If you love the idea of cruising but prefer a more intimate, luxurious experience, small cruise ships are the perfect choice. In this guide, we’re spotlighting five of the best small luxury cruise lines - Azamara, Emerald Yacht Cruises, Oceania Cruises, Seabourn and Silversea. Whether you’re after immersive itineraries, adventure-filled excursions, world-class cuisine or all-inclusive indulgence, there’s a cruise line that’s perfect for you.
What is considered a ‘small’ cruise ship?
- Small yachts: Up to 110 passengers
- Large yachts: Between 140 and 400 passengers
- Ultra-small ships: Between 450 and 625 passengers
- Small ships: Between 650 and 1,300 passengers
Azamara
Category: Small ships
Since 2007, Azamara has been offering immersive cruise itineraries that venture deeper. The cruise line’s small fleet of ships welcomes no more than 702 passengers onboard, meaning fewer people and a more intimate experience onboard. Small but perfectly formed, the ships are designed to cross oceans, sail into intimate rivers, cruise along scenic waterways and dock at locations larger ships can’t reach. What’s more, the unique concept of AzAmazing Evenings brings guests in-depth experiences that connect to the heart of local culture, while overnight and extended destination days invite guests to uncover a world of locations at a more relaxed pace.
Why you should pick Azamara:
- Immersive cruise itineraries
- AzAmazing Evenings brings guests in-depth experiences
- Overnight stays mean longer in port
Emerald Yacht Cruises
Category: Small yachts
Emerald Yacht Cruises boasts an award-winning fleet of three luxury yachts, each with a capacity of 100 passengers. The yachts chart a course for adventure across Mediterranean and Adriatic coastlines, the Seychelles archipelago and African coast, the Red Sea and the islands of the Caribbean, highlighting the very best of every port and ensuring each itinerary is as fulfilling as possible. Onboard, sanctuary awaits, with health and well-being experiences at the heart. Dedicated wellness coaches are on hand to ensure you make the most of your cruise, and the Elements Spa guarantees total relaxation. Back on land, EmeraldACTIVE excursions allow you to take part in guided hikes, bike rides and canoeing trips, to name a few.
Why you should pick Emerald Yacht Cruises:
- Luxury yachts with a capacity of 100 passengers
- Itineraries offering epic adventures
- Sanctuary at sea with health and well-being experiences
Oceania Cruises
Category: Small ships
Luxury cruise line Oceania Cruises is known for many things: its dedication to service, which ensures every guest feels cared for and cared about, its small luxurious ships, which sail to ports larger vessels can’t, and its destination-rich itineraries that span the globe. But what sets it apart from the rest is its offering of The Finest Cuisine at Sea®. The cruise line's commitment to culinary excellence shines through from beginning to end, from sourcing premium ingredients around the world to the distinguished chefs who continually create inspiring dishes. Guests are certain to discover the myriad ways in which the cruise line’s culinary offering is exceptional.
Why you should pick Oceania Cruises:
- Dedication to service ensures every guest feels cared for
- Destination-rich itineraries span the globe
- The Finest Cuisine at Sea®
Seabourn
Category: Ultra-small ships
Ultra-luxury ocean and expedition cruising await with Seabourn and its fleet of six modern small vessels. Each impressive ship boasts a private, yacht-like atmosphere with a wealth of onboard touches, from entertainment to enrichment programmes, signature events, and culinary experiences. What’s more, Seabourn is one of the only cruise lines to offer all-suite accommodations, and each superbly appointed suite is a home-away-from-home for travellers. Guests can revel in sublime comfort such as a personal suite host and suite attendant, an in-suite bar with a selection of beverages, a spacious marble bathroom, interactive in-suite entertainment and, unique to the expedition ships, SWAROVSKI OPTIK binoculars.
Why you should pick Seabourn:
- Intimate ships with a private yacht-like atmosphere
- A diverse array of onboard experiences
- All-suite accommodation
Silversea
Category: Small yachts, large yachts and ultra-small ships
Silversea is renowned for its intimate luxury ships, where personalised service and all-inclusive experience create an atmosphere of effortless indulgence. Sailing to over 900 destinations worldwide, Silversea offers itineraries that go beyond the expected, ensuring each journey is as enriching as it is luxurious. Every year, the cruise line unveils new voyages designed to surprise and delight, taking travellers to both iconic cities and hidden gems that larger ships simply cannot reach. What truly sets Silversea apart is its commitment to exploration beyond the coast. With exclusive land tours, guests can venture deeper in ways that go far beyond the shoreline.
Why you should pick Silversea:
- Intimate luxury ships
- Itineraries that go beyond the shore
- Unique pre and post-land tours
