how to become a ship captain

10 Great Small Ship Cruise Lines

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While cruise ships offer a wide range of amenities, not everyone enjoys the sensation of sailing on oversized (and overcrowded) ships. Small cruise ship lines offer a pleasant alternative, delivering all of the seafaring excitement with less of the hassle. The following are some of the best small cruise ship lines that you can take on your next big ocean adventure.

Silversea Cruises

Silversea Cruises let you travel in the literal lap of luxury. Each suite features an ocean view and butler service, while the majority also come with a private veranda.

Windstar

Traveling to 50 countries around the world, Windstar carries no more than 310 passengers on its largest ships for an intimate sailing experience. If you're a sailing fan, take advantage of their sailing ships, including the flagship Wind Surf.

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Uncruise Adventures

Uncruise Adventures prioritize wildlife and wilderness over shopping and clubbing as on larger cruise ships. You can take an intimate cruise of locales as diverse as Alaska and Costa Rica with this small cruise line.

Seabourn Cruise Lines

Striving to maintain a "private club" atmosphere, Seabourn Cruise lines focuses on small ships and intimate luxury service. You can enjoy the ultimate adventure with their world cruise, hitting 62 ports on 5 continents.

Seadream Yacht Club

Seadream's emphasis is on delivering a yachting experience, not a cruising one. Enjoy transatlantic, mediterranean or caribbean adventures or charter a ship for a truly personalized experience.

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Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises is often called one of the best lines in the world by travelers. While they do have some larger ships, they have a range of mid-sized boats for more intimate cruising.

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Crystal Yacht Expeditions

With staff to guest service ratios that outpace competitors, Crystal's yacht expeditions deliver five-star customer service. Every suite also comes with butler service and concierge.

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Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad offers adventure cruising in partnership with National Geographic, so you know they have a serious adventure pedigree. Destinations include Alaska, the Amazon and the Galapagos.

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Australis

Australis Cruises focuses exclusively on the Chilean fjords, giving you a one-of-a-kind view of the tip of South America. Take advantage of the flagship Stella Australis or its newer sister ship, the Ventus.

Quasar Expeditions

Leading travel magazines cite this line as the best small cruise line in the world. Quasar adventures also include trips with purpose, such as its Reforesting Patagonia offering.

Ponant

Sailing under the French flag, Ponant offers trips across the world, including Africa and Oceania. Ships include the charming Le Ponant sail ship and mid-size yachts.