10 Reasons to Choose Small Ships Over Big Cruise Liners

For many travellers, the word “cruise” can conjure images of towering ships, long buffet lines, and cabaret shows at sea. But what if your time on the water could mean floating quietly past glaciers in Antarctica, snorkelling over coral reefs in Indonesia's hidden archipelago, or day hiking along Alaska's remote coastlines? 

Not far, your comfortable small vessel is anchored at sea, ready to carry you somewhere new the next day.

With fewer guests and a focus on sustainability and real exploration, small ship expeditions aren't your typical cruise; they’re floating basecamps for adventure.

So, if you’ve ever dismissed cruising as not “your style,” this may just change your mind. Here are 10 reasons to go small and swap the traditional cruise for an active expedition at sea.

1. Feel like a participant, not just a passenger

On a traditional large cruise, you can feel overwhelmed in the crowd of – not hundreds – but often thousands of other passengers. Opting for a smaller vessel with fewer than 140 guests or even just 12 to 30 on a micro cruise, sailing boat or catamaran, offers a more intimate experience. 

Your voyage will feel more personal with a deeper connection to the environment around you. You’re not watching the world pass by; you'll be in the heart of it all, kayaking remote fjords, learning photography from an onboard specialist on deck, or swimming with gentle whale sharks.

2. Go where big ships can’t

Forget tourist ports and busy docks. Smaller, more intimate vessels are built to navigate narrow channels, secluded bays, and wilderness areas that are difficult for larger cruise liners to visit. Whether it’s a volcanic atoll in the Galapagos or a glacier-fed cove in South Georgia, On Water Expeditions can safely take you to the world’s most beautiful and hidden corners of the seas.

If you're concerned about rough seas, the good news is that the collection of small ships at On Water Expeditions are designed with comfort in mind. Many routes follow calmer, protected waters like fjords, archipelagos, and coastal channels. Plus, many vessels will be equipped with stabilisers and have the flexibility to adjust course when needed, helping to avoid rough patches and to make your journey as smooth as possible.

3. Reduce your impact

When opting for a smaller vessel, you want to make sure your journey is backed with clear responsible travel commitments and sustainability initiatives, especially when visiting pristine ecosystems.

On Water Expeditions was formed with that purpose in mind. Each carefully selected expedition must meet high environmental standards, with itineraries carefully designed to move thoughtfully through delicate waterways. By working with local communities and travelling on low-impact ships, this creates a more meaningful travel experience for you.

4. Enjoy quiet comfort

On a smaller vessel, you won't find grand casinos or Broadway shows, but you can find some with hot tubs, libraries, stylish lounges, and elegant cabins that you’ll actually want to spend time in. Find vessels that offer the perfect balance of cosy refinement and character, so you can unwind in comfort at the end of each active day.

5. Adventures tailored to you

Whether you love diving, are a hobby photographer, a novice kayaker, or a soft explorer with a love for wildlife, there's an expedition to suit your style of adventure with over 180 itineraries. On smaller expeditions, activities are designed to be as active or relaxed as you like, with expert guides adjusting experiences to your pace and comfort level.

6. Spend more time off the boat

Large cruise ships often dock far from the real action, limiting your exploration time. Small ship expeditions, on the other hand, are designed around immersive experiences, meaning you’ll step ashore often and stay longer, whether for a zodiac excursion or cultural encounter.

With enough excursion boats for everyone, there’s no need to wait your turn or follow a set roster for zodiac access.

7. Itineraries with room for the unexpected

Each small ship expedition is thoughtfully planned, but always ready to adapt – because nature often has her own ideas. So if a pod of dolphins appears or a perfect beach beckons, expedition leaders have the flexibility to shift plans and maximise every opportunity. That way, the adventure never stops. 

8. Experience real connections

Smaller ships create space for connection. Whether you’re travelling solo, as a couple, or as a family, our trips foster a shared sense of adventure. Meals become story-sharing sessions, and by the end of your voyage, you’ll likely create new friends, including the expedition crew!

9. A new view every morning

Forget unpacking and repacking every other day. On a small ship expedition, your vessel becomes your basecamp and the landscape, your moving canvas. One day, you could be walking along stunning shorelines; the next, you’re snorkelling through coral gardens. The beauty of travelling this way is waking up each morning to a new world outside your window, without ever needing to switch hotels.

10. Water travel that transforms you

Choosing a small ship itinerary tailored for curious explorers means you value authenticity over excess, and connections over spectacles. It's the kind of travel that enriches you. 

For our team, travel isn’t about gold-plated ceilings and staged entertainment; it’s about seeing thousands of king penguins in South Georgia, diving in Palauan reefs, or learning from cultural experts in Haida Gwaii. It's about the immersive experiences and meaningful connections to nature, places, and with people done with integrity, care, and wonder. 

The result? Comfort in the remote, and stories you’ll carry for a lifetime.

Ready to go small? Start browsing our range of hand-picked small ship expeditions and plan your next active exploration.