The Best Small Cruise Lines for 2023
Travelers often choose a small cruise ship because of their unique size and experience. Small ships not only provide a more intimate journey, but they can also access hard-to-reach ports such as Gustavia, the glamorous capital of St. Bart’s, or Sicily’s Porto Empedocle, the gateway to the impressive classical ruins of Agrigento. Furthermore, some small cruise ships are equipped as expedition vessels, capable of exploring the icy waters of the polar regions. Passengers on these cruises often utilize even smaller vessels—inflatable Zodiac boats—for their shore excursions.
Why Choose a Small Cruise Line?
Australis stands out as an exemplary small-ship cruise company, operating just one vessel, the 210-passenger Stella Australis. The company focuses on expedition cruises in Southern Patagonia, making significant impressions on travelers. Readers have recognized Australis for its “excellent Zodiac visits with knowledgeable guides to key islands in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago,” highlighting the unique experiences on board. Many express their excitement about sailing around Cape Horn and exploring virtually untouched destinations in Southern Patagonia.
Readers’ Choice for World’s Best Awards
Annually, iBestTravel conducts a survey where travelers share their opinions on exceptional experiences worldwide, covering top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, and more. The survey allows readers to rate individual cruise ships based on their cabins and facilities, food quality, service, itineraries, excursions, and overall value. These evaluations culminate in results for cruise lines across five categories, with small-ship ocean cruise lines accommodating up to 249 passengers.
Ranking the Best Small Cruise Lines
- No. 5: SeaDream Yacht Club – Score: 92.40
- No. 4: Grand Circle Cruise Line – Score: 92.46
- No. 3: Windstar Cruises – Score: 92.98
- No. 2: Quark Expeditions – Score: 93.96
- No. 1: Australis – Score: 96.16
Diving Deeper into the Top Rated Line
Despite operating just one vessel, the Stella Australis, the company boasts awe-inspiring itineraries. A notable seven-night voyage from Ushuaia, Argentina, traces much of Charles Darwin’s HMS Beagle route through the Fuegian Archipelago. Guests can expect breathtaking views of ice fields, stunning fjords, and delightful sightings of penguins on Magdalena Island and the Tucker Islets. Additionally, a five-night wildlife-focused trip from Punta Arenas, Chile, offers visitors a chance to see a king penguin colony and, provided the weather allows, to disembark at Cape Horn. Travelers often leave glowing reviews about the informative lectures, superb ship facilities, and outstanding crew experience.
