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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.
No. 1: SeaDream II
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.
Seabourn Encore
All three vessels fall on the luxury side of the spectrum for cruising. An impressively kitted-out expedition ship, Scenic Eclipse has an ice-strengthened hull with a C6 rating suited for polar cruising, including navigating the Northwest Passage. High-tech features include a GPS dynamic positioning system to maintain a location without dropping anchor. I've sailed on more than 125 cruise ships of all sizes, but my favorites have never been the big "floating resorts." No matter where you choose, a small cruise ship in the Mediterranean is the perfect way to explore these destinations in style and comfort.
Why Go on Luxury Small Ship Cruises?
You can build an a la carte vacation or pay upfront for an easy trip that includes an open bar, unlimited Wi-Fi and included crew gratuities. The line's iconic weekly beach barbecue on a remote stretch of sand, complete with Champagne and caviar in the surf, is a cruise highlight on all itineraries. An open bar contributes to the social atmosphere on board, and watersports from a stern marina when conditions are right are a great perk for active travelers. Viking's fares are inclusive but not all-inclusive, and its ships sport clean Scandinavian design rather than opulent decor. Necessities such as Wi-Fi and self-serve laundry are complimentary, as are all nonalcoholic beverages and beer and wine with lunch and dinner. Oceania also embraces wellness with its Aquamar Spa and Vitality Center.
Small ship cruises can be a real adventure
There’s even extreme camping gear for those willing to brave an overnight under the stars in Antarctica. During North American winters, all three of Atlas’s expedition yachts sail in Antarctica. While large ships come with certain advantages (rock climbing at sea, anyone?), some cruisers prefer the intimacy, personalized service and destination-focused itineraries of a smaller vessel. A specialist in Galápagos Islands cruises, Quasar has a two-vessel fleet that operates in the ever-compelling destination. The 32-guest M/Y Evolution and the 16-passenger M/Y Grace both get high marks from readers, who consistently score Quasar as not only one of the best cruise lines of any size but one of the top travel offerings in any World's Best Awards category.
No. 5: Viking Star - Viking Ocean Cruises
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.
Here's what it's like onboard a luxury yacht vacation - USA TODAY
Here's what it's like onboard a luxury yacht vacation.
Posted: Fri, 19 Apr 2024 09:07:56 GMT [source]
No. 3: American Constitution - American Cruise Lines
Celebrity Beyond, which debuted in 2022, accommodates 3,260 guests has 32 bars and restaurants, like Le Voyage by chef Daniel Boulud, and two-story villas on board. After unforgettable days of exploring such wonders as Thebes, Luxor Temple and The Valley of the Kings, you’ll retreat to one of just twenty-seven cabins or suites. All come equipped with mesmerizing River Nile views; suites further boast private terraces and heated outdoor whirlpools. The Restaurant plays host to elevated international cuisine, The Club Lounge to high tea, cocktail receptions and traditional dance performances and the 24-hour Library and Cigar Lounge to leisurely conversations with fellow travelers.
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.
When this luxury cruise line says it's all-inclusive, it's not overstating. Everything from shore excursions, Wi-Fi, and laundry to gratuities, top-shelf liquor, and business-class international flights are included with Regent Seven Seas Cruises' fares. While each luxurious suite features ocean views, nothing beats the view from the epic 4,000-square-foot, two-bedroom Regent Suite, which has two wraparound balconies, three walk-in closets, two Picasso lithographs, and a grand piano. The luxury small ship experts sail all seven continents, and happen to hold the #1 title across river, ocean and expedition cruising in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2023 Readers’ Choice Awards. It’s the first time a cruise line has been voted #1 in all three categories at the same time.
Seabourn Encore is as strikingly beautiful and as excitingly innovative as any Seabourn has ever debuted. She crowns a fleet of luxury cruise ships that is already the newest, most modern and most acclaimed in the ultra-luxury segment. World Voyager, which sailed its maiden voyage in Antarctica this past November, is the third vessel to join the fleet of one of the newest players in small-ship expedition cruising, Atlas Ocean Voyages.
Their ice-strengthened ships allow them to sail up close to landing sites, giving them flexibility to land when the best opportunities present. They’re also pioneers of once-unheard-of activities such as polar diving, polar kayaking, and even camping on the ice in Antarctica. The ship's 12 crew members include wellness professionals (wellness is a big focus for the brand), naturalist guides and a local chef. There also are two local expert guides on board, who will provide insight as Kontiki Wayra stops at small Ecuadorian towns, historic sites and nature areas full of wildlife. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2021. See all of our readers' favorite hotels, cities, airlines, cruise lines, and more in the World's Best Awards for 2020.
Watch for exciting voyages to the Black and Red Seas via Lebanon and Israel. The Adriatic Sea is home to some of the Mediterranean’s hidden gems; a small cruise ship is the best way to explore them. Dubrovnik is a popular destination, with its stunning Old Town and medieval walls. But there are also lesser-known destinations to explore, such as the island of Hvar, with its charming town and crystal-clear waters.
They do so by learning more about the cultures and interacting with locals thanks to the help of a team of expert guides on board, who are also locals of the region. Who wouldn’t want the opportunity to conquer some of the mightiest waters on earth? The life-giving waters of the Mekong are one of the most attractive cruise destinations for intrepid explorers and culture vultures.
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