Top Small Ship Cruise Destinations for 2027

As travelers seek more meaningful, crowd-free, and immersive travel experiences, small ship cruising has seen a massive surge. In 2027, the trend is clear: travelers want to skip the 5,000-passenger mega-liners in favor of luxury yachts, small riverboats, and rugged expedition vessels that host fewer than 200 guests.

A smaller vessel means no waiting in long lines to disembark, access to secluded harbors that large ships physically cannot enter, and a focus on nature, culture, and destination-centric learning. Here are our top recommended small ship destinations for 2027.

1. The Galápagos Islands

Nowhere is a small ship more essential than the Galápagos. The Ecuadorian government strictly limits the size of vessels cruising these waters—most yachts host only 16 to 100 passengers.

Sailing on a small luxury yacht (like those operated by Celebrity, Silversea, or Lindblad Expeditions) allows you to kayak, snorkel, and land on remote beaches with certified naturalists. You will walk side-by-side with marine iguanas, blue-footed boobies, and giant tortoises, all while enjoying first-class dining and high-end cabins.

2. Svalbard & The Norwegian Fjords

While huge cruise lines sail the coast of Norway, they are confined to major deep-water ports. Small expedition ships (such as HX Hurtigruten Expeditions or Viking) can navigate deep into the narrowest branch-fjords and sail north into the Arctic Circle to Svalbard.

In Svalbard, a polar desert, your itinerary will be dictated by the movement of sea ice. You will search for polar bears, walruses, and massive glaciers calving into the sea, guided by scientists, historians, and geologists who lecture onboard.

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes, but in having new eyes."

— Marcel Proust

3. The Dalmatian Coast, Croatia

Croatia’s coast is a labyrinth of historic walled towns, olive groves, and turquoise waters. Mega-ships anchor miles away, but luxury mega-yachts (like Emerald Cruises or Scenic) can pull directly into the small harbors of Hvar, Korčula, and Dubrovnik's Old Town.

Imagine walking directly off your yacht into a centuries-old square for an evening glass of local wine, or swimming directly off the marina platform at the back of the ship in the clear Adriatic Sea. This is yacht-style cruising at its finest.

4. Antarctica & The Drake Passage

Antarctica remains the ultimate bucket-list destination for expedition travelers. IAATO regulations state that ships with more than 500 passengers cannot make landings on the White Continent. Therefore, choosing a small ship is mandatory if you want to walk among penguin colonies and step foot on the ice.

In 2027, new polar class vessels offer stabilizing hulls that smooth out the infamous Drake Passage. You will board zodiacs to explore glacial walls, watch humpback whales breach, and even complete the legendary "polar plunge" if you're brave enough.

How to Plan for 2027

Because these ships are small (often holding only 50 to 150 cabins) and the destinations are highly regulated, they sell out far in advance. If you are planning a trip for 2027, the best time to book is now.

At Trips & Ships, we help you select the exact cruise line, cabin, and itinerary that fits your comfort level, matching you with exclusive partners like Seabourn, Silversea, Scenic, Ponant, and Lindblad.