What Is a Small Ship Cruise?
To describe small ship cruising in one word it would be: immersive. Not like traditional cruises, these expedition-style journeys focus on in-depth exploration, education, and access to remote destinations. Think buzzing around on a small zodiac boat like the coast guard. Wildlife watching like Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom. Meeting people where they’re at in places you can’t reach by large cruise ship… or even by car. Water access only!
I am not one to shy away from sleeping on the ground on backpacking adventures (with sleeping pad, mind you). These cruises offer comfortable cabins, expert naturalists, and curated daily excursions. Oh, did I mention the Chefs? Exquisite meals!
My Recent Adventure: Exploring the Caribbean Coastline of Panama & Colombia
I’ve sailed with Lindblad Expeditions / National Geographic on a unique 8-day journey from Cartagena to Panama City>> This route brings together lush forests, remote islands, coral reefs, and local cultures.
Here’s a taste of what this expedition-style itinerary includes:
– Starting in Cartagena, Colombia’s most colorful colonial city
– Snorkeling in the San Blas Islands
– Visiting remote Afro-Colombian towns and artisan communities
– Wildlife-spotting in tropical wetlands and mangroves
– Crossing the legendary Panama Canal
Each day, we left our base camp ship with experts as our guides. Marine biologists, cultural historians, and naturalists, who bring the region’s biodiversity and human heritage to life.
Croc conservation! Local organization ASOCaiman supporting natural habitat for Crocs. 
Name that bird, ID this plant, what are they doing in these canoes! 
Carlos provides local connection to the History and Culture of the region. 
Local and Experienced, Mao our Program Director always providing context to what we are witnessing.
To compare to traditional cruise ships, the agility of a small ship makes each day shaped by Mother Nature. We react to opportunity, tide, and curiosity, not a rigid schedule. With a smaller vessel, we can anchor in places most travelers never even see.
Have a rain delay, no worries… there are photo experts on board that can give lectures. This trip was in the tropics, the rain was a pleasant relief!
Have extra time in port? Let’s jump into the zodiacs and cruise around and find some wildlife. With expert Naturalists!
Why I Chose to Travel by Small Ship Cruise
The more I travel, the more I crave experiences that feel intentional. I want time to be curious, to explore without rushing, to ask questions and connect with where I am. Expedition cruising seems to offer that in a really special way.
Small-ship Travel Benefits
– The intimacy of a small ship. Typically just 40–150 guests means more connection. Less feeling like part of a crowd.
– Daily flexibility: days are shaped by weather, tide, and wildlife. No two journeys are the same.
– Authentic Local Interaction. Learning about indigenous crafts and traditions like song and dance. Even environmental stewardship.
– Access to places that are otherwise hard to reach. Remote islands, jungle villages, and reef systems. The remote destinations reached by small-ship cruising.
– No pressure to “do it all”. You can be active, or you can relax and watch it unfold. Our oldest participant was 92 years young and wow!, was she a fish! Choose to kayak, hike, snorkel, photograph. Or relax onboard with a glass of wine and panoramic views.
– Adventure casual dress code. My formal wear will hopefully be a change of clothes and some dry socks.
Is This Style of Cruising Right for You?
Remember immersive at the top of this story? Do you value the “experience” of travel, or prefer smaller groups? Want access to destinations that most people will never see? This might be the perfect travel style for you.
It doesn’t matter if you’re a wildlife enthusiast, a photographer, cultural explorer. Being simply curious about the world, expedition cruises open up opportunities you didn’t know existed.
Ready to Explore Differently?
As a travel advisor, I help clients match their curiosity with the perfect expedition. From choosing the right cruise line, to securing pre- and post-cruise extensions. I make sure your journey is seamless from start to finish.
Top Destinations for Small-Ship and Expedition Cruising
While I’ve experienced Panama & Colombia, other top regions for expedition cruising include:
– Alaska’s Inside Passage
– Norway’s fjords and Arctic Svalbard
– Galápagos Islands
– Antarctica and the Falklands
– Iceland and Greenland
– Rivers of Europe and the Mediterranean Sea
Plan your small-ship adventure with me. Whether it’s the Caribbean coast, the Arctic, or Antarctica… I’ll help you get there. Get in Touch>>
Photo credits to: Sarah Allen, Darrell Wyatt, Kari Kennedy, Lisa Zamora. thanks to my fellow advisors for an amazing trip!
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