Best Small Ship Cruises for Families

If the word family cruise makes you think of crowded megaships, cookie-cutter port stops, and being herded onto buses with dozens of other passengers…I get it. That’s not the kind of travel most families dream about—especially if you crave deeper, more meaningful experiences in a destination.

You want something more intimate. More authentic. Something that lets you explore a region instead of rushing through it… without the exhausting cycle of packing, unpacking, and switching hotels every few days.

That’s exactly why I love small ship cruising for families.

With ships that hold just a few hundred guests instead of a few thousand, you get access to charming ports the big ships can’t reach, genuinely personal service, and excursions that feel like someone handpicked them just for you. It’s immersive, it’s stress-free, and it’s such an incredible way to experience a multi-city itinerary without the logistical headache.

With that in mind, here are some of my favorite small ship cruise lines that are a perfect fit for your next family cruise!

Uncruise

Uncruise is named because it is unlike large ship cruises in every way.

Like other small ship cruise companies, they are all about getting you off the ship, letting you explore the destinations en route.

A family-friendly UnCruise adventure is a unique way to experience Alaska, Central America, Baja, Pacific Northwest, or the Hawaiian Islands.

UnCruise voyage gives families an intimate, up-close experience with nature you simply can’t get on a megaship.

Linbald Expeditions

If you have kids who love nature and exploration, Linbald Expeditions is the perfect option for a family cruise!

Linbald has partnered with National Geographic to create unique programs for kids, and they even have onboard naturalists who are specially trained as National Geographic field educators.

They optimize daily “In the Field” activities to prompt kids to watch out for a particular item, like a creature with scales or a giant coral head on land, then record their observations in their Field Notebook.

Kids can also take part in a variety of fun activities, including snorkeling with sea lions in the Galápagos and Baja, identifying whale flukes in Alaska, or kayaking with penguins in Antarctica.

Crystal Cruises

If expedition-type travel isn’t your thing, consider Crystal Cruises!

They are a little larger, with about 900 guests per ship, but they’re the only small, luxury cruise line with dedicated kids spaces.

Although Crystal Cruises doesn’t include the breadth of activities provided by a mega-ship, they still have plenty of options, including a kid’s area that boasts art supplies, board games, building blocks, and dedicated spaces with plush seating for reading or watching movies.

Each dining venue offers menu options for kids, while in-room babysitting services are also available upon request for your younger ones.

What I really love is their destination-inspired activities:

• Scavenger hunts that focus on the highlights of the itinerary. Search for “artifacts” in Rome, wildlife in Alaska, or “royalty” in the British Isles.

• Cookie baking, pizza making, and other culinary creativity in the galley.

• Arts & crafts of all kinds, for all ages, also often focused on the destinations visited on each cruise. Kids can learn about the world while they create their own masterpieces.

River Cruising

River cruising is my favorite way to travel, whether I’m looking for a family cruise or solo travel. So many of the world’s most iconic cities were built along rivers, and sailing those waterways lets you experience history, culture, and beauty without the constant repacking or juggling transportation.

What I love most is how family-friendly these itineraries have become. Parents, kids, and even grandparents can enjoy the same journey in totally different ways: adults dive into the culture while kids get hands-on, educational adventures that still feel like play. It’s effortless, enriching, and such a memorable way to explore together.

European Waterway

An alternative to the larger (200 people) river cruise is luxury barges.

European Waterways cater for groups between six and twelve, with the option of booking out an entire barge for your exclusive use.

Gently traverse some of Europe’s most idyllic waterways with a chef and crew on hand to make sure you’re always well looked after. Plus, the barge moves at a walking pace, so it’s easy to step ashore at the locks.

Whether you opt to head out into the countryside on a bicycle, explore the local vineyards and châteaux, or simply relax on board, this marvelous option is perfect for a family cruise that prioritizes family time and quality connection.

Private Charter

Some small ships come with higher age minimums, which can make planning a family cruise tricky for those with younger kids. That’s where a private charter becomes a game-changer. You choose the ship, the itinerary, the activities—you have so much added flexibility.

And the best part? It’s often far more attainable than families expect. I recently met with charter companies in Croatia offering 5–7 day private sailings starting around $1,000 per person—right on par with what many families pay for a week on a megaship. But instead of crowds, you get freedom, flexibility, and a truly personalized adventure.

If your family craves meaningful travel—travel that feels immersive, unrushed, and connective—small ship cruising is such a beautiful option. Whether you’re exploring Alaska with UnCruise, discovering wildlife with Lindblad Expeditions, enjoying elevated service with Crystal Cruises, drifting through Europe with European Waterways, or crafting a custom itinerary on a private charter, each of these options helps you create the perfect family cruise that offers intimacy, flexibility, and real connection to the destination.

If you’re ready to trade crowded decks for curated experiences—and give your kids memories that feel bigger than the ship itself—let’s start planning your family’s small-ship adventure. Book a call and we’ll map out the perfect fit for your crew.

Who is Christina?

Meet Christina Vieira, a Traveler, a Planner, and a Mom. She is also the owner of Showcase the World Travel, a modern travel agency that helps busy Moms take the vacation they deserve without adding “planning it all” to their to-do lists.  After all, Mom should get to enjoy their vacation, too!

She specializes in Disney, the Caribbean, and Europe, and has helped dozens of families have magical vacations that they will always remember. She loves traveling with her four-year-old daughter, Annabelle. Her favorite destinations include Walt Disney World, Wyoming, and Prague.