Small Ship Cruises

A more personal way to explore the world

If you want a great deal on a small-ship cruise holiday, we highly recommend you contact us today to learn about our exclusive special offers and the latest discounted fares.

As the UK’s original luxury cruise specialist, The Cruise Line partners with world-famous names such as Silversea, Seabourn, Windstar and Scenic Ocean Cruises to bring you an unrivalled collection of luxury small ship cruises in 2026 and 2027. From Mediterranean escapes to once-in-a-lifetime expedition journeys, our selection of small-ship luxury cruises offers extraordinary destinations and exceptional value.

Whichever operator you choose, a voyage aboard a small ship guarantees an unforgettable experience. Guests can expect the very highest standards of service, dining and onboard facilities. At the same time, smaller ships offer the distinct advantage of reaching ports and islands that larger vessels cannot. For many, these small luxury cruises provide the perfect balance of discovery, intimacy and indulgence.

What defines a Small Ship?

The definition of a “small ship” is open to interpretation. Some cruise enthusiasts consider 200 guests the maximum, while others place the figure closer to 1,000. At The Cruise Line, we generally recommend that a true small ship cruise involves vessels carrying no more than 600 guests.

Advantages of Small Ship Cruising

Choosing a small ship luxury cruise has two main advantages. The first is intimacy: smaller ships naturally encourage a warm sense of camaraderie among guests and crew, something not easily replicated on larger ships. The second is access: thanks to their size, small ships can visit a far wider variety of ports, including hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path harbours. This is one of the many reasons why travellers often choose luxury small-ship cruises to destinations such as Alaska, the Galápagos Islands, or Northern Europe, like the Norwegian Fjords.

Best Small Ship Cruise Lines

The cruise line you choose for your small-ship cruise holiday will depend on personal preference and, perhaps most importantly, where you want to go. But, from sleek yachts and luxurious river ships to expedition-ready vessels, we guarantee you’ll find a cruise line offering the kind of small-ship experience that meets your requirements.

As a guide, here is a selection of the best small-ship cruise lines and cruise ships: