Smaller ship high end cruise vs larger ship moderately priced cruise

[stonesmith]

I would like to hear from those with experience, what makes a smaller, high-end cruise worth so much more than the larger ships.  I would guess the food is surely better (although, perhaps less variety) and the accommodations nicer.  But, what about the experience?  On the surface, there seems to be so much more to do on the big ships -- things like piano bars, sports, karaoke bars, water parks, casinos, shows, etc.  

 

It seems similar to staying in a hotel in a city.  If you stay downtown, not only is the room fee a lot higher; you pay extra for parking, wifi and breakfast.  If you stay in the suburbs, the room will be nice enough and parking, wifi and breakfast are free.  You pay a lot more downtown, but do you really get more?

 

I live in a small town 90 miles from the nearest city, so many of the activities I listed are not readily available to me.

[LHT28]

We prefer small ships under 1500 pax

we do not need to be on the go 24/7

Less lines for food/shows

yes food can be better quality

the ships may get into to some ports the larger ships cannot

for us it is a different ambiance onboard

Personal choice

not always a whole lot more $   as you may get more included in the fare

JMO

[Heidi13]

The 2 key factors affecting the price differential between mega ships and small ships is economy of scale and how much of the cruise is "All-inclusive"

 

The mega ship model has evolved to increase the number of potential pax by providing cheap base fares. Ship size has increased significantly, with a number of ships now carrying over 6,000 pax. Therefore the Captain and Officers that are required by regulation are all paid by over 6,000 pax, while the same number on a smaller ship are paid by < 1,000. The additional crew are increased based on the size of the ship and pax/crew ratio.

 

On smaller ships you can experience a ratio of less than 2 pax for every crew member, whereas most mega ships are now pushing 3:1 ratio. From our experience, this makes a significant difference to the levels of service available onboard, including the cabin service. On our smaller ship we had a cabin steward and an assistant. On the mega ship we only had a single cabin steward, who had more cabins than the stewards on the smaller ship. The level of cleanliness and service was noticeable. In the MDR & alternative/specialty restaurants, the smaller ship waiters/waitresses had less tables to serve, so again a higher level of service.

 

Food quality is highly subjective, but in general most smaller ships have better quality of meals than mega ships. On our preferred cruise line, all meals are cooked to order rather than mega ships that cook and serve from a steam table. Generally the selection on smaller ships and the availability of higher cost items is greater than on mega ships included meals. Note - mega ships do have "Specialty Restaurant" requiring an extra fee (sometimes substantial) where you can get meals comparable to smaller ships. On our preferred small ships, the alternative restaurants are included in the base fare.

 

Space ratio - which can be determined by dividing the Gross Tonnage (which is a measure of volume - 1 GT = 100 ft3 of enclosed space) divided by number of pax. While not a true determination of space available, it does provide a reasonable comparison between ships. Smaller ships are often over 50, while mega ships are probably all below 40. This make a significant difference in crowding.

 

Smaller ships tend to be more "All-inclusive", so you have a small or no bill at the end of the cruise. On mega ships, most things cost extra, so depending on you cruising style, you can have a significant bill at the end of the cruise.

 

The smaller ships have less, or no restrictions on bringing alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks onboard, whereas mega ships either restrict or ban this practice. Our preferred small ship cruise line permits you to bring anything onboard and will even serve you your own wine in the restaurant and/or bars with no corkage fee. Mega ships charge corkage fees for any bottles brought aboard that exceed the cruise line policy.

 

Mega ships have way more activities, many of which include extra fees. They also have way more entertainment - pool games, marriage games, etc. These are not normally found on the smaller ships, which tend to provide informative lectures during the day and a show/guest entertainer in the evening. The smaller ships may have additional piano, guitar or classic players on staff.

 

If your primary objective is to participate in a host of activities, then a mega ship would be your best option, as smaller ships are more expensive and don't offer those activities. However, if you are not interested in the activities, you would have to determine what you want from a cruise and which type of ship is the best fit for you.

 

Another cost differential to consider is whether flights are includes and whether any shore-ex are included. Both of these options are often provided with smaller ships.

[donaldsc]

59 minutes ago, stonesmith said:

I would like to hear from those with experience, what makes a smaller, high-end cruise worth so much more than the larger ships.  I would guess the food is surely better (although, perhaps less variety) and the accommodations nicer.  But, what about the experience?  On the surface, there seems to be so much more to do on the big ships -- things like piano bars, sports, karaoke bars, water parks, casinos, shows, etc.  

 

It seems similar to staying in a hotel in a city.  If you stay downtown, not only is the room fee a lot higher; you pay extra for parking, wifi and breakfast.  If you stay in the suburbs, the room will be nice enough and parking, wifi and breakfast are free.  You pay a lot more downtown, but do you really get more?

