So you’ve decided to book a cruise (yay!) but now you’re faced with another big decision – should you choose a smaller, more intimate ship or go for one of those floating mega-resorts that seems to have everything under the sun? It’s a question that sparks passionate debate among cruise fans everywhere.
Ship size dramatically shapes your entire vacation experience, from the service you receive to the ports you’ll visit. Let’s dive into the perks and quirks of both options so you can sail away on the perfect ship for your cruising style!
Small to Mid-Size Ships: The Cozy Cruising Experience
That Personal Touch
There’s something special about cruising on a smaller ship where the bartender remembers your favorite drink by day two. With fewer passengers onboard, crew members can provide more attentive service and often greet you by name.
As one cruise fan put it: “We prefer smaller. Less people, more room at entertainment venues, specialty dining etc. You don’t have to have all your entertainment for the entire cruise reserved by the time you board to see all the shows.”
You’ll also find it easier to make friends with fellow passengers. By the end of the cruise, you’ll likely recognize familiar faces and may have made some new cruise buddies for life.
That community feeling is something many seasoned cruisers absolutely treasure. For them: “Smaller ships are great. More personal and you get to know everyone.”
Easy Breezy Navigation
Ever felt like you needed a map and a fitness tracker just to get from your cabin to the pool? Not on smaller ships! You can typically stroll from one end to the other in minutes, not miles.
No more hiking half a mile for your morning coffee or missing the start of shows because you got lost. Everything is just a few steps away, which is particularly nice when you’re dressed up for dinner or feeling tired after a day in port.
Unique Ports and Hidden Gems
One of the biggest advantages of smaller ships is their ability to visit those charming little ports that the big guys simply can’t access. Think stunning Greek isles, quaint Caribbean villages, or scenic Norwegian fjords that larger vessels must skip.
A travel advisor in the Life Well Cruised Facebook community pointed out: “Smaller ships go to more interesting ports and often have overnight stays.”
These unique itineraries often focus more on the destinations themselves rather than the ship as the main attraction. If you’re the type who cruises primarily to explore new places rather than for onboard amenities, a smaller ship might be your perfect match.
Related: 12 Cruise Port Tips Every Cruiser Needs to Know
Peace and Quiet
If the thought of sharing your vacation with thousands of other passengers makes you cringe, you’ll appreciate the more relaxed vibe of smaller ships. No lines for elevators, no saving deck chairs at dawn, and no shouting to be heard over the crowd.
One cruise veteran shared: “The more we cruise, the more we like smaller ships. Smaller crowds and more relaxed pace. We’re not looking for all of the bells and whistles of the big ships, we just like cruising.”
The entertainment may be less Broadway and more intimate cabaret, but many cruisers prefer this more laid-back approach. You might find yourself enjoying a quiet corner with a good book and ocean views – something that can be harder to come by on mega-ships.
The Trade-Offs
Of course, smaller ships aren’t perfect for everyone. They typically offer fewer onboard activities and amenities – no rock climbing walls or ice skating rinks here. Entertainment options may be more limited, and you usually won’t find as many dining venues as on the bigger ships.
They can also come with a heftier price tag per passenger, as they don’t benefit from the same economies of scale. Furthermore, in rougher seas, smaller vessels may experience more noticeable movement, which could be problematic if you’re prone to seasickness.
Related: How to Prevent Seasickness on a Cruise: The Most Effective Remedies
Large to Mega Ships: The Floating Resort Experience
Entertainment Extravaganza
If you’re looking for “wow” factor, large ships deliver in spades. Zip lines, water parks, surf simulators, Broadway-style shows, comedy clubs, casinos – the list of entertainment options seems endless.
One of our Facebook group contributors explained: “Bigger….generally more things to do and larger ships handle rough waters better.”
On sea days, you’ll never run out of things to do, whether you’re seeking active adventures or more relaxed entertainment. With multiple venues and activities happening simultaneously, your biggest challenge might be deciding what to do next!
Related: 20 Do’s and Don’ts for Sea Days on a Cruise
Family Paradise
Got kids or teens in tow? Large ships are often designed with families in mind, offering extensive kids’ clubs, teen lounges, and activities for all ages. Parents can enjoy some adult time knowing the young ones are having a blast with age-appropriate activities.
One parent in the Life Well Cruised community shared this practical advice: “With kids…the larger ships have more activities with the bells and whistles. For adults traveling sans kids…mid size or small are perfect.”
