Small-Ship Luxury Cruises (For People Who Think They Hate Cruising)
This is a weird weekend to send out an email about cruises. But it’s what I was working on before the Hantavirus situation!
Plus, this newsletter is still timely! If you still haven’t bought your mom a mother’s day present…how about a cruise??
Set up some time to chat cruises and travel gifts for the moms in your life now.
Let’s Talk Small-Ship Luxury Ocean Cruising
If you hear the word cruise and immediately picture buffets, crowds, kids running wild, and being herded on and off a floating mall… you’re not wrong. You’re just thinking about the wrong kind of cruise.
There’s an entirely different category of small-ship luxury ocean cruising—ships with fewer than 1,000 guests—that feels far closer to a floating boutique hotel than a mainstream cruise. No megaships. No waterslides. No fighting for deck chairs. And no pressure to participate in anything you don’t want to do.
Aside: Years ago, during the height of my London social media stardom, my dad told me, “Kris, you have to stop talking about Champagne on the internet.” But small-ship luxury cruising and Champagne (and caviar) go hand-in-hand! So we have to talk about Champagne. Sorry, dad.
If you like Champagne (and caviar), these are the cruise lines I recommend most often to first-time luxury cruisers who swear they “aren’t cruise people”…
Four Seasons Yacht
Best for: Hotel loyalists waiting for the right moment
Four Seasons is entering the yacht space with Four Seasons I, launching in 2026. While it’s not sailing just yet, it’s already on my radar for clients who love the brand and want a future-proof luxury option.
Expect all-suite accommodations, serious space per guest, and service standards aligned with the Four Seasons name.
First ship:Four Seasons I (just launched)
Passenger capacity: ~222 guests
This will likely be one of the most hotel-like cruising experiences available.
Two itineraries I love…
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection
Best for: People who say “I don’t cruise” but love luxury hotels
This is cruising for people who would never book a cruise. Full stop.
The Ritz-Carlton yachts feel like a modern, design-forward hotel that happens to move. All suites. No buffet. No casino. No Broadway-style shows. Think spa time, marina access, excellent food, and chic ports with long stays.
Newest ship:Luminara (debuting 2025)
Passenger capacity: ~452 guests
If you love boutique luxury hotels and want zero cruise clichés, this is one of the strongest options out there.
Two itineraries I love…
The Silversea Silver Muse
Silversea
Best for: Travelers who want true luxury without lifting a finger
Silversea is for people who want everything handled—and handled well. All-suite ships, high staff-to-guest ratios, excellent dining, and genuinely polished service. It’s quiet, refined, and grown-up in the best possible way. Plus…all the Champagne and caviar you can consume!
Silversea is a great option if you like five-star hotels and don’t want to think about logistics at all once you board. It’s also ideal if you’re curious about cruising but worried about crowds—these ships feel calm and spacious.
Newest ship: Silver Ray (launched 2024)
Passenger capacity: ~728 guests
Silversea tends to convert skeptics who say, “I just don’t want to feel like I’m on a cruise ship.” Fair. Read about my Silversea experience last December here.
Two itineraries I love…
Regent Seven Seas
Best for: Travelers who want everything included—and I mean everything
Regent is unapologetically luxurious and genuinely all-inclusive: specialty dining, shore excursions, gratuities, fine wines, and often airfare. If you don’t like pulling out your wallet—or even thinking about what’s included—this is compelling.
Newest ship: Seven Seas Grandeur (launched 2023)
Passenger capacity: ~746 guests
Regent is ideal for travelers who want top-tier comfort with zero mental overhead.
Two itineraries I love…
Amangati. I just like to say that…Amangati!
Aman at Sea
Who it’s for: Travelers who love Aman’s calm, minimalist luxury on land and want that same quiet intensity on the water. This isn’t a cruise ship with extra touches — it’s a floating Aman resort designed for people who hate crowds, loud venues, and busy ships. Expect spa-level peace, intimate spaces, and service that reads your mind before you do.
Newest ship: Amangati — launching 2027 with inaugural voyages in the Mediterranean.
Passenger capacity: ~94–100 guests across 47–50 suites — very intimate by cruise standards.
Think Aman resorts come to sea: expansive terraces, barely-there service, and no buffets or drill-sergeant cruise directors. This one appeals to people who don’t even consider cruises until they see something this refined.
Two itineraries I love…
She’s stunning…
Orient Express Sailing Yachts
Who it’s for: Travelers who are drawn to heritage brands, dramatic design, and a distinctive travel narrative — the kind of people who’d happily pay for a legendary train journey and then wonder why there’s nothing like that at sea. The Orient Express yacht experience blends sailing romance with luxury hotels-at-sea scale, all-inclusive style, and unique venues onboard.
Newest ship: Orient Express Corinthian — just launched!
Passenger capacity: ~110 guests in 54 suites.
This brand is not trying to copy mainstream cruises — it’s creating a different category: a luxury yacht with sailing aspirations, Michelin-level food, and spaces that feel like boutique lounges and performance venues.
Two itineraries I love…
Windstar Cruises
Best for: Yacht vibes, outdoor living, and a casual-luxury feel
Windstar feels more like sailing on a private yacht than cruising. Even their motor yachts keep things intimate and low-key, and some itineraries include marina platforms for swimming and water sports right off the ship.
It’s relaxed, social (but not forced), and ideal for travelers who like being on the water but don’t want formality or flash.
Newest ship: Star Seeker (launching late 2025)
Passenger capacity: ~224 guests
If your reaction to “formal night” is an immediate no, Windstar is worth a look.
Two itineraries I love…
The Bottom Line
If you think you hate cruising, you probably hate mass-market cruising. Small-ship luxury cruising is different—quieter, more refined, and far more aligned with how experienced travelers actually like to move through the world.
Plus…more Champagne! (Sorry, dad!)
The right ship, the right line, and the right itinerary make all the difference. And no, they’re not interchangeable.
If you’re curious but skeptical, that’s a good place to start. That’s exactly who these ships are built for.
About Krista
I’m a Virtuoso travel advisor based in Palm Beach, Florida. I attended the University of Notre Dame for undergrad and I have my MBA from the University of Chicago. Before building my travel business, I spent 20 years in the investment management industry and over a decade living and working in London, England. I’ve personally traveled to 80 countries and now design thoughtful, highly customized trips for travelers who value expertise, access, and a seamless experience.
I offer a complimentary 30-minute consultation for travelers considering a custom itinerary or luxury cruise.c
For travel inspiration and real-time updates, you can follow along on Instagram or connect with me on Facebook. I also share a curated list of travel products I genuinely use and recommend in my online store.
What I Offer…
Custom itinerary design for complex, multi-stop trips
VIP hotel benefits through Virtuoso and preferred partner programs (including complimentary breakfast, hotel credits, and priority for upgrades where available)
Luxury ocean, river, and expedition cruises with added onboard credits
Vetted villa rentals with concierge services worldwide
Private guides, small-group touring, and unique local experiences
Private aviation and yacht charters through trusted partners
Airport transfers, VIP arrival and departure services, and full ground logistics
Travel protection and support when plans change
I work best with travelers who want expert planning, trusted partnerships, and someone in their corner from start to finish. That’s what I am best at! Ready to talk travel? Book a complimentary vacation consultation here.
