9th June 2022

Whilst most cruise lines are bringing out bigger ships with even more amenities, there is a growing number of cruisers who prefer the intimacy that small ship sailings can offer. But that's not the only benefit - smaller ships mean there are ports that the mega-ships just cannot navigate. Here are some of the gems you can explore on a small ship itinerary.

Seville

The beautiful Spanish city of Seville is usually reached by larger ships docking in the port of Cadiz, but there is nothing quite like sailing the Guadalquivir River and being docked in the heart of Seville, right by the historic landmark of Plaza De Espana and a short walk away from Parque de Marie Luisa. Seville offers amazing Gothic architecture and stunning baroque churches, all enclosed in the Moorish walls of the city. 

A trip to Santa Maria de la Sede is a must, as it’s the largest Gothic religious building in the world and the third-largest cathedral. After a busy day of sightseeing, a stop for some tapas and sangria is welcome, before crossing the bridge to your ship at night. Seeing the lights twinkling back at you really is magical.

Thursday Island

Thursday Island sits in the Torres Strait archipelago, which consists of over 100 islands which stretch from the tip of Cape Horn Peninsula in Australia to Papua New Guinea. The island residents follow a traditional lifestyle, with many of them working in the pearling industry. The island offers amazing views over the Torres Strait and at only three square kilometres is the perfect destination to spend a relaxing day.

Nantes

Situated on the banks of the River Loire, enchanting Nantes is a charming French town. The home of Muscadet wine and the most amazing seafood, a day could easily be lost just indulging in gastronomical delights, but there is much more to occupy your time here. Take a trip on ‘Le Petit Train’ which is a road train which takes you on a 40-minute tour around the town, or head to the impressive Chateau Des Ducs De Bretagne and learn about six centuries of Medieval history. 

Nantes is also the birthplace of author Jules Verne, arguably the father of Science Fiction novels. He penned classics such as Twenty Thousand Leagues Under The Sea and Journey to the Centre of the Earth and there is a museum dedicated to his life and works which fans of the genre should definitely include on their must-see list.

Boracay

The resort island of Boracay in the Philippines decided to ban large ships from dropping anchor around it and you can only visit the island by ship if you carry less than 2000 passengers. This was great news for the biodiversity and marine life in the area and also means a less crowded, more leisurely visit when you arrive on a small ship. 

Consistently finding itself on the best beaches in the world list, the cerulean waters and snow-white sand are best admired from the Mount Luho View Deck, which offers stunning 360 views of the beaches below. As you’d imagine from a beach resort, there are all sorts of water sports to amuse you on the island, from diving, snorkelling, jet-skiing and parasailing. There is no shortage of places to each and drink either, with excellent fresh seafood to be enjoyed in one of the lively restaurants the island offers.

Amalfi

Whilst most ships have to ferry people into town from Sorento or Naples, smaller ships can drop anchor and tender you into this colourful Italian town. The Amalfi Coast is truly stunning and the playground of the jet-set and glitterati. It's a place to be seen, so soak up some rays on the beach and then enjoy a cold spritz in one of the many bars along the coast.

For the more energetic, be rewarded with some outstanding views if you climb up to the top of the town. The stunning Blue Grotto - or the Grotta Azzurra  - is nearby and the breathtaking Azure waters are well worth the boat trip out to see them.

Sao Francisco Do Sul

One of Brazil’s oldest towns, Sao Francisco do Sul was founded in the early 16th century by the French, and has been occupied by the Dutch, but remains a  preserved Portuguese colonial city. Its beautiful ‘azulejo’ tiled walls and quaint cobblestone streets of its old town have been listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO. 

For the sun-seekers take your pick from over 25 beaches in the area, the most popular of these are Enseada or Forte Beach. The powder-white beaches stretch for miles, perfect for relaxing with a delicious caipirinha.

Want to discover small ship cruising for yourself? Take a look at Fred. Olsen, Azamara, and Oceania Cruises as a starting point, with ships and sailings to suit all budgets and styles.