Cruise ships vary in many different ways and one of those ways is size. Small or ultra-small, yacht or otherwise, there’s a small cruise ship experience out there for everyone. Here are the seven most popular small cruise ships that our guests love:
What is considered a ‘small’ cruise ship?
Small ships are classified by the following:
- 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
The most popular small cruise ships
Vista, Oceania Cruises
Occupancy: 1,200 passengers
Classification: Small ship
The newest ship in the Oceania Cruises fleet has proved popular since its launch in 2023. With a capacity for 1,200 passengers, Vista boasts a mix of both grand and cosy spaces that lean into the glamour that Oceania Cruises is so well-known and loved for. A special mention must be given to Ember on Deck 5, which debuted on Vista but is set to feature on Allura when she joins the fleet in 2025. Ember is an inviting dining spot that combines inventive classic American creations and time-honoured classics. A must-visit when onboard!
Spirit of Discovery, Saga Ocean Cruises
Occupancy: 987 passengers
Classification: Small ship
Spirit of Discovery was the first-ever boutique ship to join the Saga Ocean Cruises fleet and she’s been making waves ever since her launch in 2019. Visualise the stylings of a top London hotel and that’s what you’ll find onboard. Welcoming 987 passengers, Spirit of Discovery was designed with modern all-inclusive luxury in mind. Every cabin, from a standard stateroom to a sumptuous suite, boasts a balcony for private views of every destination you visit. And there are many destinations!
Seven Seas Splendor, Regent Seven Seas Cruises
Occupancy: 746 passengers
Classification: Small ship
The World’s Most Luxurious Cruise Line was always going to impress when it introduced Seven Seas Splendor, the second ship in the line’s Explorer Class, in 2020. Boasting The Most Inclusive Luxury Experience®, Regent Seven Seas Cruises goes above and beyond in every aspect of its onboard experience. Offering unrivalled space, immersive exploration, epicurean perfection and personalised service, Seven Seas Splendor boasts all-inclusive luxury, all tied up with a beautiful bow.
Azamara Quest, Azamara
Occupancy: 704 passengers
Classification: Small ship
There’s more than meets the eye with Azamara. With unique destinations and small travel groups, curated yet flexible itineraries, more time to explore cities, exclusive shore excursions and land programs, smaller, less-travelled ports and overnight stays, Azamara invites you to uncover a world of destinations at a more relaxed pace. Azamara Quest is the cherry on the cake, however. With just over 700 passengers and only 9 decks, it is compact and stylish.
Silver Spirit, Silversea
Occupancy: 608 passengers
Classification: Ultra-small ship
When she was refurbished in 2018, Silver Spirit was cut in half and a 49-foot-long prebuilt midsection was inserted. The result was, of course, greater length, but also a larger pool, additional outdoor space and the addition of 34 suites. Now, Silversea’s original flagship boasts one of the highest guest-to-space ratios at sea. What’s more, her all-suite accommodations are the cherry on the cake, offering more choice, more comfort and more space than any other small cruise ship on the market.
Seabourn Ovation, Seabourn
Occupancy: 600 passengers
Classification: Ultra-small ship
Can you improve on perfection? Seabourn certainly can. With each new cruise ship the cruise line launches, another stage in the evolution of small-ship cruising is reached. Take Seabourn Ovation, for example. When she joined in 2018 as the sister ship to Seabourn Encore, she delivered a wealth of new concepts. She was the first ship to debut the alfresco dining concept, Earth & Ocean where skilled chefs create an imaginative array of fresh dishes that celebrate flavours from all around the world.
Scenic Eclipse, Scenic Ocean Cruises
Occupancy: 228 passengers
Classification: Large yacht
Scenic Eclipse is one of a kind (though not if you consider her identical sister ship, Scenic Eclipse II). Debuting as the first foray into ocean cruising for Scenic Ocean Cruises, Scenic Eclipse made a splash with her luxury yacht feel. Combining innovative design and state-of-the-art technology, she sets the benchmark for 6-star ocean cruising. Transporting her 228 guests to many of the world’s most magnificent oceans, like the Southern Ocean for Antarctica, Scenic Eclipse is where ultra-luxury meets discovery.