 

I live in a small town 90 miles from the nearest city, so many of the activities I listed are not readily available to me.

 

The stuff I have highlighted in red is exactly why I don't cruise on larger ships.  I don't need to be on a floating theme park.  Also the smaller ships can get into smaller more interesting ports.  Our last 2 cruises were on ships that held 150 and 130 passengers.  They were wonderful.

 

DON

[MBP&O2/O]

There was a complaint recently whereby someone on a 3000+ pax ship was saying several,passengers were unable to disembark in time to catch the bus for therir excursions due to the massive queues on board. People were queueing for over an hour!

Smaller ships tend to be somewhat more efficient.

A reverse scenario ... boarding. How long to process 4000 pax compared to 1000 pax? I have seen horror stories of people queueing up for several hours just to board.  My last pre-covid cruise was less than 15 minutes from taxi to bar 😀

You pays your money and you makes your choice.

[Flatbush Flyer]

1 hour ago, stonesmith said:

I would like to hear from those with experience, what makes a smaller, high-end cruise worth so much more than the larger ships.  I would guess the food is surely better (although, perhaps less variety) and the accommodations nicer.  But, what about the experience?  On the surface, there seems to be so much more to do on the big ships -- things like piano bars, sports, karaoke bars, water parks, casinos, shows, etc.  

 

It seems similar to staying in a hotel in a city.  If you stay downtown, not only is the room fee a lot higher; you pay extra for parking, wifi and breakfast.  If you stay in the suburbs, the room will be nice enough and parking, wifi and breakfast are free.  You pay a lot more downtown, but do you really get more?

 

I live in a small town 90 miles from the nearest city, so many of the activities I listed are not readily available to me.

If you want a giant hotel in the middle of a floating amusement park, premium/luxury lines are not for you. 

Whatever the case, you’ll actually find far more interesting/better food (both quality of ingredients and preparation) on the premium/luxury lines. You’ll also find better crew ratios, cabin/sleep amenities. And then there’s what you won’t find: “nickel diming,” never ending announcements, phony art shows, bothersome photographers, thousands of passengers, prom nights…….

FWIW, if you look at the “net daily rate” for a premium/luxury cruise on smaller ships (I.e., all your required and optionally preferred items which may all be covered in their fare), you may find that these cruise ship have “far greater bang for your buck.”

 

 

[navybankerteacher]

39 minutes ago, Flatbush Flyer said:

…

Whatever the case, you’ll actually find far more interesting/better food (both quality of ingredients and preparation) on the premium/luxury lines. You’ll also find better crew ratios, cabin/sleep amenities. And then there’s what you won’t find: “nickel diming,” never ending announcements, phony art shows, bothersome photographers, thousands of passengers, prom …

 

 

And, at the risk of being categorized as “elitist”, you are also likely to find yourself surrounded by others with more varied experiences and backgrounds who make more interesting shipmates.  Of course, this is of little interest to those who refuse to “share a table with strangers” (which to me is one of the attractions of travelling on a ship)

[Flatbush Flyer]

7 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

And, at the risk of being categorized as “elitist”, you are also likely to find yourself surrounded by others with more varied experiences and backgrounds who make more interesting shipmates.  Of course, this is of little interest to those who refuse to “share a table with strangers” (which to me is one of the attractions of travelling on a ship)

Hardly “elitist.” After all, many of those folks started on a mass market line.

[YourWorldWithBill]

3 hours ago, stonesmith said:

I would like to hear from those with experience, what makes a smaller, high-end cruise worth so much more than the larger ships.  I would guess the food is surely better (although, perhaps less variety) and the accommodations nicer.  But, what about the experience?  On the surface, there seems to be so much more to do on the big ships -- things like piano bars, sports, karaoke bars, water parks, casinos, shows, etc.  

 

As new cruisers, within the last 15 months we did two Viking cruises (about 900 people) and one Holland America. The Holland America ship, although it seemed much more crowded, was still only about 1,900. We found that most of what others have said here to be accurate.  You mentioned food, so I feel obliged to tell you that the difference wasn't a small difference. The food on Viking was really excellent, and because of that we expected better than what we got on Holland America. That surprised me, because I usually don't pay that much attention, as long as I get fed. But on Viking I looked forward to every meal.

 

For what you pay for a cruise, I feel like you should expect high quality food. As others said, as the numbers get so large, it is challenging to provide the same level of service. Having said all that, we chose another Holland America cruise for our next cruise because we liked the itinerary. There were a few other things we liked, such as having a casino (none on Viking), although we don't really care about most of the other amusement park type rides.

 

As was said earlier, certain things are included on certain higher priced lines, such as no extra charge for specialty dining, one shore excursion, etc., and they're not constantly trying to sell you something.

