Food was good considering the size of the kitchen. Itineraries include complimentary shore excursions, such as Zodiac tours, nature hikes with certified guides, snorkelling and kayaking. The rest of fleet comprises eight small vessels, including the 71-passenger flagship Variety Voyager and masted Panorama and Panorama II which cater for 49. We think we were lucky to have one of the best cabins (4) and we wouldnt want any less comfort than that. Our timing was good as the vast crowds around Dubrovnik and Split in July and August had eased and the weather was hot but not too hot. This was our second trip that we booked with The Small Cruise Ship Company. It was an absolute delight. They couldnt have been nicer to be around either. Perhaps the style of trip meant that all seemed of a similar outlook and the group got on well together.
We want to thank you all for a wonderful holiday even though at the beginning it seemed doomed. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Compare the 17 Best Small Cruise Ship Lines, Help Ukrainian Families in Need: World Central Kitchen Donation Match. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 1 Quasar Expeditions kept its hold on first place, marking the fourth consecutive year the Galpagos Islands specialist has taken the honors. The crew were very professional and extremely hardworking. Katherine A, We have all had the most amazing holiday on board Avangard! For example, No. The inter-Island transport could have been better. The cabins were nice and roomy. Its first "super yacht", Emerald Azzurra, has 50 cabins and suites; 88 percent with balconies or terraces. Thank you! 4 Lindblad moved up four spots this year, posting a better score for 2021 than 2020. This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity for swim stops or a tender ride to a deserted beach, even though it was October and late season. We thought the wine and drinks were VERY expensive, so did not drink much on the boat, and the allowance of 1/2 a litre of water per day was not very generous if it is very hot. Although Ponant's ownership has changed thrice in the span of its three-decade existence, the line has managed to remain true to its roots: a strong French influence and a five-star feel. Australian river cruise and tour company Scenic made its ocean cruising debut with the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse offering all-inclusive itineraries to destinations including Antarctica, the Arctic, South America and the Baltic. It also meant that potential wildlife sightings could be pursued and this was done on several occasions. Bernadine R. A week in paradise on a luxury small ship. The line offers sailings in the Windward Islands from Grenada on the 10-passenger Diamant; its 24-passenger schooner and 26-passenger Vela offers a mix of both. His knowledge of the area was exceptional.
Food was good. Read about our cruise in Alaska. She was alongside us in port so we had chance to see her also; another beautiful gulet indeed. The captains dinner was excellent with 2 live musicians. Our only question was in previous documentation, it was stated beer and wine were included during lunch. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. The concept of the 499 ton boat really appeals to us. But we both quickly realised that wed been incredibly lucky to be swapped onto the Nikola its a truly fantastic itinerary & there really wasnt a minute we didnt enjoy. The fleet's three vessels -- flagship 227-passenger Royal Clipper and 170-passenger twins Star Clipper and Star Flyer -- are some of the fastest clipper ships ever built in modern times.
This particular voyage had an on-board naturalist/guide from the start, with a second joining part way through. The sunny and warm weather was a surprise plus, also the group consisted of very pleasant people (not a single "professional" complainer).
Destination-oriented features are incorporated into the onboard experience; such as a performance highlighting Ecuadorian folklore on Xpedition and regionally inspired sustainable decor on Flora. The cruise director Paul, Bruno and Ivan the two bartenders and waiters were wonderful, always smiling and couldnt do enough for you. Would highly recommend.
Jen A, We booked a 2 week cruise in Alaska through the Small Cruise Ship Collection.
Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The ships feature suites and cabins with balconies, as well as ocean-view cabins. The first of its kind to join the Crystal Cruises' fleet, the 62-passenger Crystal Esprit is a luxury yacht with multiple restaurants offering top-notch cuisine, a gym, a spa and an expansive sun deck with a plunge pool and lounge. My travel companion Heather had been allocated a cabin below deck ( although she had specifically asked for one with deck access) the captain was consulted - and she was immediately given a deck room which was good - as there was clearly available space . I am sure they get tired of new people each week. There is a feeling of high quality and low tut. No yacht? We thought they were expecting very large tips, and we had to reduce them to a more reasonable level. Family-owned SeaDream Yacht Club offers the next best thing with its twin cruising yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, offering sophistication sans the pretense for a maximum of 112.
