Small Ship Cruise Line Cruising Wasn’t What I Expected. Here's Why

I look at the reality of cruising on smaller ship lines versus the many misconceptions and things I was warned about by other cruisers about them. I discuss what I found to be the at the 5 upsides and the 5 downsides of small ship cruise line cruising
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00:00 Start
00:40 What is a "small cruise ship" ?
01:20 Upside: Service
02:15 Upside: Getting Around
03:05 Upside: Kids
03:35 Upside: Lines
04:20 Places
05:52 Downside: Nickle & Diming
06:15 Downside: Food
07:13 Downside: Motion
08:03 Downside: Passengers
08:55 Downside: Choice

[@esseil]

In absolute terms the price issue could be a deal-breaker for me -- at the moment, anyway -- but the real deal-breaker is the failure to recognize that there are a heck of a lot of us solo travelers out there. In principle I don't object to paying the same rate for the cabin, but I'm not eating two people's worth of food, I'm not taking up double the crew's attention, I'm not taking up two seats in the theater, and so on. Of course, even the major lines with larger ships that supposedly cater to single travelers offer only inside cabins as singles. The entire travel and tourism industry (including restaurants) is dismissive of singles. The older I get the more I resent it.

[@jeanbrown3345]

Y

[@PSTXFL]

Solo travelers spend less money onboard overall, that’s why.

[@elouise5593]

@@PSTXFL I don't think that makes up for the extra costs they charge.

[@cherifurr3935]

I agree.

[@TrackerRoo]

You'd think it would cost less to travel as one person. It is less laundry being done. Less food to prepare

[@texasboy5117]

We are big fans of Viking, and it fits our needs perfectly. The only downside of all the small ships lines is cost. They are definitely much more money. With that said, we still feel the smalls ships have good value for what you get.

[@rarelycares8416]

I agree completely, we have booked our 3rd Viking cruise and I would prefer to take fewer cruises that I really enjoy than cruising all the time on the packed resort ships.

[@nessalambert3584]

Higher cost better ambiance

[@PennsyRailroad]

I agree that the up-front sticker shock 😮 may awaken folks, until all the extras are factored in. A big one for many is Wi-Fi, and quite often airfare and transfers. Folks really need to do bottom line comparisons, including dining extras, and more. Very often small ships are on price-par, and sometimes more pocket friendly than the behemoths. Whatever folks choose, enjoy your trips.

[@elouise5593]

Yep. They cost waaay too much money!

[@elouise5593]

@@PennsyRailroad If airfare excursions and everything else are included, maybe, but I don't think they would make up for most of the cost.

[@brianwinters5434]

I served in the US navy for 4 years on a destroyer in the 1970s. We went thru 4 typhoons. 40 ft waves with a ship only 23 feet from waterline to deck. Motion sickness is not a problem.

[@cferg9835]

Gary I just saw that u were voted #1 Cruise blogger. I concur!! The other cruise bloggers are mostly unwatchable IMO. They have irritating un- natural voices, think they’re funny (they’re not) etc. You are natural, intelligent, and know cruising inside out. We LEARN from you. Thank you for being pretty darn perfect 🥰🥰🛳🛳🛳

[@missysmith6299]

Having cruised on Oceania Marina this past September i could not imagine going back to larger cruise ships anytime soon. Excellent food and all round faultless experience. Great not to feel the ‘bite’ being applied with art shows, photos etc.

[@tixximmi]

My first cruise back in the '70s was on the Sun Viking (Royal) There smallest ship at the time. (Nordic Prince, Song of Norway) Crew and passengers totaled 600. Best cruise ever. Best Service too. Two seatings with only one wine steward who poured the wine throughout the meal. Never once was my glass sitting there empty. Food was fantastic. A 14 night cruise that was never boring. I love the smaller ships.

