Small ship cruises Beyond the crowds. Closer to the world.
The art of small-ship cruising: yachts, motor sailers and tall ships for 16 to 227 guests, never thousands, sailing into the harbours and bays the big ships pass by.
Not simply a smaller version of traditional cruising, but a more personal, immersive and destination-led way to explore the world.
M/S Galileo at anchor off a Greek island
Discover places beyond the reach of large ships
Explore secluded bays, charming coastal villages and hidden harbours that are often inaccessible to large cruise ships, where the true character of a place remains untouched by mass tourism.
Fewer guests. More personal space.
Leave the crowds behind and enjoy an atmosphere of comfort and tranquillity. With fewer passengers on board, every moment feels more relaxed, personal and enjoyable.
Personalised service that makes a difference
Genuine hospitality, where attentive crew members have the chance to get to know their guests and create a warm, welcoming atmosphere throughout the journey.
Authentic connections with local culture
Go beyond the typical tourist sights. Wander through traditional villages, discover local cuisine, meet local communities and experience the authentic spirit of each destination.
At a glance
Big ships vs small ships
A practical comparison of what makes the small-ship experience different.
Traditional large-ship cruising compared with small-ship cruising
Traditional large-ship cruising
Small-ship cruising
Large shipsThousands of passengers
Small ships16 to 227 guests on our ships
Large shipsMainly major cruise ports
Small shipsSmaller harbours, bays and island villages
Large shipsLarge entertainment facilities
Small shipsDays shaped by the destination
Large shipsBusy public spaces
Small shipsQuieter, more relaxed decks
Large shipsStandardised large-scale service
Small shipsMore personal attention from the crew
Large shipsLarge-group excursions
Small shipsSmaller groups ashore
Large shipsThe ship is the main attraction
Small shipsThe destination takes centre stage
These are typical differences rather than guarantees. Every ship and itinerary is different, and we will always tell you honestly how one compares with another.
To scaleGuests on boardEach dot is ten guests
5,000+The largest cruise ships afloat
227Royal Clipper, the largest ship we sail
49M/S Galileo, a typical Variety Cruises yacht
16Larin Su, our Turkish gulet
The luxury of simplicity
The greatest luxury is the freedom to truly experience a destination.
Imagine waking up to the gentle sound of the sea, surrounded by the beauty of a secluded bay. No crowded terminals. No overwhelming crowds. Just the freedom to explore, connect and enjoy every moment.
Small-ship cruising brings you closer to the places you visit, the people you meet and the experiences that make travel truly unforgettable.
Because sometimes, the most extraordinary journeys happen on the smallest ships.
Choose your ship
Four ways to sail small
Every ship we sail is small by cruise standards. The difference is in the character: sleek yachts, canvas and rigging, a traditional gulet or a Nile river ship.
Boutique yachts and motor sailers from Variety Cruises, for whom we are the UK General Sales Agent. Relaxed island hopping, with time to swim, explore and linger ashore.
Guests34 to 72 on most yachtsSailingGreece, Croatia, Italy, Africa, the Seychelles, the Pacific & Galápagos
We believe that discovering the world’s most beautiful destinations comes with a responsibility to help protect them.
Our approach to cruising is guided by respect for the marine environment, the natural beauty of our destinations and the communities that welcome us. From responsible practices on board to meaningful connections with local communities, we aim to make every journey a more conscious way to travel.
Kayaks and paddleboards beside Variety Voyager
Protecting marine ecosystems
Respect for marine life, coastal habitats and environmentally sensitive destinations.
Responsible water & waste management
Procedures designed to minimise waste, manage wastewater responsibly and prevent marine pollution.
Energy & fuel efficiency
Operational practices focused on monitoring fuel use, improving energy efficiency and reducing emissions where possible.
Creating opportunities for local suppliers, guides, restaurants and small businesses to benefit from tourism.
Respectful exploration
Encouraging responsible visitor behaviour, cultural sensitivity and the protection of natural and historical sites.
Want to know how a particular ship handles fuel, waste or plastics? Ask us before you book and we will give you a straight answer, or send us your question.
Your holiday, your way
Four ways to book your small-ship cruise
No two travellers want the same thing, and a holiday of this kind deserves a considered, personal approach. Some clients come to us for the cruise alone — others want the entire journey arranged from door to door.
01
Cruise & Stay
Pre-made packages thoughtfully designed to complement available cruises and UK flight options — a hassle-free experience put together by our holiday experts.
02
Cruise Only
Take charge of your own travel arrangements — arrange your flights, transfers and accommodation to suit your personal preferences and travel style.
03
Tailor Made
Share your preferences — extending your stay, upgrading flights, choosing specific hotels — and we’ll craft the entire holiday around your preferred cruise.
04
Private Charter
Take the whole ship for a family gathering, a group of friends or a special celebration.
Our ships carry between 16 and 227 guests: from a traditional Turkish gulet with eight cabins to the five-masted Royal Clipper, the largest ship we sail. Most of the Variety Cruises yachts carry 34 to 72 guests.
Which type of small ship should I choose?
Choose a mega yacht or motor sailer for relaxed island hopping, a tall ship if you would love to sail under canvas, a coastal yacht or gulet for the most intimate trips in Croatia and Turkey, and a river ship for the temples of the Nile. If you are unsure, call us: we know the ships and will tell you honestly which one suits you.
Will I feel the sea more on a small ship?
A smaller vessel can feel the motion of the sea more than a very large one. Island-hopping itineraries tend to sail in shorter stages, with plenty of time in port or at anchor. If you are prone to seasickness, tell us and we will suggest the calmest routes and times of year.
Is there entertainment on board?
Not in the big-ship sense: there are no casinos, theatres or shopping malls. Days are spent ashore or swimming from the ship, and evenings are about good food, conversation and the harbour lights. Some cruises add expert guides, such as the resident historian on From Antiquity to Byzantium.
Are flights and hotels included?
Most of our cruises are available as flight-inclusive packages with UK flights, transfers and hotel nights before or after the cruise, and flight-inclusive holidays are ATOL protected. You can also book the cruise only, or ask us to tailor-make the whole trip.
How far ahead should I book?
Small ships have only a few cabins, so popular summer dates and the best cabins can sell out many months ahead. Call us for current availability.
Do you operate your own ships?
No. We are an independent, family-run specialist, trading since 1995, and the UK General Sales Agent for Variety Cruises. We also offer cruises with Star Clippers, Sea Cloud and selected small-ship operators in Croatia, Turkey, Egypt and the Galápagos, so we can recommend the right ship rather than the only one we have.
Travel differently. Experience more.
Small ships. Extraordinary experiences.
Tell us where you would like to wake up and we will find the small ship that sails there. You will speak directly to someone who knows the destinations and the vessels, with no obligation whatsoever.
Seafarer is licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority (ATOL 9511) and all air holidays we operate are ATOL protected. We are also members of ABTOT (Membership No. 5660), providing additional protection for bookings without flights.
We have been trading since 1995 — all your deposits and balance payments to us are fully financially secure.
ATOL protected: licence 9511All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected
ABTOT member: No. 5660Financial protection for bookings without flights
Guest reviews
98% of our customers say they’d book with us again
Independent reviews of Seafarer, collected by Feefo.
Excellent
4.6out of 5
Based on 643 guest reviews of our service on Feefo
Feefo Platinum Trusted Service AwardFour years in a row
ATOL protectedFlight-inclusive holidays
