Cruise tips
Packing advice
Lara Paxton at our partners The Small Ship Cruise Collection shares some cruise tips:
“For the Polar Regions, you need to dress like an onion. It is all about layers. People always think of Antarctica, the Arctic and Alaska as being really freezing cold, but it isn’t that bad. The wind will get to you, but it is no colder than winter can be in the UK, so it is just a case of layering up.
“For the Polar Regions, you need to dress like an onion. It is all about layers. People always think of Antarctica, the Arctic and Alaska as being really freezing cold, but it isn’t that bad. The wind will get to you, but it is no colder than winter can be in the UK, so it is just a case of layering up.
“The best trousers are lightweight, waterproof ski trousers, with leggings underneath, as you can get splashed on the zodiac boats when you go in for landings. Fishing trousers are pretty good too. A lot of the boat operators provide wellington boots and jackets, so you can just pack a good pair of walking shoes, waterproof being best. And then just have something comfy to wear on board.”
Our Small ship cruising Holidays
Southern Croatia cruise in comfort
Cruise Croatia's beautiful islands on a small cruise ship
From
£559 to £805
8 days
ex flights
Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica cruise
The Ultimate Antarctica Experience!
From
€10500 to €12400
21 days
ex flights
Galapagos holiday cruise options
Excellent selection of small and midsize Galapagos cruises
From
£3655 to £4150
8 days
ex flights
Hebrides cruise, The Sounds of Mull, Luing, Shuna and Jura
Cruise the Sounds of the Hebrides: Mull, Luing, Jura, Shuna
From
£660 to £1650
7 days
ex flights
Skye and the Small Isles sailing holiday
Sail Scotland's Small Isles and visit spectacular Skye
From
£1280 to £2120
9 days
ex flights
Cruising holiday in Burma, the Mergui Archipelago
A comprehensive tour of Burma including ocean sailing
From
£5675
17 days
inc UK flights
Luxury small ship cruise in Croatia
Luxury small ship cruise through Croatia's Islands
From
£1175 to £1535
8 days
ex flights
Scotland private charter sailing holidays
Private Charter a small ship around the Scottish Islands
From
£7188 to £16410
7 days
ex flights
Seychelles 7 day sailing cruise
Cruise the Seychelles on a beautiful wooden sailing ship
From
£965 to £1355
7 days
ex flights
Spitsbergen Arctic Cruise
An exciting wildlife cruise around the Svalbard archipelago
From
£5264 to £5765
12 days
ex flights
Alaskas Glacier Bay small ship cruise
Get close up to Alaska where the big ships can't go
From
£3315 to £3644
8 days
ex flights
St Kilda and the Outer Hebrides cruise, Scotland
Scottish Cruise to St Kilda and the Outer Hebrides
From
£4480
11 days
ex flights
Dubrovnik to Venice luxury cruise
Cruise the Croatian Islands before a bus journey to Venice
From
£2135 to £2339
12 days
ex flights
Arctic wildlife holiday, Polar bear explorer
A wildlife focused Arctic safari in Svalbard
From
£7195 to £9595
11 days
ex flights
Great Barrier Reef 4 day cruise in Australia
A short, stunning exploration of Reef, Rainforest and Island
From
£1029
4 days
ex flights
Antarctic cruise and hiking in Chile
Walk in Atacama and Patagonia before cruising Antarctica
From
£13725
4 weeks
ex flights
Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea cruise
A diverse polar wilderness journey
From
€6890
12 days
ex flights
St Kilda, Outer Hebrides Cruise, Scotland
Cruise to St Kilda, Monachs, Outer Hebrides and Small Isles
From
£2650 to £2805
12 days
ex flights
Luxury Arctic cruise Spitsbergen & Franz Josef Land
A unique expedition to rarely visited Franz Josef Land
From
£7995
15 days
ex flights
Classic Antarctica cruise & South Shetland Islands
Experience all that this remarkable area has to offer!
