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Small Ship Cruises

If you want a great deal on a small ship cruise holiday, we highly recommend you contact us today to hear about our exclusive special offers and the latest discounted fares.

Established as the UK’s original luxury cruise specialist, we partner with world-famous cruise lines such as Silversea , Seabourn , Windstar and Scenic Ocean Cruises in offering small ship cruises in 2024 and 2025 to a range of captivating destinations throughout the world.

Regardless of which operator you choose, a voyage on a small ship promises a truly unforgettable cruise experience with the highest standards in onboard service, dining and facilities. Furthermore, choosing small cruises means you can visit more off-the-beaten-path ports and islands, many of which are inaccessible to larger cruise ships.

The Definition of a ‘small ship.’

What constitutes a ‘small’ cruise ship is the subject of some debate. Some believe that anything over 200 guests is too big. Others would argue that any ship offering a capacity for fewer than 1,000 guests is small. At The Cruise Line, we recommend that a ‘small ship’ is a vessel with no more than 600 guests.

Advantages of Small Ship Cruising

Enjoying a small ship cruise has two main advantages; the first is that many cruise enthusiasts believe that cruising on a small ship cruise line offers a greater level of intimacy that larger vessels cannot replicate. Secondly, the public spaces on small ships are generally more relaxed, and there’s often a more excellent camaraderie between passengers and the ship’s crew.

The second advantage of choosing a small ship cruise is that they offer a wider variety of ports on their itineraries. In addition, due to their size, small ships can easily navigate their way into remote ports of call that are generally inaccessible to larger vessels. For this reason, many cruisers prefer small-ship cruises when exploring destinations such as Alaska or the Galapagos Islands .

Best Small Ship Cruise Lines

The cruise line you choose for your small-ship cruise holiday will depend on personal preference and, perhaps most importantly, where you want to go. But, from sleek yachts and luxurious river ships to expedition-ready vessels, we guarantee you’ll find a cruise line offering the kind of small-ship experience that meets your requirements.

As a guide, here is a selection of the best small-ship cruise lines and cruise ships:

Up to 100 guests:

• Emerald Azzurra, Emerald Sakara ( Emerald Yacht Cruises ) – up to 100 guests
• Le Ponant (Ponant Cruises) – up to 67 guests
• Hebridean Princess (Hebridean Island Cruises) – up to 48 guests
• Sea Cloud II (Sea Cloud Cruises) – up to 94 guests
• Silver Origin (Silversea) – up to 100 guests

Up to 150 guests

• Celebrity Flora – up to 120 guests
• Sea Cloud Spirit (Sea Cloud Cruises) – up to 136 guests
• SeaDream I, SeaDream II ( SeaDream Yacht Club ) – up to 112 guests
• Wind Spirit, Wind Star ( Windstar Cruises ) – up to 148 guests

Up to 250 guests

• Le Bougainville, Le Champlain, Le Dumont d’Urville, Le Laperouse ( Ponant Cruises ) – up to 184 guests
• Hanseatic Inspiration (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises) – up to 230 guests
• S cenic Eclipse I , Scenic Eclipse II (Scenic Ocean Cruises) – up to 228 guests
• World Navigator, World Traveller, World Voyager ( Atlas Ocean Voyages ) – up to 196 guests.

Up to 400 guests

• Star Breeze, Star Legend, Star Pride (Windstar Cruises) – up to 254 guests
• MS Fram (Hurtigruten) – up to 318 guests
• Seabourn Venture, Seabourn Pursuit ( Seabourn ) – up to 317 guests
• Wind Surf (Windstar Cruises) – up to 374 guests

Up to 600 guests

• Seven Seas Navigator (Regent Seven Seas) – up to 557 guests
• Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Sojourn (Seabourn) – up to 540 guests

Book Small Ship Cruises with The Cruise Line

To learn more about small ship cruises, please call our team of Voyage Consultants on 0800 008 6677 . Alternatively, please browse the collection of voyages below and make an online enquiry for your preferred sailing.

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The best small ship cruises

Try a boutique cruise holiday on a ship designed for an intimate experience

As much as the mega liners of the world are tempting for the all-singing, all-dancing, resort-at-sea type of holidays, the best small ship cruises, which typically carry fewer than 500 passengers, are all about exclusivity, individuality, and personal service.

In fact, some of our firm favourites host significantly less guests and are considered more yacht-like than ships, including Uniworld 's beautiful S.S Venezia and S.S Maria Theresa , where you'll be among only around 150 guests.

We think the best small ship cruises are those that are a little out of the ordinary. Perhaps it’s a cruise that follows an unusual itinerary around tiny, lesser-explored islands, like Scotland's Western Isles . Or maybe the ship itself is extraordinary because it is more akin to a sailing boat, such as the stylish MS Galileo . We love small ship cruises when something special happens onboard too, such as a celebrity guest appearance .

