There’s always a time and a place for taking a trip on one of the world’s many large cruise ships. However, sometimes when you’re booking a cruise, you don’t want to have to deal with the crowds. Instead, you want the opportunity to enjoy a little peace and quiet, to reconnect with yourself and to discover the tranquility that the water can bring to your life. A large cruise ship has a great many things to offer, but those things are not among them.
Thankfully, there are a number of small cruise lines that operate throughout the world. Some of these lines offer cruises on the seven seas, while others offer stunning river cruises that give passengers the opportunity to explore new locations. There are even some small cruise lines that, because their ships are so nimble, are able to navigate to the most remote places in the world, giving passengers an experience they won’t be able to get anywhere else.
So, if you’re looking for a cruise line that has ships upon which you won’t have to contend with a million other people, then check out this list. It’s full of luxurious yachts, riverboats and tall ships that are sure to fit the bill!
1. Silversea
Silversea operates a fleet of small cruise ships that make up with luxury what they lack for in terms of size.
The cruise line’s vessels are always travelling to exotic locations around the world, such as Alaska, Galapagos and even Antarctica.
Silversea’s flagship is the Silver Spirit, which is capable of carrying up to 540 passengers and 376 crewmembers. It is the largest ship in their fleet.
Despite the small size of Silversea’s ships, you’ll find that none of them leave a thing to be desired.
2. AmaWaterways
Amawaterways is universally regarded as one of the best river cruise lines in the world.
Naturally, they offer a host of intimate river cruises through the historic towns and cities of Europe.
But, they also offer river cruises through other parts of the world, like Myanmar, Vietnam and Cambodia.
No matter what river your cruise, though, you’ll find that the accommodations aboard an AmaWaterways ship are always first rate.
3. Windstar
This cruise line has a fleet of three tall ships that are capable of carrying up to 310 people.
Windstar operates three power yachts as well, which can carry a maximum of 212 passengers each.
Whether on one of their tall ships or one of their power yachts, you’ll find that Windstar offers a one-of-kind luxurious experience.
Although Windstar’s ships sail all over the world, its Mediterranean itineraries are perhaps the line’s signature.
4. Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions is a cruise line for people who want to really get away from it all, and for those who want to see far-flung locations.
They are partnered with National Geographic and offer a fleet of ships that travel to places like Antarctica and Galapagos.
In addition, Lindblad Expeditions also offers river cruises of the Amazon, Vietnam and Cambodia.
No only will you escape the crowds aboard their ships, you’ll also be able to get closer to nature than you ever have been before.
5. Viking River Cruises
This is another cruise line that offers a stunning itinerary of river cruises all over the world.
Of course, they offer a whole host of European river cruises that connects passengers to the rich history of the continent.
In addition, Viking River Cruises also offers trips up and down the Nile, as well as itineraries that include Asia and Russia.
Although you’ll frequently have cause to get off of their boats and explore, you’ll find that their ships are well apportioned.
6. Azamara Club Cruises
Azamara Club Cruises gives its passengers the chance to experience the yachting lifestyles of the rich and famous.
It’s two ships, the Journey and the Quest, are capable of carrying 686 passengers at most.
Even though the ships are smaller, you’ll still find many of the amenities of a larger cruise ship. For example, both ships have an onboard casino.
In 2015, this line’s ships will be travelling to places like Copenhagen, Singapore and even Dubai.
7. Star Clippers
This cruise line offers a fleet of tall ships that are capable of carrying around 200 passengers each.
The Royal Clipper is the cruise line’s flagship, and it also happens to be the largest.
Star Clipper’s vessels sail to destinations all over the world, including the Panama Canal and the Greek Isles.
Although you might not notice where you end up, because there’s plenty to do onboard.
8. Uniworld
There are river cruises and then there are Uniworld’s river cruises, which are some of the most luxurious that money can buy.
Their fleet of vessels sail the rivers of Europe, Russia and Asia, in addition to other places.
If you’re looking to book a truly exceptional vacation, then you should consider booking a trip on one of their river cruises in India.
Regardless of where you end up, you’re sure to enjoy the accommodations on their boats and the personal attention that you’ll receive.
9. SeaDream Yacht Club
This cruise line has two ships, the SeaDream I and the SeaDream II, which are capable of carrying 110 passengers.
The cruise line prides itself on providing its passengers with a truly authentic yachting experience.
Passengers have access to a bevy of water sports equipment when they’re passenger’s on one of SeaDream’s yachts.
Also, passengers receive individual attention from the crew and are given the opportunity to have an intimate and memorable experience.
