When people think about cruising, what often comes to mind are the mega-ships that carry more passengers than the population of a small town. 

However, cruise ships come in all sizes. While smaller cruise ships may not be as popular as the vessels offered by large cruise lines such as Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line, they provide a unique experience that you can only get in a more intimate setting.

Keep reading to learn about the world’s smallest cruise ships, why some people prefer them, and why you should consider setting sail on a smaller vessel for your next cruise vacation.

What Is a Small Cruise Ship?

Small cruise ships typically carry 100 passengers or less. In contrast, the average cruise ship capacity is around 3,000 guests, and the biggest cruise ships can carry up to 7,000 guests.

Small cruise lines typically operate small cruise ships, while the major cruise lines usually only have ships that accommodate at least 1,000 guests. For example, the smallest vessels offered by cruise line giant Carnival Cruise Line are the Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, which each have a guest capacity of over 2,000.

What is the Smallest Cruise Ship in the World?

The Celebrity Xploration is the smallest cruise ship in the world at just 320 gross tons and a passenger capacity of 16. Royal Caribbean Group’s Celebrity Cruises operates the small vessel, and the ship mainly sails the Galapagos Islands.

Top 10 Smallest Cruise Ships in the World

There are more small cruise ships available than you might think. They are becoming increasingly popular, but one vessel is way smaller than the rest. Without further ado, here is the world’s smallest cruise ship. Plus, here are those in the running for the title based on their gross tonnage.

1. Celebrity Xploration (Celebrity Cruises)

While it is true that large cruise lines don’t usually operate small vessels, Celebrity Cruises is an exception. Accommodating only 16 guests and with only eight cabins available, the Celebrity Xploration is the world’s smallest cruise ship.

Celebrity Xploration sets sail in the Galapagos Islands, where you can see Los Lobos and Kicker Rock. The best part is that all of the cabins on this ship have a view, with some including a private veranda. Other features include a lounge and a sun deck to relax throughout your voyage. 

Although you can book one of the eight cabins individually, Celebrity Cruises mainly markets Xploration for family gatherings and getaways with friends. So gather 15 of the closest people in your life and book this all-inclusive cruise around the Galapagos Islands.

Also, in the Celebrity Cruises fleet are two other small vessels, but they don’t make the top 10. Celebrity Xpedition is at 2,842 gross tons, and the newer Celebrity Flora is at 5,739 gross tons.

• Guest Capacity: 16
• Gross Tonnage: 320
• Length: 98.3 feet
• Crew: 12
• Entered Service: 2017

2. Safari Quest (UnCruise Adventures)

Safari Quest comes in at No. 2 on our list, offering a true small-ship Alaska experience with the ability to get up close to glaciers and to explore hidden coves and harbors along the Frontier State’s dramatic southeast coastline. Excursions by kayak and inflatable skiffs enable cruise adventurers to see Alaska and its wildlife.

Onboard the ship, which sails from Juneau, guests will enjoy an on-deck hot tub and fitness equipment. Underwater cameras allow guests to glimpse sea life and other ocean wonders found in this coastal destination. There are a total of 11 cabins to choose from.

• Guest Capacity: 22
• Gross Tonnage: 345
• Length: 120 feet
• Crew: 11
• Entered Service: 1992

3. MS Panorama II (Variety Cruises)

If you’re looking for an experience of classical sailing, look no further than the MS Panorama II. 

This vessel features three tall sails and wood paneling to provide an authentic cruise experience. It’s motor sailed, meaning the vessel relies partially on the wind to sail – a unique feature for a cruise ship. The vessel has a speed of 10 knots and was last refurbished in 2015.

Guests can choose from 25 cabins with ocean views and have access to several indoor and outdoor lounges. You can also enjoy the outdoors, weather permitting, and entertain yourself with board games or rent equipment for water sports.

• Guest Capacity: 49
• Gross Tonnage: 498
• Length: 164 feet
• Crew: 16-18
• Entered Service: 2004

4. Admiralty Dream (Alaska Dream Cruises)

Admiralty Dream, No. 4 on our list, cruises the exciting Inside Passage of Alaska and shines a spotlight on the region’s native peoples, the Tlingit, Haida, and Tsimshian. Cruisers have opportunities to see dance performances and carving demonstrations, and can interact with local people, including hunters and fishermen.

Glacier cruising via expedition vessels provides outstanding experiences, and beach landing craft offer land explorations guided by experts. Dining specialties feature locally caught king salmon, halibut, and crab, among other Alaskan delicacies.

