Luxury and Independent Cruise Lines
Smaller ships, different owners, distinct styles.
Ask Which Line Fits YouLuxury and Independent Cruise Lines
Not every good cruise line belongs to a giant. Several respected brands are independently owned or sit within non-cruise companies, and many of them operate small ships that reach harbors the megaships cannot. This page profiles the ones our advisors are asked about most.
Viking
Viking, famous for river cruises, also runs a fleet of mid-sized ocean ships and expedition ships. Its ocean cruises are for adults only (18 and over), with no casinos or children’s clubs, an included shore excursion in most ports and a strong lecture program. Suits: curious, culture-minded adults. May not suit: anyone who wants nightlife, kids’ programs or a party atmosphere.
Azamara, Windstar and Ponant
Azamara has been independent since it was sold by Royal Caribbean Group in 2021. Its small ships specialize in late nights and overnights in port.
Windstar sails small ships, including masted sailing ships, to smaller harbors in the Caribbean, Europe, Tahiti and beyond.
Ponant is a French line of small luxury and expedition ships, sailing from the polar regions to the Mediterranean, with a bilingual French and English atmosphere.
Suit: travelers who want ports over pools. May not suit: those who need big-ship entertainment or children’s facilities.
Yacht-Style Luxury
The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection brings the hotel brand’s service to small yacht-like ships, and other hotel and luxury names have announced ships of their own. These suit travelers who think of a cruise as a floating boutique hotel. Because this segment is growing fast, ask us which ships are actually sailing when you want to go.
For smaller-ship options at a gentler price point, also look at Oceania (NCLH), Celebrity’s Galapagos ships and Holland America’s smaller vessels, all profiled on their family pages.
How to Choose Among Small Ships
- Decide whether you want expedition (Zodiacs, naturalists, remote places) or yacht-style (marinas, chic ports, beach days).
- Check what the fare covers: drinks, tips, Wi-Fi and excursions vary widely — see Cruising at Cost for how to compare.
- Ask about the language and nationality mix on board, especially on European lines.
- Look at the ship’s age and last refurbishment; small ships vary more than big ones.
Who These Lines Suit, and Who They Do Not
Independent and luxury lines suit travelers who measure a cruise by its ports, its food and its quiet moments. They tend to attract experienced cruisers, couples, solo travelers who enjoy conversation at dinner, and people who have tried a big ship and found it too busy. Smaller ships also make it easier to reach harbors that large ships skip, and some stay late or overnight so you can see a city after dark.
They are a poorer fit for families with young children, for anyone who wants a water park or a casino, and for travelers whose priority is the lowest possible fare. They can also feel limited on long stretches at sea if you need a lot of entertainment. If you are torn, a premium big-ship brand such as Celebrity or Princess is often the right middle step.
Find Your Small-Ship Line
Our cruise advisors at Mister Cruise know these lines well. Tell us where you want to go and we will suggest the best small-ship options with a free quote.
Ask About Small Ships