[@alliejr]

I've only ever cruised one time and that was on Oceania Riviera. It was FANTASTIC and I'm certain I would hate anything larger. The crew were spectacular and learned me immediately by name and preferences.

[@marilynnkadan7948]

I cruise Oceania Rivera Jan 2023. I await to enjoy! I did insignia Jul 2022.

[@conniecassidy8628]

We're are cruising on Oceania in 2024 and I'm so excited!

[@fabrisseterbrugghe8567]

I got sick on our cruise. It wasn't COVID, fortunately, but it still wiped me out. Our butler, on Silversea, brought me hot water and honey for my cough because it was his mother's favorite remedy. It wasn't just thoughtful; it helped a lot. I can't imagine something like that happening on a huge ship with a higher passenger to crew ratio.

[@chriswilliams6568]

That is great, but my hubby could do the same and our fares would be 1/5 th of the cost of Silversea, on Princess. LOL

[@tropicalblum]

Indeed, the butler’s on silversea are fabulous

[@lindab5789]

Very good synopsis! We've sailed on Viking Ocean cruises multiple times and have never had a problem maintaining our 'anonimity'. We are able to socialize as much or as little as we want.

[@johnl5316]

movement on a vesel is something that I like

[@pagrant]

We always go on smaller cruise ships with TUI 1000-1500, We always had very good service, knew what drinks we wanted, food preferences and less easy to get lost on the ship, adults only cruises, there are cabins for 3s without no bunk beds, we visited a few islands where we needed tender boats and we have only been the only ship in that day , we like the laid back type of cruises, not too dressy at evening meals , and the small personal touches

[@davemihalic256]

We always appreciate your wonderful analysis - and right on, with many of your points. We are itinerary driven, too, and make choices on those-out-of-the-way places. Seabourn fits that and we are on Silversea in Antarctica this November simply because of the days spent in the Falklands, South Georgia, South Shetlands as well as on the peninsula (we almost went with Ponant because of your experience, too!) The larger ships just seem to go to the more "standard" locations. Thanks for the in-depth analysis!

[@larryhessmusic]

Gary, you do so well with these videos and provide a genuine service. I love the smaller ships for all the reasons you describe. I've been asked to present a program on cruising to a local group with folks aged 50 and older, and I already plan to feature your website and channels as a means to learn as much as you can about your choices. I think that is the best way a traveler can choose a cruise experience that meets their wants and needs. Sometimes you need a Disney experience, and sometimes you need a Viking experience. What's the saying, "one man's ceiling is another man's floor?" Advice like yours can be so valuable for making an informed choice.

[@WendyLaw]

Love your videos! I am a guest entertainer/headliner on ships so I have been to quite a few of these ships you have been. Your description is dead on! 🤩I hope to meet you in person in one of these ships! 🚢

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. I hope so

[@jodybranum4015]

You always do such a awesome job in your videos, thank you!

[@annejohnson1021]

Love all of the positives you touched! Thank you for this vlog!

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. Great to hear you found it interesting!

[@FraserAtSea]

Smaller ship cruising does REALLY interest me - I think the port access is a huge win, but I'd be really self-conscious of being so young on one of the more 'premium' lines, as I worry that I'd stick out like a sore thumb compared to most of the other passengers! Great video - really enjoyed these overviews!

[@KateandBree]

Lots of people in their 30s going on Regent and Silver Seas! (I’m one!) Definitely dependent on itinerary but don’t let the stuffy old rich people get you down. We’re still a smaller section, but there’s always a few of us (ask on RSSC Social Facebook if there’s anyone in their 30s on a certain itinerary! I’m on a Caribbean 2024 cruise.)

[@nickwass9700]

No, I think you'd be just fine. Sure cruising tends to attract the older end of the population, but on Oceania, we found several younger people and nobody looked like a sore thumb!

[@williamd9205]

Thanks for the info Gary. You always have great insights to share.

[@cherylkavanagh3387]

Very informative, Gary. I really appreciate these kinds of videos as I am a novice cruiser.

