If you’re tired of massive cruise ships with crowds, buffet lines, expensive excursions, and the daily scramble for a poolside lounger — it’s time to consider small ship cruising. In this article, we interviewed Steve Solosky, from Small Group Tours by the Traveling Professor regarding his experiences with small ship cruising. Since 2017, his company has been offering unforgettable small ship cruises along Croatia’s stunning Dalmatian Coast. Here’s what sets the small ship cruising experience apart:
A typical small ship cruise hosts just 30–35 passengers — a far cry from the 1,000+ on mega-ships. This allows for a more personalized, relaxed experience. When cruising on a chartered ship like those on The Traveling Professor’s cruises, you’ll travel exclusively with adults, all of whom come from the U.S. and Canada. That’s a real benefit because you know that all your travel companions are within the same age range, speak the same language, and share lots of the same interests.
While these cruises aren’t ultra-specialized, features can be added like cycling, kayaking, fishing, hiking, wine tasting, windsurfing and a variety of cultural and athletic activities.
Small ship cruising is all about comfort and intimacy. Each guest enjoys a beautifully appointed deluxe cabin with a private bathroom, air conditioning, Wi-Fi, and a flat-screen TV. Like most cruise ships, cabins can be small. However, they are smartly laid out, with plenty of storage and lots of comfort.
There’s no need to rush for deck chairs — there’s always space to relax on the sun deck, in the air-conditioned dining room, or even in the onboard hot tub. Guests are consistently surprised at the luxury and spaciousness onboard. There is ALWAYS a place to socialize with other cruisers or to find a hidden spot to enjoy that romance novel you never had time to read at home.
Unlike big cruise ships, small ships sail only during the day and stick close to the coastline, ensuring smooth, scenic sailing. On The Traveling Professor’s small ship cruises there is no such thing as motion sickness to ruin the experience. And another big bonus of small ship cruising is that every day the captain pulls into a secluded cove for a refreshing swim break. Right off the swim platform at the back of the boat are the crystal-clear blue waters of the Adriatic. Most nights are spent docked in charming ports like Dubrovnik, Hvar and Korcula — no long hours of open sea.
Each morning, enjoy a leisurely breakfast onboard. When lunch or dinner is served, expect a delicious three-course meal of locally sourced cuisine — no overwhelming buffets here.
Since small ships can access ports that big ships can’t, you’ll also have the opportunity to dine in a variety of local restaurants and experience Croatia’s culinary scene firsthand.
Excursions are part of the experience and always included. Think wine tastings, local tavern visits, and guided tours through beautiful coastal towns and cities. These aren’t cookie-cutter cruise excursions — they’re immersive, authentic experiences.