From splash pads for toddlers to teen-only hangouts with the latest gaming systems, these floating resorts understand what keeps different age groups happy. Many families find the variety keeps everyone from getting bored, making for a smoother vacation overall.
Related: 8 Best Cruise Lines for Families – Complete Guide
Steady Sailing
If the thought of feeling the ship sway makes your stomach turn, you’ll appreciate the stability of larger vessels. Thanks to their size and advanced stabilization systems, movement is often barely noticeable even in choppier waters.
A seasoned cruiser noted: “I like new, bigger ships. I like the newer technology that keeps the ship more steady. I also like ships where I can get the lowest balcony and see/hear the ocean passing by. So nice!!!”
This stability can be a game-changer for those prone to motion sickness. Many cruisers who couldn’t tolerate smaller ships find they can sail worry-free on the bigger ones – opening up a whole new world of vacation possibilities.
More Bang for Your Buck
Despite all the bells and whistles, larger ships can sometimes offer better value, especially for families. With economies of scale working in their favor, these massive vessels often have competitive pricing and frequent deals.
They also offer a wider range of cabin categories, from budget-friendly interior rooms to lavish suites, making them accessible to various price points. The sheer variety of included amenities means you can enjoy a packed vacation without spending extra on shore excursions every day.
The Downsides
The biggest complaint about mega-ships? The crowds. During peak times, you might face lines for dining, shows, or disembarkation. The main pool deck can resemble a packed beach on a holiday weekend, and scoring reservations for specialty venues sometimes requires planning ahead.
One cruise traveler didn’t mince words in our Facebook comment thread: “The super large, wide ones just seem like you would spend your whole time walking!! And being annoyed there were so many kids!! 😉 And wishing you felt like you were on a ship, not trapped in a hotel!!”
Due to their massive size, these ships can only dock at ports with suitable infrastructure, potentially limiting your itinerary options. When they do arrive in port, thousands of passengers disembarking at once can overwhelm smaller destinations.
Finding Your Perfect Fit
When choosing between ship sizes, ask yourself what matters most for your ideal vacation. Are you seeking non-stop activities and the latest innovations, or do you prefer a more intimate experience with personalized service?
One experienced cruiser offered this perspective: “I think it depends on what you are looking for. Families may want a bigger ship with all the bells and whistles. I prefer ships with around 3000 capacity. I am older and don’t need all the rides, etc. I do like a good show and entertainment.”
Consider your travel companions too. Families with active kids might thrive on larger ships with their variety of age-appropriate activities. Couples seeking romance might prefer the quieter atmosphere of a smaller vessel. Solo travelers might find it easier to make connections in the community-like setting of a mid-size ship.
First-time cruisers often enjoy starting with a larger ship to get a taste of everything cruising offers. As you become more experienced, you might branch out to try different sizes and styles to discover your perfect match.
The Best of Both Worlds
Many cruise lines offer both larger and smaller ships, allowing you to match the vessel to your mood or destination. A mega-ship might be perfect for that Caribbean cruise with the whole family, while a smaller ship could be ideal for that bucket-list Mediterranean itinerary focused on historic ports.
A wise cruise enthusiast summed it up perfectly: “Small ships are great when the goal is the destinations. Large ships are great when THEY are the destination.”
Some experienced cruisers even recommend choosing your ship based on the itinerary: more sea days? Go big for all those onboard activities. Port-intensive trip? A smaller ship might make those destinations the star of the show.
Related & Popular Posts:
- 75 Must-have Cruise Essentials from Amazon
- 17 Genius Ways to Pack Light for a Longer Cruise
- 12 Genius Cruise Ship Bathroom Hacks and Organization Tips
- 17 Cruise Ship Cabin Locations to Avoid
- 40+ Must-Have Dollar Store Cruise Items & Hacks
- 17 Rookie Mistakes First Time Cruisers Should Avoid
- 27 Cruise Packing Mistakes You Might be Making
- 13 Big Cruise Embarkation Day Mistakes Cruisers Must Avoid
Ready to Set Sail?
Whether you choose cozy and intimate or bold and bustling, both small and large ships offer incredible vacation experiences. Each has its own unique charm, and many cruise enthusiasts eventually try both to enjoy the best of both worlds.
One happy cruiser from our online community summed up what many feel: “I don’t care as long as it’s on the water and I’m on it!”
The perfect ship is waiting for you somewhere on the horizon. All you need to do is decide what kind of cruise adventure you’re in the mood for this time around!
What’s your preference – smaller ships or mega vessels? Have you tried both? Share your experiences in the comments below!
