Small Ship Cruising Comes To The Forefront

“On September 22, 2020, CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) and its oceangoing cruise line members announced their adoption of a strong set of health protocols that represent core elements for returning to service in the Americas by the end of the year, pending support and approval of regulators and destinations. Resumption of operations in the Americas, the largest cruise market in the world, is a critical next step now that initial sailing has begun effectively with strict protocols in Europe. The core elements are applicable to CLIA member oceangoing cruise ships subject to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) No Sail Order and will be continuously evaluated and adjusted against the current stat of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as the availability of new prevention, therapeutics, and mitigation measures. Highlights of the approach include: 100% testing of passengers and crews for COVID-19 prior to embarkation. Mandatory wearing of masks by all passengers and crew onboard and during excursions whenever physical distancing cannot be maintained. Physical distancing in terminals, onboard ships, on private islands and during shore excursions. Air management and ventilation strategies to increase fresh air onboard and, where feasible, using enhanced filters and other technologies to mitigate risk. Risk-based response plans tailored for each ship to manage medical needs, dedicated cabin capacity allocated for isolation and other operational measures, and advance arrangements with private providers for shoreside quarantine, medical facilities, and transportation. Only permit shore excursions according to the cruise operators’ prescribed protocols, with strict adherence required of all passengers and denial of re-boarding for any passengers that do not comply.”  CLIA News September 2020

Given the new protocols that are being introduced so we can get back to taking cruises, how will you feel more comfortable when you take yours? Does the thought of boarding the ship with 3000 or more of your best friends bother you? Let’s face it, the more guests onboard the harder it will be to physically distance your group from other passengers. Even though they won’t be sailing at full capacity right away, on the mega size ships, there will be a lot of passengers onboard. So rather than putting your next cruise on hold, a great alternative will be small-ship cruising. What does that mean exactly? It means smaller in size with ships measuring between 300 – 750 feet in length. It also means smaller guest capacity at averages between 125 – 1000 guests. Doesn’t that sound more appealing? It sure does to me! And with the extra benefits of small-ship cruising, it might just be smooth sailing for you from here on out.

AmaWaterways AmaCello

River cruise ships fit the small-ship cruising category as well. Not only will you get the same benefits of small-ship cruising as with small-ship ocean cruising; you will get to experience many amazing culinary excursions such as wine tasting tours, trips to market with the ship’s chef, onboard cooking classes and demonstrations and on AmaWaterways lots of cruise options that are wine themed cruises. This is the luxury of a wine expert onboard, wine tastings onboard as well as lectures on wines of the region. All while your drifting down the Danube, Rhine or Douro Rivers, just to name a few. The Bordeaux Wine Region is one of our favorites!

What does 1 to 1:56 mean? Besides the fact that you will be getting very spoiled while onboard, it literally means 1 crew member to every 1 and 1/2 guests. Or darn near 1 to 1. This is what Regent Seven Seas offers on their small-ships with guest capacity ranging from 490 – 750 guests, depending on their ship size. The benefit to you is a highly personalized experience, such as being greeted by name, a ‘yes’ answer to any special request, servers anticipating how you take your morning coffee and your bartender learning your favorite pre-dinner cocktail. It is a treat and one you will learn to enjoy very quickly!

Regent Seven Seas Navigator

SeaDream II

Have you been to Nassau, Bahamas on a large ship before? Was your ship the only one in port? Probably not and that means tens of thousands of tourists trying to get into Senor Frogs at the same time. Small-ships, like SeaDream I or II go to smaller ports and smaller islands. Why? Because they can. And this is awesome because you get great benefits of less-populated destinations. More exclusive shore excursions and experiences, such as cooking classes in someone’s home. Or taking a bike tour through quaint villages. Smaller ports allow you to travel more intimately and have authentic, local culture experiences. You can also explore easier on your own while mingling with the locals.

Remember this brilliant thought. The bigger the ship, the longer you wait in line. Right? Embarkation day you try to get there as early as possible to avoid the crowds. On disembarkation day you vow to schlepp your luggage on your own to avoid the long line snaking through the customs building where all the bags have been placed. (You know what I am talking about…) And someone always forgets to have their passport in hand and has to start digging for it (right in front of you…) On a small-ship cruise there are minimal or NO lines. (I’m not kidding, it’s true!) So nice! Easy to get onboard, easy to get off the ship and you breeze right through the buffet! Granted better technology is helping tremendously with getting on and off the ship. But, it is a dream to be onboard with less people and have more space. I truly love it!

Windstar Star Pride

SilverSea Silver Wind

Seabourn Encore

I don’t know about you, but I dislike being nickeled and dimed for extras while onboard a cruise ship. Don’t you? Think about this. The last time I was on a small ship cruise we had NO bill at the end stuffed under our door. Say what? It’s true! And very nice! Small-ship cruise lines have lots of components built into the cost of the cruise such as:

• Most wines, beers and spirits
• Specialty dining (at least the first time around)
• Internet and WiFi
• Gratuities
• In-suite minibar (stocked with your favorite spirit)
• Shore excursions (a few choices in each port of call)
• Flights and transfers (economy, business class and first class depending on the destination)

Yes, the small-ship cruise will cost more upfront, but time and again I have compared small-ship inclusive cruises to mega ship pay as you go cruises and the big surprise is in the end, you pay darn near the same costs. But, on the small-ship cruise you have a 4 to 5 star experience. And there is no dress code other than ‘resort casual’ 24/7. Smaller ships tend to cater to an adult audience, so there are not many (if any) children onboard and those that are, in my experience, are well-traveled and well-behaved.

Food lovers, or as I like to refer to them as Foodies, and wine connoisseurs are often drawn to small-ship cruises. Not only because of the benefits we already talked about above, but because the cuisine is better (maybe a lot better) than mega-ships. For very simple reasons. Less passengers means the food does not have to be mass produced. Chefs are free to be more creative with the dishes they prepare. The ports the small-ships visit mean more options for locally sourced farm-to-table food options. For the passengers this means the food is much fresher and has the local culture vibe. Many small-ship cruise lines have partnered with world renowned chefs, like Thomas Keller and Seabourn, and that takes their food options up a notch higher yet. On river cruises, the preparing of regional cuisine, pouring local wines and searching for local cheese and produce along the way often involves the passengers in memorable culinary experiences.

What do you think? Can you picture yourself on a balcony of a small-ship, sipping a glass of chilled Champagne and enjoying the exclusivity of a luxurious ship? I challenge you to give it a try. You won’t regret it.