Educational Small Ship Cruises

Best Small Ship Cruises for Seniors

Explore our small ship cruises at Road Scholar, where you can embark on an exciting journey that brings you along some of the world’s most beautiful coastlines. You can discover new cultures, wildlife, and landscapes as you explore off-the-beaten bath ports that larger vessels can’t reach. Aboard our small ship luxury cruises, you will join a like-minded cohort of curious travelers, where you can enjoy spirited conversations and forge lasting relationships. Browse our small ship cruises for seniors on luxury yachts, rugged expedition ships, and more.

Featured Destinations on Small Ship Cruises

At Road Scholar, we have an exciting collection of small ship travel programs. As you explore our floating campuses, you will find exhilarating destinations with rich histories and cultures that are sure to create lifelong memories. Some of our most popular destinations on small ship cruises include:

• Galápagos Islands, Ecuador: The Galápagos Islands are known for their unique and diverse wildlife, where you can discover species like giant tortoises, marine iguanas, and blue-footed boobies found nowhere else on Earth. Also known for their natural beauty, the Galápagos Islands feature volcanic craters, lava fields, and pristine beaches, making this one of our most highly anticipated small ship cruises for solo travelers, seniors, and more.
• Alaska: Another thrilling small ship cruise takes you along the coastal waters of Alaska, where you can view mighty glaciers and dramatic fjords that shape Alaska’s Inside Passage. Aboard this expedition ship, you will learn about local wildlife and marine life, indigenous cultures, and more.
• Italy: Italy is known for its awe-inspiring coastline, and our small ship educational cruises take you throughout the Italian Riviera, where you can make stops in Rome, Florence, Cinque Terre, and more. Along the way, you can visit ancient heritage sites like the Necropolis, Parthenon, and Renaissance cities like Florence, where you can learn about this country’s influential art and architecture.
• Greece: Another Mediterranean gem you can explore on our small ship luxury cruises is the Southern European country of Greece. Through this program, you will explore UNESCO World Heritage Sites like the Temple of Artemis, as well as a variety of Greek islands like Naxos, Milos, and Syros.
• France: One of the best small cruises for seniors brings you aboard the MV La Belle des Océans. This small boat cruise in France allows you to discover the serenity of the island of Corsica, with your journey starting in Nice and sailing along the iconic French Riviera. On board, enjoy mouth-watering cuisine, learn about French art, culture and history and explore historical landmarks in cities like Ajaccio, Bonifacio and Porto-Vecchio.
• Croatia: Another one of the best small ship cruises brings you to the shores of the European country of Croatia. Our Croatia Cruise: Coastal Voyage small boat trip brings you to idyllic villages that dot the Dalmatian Coast, including Hvar, Split and Korčula. Along the way, you can discover UNESCO World Heritage Sites, visit Roman monuments and explore national parks, such as Plitvice Lakes National Park. What makes this one of the best small cruises for seniors is the ability to connect with other passengers through a shared learning experience that blends adventure with relaxation.

With a thrilling collection of small ship cruises to choose from, you can explore the world by sea from a unique vantage point. With a delicate balance of exploration and relaxation, our small ship cruises for seniors are a great option for those looking for an educational yet restful trip. Review our small ship cruise travel guide to know what to expect on your next adventure, and browse our special offers to find a program that interests you most.

Small Ship Cruises: FAQs

What is a small cruise ship?

A small cruise ship is a vessel that accommodates fewer passengers compared to larger cruise ships. Small ship cruises can vary in size, ranging from a carrying capacity of a few hundred to upwards of a thousand, whereas large cruise liners can carry several thousand. Because of their smaller carrying capacity, small ship cruises offer several unique benefits, such as fewer crowds and the ability to connect with other passengers more easily due to a more intimate and personalized experience. Another advantage of small ship cruises for seniors is that these vessels can visit certain ports and destinations larger ships cannot.

Are smaller cruise ships better?

Whether small ship cruises for seniors are better compared to their larger counterparts depends on a variety of factors and your preferences. Weighing the pros and cons of small boat cruises can help you determine whether this type of voyage is right for you. 

Smaller cruise ships offer more personalized service, since a smaller amount of passengers typically equates to a more balanced crew-to-passenger ratio that lends itself to more attentive service. Additionally, smaller ships can access small ports and more remote locations inaccessible by larger ships, allowing passengers to enjoy unique itineraries. And, with fewer passengers, the cruise’s common areas, dining rooms and off-boat excursions tend to be less crowded.

While small boat tours offer numerous benefits, there are several considerations to keep in mind. Because these cruises are smaller, there may be fewer amenities compared to larger cruise ships, such as onboard pools and entertainment areas. Additionally, this may mean fewer dining options compared to larger ships.

Do smaller cruise ships rock more?

One of the primary concerns for many considering small ship tours is whether smaller cruise ships rock more compared to larger cruise ships. Typically, compared to large cruise ships, small cruise ships do rock more, especially when hitting waves. However, like any vessel, small cruise ships feature underwater stabilizers to keep rocking to a minimum and prevent passengers from experiencing sea sickness or motion sickness.

Embark on a Small Ship Educational Cruise With Road Scholar

Ready to explore the world? Set sail on one of our small ship cruises at Road Scholar, where you can learn more about the cultures and landscapes around you from local experts. Browse our travel collections to find areas you’re interested in most, whether it’s the tropical waters of the Caribbean or the exciting seas off the coast of Alaska.