6 small cruise lines you should consider
When it comes to cruising, bigger isn’t always better. Here are six smaller cruise lines that offer a different experience to the major cruising companies.
1. Lindblad Expeditions
Allied with National Geographic, Lindblad Expeditions offers soft-adventure cruises on a fleet of six vessels that carry from 28 to 148 passengers. Ships are comfortable and have great touches like using local, organic foods in all the meals served.
2. Hurtigruten
With 13 ships of varying sizes, Norwegian-based Hurtigruten offers a stylish, minimalist way to explore the arctic regions. These cruises are all about nature, will small landing craft that give passengers the opportunity to visit amazing seaside locations.
3. Quark Expeditions
If you want a cruise with penguins and polar bears you can’t do much better than Quark Expeditions, which specialises in Arctic and Antarctic journeys. Several of the lines ships have on board helicopters as well as kayaking and skiing equipment.
4. Celebrity Cruises
Servicing the Galapagos Islands, Celebrity Cruises allows passengers to enjoy the experience of adventure without having to give away luxurious cruising amenities. Crew members are charming and tirelessly obliging.
5. Un-cruise Adventures
Un-cruise Adventures are designed to appeal to people who don’t normally cruise, offering eight vessels that hold between 22 and 88 passengers each. Instead of port stops, these cruises tend to pause in natural inlets and bays.
6. International Expeditions
These soft-adventure, small group journeys generally run through the Peruvian Amazon or Galapagos Islands. Your International Expeditions cruise will only seat about 30 but you will have your own private balcony and luxurious sundeck.
Related links:
5 great cruises in colder climates
12 most luxurious cruising suites in the world
9 of the longest luxury cruise routes