OCEAN & SMALL SHIP CRUISING FAQ
Answers to the questions travelers ask most about ocean cruising and small ship cruising — planning, ship types, and what to expect on board.
PLANNING & CHOOSING
What is an ocean cruise?
An ocean cruise is a multi-day voyage on a large ship sailing between ports at sea, typically carrying anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand guests, with onboard dining, entertainment, and amenities alongside shore excursions at each port.
What is small ship cruising?
Small ship cruising uses vessels carrying roughly 50–700 guests, offering a more intimate, less crowded experience with easier port access, more personalized service, and often a stronger focus on destination and culture over onboard entertainment.
What's the difference between a mega-ship and a small ship cruise?
Mega-ships carry 3,000–7,000+ guests and prioritize onboard amenities like water parks, multiple pools, and large-scale entertainment, while small ships carry a few hundred guests or fewer and prioritize destination immersion, unique itineraries, and a quieter, more personalized atmosphere.
What's the best ocean cruise line?
The best ocean cruise line depends on your priorities, since lines vary widely in ship size, price point, entertainment style, and itinerary focus. A travel agent can match you to the line that fits your travel style rather than the most-advertised option.
What's the best small ship cruise line?
The best small ship cruise line depends on whether you prioritize luxury, adventure, or destination depth, since lines like Silversea, Seabourn, Windstar, and Regent each take a different approach to the small ship experience.
How much does an ocean cruise cost?
Ocean cruise pricing varies widely by cruise line, ship, season, and cabin category, with mainstream cruises often starting under $100 per person per night and luxury or small ship lines costing significantly more. A travel agent can build a quote tailored to your dates and destination.
How much does a small ship cruise cost?
Small ship cruises typically cost more per day than mainstream ocean cruises since fares often include more amenities, higher staff ratios, and more exclusive itineraries, with luxury small ship lines commonly running $500–$1,000+ per person per night.
Are ocean cruises all-inclusive?
Most ocean cruise fares include accommodations, meals in main dining venues, and basic entertainment, while specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions typically cost extra unless the line specifically markets itself as all-inclusive.
Are small ship cruises all-inclusive?
Many small ship and luxury lines include more in the base fare than mainstream cruise lines, often bundling drinks, gratuities, and excursions, though the exact inclusions vary by cruise line.
Are ocean cruises worth it?
Ocean cruises are worth it for travelers who want to see multiple destinations without repacking, combined with resort-style amenities and entertainment on board. They remain one of the most convenient ways to sample several countries in one trip.
What's the best ocean cruise for first-timers?
A shorter Caribbean or Mediterranean itinerary on a mainstream cruise line is the best first ocean cruise, offering warm weather, easy port days, and a wide range of onboard activities to sample the cruising experience.
Are ocean cruises good for solo travelers?
Many ocean cruise lines now offer dedicated solo cabins or reduced solo supplements, and larger ships often have solo traveler meetups and social events built into the cruise.
Are ocean cruises family-friendly?
Mainstream ocean cruise lines are generally very family-friendly, with kids' clubs, water parks, and family cabins, while small ship and luxury lines tend to skew toward adult travelers with fewer child-focused amenities.
SHIP TYPES & DESTINATIONS
What are the main types of ocean cruises?
The main types of ocean cruises include mainstream (Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska), premium, luxury, and small ship/expedition-style ocean cruises, each differing in ship size, price point, and onboard experience.
What's the best ocean cruise itinerary for the Caribbean?
A round-trip Caribbean cruise from a Florida port covering a mix of Eastern and Western Caribbean islands is the most popular itinerary, balancing beach time, culture, and easy embarkation. It's a good "first time cruise" to see if you enjoy the shipboard experience.
What's the best ocean cruise itinerary for the Mediterranean?
A Western Mediterranean itinerary covering Barcelona, Rome, and the French Riviera is the most popular first Mediterranean cruise, combining iconic cities with manageable port days. The best one is the next one!
What's the best small ship cruise destination?
Small ships excel in destinations with limited port infrastructure or a desire for intimacy, such as the Greek Isles, Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, Alaska's Inside Passage, and the Galápagos. You won't be fighting thousands pf other cruisers for sidewalk space in port.
Why choose a small ship over a large ship for the same destination?
A small ship can access smaller ports and marinas that large ships cannot, offers a higher staff-to-guest ratio, and typically provides a quieter, more personalized experience for the same region.
LOGISTICS & COMFORT
How big are ocean cruise ship cabins?
Ocean cruise cabins range from compact interior staterooms around 150–180 square feet to expansive suites over 1,000 square feet, with balcony cabins the most popular mid-range option.
How big are small ship cabins?
Small ship cabins tend to run larger on average than mainstream ocean cruise cabins, often starting around 200–300 square feet, since small ships prioritize space and comfort over maximizing guest count.
Do ocean cruise ships have Wi-Fi?
Most ocean cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, though speed and reliability vary, and many mainstream lines charge extra for internet packages while some premium and luxury lines include it in the fare.
