Escape the Crowds with These New Small-Ship Expedition, Luxury, and Sailing Cruises

Authentic. This word topped Merriam Webster’s search list for 2023 and has become a staple in travel discussions. While many might not link it to ocean cruising, the rising popularity of small-ship cruises—especially those catering to 500 guests or fewer—suggests that travelers are pursuing a more personal, less crowded, and arguably more authentic sailing experience.

Consider expedition cruising. With a surge in adventure-oriented ships and yachts, these cruises now extend beyond extreme voyages in polar regions. They also provide a richer insight into the culture, cuisine, history, and ecological fragility of the world’s remote marvels.

While the number of new small ships being launched isn’t vast, a few notable vessels have recently debuted or are set to launch this year, emphasizing that smaller can be both better and more sustainable. These new small-ship cruises offer thrilling and immersive itineraries to both warm and cold destinations, making us eager to pack our bags and set sail.

Sea Cloud Cruises’ ”Sea Cloud Spirit”

What could be more authentic—and sustainable—than embarking on a tall ship where the sails are manually raised each day? Although it isn’t brand new (launched in 2021), the 136-passenger Sea Cloud Spirit and its sister ships, Sea Cloud and Sea Cloud II, are enhancing their offerings to introduce Sea Cloud Cruises’ distinctive experience to North American travelers. Historically, the German company has focused on German and British guests. In an effort to broaden its appeal, Sea Cloud is introducing wellness programs featuring daily onboard yoga and fitness experts, along with special culinary and wine-themed voyages showcasing renowned chefs. The Sea Cloud Spirit, the largest in the fleet with 69 cabins, was thoughtfully designed to honor the original Sea Cloud, which was the world’s largest private sailing yacht when Wall Street broker Edward Francis Hutton commissioned it in 1931 for his wife, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

The Sea Cloud Spirit merges decades of traditional seamanship with the contemporary luxuries of a private yacht. Cabin options range from 172-square-foot singles to 300-square-foot balcony suites with soaking tubs. Amenities include a spacious fitness center and spa, featuring a steam room, sauna, and thermal area for two; indoor and outdoor lounges; a main dining venue; and a casual bistro. However, the real excitement lies on deck, where guests can stargaze at night or admire the magnificent sails billowing in the breeze.

Atlas Ocean Voyages’ ”World Voyager”

World Voyager, which embarked on its inaugural journey in Antarctica this past November, is the third addition to the fleet of Atlas Ocean Voyages, a new contender in small-ship expedition cruising. The company’s 100-cabin expedition yachts are nearly identical and blend traditional expedition elements with luxury cruising. Cabins are spacious, featuring nearly all with balconies, work desks, and cozy seating areas. The bathrooms showcase glass-mosaic tiled showers equipped with rain showerheads, wall jets, and even benches.

Every aspect of the ship— including the sauna with floor-to-ceiling windows—is crafted to ensure optimal views. The vessels also boast generous pool decks with two hot tubs, a fitness center overlooking the ocean, a spa, and recreational equipment like kayaks and paddleboards. For the adventurous, extreme camping gear is available for those willing to spend a night under the stars in Antarctica. During North American winters, all three of Atlas’s expedition yachts navigate Antarctica. With the addition of World Voyager, the company is introducing more Arctic Circle cruises during the North American summer while expanding a range of new culinary and cultural expeditions across South America, the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and northern Europe this year.

Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s “Ilma”

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection welcomes another addition to luxury small-ship cruising with the launch of its second vessel, Ilma, this year. With 224 suites, this ship surpasses the original Ritz-Carlton yacht, Evrima, which features 149 suites and debuted in October 2022. Every suite on the Ilma includes private terraces, highlighted by a stunning two-story suite with a soaking tub; the exclusive 1,000-square-foot owner’s suite boasts its own outdoor whirlpool. Even the smallest suites, starting at 300 square feet, come equipped with a personal concierge and 24-hour room service. Ritz-Carlton claims it offers the highest space-to-guest ratio at sea.

Guests can anticipate the same exceptional service standards found at Ritz-Carlton resorts worldwide, as the cruise line strives to deliver a luxury hotel experience on the water. Onboard, there are five dining venues, including S.E.A., a European tasting experience curated by chef Sven Elverfeld from the three Michelin-starred Aqua restaurant in Wolfsburg, Germany; Talaat Nam, featuring Southeast Asian dishes and a sushi bar; and Mistral, a relaxed alfresco grill with a Mediterranean-inspired menu. Light bites are also available at the marina at the back of the ship, where guests can enjoy paddleboarding. And yes, there are two outdoor pools as well!