From
US $4860 to US $7990
11 days
ex flights
Chukotka and Wrangel Island wildlife cruises, Russia
Explore Russian Arctic - home to Polar Bears, walrus & more
From
US $9000
15 days
ex flights
Arctic sailing voyages, Spitsbergen
Experience sailing in the fjords
From
€2540 to €5490
8 days
ex flights
Melanesia cruise, wildlife cruise
Explore idyllic islands of the South Pacific inc Vanuatu
From
US $5495
12 days
ex flights
Split to Dubrovnik Luxury cruise, Croatia
Cruise Split to Dubrovnik in luxury via Croatia's islands
From
£899 to £1599
8 days
ex flights
Wildlife sailing holiday in Scotland
Extraordinary wildlife above and below the waves
From
£660 to £3600
6 days
ex flights
Luxury gulet cruise in the Aegean
5 star services while cruising the Greek Islands in luxury
From
£945 to £1185
8 days
ex flights
Kamchatka and Chukotka wildlife cruises, Russia
Explore Kamchatka's stunning Coast, volcanoes, fjords & more
From
US $7200
13 days
ex flights
Wildlife Cruise of New Zealand Subantarctic Islands
New Zealand's wildlife rich & remote Subantarctic wilderness
From
US $4600
8 days
ex flights
Peru and Galapagos active holiday
Private Inca Trail away from crowds & small boat cruise.
From
£8540 to £9830
18 days
ex flights
Colette Dubois, co-founder of our Scottish cruise specialists St. Hilda Sea Adventures, says:
“It is important not to forget your waterproofs. Some people think that they can manage without, and it is not because the weather is bad but because when you go in a dinghy you are close to the water, when you put the anchor up you can get wet at that time. They don’t have to be fancy - cheap waterproofs which cost about £10 for the trousers are fine.
“We always ask people to bring clean shoes, because people think that it is OK to have dirty shoes to work on deck, but you can’t, because you have all the working things on deck when you go sailing, such as the sails, and so it is important to keep the deck clean. And then also bring something comfortable to change into when you go inside the boat. Something to slip into rather than tie laces, particularly for young children. Crocs are fantastic.”
“It is important not to forget your waterproofs. Some people think that they can manage without, and it is not because the weather is bad but because when you go in a dinghy you are close to the water, when you put the anchor up you can get wet at that time. They don’t have to be fancy - cheap waterproofs which cost about £10 for the trousers are fine.
“We always ask people to bring clean shoes, because people think that it is OK to have dirty shoes to work on deck, but you can’t, because you have all the working things on deck when you go sailing, such as the sails, and so it is important to keep the deck clean. And then also bring something comfortable to change into when you go inside the boat. Something to slip into rather than tie laces, particularly for young children. Crocs are fantastic.”
Cruise tips for families
Colette Dubois, co-founder at our friends St. Hilda Sea Adventures in Scotland, says:
“I think it is perfect for families, because there is a lot to do on the boat. When we dock the boat, put a dinghy in to go and visit little beaches, go fishing or go and see the seals. So the children can learn a lot. But do remember to bring waterproofs. Sometimes, families bring a few waterproofs to share, and don’t have enough for everyone. And so there is always somebody who is stuck without them! With children, we say a minimum age of seven, not because the boat is dangerous, but because they are so small. And so they cannot use the equipment so easily, such as the toilet, or the sinks.”
“I think it is perfect for families, because there is a lot to do on the boat. When we dock the boat, put a dinghy in to go and visit little beaches, go fishing or go and see the seals. So the children can learn a lot. But do remember to bring waterproofs. Sometimes, families bring a few waterproofs to share, and don’t have enough for everyone. And so there is always somebody who is stuck without them! With children, we say a minimum age of seven, not because the boat is dangerous, but because they are so small. And so they cannot use the equipment so easily, such as the toilet, or the sinks.”
Lara Paxton at our partners The Small Ship Cruise Collection shares her cruise tips:
“For families, small ship cruises are great because you only unpack once, and yet you still get to explore different places. But of course, these boats aren’t adapted to have things like kids clubs and that kind of thing. The kids clubs are getting off the boat, exploring and seeing what’s out there. The children can still go to onboard lectures, for example, there are no restrictions from that point of view, so they are treated more like adults than children, with no cuddly toys in sight. There are age restrictions with some boat operators, however, so we always check that.”
