Small Ship Coastal Cruises — Expert Reviews & Articles

Here we share articles and reviews about coastal cruises all over the world, from Alaska to Scotland and the coasts of Norway, Croatia, Turkey, Australia and more.

This section also comprises small boat coastal cruises along the edges of islands, for instance the many isles of Greece and Scotland, and through inland waterways like southeast Alaska.

More examples are the Norwegian coastal service linking many towns and cities facing the North Sea, and US-flag coastal ships plying between the New England Islands and the Intracoastal Waterway. The Croatian coast (Mediterranean) and the islands of Japan also make excellent coastal cruising itineraries.

Perhaps the hardest category to pin down, coastal ships cruise in open waters, but usually stay close to land so they may call at numerous ports and islands, and enter bays, canals, lakes, and rivers.

Coastal cruises offer:

  • A distinctive learning element & sense of adventure whether it’s visiting remote peoples in the South Pacific or plying the Upper Amazon
  • Opportunities for close-up wildlife viewing, such as looking for rare birds and exotic animals along Australia’s Kimberley Coast or in Alaska, the Sea of Cortez & Central America
  • Chance to easily go ashore daily as you’re never far from shore!

 

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EXODUS TRAVELS (Formerly INTERNATIONAL Expeditions)

Exodus Travels (formerly International Expeditions) Exodus Travels (formerly International...

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LINDBLAD Expeditions: Expert Cruise Review

Lindblad Expeditions — Unbiased Reviews and Tips Based in New York, Lindblad Expeditions has a...

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AMERICAN QUEEN VOYAGES (formerly American Queen Steamboat Company) — UPDATE: Shuts Down Feb 20, 2024

American Queen Voyages 🎧 Listen to Ted’s audio tour of the American Queen: Update Feb 24,...

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OVERSEAS Adventure Travel

Overseas Adventure Travel This major tour company covers the world with land tours, and many of...

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UNCRUISE Adventures in Alaska & More

UnCruise Adventures Seattle-based UnCruise Adventures operates a fleet of nine expedition vessels...

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About Us


Heidi and Ted HEIDI SARNA

I'm up to 78 countries and 110+ cruises worldwide, and it's the small ship journeys that I love writing about most. And so QuirkyCruise.com was born, an excellent research tool for planning your own unforgettable small ship trip.

THEODORE W. SCULL

I have traveled between all continents by sea and cruised along three dozen rivers. Ships and travel are in my blood, and so is writing. My journeys have translated into many books and many hundreds of articles.

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Our Small Ship Cruise Reviews & Articles

If you can imagine it, we’ve cruised it! With reviews, articles and destination overviews, we’ve got you covered.

9 Of The Best French Barge Cruises You Should Know About

9 Of The Best French Barge Cruises You Should Know About

Best French Barge Cruises By Heidi Sarna I've enjoyed small-ship cruises of all kinds all over the world, but I'm particularly partial to barge cruises along the canals of France. Everything I truly desire when traveling is offered on a barge cruise: Delicious healthy...

American Queen Voyages Shut Down Operations

American Queen Voyages Shut Down Operations

American Queen Voyages Shut Down Operations by Ted Scull, Karl Zimmermann, Anne Kalosh & Heidi Sarna Update March 22, 2024 — Bids close March 25 for American Queen Voyages' vessels. More details from Anne Kalosh's Seatrade Cruise News reporting HERE. A deep-felt...

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