There’s no arguing that the trend in cruising is to go bigger. We’re talking larger ships with more people, restaurants, cabins, and things to do.
But not everyone agrees that bigger is better. In fact, there are many people — and seemingly more by the day — that appreciate smaller ships. For the large cruise lines, these typically mean older ships that carry 3,000 people or fewer at double occupancy. In size terms, think of them as under 120,000 gross tons. For reference, the largest cruise ships reach more than twice that size.
So what is it about these smaller ships that makes some cruise passengers like them so much? We consider there to be seven big reasons for the popularity among many people…
Smaller Ships Are Easier to Navigate
If you’ve ever been on a cruise ship before, then you know that it’s too easy to get lost. No, you won’t be wandering around for hours trying to find your room, but you can get turned around.
Meanwhile, there can be upwards of 20 decks on the ship, meaning to go eat breakfast you might have to go up more than a dozen decks from your cabin. And then you have to go down again to get changed for the pool and then back up to enjoy the sunshine at the top of the ship.
With the size of modern ships, it can frankly be a hassle to get around. Meanwhile, smaller ships are much easier to navigate. Not only do you not have to go as far to get where you want to go, but the simplicity of the ship can also make it far easier to get where you want without getting turned around.
There Are Far Fewer People
The largest cruise ships can carry nearly 8,000 passengers at full capacity. Add in crew, and the number of people onboard can be around 10,000. It’s no exaggeration to call it a small city.
Now, remember that with more people also comes more space with the bigger ship. But just because a city has a larger footprint doesn’t mean it feels less busy than a small town. It’s the same with cruise ships.
Many passengers appreciate just having fewer people onboard, even if the space per passenger is the same as with a larger cruise ship. Having fewer people means smaller crowds and just generally a less hectic atmosphere everywhere from the buffet to the theater.
They Often Have a More Relaxed Feel
It’s not an exaggeration that today’s modern ships can feel like amusement parks. There are things to do everywhere including everything from waterslides to go-karts to even roller coasters. There can be dozens of restaurants and bars, entertainment going on around the ship, shopping, and more. There’s really no “dead” space on a new ship.
But that wasn’t always the case. Smaller and older ships tend to have more areas that aren’t venues or amenities but instead just lounge areas. That can mean there are more spaces that feel quieter and with less foot traffic. That lends itself to a more relaxed feel when walking around the ship.
There Are Usually Fewer People in Port
The rise in the popularity of cruising hasn’t just meant an increase in the size of ships. It has also meant an increase in the number of people when you visit a port. Spots like Nassau can see six ships — and upwards of 30,000 visitors — per day.
Obviously, not everyone is excited about visiting a port when it’s filled with literally tens of thousands of people. True, on a smaller ship you can’t control what other ships are at a port. But it is nice knowing that if you visit smaller ports or visit on a day when few or no other ships are there, the number of people in port will be drastically fewer.
That can give you a more relaxed feel in port and the ability to see what it’s like on a normal day instead of when it’s flooded with tourists.
Smaller Ships Mean More Sailing Spots
If you dislike having to fly or drive long distances to a port, then smaller ships can be an amazing option. Due to the size of the largest ships, sometimes they physically can’t reach ports, such as Tampa. Often, however, the largest ships go to the biggest ports like Miami or Port Canaveral. The older and smaller ships often depart smaller ports, which can often be significantly closer for many people.
For instance, sailing out of Baltimore or New Orleans or Jacksonville? You will most likely have a smaller ship and if you leave nearby, that means you don’t have to trek all the way to a major port to set sail.
Fewer Kids Are Found on Smaller Ships
Smaller ships tend to be older. During the past decade or two, what’s possible on a newly built cruise ship is staggering — especially when it comes to activities on the ship. We mentioned things like massive waterslides and roller coasters onboard the newest ships.
Obviously these items are meant to appeal to kids (though many adults love them too!). As a result, lots of families opt for the biggest ships with the most to do.
The benefit to many small ship cruise passengers is that with the bigger ships being kid magnets, it can mean fewer kids on the smaller ships. Of course, they are still allowed onboard, but it’s unlikely the pool deck will resemble a busy playground like it might on a larger ship.
There’s a Nostalgic Feel You Can’t Replicate
Cruise ships can have a lifespan of about 30 years for a line. During that time, they will be refurbished (likely several times) to update them somewhat, add new features, and generally refresh things around the ship.
Even so, those smaller ships that tend to be older can still have a nostalgic feel. Larger (and newer) ships can feel like a modern hotel. The décor and atmosphere of older ships is much more unique of a very different time in cruising. For instance, sailing some of Carnival’s oldest ships in the fleet not only gives you a small ship experience, but an early 1990’s style that’s just not replicated anywhere else at sea.
For fans of the more fun and lively décor, it’s a big benefit for sailing an older/smaller ship.
Have you sailed a smaller ship? What reasons do you prefer sailing small versus a larger mega ship? Let us know in the comments below.
