What is the smallest cruise ship on each cruise line?

Small can be spectacular, especially when it comes to cruising. For those who crave a more intimate, personalized, and destination-focused voyage, smaller cruise ships offer experiences that larger ships simply can’t. Whether it’s docking at hidden harbors, skipping the tourist hordes, or creating a closer connection with other travelers, small ship cruising is an entirely unique way to explore the world.

But which small ships stand out on the seas? We’ve compiled a list of the smallest ships from top cruise lines, highlighting their capacities, tonnage, length, and the unforgettable features that make them special.

boats and yachts in beautiful blue water — boats and yachts

What Defines a Small Cruise Ship?

A small cruise ship typically accommodates fewer than 1,000 passengers, though some boutique and yacht-like ships carry as few as 16 travelers. These vessels often prioritize intimate settings, destination-driven itineraries, and personalized service over expansive pools and flashy attractions. Small ships may range from expedition vessels with 100% adventure focus to luxurious boutique yachts dripping in opulence. Cruise lines sale their cabins as double occupancy, so when a ship only has 1,000 passengers it could mean it only has 50 cabins. I could not imagine being on a ship that only had 50 cabins on board.

This blog will mention the smallest ships on major cruise lines, which will hold more than 1,000 passengers too. These can be more budget friendly then the Luxury Yacht cruises also on the list.

Why Choose a Small Cruise Ship?

Here are some fantastic reasons why smaller is better for many travelers:

Exclusive Destinations: Dock at ports where larger ships can’t go, from hidden Mediterranean harbors to the pristine Galapagos Islands. You will travel to smaller islands and ports. Also traveling through narrow channels that the larger ships can not. Travel the inside passage in the Pacific Northwest, or cruising the Norwegian fjords in Europe.
Fewer Crowds and Deeper Connections: Avoid lines at buffet counters or scrambling for a poolside lounger. Smaller ships offer a more intimate and relaxed vibe. My favorite cruise only had 1600 people. Fewer people than the max capacity of 2400 the ship usually holds. Less crowds meant no wait times and the opportunity to interact with the staff more. I made friends on this cruise that I would not have it is was fully booked. You’ll have more opportunities to engage with fellow passengers as well as interact personally with crew members.
Unique Onboard Atmosphere: From casual yachts to luxury liners, small ships often feature a cozy ambiance unmatched by their larger counterparts. You usually will still have a pool and a few hot tubs, a few dining options and many activities. Just might not have all the features the big ships do.

Sometimes when you think of the major cruise lines, or the cruise industry all together, the small vessels tend to be older and do not have all the bells and whistles the new ships have. For example, some of my favorite cruise ships on NCL are the smaller ships. They do not have waterslides, race tracks and other major draws that many families pick when taking a cruise. For me cruising is all about being budget friendly, and at times these smaller cruise ships can be the best bang for your buck. You will still have a pool deck, hot tub, and activities where you will have a great time. So just remember older ships can give you some serious savings.

The larger cruise ships of the major cruise lines tend to be the more recently released ships. Think of the NCL Aqua or Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. These are large cruise ships, if not considered massive ships. They have all the attractions you hear so much about, but the cost is at least double if not triple the price of a smaller vessel.

Now, let's explore the smallest ships from each cruise line and why they deserve a place on your travel radar!

Cruise ship view from the side — Cruise ship from the side

What are the Smallest Cruise Ships?

Royal Caribbean - Grandeur of the Seas

Capacity: 2,440 guests
Tonnage: 73,817 GT
Length: 916 feet
Compared to another small ship in the fleet. Sister ships to Rapsody of the Seas, which is another small ship, holding 2416 guests, but the gross tonnage is more than the Grandeur of the Seas. Both these ships are family friendly and sail the Caribbean.

Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Flora

Capacity: 120 guests
Tonnage: 5,922 GT
Length: 333 feet
Why It Stands Out: Sailing the Galapagos, this yacht-style cruise is about adventure and exclusivity. With naturalist-led excursions, it’s perfect for wildlife lovers who want to explore rare landscapes in comfort. This is the smallest ship on this list and is mentioned in the Yacht category. Many people do not realize Celebrity Cruise Line has a ship that's more of a yacht.

Norwegian Cruise Line - Spirit

Capacity: 2,032 guests
Tonnage: 75,904 GT
Length: 880 feet
Why It Stands Out: Usually sails in Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and Hawaii. Still considered a favorite by loyal NCL travelers.

