Are Small Ship Cruises Worth It?
Small ship cruises · Cruise guide
Small ship cruises usually cost more upfront than a holiday on a large cruise ship. So are small ship cruises worth it? Here is what the fare includes on our Greek cruises, the quiet islands a small ship can reach, and how the two styles of cruising compare on value.
In short
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. On our Greek cruises the price also covers far more than the cruise itself, so compare the total cost of each holiday rather than the headline fare.
49
guests on our Greek small ships, looked after by 16 to 18 crew
7,600
guests on the largest ocean cruise ships
9
nights on Jewels of the Cyclades, flights and an Athens hotel included
1995
the year Seafarer started specialising in small ship cruising
Small or large
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 | |
|---|---|---|
| Guests | A few dozen guests, with no queues | Thousands at once, and Santorini now caps cruise visitors at 8,000 a day |
| Ports | Small harbours such as Lipsi, Koufonisia, and Iraklia | Major ports such as Mykonos and Santorini |
| Swimming | Straight from the ship on our Greek cruises | On-board pools |
| Evenings | In port on islands such as Folegandros and Syros | More full days at sea |
| Dinner | One sitting at dinner, so you get to know your fellow travellers | Many restaurants, shared with thousands |
The price
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.
Included on our Greek cruises
- Return UK flights and transfers
- Two nights at a five-star Athens hotel
- A seven-night half-board cruise
- A welcome cocktail, a BBQ and the Captain’s Dinner
- Water sports and a cruise director
- Port charges
At extra cost
- Gratuities of €15 to €18 a day
- Wi-Fi
- Most drinks
Hidden Greece also includes house wine, beer, and soft drinks with meals, plus two shore excursions.
What it works out at
Jewels of the Cyclades starts from £2,298 per person, based on two sharing, including flights. That works out at around £255 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.
The benefits
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.
On board
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.
Big ships
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.
49–227
guests on a small ship
3,000
guests on the average ocean cruise ship
7,600
guests on the largest ships
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.
Booking with us
Why book your small ship cruise with Seafarer?
Choosing the right holiday on a small ship isn’t just about the destination. It’s about service, comfort, and reliability, and about knowing your provider will deliver.
Seafarer holds the Feefo Platinum Trusted Service Award, based entirely on genuine customer reviews. Feefo is an independent review platform that collects reviews only from verified customers.
How the Platinum award is earned
To receive it, a company must hold Gold status for three consecutive years and keep a rating of 4.5 or more from at least 50 verified reviews in a calendar year.
I have been booking with Seafarer for several years. They always respond to enquiries promptly and are very helpful in providing all the necessary information.
Another reviewer valued “direct contact with a knowledgeable member of staff who followed through the booking process”.
The verdict
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.
Book with a specialist
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. Our team is always happy to answer your questions by phone.
Common questions
Small ship cruises: your questions answered
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.
Is a small ship cruise right for you?
Talk to us about your small ship cruise
Ask for a personalised quote to compare routes, cabins and inclusions, or call our team with your questions.
Call or email us
Monday to Friday 09:00 to 19:00 · Saturday 09:30 to 17:00
Book with confidence. Seafarer, a family company, has specialised in small ship cruising since 1995, and every payment you make to us is financially protected: ATOL licence 9511 for holidays with flights, ABTOT member 5660 for holidays without.