As the diverse fleet incorporates upscale expedition ships, yachts and even a replica turn-of-the-century steamboat, onboard offerings vary. Onboard facilities include a spa, gym and hair salon. We decided there & then in Bodrum wed start saving on our return, because without any doubt whatsoever we wish to sail with the Nikola & crew again next year, wherever shes going, We had an excellent time on the cruise but felt that the courier tried to fill the days with too much and her manner and English left a lot to be admired.
Life onboard reflects the rich cultural heritage of the South Pacific islands through local entertainers and storytellers.
The ship is wonderful along with Ivan the Captain the crew and Tour manager Stan. Thank you for your feedback Robin. The crew and tour manager were extremely good at what they do and showed great humor. Our Captain Ante ( and owner) was very personable and in the events where he was at lunch or dinner - spoke extremely well and warmly promoted Croatia and hospitality .
The cruise itself was fantastic, everything we hoped for and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. I will def recommend this mode of travel in Croatia to friends in Oz . If you want to float along with the wind while exploring less-travelled ports in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia, Star Clippers is tough to beat. Sail on the high tech Greg Mortimer to magnificent Antarctica, Cruise on a beautiful wooden gulet between Bodrum and Gocek, Cruise all the way around Iceland and enjoy an early bird discount, Experience an unforgettable journey around Iceland onboard the SEAVENTURE. The 32-guest M/Y Evolution and the 16-passenger M/Y Grace both get high marks from readers, who consistently score Quasar as not only one of the best cruise lines of any size but one of the top travel offerings in any World's Best Awards category.
Cabin space was quite small but as expected, and kept spotless by the team, as were all the other parts of the boat. We wouldnt take a cruise on the ordinary leviathan.
For this story, we're going to stick with vessels that accommodate fewer than 600 passengers. Though he's worked at both legacy and start-up media outlets and for both print magazines and digital-only publications, his reporting over the years has focused on how consumers can have better trips and the trends shaping the future of the industry. No. Score: 83.69More information: celebritycruises.com, Score: 83.57More information: alaskandreamcruises.com.
In the evening we did not want another dinner, and were rather at a loss to find something to do, as it was getting dark by 7.30 p.m. Standout features include two onboard helicopters and a submarine, Scenic Neptune, which can carry six passengers and dive to a depth of nearly 1,000 feet. Cabins come with air-conditioning, and all but two offer portholes and private bathrooms. Ponant's "French touch" features a French crew, a French way of living (French cuisine and wines) and prestigious partnerships, including interior design by Jean Philippe Nuel, spa products by Sothy's, Fragonard's signature perfumes and Pierre Frey fabrics. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Travelling with 38 like-minded people made the cruise a wonderful experience. Look out for exciting extras like the option to sleep under the stars (on deck-side Balinese loungers) and a water sports platform with complimentary equipment including sailboats, paddle-boards and kayaks.
Alison M. Stellar experience start to finish!! Sue Z, I thoroughly enjoyed my recent Croatian cruise on board Moonlight. Lori P. Thanks for your message. 2 Ponant also climbed five spots this year, winning over readers with an ever-expanding fleet of small ships. Before we launch into our picks for the best small ship cruises, let's answer one question: How do we define "small"? Hello, I have returned from a small cruise ship holiday in Croatia. We could not have wished for a better holiday.
While touting plenty of plush yacht-worthy appointments to properly pamper guests, the line doesn't get too stuffy: "Casual elegance" is the designated dress code, and that idea permeates the onboard vibe.