[@guayames]

For long cruises smaller dhips, for weekly cruises, large ships. Love both!

[@PamKistenmacher]

Have you considered Uncruise? They have very small ships with the largest having only 43 staterooms. There is only one dining room and NO casino or extravagant shows like on the mega-ships. I enjoy sailing in locations that the very large ships can't.The ports can be touristy, or none at all. My upcoming Alaskan cruise will be my second

[@Jennie8684]

Despite the fact I’ve never been on a cruise, and have no desire to ever go on one, I love your videos and find them fascinating. Thanks.

[@nevinhedley1797]

Thank you Gary for mentioning solo cruisers!

[@danielintheantipodes6741]

Another fabulous video. Thank you for posting it.

[@DavidGonzalez-61shamy]

Great video as always. Keep up the great work.

[@kaiyack]

I did a Greek Islands cruise on Louis Cruises’ “The Emerald” (Now Celestyal Cruises) in 2005. Very small boat. 3 decks or so. Pool was really a tub and not filled in July. At least the bow was open to public! Excursions were phenomenal. It seemed like our ship arrived a day before the big ships at each port. And like you said, we weaseled into Rhodes right next to the ferry. The bigger ships had to park a little further out.

[@susans7091]

I've watched many of your videos, this is the only one that has gotten me to subscribe. Definitely want only the smaller cruises and options for solo travelers.

[@dreadpirate2109]

We’ve sailed Oceania and Azamara . Enjoyed them both . We don’t look for or need the amusement park / shopping mall scene of the giant, family oriented ships. Longer stays in smaller ports are our attraction to Azamara.

[@allans7281]

Love your videos good content moves along quickly- you’re definitely qualified to discuss! Smaller ships intrigue me just for the “personal yacht like Feel” You’re definitely paying for that intimacy. never been on one. Cheers mate Allan USA

[@frankpicillo9527]

Hi!!! Wonderful analysis!! Thanks!! Just back last week from an amazing Azamara Onward Med.Cruise....we felt really looked after...from our butler to the reception at the restaurant....greeting us by our name ...recognizing us remembering wich wine we liked...it felt wonderful !! It was our first cruise...and we are sooo glad we chose a smaller cruise line!!! We are hooked!!!

[@cruiseforever1281]

Yes, as a solo traveler, paying for two makes pricing difficult for me. But then Seabourn crew go out of their way to make sure I’m looked after and have people to share dinner with. In fact, some of my best dining experiences were with crew members, who were delightful and fascinating people. Very quickly, the ship becomes my own special floating home.

[@cherifurr3935]

And there are some single supplements available if you have your TA search for them.

[@johnnyhollis9977]

Nice breakdown of the pro's and con's Gary. One of my most enjoyable cruises was back in the day on the old Pacific Princess (Love Boat)! At only 21,000 tons and 500+ people it was more like a private club cruise! Equal spread of American, Canadian and British passengers, it was a brilliant Black Sea cruise with nice people and an attentive crew. We didn't notice any additional movement to be honest and have experienced a lot worse on much bigger ships. It really depends on a bit of luck too! If the sea is going to be rough than you will know about it! We have to remember that huge ships are a lot taller too so any movement will be somewhat amplified depending where you are on the ship but especially the higher up that you are. Lower down and Mid ships is usually the best place to be if you suffer from motion sickness, which can be awful! A friend came back from a larger ship cruise yesterday. He was not impressed at having to queue for a lot of things and finding out that the speciality restaurants were fully booked all of the time. Too many people all trying to do the same thing can lead to disappointment and frustration! Small is beautiful and having cruised on some big ships, I will not be travelling on any of the huge leviathans currently being churned out!

[@ccblue2140]

Great video. Thank you. You’ve answered a number of questions I’ve had about cruising on the smaller ships.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Glad it was helpful!

