Small Ship Cruising

Home  ›  Activities  ›  Small Ship Cruising

Cruising is certainly the fastest growing part of the travel industry and the variety of ‘small ship cruising’ product grows every day. At Discover Travel we define small ship as anything smaller than 500 passengers.

There are a few luxury cruiselines that fall into this category including Windstar Cruises, Star Clippers, and Seabourn Yachts.

SUPER YACHTS – These typically have 40 – 50 guests and offer a nice alternative to the larger cruise ship. Popular itineraries include Croatia, the Cyclades and the Ionian Islands in Europe. Expect it to be very relaxed onboard with swimming/playing from the boat a favourite activity.  They typically visit the smaller ports so are great for travellers looking to get off the beaten track.

TRADITIONAL SAILING YACHT  – Typically only around 20 – 40 guests, in Turkey these are known as a Gulet, in Greece they are a Caique and in Croatia an Old Timer.  This style of cruising is very relaxed with stops at lovely swimming spots and beaches. Usually only half board is offered as you would dine at your leisure on shore – a great option for independent travellers.  These boats are also used for our Bike & Sail itineraries in Croatia, Greece and Turkey.

SMALL SHIPS – We do have a great range of interesting itineraries on small ships in the 50 – 300 passengers range.  Favourite destinations for small ship cruising are the Mediterranean, the Norwegian Fjords, Scotland, Alaska, the Galapagos and closer to home we have Tahiti and the Kimberley’s. There are also fascinating itineraries in Costa Rica, Cuba and Japan. For more off the beaten path destinations check out our Expedition Cruising section.

Alaska is a magnificent destination and without doubt the best way to see the delights of the Inside Passage is on a small ship. You get up close and personal with the wildlife and the scenery.

The Norwegian Fjords are a relatively new destination for kiwis, but the magnificent scenery of cascading waterfalls, glaciers, narrow gorges and picture-book villages will delight you.

Related experiences


enquire now

East Coast Explorer

12 Nights From NZD $12,249 pp twinshare
 Cruise
 Terms & Conditions apply

Departs: 26 November 2020  Experience New Zealand from a very different perspective. The Coral Discoverer avoids well-trodden tourist trails and offers you access to remote and pristine wilderness areas. With over 7000 km of stunning coastline to be explored, you … Continue reading →

enquire now

Explorer Cruise

4 Days From NZD $1,739 pp twinshare
 Cruise
 Terms & Conditions apply

This wonderful cruise is ideal for those with limited time who want to sample the incredible Fiji Islands. The cruise takes in the majestic southern Yasawa Islands and also spends time at the strikingly beautiful Modriki and Sacred Islands. It’s … Continue reading →

enquire now

Croatia Bike & Sail

8 Days From NZD $2,390 pp twinshare
 Small group
 Terms & Conditions apply

Cycle and Cruise to explore the charming islands of Southern Dalmatia.  This unique Bike and Boat guided trip captures the highlights with an ideal balance of activity, culture and relaxation. Experience the beautiful island of Korcula with its picturesque old … Continue reading →

enquire now

Across the Tasman in Luxury

Wild Earth has chartered Ponant’s newest ship, Le Bellot, for an exclusive voyage from Christchurch to Melbourne in March 2021.  Click here for full details of the programme and pricing. This would be a great opportunity to get a group of friends … Continue reading →

enquire now

Dreams of Tahiti

A graceful sailing yacht is the perfect way to experience the true wonder of Tahiti. The trade winds fill the sails as you visit one legendary island after another, allowing you time to swim and snorkel in crystal-clear lagoons, meander … Continue reading →