Thank you. I hope to do it again. Now check out our small ship cruise comparison below. Rain gear (jackets, trousers and boots) are available for use. Many thanks to, for all your help in answering our many questions before departure!
The guests all got in great and Ivana was a wonderful hostess. Island Windjammers focuses more on the joys of sailing than on over-the-top shipboard amenities. The line's 128-passenger expedition vessel, 50 Years of Victory, is one of the world's most powerful icebreakers and has nuclear-powered capabilities to go through nearly 10 feet of ice to make the voyage to the North Pole.
The northern half of the Croatian coast. Having said all this the cruise was not expensive. (The Grace was named for Grace Kelly, who received the yacht as a wedding present from Aristotle Onassis when she wed Prince Rainier III in 1956 and became Princess of Monaco. Jan and Chloe gave us information about the day in good time to prepare, and also gave us excellent talks about the area and the wildlife, and they also had a number of documentaries to show us most evenings too. Onboard, passengers don't adhere to rigid timetables as they might on more conventional cruise ships, and the evening dress code is always elegantly casual (with the exception of themed evenings, like a pirate night when passengers have the option to wear fancy dress). Additionally, every cabin comes with 24-hour butler service and room service. ", Score: 97.99More information: quasarex.com, Score: 93.42More information: us.ponant.com, WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Having the opportunity to eat dinner on the islands at the restaurants provided us with time to mingle with the locals, walk around the amazing towns and provide incomes locally.
We thought the port fees should have been included in the price and tipping caused a lot of discussion. The trips ashore were well planned and varied, and let us see some interesting parts of North Norway we wouldnt otherwise have seen. The fleet's latest vessels -- the 530-passenger MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen -- are eco-friendly hybrid propulsion ships that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 percent. The crew are generally long-serving with the company, competent and approachable. The server and bartender were nice, but not the most friendly.
Minor minuses only: due to COVID we had to wear a mask on board for the entire time, except when eating or drinking, but that was beyond anyones control. Despite the advertisement that there was a fresh water fountain on the boat they were rather mean in handing out half litre because titles which we thought was penny pinching. And Vicky was very helpful when we made the booking. I enjoyed it very much.
Upscale line Windstar -- sailing to ports throughout Alaska, Asia, Canada and New England, Europe, the Caribbean, Central America and the South Pacific -- doesn't offer traditional masted sailing ships but does deliver a similarly pleasing aesthetic via its trio of yachts equipped with sails.
One of our favourite features -- available on each of Windstar's vessels -- is the water sports platform, with its range of complimentary activities such as snorkelling, wind-sailing, paddle-boarding and even water skiing). .css-1wvg3nf{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-1wvg3nf:hover,.css-1wvg3nf[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}.css-1wvg3nf:focus-visible,.css-1wvg3nf[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}Lindblad Expeditions, allied with National Geographic and Natural Habitat Adventures, offers soft-adventure cruises on a fleet of 10 capable vessels (as well as several charters like the Sea Cloud masted sailing ship and Lord of the Glens vessel that sails around the coast and islands of Scotland) that carry from 48 to 148 passengers.
We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world. Captain and crew were lovely. Meals were, without exception, excellent; hot drinks and water were always available. Onboard, passengers can enjoy the doting of a polished 95-person crew; locally inspired and international cuisine served up on deck or in an elegant dining salon; and included-in-the-rates wine, Champagne and cocktails. The food was good and Stan our cruise manager was fantastic.
The islands we visited were interesting and well-chosen and our tour director was really excellent; he had a delightful combination of knowledge and humor. We longed for a salad bowl. Easyjet fly from Gatwickto Rijeka (Not included). Dubrovnik was a great disappointment for me, being over-run with tourists, even so late in the season. The small size of the boat means that they can access areas and ports unavailable to larger ships. There is at least one off boat opportunity every day.
