It’s not hard to see why so many people are attracted to the idea of cruises: they’re a great way to see multiple new parts of the world while enjoying fine food and luxury accommodation. One thing that often turns many people off of booking a cruise is the idea that cruise ships are inherently large, impersonal environments full of crowds, constant activity and noise. In such an environment, it is of course hard to experience the peace and tranquillity that most of us desire when on holiday.

Furthermore, a lot of people assume that all cruise ships only stop at large, busy ports, where it’s impossible to have an authentic experience of the local people and culture. What most of these people don’t realise is that these grievances actually only apply to the mega-cruises on offer from the mass-tourism companies: cruising on a smaller ship is in fact an entirely different experience – one that offers precisely the kind of relaxed, authentic travelling experience that many of us are looking for.

Relaxed Environment

Far from the hectic frenzies of large, commercial cruise ships, smaller ships offer a much calmer environment. Without the endless bars, casinos, theatres and children’s clubs, the smaller ships are places not of constant activity and excitement – but rather peace and restfulness. Ideal for older couples and those seeking a slower and more easy-going pace, smaller cruises are to mega-cruises what country spas are to all-inclusive holiday resorts.

A More Intimate Experience

With a much higher ratio of staff to passengers on smaller vessels, guests naturally receive a much more personal experience. Crew members begin to know you by name, and rather than the impersonal anonymity that exists on large cruises, there’s a sense of personal service and genuine luxury.

The greater intimacy and more personal experience also carries through to interactions with other guests. On a smaller cruise, you’ll almost certainly become acquainted with many of your fellow passengers, making you feel less like you’re on an all-inclusive holiday and more like you’re sailing the world on a friend’s yacht.

This intimacy makes smaller cruises great not just for couples, but for solo-travellers, too. If you do happen to become friendly with other passengers at a bar or over dinner on a large cruise, the chances of running into them again during the holiday are slim. But on a smaller cruise, there’s the chance that you’ll be able to share your travelling experiences throughout the trip, and you’ll come away having made new friends for life.

An Authentic Travelling Experience

Larger ships simply can’t go to all the places smaller ships can. Whether it’s due to shallow water, a lack of infrastructure, or because the place isn’t prepared for mass tourism, the fact remains that many of the best and most authentic travel experiences are simply inaccessible to larger cruise ships.

So if you’re looking for a truly authentic travel experience, involving untouched landscapes and/or unspoilt towns full of traditional character and charm, smaller luxury cruises like those available at Silversea Cruises alone can make it possible.

Have you been on a smaller cruise? What did you love best?