When searching for the best small ship cruises, you'll want to make sure they match the experiences you're after. For a friendly atmosphere where guests get to know each other over dinner, a European river cruise along the Douro or Danube can offer plenty of shared experiences and opportunities to meet new people. For something that will give you plenty to talk about when you get home, expedition cruises to far-flung places like Antarctica are thrilling and intrepid without sacrificing comfort.

For more ideas, we’ve rounded up the best small ship cruises to help you pick the perfect nautical holiday.

A regal voyage around Scottish islands

Exploring a region by cruise often means you can cover more ground in less time. On a small ship, there’s the opportunity to tuck into ports and waterways that big cruise liners can’t. The elegant Lord of the Glens, hosting just 54 guests, investigates the inland waters of the Caledonian Canal and hidden Scottish sea lochs. Unlike some ocean cruises where you enjoy endless views of the horizon, on a Scottish cruise, there are landmarks and landscapes to admire from the deck almost all the time, including Urquhart Castle, the waterway of Laggan Avenue that’s lined with Scots pines, and the looming Ben Nevis.

Lord of the Glens is a one-of-a-kind ship with a design inspired by the Royal Family's former floating palace, The Royal Yacht Britannia. There’s a feeling of warmth and comfort throughout the ship, where dinner is created from locally sourced ingredients, and drinks are served in crystal glasses by attentive staff as you look out at the Scottish scenery through enormous picture windows.

You can join a very special departure on Lord of the Glens in May 2023 hosted by TV weather presenter, Carol Kirkwood.

You'll hear Carol reminisce about her life growing up in Morar and more about her grandfather’s role in building the incredible Glenfinnan Viaduct — which you'll also have a chance to cross on a journey on the West Highland Railway included in the trip.

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A taste of Venice on a foodie cruise

Take an oh-so-stylish cruise on S.S LA Venezia, an opulent river ship swathed in fine fabrics and finished with gilded accents and plenty of iconic Murano glass (she’s sailing to and from Venice, after all).

While the ship alone is enough to tempt, an October 2024 voyage from Venice to Burano, Mazzorbo and Torcello includes a talk, Q&A and book-signing session with celebrity chef James Martin . In addition, the much-loved Saturday Morning host will cook a delectable gala dinner one evening onboard, too.

You’ll be in the company of just 125 other guests, so attentive service is assured. But just because it’s a small ship, that doesn’t mean it’s light on choices: S.S La Venezia has three dining venues, including an Italian kitchen on the upper deck.

This cruise offers exclusive access to some of the city's most treasured buildings, like St Mark's Basilica and Doge's Palace — perfect if you're keen to learn more about Venice's art and architecture.

An unforgettable Antartica expedition

A cruise to Antarctica really is nothing short of extraordinary. And to do it right, you need to join an accomplished crew who know how this wonderland works. In 2020, expedition cruise experts Hurtigruten introduced MS Fridtjof Nansen to its fleet and it fast became one of our favourite small vessels to explore Antarctic waters.

Hosting just 500 guests, it's not the smallest ship exploring the region. But in this instance, being a little larger means you get some extra facilities including a choice of restaurants (a definite plus on an 11-night cruise), a large science centre, and a fabulous outdoor swimming pool (which, yes, is heated so you can take a dip in as you gaze across the monochromatic landscape).

A wine-themed sailing on the Douro River

River cruises are ideal for seeing the diversity of a region, and there’s plenty to see hopping from place to place along the Douro River in Portugal. A-ROSA ALVA is a small river boat that promises plenty of variety on an itinerary that starts in the colourful city of Porto before sailing into the wine-growing valleys.

Guests have the chance to disembark and take part in the traditional grape harvest, but that’s not the only reason it’s the perfect cruise for wine lovers. There are also plenty of opportunities to taste the local port wine at the Quinta da Roseda estate near Pinhão and sip from the ship’s selection as you look out at the passing scenery from ALVA’s Panorama Lounge.

A breath-taking tour of Croatia's Dalmatian coast

Croatia's Dalmatian Coast is home to some of the country's most spectacular locations, like the charming city of Spilt, historic Dubrovnik and the sleek island resort of Hvar. Set sail with us on a boutique, Supreme category ship for a voyage that takes you through these wonderful waters.

Highlights of the itinerary include stop offs in Mljet, home to verdant Mljet National Park, the peaceful and picturesque island of Brac, the stylish resort island of Hvar, and the popular city of Dubrovnik, with its stunning Old Town.

For this idyllic Croatia cruise, you'll be sailing on board a Supreme category ship, which has a maximum of 41 passengers. You'll get to enjoy spectacular coastal views while lounging on the sun deck, wine and dine in the elegant restaurant and bar, and relax in the onboard jacuzzi, too.

