Is a cruise last on your vacation list? Maybe you’ve scoffed at your more extroverted friends’ suggestions of setting sail because you feared a cruise would be overrun with people. Or perhaps you’re worried you’d feel claustrophobic surrounded by too many people on a cruise.
Cruises have long been subjected to stereotypes of loud crowds gorging on food and swimmers stuffed into the pool deck. Introverts, don’t fret! You just haven’t found the right ship yet, so we’ve compiled the least crowded cruise ships to consider.
Today’s cruise lines are working hard to challenge many cruising clichés. You can now travel on boutique ships instead of booking massive ocean liners. And while space can be limited out at sea, plenty of smaller ships still feel expansive. Try one of the best small cruise lines below, whether you’re after the perfect honeymoon cruise or more low-key cruises for seniors.
1. Azamara Luxury Cruise Ships
- AAA member benefits: $150 per stateroom onboard spending credit on select sailings in a Club Ocean View stateroom or above.
- AAA Vacations® benefit: $200 per stateroom onboard spending credit AAA Vacations® amenities are available on all sailings and can be combined with AAA Member Benefits.
All Azamara ships are identical in size and carry a maximum of 700 passengers. These luxury boutique ships overnight in some of the world’s most beautiful and historically fascinating ports of call. Along with sea deck barbecues and chocolate buffets, you’ll get a rare evening extravaganza when local entertainers hop on board for a culturally immersive encounter.
2. Celebrity Cruises’ Xpedition, Xploration and Flora
- AAA member benefits: Onboard credit per stateroom based on category booked (valid for all departures three nights or longer, excluding Galapagos):
- $25 (outside)
- $50 (balcony)
- $75 (Concierge Class and above)
- AAA Vacations® benefit: Onboard spending credit per stateroom based on category booked (valid on all sailings except Galapagos)
- $25 (outside)
- $75 (balcony)
- $100 (Concierge Class and above)
Celebrity Cruises' Galapagos cruises balance exploration with relaxation. The Xpedition is a 48-passenger vessel; Flora holds 100 passengers, while Xploration carries just 16 passengers. Celebrity’s small ships boast al fresco dining, balcony or ocean view rooms, in-suite dining and nightly lectures. In addition to the 7-night Galapagos cruises, you can now take an all-inclusive 10 to 16-night trip that includes a South American adventure.
3. Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Cruise Ship
- AAA member benefits: N/A
- AAA Vacations® benefit: Additional $100 onboard credit per stateroom:
- Princess and Queens Grill Suites:
- $500 per stateroom on 7-17-night voyages
- $900 per stateroom on 18-night or longer voyages
- Britannia accommodations (Oceanview to Balcony):
- $200 per stateroom on 7-17-night voyages
- $300 per stateroom on 18-night or longer voyages
- Princess and Queens Grill Suites:
If you’re after a smaller cruise ship size, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is a great option. The line is known for its mature clientele and the Queen Mary 2 is no exception. This means you're likely to find fewer families and children on board than other cruise lines. Additionally, the ship offers a variety of activities and amenities, so you can easily find a quiet spot to relax and unwind if you prefer.
4. Seabourn Cruise Ships
- AAA member benefits: $300 per suite (double occupancy) onboard spending credit on select departures. Singles receive $150 per suite.
- AAA Vacations® benefit: $200 per suite onboard spending credit on selected sailings.
If you’re looking for the best luxury cruise lines with fewer crowds, Seabourn Cruise Line is a pioneer in ultra-luxury small-ship cruising. It offers an intimate yacht-like experience with all oceanfront suites, an open bar policy, premium beverages and a world-class dining experience. Unlike mega cruise ships with thousands of passengers, Seabourn's average cruise ship capacity is between 264 and 600 guests, creating a less crowded atmosphere.
5. Oceania Cruises
- AAA member benefits: $100 per person onboard spending credit on select voyages.
- AAA Vacations® benefit: Free Pre-Paid Gratuities (for the first two guests in the stateroom), complimentary group wine tasting with a sommelier (for the first two guests in the stateroom)
If regional cuisine is your obsession, consider Oceania Cruises’ smallest ship, Sirena, carrying only 648 passengers. Try a Culinary Discovery Tour with Food Network-style cooking classes and wine-paired dinners. And if you've got food allergies or follow a specific diet, you’ll find a unique vegetarian menu onboard. For those adventure seekers with insatiable wanderlust, Oceania offers a 180-day around-the-world cruise.
6. Silversea Cruises
- AAA member benefits: Up to $300 per person onboard credit on selected sailings
- AAA Vacations® benefit: N/A
Silversea Cruises is another great option for those seeking a luxurious cruise experience with fewer crowds. Known for its intimate settings and personalized service, Silversea offers an all-inclusive experience that caters to those who want a more sophisticated cruise experience. With a smaller passenger capacity compared to mega cruise lines, Silversea ships provide more space and privacy, making it easier to avoid crowds and unwind in a relaxed atmosphere.
7. Princess Cruise Line’s Coral Princess Ship
- AAA member benefits: Reduced deposit (as low as $50 per person), along with a complimentary Princess Medallion clip (first two guests in the stateroom) during quarterly cruise sales
- AAA Vacations® benefit:
- $25 OBC per stateroom (six days or less)
- $50 OBC per stateroom (7-10 days)
- $100 OBC per stateroom (11-16 days)
- $150 OBC per stateroom (17-44 days)
- $50 shore excursion credit per stateroom
While Princess Cruise Line’s Coral Princess Ship is their smallest cruise ship, it still holds up to 2,000 passengers, making it less intimate than other options on our list. Still, this well-established cruise line is known for its classic elegance and offers a balance of crowd-pleasing amenities and quieter moments. With a focus on personalized service and spacious accommodations, you can enjoy a relaxing cruise without feeling overwhelmed.
