{"id":127,"date":"2020-08-28T21:46:20","date_gmt":"2020-08-28T21:46:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/?p=127"},"modified":"2020-08-28T21:46:20","modified_gmt":"2020-08-28T21:46:20","slug":"post-covid","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/2020\/08\/28\/post-covid\/","title":{"rendered":"Are Small Cruise Ships The Future Of Cruising Post-Covid?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Personal space is everything when it comes to cruising in a\u00a0post-Covid world<\/a>\u00a0\u2013 and small cruise ships offer more of it than their bigger rivals.<\/p>\n

But not only do they carry proportionally fewer guests, making social distancing so much easier; they also have the ability to cruise into smaller, more remote, and more exclusive ports.<\/p>\n

Independent cruise lines are also having a moment, with their freedom to make swift decisions, quickly implement\u00a0health-and-safety procedures<\/a>\u00a0and get their nimble fleets back up and running at the shortest possible notice.<\/p>\n

There are many good reasons to choose a small ship for your next cruise \u2013 but before you make that booking, read our expert guide to the very best compact, but surprisingly spacious, ships on the world\u2019s oceans and rivers\u2026<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

The Majestic Line<\/strong><\/h3>\n

12 passengers,\u00a0<\/strong>4 crew,\u00a0<\/strong>3 decks<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Many would say the Highlands of Scotland offer the most beautiful landscapes in the British Isles. And if you\u2019re looking for a small-ship cruise in this corner of the world, it doesn\u2019t get more bijou than The Majestic Line, the independent operator whose four delightful ships accommodate no more than 12 guests each.<\/p>\n

\"The<\/p>\n

The fleet sails around Scotland\u2019s rugged west coast, offering itineraries that range from three to 10 nights, taking in the River Clyde, the isles of Arran, Islay, Jura, Mull, Skye and the Outer Hebrides, and even venturing as far northeast as the Orkneys.<\/p>\n

Itineraries are port-intensive, with the ships dropping anchor each day and taking guests on excursions including wildlife-watching, exploring castle ruins and visiting whisky distilleries (such as the famous Talisker on Skye). Back on board you can look forward to the warmest of Highland welcomes, with a cosy bar and a kitchen serving locally sourced and freshly caught produce.<\/p>\n

What makes these ships so special is the range of experiences they offer that simply wouldn\u2019t be possible on a larger vessel.<\/p>\n

Keen on fishing? Rods and tackle are kept on board, and guests are welcome to use them while the ship is at anchor. Better still, everything you catch can be prepared and served to you at dinner.<\/p>\n

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Coral Adventurer, Coral Expeditions<\/h3>\n

120 passengers, 46 crew, 5 decks<\/strong><\/p>\n

Aussie-based Coral Expeditions has long been ahead of the cruising curve, launching its small-ship operation 35 years ago. Appealing to discerning cruisers who want to explore hidden islands and enjoy a more destination-focused experience, Coral\u2019s three ships sail the less touristed coastlines of Australia as well as the islands of the South Pacific and Indian Ocean.<\/p>\n

\"small<\/p>\n

Their cruises include many stops that wouldn\u2019t be possible on larger ships, such as exploring the islands of Komodo National Park in Indonesia and visiting indigenous communities on Western Australia\u2019s wild Kimberley coast.<\/p>\n

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Flagship\u00a0Coral Adventurer<\/em>\u00a0carries just 120 guests alongside a team of expedition leaders, guest experts, marine biologists and scuba instructors. In place of organised entertainment, there is a varied programme of lectures, briefings and themed documentaries.<\/p>\n

You can enjoy drinks on the sundeck, and authentic Australian fare in the ship\u2019s one restaurant, but don\u2019t expect casinos, spas or even a swimming pool. Instead, guests are encouraged to spend their days on complimentary shore expeditions, or learning to dive.<\/p>\n

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Variety Voyager, Variety Cruises<\/h3>\n