A sailing around the stunning Cyclades

Set sail around Greece's Cyclades islands on Star Clipper, a four-masted ship that carries just 166 guests. A reconstruction of a 19th century four-masted Barquentine, Star Clipper has 81 spacious staterooms, all with traditional, elegant decor, and open-air bar hosting live music, two saltwater splash pools, an inviting sun deck with loungers, a peaceful library, and an enticing restaurant.

You'll board Star Clipper in Athens before heading to Kusadasi in Turkey. After that, the ship will call at the islands of Patmos, home to the ancient Monastery of the Apocalypse; Amorgos, with it's rugged landscape and great hiking spots; Spetses, with white-washed villas and an abundance of pretty coves; and the ever-popular island of Mykonos, which is packed with happening bars, boutique shops, sandy beaches, and its traditional windmills.

A scenic route along the Danube River

Enjoy an eight-day sailing along the Danube River, the second-longest river in Europe, with Good Housekeeping in 2024.

Departing in July and October, you'll have the choice of seeing Europe's most picturesque cities in either summer and autumn, but can enjoy the luxury, intimacy and grandeur of S.S Maria Theresa whatever time of year you sail. Accommodating no more than 150 guests, S.S Maria Theresa is a small cruise ship that boasts a opulent staterooms, lounges and bars, a Viennese café, a spa, peaceful sun deck, swimming pool and cinema room.

As part of your sailing, you'll visit Budapest; Vienna, where you'll attend a private classical music concert as part of your fare; the quaint town of Dürnstein in Austria; and the beautiful German city of Passau. You'll also have the chance to soak up views of Austria's glorious Wachau Valley as you cruise through it, too.

A luxurious cruise around the best of Bordeaux

Combine fantastic French food and wine with pure luxury on this cruise around Bordeaux in July 2024.

On this exclusive, eight-day Good Housekeeping sailing, travel on France's newest and most luxurious river cruise ship, S.S Bon Voyage. Accommodating up to 124 guests, S.S Bon Voyage is designed to fully immerse guests in French culture, art, and wine. Onboard, you'll find a choice of five-star restaurants, an infinity pool and relaxing sun deck, a fitness centre and the Serenity River Spa.

Departing from Bordeaux, you'll discover the wine culture and fascinating history of this romantic French region by visiting the UNESCO-listed citadel in Blaye, with its magnificent historic fortress, as well as the vineyards and châteaux of Cussac Fort Médoc, Cadillac, and Saint-Émilion.

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Spectacular landscapes, royal gems and historic jewels are present throughout all of these destinations as you explore capital cities, idyllic countrysides, castles and manor houses and medieval towns. Drink in the beauty of the Ring of Kerry... learn how Guinness is made and poured... enjoy tea at Edinburgh Castle and a medieval lunch in Northumberland castle... punting along the River Cam... and discovering the hidden wonders of St. Paul's Cathedral.

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Speedboating on the Thames... "spywalking" in London... pedaling through the Royal Parks... riding high on the London Eye... treasure hunting in Dublin... walking with a hawk at Dromoland Castle... kissing the Blarney Stone. Just another day on our Tauck Bridges trips with your family in Great Britain and Ireland.

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Sail with us to scotland and the scottish isles, wild and picturesque.

One might make a strong argument that Scotland is best explored by land and sea... so we invite you to join us on a voyage of discovery around the rugged coast that includes the Orkney islands, Shetland islands and the Hebrides (Isles of Skye, Mull and Lewis) – with stays at hotels in the heart of Scotland's legendary cities, Glasgow and Edinburgh.

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Explore the Hebrides, Caledonian Canal & Orkney

- in comfort and style, sunrises and sunsets, to capture your heart, wildlife encounters, - in their natural environment, the scottish cruise company, - with hospitality at its heart, breathtaking scenery, - best seen from the sea, something for everyone, - on a scottish cruise, the best of scotland's larder, - prepared on board, a majestic line cruise: the perfect way to explore the west coast of scotland and the hebrides.

The Majestic Line has been hosting Scottish cruising holidays on the waters off the West Coast for 20 years. Most of our cruises depart from Oban, gateway to the Highlands and the Islands of the Outer and Inner Hebrides – sailing in these waters is the best way to explore the islands and the beautiful coastline of Scotland. Our five small cruise ships are beautiful floating hotels and have been designed to access remote and sheltered anchorages that larger boats find inaccessible. Sailing from April to October we make the most of the longer summer days with opportunities for walking ashore and wildlife spotting or just relaxing onboard. You can find out more about where we go on our Cruising Area.

The Scottish Small Ship Cruising Holiday

Our four small cruise ships offer you a truly unique experience, a Scottish holiday with a difference. Our converted fishing trawlers, Glen Massan and Glen Tarsan , provide accommodation for up to 11 guests, whilst our purpose-built vessels, Glen Etive and Glen Shiel , can accommodate a maximum of 12 guests. Each of those boats has a crew of four onboard; Skipper, Chef, Engineer and Steward.

