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Small Ship Cruise Guide

61 Blog Posts

Filter by your destination of interest with these comprehensive cruise guides. We update this page regularly, and our experts are always here to chat one-on-one to get you aboard small cruises worldwide.

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indigenous indonesian people dancing with a small ship in the distance

AdventureSmith Explorations is the original small ship cruise specialist. This comprehensive small ship cruise guide, written by our experts with decades of combined experience, offers articles with the best advice on all aspects of small ship cruising. Browse our cruise articles below to learn about our small style of cruising, get inspired and find your perfect cruise. Use the filters on the left below to sort articles by destination or topic. We update this page regularly so you can stay on the cutting edge of adventure cruising. 

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Line of polar travelers in orange coats hikes up snowy hillside in Antarctica as small ship with blue hull sits in distance.

Best Antarctica Cruises & Cruise Lines

In this list of the best Antarctica cruises, our experts outline their top itineraries, traveler favorites and the best Antarctica cruise lines. Learn why each shines & tips for choosing between them.

Todd Smith
Todd Smith Expert Since 2003
View from bow of the national geographic quest small ship about to go into the panama canal on a partly sunny day.

7 Ways to Experience the Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is a living monument that stretches over historical lands and has connected the seas for over 100 years. We've curated 7 ways to experience this engineering marvel by small ship cruise and land tour.

Mary Montalbano
Mary Montalbano Expert Since 2017
Woman in blue top kneels in grass to photograph a giant tortoise on a sunny day during the best time to visit Galapagos.

Best Time to Visit Galapagos

When is the best time to visit Galapagos? Consult this month by month guide for help planning your Galapagos travel with tips on everything from weather, wildlife, water temperature and the benefits of each month.

Todd Smith
Todd Smith Expert Since 2003

This Year's Best Winter Cruises

While winter grips North America, other regions are alive with sunshine, wildlife migrations, and perfect cruising conditions. Discover where winter is the best season to set sail. Plus, our top ships and trips in each region.

Kelly Gorrell
Kelly Gorrell Expert Since 2018
Showing 9 of 61

In this guide you will find a plethora of articles, from very broad to quite specific, to help you learn more about small ship cruising. Find detailed advice on general topics such as snorkeling tips for cruises, seasickness on cruises and insight into the differences between small ships and big ships.  

Our small ship cruise guide also offers in-depth articles about specific destinations such as things to do in Antarctica, the best time to visit Baja, whale watching in Alaska, the best Alaska cruises for families and Galapagos travel tips from our experts. You will not find more detailed tips and advice, or a more comprehensive small ship cruise guide, anywhere. Use this small ship cruise guide as your starting point to research this unique style of travel or dive deep into a destination.

Two travelers on stand-up paddleboards in the ocean pose for a selfie in front of a deserted desert beach in Baja

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How to Choose Your Small Ship Cruise, by Destination 

Among our most popular articles are destination-based guides with detailed advice on how to choose your small ship cruise. These small ship cruise guides offer detailed information specific to each expedition cruising destination. Find details on when to go, how long to travel, types of cruises, advice on choosing the best ship or yacht, information on how to seamlessly plan pre- and post-cruise arrangements, advice on naturalist guides, family cruises, charter cruise options, traveler cruise reviews and more. These are the best small ship cruise guides for destinations worldwide.   

Personalized Advice  

Need more advice? Contact our experienced small ship cruise experts for honest, unbiased advice and firsthand knowledge. The articles in this guide were written by our crew and they can help you personally. We cruise aboard small ships regularly to bring you the most up-to-date information.  

A female traveler in sunglasses and a blue jacket leans against the railing of a ship in Antarctica with the calm ocean and white-capped mountains behind her

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Improve this Small Ship Cruise Guide 

Help us improve this guide with your feedback. Do you have a burning question about small ship cruises or cruising in a particular destination? Feel free to use the comment fields at the bottom of each article to provide your feedback or ask a question. Or contact us to suggest a topic and your idea could lead to our next small ship cruise guide article.  

Popular Small Ship Cruise Destinations

Ready to get aboard? AdventureSmith Explorations offers small ship cruises worldwide, aboard ships carrying 4 to 250 guests. Start exploring our most popular destinations or head to "Find a Cruise" via our Trip Finder. Our Adventure Specialists are always just a call or email away to be your ultimate cruise guide to selecting and booking your route. Our team is known for our personalized service, unbiased knowledge and personal experience on small ship cruises. Come explore with us! 
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  • Humpback whale tail with a small Alaska cruise ship in the background on a misty grey day.

    Alaska Small Ship Cruises

    A small ship Alaska cruise is the only way to experience nature & wildlife. AdventureSmith's cruises range from family, adventure, luxury & more. Discover your perfect Alaska cruise.

    31 CRUISES 12 DEALS
  • Four sea lions in foreground on sand with Galapagos cruise ship in background with Kicker Rock on its left.

    Galapagos Cruises

    Our Galapagos cruises introduce you to marine life, explain the geography of the region and of course help you explore in more detail the seemingly impossible species that reside in this tropical enclave. Learn more about Galapagos cruises.

    32 CRUISES 26 DEALS
  • A small ship cruises Antarctica among giant white icebergs and snowcapped mountains.

    Antarctica Cruises

    View the largest selection of Antarctica cruises aboard small expedition ships. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, Falkland Islands and South Georgia on active cruises with kayaking, camping, skiff rides and more.

    48 CRUISES 15 DEALS