We want to thank you all for a wonderful holiday even though at the beginning it seemed doomed. By proceeding, you agree to Cruise Critics, Compare the 17 Best Small Cruise Ship Lines, Help Ukrainian Families in Need: World Central Kitchen Donation Match. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your device and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. 1 Quasar Expeditions kept its hold on first place, marking the fourth consecutive year the Galpagos Islands specialist has taken the honors. The crew were very professional and extremely hardworking. Katherine A, We have all had the most amazing holiday on board Avangard! For example, No. The inter-Island transport could have been better. The cabins were nice and roomy. Its first "super yacht", Emerald Azzurra, has 50 cabins and suites; 88 percent with balconies or terraces. Thank you! 4 Lindblad moved up four spots this year, posting a better score for 2021 than 2020. This year's World's Best Awards survey was open for voting January 11 through May 10, 2021, as destinations around the world were lifting COVID-19 restrictions. I particularly enjoyed the opportunity for swim stops or a tender ride to a deserted beach, even though it was October and late season. We thought the wine and drinks were VERY expensive, so did not drink much on the boat, and the allowance of 1/2 a litre of water per day was not very generous if it is very hot. Although Ponant's ownership has changed thrice in the span of its three-decade existence, the line has managed to remain true to its roots: a strong French influence and a five-star feel. Australian river cruise and tour company Scenic made its ocean cruising debut with the 228-passenger Scenic Eclipse offering all-inclusive itineraries to destinations including Antarctica, the Arctic, South America and the Baltic. It also meant that potential wildlife sightings could be pursued and this was done on several occasions. Bernadine R. A week in paradise on a luxury small ship. The line offers sailings in the Windward Islands from Grenada on the 10-passenger Diamant; its 24-passenger schooner and 26-passenger Vela offers a mix of both. His knowledge of the area was exceptional.
Food was good. Read about our cruise in Alaska. She was alongside us in port so we had chance to see her also; another beautiful gulet indeed. The captains dinner was excellent with 2 live musicians. Our only question was in previous documentation, it was stated beer and wine were included during lunch. Every year for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. The concept of the 499 ton boat really appeals to us. But we both quickly realised that wed been incredibly lucky to be swapped onto the Nikola its a truly fantastic itinerary & there really wasnt a minute we didnt enjoy. The fleet's three vessels -- flagship 227-passenger Royal Clipper and 170-passenger twins Star Clipper and Star Flyer -- are some of the fastest clipper ships ever built in modern times.
This particular voyage had an on-board naturalist/guide from the start, with a second joining part way through. The sunny and warm weather was a surprise plus, also the group consisted of very pleasant people (not a single "professional" complainer).
Destination-oriented features are incorporated into the onboard experience; such as a performance highlighting Ecuadorian folklore on Xpedition and regionally inspired sustainable decor on Flora. The cruise director Paul, Bruno and Ivan the two bartenders and waiters were wonderful, always smiling and couldnt do enough for you. Would highly recommend.
Jen A, We booked a 2 week cruise in Alaska through the Small Cruise Ship Collection.
Copyright 2022 Travel + Leisure Co. All Rights Reserved. The ships feature suites and cabins with balconies, as well as ocean-view cabins. The first of its kind to join the Crystal Cruises' fleet, the 62-passenger Crystal Esprit is a luxury yacht with multiple restaurants offering top-notch cuisine, a gym, a spa and an expansive sun deck with a plunge pool and lounge. My travel companion Heather had been allocated a cabin below deck ( although she had specifically asked for one with deck access) the captain was consulted - and she was immediately given a deck room which was good - as there was clearly available space . I am sure they get tired of new people each week. There is a feeling of high quality and low tut. No yacht? We thought they were expecting very large tips, and we had to reduce them to a more reasonable level. Family-owned SeaDream Yacht Club offers the next best thing with its twin cruising yachts, SeaDream I and SeaDream II, offering sophistication sans the pretense for a maximum of 112.