Our crews provide the very best in Scottish Hospitality and do their best to ensure your cruise runs smoothly. Meals are freshly prepared on board utilizing the wonderful Scottish Larder with our Chefs focusing on locally sourced seasonal produce – seafood is of course a highlight for many on our cruises with mussels from Loch Spelve, langoustine and occasionally a lobster caught in the creels that we keep on board.

The Majestic Line offers a choice of 17 different cruise itineraries from 3 nights , 6 nights or 10 nights . We cruise waters surrounding some of Scotland's iconic islands such as Islay, Jura, Mull, Skye, St Kilda, Staffa and Iona, the small isles of Rum, Muck and Eigg. You can go ashore to enjoy the fantastic scenery, take a walk, visit one of the malt whisky distilleries or gin distilleries, watch the local wildlife. We also operate a river cruise through the Caledonian Canal and Neptune’s Staircase to Loch Ness and sail to Inverness. Discover our Cruises .

The seas off the West Coast of Scotland provide an incredible habitat for all sorts of marine wildlife and our guests regularly see dolphins, porpoises, seals, basking sharks, minke whales, orca, not to mention the amazing sea birds from puffins and petrels to gannets and guillemots. Find out more about the species we regularly see at Wildlife of the West Coast of Scotland and Hebrides .

If you are looking to discover the West Coast of Scotland and the Hebrides in a relaxing and enjoyable way with good company and excellent food then a Majestic Line cruise is the perfect Scottish holiday for you. Discover your Scottish cruising holiday here .

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The Majestic Line Sets Sail for 2024 Season with Bagpipes, Weddings and Green Tourism Gold

New Brochure and 2025 Calendar Launched

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A Taste of Argyll

Skye and the Small Isles

A Taste of the Hebrides

Orkney: A Voyage Through Time

Coastlines and Castles of Argyll and the Clyde

View our full cruise selection.

Thank you to all on Glen Massan for giving us such an amazing Golden Wedding celebration memory. We shall no doubt return.

Blue Water Holidays

Blue water holidays is the uk’s leading specialist in small ship cruising, boating and touring holidays..

Based in the picturesque market town of Skipton in the Yorkshire Dales, our team of friendly experts has been booking the right holidays for our discerning customers for over 17 years, offering a wealth of experience and knowledge to ensure customers get the best value for money.

As the UK’s leading agents for all major river cruise lines and small ship, luxury and sailing cruises, we offer unique cruises and exclusive discounts. Visit our award-winning websites to find thousands of cruises, the latest special offers, unbiased advice, customer cruise reviews, detailed deck plans and images for thousands of river and small ships.

Our Escorted Tours website features the most comprehensive collection of guided tours from the world’s leading companies. We offer a fantastic range of tours including small groups, solo travellers, family adventures, cruise tours and rail journeys.

We also offer the best collection of self-drive boating holidays in the UK and Europe, with thousands of boating holidays available from bases all over the UK, France, Portugal, Canada, Ireland, Holland, Italy, Germany and Poland.

Inspirational Journeys Brochure

Exclusive Southern Africa Safari Cruise

Spectacular Journeys Brochure 2025 and Exclusive Blue Water Discounts!

ABTA and ATOL bonded for your protection, you can trust Blue Water Holidays to find and book your ideal small ship or river cruise holiday. Call us on 01756 701199 ( +44 1756 701199 from outside the UK) to embark on your cruise experience!

The Foreign & Commonwealth Office issues advice to UK travellers on destinations, including information on passports, visas, health, safety and security and more. Please visit https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

We are proud to be a multi-award-winning cruise specialist

The Luxury Small Ship Cruises Collection

Nowadays when ships can carry as many as 4,000 or 5,000 guests, even a 900-passenger ship is considered to be small. But for those looking for an even more intimate experience, our collection of the best luxury small ships at sea each accommodate 300 guests or fewer. Make sure you sign up to our mailing list for all the latest news and offers from the world of small ship cruising:

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Luxury Small Ship Cruises to Book Now

Spanish Symphony

Windstar Cruises

1 Nov - 9 Nov 2024 (8 Nights)

From £2,813 pp

The Southern Adventure

1 Nov - 16 Nov 2024 (15 Nights)

From £13,060 pp

Tropical Odyssey between North East Australia and Indonesia

From £7,210 pp

Málaga to Las Palmas de Gran Canaria

Sea Cloud Cruises

2 Nov - 11 Nov 2024 (9 Nights)

Mediterranean Enchantment

Emerald Cruises

2 Nov - 9 Nov 2024 (7 Nights)

From £6,185 pp

Tenerife to Bridgetown

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection

3 Nov - 14 Nov 2024 (11 Nights)

From £6,600 pp

Treasures of Southern Spain & Morocco

3 Nov - 13 Nov 2024 (10 Nights)

From £3,302 pp

Star Collector: Lovely Leewards

3 Nov - 16 Nov 2024 (13 Nights)

From £4,184 pp

San Juan & the Virgin Islands

3 Nov - 9 Nov 2024 (6 Nights)

From £2,078 pp

Pearls of the Caribbean

4 Nov - 12 Nov 2024 (8 Nights)

From £3,860 pp

Ocean Crossings

5 Nov - 19 Nov 2024 (14 Nights)

From £2,295 pp

Our insight

Luxury Small Ship Cruises: What You Need to Know

Our collection of the best small luxury ships at sea, each accommodating around 300 guests or fewer, emphasise just why luxury small ship cruising is an entirely different mode of travel to regular cruising, and one in which we have specialised for over 50 years.

