Which Cruise Is Right for You?
Small ships go where large ships simply cannot — intimate harbors, remote coastlines, legendary rivers, and the ends of the earth. But the right small ship experience depends entirely on how you like to travel.
At Small Cruise Journeys, we specialize in a carefully curated collection of small-ship experiences: award-winning river cruises, ultra-luxury expedition ocean voyages, and boutique luxury yacht cruising. Each offers something distinct — and we've sailed them all.
Below, we'll walk you through each style. And if you're still not sure which one calls to you, Rick and Tracey are just a conversation away.
Rick & Tracey · Your Small Ship Specialists
Want to explore multiple cities and cultures without unpacking and repacking, love food and wine, appreciate history and architecture, and prefer a relaxed, social onboard atmosphere.
Luxury River Cruising
90 – 180 Guests · Europe & Asia Danube · Rhine · Seine · Douro Rhône & Saône · Mekong · NileRiver cruising is the most immersive way to experience Europe and Asia. Ships dock in the heart of each city or village — no tenders, no transfers — so you step directly into a medieval old town, a wine-country vineyard, or a centuries-old cathedral square.
At this level, the experience goes well beyond sightseeing. Excursions range from leisurely walking tours to active cycling adventures. On board, award-winning chefs celebrate the regional cuisine of wherever you happen to be — local wines at every dinner, farm-to-table menus that bring each culture to life.
Whether you're sailing Europe's iconic Christmas markets in December, the tulip fields of the Netherlands in spring, or the ancient temples along the Mekong, no other format offers this depth and ease in the same breath.
Want to explore remote destinations in genuine luxury, value all-inclusive simplicity, and prefer a small, like-minded community of fellow travelers over a crowded ship.
Ultra-Luxury Ocean Cruising
200 – 270 Guests · All-Inclusive Antarctica · Arctic · Norway · Iceland Asia · Europe · South America Japan · Australia · New ZealandThere are luxury ships, and then there are expedition yachts that happen to be extraordinary. At this level, every detail — from the Michelin-caliber dining and onboard submarines to Zodiacs and helicopters — exists to take you deeper into the world's most remarkable destinations.
These yachts set a new standard for what all-inclusive truly means: no-tipping culture, open bars and fine wines, unlimited shore excursions, butler service, and immersive expedition experiences in places most travelers will never reach. Guest counts stay well under 300, so the atmosphere remains personal and unhurried throughout.
Rick and Tracey have sailed this experience multiple times — including to Antarctica — and consider it among the finest ways to travel on earth.
Luxury Superyacht Cruising
100 – 128 Guests · Intimate Scale Mediterranean · Red Sea · Caribbean Seychelles · Indian OceanLove warm-water destinations and a boutique ship atmosphere, and want a relaxed, unhurried pace with beautiful scenery in every direction.
At 100 to 128 guests, these superyachts deliver a genuinely intimate ocean experience — more like a private charter than a traditional cruise. Elegant suites, attentive personal service, and an unhurried pace allow you to truly settle into the destinations you visit.
Itineraries focus on warm-water regions that reward close exploration: the sun-drenched harbors of the Mediterranean, the exotic shores of the Red Sea, the pristine islands of the Seychelles, and the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean and Caribbean. You'll spend time in places larger ships can't access, often anchoring overnight while others sail away.
Looking for a Different Date,
Cruise Line, or Destination?
If your perfect voyage calls for a different line, a different region, or a different time of year — through our preferred partner network of 25+ world-class cruise lines, we can plan virtually any small-ship or luxury ocean experience, with a meaningful discount and often extra benefits.
Learn the Details →Let's Find Your Perfect Voyage
Not sure which style is right for you? That's exactly what we're here for. Rick and Tracey have sailed all of these — and they'll help you find the one that fits your travel personality, timeline, and budget.