Luxury small ship cruises sail with 100 to 600 guests as compared to the larger ships with guest capacity of nearly 7,000! LBL Travel specializes in luxury small ship cruise sailings. You will benefit from our first-hand experience on several different luxury cruise lines. Read on for our top 6 reasons to go small!
1. Exclusive destinations
Small ships are the best way (and sometimes the only way) to access the most exclusive destinations. We recommend that “bucket list” trips to islands such as the Galapagos or French Polynesia be planned with a luxury small ship experience. Even in the Caribbean and Europe, small ships give you access to ports of call that the big ships skip. Our relationships with top vendors give you access to the few ships that sail to these special destinations.
2. Impeccable service
Small ships enjoy the best crew-to-guest ratios; in many cases it is 1:1.3 or better! That means there is almost 1 crew member for every guest. You will find the service on luxury small ships to be highly attentive and accommodating to your needs.
3. Luxury accommodations
Many small ship cruises are all-suite accommodations. Cruise lines such as Silversea offer butler service in all suite cabins. Despite being “small ships” they typically feature larger suites than other ships.
4. Gourmet dining
The dining experiences on luxury small ships are excellent and this is backed-up by our own personal experiences. Whether it’s sampling fresh-made local Ecuadorian ceviche in the Galapagos or fresh caught tuna in French Polynesia, these ships have amazing gourmet options on offer for foodies and non-foodies alike.
5. Enriching activities
The smallest of the small luxury ships are classified as “expedition” ships. These ships will take you to off-the-beaten-path destinations and typically get you up close and personal with the local geology and wildlife. Expedition ships are staffed with experts such as naturalists and scientists that will amaze you with their detailed knowledge of your surroundings. This is the way to see such “bucket list” destinations as the Galapagos Islands or Antarctica.
6. Best value
Lastly, luxury small ships offer the most included in your fare. You won’t be nickel-and-dimed on these ships. Typically they include all food, alcoholic beverages, entertainment, water sports activities, and on expedition sailings, all of your shore excursions.
Where do you want to go?
Even if you’re not sure where you want to go, we can help you explore all of your options to find the best trip for you! Contact us today to get started planning your next vacation.
LBL Travel is a certified Silversea Specialist, a certified Silversea Expeditions Specialist, and Paul Gauguin PEARLS accredited.
Sounds wonderful!