In July, I embarked on two distinct cruise experiences that were worlds apart.

After spending 10 days aboard the Seabourn Pursuit, an expedition ship with a capacity of 264 guests, I returned home briefly before boarding the vast Royal Caribbean International’s Utopia of the Seas, which can accommodate over 5,500 passengers.

Cruise ships vary greatly in size, from intimate yacht-like vessels to massive floating resorts. While the destinations are important, the type of cruise ship you choose can significantly influence your journey and the experiences available to you. Here’s a comparison of the small ships versus the large ships to help you decide which one is best for you.

What Can You Expect from Small-Ship Cruises?

While huge ships often feel like bustling cities afloat, small ones are more akin to charming towns. Navigation is simpler, familiar faces abound, and your waiter at the small restaurant likely knows your preferences.

According to Joanna Kuther, a travel agent in New York, “The level of service is typically much more intense with these types of ships.” Most cruise lines that operate vessels for 200 to 700 passengers are luxury brands, which focus heavily on customer service – though the standards can vary. Moreover, the crew-to-guest ratio is often higher, allowing for a more tailored experience. Natalya Leahy, president of Seabourn, expressed this wish for a yacht-like atmosphere.

Aboard smaller ships, you’re likely to find that more is included in your fare compared to larger vessels, from meals to beverages like wine and spirits and select excursions. Some amenities offered can be rather extravagant.

For instance, on Seabourn, guests can order caviar at any hour without extra charge (a delicious experience I indulged in during an expedition through Western Australia’s Kimberley region).

While initial fares might be higher on small ships, when you consider the added costs for drink packages, specialty meals, Wi-Fi, and other extras commonly charged separately on larger mainstream ships, the overall expenses can balance out.

As Kuther puts it, “Focus on what you pay when you disembark, not just at the start.”

If the thought of thousands of rooms and fellow passengers feels daunting, a small ship can provide a more relaxed atmosphere. You’ll encounter fewer lines and crowds, and it’s easier to navigate your way to your cabin (a common struggle I faced on larger ships).

Kuther noted that getting on and off small vessels is simpler, often docking closer to city centers or in spots that are inaccessible to larger ships. Moreover, these smaller ships often stay overnight in port, allowing for a more leisurely sightseeing schedule.

“It’s fantastic because if you’ve ever had to disembark from a massive ship tendering in places like Santorini, it’s chaotic,” she recounted. “You find yourself struggling to get to the funicular. So, this definitely offers a more elevated experience.”

Although many small ships are well-furnished, they usually offer fewer amenities and dining choices. For example, on my Antarctica cruise with Aurora Expeditions in December, the Sylvia Earle cruise ship featured only two restaurants. The food was enjoyable, and offerings changed periodically, but by the tail end of the 11-day voyage, I was eager for more variety.

Families traveling with children might also find the lack of kid-friendly options on smaller ships a downside.

What About Big-Ship Cruises?

In contrast, big-ship cruises provide an abundance of choices. “For variety, there’s simply no comparison,” Kuther affirmed.

Large vessels boast extensive dining, bar, and entertainment options. For instance, Carnival Cruise Line’s Jubilee features over 20 different dining venues, including Guy’s Burger Joint and specialties like tacos and pizza, as well as exciting attractions like the BOLT: Ultimate Sea Coaster and Loft 19, a serene retreat at the ship’s upper deck.

These larger ships are particularly suitable for families or larger groups…

For groups seeking diverse experiences, Royal Caribbean has designed its Oasis Class and the newer Icon Class ships with neighborhoods that cater to varying interests.

“There’s something for everyone to enjoy throughout the day. In the evening, guests can enjoy a wonderful meal together, whether it’s a family dinner, a romantic night out or just grabbing a burger, followed by a captivating show,” said Michael Bayley, the president and CEO, during a media briefing aboard the Utopia.

According to Kuther, larger ships also provide ample entertainment options for those looking to party.

The significant size of these ships enables cruise lines to offer more engaging experiences. While dining one evening at the Chops Grille steakhouse in Utopia’s Central Park neighborhood, I found myself surrounded by a gentle breeze and the sounds of crickets, which the cruise line artificially adds. It felt as if I were in a cozy garden rather than on a ship.

Large vessels make it less likely for guests to feel the ship’s movement, which is beneficial for those who may have a fear of water or struggle with seasickness, Kuther pointed out.

In addition, many cruise lines have developed “ship-within-a-ship” concepts that provide guests with serene, exclusive accommodations and amenities while still granting access to a broader range of onboard activities (though the level of privacy can vary).

It’s important to remember that “small” and “big” can mean different things based on context, as many mainstream cruise lines offer ships accommodating between 1,500 to 2,500 passengers. These ships can provide a balanced experience, often feeling more intimate at a typically lower fare (although Kuther mentioned that these are usually older vessels).

However, some travelers may find the overall experience on larger ships to be overwhelming.

Which Type of Ship is Right for You?

Choosing the right ship depends on the kind of vacation you’re after.

• If you seek adventure and exploration or prefer a serene atmosphere, smaller ships are ideal.

• If you’re in the mood for a variety of activities, dining options, and lively entertainment, opt for a bigger ship. There’s definitely one out there that fits your taste.

Kuther summed it up nicely: “If someone says they don’t enjoy cruising, my response is always, ‘You just haven’t found the right cruise yet.’”