What should I pack for an ocean cruise?
Swimwear, casual daywear, one or two dressier outfits for formal nights, and comfortable walking shoes for port days cover most ocean cruise itineraries, along with any destination-specific layers. If you really don't want to dress up, you can choose a casual venue on formal nights.
Do I need a passport for an ocean cruise?
A passport is recommended for all cruises, even closed-loop itineraries that technically allow a birth certificate and photo ID, since a passport is required if you need to fly home from a foreign port in an emergency.
Is travel insurance recommended for a cruise?
Yes, travel insurance is recommended for both ocean and small ship cruises to cover trip interruption, medical emergencies, and evacuation, particularly for itineraries with limited port access to major hospitals.
How far in advance should I book an ocean or small ship cruise?
Popular sailings, particularly small ship and luxury departures with limited capacity, can sell out 9 to 12 months in advance, and booking early also secures better cabin selection and pricing. Ships typically sell "from the top down" with less desirable cabins often being all that's left close to the sailing date.
ONBOARD EXPERIENCE & EXTRAS
What's the dress code on an ocean cruise?
Ocean cruise dress code ranges from casual during the day to smart-casual or formal on designated evenings, with most mainstream lines having one or two formal nights per week-long cruise.
What's the dress code on a small ship cruise?
Small ship cruise dress code is generally more relaxed than mainstream ocean cruises, often smart-casual throughout with no strict formal nights required.
What's the tipping and gratuity etiquette on a cruise?
Most ocean cruise lines add a daily gratuity charge automatically to your onboard account, while many small ship and luxury lines build gratuities into the fare, so it's worth confirming the specific line's policy.
Can I book shore excursions independently?
Yes, on both ocean and small ship cruises, independent shore excursions are common, though ship-organized excursions offer the security of the ship waiting if the tour runs late. Large ships generally won't wait if you're late.
What's the entertainment like on an ocean cruise versus a small ship?
Mainstream ocean cruises typically offer large-scale entertainment like Broadway-style shows, casinos, and nightclubs, while small ships focus more on destination lectures, intimate lounges, and enrichment programming.
Can I extend my trip with a pre- or post-cruise stay?
Yes, extending a cruise with extra nights in the embarkation or disembarkation city is common and recommended, particularly for international departure ports.
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Have a question that's not listed here? Contact Lynda for a personalized answer — or better yet, a personalized itinerary.
Answers to the questions travelers ask most about ocean cruising and small ship cruising — planning, ship types, and what to expect on board.
PLANNING & CHOOSING
What is an ocean cruise?
An ocean cruise is a multi-day voyage on a large ship sailing between ports at sea, typically carrying anywhere from a few hundred to several thousand guests, with onboard dining, entertainment, and amenities alongside shore excursions at each port.
What is small ship cruising?
Small ship cruising uses vessels carrying roughly 50–700 guests, offering a more intimate, less crowded experience with easier port access, more personalized service, and often a stronger focus on destination and culture over onboard entertainment.
What's the difference between a mega-ship and a small ship cruise?
Mega-ships carry 3,000–7,000+ guests and prioritize onboard amenities like water parks, multiple pools, and large-scale entertainment, while small ships carry a few hundred guests or fewer and prioritize destination immersion, unique itineraries, and a quieter, more personalized atmosphere.
What's the best ocean cruise line?
The best ocean cruise line depends on your priorities, since lines vary widely in ship size, price point, entertainment style, and itinerary focus. A travel agent can match you to the line that fits your travel style rather than the most-advertised option.
What's the best small ship cruise line?
The best small ship cruise line depends on whether you prioritize luxury, adventure, or destination depth, since lines like Silversea, Seabourn, Windstar, and Regent each take a different approach to the small ship experience.
How much does an ocean cruise cost?
Ocean cruise pricing varies widely by cruise line, ship, season, and cabin category, with mainstream cruises often starting under $100 per person per night and luxury or small ship lines costing significantly more. A travel agent can build a quote tailored to your dates and destination.
How much does a small ship cruise cost?
Small ship cruises typically cost more per day than mainstream ocean cruises since fares often include more amenities, higher staff ratios, and more exclusive itineraries, with luxury small ship lines commonly running $500–$1,000+ per person per night.
Are ocean cruises all-inclusive?
Most ocean cruise fares include accommodations, meals in main dining venues, and basic entertainment, while specialty dining, drinks, Wi-Fi, and excursions typically cost extra unless the line specifically markets itself as all-inclusive.
Are small ship cruises all-inclusive?
Many small ship and luxury lines include more in the base fare than mainstream cruise lines, often bundling drinks, gratuities, and excursions, though the exact inclusions vary by cruise line.
Are ocean cruises worth it?
Ocean cruises are worth it for travelers who want to see multiple destinations without repacking, combined with resort-style amenities and entertainment on board. They remain one of the most convenient ways to sample several countries in one trip.