“For families, small ship cruises are great because you only unpack once, and yet you still get to explore different places. But of course, these boats aren’t adapted to have things like kids clubs and that kind of thing. The kids clubs are getting off the boat, exploring and seeing what’s out there. The children can still go to onboard lectures, for example, there are no restrictions from that point of view, so they are treated more like adults than children, with no cuddly toys in sight. There are age restrictions with some boat operators, however, so we always check that.”
Travel advice
Colette Dubois, co-founder at our Scotland cruise specialists St. Hilda Sea Adventures, says: “Do think about coming by train. A lot of people do, and they get a ticket on Scotrail that includes the ferry to Dunoon, and then we can organise a taxi to Holy Loch Marina, where we are moored. We are actually only an hour from Glasgow.”
Accessible tourism tips
Lara Paxton, from our specialists The Small Ship Cruise Collection, says big cruise ships aren't the only accessible vessels: “Some of our boats are old Russian expedition ships and just don’t have the access, but a lot of the newer ships do, so it is great that people with accessibility issues don’t have to do the massive cruise liner thing. They want the different experience that we offer on small ship cruises, and to actually get off the boat and not just point to a destination from on board – which is completely what we don’t agree with. The boat is just a means to get from A to B and it is all about exploring and getting off the boat, more than anything.”Our top Small ship cruising Holiday
Southern Croatia cruise in comfort
Cruise Croatia's beautiful islands on a small cruise ship
From
£559 to £805
8 days
ex flights
Small group travel:
2020: 11 Apr, 18 Apr, 25 Apr, 2 May, 9 May, 16 May, 23 May, 30 May, 6 Jun, 13 Jun, 20 Jun, 27 Jun, 4 Jul, 11 Jul, 18 Jul, 25 Jul, 1 Aug, 8 Aug, 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 29 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct
2020: 11 Apr, 18 Apr, 25 Apr, 2 May, 9 May, 16 May, 23 May, 30 May, 6 Jun, 13 Jun, 20 Jun, 27 Jun, 4 Jul, 11 Jul, 18 Jul, 25 Jul, 1 Aug, 8 Aug, 15 Aug, 22 Aug, 29 Aug, 5 Sep, 12 Sep, 19 Sep, 26 Sep, 3 Oct, 10 Oct
Travel Team
If you'd like to chat about Small ship cruising or need help finding a holiday to suit you we're very happy to help.
Health & safety
HEALTH
SAFETY
Small cruise tips from our travellers
At Responsible Travel, we think the best people to advise our travellers are often... other travellers. They always return from our tours with packing tips, weather reports, ideas about what to do - and opinions about what not to.
We have selected some of the most useful small cruise tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday.
We have selected some of the most useful small cruise tips that our guests have provided over the years to help you make the very most of your holiday.
Don't take too many clothes - you just don't need them! Changes of swim suits are a must.![]()
- Heather Daniel on our Maldives Dhoni Cruise holiday
"If you want warm water and better weather do not go in November. If the boat you booked does not have full wetsuits bring your own or else you could be too cold to enjoy snorkelling. Make sure you book a boat that has individual thermostats in each room. Get sea bands to stop motion impact on your body." - Matt Hayden on our Galapagos Cruises holiday
"First: TAKE THE TRIP TO ANTARCTICA. It is unforgettable….Be sure to bring the right clothing. Being out on the water or a hill is cold with the wrong clothes. Spend as much time on the bridge of the ship as possible. Go to all of the lectures. Meet new people." - Stephen Kohn on our Antarctica Cruises
"Take lots of layers but don't worry too much about buying lots of expensive technical clothing. An old pair of leggings or yoga gear may be a good alternative to buying the latest in thermal base layers. Some travellers held back from going on some of the hikes and zodiac trips. My advice is: don't - these things are too good to miss. Our guides were great at making sure they catered for everyone's abilities and the more able travelers seemed very happy to help those who needed a bit of support." - Christine Symes on an Arctic small cruise holiday
"The Bahama islands and waters are so beautiful making it an incredible place to adventure around on a sailboat. It was nice to get to know our fellow passengers and be a brief part of their lives…Know that you are living on a sailboat for the week and your sleeping accommodations are tight. This is not a problem at all as you are only in your room to sleep and get cleaned up for dinner. There is too much beauty above to spend any awake time in your room." - Janice Layne on our Bahamas Windjammer sailing holiday