As the diverse fleet incorporates upscale expedition ships, yachts and even a replica turn-of-the-century steamboat, onboard offerings vary. Onboard facilities include a spa, gym and hair salon. We decided there & then in Bodrum wed start saving on our return, because without any doubt whatsoever we wish to sail with the Nikola & crew again next year, wherever shes going, We had an excellent time on the cruise but felt that the courier tried to fill the days with too much and her manner and English left a lot to be admired.
Life onboard reflects the rich cultural heritage of the South Pacific islands through local entertainers and storytellers.
The ship is wonderful along with Ivan the Captain the crew and Tour manager Stan. Thank you for your feedback Robin. The crew and tour manager were extremely good at what they do and showed great humor. Our Captain Ante ( and owner) was very personable and in the events where he was at lunch or dinner - spoke extremely well and warmly promoted Croatia and hospitality .
The cruise itself was fantastic, everything we hoped for and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. I will def recommend this mode of travel in Croatia to friends in Oz . If you want to float along with the wind while exploring less-travelled ports in the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Asia, Star Clippers is tough to beat. Sail on the high tech Greg Mortimer to magnificent Antarctica, Cruise on a beautiful wooden gulet between Bodrum and Gocek, Cruise all the way around Iceland and enjoy an early bird discount, Experience an unforgettable journey around Iceland onboard the SEAVENTURE. The 32-guest M/Y Evolution and the 16-passenger M/Y Grace both get high marks from readers, who consistently score Quasar as not only one of the best cruise lines of any size but one of the top travel offerings in any World's Best Awards category.
Cabin space was quite small but as expected, and kept spotless by the team, as were all the other parts of the boat. We wouldnt take a cruise on the ordinary leviathan.
For this story, we're going to stick with vessels that accommodate fewer than 600 passengers. Though he's worked at both legacy and start-up media outlets and for both print magazines and digital-only publications, his reporting over the years has focused on how consumers can have better trips and the trends shaping the future of the industry. No. Score: 83.69More information: celebritycruises.com, Score: 83.57More information: alaskandreamcruises.com.
In the evening we did not want another dinner, and were rather at a loss to find something to do, as it was getting dark by 7.30 p.m. Standout features include two onboard helicopters and a submarine, Scenic Neptune, which can carry six passengers and dive to a depth of nearly 1,000 feet. Cabins come with air-conditioning, and all but two offer portholes and private bathrooms. Ponant's "French touch" features a French crew, a French way of living (French cuisine and wines) and prestigious partnerships, including interior design by Jean Philippe Nuel, spa products by Sothy's, Fragonard's signature perfumes and Pierre Frey fabrics. You can find out more and change our default settings with Cookies Settings. Travelling with 38 like-minded people made the cruise a wonderful experience. Look out for exciting extras like the option to sleep under the stars (on deck-side Balinese loungers) and a water sports platform with complimentary equipment including sailboats, paddle-boards and kayaks.
Alison M. Stellar experience start to finish!! Sue Z, I thoroughly enjoyed my recent Croatian cruise on board Moonlight. Lori P. Thanks for your message. 2 Ponant also climbed five spots this year, winning over readers with an ever-expanding fleet of small ships. Before we launch into our picks for the best small ship cruises, let's answer one question: How do we define "small"? Hello, I have returned from a small cruise ship holiday in Croatia. We could not have wished for a better holiday.
While touting plenty of plush yacht-worthy appointments to properly pamper guests, the line doesn't get too stuffy: "Casual elegance" is the designated dress code, and that idea permeates the onboard vibe.
Thank you. I hope to do it again. Now check out our small ship cruise comparison below. Rain gear (jackets, trousers and boots) are available for use. Many thanks to, for all your help in answering our many questions before departure!
The guests all got in great and Ivana was a wonderful hostess. Island Windjammers focuses more on the joys of sailing than on over-the-top shipboard amenities. The line's 128-passenger expedition vessel, 50 Years of Victory, is one of the world's most powerful icebreakers and has nuclear-powered capabilities to go through nearly 10 feet of ice to make the voyage to the North Pole.
