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Small Ship Cruise Travel Guide

A small ship sails on a calm fjord surrounded by steep, green mountains and a small waterside village under a clear sky.

Our Favorite Small Ships

The Variety Voyager sails through the turquoise waters off the coast of a tree-covered island in Greece or Turkey.
Variety Cruises’ Variety Voyager

Ready to dive into Mediterranean history while setting sail across its picturesque waters? This is the vessel for you — Variety Cruises’ Variety Voyager is a small ship with 36 cabins that can host up to 72 passengers, and its sleek size allows for smooth navigation to ports both large and small. In each oceanview cabin, you will find a bathroom, safe, television and mini fridge, as well as individually controlled air conditioning. Outside of your cabin, enjoy meals indoors or in the open deck dining room and admire the coastal views and discuss your daily adventures with other Road Scholars in the lounge.

The small ship Victory I cruises on the water under a sunset sky with pink and orange clouds.
Victory Cruise Lines' Victory I

With a maximum capacity of 202 guests, Victory Cruise Lines' Victory I sails the Great Lakes between Chicago, Ill., and Toronto, Ontario. Sailing aboard the Victory I ensures that Road Scholars never miss a view with several lounges all with panoramic windows.

The American Constitution cruise ship sails on the green waters of an Alaskan fjord, dwarfed by the towering, colorful cliffs of the Inside Passage.
American Cruise Lines' American Constitution

Built in 2018, 170 guest capacity, sundeck with shaded lounge area, entertainment lounge, fitness center, putting green on the sun deck, reading lounge, elevator access to all passenger decks. Built to navigate coastal Alaska. Complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Starlink. Self-service laundry area is available.

 

 

A table with a floral centerpiece and striped chairs is set for dining on the deck of a small ship, overlooking the blue ocean.
Cruise Lines We Sail With

Road Scholar works with a number of cruise lines to provide an authentic regional experience, using regional companies with a local crew whenever possible.

  • American Cruise Lines – Alaska, New England 

  • Victory Cruise Lines – Great Lakes

  • Barbara Cruising – Croatia 

  • Rolf Wittmer – Galápagos Islands
  • Variety Cruises – Greece, Italy, Malta, West Africa
  • Sea Cloud – Italy, Croatia, France

Educational Small Ship Cruises

Small Ship
A small ship sails on the water through a valley of green, rolling hills, with a large, rocky mountain range in the background.

Learn and explore aboard small ships that cruise near scenic coastlines and access off-the-beaten-path ports that larger ships can’t reach.

Galapagos
Discovering Machu Picchu & Galapagos

Blue Zephyr

“’Intimate Voyage to Iceland by Yacht’ was an amazing program. I developed a better and closer understanding of Iceland, its customs, people and economic status. The door is open, what are you waiting for! Walk through it.”

— Marie, Road Scholar Class of 2018, from Loudon, Tenn. —