71 passengers, 32 crew, 5 decks<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Variety Cruises is one of the few oceangoing cruise lines operating in summer 2020. Why? Because none of its eight pint-sized vessels carries more than 71 guests, and most take considerably fewer.<\/p>\n

\"variety<\/p>\n

The line also visits some of the most exclusive destinations on the planet, including French Polynesia, the Seychelles, Costa Rica and the lesser known Greek islands such as Antiparos, Paros, Polyaigos and Folegandros.<\/p>\n

On board its flagship,\u00a0Variety Voyager,<\/em>\u00a0guests are treated to a yacht-like experience, cruising into private beaches only accessible to small ships.<\/p>\n

Despite its modest dimensions \u2013 just 223ft from bow to stern \u2013\u00a0Variety Voyager<\/em>\u00a0offers ample deck space, a spacious lounge area, restaurant, reception and bar and a mini spa suite, so you won\u2019t feel deprived of any creature comforts if you\u2019re used to bigger ships.<\/p>\n

However, what makes\u00a0Variety Voyager<\/em>\u00a0even more special is that her itineraries include so many overnight stays \u2013 a rare pleasure in the busier ports of the Greek Islands.<\/p>\n

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Island Cruises<\/h3>\n

50 passengers, 38 crew, 5 decks<\/p>\n

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\"hebridean<\/p>\n

Cruising doesn\u2019t get more exclusive than this ultra-luxury line, known for sailing the Scottish isles in luxuriously appointed small ships.<\/p>\n

Stepping aboard its flagship,\u00a0Hebridean Princess<\/em>, is like entering a floating country house, with roaring log fires, a top-notch whisky selection, a cosy library and panoramic views from the lounge.<\/p>\n

Guest suites are elegant and spacious, with bathtubs, butler service and traditional decor (lots of tartan). In fact, this ship is literally fit for a queen, having hosted Her Majesty twice, including a cruise to celebrate her 80th birthday.<\/p>\n

Sailings range from four to 10 nights and aren\u2019t exactly cheap, but this is an extraordinary cruise experience that you just couldn\u2019t have on a larger ship. Picnics ashore, private castle tours, personalised hikes and the chance to fish off the side of the ship are all highlights. Everything is also included on board, from the whisky and locally caught lobster to use of the ship\u2019s bicycles and fishing tackle.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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While Hebridean\u2019s main focus is on the Western Isles of Scotland, Orkney and the Shetland Islands, the line also offers voyages around the Isles of Scilly, the Norwegian fjords and Ireland, and operates a luxurious river ship,\u00a0Royal Crown<\/em>, on the European waterways.<\/p>\n

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670 passengers, 375 crew, 11 decks<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Princess Cruises is one of the giants of the cruising world, known for megaships that can accommodate up to 3,660 passengers. But you may not be aware that Princess also operates a much smaller vessel. Carrying just 670 passengers,\u00a0Pacific Princess<\/em>\u00a0is perfect for cruisers who love the comfort and facilities of a larger cruise ship but are looking for a little more breathing space.<\/p>\n

\"Pacific<\/p>\n

On board you\u2019ll find a swimming pool, spa, fitness centre, theatre and no fewer than seven drinking and dining venues \u2013 including a buffet, main dining room and two speciality restaurants. A recent refurbishment has given the ship a sleek and modern new look, with stylish neutral decor, flat-screen TVs and mini-bars in her staterooms.<\/p>\n

But despite all those facilities, the ship\u2019s small size means she can dock in the heart of cities such as Kotor in Montenegro, as well as visiting smaller ports in destinations like the Solomon Islands and the Italian Riviera. There are plenty of itineraries available in 2021, including grand voyages in Australasia, the Pacific, Asia, the Med and the USA.<\/p>\n

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Small river cruise ships<\/strong><\/h3>\n
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Emerald Harmony, Emerald Waterways<\/h3>\n

