Small Ship Cruising

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Cruising has come a long way since its start.  Ships have become destinations in and of themselves.  Who needs an island when the ship has a pool, a wave rider, a zip line, a ropes course, and a waterslide?  Cruising is a wonderful way to travel!  There is always so much to do, but, sometimes you just need a chance to unwind and you want it to feel more like a getaway than a vacation at a large resort.  The pools can be crowded, the buffet can be hectic, and the shows can be sold out.

 

Enter the small ship.  From the moment you walk on deck for the first time, you can feel the difference.  The ship is definitely smaller but it is more than the size of the ship.  Those traveling on the small ships are different as well.  The feel of the small ship is intimate.  Those traveling on the smaller ships are interested in the other passengers.  They like talking with and learning about those they are sailing with.  Ever wanted to sit by the pool and relax on a large ship?  You usually have to look pretty hard for an open lounge chair or get there pretty early.  Not true on the small ships.  We found empty chairs throughout the day.  We became friends with our dinner companions and looked forward to bumping into them around the ship throughout the day.  We had the luxury of more sea days than usual and so the pace was quite relaxing.  We usually try to cram in as much as we can on our vacations leaving me to feel like I needed a vacation to recover from my vacation.  This was not the case on this cruise.

 

The large ships have their place.  I have loved every cruise I have taken on the intermediate and large ships.  They provide a wonderful experience for the entire family and have programs for all ages.  The small ships are more like an adults only resort.  

 

The next time you are looking for a great getaway, consider a small ship.  The feel is intimate, the other cruisers are interesting, and the ports are a little more exotic.  I’m already trying to figure out how I can go on a smaller ship already!