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“I can't say enough about how wonderful our experience was on the Viking Octantis to Antarctica. “The excursions were all well-planned and executed — and the science and educational sessions were excellent,” another added. A few small-ship lines moved up in the World's Best Awards voting this year, as travelers sought distinctive experiences in far-flung ports — the sorts of adventures that only the smallest vessels can deliver. For example, No. 4 Lindblad moved up four spots this year, posting a better score for 2021 than 2020.
Un-Cruise Adventures
When the weather's good, skip the main restaurant and eat at the buffet, which is set up at the back of Deck 7, adjacent to the attractive (and heated) infinity swimming pool. Swan Hellenic's compact, well-laid-out SH Vega is built for expedition cruising with a PC5 ice-strengthened hull. You can also take in the scenery from the ship's shallow pool and two adjacent hot tubs. World Navigator is a deluxe expedition ship sporting a 1B Ice Class-certified hull and the latest technologies, such as a GPS-based dynamic position system to minimize movement and noise. With its PC6 ice-class rating, Silver Endeavour spends November through April in Antarctica and the rest of the year in the Arctic, including Greenland, Arctic Canada, Iceland and Norway.
The 11 Best Luxury Cruise Lines, According to T+L's Experts
Small-ship cruise lines are going to great lengths to reassure passengers that everything is back to normal onboard. For example, on the MS Polarlys, there were no required tests or vaccination requirements. Cruise ship operators say in the post-COVID era, passengers think smaller is better.
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Landings and Zodiac safaris are included on Antarctica cruises, but excursions are not included on other itineraries. All non-polar cruises offered from April through October are called Epicurean Expeditions (with one complimentary wine- or food-focused experience per cruise). Ponant’s small cruise ships’ Mediterranean routes feature enticing trips to Corsica, the south of France, Croatia, the Greek islands, and Italy.
Those in Alaska and the attic are truly small ships with lux standards. What hasn’t changed, however, is the exceptional onboard service and comfort. All-inclusive excursions remain too, bringing each stop to life with the help of expert guides and lecturers. Australia’s own Coral Expeditions has a well-earned reputation for showcasing our waters less travelled, from the Kimberley to the vibrant Coral Sea. History and heritage are key elements of the brand, taking visitors beyond the scenery and delving into the stories that shaped it.
Review: ultra-luxury cruise for wealthy travelers, Regent Seven Seas - Business Insider
Review: ultra-luxury cruise for wealthy travelers, Regent Seven Seas.
Posted: Sun, 31 Dec 2023 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Therefore, lounges on small ships are more intimate, and the only entertainment is usually done cabaret-style. There’s rarely room for multiple dining venue, so small ships ordinarily have a single restaurant that can accommodate all guests in a single open seating. Gracious service and fine dining are paramount, and your table is likely to be set with signature china, European crystal, and heavy silver, and covered with Belgian linens. Emerald Cruises' new Emerald Azzurra (and soon-to-debut sister Emerald Sakara) is one of the smallest luxury cruise ships afloat and a good choice for travelers who want something more intimate than what Silversea or Seabourn offer. If you’re looking for a more intimate and luxurious experience, the small cruise ships in the Mediterranean might be the perfect fit for you.
I'm drawn to the intimacy and instant community that develops between a small number of passengers and crew cruising together. I enjoy the serenity of small-ship cruising, with no lines to wait in or crowds to contend with on board. Immerse yourself in the Mediterranean’s allure aboard a Silversea cruise, where luxury and exploration blend seamlessly. The bustling peak cruising season unfolds between June and August, boasting warm, sun-drenched weather. Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours puts the elegance into adventure with its two 228-passenger expedition yachts, Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II.
Its vessels will go to Alaska and Iceland this year, and this summer should also see the inaugural cruise of the brand-new National Geographic Endurance, a 126-guest expedition ship that will sail the polar regions. Hailing itself 180 degrees from ordinary, you’ll be hard-pressed to question otherwise aboard a Windstar Wind Class sailing yacht or all-suite Star Plus Class superyacht. Itineraries run the gamut from island-hopping in Tahiti to cruising Norwegian fjords, placing an emphasis on unique, crowd-free ports, enriching on-shore excursions and flexible onboard itineraries. Another newcomer to luxury small-ship cruising is the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, which debuts its second ship, the Ilma, this year.
No. 9: Emerald Azzurra - Emerald Cruises
The results reflect our readers’ experiences before the pandemic, but we hope that this year’s honorees will inspire your trips to come — whenever they may be. Viking Octantis spends part of the year in Antarctica and the rest of the year cruising the Great Lakes and Canada, with a handful of repositioning cruises in between. Four dining options include Manfredi's Italian and several attractive lounges, such as the windowed Aula auditorium for lectures. Inside are not only Zodiacs and kayaks but a pair of six-passenger submarines and military-grade speed used to shuttle cruisers on excursions. Cruise fare includes a one-night pre-cruise hotel stay and one excursion in each port.
Its gorgeous tiered stern decks feature a lovely outdoor pool area at the back of Deck 6 with a perfect stretch of deck for sunbathing and scenery watching and an open-air bar above for stunning views. L'Austral is the ideal size for a small ship — intimate but still large enough for amenities such as a gym, spa and show lounge. Standing on deck when the sails are unfurled is one of the more romantic moments you'll likely experience on any ship. Star Clippers' handsome five-masted tall ship Royal Clipper is considered the largest square rigger in service. Modeled after the great 1902 German clipper Preussen, the ship is a real throwback, with lots of wood and brass features and nautical-style elements. After passing through various owners, Sea Cloud I has spent the last several decades offering casually elegant windjammer cruises to old-ship lovers from Europe and North America.
But there have been a lot of wonderful small cruise vessels debuting, too, including some so small that they sometimes aren't even mentioned at cruising sites. In place of an observation bow with direct views of the water, as many similar ships offer, Victory has a pair of viewing platforms on each side of the ship, thanks to its distinctive X-bow design. These platforms are cantilevered directly over the water for great views of bergy bits and potential marine life.
Seabourn Sojourn enchants her guests with an array of public areas scaled to encourage a relaxed sociability. 10Best editors narrow the field to select the final set of nominees for the Readers’ Choice Awards. For any questions or comments, please read the FAQ or email USA TODAY 10Best. When you choose to apply (and are approved) for a new credit card through our site, we may receive compensation from our partners, and this may impact how or where these products appear. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information.
But it was Paul Gauguin Cruises, now owned by French cruise company Ponant, that emerged as the reader favorite among the best cruise lines for small ships. If you've always wanted to explore the coast of Ecuador in style, this is your vehicle. Designed to travel to off-the-beaten-path places along the country's coastline, the 18-passenger Kontiki Wayra is as upscale as it is intimate.
Passengers can utilize each ship's fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks and stash of snowshoes and cross-country skis that aid in exploration. In a world where gigantic megaships draw all the attention, I've always found small ships to be the best.
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