- Posted: 26th May 2023
Have you ever wonder what it’s like taking a cruise to Mediterranean and the Caribbean beautiful islands on small ship cruises?
There are tons of exciting ways to explore the world on humongous cruise liners with eat-till-you-drop buffet and fancy waterslides, but why should you choose small luxury cruise lines instead?
While larger cruise ships are popular with all the perks, sailing on a small ship offer a unique and intimate experience that can take your vacation to the next level.
Gorgeous vacation destinations have become more accessible in the smalls cruise industry. They include Vienna Austria, Flam Norway, Raja Ampat Indonesia and not forgetting river cruises.
There is a growing demand to explore these islands and river destinations, and affordable small cruise ships operators such as aquaexpeditions are providing access to exclusive ports.
Here are 5 spellbinding reasons why you should consider choosing a small ship cruise for your next vacation getaway including our top 5 awesome small cruise destinations.
small luxury cruise lines
1. Homely And Personalized Experience
When you step on board a small ship cruise, you enter a world of intimate luxury. With fewer passengers on board, you’ll enjoy a more personalized experience.
The crew members are attentive and can cater to your individual needs, creating a warm and cozy environment. This friendly setting allows you to fully immerse yourself in the cruise and create lasting memories.
2. Access To Unique And Remote Destinations
Small ships have the advantage of accessing ports and destinations that larger vessels cannot dock. Actually, small ship cruises open up a world of unique and off-the-beaten-path destinations.
Imagine exploring picturesque fishing villages, discovering untouched natural wonders, and experiencing the authentic culture of remote locales. These exclusive destinations ensure that your cruise vacation is pretty exciting and enjoyable.
3. Enhanced Cultural and Nature Experiences
The thing is, small ship lines often prioritize cultural immersion and nature exploration. Expert local guides are usually engaged by the operators to accompany you on excursions, providing valuable insights into the local culture, history, and wildlife.
Whether you’re learning about ancient civilizations at archaeological sites, snorkeling among colorful coral reefs, or being close to wildlife in their natural habitats, these awesome experiences allow you to connect with the destinations on a deeper level.
4. Freedom and Flexibility
Most of the small cruise ships offer a greater degree of freedom and flexibility compared to larger vessels with tons of eager tourists.
With fewer passengers, you’ll encounter shorter embarkation and disembarkation, minimizing wait time for meals, and maximizing your time for exploring and relaxing.
Additionally, smaller ships can navigate narrow waterways, enabling access to hidden gems and avoiding overcrowded ports.
This freedom and flexibility ensure that you can make the most of your vacation and customize your itinerary to suit your preferences.
5. Unmatched Serenity and Relaxation
If you’re seeking a pretty serene and tranquil vacation, small cruises are the perfect choice. These small luxury cruise ships provide a peaceful environment, unlike overcrowded International cruise liners.
You can unwind on spacious decks, enjoy panoramic views of breathtaking coastlines, and bask in the beauty of nature without feeling overwhelmed by tourists snapping photos all around you.
The intimate ambiance, combined with personalized service, creates a serene atmosphere that allows you to truly relax and rejuvenate especially on small cruises.
small cruise ships island destinations
1. Raja Ampat
Raja Ampat ranks high on the list of the most ecologically rich unspoiled island destinations and breathtaking visual masterpieces.
The area has diverse beautiful views with picture-perfect islands settings like nature paintings or postcards.
The Raja Ampat diving experience is unique as you can dive below the ocean’s surface and experience the world in a fantastic way!
This stunning Indonesia island boast a marvelous underwater experience such as wrasse, manta rays and pygmy seahorses.
And if you like bird watching as an activity, Raja Ampat is a top-class location to observe the types of birds you have never seen before in their natural habitat.
Going on a small cruise cruise expedition to this beautiful place is pretty more than just sailing. It is an experience that stays with you for a lifetime!
2. Corsica
Corsica is a mountainous Mediterranean island south of France with a mix of quaint coastal towns, craggy peaks (with Monte Cinto being the highest) and dense forest.
Almost 50% of the island is situated within a park with hiking trails, including the GR 20. In addition, it has beaches stretching from the commune areas of Pietracorbara to remote Saleccia and Rondinara.
Since it became part of France in 1768, it has become a spectacular mountain scenery for outdoor lovers. Its Ajaccio port enables explorers to see and recall where Napoleon was born.
3. Côn Đảo
Vietnam’s Côn Đảo, an unfrequented gem off Phú Quốc island might be an excellent place for people looking to get far off the beaten path.
The archipelago off Vietnam’s south eastern coast is endowed with nature’s attractive offerings. The Côn Sơn, just an hour-long flight from Ho Chi Minh City, is the largest area where people live in the 16-island chain.
You’ll enjoy viewing the most remote spots from a luxury small cruise ship and a local private guide can show you around the most fascinating areas and spots.
Top tourist spots are the spectacular Dam Tre Bay lagoon and a 19th-century hilltop lighthouse on one of the best Vietnam islands for you to explore.
4. Komodo Island
Komodo island diving is one of the top vacation spots in Indonesia with something to offer for underwater enthusiasts.
Explore the pristine coral reefs with vast schools of more than 1,000 species of fish and the elusive Dugong that live around Komodo National Park.
It will compete favorably in terms of gorgeousness, making this isolated island a popular and must-visit destination.
Check out Komodo’s romantic pink beach especially if you intend to propose to your partner.
This pink beach is one of only seven worldwide, so ensure to bring along your camera to take some memorable pictures when you go exploring the island.
The sandy beaches and beautiful shoreline are a dream come true as well. You can escape to a remote white-sand Island – a rare opportunity for beach lovers.
However, a journey to Komodo will be incomplete without meeting the iconic Komodo dragons. They are simply nonexistent everywhere else.
And these huge lizards are known to be the largest on the planet. They can grow to about 3 meters long.
5. Los Roques
An archipelago on Venezuela’s coast, Los Roques National Park is imbued with smaller islands of up to 350, including islets and cays surrounding a 400-sq-km lagoon.
Los Roques is pretty well-known among a wealthier group who enjoy taking their private yachts for a quiet day along the secluded stretch of beaches and islets.
For those vacationing in Caracas, you’ll find Los Roques a popular and easily achievable day trip.
Check out the wildlife attractions as the entire archipelago was deemed a national park several years ago and now accommodates a diverse range of marine life and birds.
Unlike most large famous islands, these options are not widely on the list of many but are incredible islands pretty much worth considering for your next cruise trips.
These undiscovered gems (islands) are only included on a select few itineraries and are only accessible by small ship cruises. The sense of originality and local first-hand knowledge is unparalleled.
On the plus side, though, you can appreciate nature more deeply and learn about the intriguing histories of places without being bothered by a large crowds.
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