Small Ship Cruises in the Arctic
Small ship cruise. What does it mean to travel on a private expedition in Svalbard or in Greenland on a small ship cruise? The Great Expedition Company has it's own definition of "small ship cruise" and its a lot smaller than most people's definitions of a small ship cruise. Check out our latest blog post for the benefits of travelling on a small ship cruise in the Arctic!
When it comes to exploring the vast expanse of the ocean, the type o f vessel that you choose to travel on and with is one of the most important choices you will make about your future arctic expedition. We’re here today to outline the advantage of small ship cruises and to show you why your next expedition should be on a small ship. There's something uniquely enchanting about embarking on a small ship adventure. Let's delve into why small ship cruises reign supreme and why they're the ultimate choice for intrepid travellers looking for the time of their lives at sea.
First Things First: Let’s Define “Small” in “small ship cruise” It’s not 100 or even 50.
The it comes to small ship cruises, the use of the word “small” is used very loosely and very relatively. So, what is small?
Is a small ship cruise made up of 100 people, in our opinion|? No. That’s a pretty big cruise by our standards. I foyu don’t know everyone’s name by the end of the expedition, then you’re probably in a very big group. Is it 50 or even 25? Getting close to the mark for what we would call a small ship cruise, but still a pretty large group in our opinion, but getting close.
We put The “Small” in Small Ship Cruise!
So, what is small, in our opinion?
12. Twelve. Twelve guests is our definition of a small ship cruise, and we think that really is a magic number when it comes to Arctic cruises. That is rather a lot smaller than many other choices out there for you next expedition to the polar regions. 12 passengers and 3/4 crew (captain, first mate, chef and guide) give us a grand total 15/16 people for the whole of the expedition.
Expedition Friends for Life
When you come to know everyone on board a small ship cruise, not just by name, and when they are only 12 people on board, amazing things happen. Friends are formed for life. Stories are told and shared over the fire, under the stars or the aurora borealis and astounding feats of Mother Nature are witnessed. These events will come to have a profound impact on your shared experience.
If everything works out for the best, you will have a network of friends that will go back to their respective corners of the world and you will continue to visit them and meet them after your shared expedition experience for years to come. At lease, that is our direct experience from the passengers that come with us on our arctic. expeditions.
When we say sail, we mean sail with sails!
We love sails! Can you tell? Small ship cruises under full sail are one fo the best ways to experience the Arctic, with a direct link to to golden age of Arctic expeditions and exploration.
Unparalleled sailing in Shallow Water
One of the biggest benefits of small ship cruises is being able to sail in places where large vessels simply cannot go because the water isn’t deep enough. Due to the need for deep water when travelling, big ships often have to sail out to open water and then come into the landscape at specific points for example in especially deep fjords.
For example, on our Svalbard expedition and our Greenland expedition, we are getting a truly intimate experience with he coastal regions of the fjords because our small ship sneed only very shallow water in order to sail. Sometimes, we are sailing in areas that have less than 12ft of depth, and that is not something that can be done by every ship.
Intimate Encounters with Nature
The immediate knock-on effect of having the ability to sail in shallow water is the unparalleled opportunity for intimate encounters with nature. With 12 passengers onboard, small ships can access remote and secluded destinations that larger vessels simply cannot reach.
Imagine gliding through pristine fjords, water like glass, navigating narrow channels, and anchoring in secluded coves where the wonders of the natural world await your discovery. Whether it's observing marine wildlife in their natural habitat or marveling at breathtaking landscapes untouched by human intervention, small ship cruises offer front-row seats to Mother Nature's splendour.
Authentic Experiences
Small ship cruises pride themselves on offering personalized service and authentic experiences tailored to the preferences of each guest. With smaller crew-to-passenger ratios, you'll be much more involved in the choices that are made during an expedition, and you will get the chance to weigh in on the activities that you would like to do whilst out on expedition. We work with crew that are often from scientific backgrounds and naturalist guides actively working on wildlife sighting showcasing the very best elements of the areas where we’re sailign. every aspect of your small ship cruise is crafted to provide authentic and enriching experiences that leave a lasting impression.
Flexibility and Freedom to Explore: Small ship cruises have no rigid protocols!
One of the greatest advantages of small ship cruises is the flexibility and freedom they afford travelers to explore at their own pace. Unlike big ship cruises with rigid itineraries, protocols and chains of command, small ships can adapt their routes on the fly, seizing unexpected opportunities for exploration and adventure. What this means in arctic is that if we spot some amazing wildlife, it is perfectly within our ability to stay longer and use more of our time there. Equally, because we are speaking with a crew every day on a constant basis, including the chef, we are flexible with our mealtime and can decided to bring forward or push ack mealtime in accordance with what happens that day. When have 23 kitchen staff on a large ship cruise (literal example) there simply is no flexibility for these kinds of changes.
Whether it's spontaneously detouring to a hidden beach, embarking on impromptu kayaking or hiking excursions, or lingering longer at a picturesque anchorage to witness a stunning sunset, small ship cruises empower you to embrace the spirit of spontaneity and discovery that drove the early pioneers that put some of these places on the map.
Are Small Ship Cruises For You?
Small ship cruises offer a truly immersive and unforgettable way to experience the wonders of the sea on expedition. With their intimate ambiance, ability to form close-knit groups, the sails, and unparalleled access to remote destinations, small ship cruises will always be our ultimate choice for discerning travelers seeking authentic and enriching expeditions. Embark on a small ship cruise and unlock the secrets of the sea in style and comfort.
