Small Ship Cruises vs. Large Ship Cruises

Cruising is one of the most popular existing forms of leisure travel. With over 7 million people enjoying cruises each year, it's easy to see the benefits to this type of vacation. All-inclusive pricing, they typically include all of your meals and in-between snacks on-board; accommodations, activities, parties and entertainment; plus, an exciting voyage to some of the most enchanting and culturally-enriching places in the world.

Most cruise ships today are mini-cities, floating resorts with all the amenities and conveniences. For many, the ship is the destination for the vacation; any actual destinations are extensions to the cruise ship.

There is a segment of travelers that don't like cruising, due to these perceived benefits. They view destinations and experiences as the goal to any travel venture. For these types of travelers, a small ship cruise offers a perfect solution. Onboard amenities are overshadowed by the nature, wildlife, culture and history that is experienced during a small ship cruise.

Below is a comparison between small ship and large ship cruising. The comparison highlights the upsides and downsides of each type of cruising and the type of person best suited for each type of cruising.

	Small Ship		Large Ship
Numbers are averages.
Length	105' - 513'		855' - 1,187'
Width	24.5' - 71'		103' - 215.7'
Tons	231 - 19,200		70,367 - 225,282
Decks	3 - 7		10 - 16
Passengers	12 - 332		2,675 - 6,360
Cabins	6 - 160		800 - 2700
Cabins Sizes	94 sq. ft - 225 sq. ft		179 sq. ft - 1,524 sq. ft
Elevators	Few, primarily the larger expedition ships and ice breakers.		Yes, most.
Handicap-Friendly	Not many.		Yes, most.
Dining	Single dining room; all meals served here. Alternative dining may be available on deck, onshore i.e. BBQ, lunch, etc. Many times, meals will be prepared with locally procured meats, fish, produce. Sample dinner offerings: Braised Lamb Shank Served with a Reduction Sauce Pacific Halibut with a Teriyaki Glaze Vegetable Ragout Served over Pasta		Multiple dining venues, typically 1-2 dining rooms. Additionally, several alternative restaurants (free/fee) (2 - 21) and a general buffet. All food is loaded onto ship prior to sailing. Sample dinner offerings: Lobster Bisque laced with cognac and whipped cream. Truffled Wild Mushroom Linguini Alfredo. Fresh Alaskan Steelhead Trout served on a mound of creamy black olive polenta, and accompanied by Spanish sofrito and fried capers
Entertainment	Lectures, presentations. Most entertainment is nature driven, sailing past beautiful scenery and watching plentiful wildlife.		Many options, including Watching a show (broadway excerpts, musical, concert, comedian) Gambling at the casino
Activities	Most onboard activities are nature driven, sailing past beautiful scenery and watching plentiful wildlife.		Many options, including Rock Climbing Surfing Ice Skating Bowling Swimming in one of the many pools, some with extravagent water slides.
Shore Excursions	Shore excursions included in the price of the cruise. Some fee-based options also available.		All shore excursions are optional and fee-based. Many options, ranging from $35 - $500+
Dress Code	Casual 100% of the time.		Depends. Some cruise lines still offer formal nights. Some alternative dining venues have dress codes.
Prices (Avg.)	$1,719 - $113,990		$199 - $559,790