Educational Small Ship Cruises

Experience Small Ship Cruises with Road Scholar

Learn and explore aboard small ships that can cruise scenic coastlines and access off-the-beaten-path ports that larger ships can’t reach. Make the journey and the destination an adventure as you discover the world’s most fascinating places on luxury yachts, rugged expedition ships and more.

Why Choose a Small Ship Cruise? 

Looking for a one-of-a-kind adventure that blends excitement with relaxation? Small ship cruises for seniors and families offer something for everyone, docking in unique cities for unique cultural insights and breathtaking natural wonders for nature lovers.

• Personalized Travel Experience: Cruise ships for families and seniors offer a personalized travel experience, allowing travelers to partake in group activities while still having the autonomy to go off the beaten path and enjoy activities they love. Between ports, you can relax reading a book, grab a drink at an onboard bar or interact with the crew.
• Access to Hidden Gems: Traveling on cruise ships for seniors allows you to explore new areas of the world from a unique vantage point, exposing you to hidden gems like guided tours of natural wonders or the ability to access smaller bays and marinas.
• Educational Adventures for All Ages: No matter your age, small ship cruises offer educational opportunities for everyone. From interactive learning experiences designed for children to in-depth lectures curated for adults, everyone can take away newfound knowledge aboard one of our floating adventures.
• A Balance of Adventure & Relaxation: Enjoy the best of both worlds when on our small cruise ships for families, relaxing on the deck, taking in the scenery between destinations and immersing yourself in vibrant cities once docked at the pier. 

Featured Small Ship Cruise Destinations

At Road Scholar, we have an exciting collection of small ship travel programs. As you explore our Floating Campus adventures, 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: (Wildlife & Nature Lovers): 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 families, solo travelers and seniors.
• Alaska (Scenic Wilderness & Indigenous Cultures): 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 Alaska small ship cruises for seniors, you will learn about local wildlife and marine life, Indigenous cultures and more.
• Italy (History, Art & Culinary Delights): 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. After a day of exploration, indulge in authentic Italian cuisine suited for all ages, such as cacio e pepe or tagliatelle with ragù.
• Greece (Mythology & Culture Lovers): 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.
• Great Lakes (Scenic & City Life Exploration): Hop aboard small cruise ships for families in the Great Lakes region, a perfect mix of adventure, culture and relaxation for travelers of all ages. Aboard the cruise, you will discover cities like Chicago and Ontario for culturally enriching experiences, along with natural wonders like Niagara Falls and the historic Mackinac Island.
• Croatia (Coastal Beauty & Old-World Charm): Another one of the best small ship cruises brings you to the shores of the European country of Croatia. Our The Best of Croatia: A 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.

Small Ship Cruises for Multigenerational Travelers

Small ship cruises are an excellent option for families interested in multigenerational travel. Some of the many benefits include:

• Intergenerational travel programs
• Educational experiences for all ages
• Accessible travel options
• Lifelong learning at sea

FAQs

1. 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 connecting 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.

2. Are small ship cruises better than large cruises?

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

Smaller cruise ships offer more personalized service since fewer passengers typically equate 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. 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.

3. Are small ship cruises family-friendly? 

Yes, small ship cruises are family-friendly, offering curated activities for passengers of all ages. Adults can enjoy in-depth lectures and relax on board at the bar, while children, teens and parents can make lifelong memories during immersive shore excursions that dive right into local life.

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.