• Guest Capacity: 49
• Gross Tonnage: 540
• Length: 143 feet
• Crew: 21
• Entered Service: 1979

5. Aqua Mare (Aqua Expeditions)

The Aqua Mare, No. 5 on our list, is considered a super-yacht designed for exploring the extraordinary Galapagos Islands. Personalized services and naturalist guides make a Galapagos cruise on this ship truly magical.

Onboard the ship, cruisers find panoramic dining venues, outdoor lounge and barbecue areas, a swimming platform, and a Jacuzzi, perfect for relaxing after a day spent exploring the region’s wildlife and nature. With elegant interiors and just seven suites, the ship has more living and gathering spaces than most other yachts of similar size.

• Guest Capacity: 16
• Gross Tonnage: 629
• Length: 163 feet
• Crew: 16
• Entered Service: 1998

6. National Geographic Sea Lion and Sea Bird

Next on our list of the world’s smallest cruise ships is the National Geographic Sea Lion and the identical sister ship, Sea Bird.

As you can guess from any National Geographic cruise, this ship was designed to navigate passages rich in wildlife inaccessible to larger ships. The vessel has all the innovative tools you need to explore, including a SplashCam and a hydrophone that enable you to look and listen beneath the waves.

Enjoy excursions that include kayaking and other adventures to explore the beautiful natural world of your destination. You may not have known that National Geographic offered cruises, but now that you know, they are definitely worth looking into.

• Guest Capacity: 62
• Gross Tonnage: 630
• Length: 147 feet
• Crew: 31
• Entered Service: 1981

7. Le Ponant (Ponant)

Le Ponant is next on our list. This three-masted ship was refurbished in 2022 and features common areas with expansive water views. The small ship offers 16 elegant staterooms and is known for its gourmet cuisine served in the ship’s single dining venue, Le Diamant.

The ship hoists its sails and navigates by the wind as much as possible on each cruise, giving cruisers a unique, environmentally responsible experience not typically available on cruise ships.

• Guest Capacity: 32
• Gross Tonnage: 1,189
• Crew: 33
• Length: 288 feet
• Entered Service: 1991

8. MS Monet (Noble Caledonia)

The MS Monet, No. 8 on our list, was built to cruise the turquoise waters of the Adriatic and Aegean seas. The ship’s goal is to offer a private yacht/country house hotel experience with an attentive crew and upscale onboard areas. Indoor and outdoor dining areas give cruisers a choice of venue, and guests can enjoy their meals al fresco with ocean views.

Guest speakers and an expedition team provide insights during the ship’s island-hopping itineraries. Gathering spaces include an indoor lounge, and the ship also features a deck-side Jacuzzi.

• Guest Capacity: 50
• Gross Tonnage: 1,453
• Length: 220 feet
• Crew: 29
• Entered Service: 1998

9. Chichagof Dream (Alaskan Dream Cruises)

The Chichagof Dream is outfitted for active explorations of the thrilling Alaskan coast as well as its remote wilderness areas. Special expedition and landing crafts allow guests to enjoy shoreside hikes. Glacial fjords are seen up close in skiffs, and guests of all skill levels are invited to kayak. The ship even has custom-built kayak launchers that make loading and unloading easy.

Meals feature freshly caught Alaskan seafood, and the ship encourages holistic experiences too, such as in its Himalayan salt room. Expedition leaders help cruisers learn about the geography and ecology of Alaska’s pristine Inside Passage.

• Guest Capacity: 76
• Gross Tonnage: 1,471
• Length: 207 feet
• Crew: 25
• Entered Service: 1984

10. Hebredian Princess (Hebridean Island Cruises)

The final ship in our list is Hebridean Princess, a small luxury vessel that plies the waters off the coast of the Scottish Highlands, the Scottish islands of Orkney and Shetland, and destinations farther afield such as  England, Northern Ireland, Wales, and the Channel Islands.

With a cozy Inglenook fireplace in its main lounge, the ship offers individually designed staterooms. Experts in maritime history, ornithology, archaeology, and horticulture entertain guests onboard the ship.

• Guest Capacity: 48
• Gross Tonnage: 2,112
• Length: 236 feet
• Crew: 38
• Entered Service: 1964

Why Choose a Small Cruise Ship?

Some people prefer to be on small vessels rather than larger ones which often are compared to small cities at sea. There are a variety of reasons why. Let’s look at the top reasons the world’s smallest cruise ship may appeal to people. 

