating. At the ship’s aft end, take in spectacular views of the horizon at another swimming spot, the Wakeview Pool. In the elegant three-deck Piazza atrium, sip a latte, enjoy a gelato or savor a glass of wine while people-watching and catching performances by street performers — just as you might in Italy. For a special dinner, check out Bistro Sur La Mer, created by acclaimed French chef Emmanuel Renaut, for pâté or escargot followed by coquilles St. Jacques (scallops) or seared duck.
Scarlet Lady – Virgin Voyages
Sun Princess initially will sail in Europe through the fall before repositioning to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, for voyages to the Caribbean. Fares start at $467 per person, not including taxes and fees, for a five-night Caribbean sailing. Carnival Jubilee is sailing seven-night voyages to the Western Caribbean out of Galveston. At 78,808 tons, Rhapsody of the Seas is a third the size of the biggest Royal Caribbean ships. Expect a more intimate experience than what you'll find on the bustling Icon-class, Oasis-class, Quantum-class and Freedom-class ships mentioned above.
A few are very high-end, including the first ship from the new Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, but many are more affordable — fun for a cruise with kids or a grownup getaway. Disney Treasure will sail seven-night voyages to the Caribbean and the Bahamas out of Port Canaveral. The ship will hold 2,500 passengers at double occupancy (two passengers per cabin) and up to 4,000 passengers with every berth filled.
Scientists are on board conducting research and discussing topics such as climate change. Zodiac-boat exploration led by naturalists gets you close to both ice and wildlife. There’s also the opportunity for polar kayaking, ice fishing, dogsledding, and snowshoeing, depending on the destination.
Surfside notably will feature splash areas for babies and kids, pools and lounge spaces for parents, family-friendly eateries and shops, and a bar with "mommy and me" matching mocktails for kids and cocktails for grownups. The new ships from Cunard and Princess Cruises will both feature notable updated designs for the brands, with an expanded lineup of restaurants, bars and entertainment areas. Icon of the Seas is just one of two major new Royal Caribbean cruise ships arriving in 2024. Also on the way is Utopia of the Seas, the sixth and final vessel in the line's hugely successful Oasis Class of ships. Dating to 1997, Rhapsody of the Seas is one of Royal Caribbean's oldest and smallest vessels, and it lacks nearly all the gee-whiz attractions for families found on newer Royal Caribbean ships.
Comments
Post a Comment