Carnival Cruise Line - Carnival Elation

Capacity: 2,190 guests
Tonnage: 71,909 GT
Length: 855 feet
Why It Stands Out: This “Fun Ship” has classic Carnival amenities like comedy shows, waterparks, and live entertainment, creating an energized atmosphere on shorter cruises. Can be budget friendly. This was my very first cruise, in 1998, and back then, it was not considered small at all.

Regent Seven Seas - Seven Seas Navigator

Capacity: 490 guests
Tonnage: 28,803 GT
Length: 566 feet
Why It Stands Out: Luxury reigns supreme with spacious suites, gourmet dining, all-inclusive shore excursions, and impeccable service that defines ultra-luxury cruising. With being a luxury cruise line, it will be expensive, but being able to take more than 1 shore excursion in a port if you like or have time. And that shore excursion already being included in the price is a nice feature.

Crystal Cruises - Crystal Esprit

Capacity: 62 guests
Tonnage: 3,341 GT
Length: 282 feet
Why It Stands Out: This boutique yacht combines adventure (watersports from the marina platform) with luxury. With only 62 guests, it guarantees intimacy and VIP service. This luxury line is on the expensive side.

Disney Cruise Line - Disney Wonder

Capacity: 2,713 guests
Tonnage: 83,000 GT
Length: 964 feet
Why It Stands Out: A blend of Disney magic and classic cruising, Disney Wonder offers amazing kids’ activities and entertainment alongside elegant adult-exclusive areas.

Holland America Line - Prinsendam

Capacity: 835 guests
Tonnage: 39,051 GT
Length: 673 feet
Why It Stands Out: Known as the “Elegant Explorer,” it focuses on exotic global itineraries. It’s perfect for traveler's keen on adventure with luxurious comfort.

MSC Cruises - MSC Armonia

Capacity: 2,679 guests
Tonnage: 65,542 GT
Length: 902 feet
Why It Stands Out: European elegance meets family-friendly fun. Its manageable size and creative activities appeal to cruisers of all ages. Can be most budget friendly of major cruise lines.

Princess Cruises - Pacific Princess

Capacity: 670 guests
Tonnage: 30,277 GT
Length: 594 feet
Why It Stands Out: Quaint and destination-focused, it’s beloved for its ability to access smaller ports while offering a traditional cruise feel. Also Princess cruise line uses the Medallion, which is a nice feature for identification of your cruise and opening your cabin door. I speak from experience that on Princess you can be on the pool deck and order food and it will be delivered to where you are sitting. This does not happen on any other major cruise line that can be budget friendly.

National Geographic - National Geographic Orion

Capacity: 102 guests
Tonnage: 3,984 GT
Length: 338 feet
Why It Stands Out: An expedition ship with enrichment-focused activities, onboard experts, and state-of-the-art research tools for adventurous travelers. This is one of the most expensive cruises on the list.

Costa Cruise Line - Costa Deliziosa

Capacity: 2828 passengers
Tonnage: 92,720 GT
Length:964 feet
Why it stands out: Is part of the Carnival Corporation and only cruise line that flyies under the Italian Flag. Can be budget friendly.

P&O Cruise Line- Aurora

Capacity: 1950 Passengers
Tonnage: 76,000 GT
Length: 885 Feet
Why it Stands out: This is a British Cruise line, affiliated with the Carnival Corporation. P&O has the oldest heritage in maritime history, as the first cruise took place back in 1837. Cruising to the Iberian Peninsula and then onto India way back when.

ADIA- ADIAdiva

Capacity: 2050 Passengers
Tonnage: 69203 GT
Length: 826 Feet
Why it Stands Out: German based that offers does both short and long cruises in Europe usually. Budget friendly.

Cunard- Queen Victoria

Capacity: 2061 Passengers
Tonnage: 90,049 GT
Length: 964 Feet
Why does it stand out: Carnival Corporation affiliated and known for Transatlantic, Europe Mediterranean and World cruises. Considered a luxury cruise line.

Comparing these cruise lines

Destination Focus: Highlight ships that specialize in unique or less-visited destinations like the Galapagos (Celebrity Xploration) or (National Geographic).
Inclusivity: Budget cruise lines can nickel and dime you. Do you ant internet package, alcohol package, soda package, and etc. These costs will add up. But the luxury cruise lines have a higher price, but these things may be included already.
Onboard Activities: types of entertainment and activities available,from casinos to Kids clubs are common on all major cruise lines. But still can vary depending on the ship if you are looking for anything specific.
Atmosphere: Each cruise line has a different feel, the general ambiance of each ship is different., Intimate and relaxed (Grandeur of the Seas) versus lively and social (Carnival or MSC).
Excursion Types: Adventure excursions (National Geographic) with luxury options are amazing, but expensive. Luxury cruise lines (Regent Seven Seas) offer excursions with the cost of cruise, but still considered to be expensive. Budget friendly cruise ships, never offer excursions included, you have to buy them as an extra, but some offer discounts (NCL)

Small Yachts

For those who crave a truly intimate yachting experience, these luxurious small yachts offer unparalleled elegance and exclusivity. These are not budget friendly, but if you crave luxury, and a unique experience, you should take a look.