A luxury small cruise ship affords you more privacy, yet allows you to be sociable when you want to, and you will receive a level of personal service that you just wouldn't get on a larger vessel. You can be really private and self-contained but it is also effortlessly easy to get to know your fellow guests, as well as having access to the captain and senior members of the crew, and a delightful interaction with the select band who are your fellow passengers on board your small ship. And of course you are literally closer to the waves, so you actually feel like you're at sea, rather than on some lavish floating hotel.

What's more, these small luxury ships can go into the tiny ports and harbours that a big ship couldn't even approach, so you are much closer to the action, and much further from the crowds. The places you can visit might be way off the tourist trail - locations you can only easily reach by sea - or the ultimate in style and elegance, as you bob in tiny bays in the company of super yachts and speedboats.

Small ships fall into a range of different categories and it is our job to help you select the right one for you. There is a huge amount of choice when it comes to a small luxury cruise, from tiny yacht-like vessels in the Med to romantic sailing ships in the Caribbean and beyond.

Cruise Ships

Find the best small ship for you

Hebridean Princess

48 Passengers

Lord of the Highlands

38 Passengers

Sea Cloud II

94 Passengers

Sea Cloud Spirit

136 Passengers

Wind Star & Spirit

148 Passengers

32 Passengers

SeaDream I & II

112 Passengers

Emerald Azzurra & Sakara

100 Passengers

Four Seasons I

222 Passengers

Scenic Eclipse

228 Passengers

Scenic Eclipse II

298 Passengers

MS Paul Gauguin

332 Passengers

342 Passengers

Star Seeker & Star Explorer

224 Passengers

Star Pride, Legend and Breeze

312 Passengers

64 Passengers

What our clients say

“Mundy always understand my requirements, respond in a timely fashion and deliver the service that I expect.” Mr Garston

Get in touch & let us tailor-make your perfect cruise holiday

Call us on +44 20 7399 7670 or visit us at our comfortable offices just off London's Regent Street.

Enquire Now

+44 20 7399 7670

• Scottish Cruises

The Cruises

• Special Offers
• Cruise Calendar 2024
• Cruise Calendar 2025
• Cruise Calendar 2026
• Enquire Now
• Special Cruises
• Private Charter
• Family Cruise Holiday
• Guided Wildlife Cruises
• Creative Writing Cruises
• Art Cruises
• Photography Cruises
• Land and Sea Tours
• Scottish Island Golfing
• Our Vessels
• St Hilda - an ex-Tall Ship
• Seahorse II - an ex-Norwegian Ferry
• Gemini Explorer - an ex-Cruising Lifeboat
• Speideren - an ex-Norwegian Rescue Ship
• Your Holiday
• Menus Afloat
• Holiday Tips
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• Sustainable Tourism
• Terms & Conditions
• Things To Do
• Things To Do In Scotland

--> UK: +44(0) 1631 564121

+44(0) 7984 316718

--> US: +1 (800) 281 4980

Great weather, food, crew and fellow passengers. My second trip with St Hilda and hopefully it won't be my last! Carol, April 2024

Scottish Small Ship Cruises:  Discover Scotland's Wild Isles

Visit Scotland's Wild Isles aboard one of our unique, small cruise ships. We take our passengers (couples, solos,  groups  and  families ) from Dunstaffnage Marina, near Oban, to the majestic Outer and Inner Hebrides - beautiful, unspoiled coastlines of spectacular sea lochs, stunning Hebridean landscapes and incredible wildlife. Spring, summer and early autumn are, without doubt, the best times of the year to enjoy Scotland’s Wild Isles.  In the summer months the days are long and the nights are short allowing even more time to enjoy the wonderful wildlife and scenery. 

The spectacular Isle of Skye, the nearby Small Isles (Canna, Rum Muck Eigg), the Southern Hebridean Islands of Islay and Jura and the Outer Hebridean islands of Uist, Harris, Lewis and the Shiants are just some of the Scottish islands you can explore. You can even venture off-shore to St Kilda. 

