Small Ship Cruising

If cruises sound like a convenient way to travel, but aren’t attractive for their crowds, casinos and waste, the perfect solution may be small-ship cruising.

This recent phenomenon takes the best of cruising — getting from place to place with the ease of having someone else captain your boat — while adding the intimacy and romance of sailing aboard a much smaller vessel. These trips utilize sailboats and other vessels that fit fewer than 300 people. It’s also possible to find options that fit 10 or 20 people.

The upsides are numerous: You’ll get to know your fellow passengers and possibly even the crew, as some ships allow you the opportunity to sail yourself if interested. You’ll also have access to smaller, more intimate ports, places that can’t accommodate the massive ships that offload thousands of passengers. These places aren’t overwhelmed with tourists and they don’t cater to them, lending a sense of authenticity to the experience.

Cruise critic recommends companies like Lindblad Expeditions, Quark Expeditions and Un-Cruise Adventures as the best small-ship cruising companies.

If you don’t mind giving up the bells and whistles of nightly entertainment, babysitters, massive buffet dinners and indoor basketball courts, small-ship cruising might be for you.