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WHERE TO CRUISE CLOSE

Where to Go

Small Ship Cruise
Destinations

From the Greek islands and the Dalmatian coast to the Nile, West Africa, the Seychelles, the Caribbean and French Polynesia — choose where to sail, and we will handle the rest.

Mediterranean
Africa & Indian Ocean
Caribbean & Pacific
ATOL protection
Mon–Fri 09:00–19:00 · Sat 09:30–17:00
Greece · Croatia · Italy · Egypt · Africa · Seychelles · Caribbean · Polynesia

Explore the World

Where Small Ships
Can Take You

Every destination we offer has one thing in common: it rewards arriving by sea on a small vessel. Compact harbours, sheltered anchorages, river moorings and island jetties are the places our ships were built for.

In the Mediterranean that means the Greek islands, the Dalmatian coast and the Italian shoreline. Further afield it means the Nile, the coast of West Africa and Cape Verde, the granite islands of the Seychelles, the eastern Caribbean and the lagoons of French Polynesia.

Choose a destination below to see the itineraries, vessels and departure dates currently available — or call us and we will help you narrow it down.

34

Passengers on our smallest ship

40

Average passengers per vessel

140

Passengers on our largest ship

30+

Years of specialist expertise

Destinations

Choose Your
Cruise Destination

Browse the collection below, or jump straight to a region using the links further down the page.

By Region

All Our Cruise Destinations

Mediterranean

Short hops between islands and harbour towns, with warm seas and a long season from spring to autumn.

Africa & Indian Ocean

Ancient river journeys, Atlantic archipelagos and the granite islands of the Indian Ocean.

Caribbean & Pacific

Warm-water island hopping where the anchorages, not the ports, are the whole point.

Seafarer Cruises small ship sails motif

The Short Answer

How Big Is a Small Cruise Ship?

Our smallest ship carries just 34 passengers. The largest carries 140. Most average around 40 — small enough to get into places large ships simply cannot reach.

They combine the comfort and service you would expect of a cruise ship with the ambience and friendliness of a private yacht, which is why we prefer to call them mega yachts. Sustainability is a core value in how and where we sail.

Your Holiday, Your Way

Four Ways to Book
Your Cruise

Book the cruise on its own, take a ready-made package with flights and hotels, or let us shape the whole holiday around your dates and preferences.

01

Cruise & Stay

Packages built around UK flights and the cruise dates, with hotel nights before or after sailing.

02

Cruise Only

Book the cruise alone and arrange your own flights, transfers and accommodation around it.

03

Tailor-Made

Adjust your stay, upgrade your flights or choose specific hotels — the holiday is shaped around you.

04

Private Charter

Take the whole ship for a family gathering, a group of friends or a special celebration.

The Ships

Motor Yachts, Motor Sailers
and Tall Ships

Three kinds of vessel, all carrying a small number of guests, with a high crew-to-passenger ratio and a swim platform for stops along the way.

Motor yacht small ship cruise vessel at anchor

Motor Yachts

Mega yachts designed for intimate, luxurious cruising with a limited number of guests. Elegant cabins, top-tier amenities and generous deck space, on itineraries that reach some of the world’s most striking coastlines.

Motor sailer cruising under sail with guests on deck

Motor Sailers

Traditional lines and modern comforts in one vessel. Motor sailers suit travellers who want a more authentic sense of being at sea, without giving up the conveniences of a well-appointed small ship.

Tall ship with sails set on a small ship cruise

Tall Ships

Classic windjammer elegance combined with contemporary comfort. Tall ships carry a select number of passengers and bring a real sense of occasion to a voyage under sail.

Why Book With Seafarer

Small Ship Cruise Specialists Since 1995

Wherever you sail with us, the approach is the same: carefully chosen vessels, personal advice, and full financial protection behind your booking.

01

Specialists Since 1995

A more personal and authentic style of cruising, built on over thirty years of specialist knowledge.

04

Private Charter Options

Exclusive charters for couples, families, friends and private groups.

02

Tailor-Made Holidays

Every holiday shaped around your plans — not a generic package.

05

UK Agent for Variety Cruises

Official UK General Sales Agent for Variety Cruises boutique yacht adventures.

03

Access to Smaller Ports

Smaller vessels reach destinations often beyond the reach of large cruise ships.

06

ATOL-Protected Holidays

Full financial protection on flight-inclusive holidays. Your booking is secure.

Good to Know

Small Ship Cruises — FAQs

How big is a small cruise ship?

Our smallest ship carries just 34 passengers and the largest carries 140, with most averaging around 40. That scale lets them reach harbours and anchorages large cruise ships cannot enter, while combining the comfort and service of a cruise ship with the friendly, informal feel of a private yacht.

Where do Seafarer Cruises sail?

Our small ship cruises cover the Mediterranean, including Greece, Croatia and Italy, along with Egypt and the Nile, West Africa and Cape Verde, the Seychelles, the Caribbean and French Polynesia. Each destination page lists the itineraries currently available.

What is the difference between a motor yacht, a motor sailer and a tall ship?

Motor yachts are contemporary vessels built for comfort and space, with elegant cabins and generous deck areas. Motor sailers combine traditional lines and sails with modern amenities for a more authentic feel at sea. Tall ships are classic sailing vessels that pair windjammer character with contemporary comfort. All three carry a small number of guests.

Can I book flights, hotels and transfers with my cruise?

Yes. We arrange tailor-made packages combining your cruise with flights from the UK, hotel stays before or after sailing, and transfers. You can also book the cruise on its own and make your own travel arrangements around it.

When is the best time to take a small ship cruise?

It depends on the region. Mediterranean cruising in Greece, Croatia and Italy generally runs from spring through to autumn, while tropical destinations such as the Seychelles, the Caribbean and French Polynesia operate to their own seasons. Our team can advise on the best months for the destination you have in mind.

Can I charter a whole ship?

Yes. Many of the small ships we represent are available for private charter, which suits families, groups of friends, special celebrations and corporate groups who want the vessel and itinerary to themselves.

Are your holidays financially protected?

Yes. Seafarer is licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority under ATOL 9511, so flight-inclusive holidays we operate are ATOL protected. We are also members of ABTOT, membership number 5660, which provides protection for bookings that do not include flights.

Guest Reviews

98% of customers say they’d Book With us Again

Peace of Mind

Book With Confidence

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 small ship cruise holidays — licence 9511

ATOL Protected — Licence 9511

All flight-inclusive holidays are fully ATOL protected

ABTOT member number 5660

ABTOT Member — No. 5660

Additional protection for bookings without flights

Speak to a Specialist

Not Sure Where to Sail?

Tell us your dates, your party and the kind of trip you have in mind — we will point you to the destinations and ships that fit.

0208 324 3117
[email protected]

Seafarer Cruising & Sailing Holidays

Our sister brand Seafarer Sailing

Seafarer Cruises is the small ship cruise brand of Seafarer Cruising & Sailing Holidays.

For sailing yacht charter, flotilla holidays, fully crewed sailing charters, sailing courses and other sailing experiences, please visit our sister brand Seafarer Sailing.

Visit Seafarer Sailing →

What We Offer

Flotilla Sailing

The widest choice of Mediterranean flotilla destinations

Bareboat & Crewed Charter

Greece, Croatia, Caribbean, Seychelles and beyond

RYA Sailing Schools

Greece, Croatia and the Solent — all levels welcome

By-the-Cabin Sailing

Join a sailing adventure without chartering the whole yacht