Family Small Ship Cruises

Curated Voyages Designed for All Generations

Family travel takes on new meaning aboard a small ship. Unlike large cruise vessels with thousands of guests and crowded public spaces, small ship cruises offer a more personal, enriching, and flexible experience that appeals to families looking for quality time, cultural connection, and lifelong memories.

At Small Ship Travel, we curate a global selection of family-friendly cruises that combine comfort and education with adventure and discovery. Whether traveling with young children, teenagers, or multiple generations, small ship cruising allows families to explore iconic and off-the-beaten-path destinations without the stress of constant unpacking, crowded group tours, or impersonal service.

These voyages are designed to strike a balance between structured activities and independent time, with engaging excursions, onboard enrichment, and accommodations suitable for families of all sizes.

Why Families Choose Small Ship Cruises

Small ship cruises offer several advantages for family travel:

• Fewer passengers and a more relaxed onboard atmosphere
• Flexible daily programs with enriching activities suitable for a range of ages
• Access to ports that larger ships cannot reach, allowing for more authentic, less commercialized experiences
• All-inclusive pricing structures that reduce logistical planning
• Intergenerational programming, with opportunities for shared experiences and age-specific engagement
• Personalized service and safety-conscious environments

Many vessels offer connecting cabins, triple or quadruple accommodations, and private charters for extended families seeking exclusive use of a ship.

Destinations That Inspire All Ages

We feature family cruises in destinations that offer both cultural depth and natural wonder, including:

• Galápagos Islands – Wildlife-focused cruises with naturalist guides and active excursions
• Alaska – Glacier hikes, bear viewing, and kayaking among icebergs
• Mediterranean – History-rich ports in Greece, Italy, and Croatia with family-friendly pacing
• Northern Europe – Viking history, fjords, and castle visits with educational content for children
• Antarctica – For older children and teens, a truly life-changing expedition
• Amazon River – Jungle treks, wildlife encounters, and scientific exploration
• French & Dutch Waterways – Barge cruises with cycling and village walks ideal for slow travel with children

Each itinerary is vetted for family compatibility and reviewed for educational and experiential value.

Cruise Lines That Welcome Families

While many small ship lines cater to adults, a growing number offer family-focused departures or are naturally well-suited to multi-generational travel. These include:

• Ecoventura - Galapagos Specialist with yacht available for charter
• Lindblad Expeditions – Special “National Geographic Global Explorer” programs
• Aqua Expeditions – Family-friendly Amazon and Mekong cruises with flexible accommodations
• Ponant – Selected voyages with interconnecting cabins and kids programs
• Sea Cloud – Tall ship experiences ideal for adventurous teens
• Custom chartered yachts and barges – Ideal for family reunions or milestone celebrations

Our team works closely with these lines to identify sailings that align with your family’s travel style and age range.

Planning with Small Ship Travel

We understand that planning a family cruise involves more than choosing a destination. From cabin configurations and safety concerns to shore excursions and dietary needs, our advisors provide guidance at every stage. Services include:

• Tailored recommendations based on children’s ages and activity preferences
• Assistance with private or semi-private charters
• Guidance on optimal seasons for family travel
• Pre- and post-cruise extensions in family-friendly hotels or villas

Let Us Help You Create a Family Journey to Remember

A small ship cruise offers more than just a vacation—it creates shared experiences across generations in a setting that prioritizes comfort, discovery, and connection.