When you’re planning a cruise holiday and looking for a more laid-back experience, with a real sense of connection to the places you visit and the people you’re travelling with, smaller ships are well worth a look. In fact, they harken back to the golden age of cruising, when the journey itself was just as important as the destination.

You might think of small ships as the domain of luxury lines, and it’s true, many boutique and high-end operators favour a smaller fleet. But you don’t have to splash out to experience the charm of cruising on a more intimate scale. Even some of the mainstream cruise lines include smaller ships in their line-ups.

Take MSC for example – known for its large, resort-style ships like the MSC World Europa which carry over 6,000 passengers and are packed with big-ship features – waterslides, theatres, shopping promenades, and more. However, MSC also operates smaller vessels such as the MSC Armonia and MSC Sinfonia, which carry around 2,000 passengers and the newly launched Explora ships with a capacity of 966 passengers.

Then there are cruise lines that specialise in smaller ships altogether. Australians looking for small-ship cruising have some excellent options, both locally operated and internationally renowned. Homegrown lines like Coral Expeditions, True North, and Aurora Expeditions specialise in intimate, adventure-focused voyages to destinations such as the Kimberley, Great Barrier Reef, and Antarctica. Luxury expedition yachts like Scenic Eclipse and Ponant also offer high-end experiences throughout the world.

Meanwhile, APT and Travelmarvel provide small-ship cruising through curated partnerships, often with a focus on immersive travel and comfort. These lines typically carry fewer than 250 guests, offering a more relaxed, personalised, and destination-driven alternative to large cruise ships. And if you’ve got Norway on your radar, lines like Hurtigruten sail the stunning coastlines with vessels that usually host fewer than 500 passengers.

While it may take a bit of searching, there are great-value fares to be found on small-ship cruises. And there are plenty of reasons why this style of cruising could offer a more memorable and rewarding holiday.

Here are five key benefits:

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1. More Unique Itineraries

Smaller ships can dock in places the big guys simply can’t reach, opening the door to more interesting and less tourist-heavy destinations. That means you’re more likely to discover hidden gems and authentic experiences.

Take Norway’s fjords as an example. Big ships can access well-known ports like Flåm and Geiranger—which can get swamped with passengers when a mega-ship rolls in. But a smaller ship can cruise under the Hardanger Bridge to visit spots like Eidfjord or Ulvik—beautiful villages that feel a world away from the crowds.

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2. A More Relaxed. & Personal Onboard Atmosphere

With fewer guests on board, you’ll find it easier to connect with fellow travellers and enjoy friendly, attentive service. There’s less queuing, less hustle and bustle, and more chances to find a quiet corner to unwind.

Whether you’re enjoying a meal, joining an activity, or relaxing on deck, everything feels more personal. The vibe is more like a boutique hotel at sea, rather than a floating resort.

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3. Less Hustle & More Holiday

Small ships might not have waterslides, ziplines, or 20 different restaurants—but that’s kind of the point. Without the endless options and sprawling decks, you can focus on relaxing and enjoying the journey.

You’ll spend less time trying to get from A to B and more time simply enjoying the cruise. And with fewer guests onboard, it’s easier to grab a seat at a show, find your favourite spot on deck, or enjoy a peaceful drink as the sun sets.

And while it’s not a rule, smaller ships often attract fewer families, which means the vibe tends to be a bit more tranquil, ideal if you’re after a quieter escape.

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4. More Room to Enjoy the Sea

There’s nothing quite like starting your day with brekkie on the deck or a drink in hand as the sun dips below the horizon. While modern mega-ships focus on balconies and interior attractions, classic small ships often boast wide open decks and spacious promenades, perfect for soaking up the scenery.

These open areas not only offer great views, they also capture the nostalgic romance of traditional cruising, ideal for those who love the idea of being out at sea, not just inside a floating theme park.

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5. Fewer Sales Pitches

One of the quieter perks of cruising on a small ship? You’re not constantly being sold to. While there are still optional extras like drink packages and specialty dining, the upsell pressure is nowhere near what you’ll experience on a mega-ship.

The focus is more on the journey itself, and what’s included tends to be more than enough for a fulfilling experience, without feeling like your wallet is being targeted at every turn.

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The Bottom Line

If your idea of a cruise holiday involves authentic destinations, good conversation, and a touch of old-school charm, a small ship might be just what you’re after. Whether you’re new to cruising or a seasoned sailor, stepping aboard a smaller vessel could open up a whole new side of the cruise world, one that’s quieter, richer, and more rewarding.