At this time of the year Scotland’s Wild Isles are at their best for wildlife sightings. See whales, basking sharks, dolphins, seals, otters, sea and golden eagles, seabirds, including nesting puffins and the unique St Kilda wren and the special plants, orchids and butterflies of the Machair of the Outer Hebridean beaches. We have even seen a breaching humpback whale! There are rock pools to explore, spectacular coastal walks and kayaking from our small ships even entering, for example, Staffa’s Fingal’s cave. 

Southern Hebridean Wild Isles: Islay, Jura, Luing and Shuna

The Sounds of Mull and Linnhe Wildlife Cruise

Hebridean Cruise: Wildlife & Malt Whisky

Isle of Mull and Small Isles Explorer

Island Cruising: Treshnish Isles, Staffa, Iona and the Small Isles

Mull Odyssey Cruise: Staffa, Iona and the Ross of Mull

Scotland's Wild Isles: Isle of Skye and the Small Isles

The Magical Outer Hebrides, Skye and Shiant Isles

The Outer Hebrides Wildlife Explorer: Lewis and Harris

St Kilda and the Shiants

Loch Ness and the Caledonian Canal Cruise (west to east)

St Kilda: A Wildlife Cruise to the Outer Hebrides

Scottish Island Golfing: Whisky and Wildlife

Scotland by Land & Sea

A small ship cruising holiday with a difference.

Our four small ships offer you a truly unique experience.  People of all ages can learn about the sea but also find out about nature and explore the local marine environment while enjoying the exhilaration of cruising the wonderful west coast of Scotland on our unique small ships. 

Our Scottish cruises will take you through a pristine environment, spectacularly rich in wildlife and breathtaking mountain and seascapes. A cruise aboard St Hilda, Seahorse II, Gemini Explorer or Speideren is a voyage of discovery.

Book Your Scottish Cruise 

Our   2025  and 2026 cruise calendars are  all online .  Please get in touch with us to talk through your requirements - we are flexible and very happy to help. Contact us via phone on 01631 564121 or   +1 (800) 281 4980 (if calling from the USA) or  e-mail   [email protected]

Book The Whole Boat

All of our Scottish cruises are perfect for small groups or famil ies . Groups, friends and families often charter the whole boat. Any un-booked cruise can be booked for a private charter. However, as soon as a cruise has just a single booking a private charter is no longer possible for that date - so early booking is recommended. All ages can enjoy fishing, sea kayaking, swimming, wild swimming, coastal walks, rock pooling, dinghy trips and even hoisting the sails on St Hilda.

Solo Travellers

We host many solo travellers. We have single cabins available on Seahorse II and Gemini Explorer and various cabin-sharing options in twin cabins on all four small ships.

Guest Reviews

We receive fantastic feedback from our passengers who think that our Scottish cruises and our cruising areas offer something truly unique at very good value. Take a look at our latest reviews HERE.  

Our four small ships are authentic, traditional vessels: a Norwegian ferry that plyed the rough North Sea and the fjords of Norway; a cruising lifeboat that spent days at sea in the Western Approaches; a Norwegian rescue ship that worked the unpredictable waters of the North and Arctic Seas, rescuing and towing many a crippled vessel; and a sail training vessel that raced across the North Sea on a number of occasions with merchant navy cadet officers being trained under highly experienced Master Mariners. All four small ships have been modernised for passenger safety and comfort but, where possible, keeping the traditional "look" and insides in their traditional state so as to reflect the roles they once played. Many of the cabins are finished in their original hardwood and the berths have been kept as they originally were so as to keep the passengers safe in a seaway and when sleeping at night. Of course the bathrooms and heating systems have all been updated.

an ex-Tall Ship

Seahorse II

An ex-norwegian ferry.

Gemini Explorer

An ex-cruising lifeboat.

an ex-Norwegian Rescue Ship

Our four small ships are St Hilda (max 6 passengers), Seahorse II (max 11 passengers) and Gemini Explorer (max 8 passengers) and Spiederen  (max 8 passengers). All of our ships have been converted to cruise the western islands of Scotland in comfort and style. 

Flagship St Hilda – Sunset In The Inner Hebrides

St Hilda Sea Adventures started in 2006 with the beautiful ex-tall ship St Hilda.

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The Guardian newspaper chose St Hilda Sea Adventures as one of the "Ten Best Small-Scale Cruises Worldwide"

"As evening draws in, I sit up on deck, cradled in a velvet blanket, and take in the enormity of what I’ve been able to experience over the week."

"...a remarkable voyage of discovery, and an experience unlikely to be matched for a long time."

