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Large cruise ships visit the world's busiest ports. Small ship cruises take you beyond them. With fewer than 250 guests, PONANT's elegant expedition ships offer access to remote coastlines, charming harbours and extraordinary destinations that larger vessels simply cannot reach.
Small Ship Cruises offer a fundamentally different way to explore the world.
Rather than carrying several thousand passengers, these boutique vessels typically accommodate fewer than 250 guests. Their compact size provides access to destinations beyond the reach of traditional cruise ships while creating a far more relaxed and personal onboard atmosphere.
Instead of spending your holiday queueing to board tenders, waiting for shore excursions or navigating crowded public spaces, you'll enjoy seamless embarkation, personalised service and more time discovering each destination.
Whether cruising the dramatic coastlines of the Kimberley, exploring Antarctica by Zodiac or wandering through a medieval Mediterranean harbour, the emphasis is always on authentic travel experiences rather than onboard entertainment.
Small ships don't simply visit destinations.
They become part of the destination itself.
Choosing a small ship changes almost every aspect of your cruise.
From the moment you step aboard, you'll notice the difference.
Instead of thousands of fellow passengers, you'll find an intimate community where the crew quickly learn your name and your favourite morning coffee.
Because these ships are designed for flexibility rather than scale, itineraries can include secluded bays, remote islands and charming ports that larger cruise ships are unable to access.
Benefits include
β Fewer than 250 guests
β Faster embarkation and disembarkation
β Access to smaller ports
β More overnight stays
β Exceptional crew-to-guest ratios
β Spacious public areas
β Boutique atmosphere
β More immersive shore experiences
β Less waiting
β More time ashore
For travellers who value experiences over crowds, small ship cruising offers one of the most rewarding ways to discover the world.
| Feature | What Makes It Special |
|---|---|
| Guest Numbers | Fewer than 250 guests create a relaxed, spacious and uncrowded cruising experience. |
| Destination Access | Explore remote islands, narrow waterways and small harbours beyond the reach of larger cruise ships. |
| Shore Excursions | Smaller excursion groups provide more immersive, personalised experiences ashore. |
| Onboard Atmosphere | Quiet, elegant surroundings with exceptional personalised service. |
| Accommodation | Spacious balcony staterooms and luxurious suites designed for comfort and relaxation. |
| Dining | Award-winning French-inspired cuisine complemented by regional flavours. |
| Expedition Capability | Many voyages include Zodiac fleets, expert expedition leaders and immersive exploration. |
| Wildlife Encounters | Enjoy close encounters with whales, penguins, seabirds and other remarkable wildlife. |
| Inclusive Value | Many voyages include gourmet dining, premium beverages, Wi-Fi and selected excursions. |
BlueSun Insight
Many travellers assume that "small ship" simply means a smaller version of a traditional cruise ship.
In reality, it's an entirely different way to travel.
Small ship cruising places the destinationβnot the shipβat the centre of the experience. Instead of spending your holiday navigating crowds, queuing for tenders or visiting busy commercial ports, you'll enjoy intimate ships that can reach secluded bays, remote coastlines and authentic communities beyond the reach of larger vessels.
At BlueSun Travel, we've found that once travellers experience a luxury small ship cruise, many never return to large-ship cruising. The combination of personalised service, immersive itineraries and extraordinary destination access creates a richer, more rewarding style of travel.
If your idea of a perfect cruise is discovering remarkable places rather than simply visiting ports, a small ship cruise is one of the finest ways to explore the world.
Few cruise lines have embraced the small ship philosophy as successfully as PONANT.
Every vessel has been designed to deliver an intimate cruising experience while maintaining the comfort and sophistication expected of a world-class luxury brand.
With fewer guests on board, PONANT's ships can visit remote destinations, small harbours and spectacular coastlines that remain inaccessible to larger cruise ships.y.
Why PONANT Excels at Small Ship Cruising
Ships carrying between 32 and 245 guests
Exceptional crew-to-guest ratios
Elegant French-inspired interiors
Spacious balcony staterooms and luxury suites
Marina platforms on selected vessels
Zodiac fleets for exploration
Expedition leaders and destination experts
Award-winning French cuisine
Sustainable operating practices
More time exploring and less time waiting
Rather than simply transporting guests between ports, PONANT creates journeys that immerse travellers in each destination while maintaining an atmosphere of understated luxury.