Le Ponant (Ponant Cruises) – Accommodates up to 67 guests.
Sea Cloud II (Sea Cloud Cruises) – Hosts up to 94 guests.
Silver Origin (Silversea) – Designed for up to 100 guests.
Hebridean Princess (Hebridean Island Cruises) – Exclusively for 48 guests.
Emerald Sakara and Emerald Azzurra (Emerald Yacht Cruises) – Each yacht welcomes up to 100 guests.
Celebrity Flora (Celebrity Cruises) – Intimate with up to 120 guests.
SeaDream I and SeaDream II (SeaDream Yacht Club) – Each yacht accommodates up to 112 guests.
Sea Cloud Spirit (Sea Cloud Cruises) – Carries up to 136 guests.
Wind Spirit, Wind Star (Windstar Cruises) – Each can sail with up to 148 guests.

Large Yachts

For travelers seeking more expansive yet refined yacht experiences, these large yachts blend sophistication with adventure without sacrificing that personal touch: These are also not budget friendly but will offer and amazing cruise experience.

Le Champlain, Le Bougainville, Le Laperouse, Le Dumont d’Urville (Ponant Cruises) – Each yacht offers space for up to 184 guests.
Hanseatic Inspiration (Hapag-Lloyd Cruises) – Proudly accommodates up to 230 guests.
Scenic Eclipse I and Scenic Eclipse II (Scenic Ocean Cruises) – Sophistication for up to 228 guests each.
World Navigator, World Traveller, World Voyager (Atlas Ocean Voyages) – Each caters to up to 196 guests.

Small Ships

For those who prefer a slightly larger yet still cozy atmosphere, these boutique ships strike a perfect balance of intimacy and comfort: An Elegant ship, arriving at a small port will still mean luxury and expensive experience.

Star Legend, Star Breeze, and Star Pride (Windstar Cruises) – Each can host up to 254 guests.
Wind Surf – The world’s largest sailing yacht with room for up to 374 guests.
MS Fram (Hurtigruten) – A polar pioneer accommodating up to 318 guests.
Seabourn Pursuit and Seabourn Venture (Seabourn) – Designed for just 254 guests.
Seabourn Quest, Seabourn Odyssey, and Seabourn Sojourn (Seabourn) – Each offers luxurious space for up to 540 guests.

These small ship cruises and yachts are perfect for those seeking exclusive, destination-focused travel without the crowds of larger vessels. You will arrive in more exclusive ports around the world when using these smaller ships and yachts. Prepare to relax, explore, and indulge in an unforgettable getaway tailored to your unique taste.

Travel Agents and Travel Insurance

When booking cruises, I highly suggest using a travel agent. From luxury yachts to the best small cruise ship, travel agents can help you with information, perks and deals. Travel agents earn a commission from the cruise lines. This cost is already included in the price of the cruise you are booking. If you book online by yourself or with a travel agent the price will be the same, except a travel agent has access to group deals that might save you a few bucks or have perks. The cruise lines spend money to teach and train the travel agent, like me. So, I always suggest using one.

When taking a cruise, I always suggest buying travel insurance. The cost of a medical emergency on a ship can cost thousands of dollars. Think if you have to be medically lifted from the ship by helicopter. That could be $10,000 on its own. There is more benefit than just the medical part. Some travel insurance companies pay you for missed cruise ports, lost luggage and so much more. So, I highly recommend buying the insurance. It's something you buy; in the hopes you never have to use.

Small Ship Cruising Offers Big Benefits

Smaller cruise ships might lack the glitzy mega-resource amenities like wave pools or massive theaters, but they deliver unique opportunities that large ships can’t. From visiting off-the-beaten-path destinations to forming tighter bonds with fellow travelers, small ships cultivate experiences tailored to the curious and adventurous.

If you’re itching to trade crowds for calm seas or large ports for hidden gems, switching to small is the upgrade you didn’t know you needed.

What’s your favorite small ship? Leave a comment below and inspire others!

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