[@JordanScottMills]

@6:15 in the Navy submarines tend to have the best food, and it's said that it's because it's so small, if there's a bad meal there's nowhere for the cook to hide lol. MAYBE that's why haha

[@broccanmacronain457]

Agreed, we even had a prior student of the American version of Corden Bleu on one of the subs that I was stationed on. He went into the Navy to get a scholarship the school was offering for prior service members. He was the greatest pastry chef I have ever had the pleasure of eating the products of. When our sub decommissioned. Two carrier admirals were fighting to get him on board.

[@floridamezzo8734]

I am looking forward to going on a smaller ship! Thanks, Gary!

[@daleniehaus4309]

Great video, Gary. Always think you are spot on with your comments. After being on HAL, MSC and Celebrity, we discovered Oceania and don't think we will look back. Just finished our 2nd on the new Vista, which was amazing. Booked the 2025 Vista transatlantic (Barcelona to Miami) and plan to just enjoy the Penthouse space, fine dining, and enjoyment of the 2 other couples we will be traveling with!

[@gratefultube]

Love the pronunciation of Tourist Packed Ports!

[@nickwass9700]

Good and valid commentary Gary. I guess, for us, the "deal breaker" would be a big ship with too many people, too many venues, too much noise and all that. We are a pair who enjoy just chilling out so small ships are perfect. Do they cost more, yes, but you get what you pay for and that is OK. However, I fully understand that many people want a lot of activities, fun and entertainment, so a large ship is preferable. In the end, I don't think it is a case of which is better, a big or a small ship, but very much about what you want to do on your cruise.

[@aureliacornelia79adgracchu29]

Finally you gave Star Clippers a mention! Now, go on, give them a try! I'd worked one cruise on the Canberra, tried a Silversea, and other short cruises like Louis. Then Star Flyer, and I was hooked! Royal Clipper and Star Clipper too! I think you and your partner would love any of them!

[@maurieshakespeare5835]

Great summary Gary. Always small ships for us

[@cliffnorman178]

Many thanks once again for your invaluable advice and information.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks! As always, really appreciate you watching and all the support!!!

[@MyriamEH]

I can't wait for your reviews of Regent!

[@josephdadey]

I would love to see a video comparing the "Ship within a ship" concept, such as the Haven, or MSC's Yacht club, vs. small ship cruising and vs. mass market cruising.

[@DWN6172]

Same here. I would like to know where the value resides better.

[@josephdadey]

@@DWN6172 I did msc yacht club on my first cruise. It was definitely a bit special.

[@eighthof8]

Our preference is Holland. We went on Westerdam a 7-day Alaska Explorer cruise July 2022. The ship wasn't super huge which we liked. We experienced excellent staff, a buffet that is out of this world, a learning experience, great live music shows, and "few children". Yes, we paid more, but it was worth it. Next up is The Holland Eurodam Feb 2023 for the 10-day Panama Canal Sunfarer.

[@raymullen3583]

Judy & I really enjoy the Ships with about 4,000 Passengers .... Just seem's to be more Personal and taken care of ....No Park Ride's , Just a nice size POOL Deck and open seating ...... And Cruise ON !!!

[@Moroccanroller1]

Hi Gary. Always enjoy your presentations and topics. The saying on your sweatshirt is the best yet. I'm going to remember that one. Couple quick notes: The Azamara and Oceania R-Class ships have 11 decks including the front sun and sports deck, not 9. Also Azamara offers free specialty dining once every 7 days for Concierge level and above. So for our upcoming 17 day cruise (Athens to Dubai) we'll get at least two. We'll continue to sail the smaller ships including Viking.

[@Alex-cw3rz]

I don't think it would make people go on them more but I also think that many of the smaller cruise ships are more attractive ships to look at, than the bigger ones

[@simonf8902]

Try Ponant. Great ships. Great value. We literally jumped off the stern and swam in the Aegean. Try that on Royal Caribbean !