Antarctica
Small expedition ships are the only practical way to experience Antarctica. Their size allows guests to make regular Zodiac landings, encounter extraordinary wildlife and explore one of the world's last great wildernesses.
Highlights
β Penguin colonies
β Icebergs and glaciers
β Whale watching
β Zodiac landings
Explore Antarctica Cruises β
Arctic
From Greenland to Svalbard and Arctic Canada, small ships provide unrivalled access to dramatic fjords, remote communities and spectacular wildlife.
Highlights
β Polar bears
β Glaciers
β Inuit culture
β Scenic fjords
Explore Artic Cruises β
Kimberley
Australia's Kimberley coastline is perfectly suited to small ship cruising, with narrow rivers, tidal waterfalls and secluded anchorages inaccessible to larger vessels.
Highlights
β King George Falls
β Montgomery Reef
β Hunter River
β Ancient Aboriginal rock art
Β Explore Kimberley Cruises β
Mediterranean
Cruise between charming coastal towns, historic ports and secluded islands that larger cruise ships often bypass.
Highlights
β Greek Islands
β Croatia
β French Riviera
β Italy
Explore Mediterranean Cruises β
Japan
Discover traditional fishing villages, vibrant cities and beautiful coastal scenery while enjoying immersive cultural experiences.
Highlights
β Historic temples
β Cherry blossoms (seasonal)
β Local cuisine
β Authentic cultural encounters
π Explore Japan Cruises β
South Pacific
Explore idyllic islands, turquoise lagoons and pristine coral reefs aboard intimate ships designed for tropical cruising.
Highlights
β French Polynesia
β Snorkelling
β White-sand beaches
β Polynesian culture
π Explore South Pacific Cruises β
A small ship cruise is ideal if you:
β Prefer personalised service.
β Want to avoid crowds.
β Enjoy discovering lesser-known destinations.
β Appreciate excellent food and wine.
β Value meaningful cultural and wildlife experiences.
β Enjoy relaxed luxury rather than large-scale entertainment.
β Want more time ashore and less time queueing.
A small ship cruise may be less suitable if you:
β Prefer casinos and Broadway-style productions.
β Enjoy extensive onboard shopping.
β Want waterparks and family entertainment.
β Prefer the atmosphere of mega cruise ships carrying thousands of passengers.
It does not matter how many times a person may have cruised, there are always going to be questions you might need answered. And at BlueSun Travel we are use to doing this all the time. We are PONANT experts and available 7-days a week to help you out.Β
Have a read of some of these basic FAQs but feel free to reach out and call us any time: 1300 799 758.Β
Small ship cruises typically operate with fewer than 250 guests, allowing access to smaller ports, secluded anchorages and remote destinations.
While the upfront cost is often higher than mainstream cruises, many small ship voyages include premium dining, beverages, Wi-Fi and selected excursions, providing excellent overall value.
Because of their size, small ships can experience more movement in rough seas. However, modern stabilisers and carefully planned itineraries help ensure a comfortable voyage for most guests.
Absolutely. Many travellers find the intimate atmosphere and personalised service far more enjoyable than the crowds associated with larger cruise ships.
Yes. Their compact size allows access to remote islands, narrow waterways, small harbours and expedition destinations that are simply beyond the reach of larger vessels.
PONANT combines authentic expedition experiences with refined French luxury, exceptional cuisine and beautifully designed ships, offering one of the most sophisticated small ship cruise experiences available.
Continue exploring other unforgettable ways to discover the world with PONANT:
The world's most memorable destinations are often those beyond the reach of larger cruise ships. From Antarctica's frozen wilderness and the dramatic Kimberley coastline to secluded Mediterranean islands and the pristine South Pacific, small ship cruising offers a more personal, immersive and rewarding way to travel.
At BlueSun Travel, we've specialised in luxury small ship and expedition cruising for more than 30 years. Our experienced team can help you compare itineraries, choose the right ship and create a journey tailored to your interests.
Contact BlueSun Travel Today
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Learn more about our PONANT Small Ship CruisesΒ or speak to a PONANT cruise expert now:
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