84 passengers, 40 crew, 4 decks<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Small by nature, river ships can sail right into city centres and cruise along narrow waterways. However, some are purpose-built with a specific destination in mind, allowing them to offer unique access.<\/p>\n

\"Emerald<\/p>\n

One such is Emerald Waterways\u2019\u00a0Emerald Harmony<\/em>, which operates in southeast Asia. Her design means she can moor right in the heart of Vietnam\u2019s vibrant Ho Chi Minh City, a feat impossible for ocean vessels and even some rival river ships. From here, she offers a truly memorable cruise up the mighty Mekong River through Cambodia to Siem Reap.<\/p>\n

On board, the ship is elegant and intimate, with just 42 cabins plus a spacious lounge, fine-dining restaurant, wellness area, sundeck and pool. And with 40 crew to look after them, her 84 guests can expect five-star service.<\/p>\n

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82 passengers, 43 crew, 5 decks<\/strong><\/p>\n

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Until lockdown called a temporary halt, we were seeing a huge resurgence in Nile cruising as Egypt regained its place among the world\u2019s tourist hotspots. Leading the way \u2013 then and now \u2013 is Viking, with two luxurious river ships,\u00a0Viking Osiris<\/em>\u00a0and\u00a0Viking Ra<\/em>.<\/p>\n

\"Viking<\/p>\n

Launched this year,\u00a0Viking Osiris<\/em>\u00a0is purpose-built for the Nile, sailing the 500 miles between Cairo and Aswan past many wonders of the ancient world, including the Sphinx, the great pyramids of Giza and the temples of Luxor.<\/p>\n

The ship accommodates 82 passengers in typical Viking style, with Scandi-chic interiors and familiar features, including the ever-popular indoor\/outdoor Aquavit Terrace. Exploring ancient sites, local markets and temples are just some of the shore excursions on offer.<\/p>\n

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Road to Mandalay, Belmond<\/h3>\n

86 passengers, 81 crew, 4 decks<\/strong><\/p>\n

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The brand behind some of the most exclusive and expensive hotels in the world \u2013 not to mention the Venice Simplon Orient-Express \u2013 Belmond knows a thing or two about luxury. Its land-based offerings are world-famous, but did you know it also operates a fleet of bijou river ships in Europe and the far east, offering the same level of six-star service?<\/p>\n

\"belmond<\/p>\n

Road to Mandalay<\/em>\u00a0is Belmond\u2019s flagship river vessel, sailing an epic route along the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar, past golden temples and rural fishing villages. On board, a crew-to-guest ratio of virtually one-to- one ensures there is always someone on hand to serve cocktails or guide you through incredible excursions, including sunrise hot-air ballooning, traditional almsgiving ceremonies and a trip to the gold-tinged temple complex of Bagan.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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The ship may be small but it still manages to offer an outdoor pool (essential for cooling off in the intense tropical heat), as well as two restaurants and a spa. Five cabin grades are available, from bright, spacious singles up to the butler-serviced Governor\u2019s Suite, which is the equal of anything in a Belmond hotel on land.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Want to read more articles like this…
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Isabella is World of Cruising’s staff writer, and has a penchant for travel, food and drink (in particular, wine). She’s began her career as a drinks writer before moving on to lifestyle and travel, and is now full steam ahead with cruising. Growing up in Cape Town the South African city will always be her favourite destination, but right now she’s besotted with Tel Aviv \u2013 the best city beaches around, fascinating history, incredible food and the friendliest people.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Personal space is everything when it comes to cruising in a\u00a0post-Covid world\u00a0\u2013 and small cruise ships offer more of it than their bigger rivals. But not only do they carry proportionally fewer guests, making social distancing so much easier; they also have the ability to cruise into smaller, more remote, and more exclusive ports. Independent […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":60,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-127","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=127"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":128,"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/127\/revisions\/128"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/60"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=127"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=127"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/deluxecruises.com\/deals\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=127"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}