How To Choose The Right Luxury Cruise For You
When many people hear the word cruise, they often picture enormous ships carrying thousands of passengers. But for plenty of travellers, that simply isn’t the right fit.
This is very much me. I’ve experienced many of the larger ships; Celebrity, Princess, Disney and MSC, and even visiting one of the largest in the world, Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas, on an organised tour through CLIA.
RCI Symphony’s waterslides & inside balcony cabins
Was she impressive? Absolutely.
A magnificent feat in engineering. The sheer size and scale, with 7 distinct neighbourhoods offering unique experiences, and carrying up to 6,680 guests!
Would I choose to cruise on a ship like that now? Probably not.
Perhaps 20 - 30 years ago I would have jumped at the chance to experience this ship. But, I am older now, and like many travellers, my style has evolved. These days, it’s far more about the destinations the ship visits than the ship being a destination in itself - Which Royal Caribbean cater for really well.
I prefer to travel in a way that feels more immersive and unhurried, which is why I’m drawn to smaller ships. They get you closer, stay longer, and take you into ports the larger ships simply can’t reach.
If you prefer a more relaxed atmosphere, personal service, elegant surroundings and destinations that feel more authentic, then a smaller luxury ship or river cruise could be exactly what you’re looking for.
The challenge is knowing which one suits you best.
The good news is that choosing the right cruise doesn’t need to be complicated. It usually comes down to your travel style, what matters most to you, and how you like to spend your time away.
What Does “Small Ship” Really Mean?
Small-ship cruising generally means fewer passengers, often anywhere from around 100 to 700 guests. Even the “larger” ships I work with carry no more than around 1,300 passengers. That may sound like a lot, but when you consider that most mainstream cruise ships carry between 3,000 and 4,000 guests or more, the difference, and feel of the ship is significant.
First of all - Ocean or river cruise?
Smaller luxury ocean ships
I’ve always loved ocean cruising. There’s something about being out at sea that puts everything into perspective - you feel wonderfully small in such a vast, endless world.
I’m especially drawn to mid-sized, boutique ships (Although, I’m hoping to experience my next ocean holiday on a yacht cruise). They offer all the facilities of the larger ships - pools, theatres, lounges, bars, a choice of restaurants, world-class spa, fitness rooms - but on a much more intimate scale.
What I love most is the atmosphere; no crowds, no noise, no waterslides or busy family spaces - just a calm, relaxed environment where you can switch off, unwind, and enjoy the journey.
These are ideal if you’d like:
The feel of a boutique hotel at sea
High levels of personal service
Spacious suites and elegant surroundings
Fine dining and excellent wines
Included gratuities, premium drinks, and more
Access to smaller ports larger ships cannot reach
Worldwide itineraries such as the Mediterranean, Norwegian Fjords, Caribbean, Asia or Alaska
Smaller ships tend to feel calm, refined and easy to navigate. You won’t be dealing with crowds, queues or the hustle and bustle often found on larger vessels.
Choose a Smaller Ship if You Enjoy:
Sea days
Time to relax onboard
A mix of ports and downtime
Enjoying the ship as part of the holiday
Azamara’s Pursuit - Aft of the ship, where I love to be
Azamara’s Pursuit - See the difference
River Cruises
I also love river cruising. There’s something incredibly special about gently meandering along inland waterways, with ever-changing scenery on either side and always something to catch your eye.
In Europe, that might mean fairytale castles and ancient ruins, terraced vineyards, or charming little villages that feel untouched by time. One day you could be exploring a world-class city, soaking up its energy - the next, wandering through a quiet town, enjoying something as simple as an ice cream by the river.
Life onboard is on a much more intimate scale. You’ll typically find low-key entertainment by local artists, a restaurant, a lounge bar, perhaps a small pool or spa, and space to relax, but that’s really all you need. The focus is on the destination, with included excursions and the freedom to explore on foot or by bike each day.
It’s easy, immersive, and unhurried.
River cruises are perfect if you’d like:
To sail right through the heart of destinations
Scenic views throughout the day
Easy access on and off the ship
A sociable and relaxed atmosphere
European culture, history and food
A simple, stress-free way to travel
Locally sourced gourmet food, premium drinks and fine wines
One of the joys of river cruising is waking up in a new town or city, stepping ashore, and being immersed in the destination almost immediately.
Choose a River Cruise if You Enjoy:
Frequent stops
Sightseeing and culture
A more active itinerary
Seeing changing scenery throughout the day
Emerald’s Liberte - Lorraine boarding the ship in France
Uniworld’s S.S Beatrice - A view over Passau
Budget Matters - But Value Matters More
Luxury cruises can vary significantly in price.
Rather than comparing headline fares alone, look at what is included:
Drinks
Dining venues
Wi-Fi
Gratuities
Shore excursions
Transfers
Flights
Onboard credit
Sometimes a higher fare can offer far better overall value.
Get Expert Advice
This is where many travellers save time, money and disappointment.
Brochures and websites all look pretty, but firsthand experience makes a real difference. Knowing how ships actually feel, how service compares, which suites are worth booking, and which cruise line best matches your preferences can transform your holiday.
My recommendations and cruise quotations are not based on what Google or suggests, they are based on my own personal experiences - over 30 ships, and 18 years specialising in cruising.
Need Help Choosing?
If you’re unsure whether a smaller ship or river cruise would suit you best, I’d be delighted to help narrow the options down and recommend something that genuinely fits your style, interests and budget.
