Luxury small-ship cruises
Small luxury ships (fewer than 1000 passengers) have a quieter, boutique-hotel atmosphere, high service levels and elevated dining choices. You’ll still find a pool, spa and smaller theatre shows, but no kids’ clubs or waterslides. Passengers attracted to these cruises are likely to favour being able to access interesting, lesser-known destinations.
This cruise ship can go where other ships cannot
As Antarctica becomes crowded with ships, the Le Commandant Charcot can push through pack ice and into regions of seas typically only reached by military or scientific vessels.
- by Jamie Lafferty
I can’t live like this: The cruise ship that ruined life on land for me
Returning to normal life is difficult after spending a week on board one of the world’s most luxurious ships.
- by Craig Platt
Europe doesn’t get more far-flung, or magical, than this breathtaking place
Created by volcanic eruptions and subsequently eroded by glaciers, winds and waves, this dreamlike archipelago sits halfway between Iceland and Britain.
- by Steve McKenna
How the ultra-rich cruise: On board the world’s most-travelled superyacht
Last year the Hanse Explorer clocked up a staggering 65,555 kilometres, many of which were racked up during charters for the rich and famous.
- by Rachel Ingram
See ‘the most beautiful place on Earth’ while you still can
Everything on an Arctic trip is delivered with a degree of melancholy since all the beauty we see comes with a disclaimer: best you see it now.
- by Craig Tansley
★★★★★
Ship review: Incredible luxury in remote locations? This ship delivers it
Scenic Eclipse II has the largest amount of space per passenger of any cruise ship, invoking a rich-friend’s-superyacht vibe.
- by Carolyn Beasley
This bucket-list Aussie region is in the midst of a cruise boom
Another Kimberley cruise season is about to open, and the competition is hotting up as more companies explore our north-west shore.
- by Brian Johnston
Five exciting new cruise routes will take you to truly unusual places
From ice-encrusted mountains to jungle-clad volcanoes, glamorous Asian cities to the remotest settlements, here are five of the most tempting new cruise routes.
- by Brian Johnston
French Polynesia island hopping small cruise: Ban on big ships makes paradise even better
Smaller cruise ships, fewer visitors, more places to stay. Tahiti and the magic of Bora Bora are back, with a new emphasis on sustainability.
- by Julie Miller
A place where the sun never sets (though you still might not see it)
Tourism is still a rarity when exploring this part of the Arctic.
- by Jamie Lafferty
★★★★★
Think cruising is not for you? This ship will change your mind
Silversea’s newest ship has an innovative, asymmetric design that makes it feel more like a luxury resort.
- by Trudi Jenkins
See this magnificent place before it’s gone forever
I’ve read a lot about global warming, but seeing it so starkly in action is shocking, and it makes me wonder if I should be here at all.
- by Brian Johnston
Short on time? This Australian ship can do Antarctica at express speed
I’m doing what is surely the shortest journey you can have while cruising this remote corner of the world. But there’s still time to be overwhelmed.
- by Ben Groundwater
Original URL: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/luxury-small-ship-cruises-20240503-p5foon.html