Chapter XIV
Small Ship Cruises and Lines with Sailing Vessels and Yachts This segment of the cruise industry is unusual and offers a different type of experience and ship. Seasoned as well as budget- conscious travelers will have an interest in these lines. These typically smaller cruise lines offer immersion experiences at various destinations. Some are yachts, sail-assisted ships, and dual-purpose cargo/passenger ships. All generally are regarded as “specialty lines.” These vessels are able to visit ports and destinations that are not accessible to bigger ships, and their itineraries can be flexible; for example, captains may, for a number of reasons, prefer to remain longer in a port than previously scheduled, or even to make an unscheduled call! In general, these vessels spend more time in port—especially those which have an active nightlife. While the ticket price, the service, the cuisine, and the amenities earn the adjective “luxury,” you won’t find soaring atriums or a lot of black tie events. This cruise experience resembles a voyage aboard a private yacht, where you have a comfortable cabin with nice amenities, can dress as you please, and have some flexibility about when and with whom you dine. Some of the vessels listed are fairly inclusive (wine, beer, soft drinks, cocktails, and gratuities are included), but others are not. These lines are well suited for: • Adults looking for a sophisticated, intimate small ship experience. • Travelers seeking an educational experience and a vacation filled with history and culture.
• Seasoned travelers and adults who are destination-oriented. • Highly educated travelers looking for a history-rich vacation. • Those seeking to meet experts in their fields who have a vast knowledge of the cities visited. • Those who enjoy an educational type of vacation. • Those who enjoy traveling and conversation with noteworthy academic experts. Chapter XV Summary
Cruises make for a great family vacation, but not every cruise line is created equal. Some are better than others due to the nature of their amenities and offerings, so take the time, do the research, and find the one that best fits what you hope to achieve during your family vacation. Remember, if you are planning a family cruise vacation, it’s very important to research cruise lines’ children’s amenities and policies. There are lines that cater especially to families with children’s amenities and programs; there are others that allow but don’t promote travel with young children; and there are even some cruise lines that categorically discourage (or have policies against) bringing young children aboard. You need to keep this in mind if you want to make an informed booking decision. Here are some general points to consider: • Six months is generally the minimum age for cruising with children on most lines; but expect it to be twelve months on
Policies subject to change without notice, always check with your travel agent regarding pregnancy policies and children age policies prior to booking your cruise.
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