Out to Sea for July
8/17
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One size doesn’t
fit all in these days of huge mega-floating resorts.
More cruise
passengers are opting for “small-ship” cruising with dozens, not thousands, of
their “closest friends.”
They’re looking at
voyages with a few fellow passengers up to several hundred, not multiple
thousands that disgorge boatloads of visitors all at once at private islands
and ports of call.
These ships include
the Tugboat MV Swell for 12 guests and the Schooner Maple Leaf for eight, both
from eco-tourism Maple Leaf Adventures of Victoria, B.C., to expedition ships,
riverboats and yachts.
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| Smaller-than-mega ships are able to tie up in Hamilton, Bermuda’s downtown instead of going to the Royal Naval Dockyard at the outskirts. (Jim Fox photo) |
Forget, also, the
crowds onboard lined up at the Lido Buffet, dining rooms, shows and packed
shore excursions.
Largest at sea is Royal
Caribbean’s Harmony of the Seas that can carry a maximum of 6,687 guests and
2,193 crew members.
“Interest in travelling onboard ships with a smaller
passenger capacity is on the rise among travellers,” says Cruise Lines
International Association (CLIA).
Cindy D’Aoust,
president and CEO of the industry trade association, said small-ship cruising
allows for a “unique and intimate cruise unlike any other.”
The association
has reviewed the small vessel category and has the following observations to
help plan that perfect vacation.
Cruise the world
Small
ships have the ability to sail to many destinations around the world, some of
which are unattainable by larger ships.
They can
often cruise along famous and historic rivers while offering themed itineraries
that focus on different interests.
As an
example, Avalon Waterways’ Danube Dreams for Beer Enthusiasts is a 10-day
European voyage with ale-centric activities onboard and on land.
Avalon’s Golden
Myanmar and the Alluring Irrawaddy cruise takes 36 passengers from Bhamo, near
the border of China, along the Irrawaddy River.
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| The 12-passenger Swell is a classic restored tugboat plying Canada’s west coast waters. (Photo by Jason Bradley) |
Next year,
Paul Gauguin Cruises will be the first line to visit the port city of Vairao in
Tahiti Iti with its wild coastline, ancient temples, Polynesian culture and incredible
surfing.
Tauck is taking
travellers to far-reaching destinations ranging from Costa Rica and Antarctica
to the Galapagos Islands with a deeper understanding of each destination in
association with BBC Earth.
More intimate travel
Seabourn ships
have fewer than 300 suites similar to private clubs where travellers share open
decks, social spaces and enjoy personalized attention.
At its
“Caviar in the Surf” beach barbecue, staff members plunge into the water to
offer guests iced champagne and caviar at a surfboard bar.
The line’s
cruisers can also accompany the executive chef to the local market to buy
products to be cooked in the ship kitchen.
More “unique”
experiences are possible as many large ships travel through the Panama Canal
but small vessels can offer a more intimate experience.
Windstar
Cruises offers wet landings and access to ports such as Bahia Drake, Puerto
Jimenez, Parida and Bocas del Toro in Costa Rica and Panama for personal
experiences.
The line’s
Barcelona and Grand Prix of Monaco voyage allows cruisers to meet a Formula One
racing expert and attend a cocktail reception.
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| Smooth sailing is easy with a smaller ship along the Saguenay Fjord in Quebec. (Barbara Fox photo) |
More fun onboard and on shore
There’s no
lack of amenities or entertainment with many smaller ships having a crew-to-traveller
ratio of nearly one-on-one.
Among the
lines are Emerald Waterways, Uniworld for Danube itineraries, Ama Waterways for
personalized trips, Silversea Cruises for onboard enrichment programs, Regent
Seven Seas for all-inclusive trips, Oceania for meals cooked to order and
SeaDream in the Mediterranean.
Top destinations
CLIA
reports that 25.8-million people are expected to take a cruise this
year, up from 24.2 million in 2016.
Top seven
destinations are the Caribbean, Mediterranean, rest of Europe, Asia, Australia/New
Zealand/Pacific, Alaska and South America.
The CLIA-member
fleet is made up of 458 ships with 26 new vessels including 17 river ships
added last year.
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Jim and Barb Fox can be reached at outtosea50@hotmail.com
For more Out to Sea trip tips: http://outtoseatravel.blogspot.ca
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