When Smaller Cruise Ships Are Better
Most cruisers know the basic differences between small ship cruises and large (or mega) ship cruises. On small ships, there are no huge crowds to get through, no long lines to wait on, no need to make reservations for onboard activities and generally speaking, small ship cruises are all-casual or country-club casual. As far as itineraries go, small ships can dock at smaller ports, therefore allowing for more unusual destinations. And that translates back to no crowds, no lines and no reservations. But there are some additional bonuses to small ship cruising, particularly “expedition” cruises.
Several of our top travel partners offer expedition cruise. These voyages not only visit off-the-beaten-path ports, but combine onboard luxury with education, discovery and low-key yet high-quality entertainment for like-minded travelers. In this article I’ll be talking about some excellent small ship and expedition cruises.
Key Rewards apply for registered guests on all small ship cruises. Call your Key Traveler advisor for details, 1-888-539-1881.
VOYAGER CRUISES
Expedition Cruises Are On Sale Starting @ $45/Day
The two ships that comprise the fleet accommodate only 350 and 550 passengers, and the atmosphere is informal and relaxed. During cruises, passengers can attend lectures by experienced staff and guest experts ahead of each destination. These speakers include historians, diplomats, naturalists, etc. who share their unique perspective of the destination you’ll be visiting, in an entertaining and informal way.
In addition, special guest speakers will educate and entertain passengers on their own areas of expertise. These are usually general interest subjects, most of which pertains to the destinations traveled, which appeal to a wide range of guests.
Voyager visits interesting destinations, including Africa, Luxor, South America’s Pacific Shore, Manila, Bangkok, The Canary Islands and Kuala Lumpur. View these great deals HERE, starting at only $45/Day.
For your entertainment, the Voyager Cruises ships each have a gym and spa/health center, library, and a movie theater. And of course there are many opportunities to savor a cocktail, dance to the music of a live onboard orchestra, or take a hands-on art or photography class.
Cabins are comfortable, all with amenities such as air conditioning, hair dryers and DVD players. The dining venues are comfortable and casual with open seating at every meal, and the food is delicious and plentiful. The ships visit areas that most cruises visit, for example South America, Australia, the Middle East, the Baltics and more, but you’ll be seeing smaller ports and more interesting and unique sights.
Check out special offers for Voyager Cruises HERE, starting at $45/Day
Call your Key Traveler small ship specialist to “discover” something different. 1-888-539-1881.
LINDBLAD NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC
Lindblad’s focus on exploration was a perfect match for National Geographic’s philosophy of conservation, so in 2004 a partnership was formed. Today the dual goal for the company is to provide guests with a fascinating, close-up and hands-on discovery of the more remote areas of the planet, while maintaining (and, if possible, improving) the stability of the environments visited. Itineraries include places you’d expect a cruise line like this to go – Antarctica, the Galapagos, the rugged Pacific Northwest. But you might be surprised to learn that Lindblad also has sailings in Europe, the Caribbean and the British Isles, to name a few. However, you’re not going to be packed in with the hordes from the larger ocean liners. A Lindblad expedition will introduce you to the local culture and micro-environments that the large crowds will surely bypass.
Guests will interact with world-renowned scientists, naturalists, photographers and explorers. The latest exploration technology will be introduced, for example, undersea cameras, hydrophones, video microscopes and “crittercams.” Lindblad uses a fleet of small motorized landing rafts called Zodiacs, which ferry passengers into spaces that even the smallest of ships can’t reach and kayaks, which allow guests to enter pristine areas without disturbing the environment.
Of course even the hardiest adventurers want to relax while on vacation. The ships in the Lindblad National Geographic fleet boast amenity-rich staterooms, comfortable lounges, fully-stocked libraries, fitness centers and spas, first-class cuisine served in casual, open seating venues, pools, whirlpools and more.
Check out all the interesting Linblad National Geograpghic Cruises HERE
Call Key Traveler @ 1-888-539-1881. We can send you to places you never dreamed of.
Key Traveler Rewards available for registered guests.
SILVERSEA SMALL SHIP LUXURY CRUISES
Now after reading this you may be thinking that small ships are only for rugged excursions, casual vibe and total cultural immersion. What if you want the luxury cruise experience, but want it on a small ship? Of course you can have that too!
Cruise lines such as Silversea offer a luxury cruise experience on smaller, intimate ships. You won’t necessarily be on the ground photographing indigenous species or kayaking your way through icy fjords (unless you have the option for such a shore activity). You WILL enjoy a plush suite with a personal butler, five-star gourmet cuisine with wine and spirits included, and a dressier ambiance on board. On Silversea you will get the all the relaxation and pampering that your heart desires.
View all Silversea Cruises Here. Call Key Traveler @ 1-888-539-1881 for your exclusive Key Rewards.
BARGE CRUISES
Finally, for a most unusual super-small ship experience – think about barge cruising. These privately-owned, luxuriously outfitted barges navigate the smallest waterways through the canals of France, Scotland, Ireland, Holland/Belgium and Germany. Travelers truly become immersed in the local culture and yet enjoy elegance and five-star cuisine.
Read Key Traveler’s barge blog for complete information
Call Key Traveler today @ 1-888-539-1881.