[@MrToryhere]

A fantastic video. In summary it all depends on what sort of holiday you want. If you want to have lots of activities, bars, pools and amusements on board, then the large ships will suit you better. If you are looking for a more laidback and elegant experience that provides a personalised service, then the small luxury and ultra luxury lines cannot be beaten.

[@davidperry4013]

Going on a small ship cruise is on my bucket list.

[@blackpowder4016]

I cruised on the old Seaward (later Norwegian Sea) back in the 90's. She was tiny by today's standards, about 2,000 passengers and crew but I loved her. She was a lovely ship, well laid out, and quiet. She had an amazing observation lounge - a feature too many modern ships lack. I could take my book up there after breakfast and read for a few hours before the lunch crowd began to come in and make noise. She had a cozy feel the giant ships lack. The staff got to know you well and anticipate your requests. The food was excellent and the service fast. I'd sail on her again.

[@WilliamMurphy-uv9pm]

So, by building outrageously super, mega-sized ships for 4-5,000 passengers cruise lines make those older ships in the 2,000 passenger "sweet spot" seem small. Try some that carry less than 1,000 passengers. Try Viking, Silversea, Seabourn, Regal, Azamara, Oceania, Windstar if you can afford it at least once. Forget the concept that rich people are all snobs. If you paid to get aboard they may think you are the snob. So, that doesn't matter. Preconceptions are often wrong. Live a little more.

[@bryantsteury8910]

How psyched would you be to walk on board a ship and see Gary there? I'd be so jazzed

[@Joe-lb8qn]

Watching this with interest as I'm booked on a star clipper next year with just 180 passengers.

[@MrWiggenhammer]

Ooooh crystal got mentioned! I only crossed their symphony twice and loved it. So sad they went bankrupt, I hope the take over will be just as good also for the crew

[@CarboneCat]

My husband and I are looking to book a cruise from Montreal as we live nearby it and, because it’s located in the more shallow and small portion of the Saint-Laurent, only smaller ships are allowed. So thank you for showing us the pros and cons of these smaller size cruise ships.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Sounds great! I'd love to do the Montreal to Boston route!

[@CarboneCat]

@@tipsfortravellers This is one of the itineraries that we’re interested in. We’re also looking for one that has stops in New Foundland since it’s a province that’s not easily accessible for locals like us. Of course, we’ll be aiming at mid to late September up to early October.

[@arlettevanlishout8590]

I sailed from Montréal to Boston twice, on two of HAL’s smaller and older ships: Veendam (May 2018, as a solo traveller) and Zaandam (June 2022, with a friend). Wonderful experience and beautiful itinerary (incl. Charlottetown in New Foundland). Would do it again because of the mixture of cities (Montréal, Québec and Boston), history (Charlottetown and Halifax) and nature (Saint-Laurent, Prince Edward Island and Acadia National Park, Bar Harbor). Also, I do like sailing with HAL.

[@heidisawyer5600]

I have loved holland and ncl, because of having a balcony. When I can’t stand the crowds, I read on my balcony. But….have been considering the expense of a smaller cruise.

[@koartravel]

These are some of the benefits of river cruising as they are also small ships (minus feeling the motion of course). Thank you Gary for this video. FYI - your endscreen is missing.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks! Oops I’ll check the end screen link !!!

[@juanitafurtado3059]

Thank you for this in advance of my first small ship cruise, on Silversea., for a unique exotic itinerary bigger ships don’t do. I booked cheapest cabin in front of the ship, because I like to feel motion! As a older female senior traveler, I feel safer & appreciate the extra passenger care. And even though no solo cabins, this departure offered a 35%(!) single supplement.

[@RossPayne]

I love the channel, always look forward to new videos. You mention that the service on small ships is better. I don’t doubt that, but I can’t help wondering if you get somewhat better service when they recognize you!

