A Guide to Choosing Between Big and Small Cruise Ships
When it comes to cruising, there’s no one size fits all experience. Your knowledgeable travel advisor will typically present you with a variety of options. The size of the cruise ship can make a huge difference in your overall trip. So how do you choose? Let’s take a closer look at the differences between big and small ship cruising so that you can make an informed decision about which type of cruise is best for you.
Big Ship Cruising
The most obvious difference between big and small ships is their size. Big ships are typically much larger than smaller ones, with capacities ranging from thousands to upwards of 6,000 passengers. These large ships offer just about everything you could imagine—from swimming pools and movie theatres to spas and fitness centers. Big ship cruises also come with plenty of perks such as specialty restaurants, onboard entertainment, and even casinos. You won’t be bored on these types of cruises! Plus, if you’re looking for a lot of people-watching opportunities, then a big ship cruise is definitely for you.
Surprisingly though, the bigger ships tend to feel much less crowded as there are significantly more venues for passengers to choose from.
Small Ship Cruising
Smaller ships don’t have quite as many amenities as big ships but they still offer plenty of fun activities while onboard. Smaller ships typically hold anywhere from 100-600 passengers, so they provide an intimate atmosphere that allows for more meaningful connections with fellow travelers. Plus, these smaller vessels are often able to dock in ports that the bigger ones cannot access—so if exploring new places is up your alley then this would be a great option for you! Smaller ships usually offer fewer frills when it comes to entertainment and dining options but they make up for it by providing more personalized experiences like guided tours or immersive excursions into local culture & traditions led by knowledgeable guides.
Cruise ship within a Cruise Ship
A very new concept that many cruise lines are adopting is a ship within a ship. This is where there are exclusive areas built into a big ship to give the look and feel of small ship cruising. This typically also features exclusive food options as well. This option works particularly well when cruising with the whole family, as you can visit with family elsewhere on the ship, and then retreat to your own private oasis.
No matter what kind of cruise experience you’re looking for, there’s sure to be something out there that meets your needs! If a luxurious vacation filled with exciting onboard amenities is what you’re after, then opt for a big ship cruise; however if an intimate experience with plenty of opportunities to explore off-the-beaten path destinations appeals more to you then consider booking a small ship cruise instead! Whichever type of vessel best suits your needs, we hope this guide has provided some useful insight into the differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision when selecting your next holiday getaway! Your travel advisor will be more than happy to go over all the different options with you and help you pick out a great sailing.