Fewer People

One of the top reasons people choose to travel on smaller cruise ships is that fewer guests are on board.

When there are 3,000-plus passengers onboard, you may have trouble relaxing by the pool or feel a little crowded at dinner. While a smaller cruise ship is indeed smaller in size, fewer passengers mean fewer people to deal with overall.

Another reason fewer people onboard can be good is that it provides a more intimate setting for meeting other passengers. On a large cruise ship, even cruising for 30 days, you’ll still see new faces on disembarkation day. What’s more, when you meet someone once, you may never see them again on your cruise unless you exchange information.

Read Also: Top 10 Biggest Cruise Ships in the World

While many people don’t go on cruises to spend time meeting strangers, for others, meeting new people is what a cruise is about. A small vessel is conducive to this goal, as you’ll likely see the same people daily. This allows you to get to know each other and spend time together. You may get to know the crew even better. 

More Luxury

You’ll find that many small cruise ships offer “luxury” experiences because they prioritize the individual guest experience. This luxury may be seen in the ship’s cabins, staterooms, dining options, spa, and other recreational offerings.

With fewer guests onboard, the crew may focus more on each guest’s needs. You may even find that some cruise ships have almost one crew member for every guest on board, providing outstanding, attentive service. 

Visit Remote Areas

One of the most significant advantages of smaller cruise ships versus much larger ones is that they can more easily visit remote areas and hidden gem destinations. 

The smaller size of these ships makes it easier to enter smaller ports, do some river cruising, and dock at smaller islands that larger vessels can’t reach.

For example, the Galapagos Islands off the northwest coast of South America is a popular destination for small cruise ships as the region is largely inaccessible to large vessels. Other destinations that smaller ships may more easily access include polar regions, the interior of France, and Fiji’s Out Islands.

Moreover, smaller ships translate to a smaller environmental footprint to minimize harm to the destination. Now that you know why small cruise ships should be on your list, let’s address some final questions.

FAQ

Recap

To recap, the world’s smallest cruise ship is the Celebrity Xploration from Celebrity Cruises. However, a variety of other vessels are worth exploring. The benefits of a small-ship cruising can be summed up as fewer people, more luxury, and more remote destinations. If you want to explore the Galapagos Islands, you should definitely do it on a small cruise ship!

When you see cruise ships today, they come off as some of the most advanced technology we have. So hearing that cruise ships still use what may be considered ancient technology – such as anchors – may come as a surprise. 

Anchors are still an essential part of a ship’s operation. This leads to several questions, including what exactly is the purpose, and how big is the anchor of a cruise ship? If these are your questions, you’ve come to the right place to find answers.

Keep reading to learn how big a cruise ship anchor is and other important frequently asked questions. 

What Is a Cruise Ship Anchor?

A cruise ship anchor is a device that keeps a vessel in place. The anchor is lowered from the vessel using a heavy anchor chain and digs into the seabed to ensure the ship stays stationary in the water.

Cruise ship anchors are used anytime a vessel needs to be stationary. For example, if a ship cannot pull up to the dock due to shallow waters, it might have to stop a little away from the shore to let passengers off onto boats that will transfer them.

Another example is when some ships had to remain at sea during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. These ships used their anchors to stay stationary as they could not dock immediately.

How Big Is a Cruise Ship Anchor?

Cruise ship anchors are much larger than you think, especially considering what an important part they play in the vessel’s stability.

They are typically 10 to 20 feet long, 15 to 20 feet wide, and weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 tons. That’s about 20,000 to 40,000 pounds! For perspective, one elephant weighs anywhere from 2 to 7 tons.

Why Are Cruise Ship Anchors So Big?

The reason for the massive size of these anchors is that they have to be heavy enough to keep the ship stable and stationary when the ship needs to be stopped. The weight of the anchor chain plays a significant factor in the total weight of the anchor and keeps the ship stable.

The anchor itself mainly serves to keep the chain and ship in place. For this reason, in most cases, the bigger the ship, the bigger the anchor. You can imagine how big an anchor a ship like Royal Caribbean’s Wonder of the Seas might have!

Do Cruise Ships Have More Than One Anchor?

Most vessels have an anchor on both the port and starboard sides. Both anchors are found at the front of the ship. However, they are usually deployed at different times.

While there are special circumstances where using two anchors can be beneficial, the reason for having two is mainly to have a backup in case one fails at the moment. 

