Has anyone ever went on a “small-ship” cruise such as the ones offered by Cruise West or Lindblad Expeditions? Are they worth the extra expense when compared to a Royal Caribbean or Carnival-type ship? Any recommendations as to a good line?
I’ve been on a mid-sized cruise ship for an Alaskan cruise (Noordam of the Holland America lines) which was terrific.
I’ve been on a full-sized cruise ship for a Caribbean cruise (Norwegian Star of the Norwegian Cruise Lines) which was too large for my taste.
The best trip by far though was on the sailing ship cruise through the Grenadine Islands on the Yankee Clipper of the Windjammer Barefoot Cruise lines. Fantastic. We absolutely loved the experience. Very low key and laid back. Our ship handled only 60 passengers.
I’ve not heard anything about the cruise ship lines you mention in the OP, but I can tell you that in my limited experience, smaller is definitely better.
I forgot to mention that if you’re planning an Alaskan cruise by any chance, if you’re on a smaller ship you can get closer to the glaciers than you can on a larger ship.
My folks took a cruise a few years ago, down the intra-coastal waterway, down the east coast of the US. The boat was specifically built for the ICW, and it even scuffed the bottom in a few places. They’d point out the palacial houses, and who they belonged to.
I know a guy who has a big travel trailer (because his wife wants to travel with her little dog.) They’re going to cruise down the Mississippi on a special tow of barges. You drive onto the floating island, and you live in your own trailer all the way. There are little turf parks on the tow for doggie walks.