8. Viking River Cruises
- AAA member benefits: $100 per person shipboard credit for all cruises 8-11 days, $200 per person shipboard credit for all cruises 12 days or longer
- AAA Vacations® benefit: N/A
If you're looking for a luxurious and culturally immersive cruise, Viking River Cruises is for you. Unlike massive ocean liners, Viking's river vessels are much smaller, offering a more intimate atmosphere onboard. Viking focuses on cultural experiences with itineraries that take you to the heart of historic destinations in Europe, Asia and Egypt.
While Viking offers many amenities, the focus is on the destinations themselves, making it a great choice if you’re looking for a less crowded and more culturally-focused cruise experience.
9. Uniworld Boutique River Cruise
- AAA member benefits: $250 per couple savings on cruises up to 13 days, $500 per couple savings on cruises of 14 days or more
- AAA Vacations® benefit: $300 per couple onboard spending credit
See the Egyptian Nile onboard Uniworld’s SS Sphinx, featuring French balconies attached to all staterooms with walls upholstered in blue Egyptian cotton in each bedroom. Or join one of the themed cruises to explore European Christmas markets or take one of the family-friendly cruises in the Generations Collection. Uniworld’s River Cruise promises to be an explorer’s dream come true with complimentary bikes onboard, signature lectures and Wi-Fi.
What to Know About the Size of Your Ship
It’s important you understand the differences between giant ocean liners and smaller river cruises and how many people are on a cruise ship before you set sail.
Mega cruise ships can weigh over 220,000 tons. These ships spend much of their time on the ocean, hitting major ports. In the biggest ships, you can find 3,500+ people on board with you. During peak season, you may have trouble even snagging a deck chair. Although ships this size give you variety, like the best Broadway shows and specialty dining, many compare them to floating malls.
Mid-sized ships hold around 2,000-2,200 people. These are often older, refurbished ships and you can book many of them at discounted rates. They’re more limited than the larger ocean liners for dining and entertainment, but they still include plenty of lively options.
And finally, there are the smallest ships that carry under 1,000 passengers. The Celebrity Xpedition weighs just over 2,000 tons with an occupancy of 48 passengers. The smaller size allows for access to narrower, more remote ports of call. These cruises may not include theme-park-style activities, but they connect you more to the sea experience.
Small Ship Cruising for Less Crowds
Boarding a smaller ship means more attention to detail, as well more attention to you.
The smaller ships are less family-friendly and more adult-focused and the small ship crews have high-end luxury down to a science. These ships boast some of the best amenities and higher quality details, from fine linens to ultramodern espresso machines. When dealing with fewer passengers, crews can personalize your service to a higher degree. Your favorite bartender will more easily remember your usual drink. The cabin steward can honor your special request.
No need to fear emergencies out at sea, either. The higher crew-to-passenger ratio means more highly trained staff who can accurately gauge the wellness of passengers and the weather on the horizon.
You’re not just a face in the crowd.
With fewer passengers, you’ll avoid lines when dining and attending shows. You may even be able to skip reservations entirely and have access to more things to do on the cruise. You’ll recognize many of the same faces during your cruise and you might make new friends.
FAQ’s About Booking the Least Crowded Cruise Ships
Still have questions about finding and booking the least crowded cruise ships? Find answers below.
How Do I Choose a Cruise Line?
Knowing how to choose a cruise line depends on your unique preferences. Consider factors like ship size, amenities, excursions and crew-to-passenger ratio.
Smaller ships often offer a more intimate experience with fewer crowds. Luxury cruise lines typically have higher crew-to-passenger ratios, ensuring personalized service. Additionally, consider your desired itinerary, dining options and entertainment offerings. Research different cruise lines to find the one that best aligns with your travel style.
Are There Less People On the Least Crowded Cruise Ships?
While the cruise lines mentioned in this post are generally less crowded than mainstream cruise lines, it's important to note that not all ships within these lines are equally less crowded. Some ships may be larger and have more passengers, even within a luxury or boutique line.
To ensure a less crowded experience, consider the specific ship and itinerary you choose. Research the ship's passenger capacity and the popularity of the itinerary to make an informed decision.
How Do I Book a Less Crowded Cruise?
Book a cruise with a travel agent and let them know that you want a less-crowded option. Otherwise, follow these tips:
- Choose a less popular time: Avoid peak travel seasons and holidays when cruises are more crowded.
- Select a smaller ship: A smaller ship with fewer passengers will ensure a less crowded atmosphere.
- Book a suite or balcony cabin: These cabin categories often have fewer passengers per deck, providing more privacy and space.
- Consider a luxury or boutique cruise line: Many luxury cruise lines often have smaller ships and higher-quality service.
Book Your Cruise with AAA TripCanvas
Finding the least crowded cruise ships means enjoying a more serene and personalized vacation. Whether you prefer the grandeur of the ocean or the intimate charm of a river, there's a less-crowded cruise experience waiting for you.
AAA Travel provides peace of mind on when you travel — before, during and after your vacation! AAA Travel has teamed up with some of the industry's best cruise lines to provide you with added amenities, AAA Vacations® 24/7 Member Care and the Best Price Guarantee. Visit your local AAA Travel Agent or book at https://www.aaa.com/tripcanvas/category/cruises.