Is Size Important? Part Four……

Small and Boutique Ships
Some of the most exclusive cruise ships in the world belong in this group, along with the expedition style ships. These ships will give you a much more intimate feel, as well as sight of the sea which you could well miss on the very large ships!

The ratio of staff to passengers is much higher, thus giving much better service, and much more personal too. On some cruise lines the staff are expected to memorize the name of every passenger so that they can address them personally, and even remember their preferred tipple! Food is generally first class on these ships, always an important feature of any cruise for most people.

Obviously these cruise ships lack many of the facilities and level of entertainment that the larger vessels have. But then, I don’t suppose that the type of client they attract really wants to surf a flow rider or climb the wall up the funnel.

Another advantage of a smaller ship is the flexibility in service that is lacking on large ships. You won’t find the pools netted over if you fancy a late night swim, and I’m sure they will serve you champagne, if that’s what you fancy, in the hot tub – the personal touches that are so important. Life is much more free and less structured in general.