Generally, small ship cruises carry fewer than 500 guests — and the most boutique options carry fewer than 200. The key difference isn't just numbers: it's the ratio of space per guest, the style of service, and the types of destinations the ship can access. We define our small ship collection as vessels where the intimate size creates a meaningfully different experience from standard ocean cruising.

The headline price is higher — but the all-inclusive nature means the gap is far smaller than it first appears. On a luxury small ship, your drinks, excursions, gratuities, and often flights are included. On a standard cruise, these extras can add £500–£1,500 per person. Many of our guests find the true cost difference is much less than expected, with an experience that's incomparable.

Many of our guests are in their 60s, 70s, and 80s — and small ships are often a better choice for them than larger vessels. The smaller scale means less walking, no queuing, and staff who can provide genuine personal assistance. Some expedition itineraries (Antarctica, Galápagos) do require reasonable mobility for Zodiac landings. Our specialists will always ask about mobility needs and recommend accordingly.

This is a common concern, but modern small ships are designed with stabilisers and hull technology that manage sea motion very effectively. In practice, the biggest difference is that small ships spend less time in open ocean and more time in sheltered waters and fjords. Many guests who suffer on large ships find small ship itineraries considerably more comfortable.

Absolutely — and the majority of our UK guests do exactly this. We offer fly-cruise packages from UK airports (London, Manchester, Edinburgh, and others) to embarkation ports worldwide. Flights are included in many of our packages, or we can arrange them separately. Our team will handle the full journey from your home airport to the gangway.