"First: TAKE THE TRIP TO ANTARCTICA. It is unforgettable….Be sure to bring the right clothing. Being out on the water or a hill is cold with the wrong clothes. Spend as much time on the bridge of the ship as possible. Go to all of the lectures. Meet new people." - Stephen Kohn on our Antarctica Cruises
"Take lots of layers but don't worry too much about buying lots of expensive technical clothing. An old pair of leggings or yoga gear may be a good alternative to buying the latest in thermal base layers. Some travellers held back from going on some of the hikes and zodiac trips. My advice is: don't - these things are too good to miss. Our guides were great at making sure they catered for everyone's abilities and the more able travelers seemed very happy to help those who needed a bit of support." - Christine Symes on an Arctic small cruise holiday
"The Bahama islands and waters are so beautiful making it an incredible place to adventure around on a sailboat. It was nice to get to know our fellow passengers and be a brief part of their lives…Know that you are living on a sailboat for the week and your sleeping accommodations are tight. This is not a problem at all as you are only in your room to sleep and get cleaned up for dinner. There is too much beauty above to spend any awake time in your room." - Janice Layne on our Bahamas Windjammer sailing holiday
Make sure you have excellent binoculars, a really powerful zoom on the camera, and are prepared to take literally thousands of photographs. Try to find wellies which you can wear comfortably for long walks.![]()
- Justin Wattson on Arctic small cruise holiday
More about Small ship cruising
They take you to another world. Places with names like the Mergui Archipelago, the Kyles of Bute, Wrangel Island or Wolf. Welcome to the world of small ship cruising holidays.
Small ship cruising comes in all shapes and sizes without ever entering that supersize, floating hotel territory. Read on to find out which type of small ship cruise is for you.
We've created a guide that sums up where you can go when on a small ship cruise. Of course the weather dictates everything, so you must always be prepared for flexibility.
What is a small ship, anyway? It might be a family-sized yacht, a schooner designed to tuck into orca fjords, or a 200-passenger icebreaker that delves into the frozen Arctic.
From weather, time at sea and your wildlife wish list, to low carbon credentials and accessibility – there are a boatload of considerations when choosing a small ship holiday.
Our top 10 cruises vary from the well known, such as the Galapagos or the Nile in Egypt, to some really far out there expeditions: Kamchatka in Russia or Svalbard in the Arctic.
Small ship cruise activities are far from the world of mini golf and lounge singers. The evening entertainment is more likely to be an eco lecture or a photography tutorial.
Some of the most characterful creatures on the planet can only be reached on a small ship wildlife cruise. Find out how you can see polar bears, penguin colonies and whales.
You can go on a small ship sailing holiday as an expert, novice or total beginner. Read our guide to work out which sailing holiday floats your boat and where you can go.
Whether you’re gliding down the Nile on a felucca, aboard a groundnut boat in the Gambia, or exploring Kerala, river cruise holidays explore cultural and spiritual monoliths.
Go to southern Spain and you can see 700 years of Moorish influence, go to Morocco and see millennia of it.
Who says cruises aren’t for kids? Some of the smallest Caribbean-bound yachts can be fitted with toddler-proof safety nets, while Antarctic icebreakers come with quad rooms.
We run through your options as a solo traveller on a small ship cruise, whether that’s booking a single cabin or recommending months when supplements are kicked to the kerb.
Giant cruise ships have come in for a lot of bad press, and we believe that they really are cruising for a bruising. Read on to find out why we really don’t need a bigger boat.
Find all our small ship cruising guides in one place from Alaska and the Maldives to Scotland, Arctic cruising and many more.
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Photo credits: [Page banner: Gerry van der Walt] [Lara Paxton packing advice: Ben stephenson]
[Colette Dubois families advice: St Hilda's sea adventures, Scotland]
[Colette Dubois travel advice - Dunoon ferry: Phil Sangwell]
[Health and safety: MusikAnimal]
[Review 1 - Heather Daniel: Ed Ralph]
[Review 2 - Justin Wattson: Roderick Eime]
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