Cruise tips

2 min summary Types When to go What is it?How to choose Top 10 cruise destinations River cruises Wildlife cruises Single travellers Families Tips Responsible tourism

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.

“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.”

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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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

01273 823 700

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rosy@responsibletravel.com

01273 823 700

Call us until 5.30pm

Calling from outside the UK

rosy@responsibletravel.com

Health & safety

HEALTH

Ensure your travel insurance covers all activities you may be participating in (kayaking, diving, ice climbing) as well as emergency evacuation. Ships have basic medical care and a doctor or nurse, but any serious treatment will require evacuation. Make sure you have all your medication with you, as you might be cruising in far flung destinations with no shops and certainly no chemists. Bring good quality, protective sunglasses and sunscreen. Even if you are in a cold destination, the sun’s rays are harsh on water, or around ice and snow. Tour operators will provide detailed trip notes and packing lists. Follow them. As you’ll be spending several days at sea, seasickness is a possibility. Look into remedies before you depart – there are patches, wristbands, tablets and of course, good old ginger. Antarctic and Arctic boats usually have an onboard doctor, who will have seasickness medication. So, if you are nervous of the Drake Passage across to the Antarctic, for example, they can issue strong medication that will more or less knock you out for the duration. It will feel like a very different trip altogether then! Check with your tour operators about any mobility issues. Sometimes there might be narrow stairwells to negotiate on board. Boarding zodiacs or other landing vehicles down steep gangways can be physically challenging, and other activities such as kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking, cycling or swimming are much better enjoyed if you are fitter – so ensure you are fit before you travel. On small ship cruises, the crew hangs out with you all the time, so always feel free to discuss any issues or concerns that you might have.

SAFETY

It is important to really listen to safety instructions from your skipper and crew when you board. On expeditions to the Antarctic there will be actual safety drills so that you know what to do in the event of an emergency.

There are, sadly, some no nos when it comes to small cruise ship destinations, due to pirate activity. Always check the FCO website for up to date information about the destination you are travelling to.

Be wary of wildlife and always do what your expert guide tells you. Photo opportunities should never come before safety. On Arctic cruises, for example, polar bears are one of the most dangerous animals on earth; in some areas you may not walk without an armed guard – the threat of an encounter is very real. Other wildlife, including walrus and musk ox, may not have the polar bear’s fearsome reputation, but are still incredibly dangerous. The general rule of thumb is never approach any wildlife.

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.

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

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

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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.

Types of cruises

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.

Best time to go on a cruise

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?

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.

How to choose a small ship cruise

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.

Top 10 cruise destinations

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.

Top 5 cruises from the UK

Our best cruises from the UK include wildlife safaris, art workshops and family adventures among Hebridean islands teeming with wildlife.

Cruise activities. What to do on a cruise

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.

Wildlife cruises

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.

Small ship sailing cruises

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.

River cruise holidays

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.

Lisbon to Malaga cruising

Go to southern Spain and you can see 700 years of Moorish influence, go to Morocco and see millennia of it.

Small ship cruises for families

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.

Small ship cruises for single travellers

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.

Responsible cruising

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.