Sailing the high seas with Windstar
36
Summer 2018
AMA InSIder
Paul Gauguin’s onboard marina; cultural
experiences in Bora Bora (right)
What is small-ship cruising?
Yes, the ship is smaller
than your typical ocean
liner. But there’s more
than size alone. Cruise
lines specializing in
smaller ship experiences
typically range from
about 100 passengers
with seaDream up to
800 with azamara and
Oceania. The high crew-
to-passenger ratio—
which is sometimes
one-to-one—guarantees
a more personalized
experience.
Brands like Oceania,
Paul Gauguin, azamara,
seaDream and Windstar
take it a step further
by offering first-class
service tailored to your
needs, a laid-back
country club atmo-
sphere, spacious state-
rooms, top-notch dining,
exotic itineraries and
once-in-a-lifetime
cultural experiences.
“a small-ship cruise falls
somewhere between all-
out luxury, such as seven
seas and Crystal, and
mass-market cruises, like
Princess Cruises or royal
Caribbean international,”
says Cathy Jabusch,
aMa cruise specialist.
“it’s luxury within reach;
and the inclusions make
it well worth the money.”
What’s on boarD?
While smaller vessels
won’t have zip lines or
theme park rides, most
do have pools, a small
casino, bars and spa
services. Cuisine is a
particular highlight.
expect even more
dining venues—all
included with the price
of your trip. With fewer
passengers, chefs
can use the freshest
ingredients, and devote
more time to each plate.
Jabusch’s favourite
small-ship tip: ask to
eat al fresco. “i recently
sailed on seaDream
and, upon boarding,
i asked if we could
dine on the deck one
evening,” Jabusch says.
“By the time i got to
my stateroom, there
was a voicemail from
the maître d’ saying
that we were booked
at an outdoor table
that same night.”
TiM
extra for your shore excursions—
it’s good value,” St. Arnaud says.
“My husband and I don’t like
crowds, so the smaller passenger
list means no jostling for position
on land.”
Smaller vessels can also navigate
tighter waterways to drop anchor
in off-the-beaten-path ports or
deliver you directly to city centres,
especially in the Mediterranean or
Asia. For passengers, that means
less time sitting on a bus in transit
and more time immersed in a desti-
nation. “We love seeing parts of the
world where it’s just not possible
for big ships to go,” she adds.
Another key takeaway is the
opportunity to really get to know
fellow passengers. “On our first
cruise, we met a couple from
Michigan, whom we still meet on
cruises around the world,” she says.
“We actually just caught up with
them on our last cruise to the
Galapagos.”
Not sure if this seafaring style
is right for you? Check out the fol-
lowing guide and consider some of
AMA’s favourite routes—including
special member-only perks.