[@cherifurr3935]

I’ve experienced MUCH better service on smaller lines like Regent and Oceania, and I’m not famous!

[@ardiffley-zipkin9539]

Thanks, Gary. I have preferred QM2 due to its stability, speed and well equipped “Medical Department” which I have needed at times. I found your summary of Small Ships interesting but think that I will remain with QM2 if I cruise again.

[@KateandBree]

I will say the motion is true. This can be good or bad. On one end, I had a horrible first day as I was pretty sea sick. However, I never slept better as it felt like being in a bassinet rocked to sleep. It was a love/hate relationship.

[@ken3923]

My 1st cruise was in the mid eighties on 18000 ton ship the MS southward. we had a ball. been on many since

[@markfischer3626]

One cruise line has the problem of seasickness solved. They're building a ship so large you will board near the stern walk the length of the ship, disembark at the bow and you're on the island without ever sailing on the water. It was inspired by a phenomenon in the mid 1980s called hands across America. When we heard about it we were thinking hands to the moon but it was too impractical.

[@bradh3139]

Though I enjoy the anonymity of larger ships, I’m antisocial and curmudgeonly enough to despise crowds. I’ve only so far sailed Princess and NCL. In a few weeks we’ll be on HAL Rotterdam. And a cruise we booked on Oceania for 2024 was just canceled (extended scheduled maintenance). Excellent honest video as always. Thank you, Gary.

[@morganjoe1]

Thank you for this information, Gary. You always post valuable content. We are (once again…will we sail THIS TIME?) booked with Scenic in the Spring for the Rhine. Even though a river Cruise is not the same as these ships you spoke of, you did address issues I had not considered. Thank you for sharing.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks for watching. Have a great trip !!

[@owensmith7530]

You've listed all the reasons I would only travel on small ships. It's a shame Holland America sold theirs during covid, I've now discounted them as a cruise line I might go on. That becomes a problem for Alaska cruises, I'm still debating what to do there. Viking looks like an option except they do the Hubbard Glacier instead of Glacier Bay.

[@poorwotan]

Terrific video and good, general, recompilation of smaller ship cruising pro/cons. As a side note, I think it's rather sad that "small" these days is 1250 and lower; that's about 1000 too many to be small in my book. My first cruise was on the original Renaissance ships (106pax). That's small ship cruising. Up to 200 is still small in my book and one can absolutely tell the difference when on a ~200 ship vs a ~500 ships, vs a ~750-1,250 ship. My definition of a small cruise is (travelling as true solo): "if I can potentially meet up with 75% of passengers, then it's small." If by chance (so excluding things like assigned dining) I see 4-8 people again through the course of a week - I gotta be on large... Anything else is in between... hahaha

[@arl4945]

We were on the Celebrity Reflection when there were 800 or so passengers and had a blast! Entertainment was terrific as well as staff/food. 5 minutes or so for embarkation! Guessing I would like a small ship minus my tendency to be sea sick.

[@kathydunn9011]

I love Windstar and will be back on board in No

[@gordonshearston7590]

We are about to board our 4th Winstar cruise in Tahiti we love this type of cruising the people you meet are very interesting the crew know your name on the first day We have had the captain meets us at the gangway we not lovers of casino's and Las Vegas type shows You are right about how close you can get the ship into the cities/towns But we have had a bad experience on a Regent cruise (700 passengers ) in the Baltic were there were 200 American lawyers on board and they behave badly

[@joeking4206]

You didn't mention Seadream. Certainly expensive but superb. As you said, the crew all know your name before you board. They must have to do homework. Seadream 1 & 2 are about 100 crew and 100 passengers. Fab.

[@sharonimmelman5116]

Thank you for your videos - so helpful. My husband is in a wheelchair ... do you have any videos on smaller ships that are accessible?

[@superpflex]

You get what you pay for. Your summary is accurate.