[cruisemom42]

In addition to the factual information already well presented above by others, you have to also take preferences into consideration. You're right in that there are those who want to be surrounded with a great many activity options onboard ship, and those who feel having 11 rather average specialty restaurants onboard is better than having 3-4 really good ones.

 

I have been cruising a long time and have tried many different lines. I know myself to be one of those people who would pay more for a small, well located boutique hotel in the city center rather than one in the suburbs with grounds, parking, pool and other amenities. When I travel, I travel to SEE and EXPERIENCE the place I'm visiting, not to relax in a resort. 

 

Similarly on a ship I know that I like smaller ships and preferably ones with a strong destination focus. I would never use half of the activities on the behemoth ships because I prefer few sea days and on port days you will find me ashore for the biggest part of the day....

 

There's not a right or wrong -- you may have the opposite preferences. One size doesn't fit all, as they say.

 

 

 

Edited November 9, 2022 by cruisemom42

[Cruzaholic41]

8 hours ago, stonesmith said:

I would like to hear from those with experience, what makes a smaller, high-end cruise worth so much more than the larger ships.  I would guess the food is surely better (although, perhaps less variety) and the accommodations nicer.  But, what about the experience?  On the surface, there seems to be so much more to do on the big ships -- things like piano bars, sports, karaoke bars, water parks, casinos, shows, etc.  

 

It seems similar to staying in a hotel in a city.  If you stay downtown, not only is the room fee a lot higher; you pay extra for parking, wifi and breakfast.  If you stay in the suburbs, the room will be nice enough and parking, wifi and breakfast are free.  You pay a lot more downtown, but do you really get more?

 

I live in a small town 90 miles from the nearest city, so many of the activities I listed are not readily available to me.

I’m going against the grain here. I cruise all categories of cruise lines regularly. I’m far from a brand loyalist like some here. 
 

First, do not let anyone tell you the passengers on luxury lines are better, more interesting, or more well traveled. That is not true. You’ll run into just as many obnoxious and rude people as you would on any line. 
 

Yes, the food is better. IMO, Viking and Windstar are the best in the business for dining. But while the food certainly is better, I wouldn’t say it’s that great. Even on smaller ships, they’re still serving hundreds of people at the same time so don’t expect fine dining quality that you’ll find on land. I’d say it’s equal to the quality found in mainstream line specialty dining. 
 

If you enjoy the fun activities found on mainstream lines, you’ll be disappointed on luxury lines. Just the fact those folks can’t make that point without finding a way to insult mainstream cruisers should be a red flag. 🙄

 

Where I think small luxury lines excel is with itineraries and informative lectures. These lines are great for relaxation and traveling to ports the larger ships can’t visit. 
 

Frankly, the service isn’t that much better and the rooms really aren’t nicer. 

[Hlitner]

The OP might want to explore a few of the "ship within a ship" options that give you some of the best of both worlds....large ships with plenty of activities and a small luxury ship.  You can take a look at NCL's Haven Suites and MSC's Yacht Club.  There are a few other lines that have something similar, but they are not fully contained within a "ship within a ship."  That would be things like Celebrity's Retreat Suites and the so-call "Grill" Suites on Cunard.

 

We are somewhat like Cruzaholic in that we have no specific brand loyalty and cruise on all kinds of lines (16 to date) and different size ships (from 20 passenger to over 4000 passenger).  We have liked all of our cruises :).  

 

Also keep in mind that you can buy a lot of luxury on many of the mass market ships.  Most cruise lines have a lot of extra amenities for those in suites and most larger ships offer all kinds of alternative dining options (for which you pay extra).  

 

Hank

[Joebucks]

Smaller Luxury Ship
+ Can access more ports 
+ Higher level of service
+ Higher food quality
+ Less crowded
- Less entertainment options
- Less food options
- Higher price

 

Mass Market Large Ship
+ More food options
+ More entertainment options
+ Lower price
- More crowded
- More likely to be "bothered" by other passengers

 

Honestly, it goes into personal preference. Some people want to feel exclusive and everything is for them. Some are bothered that other people may be having a good time. Some have different food preferences. Some get bored easily. 

[LHT28]

6 minutes ago, Joebucks said:

 Some people want to feel exclusive and everything is for them.

or they just want less crowds  & do not need to be doing things all day long

& like  a quieter onboard experience 

JMO

[CruisingAlong4Now]

My best cruises were on the Seabourn triplets:  Pride, Legend, and Spirit.  Wonderfully small and intimate.  Truly felt like a private yacht. Gratuities, all beverages included.  

 

Wonderful ports, interesting cruisers, fantastic food, well-trained and high performing staff.

 

Only 210 passengers.  I still bemoan their sale to Windstar.