Top United Kingdom Cruises & Trips

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• Barge Cruising
• Food & Wine
• Private Yacht Charter
• River Cruises
• Small Ship Cruises
• Wildlife & Safari Exploration
• Photography Seminars
• Whale Watching
• Wildlife Viewing
• Wine Tasting
• Adventure Options
• Archaeological Site Visits
• Land & Sea Exploration
• Local Market Visits
• Spa Relaxation
• Stand Up Paddle Boarding
• Urban Exploration
• Village Visits
• Greg Mortimer
• Le Commandant Charcot
• Le Dumont-d'Urville
• Lord of the Glens
• Magna Carta
• MV Plancius
• National Geographic Endurance
• National Geographic Explorer
• Ocean Endeavour
• Scottish Highlander
• Spirit of Scotland
• Ultramarine
• World Navigator
• World Traveller
• World Voyager
• United Kingdom

Wild Scotland

• Visit the St Kilda
• Explore the Orkney Islands
• Kayak through caves and lochs
• Visit an Iron Age broch

Scotland's Highlands and Islands

• Sail through Loch Ness
• Visit medieval abbey ruins
• Hike in spectacular Cuillin Hills
• Discover ancient standing stones

British Isles: Legendary History & Wild Nature

• See Tresco, Bronze Age burial site
• Discover Tresco Abbey Garden
• Enjoy bird-watching in Rathlin
• Step inside the fortress Llanduno
• Visit the island of Staffa

European Classic Cruise - Scotland

• Visit Glencoe
• Cruise Scotland's Lochs
• Tour Cawdor Castle
• Visit Eilean Donan Castle

Scotland Slowly

• Observe prehistoric structures
• Appreciate Scotland's shorelines
• Climb an Iron Age fortification
• View a large sea bird colony

Classic England Cruise

• Taste the English Cream Tea
• Explore Hampton Court Palace
• Experience British Royalty
• Tour of Cawdor Castle
• Visit to Culloden Moor

Shetland, Orkney & Hebrides

• Explore Edinburgh Castle
• Discover Lerwick
• Explore Portree
• Experience Kirkwall

British Isles & Faroes: Wild Islands & Lands of Legends

• Explore Edinburgh
• Discover Kirkwall
• Experience Orkney
• Enjoy Fair Isle

Ancient Isles: England, Ireland, and Scotland

• Explore Celtic and Viking culture
• Sail around Skellig Michael
• Zodiac cruise in Scotland
• Visit giant seabird colonies

Cruising the British Isles: Scotland, Ireland & England

• Experience a luxurious voyage
• Explore the Highlands
• Experience the fantastic history
• Drive through Western Isles

Scottish Isles and Norwegian Fjords Voyage - with Smithsonian Journeys

• Explore Bergen
• Experience a rail journey
• Visit Lerwick
• Experience Loch Ness

Scotland, The Faroe Islands, & Iceland: North Atlantic Saga

• Stand among Neolithic stones
• Shop for exquisite handicrafts
• See the volcanic Surtsey island
• Follow the routes of the Vikings

Scotland Explorer

• Visit Edinburgh's Historic Streets
• Explore Edinburgh Castle & Old Town
• Enjoy kayak and wildlife encounter
• Discover neo-Gothic Castle of Mey

Northern Legends

• Explore Reykjavík's
• Discover wonders of Tórshavn
• Visit Callanish in Stornoway
• Marvel at Belfast

Crossing the Arctic Circle, Jan Mayen & Svalbard

• Enjoy Edinburg's unique charm
• Explore St. Magnus Cathedral
• Explore Spitsbergen & its wildlife
• Visit Kirkjubøur

Arctic Ocean - Fair Isle, Jan Mayen, Ice Edge, Spitsbergen, Birding

• Explore Aberdeen
• Experience Fair Isle's charm
• Explore Jan Mayen

Arctic Saga: Exploring Spitsbergen via the Faroes and Jan Mayen

• Discover Fair Isle
• Experience Faroe Islands

Top United Kingdom Travel Destinations

• Shetland Islands

United Kingdom Trips by Departure Date

• 2024 United Kingdom trips (10)
• 2025 United Kingdom trips (28)
• September 2024 (9)
• October 2024 (6)
• April 2025 (7)
• May 2025 (17)
• June 2025 (10)
• July 2025 (7)
• August 2025 (9)
• September 2025 (8)
• October 2025 (8)

Top Experiences in United Kingdom

• United Kingdom Cruises (32)
• United Kingdom Small Ship Cruises (19)
• United Kingdom Cultural (12)
• United Kingdom Barge Cruising (6)
• United Kingdom River Cruises (6)
• United Kingdom Luxury (4)
• United Kingdom Private Yacht Charter (4)
• United Kingdom Wildlife & Safari Exploration (4)

United Kingdom Trips by Duration

• 7 day trips (6)
• 8 day trips (4)
• 10 day trips (3)
• 11 day trips (4)
• 12 day trips (6)
• 13 day trips (3)

United Kingdom Trips by Activity

• United Kingdom wildlife viewing (15)
• United Kingdom village visits (15)
• United Kingdom archaeological site visits (9)
• United Kingdom whale watching (7)
• United Kingdom hiking (7)
• United Kingdom wine tasting (4)
• United Kingdom kayaking (3)
• United Kingdom biking (3)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