The northern half of the Croatian coast. Having said all this the cruise was not expensive. (The Grace was named for Grace Kelly, who received the yacht as a wedding present from Aristotle Onassis when she wed Prince Rainier III in 1956 and became Princess of Monaco. Jan and Chloe gave us information about the day in good time to prepare, and also gave us excellent talks about the area and the wildlife, and they also had a number of documentaries to show us most evenings too. Onboard, passengers don't adhere to rigid timetables as they might on more conventional cruise ships, and the evening dress code is always elegantly casual (with the exception of themed evenings, like a pirate night when passengers have the option to wear fancy dress). Additionally, every cabin comes with 24-hour butler service and room service. ", Score: 97.99More information: quasarex.com, Score: 93.42More information: us.ponant.com, WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Having the opportunity to eat dinner on the islands at the restaurants provided us with time to mingle with the locals, walk around the amazing towns and provide incomes locally.
We thought the port fees should have been included in the price and tipping caused a lot of discussion. The trips ashore were well planned and varied, and let us see some interesting parts of North Norway we wouldnt otherwise have seen. The fleet's latest vessels -- the 530-passenger MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen -- are eco-friendly hybrid propulsion ships that reduce fuel consumption and CO2 emissions by 20 percent. The crew are generally long-serving with the company, competent and approachable. The server and bartender were nice, but not the most friendly.
Minor minuses only: due to COVID we had to wear a mask on board for the entire time, except when eating or drinking, but that was beyond anyones control. Despite the advertisement that there was a fresh water fountain on the boat they were rather mean in handing out half litre because titles which we thought was penny pinching. And Vicky was very helpful when we made the booking. I enjoyed it very much.
Upscale line Windstar -- sailing to ports throughout Alaska, Asia, Canada and New England, Europe, the Caribbean, Central America and the South Pacific -- doesn't offer traditional masted sailing ships but does deliver a similarly pleasing aesthetic via its trio of yachts equipped with sails.
One of our favourite features -- available on each of Windstar's vessels -- is the water sports platform, with its range of complimentary activities such as snorkelling, wind-sailing, paddle-boarding and even water skiing). .css-1wvg3nf{transition-property:var(--chakra-transition-property-common);transition-duration:var(--chakra-transition-duration-fast);transition-timing-function:var(--chakra-transition-easing-ease-out);cursor:pointer;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;outline:2px solid transparent;outline-offset:2px;color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);font-weight:var(--chakra-fontWeights-medium);border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:dotted;border-color:var(--chakra-colors-blue-base);}.css-1wvg3nf:hover,.css-1wvg3nf[data-hover]{-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;border-bottom-width:1px;border-bottom-style:solid;}.css-1wvg3nf:focus-visible,.css-1wvg3nf[data-focus-visible]{box-shadow:var(--chakra-shadows-outline);}Lindblad Expeditions, allied with National Geographic and Natural Habitat Adventures, offers soft-adventure cruises on a fleet of 10 capable vessels (as well as several charters like the Sea Cloud masted sailing ship and Lord of the Glens vessel that sails around the coast and islands of Scotland) that carry from 48 to 148 passengers. We hope that this year's honorees will inspire your own travels as you get back out into the world. Captain and crew were lovely. Meals were, without exception, excellent; hot drinks and water were always available. Onboard, passengers can enjoy the doting of a polished 95-person crew; locally inspired and international cuisine served up on deck or in an elegant dining salon; and included-in-the-rates wine, Champagne and cocktails. The food was good and Stan our cruise manager was fantastic.
The islands we visited were interesting and well-chosen and our tour director was really excellent; he had a delightful combination of knowledge and humor. We longed for a salad bowl. Easyjet fly from Gatwickto Rijeka (Not included). Dubrovnik was a great disappointment for me, being over-run with tourists, even so late in the season. The small size of the boat means that they can access areas and ports unavailable to larger ships. There is at least one off boat opportunity every day.