Are Small Ship Cruises Worth It?
Small ship cruises usually cost more upfront than a holiday on a large cruise ship. So are small ship cruises worth it?
The short answer: Yes, for travellers who value quieter islands, a relaxed and sociable atmosphere, and more time ashore than on board. If the lowest fare or resort-style facilities matter most, a larger ship will probably offer better value.
What's the difference between a small ship and a large cruise ship?
The main difference is scale. A small ship carries between 49 and 227 guests, while the average ocean cruise ship carries around 3,000 and the largest carry up to 7,600.
| Small ship | Large cruise ship |
|---|---|
| A few dozen guests, with no queues | Thousands at once, and Santorini now caps cruise visitors at 8,000 a day |
| Small harbours such as Lipsi, Koufonisia, and Iraklia | Major ports such as Mykonos and Santorini |
| Straight from the ship on our Greek cruises | On-board pools |
| In port on islands such as Folegandros and Syros | More full days at sea |
| One sitting at dinner, so you get to know your fellow travellers | Many restaurants, shared with thousands |
What does a small ship cruise really cost?
A small ship cruise usually costs more per night. On our Greek cruises, though, the price covers far more than the cruise itself, so compare the total cost of each holiday rather than the headline fare.
Fewer guests share the running costs, and there are fewer cabins to sell.
On our Greek cruises, the price includes return UK flights, transfers, two nights at a five-star Athens hotel, a seven-night half-board cruise, a welcome cocktail, a BBQ, the Captain’s Dinner, water sports, a cruise director, and port charges. Hidden Greece also includes house wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals, plus two shore excursions. Gratuities of €10 to €14 a day, Wi-Fi, and most drinks cost extra.
Jewels of the Cyclades starts from £2,632 per person, based on two sharing, including flights. That works out at around £290 a night across the whole nine-night holiday. Many large ship fares cover the cruise only, so add flights, transfers, and hotels before you compare.
Why are small ship cruises worth it?
The higher fare pays for access and atmosphere rather than facilities. You travel with far fewer guests, reach islands large ships can’t, and spend more of your holiday ashore.
Fewer guests: Our Greek small ships carry just 49 guests, looked after by 16 to 18 crew. Dinner is a single sitting, so you soon get to know your fellow guests, and there are no queues to board, eat, or go ashore.
Smaller islands: Small ships slip into harbours and anchorages such as Lipsi, Koufonisia, Folegandros, and Poliegos in Greece, and the Tobago Cays and Les Saintes in the Caribbean.
Swim stops: On our Greek cruises, you can swim straight from the ship at spots such as the aptly named Seychelles Beach on Ikaria, Antiparos, and a remote beach on Serifos.
Evenings in port: Short hops between islands mean evenings ashore on Folegandros, Mykonos, and Syros on Jewels of the Cyclades, or Lipsi, Kalymnos, and Amorgos on Hidden Greece.
What about the cabins and facilities?
Small ship cabins are comfortable but compact. On some of our ships, they measure 9.5 to 14 square metres, and every cabin has an en suite bathroom, air conditioning, a TV, and a mini fridge.
On board, expect a lounge, a bar, and a sun deck rather than pools and theatres, although our Caribbean tall ship cruise has two pools. The premium pays for access and atmosphere, not hotel-style space.
Does a larger ship offer better value?
It can, if the ship matters more to you than the destination. Large ships offer pools, entertainment, and many restaurants, often at lower fares.
The trade-off is that you’re one of several thousand guests, with more days at sea and fewer small islands. If value means the most facilities for the lowest fare, a large ship usually wins. If it means a richer holiday where you really savour each place you visit, a small ship wins every time.
So, are small ship cruises worth it?
Yes, when access, atmosphere, and the itinerary matter most. Neither style of cruise suits everyone, but if you’d rather wake up in a quiet harbour, swim straight from the ship, and share dinner with guests who soon feel like friends, a small ship offers a richer holiday.
Seafarer Cruising & Sailing Holidays has specialised in small ship cruises since 1995, and our holidays carry ATOL protection.
Explore our small ship cruises, or ask for a personalised quote to compare routes, cabins, and inclusions by clicking below. Our team is always happy to answer your questions by phone.
Frequently asked questions
Are small ship cruises suitable for people with limited mobility?
Small ships have stairs between decks, and some anchorages use tender boats. They suit guests comfortable with steps, so call our team to discuss the best option.
Will I get seasick on a small ship?
In Greece, the meltemi wind peaks in July and August, so early and late season sailings are usually calmer. Lower-deck cabins in the middle of the ship move least, and we recommend speaking to your pharmacist before you travel.
Who typically travels on a small ship cruise?
Most of our guests are experienced travellers in their 50s and 60s, and the atmosphere is sociable and relaxed.
Are small ship cruises good for solo travellers?
Yes, especially for sociable travellers, as single-seating dining makes it easy to meet people. Single supplements of 50% to 75% apply, so factor that into your budget.
How active are the shore days?
As active as you like. Walks and hikes are optional, and small islands often mean cobbled lanes and village steps, so comfortable shoes help.
Is there Wi-Fi on board?
Yes, at a charge.