Best Small Cruise Ships to Experience – American Queen Voyages
If you are longing to wake up to infinite horizons in open water, but the thought of sharing your experience with thousands of people and the daily quest to the dining hall is filling you with dread, then small cruise ships are the solution you seek.
Small cruise ships are the new burgeoning travel experience. Kind of like a boutique hotel where every guest gets treated like a VIP. Only you get to visit many destinations in one trip, having to unpack just once. No hassle, no long queues! And these are only a couple of ways small cruise ships will redefine your way of traveling. But what are the best small ship cruise lines, and what qualifies them as such? Let’s nosedive into the nitty gritty and get to know the best small cruise ships in the American Queen Voyages fleet that will change the way you think about cruising.
What is Considered a Small Cruise Ship?
Commercial cruises can carry up to 6,700 passengers. Naturally, there will be more space on the boat to accommodate the crowd and a multitude of entertainment. But imagine getting around this mega-maze, disembarking, or waiting to be served…Well, at least you will definitely get your daily steps in!
Small cruise ships, on the other hand, carry no more than 1000 passengers and as little as 70. The smaller the size, the more exclusive your experience becomes. But what perks does that entail? Let’s compare!
Small Size, Big Difference
To compete with their larger counterparts, small cruise ships have to purposefully optimize the space onboard. So, there may not be room for nightclubs and a water park, instead, there is an elegant lounge for live and enriching entertainment and a spa to escape to a sanctuary of relaxation. Cabins may not be as large but will feature lavish décor and furnishings. Upscale dining offers a thoughtful balance of intriguing and sophisticated takes on regional cuisines along the journey.
On a small cruise ship, gracious crew members are able to provide instant personalized service no matter where you are located on the ship, without interrupting your indulgent relaxation or as you create meaningful connections with other passengers.
Customize Your Experience
While your onboard experience will remain exquisite regardless of the voyage you pick, your onshore adventures can be as unique or conventional as you please.
The smaller size of the ship allows it to navigate smaller ports inaccessible to large cruise ships, thus escaping crowds and exploring unspoiled and authentic destinations. The voyages are accompanied by historians and naturalists who share enlightening insights about each destination. They help craft tailored onshore experiences that are location-driven and immersive. Such a well-rounded approach ensures you don’t miss out on the tours offered by large ships.
Another benefit of cruising with smaller ships is the ability to navigate your way throughout the vessel with ease. Consider this your “home away from home” where you can acclimate yourself quickly to the ship layout, decks, lounges, and dining room – allowing more time for relaxation, socialization, and exploration!
One of the best advantages of smaller ships is the ability to get to know your fellow passengers. You will find the intimate setting to be a fantastic opportunity to meet new friends with like-minded interests. Many of our guests have created lifelong bonds and made plans for future cruising adventures together across our various journeys and expeditions!
If that suits the description of your ideal trip, then here are some voyage options to get you inspired for your future small ship cruise experience.
Best Small Cruise Ships and Voyages with American Queen Voyages
American Queen Voyages fleet includes three boutique exploration ships – Ocean Voyager, Ocean Navigator, and Ocean Victory. Only up to 202 affluent guests get to experience the intimate luxury onboard each liner. AQV small cruise ship experience combines authentic hospitality, local flavors, and fine dining, all while cruising the lakes and oceans of the North American continent. You get to choose between 23 enriching itineraries and pass-through quaint ports of Canada, New England, and Mexico.
Learn more about our small cruise ships and find a voyage that allows you to visit your bucket list destination and get pampered with bespoke service.
Small Cruise FAQs
Where do small ship cruises sail for American Queen Voyages?
Alaska! American Queen Voyages offers a variety of small ship cruises in Alaska’s pristine wilderness. Our intimate ships have the capacity to sail closer to shore and explore off-the-beaten path areas, like Icy Strait Point, Tracy Arm Fjord, Misty Fiords National Monument, and more!
Why is a small ship cruise better?
Small-ship cruises provide a more intimate and luxurious experience than traditional large-ship cruises. With a smaller passenger capacity and a more personalized touch from the crew, guests aboard these voyages will enjoy a unique on-board atmosphere that allows for heightened levels of exclusivity and an enhanced sense of adventure. Small ships often travel to faraway destinations inaccessible or unavailable to larger vessels. This includes remote areas like parts of Alaska!
Are there elevators aboard American Queen Voyages?
All American Queen Voyages are equipped with elevators onboard for accessibility.
Can I bring my children or grandchildren aboard a small cruise?
American Queen Voyages welcomes those of all ages to enjoy our cruising adventures. Just keep in mind that many of the amenities that larger ships provide, such as rides, water parks, and childcare activities are not available due to space constraints aboard a smaller ship.
Do smaller cruises provide medical care?
Yes, a doctor and an infirmary are available onboard should you require medical assistance.
(Original Publish Date: August 12, 2022)
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