[@paulready8897]

Awesome and informative video as always. All the advantages of the smaller ships you mentioned are the reasons why I want to sail on Regent for my first cruise, the only disadvantage I can see is price. I would rather pay more up front than being nickeled and dimed on a cruise. This way everything is paid for in advance and you don’t have to worry about going over your credit card limit and what activity, excursion, or drinks I can afford or not afford. Seems like you would have a much more relaxing time on a cruise without the stresses about money.

[@cherifurr3935]

You would love Regent! The extra money is worth it because EVERYTHING except spa treatments. Service is fabulous!

[@TheKennedysTravelChannel]

Great video as usual Gary. Have you ever sailed the eastern Mediterranean with Celestyal? Greek owned, older, smaller ships (they only have two) but great service and sensible prices.

[@tipsfortravellers]

Thanks. Unfortunately not yet. I had a cruise with them booked for October 2021 but they then cancelled all their sailing from October to start off the season this year and my schedule for this year is full...

[@sharonbradley9011]

We went on the Windstar Windsurf and check in took so long. It was disorganized and the staff took all passports. I was surprised and disappointed considering there were less than 200 passengers on our cruise.

[@juanitafurtado8805]

I am a solo traveler & have just booked my first small ship, ultra-luxury cruise on Silverseas, way above my usual price point. Why, because of the hard-to-find Red Sea itinerary,, and because they had a promotional rate of 35% single supplement (!), free night before and after, fantastic discount on business class air, and many included excursions that are you would actually want to go on. Expensive, but the value is there.

[@alanplatt6229]

Have had two Saga cruises this year on the Discovery in a Midship Suite. The service was excellent but the noise in the main dining room and Grill area was too loud for my liking. So, it’s back to Cunard Queen’s Grill for less money. As for smaller ships having less decks, that, I think, is immaterial as most of the deck house accommodation. These deck do not require a visit, only the deck that your cabin is on. Love your blogs, Please keep up your very informative reviews.

[@fremontpathfinder8463]

I've never been on a cruise but would only consider a small, specialized type of cruise. I don't really like being around a lot of people. I'd like to go on more of a learning cruise or one to the Galapagos.

[@loumello8813]

I prefer the smaller ships and have booked mostly with Viking and Oceania although I did really enjoy the Celebrity Apex last September in Greece. That was probably die to the fact that we had only 501 passengers on the Apex. I like being able to get to know the crew and other passengers and it is quite a bit easier to do that on the smaller ships. Our next two cruises are Viking in the Baltic for 18 days and Oceania in the Med for 20 days and I know that I will come away from them with great experiences and new friends. Thanks so much for sharing your knowledge.

[@tipsfortravellers]

agree :-) The Edge when full will definitely be busy!!

[@micheleroyalty4092]

We are fans of Regent, have been on 7 cruises with them. We love it, find other passengers my type of people. Love the all inclusive aspects. I don’t want crowds. Have a voyage schedule across the Atlantic to Lisbon.

[@tipsfortravellers]

I’ve got 2 cruises booked on Regent for next year and really looking forward to sailing with them !

[@dizzydevil547]

Gary, I have always done smaller and mid size ships ADMITIDLY all Thomson (now Marella) and was the BUDGET end of the cruise market back then (these days Marella charges the same as the other lines BUT are all-inclusive throughout) one of the reasons we Used to cruise with Thomson was the all-inclusive if you booked early enough it was free or had to pay for it as it took a lot of the hassle out of onboard spend and billing etc ..Sadly now due to covid they have got rid of their smaller older ship (celebration and dream have JUST gone to the scrap yard in turkey ) and they now have ex RCL and Celebrity ships with balconies in their fleet they are charging more BUT i have noticed now they have reduced some stuff like the main restaurant used to be 6 courses (up to you if you had all 6) and now its been reduced to 3 or 4 ALSO cut back on the drinks where as before you could go to the bar and get a round in NOW its 1 drink per person etc ..i must admit i do miss the smaller ships tbh but hey its progress as they say!..PLUS you mention SAGA (unless its changed) it is for 50 and over cruisers (i know as im over 50 AND my father inlaw used to cruise with them ) so is as you say A TOTALY ADULT / MATURE CRUISE LINE only reason i mention that is someone watching that who is below 50 and wanted an adults-only cruise would be disappointed if they tried to book a saga cruise OTHER THAN THAT small omission the vid and guide is spot on!