• Australia & New Zealand
• Canada & New England
• Canary Islands
• Costa Rica & Panama Canal
• Cruise Tours
• Culinary & Wine Cruises
• Grand Adventures
• Latin America
• Mediterranean
• Middle East
• Northern Europe
• Ocean Crossings
• Select Sailing
• South America
• South Pacific
• Star Collector Voyages
• Themed Cruises
• U.S. Coastals
• Wind Spirit
• Star Breeze
• Star Legend
• Star Seeker

Each of Windstar Cruises yachts accommodates between 148 to 342 guests. This intimacy provides you with the luxuries of time, space, and freedom to immerse yourself in both the journey and the destination - in ways you may never have imagined possible.

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• Call Now: +1-833-826-5828

Small Ship Cruises

Home > Small Ship Cruises

Small Ship Cruises that redefine the very essence of sea-based travel.

Embark on a Small Ship Cruise and experience a medley of culture, traditions and history as you travel beyond the ordinary, discovering the hidden gems and untold narratives that make each destination unique. Framed by crafted pre- and post voyage city stays, these journeys offer seamless travel from beginning to end.

Our all-inclusive ‘Your Choice’ excursions allow you to personalise your journey, while our enrichment program makes every day a highlight.

Exclusive to Aurora Expeditions, this curated approach to cruising, hosted by an expert storyteller and team of dedicated explorers, appeals to experienced globetrotters eager to share the magic of exploration with like-minded travellers in a relaxed atmosphere.

Discover our most popular Small Ship Cruises

Athens to naples: myths of the mediterranean.

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Myths of The Mediterranean  Embark on an epic journey through legendary kingdoms, mythical lands and ancient sites as we explore Greece, Turkey, Montenegro, Croatia, Italy and Sicily....

From USD $ 16,156.00 /pp

Sailing the Greek Islands

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Sailing the Greek Islands   Set sail on a journey through the Greek islands, where the essence of island living unfolds amid azure waters, whitewashed villages, and waterfront...

From USD $ 11,516.00 /pp

The Amalfi, Sicily and Malta: The Godfather

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ The Godfather For Italy aficionados, no trip to their favourite country is complete without visiting its southern shores, spending time on the cherished island of Sicily and...

From USD $ 10,476.00 /pp

Morocco and Spain: Moor than a Myth

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Moor Than a Myth. Follow the captivating narrative of the Moorish Empire, and the Iberian Christians whose cultures collided to forge the kingdoms of Spain and Morocco....

From USD $ 11,196.00 /pp

Madrid to Marrakech: An Atlantic Adventure

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ An Atlantic Adventure Embark on an exhilarating voyage from the rugged Atlantic Coast of Northern Spain to the exotic shores of Morocco, tracing the historical routes of...

From USD $ 11,916.00 /pp

Ireland: The Luck of the Irish

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Ireland: The Luck of the Irish. Pounded for eternity by its surrounding seas, Ireland’s coastline is best explored by ship. The country’s intimate size affords seafarers an...

From USD $ 9,756.00 /pp

Featured Small Ship Cruise Destinations

Discover some of the captivating destinations we visit below then  request a booking  and let us help you start planning your dream trip. Your Antarctic expedition begins here!

'Your Choice' Experiences

Hosted by our team and led by local guides, our handcrafted onshore and onboard experiences immerse us in a myriad of adventures. Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions invite you to experience our destinations hands-on.

Immersive Travel

Follow in Van Gogh’s footsteps through the streets of Arles, sense the echoes of Pompeii’s last moments, and hear stories of survival from the Titanic.

Local Flavours

Whether it is mint tea in Marrakech, a limoncello on the Amalfi Coast, or a paella in Valencia, rest assured your tastebuds will be tantalised.

Locally Guided Walks

No one knows their hometown like a local. Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions are guided by local experts, ensuring every experience is authentic and insightful.

Cultural Enrichment

Explore the culturally fascinating, from Salvador Dali’s eccentric mausoleum to the complexities of Londonderry’s ‘Troubles’, and the hilltop village whose century old traditions have crafted the world’s most popular perfumes.

Past & Present

Exploring Europe is akin to flipping through the pages of history, where each chapter unfolds in real time before your eyes.

Art & Artisans

Whether you are an art aficionado or simply captivated by the beauty of art, our curated experiences at galleries, architectural wonders and artisan workshops will entice your curiosity.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites

Whether exploring Athen’s Acropolis, Granada’s Alhambra, Italy’s Cinque Terre or the medina of Marrakech, we ask you to join us in preserving the world’s most treasured sites.

Hosted by our team and led by local guides, our handcrafted onshore and onboard experiences immerse us in a myriad of adventures. Our ‘Your Choice’ excursions invite you to experience our destinations hands-on. 

Need Help? Call us on  1800 637 688

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