 

 

Edited November 11, 2022 by CruisingAlong4Now

[MBP&O2/O]

Small ships. Definitely 'out of the box' ports where the big boys can't play🙂 ... in my experience at least. Back in the day I was offered a choice of the company's latest and largest ship or, the oldest smallest one they had. I took the latter. South America, West Africa, South Africa and up and down the East African coast. The 'big boy' traded between the Arabian Gulf and Northern Europe via CoGH ... et al. One port a month. Small is better for interesting journeys. 

[cruisemom42]

17 minutes ago, CruisingAlong4Now said:

My best cruises were on the Seabourn triplets:  Pride, Legend, and Spirit.  Wonderfully small and intimate.  Truly felt like a private yacht. Gratuities, all beverages included.  

 

Wonderful ports, interesting cruisers, fantastic food, well-trained and high performing staff.

 

Only 210 passengers.  I still bemoan their sale to Windstar.

 

 

 

I feel the same about the Aegean Odyssey at 330 passengers. She's leased now to Road Scholar. It just so happened that she was moored next to us in Kusadasi this fall. Nearly shed a tear when I opened my curtains and saw her there.

 

I traveled on her for 20 memorable sailings and, contrary to assertions by others, I never once ran into rude or obnoxious behavior. What I did find were others who were interesting, courteous, well-traveled, friendly and curious about the world and about others.

[stonesmith]

Thanks so much to everyone for the detailed, thoughtful answers!  You've given me much to consider.

 

[wineoclock]

Some informative replies. I feel for me that under 1000 passengers maybe too small. We sailed on Celebrity Constellation a few years ago & I felt too small. We were on Apex (Retreat) recently & that was definitely too big. I’m older now so maybe should try smaller again. 
 

Looking at lots of options for May 2024 already.

 

 

[cruisemom42]

1 hour ago, wineoclock said:

Some informative replies. I feel for me that under 1000 passengers maybe too small. We sailed on Celebrity Constellation a few years ago & I felt too small. We were on Apex (Retreat) recently & that was definitely too big. I’m older now so maybe should try smaller again. 
 

Looking at lots of options for May 2024 already.

 

 

 

Constellation isn't exactly small. She carries about 2100 passengers like all of Celebrity's M class.  I just got off 19 days on her, and that is about the largest I'd want to go....

 

 

[ldubs]

On 11/11/2022 at 6:18 AM, Joebucks said:

Smaller Luxury Ship
+ Can access more ports 
+ Higher level of service
+ Higher food quality
+ Less crowded
- Less entertainment options
- Less food options
- Higher price

 

Mass Market Large Ship
+ More food options
+ More entertainment options
+ Lower price
- More crowded
- More likely to be "bothered" by other passengers

 

Honestly, it goes into personal preference. Some people want to feel exclusive and everything is for them. Some are bothered that other people may be having a good time. Some have different food preferences. Some get bored easily. 

 

Pretty good summary.  Our preference is somewhere in the middle, meaning ships in the 2,000 to 3,000 passenger range.  Those seem to provide the kind of entertainment options we enjoy.    We don't use the water parks.  On the other hand, we want a little more excitement than the weekly trivia contest. 😁

 

We just returned from a cruise on Oasis of the Seas.  There is an incredible amount of energy, but just too many people for us.  

[navybankerteacher]

7 minutes ago, ldubs said:

 

Pretty good summary.  Our preference is somewhere in the middle, meaning ships in the 2,000 to 3,000 passenger range.  Those seem to provide the . …

Interesting how the meanings of words have evolved: I still think of 1,000 to 1,500 passengers as middle range.

[Hlitner]

18 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

Interesting how the meanings of words have evolved: I still think of 1,000 to 1,500 passengers as middle range.

I agree.  We consider small cruise ships as vessels with no more than about 600 passengers.  There are a group of ships in the 900-1200 range which to us more of a medium number of passengers.  Our smallest cruise was on a "boat" with 20 passengers (the Sea Crown) where we spent 7 days cruising with 10 Germans, 8 Dutch, and us.  It was truly heaven.

 

I find it very interesting that the newest so-called luxury line, "Explora Journeys" is building 6 ships in the 900 passenger range.  That company is starting with a clean slate and all new ships.  They obviously decided that 900 is a good number in terms of both luxury and economies of scale.  

 

A majority of cruisers these days have never been on a small ship and many have been on nothing but mega ships.  

Hank

[ldubs]

25 minutes ago, navybankerteacher said:

Interesting how the meanings of words have evolved: I still think of 1,000 to 1,500 passengers as middle range.

 

"Somewhere" in the middle I guess.  

 

It is all in the eye of the beholder.  For me, a small cruise ship these days would be under 1,000 (maybe 1,500) and larger would be over 3,000 (maybe 3,500).  

[ldubs]

I find it interesting that individuals who have the capability to earn enough to enjoy a cruise are unable to deal with purchasing a drink.  I just don't get constant reference to "nickel and diming".  If I want something I buy it.  If I don't want something I don't buy it.   I just don't see that as a huge negative.