[@davidknox5929]

V inaccurate re Marella!

[@roosjeroest7856]

Hello Gary I love your breakdown of this video and and have booked for our next 4 cruises we booked 2 on Oceania, Silverseas and Regent Seven Seas which is your favorite? We have been sailing with Celebrity since 1999 but we no longer like the big crowds and the mega ships Warm regards Rose

[@petemarr824]

I always find with Marella you get a more personal service and I prefer it.

[@juniperdog5523]

Thanks for this Gary. I like the idea of getting into smaller ports less visited by the big ships. Question. If I am really interested in learning and enrichment about history, culture, architecture etc., which line or lines would be best? Which lines offer more lectures on board about the destinations?

[@timlewis1956]

Viking is the best for cultural enrichment, IMHO

[@eluzercruiser7460]

Was directed to your KZbin channel by Tonny from LA Lido Loca.

[@rhampshire1620]

Funny, when I started cruising in the mid seventies the ships were a lot smaller and I much prefer a small ship. .I cruise to be at sea, feel the movement of the ship and enjoy the whole experience of Ocean travel. For glittering shows I can go to the theatre. Give me an after dinner drink in a nice bar or on deck anytime. But I am a good sailor who enjoys a bit of rough weather.

[@alexeitsch647]

I have to admit, that the bigger resort style ships suit my wallet best. However, I love your videos, because the smaller ships are the "real deal" / "the true nautical experience". To me cruising is about the ocean and the sense of "being at sea". You don't get that from a floating amusement park with gokart race tracks.

[@nkdgolf]

We have been on three Regent cruises and will never sail on another line. Yes it’s expensive but in the case of Regent Seven Seas you DO get what you pay for.

[@HeatherTravels]

What would be the least expensive small ship you could recommend?

[@blatherskite9601]

1 200 passengers.. fcuking nightmare, floating anthill!

[@COLINJELY]

Looking at doing Sth America/Antarctica cruise with HAL. Even for a medium sized ship looking at $500/day as a solo traveler? I like to be entertained, a mice show, lectures, even just a film in the cinema

[@ardongrainford8004]

How on earth coukd you miss the sky loubge overlooming the bow on the Celebrity? Just looking at the ship shoes there is a sky bar over the front and you havedeck plans. Also you are acruise expert!

[@jeandalton7108]

I have tried to book on some of these, but the price was exorbitant. We tend to stay with Holland America because they are smaller and very enjoyable.

[@martyheresniak5203]

I did two fourteen day repositioning transatlantic crossings in 1995, eastbound on the RCCL Sun Viking (1.1K passengers) and westbound on the RCCL Nordic Prince (slightly larger but it was half empty) for $1K each way. Those days are gone. Have you considered a video on those lines that do not require a single supplement? I travel alone.

[@karenjensen2345]

Have you gone to the Galapagos Machu/Pichu on Celebrity Xebition or flora? We are going in June but it is very pricy 48 people on our ship.

[@rmpa5727]

I would really like to do a number of small cruises, however, they seem very pricey. And I overwhelming cruise solo.

[@ulrikajohansson6943]

We will go on a cruise onboard the AidaStella, next month. Do you know anything about that ship?

[@MichaelTrick]

The summary lists "Nickle and Diming" and "Food" as downsides but the video has them, correctly, as upsides. The additional downsides are limited activities and price.

[@doeixo]

what's the name of that stunner of a ship from minute 10:35? all white and with such beautiful lines