Do All Cruise Ships Have Anchors?

In general, you’ll still see anchors on every vessel. However, some modern cruise ships primarily use dynamic positions, which means they use propulsion and thrusters to maintain a steady position.

While this method is more straightforward and versatile for ships, it also uses up more fuel and comes at a high cost. So they are here to stay for the foreseeable future. 

What are Cruise Ship Anchors Made of?

They are usually made of heavy metal. Considering that they’re meant to spend large amounts of time in the water, they use metals resistant to long-term corrosion damage. They may also be made from fiber-reinforced composites or polymers such as carbon fiber.

Wrap-Up

To recap, cruise ship anchors weigh anywhere from 10 to 20 tons, depending on the size of the vessel. The chain that the anchor is attached to does a lot of work to keep the ship stable when it needs to remain stationary.

Read Also: Cruise Ship Propeller Size – How Big Are They?

Even if you have never wondered about cruise ship anchoring equipment, it’s good to have this context when embarking on your next cruise. You might even glimpse the anchor in use if you know where to look!

Most people don’t worry about fuel outside of filling up the gas tank in their car. However, in a world full of environmental crises, it helps to consider fuel consumption in other areas of our lives. 

If you’re an avid cruiser, have you ever thought about what type of fuel cruise ships use? If not, it might be worth exploring the answer. Luckily, you’ll find it right here.

This article will answer that question and others on modern cruise ship fuel use. 

What Fuel Do Cruise Ships Use?

The simple answer is diesel. Most cruise ships use a special type of diesel called marine diesel oil (MDO) which is made specifically for marine vessels such as cruise ships. While controversial, diesel continues to be used by most cruise ships today.

However, while diesel does have adverse effects on the environment, some cruise lines are working towards improving their diesel consumption and exploring other alternatives.

For example, Royal Caribbean is trying to move towards sustainability by using renewable fuel on select ships, including the Navigator of the Seas. Renewable diesel is produced by the hydroprocessing of fats, vegetable oils, and waste cooking oils. The results are chemically identical to standard diesel, with significantly fewer emissions than other maritime fuels.

Celebrity Cruises has also joined in on the alternative fuel evolution, with an upcoming ship in its Edge Series that will include a new engine model, as well as storage and delivery systems that will enhance the ship’s fuel flexibility. This new ship will be able to use three types of fuel, including methanol, which is better for the environment.

Let’s check out some other alternatives to diesel that cruise lines are using – both good and bad.

Heavy Fuel Oil (HFO)

Traditional cruise ships rely heavily on heavy fuel oil, also known as bunker fuel. This oil is thick, black, and has a tar-like consistency. 

The low cost of heavy fuel oil has made it the primary fuel source for marine vessel propulsion – such as cruise ships. However, there is widespread criticism of the use of this fuel due to the damage it causes to the environment through oil spills and emissions of toxic compounds. That said, it continues to be commonly used in cruise ships today, often blended with diesel. 

Liquified Natural Gas (LNG)

Liquified natural gas has emerged as a more environmentally friendly alternative energy source for cruise ships. 

LNG is a natural gas extracted from the earth’s core that has been cooled down to liquid form. LNG fuel is mostly methane but is referred to as LNG once it has been liquified through pressurization or refrigeration.

LNG fuel is colorless, odorless, non-toxic, and cleaner than petroleum or other fuels. Since it burns clean, LNG has the power to reduce greenhouse gas emissions significantly and therefore has a low environmental impact.

The only downside is that LNG is finite since it’s a fossil fuel, and we may not have enough to power us through for more than the next 50 years. Moreover, it is more expensive to produce than heavy fuel oil or diesel. Royal Caribbean has a series of upcoming LNG cruise ships, including the Icon of the Seas and Utopia of the Seas.

Cruise Ship Fuel Types FAQ

Conclusion: The Future of Cruise Ship Fuel

Hopefully, you’ve learned more than what fuel cruise ships use and have started to think about the future of cruise line fuel. 

Experts claim that electricity may lead the way for future fuel needs. While electricity is already taking over our everyday lives with electric vehicles, the cruise industry may be a little behind.

Read Also: How Much Does it Cost to Fuel a Cruise Ship?

Cruise lines are trying to minimize their carbon footprints and find alternative fuels to operate their ships. This may be a slow process, but hopefully, they’ll one day find a more environmentally friendly way for passengers to enjoy their cruises.