I still remember my first cruise. In 2009 when we received a big tax return after our first son was born we decided to make a “splash” – we went to Alaska. I think Alaska is one of the best places to explore on a cruise, at least for the first time, because some of the most magnificent places in the state are only accessible by boat, such as, for instance, Glacier Bay National Park and Tracy’s Arm Fjord.
It was one of the most magical experiences in my life and no, it was not a Disney cruise. One day I will write about it in detail on my blog and I am also secretly hoping to go back to Alaska before I bring you all the tips and hacks for this itinerary. But for now I am still dreaming of it, like many other people.
Cruise industry was hit the hardest during the pandemic – nobody wanted to be stuck on a quarantined boat for days, the same way it happened to many people at the beginning of 2020. But now there is hope on the horizon. Cruises are being filled to capacity again and if you are thinking of embarking on a maritime adventure in the near future, this article is for you.
The question for many travelers is whether a large or a small ship cruise is better. With the number of amenities offered on both types, entertainment options, and a dizzying number of activities, you don’t know which option to choose. While small cruises might be more exclusive and opt for a more intimate experience, and large ships feature a more luxurious and grandeur feel, the decision can be hard. On the other hand, there are charter cruises that offer a lot of these perks as well. We’ve compiled a list of pros and cons for each cruise type so you can consider them before making the decision.
Large Ship Cruises
Passengers – Pros and Cons
If you are someone who doesn’t mind big crowds, the big ship is the perfect place for you. These large ships usually carry more than 5000 passengers per sailing and it is unlikely you’ll see the same person twice. There are a lot of lounges, bars, and nooks where you can find the spot for you. This is an advantage for people who enjoy being with people and find meeting new people appealing.
The con of sailing with such a ship is that it doesn’t feel very intimate. It can be overwhelming due to the long waiting lines at the buffet, finding a chair at the pool, etc. We went to Alaska on a ship with roughly 2000 passenger capacity and it felt bigger than life. Any more people and I would have had a nervous breakdown – I hate crowds.
Activities – Pros and Cons
One of the best things about large ships is that you can have a lot of activities like skydiving, rope courses, waterslides and many more. These will keep you busy while onboard. And since there is something to choose for everyone, it’s a great option to consider for family vacations. You can play bingo with grandma, have a dinner show with the parents, etc.
The disadvantage of this is having too many choices. Those people who can’t make up their mind with all of those activities, will end up with a head spin.
Also note that these activities are only important on the days you are at sea. On the days you are in ports I strongly suggest you getting out and enjoy your destination for the whole day. On our cruise to Alaska we did not feel the lack of activities at all.
Dining – Pros and Cons
On a big ship if you are bored eating in the same dining room, you can switch it up easily. You can have Italian food one night, sushi the other one, and try French cuisine the next one. You can enjoy a piece of seafood or steak afterward. The possibilities are endless, you just need to enjoy the food. And it’s great for picky eaters. Or for anyone traveling with one.
However, the chances are you will end up spending much more than you intended to. We understand that things can be tempting sometimes, especially with all of those food options in front of you. And reservations can be difficult to make for more exclusive options. So if you want to visit a particular dining place, make sure you book in advance.
Also bear in mind that a lot actually depends not just on the size of the ship but on the cruise line itself. Some cruise lines are famous for their food and others – not so much. Holland America and Carnival Cruises, for example, are on two opposite sides of the spectrum. Can you guess where the food is better overall, regardless the ship size?
Entertainment – Pros and Cons
Larger ship cruises are full of entertainment activities. Dancing classes, magicians, dinner theater productions, movies, and all that will always keep you busy and entertained. You can be a witness to Broadway revues and game shows. It’s just amazing how many options you get to choose to attend to.
And since sometimes it’s difficult to decide what you want to do or where you want to go, it can be nerve-wracking. Should you watch a movie? Or attend a karaoke? Some of these events come with additional fees, so make sure you choose those of your highest interest.
Small Ship Cruises
Passengers – Pros and Cons
Small ship cruises carry fewer passengers than larger ones. You will likely see familiar faces on board every time you cross the dining room. And you might even end up being good friends with someone from the other part of the world. There will also generally be less crowds everywhere, from elevators to dining buffets on smaller ships.