What's the best ocean cruise for first-timers?
A shorter Caribbean or Mediterranean itinerary on a mainstream cruise line is the best first ocean cruise, offering warm weather, easy port days, and a wide range of onboard activities to sample the cruising experience.
Are ocean cruises good for solo travelers?
Many ocean cruise lines now offer dedicated solo cabins or reduced solo supplements, and larger ships often have solo traveler meetups and social events built into the cruise.
Are ocean cruises family-friendly?
Mainstream ocean cruise lines are generally very family-friendly, with kids' clubs, water parks, and family cabins, while small ship and luxury lines tend to skew toward adult travelers with fewer child-focused amenities.
SHIP TYPES & DESTINATIONS
What are the main types of ocean cruises?
The main types of ocean cruises include mainstream (Caribbean, Mediterranean, Alaska), premium, luxury, and small ship/expedition-style ocean cruises, each differing in ship size, price point, and onboard experience.
What's the best ocean cruise itinerary for the Caribbean?
A round-trip Caribbean cruise from a Florida port covering a mix of Eastern and Western Caribbean islands is the most popular itinerary, balancing beach time, culture, and easy embarkation. It's a good "first time cruise" to see if you enjoy the shipboard experience.
What's the best ocean cruise itinerary for the Mediterranean?
A Western Mediterranean itinerary covering Barcelona, Rome, and the French Riviera is the most popular first Mediterranean cruise, combining iconic cities with manageable port days. The best one is the next one!
What's the best small ship cruise destination?
Small ships excel in destinations with limited port infrastructure or a desire for intimacy, such as the Greek Isles, Croatia's Dalmatian Coast, Alaska's Inside Passage, and the Galápagos. You won't be fighting thousands pf other cruisers for sidewalk space in port.
Why choose a small ship over a large ship for the same destination?
A small ship can access smaller ports and marinas that large ships cannot, offers a higher staff-to-guest ratio, and typically provides a quieter, more personalized experience for the same region.
LOGISTICS & COMFORT
How big are ocean cruise ship cabins?
Ocean cruise cabins range from compact interior staterooms around 150–180 square feet to expansive suites over 1,000 square feet, with balcony cabins the most popular mid-range option.
How big are small ship cabins?
Small ship cabins tend to run larger on average than mainstream ocean cruise cabins, often starting around 200–300 square feet, since small ships prioritize space and comfort over maximizing guest count.
Do ocean cruise ships have Wi-Fi?
Most ocean cruise ships offer Wi-Fi, though speed and reliability vary, and many mainstream lines charge extra for internet packages while some premium and luxury lines include it in the fare.
What should I pack for an ocean cruise?
Swimwear, casual daywear, one or two dressier outfits for formal nights, and comfortable walking shoes for port days cover most ocean cruise itineraries, along with any destination-specific layers. If you really don't want to dress up, you can choose a casual venue on formal nights.
Do I need a passport for an ocean cruise?
A passport is recommended for all cruises, even closed-loop itineraries that technically allow a birth certificate and photo ID, since a passport is required if you need to fly home from a foreign port in an emergency.
Is travel insurance recommended for a cruise?
Yes, travel insurance is recommended for both ocean and small ship cruises to cover trip interruption, medical emergencies, and evacuation, particularly for itineraries with limited port access to major hospitals.
How far in advance should I book an ocean or small ship cruise?
Popular sailings, particularly small ship and luxury departures with limited capacity, can sell out 9 to 12 months in advance, and booking early also secures better cabin selection and pricing. Ships typically sell "from the top down" with less desirable cabins often being all that's left close to the sailing date.
ONBOARD EXPERIENCE & EXTRAS
What's the dress code on an ocean cruise?
Ocean cruise dress code ranges from casual during the day to smart-casual or formal on designated evenings, with most mainstream lines having one or two formal nights per week-long cruise.
What's the dress code on a small ship cruise?
Small ship cruise dress code is generally more relaxed than mainstream ocean cruises, often smart-casual throughout with no strict formal nights required.
What's the tipping and gratuity etiquette on a cruise?
Most ocean cruise lines add a daily gratuity charge automatically to your onboard account, while many small ship and luxury lines build gratuities into the fare, so it's worth confirming the specific line's policy.
Can I book shore excursions independently?
Yes, on both ocean and small ship cruises, independent shore excursions are common, though ship-organized excursions offer the security of the ship waiting if the tour runs late. Large ships generally won't wait if you're late.
What's the entertainment like on an ocean cruise versus a small ship?
Mainstream ocean cruises typically offer large-scale entertainment like Broadway-style shows, casinos, and nightclubs, while small ships focus more on destination lectures, intimate lounges, and enrichment programming.
Can I extend my trip with a pre- or post-cruise stay?
Yes, extending a cruise with extra nights in the embarkation or disembarkation city is common and recommended, particularly for international departure ports.
---
Have a question that's not listed here? Contact Lynda for a personalized answer — or better yet, a personalized itinerary.
