Small cruise ships are a growing force, offering more space than ever

Size does matter for discerning cruisers, especially those wanting more room to move and immersive experiences in ports that bigger ships simply cannot get to.

It comes as no surprise that small and medium-sized ships, that is those that carry fewer than 2500 guests (usually much fewer), are growing in popularity.

According to the Cruise Lines International Association State of the Cruise Industry 2025 Report, more than 70 per cent of ships sailing now and through to 2036 are small and medium-sized ships.

Sure, mega-ships have their place, mostly as a multifaceted holiday where the ship with its many neighbourhoods becomes the destination for families (think water slides, simulated surfing, giant theatres). But these smaller vessels appeal to those who are keen for a more immersive sailing to discover ports that bigger ships simply cannot enter.

And we don’t just mean because it’s impossible for larger ships to manoeuvre into these ports. Some destinations around the world, such as Venice and Amsterdam, are limiting the access of cruise ships into their ports. Another alluring plus of smaller ships is that fewer cruisers means fewer queues to get on and off the ship.

This month, the 1200-guest Oceania Allura will launch in the Mediterranean. Picture: Supplied.

There’s a growing trend for these smaller ships to offer more space, with cruise brands aware that more room to move is a luxury we can all agree on.

This month, the 1200-guest Oceania Allura will launch in the Mediterranean and according to the brand will feature the most spacious standard staterooms at sea at 27sqm. Oceania Cruises’ Allura-class ships offer better passenger-to-space ratios than previous ships in their fleet, and feature a design that maximises openness and flow.

Oceania Cruises’ Allura-class ships offer better passenger-to-space ratios than previous ships in their fleet. Picture: Supplied.

Another July launch in the Mediterranean, Viking Cruises’ newest ocean ship the 998-guest Viking Vesta, is slightly larger than other Viking ocean ships (save for identical sister Viking Vela) despite holding the same number of guests. Those that really want to spread out on-board Vesta can consider booking the largest of the suites at 138sqm, the multi-room Owner’s Suite.

Another reason for the rise in smaller ships? Cruisers want luxury and exclusivity. Ships that are classed as luxury and ultra-luxury are always smaller, and demand is up for these sailing experiences. The CLIA report found that the luxury cruise travel market has tripled since 2010. The number of luxury ships sailing has grown threefold as well. In 2010 there were 28 luxury cruise ships; in 2024 there were 97. CLIA forecasts that by 2028, 1.5 million cruise travellers will choose a luxury cruise experience.

Another July launch in the Mediterranean, Viking Cruises’ newest ocean ship, the Viking Vesta. Picture: Supplied.

Next year, Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ 850-guest Seven Seas Prestige will launch and, according to the brand, will boast one of the highest guest-to-space ratios in the cruise industry and include an array of new suite categories.

Explora Journeys, the brand that already offers a serious space-to-guest ratio on their ships Explora I and Explora II, will up the space on Explora III, which launches in August 2026. The luxury vessel will offer 18.7sqm of public space per guest, which according to parent brand, the MSC Group, is one of the highest ratios in the industry.

Originally published as Small cruise ships are a growing force, offering more space than ever