I enjoyed our small ship, especially during the times when we docked in ports. There were long lines to disembark our 2000 group of passengers because everybody’s onshore tours started pretty much at the same time. But I kept thinking: try to disembark, 2, 3 or even 4 times more people at the same time and it could be a true nightmare in the making!
The con of the small cruise regarding the passengers is that for someone who wants to go low profile, it can be hard to achieve it on such a cruise. Some annoying passengers can ruin your trip with some of their requests, loud proclamations, and temper.
Activities – Pros and Cons
Smaller ships do not offer a lot of activities like large ships. The sailing mainly focuses on the final destination instead of the amenities. While there are some things you can do to keep yourself entertained, it’s more exciting to visit some places and stop in particular parts of the world. Since large ships do not stop at such locations, small ships can offer excursions to local places so you can learn more about the culture and history of a certain region.
And smaller ships can dock in more remote ports, unlike the large ships. Smaller ships are perfect for Alaska, for example, as they could navigate narrow bodies of water with ease.
While visiting many places can be overwhelming and exciting, it’s often exhausting. You might end up feeling like you need another vacation even if you are on a vacation. Prepare to spend some days on board relaxing and enjoying before you go on such a trip because it can get hectic.
One activity I did enjoy on our small ship was a spa. Yes, even smaller ships have them. Just book your appointment as soon as you get on board, especially for the days you are at sea. Another great activity was playing a giant chess set, also a favorite with kids.
Dining – Pros and Cons
Many small ships have limited space and thus only one dining room or a couple. This means you will have to spend your time there every day during lunchtime. Sometimes, there are only set times with set tablemates when you are allowed to eat.
The con is that the menu can be quite poor compared to the large ships. Do not get me wrong, the food still is good and there are options to choose from, but sometimes they are quite slim. And there might even be a shortage of alternative restaurants. If you like variety and you want to try different foods, this may be troubling for you.
From our personal experience on a small Holland America cruise ship I can say we were amazed by the food. The desserts festival alone was a feast to remember (see below)! But as I mentioned earlier, this is all very much cruise line specific, not so much ship size specific.
Another dining option to keep in mind for variety during your small ship cruise is dining on shore. Yes, you will have to pay extra but some of these options may be a part of your onshore excursion, such a crab fest and salmon bake in Alaska.
Entertainment- Pros and Cons
There are some entertainment options on the small ships as well. In fact, you can find a variety of options to choose from. You can attend magician shows, spend some time and money in the casinos, enjoy a theater show and even attend some educational events. The small ships often provide seminars on local culture, photography, and much more.
I felt that educational experiences were the most value added entertainment on our Alaska cruise. We had National Park rangers on board giving presentations about unique Alaska’s National Parks and its wildlife. They also helped us spot the wildlife while we were cruising close to shore. It was so interesting and captivating!
The only disadvantage of the entertainment options is in the area of interest for you. You might find the culture and the history boring. Be prepared for everything. If you don’t like an entertainment schedule for the day, why not read a book? Some cruise lines have good libraries on board, beautiful in their design, layout, and the books selection.
Conclusion
Would we go on a cruise again? Sure, but only the one where a boat trip adds value, like Alaska, or an island hopping cruise in the Caribbean.
Would I choose a small or a large cruise ship the next time? I would definitely choose a smaller ship. To a certain point “more” adds value but then the “value added” curve either flattens out or goes down because increased advantages are proportionate to increased disadvantages, such as crowds.
In the end you need to find your own “sweet spot” where your tolerance for the number of people on the ship is not compensated by the amount of onboard choices anymore. Turns out for me that number is about 2000.
Whatever cruise you choose, enjoy your time and stay safe. One quick side note about cruise safety. Even though there is a doctor’s office on board any cruise ship, large or small, I suggest always having your own DIY travel first aid kit on board. You will thank me later.
If you found this article about pros and cons of large and small cruise ships useful, please, share it with other as it may help them with their travel plans.
