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Small ship cruising differs from larger cruise ships in more than size and number of passengers. Because the ships are smaller, they can get into harbors and waterways the larger ships cannot. Thus they are perfect for expeditionary, educational and out-of-the-norm cruising. It is often called expedition cruising, and passengers are expected to be fit and take part in the ship's activities.
Like the larger ships, the small ships cruise a variety of waters according to the weather, but some are built specifically for the task of cruising polar waters.
They have special hulls, ice-rated equipment and foul-weather capabilities.
Also like the larger ships, the small ships offer entertainment on board, but on some ships it may be "make your own," videos, libraries, and lectures about the sights and environmental issues. Many of the smaller ships offer fitness centers and some may offer diving excursions to qualified divers.
Dress is casual, and warm parkas are available for the Antarctic cruises. Cuisine varies by ships registry, and is usually one seating. Vegetarian or special meals may be accommodated with advance notice.
Passenger capabilities run from a handful to a hundred. Many ships have outside cabins for all passengers and many have private balconies. Accommodations may be spartan to luxurious. Passengers are allowed on the bridge on some ships, may be allowed access to many parts of the ship.
Amazon River Cruises
The Amazon is a popular destination for cruises. The usual starting points are Iquitos in Peru or Manaus in Brazil, but there are many ports along the river where you can take a river boat, a jungle canoe or a speedboat to explore the river and the jungle.
Amazonia is a look at travel on the Amazon from Iquitos, Peru to Belém, Brazil.
Amazon River Tours
Galapagos Cruises
Except for a few months a year when bad weather has the boats berthed for safety, the Galapagos Peninsula is best seen by boat. There are a number of tour operators who run their own ships, plus the cruise liners who make the Galapagos a featured destination.
Galapagos Cruises
Tierra del Fuego and Antarctic Cruises
There are a number of cruises offered in the area with sailing dates depending on the weather and the seas. Most of the ships are motor vessels, but there are some sailing yachts that give you an idea of what it must have been like, on a smaller, safer scale, to attempt the Straits of Magellan in a sailing ship.
The routes of these cruises takes you to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Cape Horn, Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula, plus Tierra del Fuego and the Beagle Passage.
It may be the romantic in me, but there is one cruise I'd love to take, and that is the thirty day Antarctic Peninsula Expedition with Victory Cruisesaboard one of their specially built yachts.
More choices:
Antarctic Cruises Crucero Australis - Punta Arenas, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina through the Strait of Magellan and Beagle Channel
Browse through these cruises for one that tickles your adventurous spirit:
Continental Waterways - Paraguay River in the wilderness areas of the Panantal and Grand Chaco International Expeditions - Amazon, Galapagos Islands, Antarctica
Wherever your dreams take you, enjoy cruising South America!
Buen viaje!
Small ship cruising differs from larger cruise ships in more than size and number of passengers. Because the ships are smaller, they can get into harbors and waterways the larger ships cannot. Thus they are perfect for expeditionary, educational and out-of-the-norm cruising. It is often called expedition cruising, and passengers are expected to be fit and take part in the ship's activities.
Like the larger ships, the small ships cruise a variety of waters according to the weather, but some are built specifically for the task of cruising polar waters.
They have special hulls, ice-rated equipment and foul-weather capabilities.
Also like the larger ships, the small ships offer entertainment on board, but on some ships it may be "make your own," videos, libraries, and lectures about the sights and environmental issues. Many of the smaller ships offer fitness centers and some may offer diving excursions to qualified divers.
Dress is casual, and warm parkas are available for the Antarctic cruises. Cuisine varies by ships registry, and is usually one seating. Vegetarian or special meals may be accommodated with advance notice.
Passenger capabilities run from a handful to a hundred. Many ships have outside cabins for all passengers and many have private balconies. Accommodations may be spartan to luxurious. Passengers are allowed on the bridge on some ships, may be allowed access to many parts of the ship.
Amazon River Cruises
The Amazon is a popular destination for cruises. The usual starting points are Iquitos in Peru or Manaus in Brazil, but there are many ports along the river where you can take a river boat, a jungle canoe or a speedboat to explore the river and the jungle.
Amazonia is a look at travel on the Amazon from Iquitos, Peru to Belém, Brazil.
Galapagos Cruises
Except for a few months a year when bad weather has the boats berthed for safety, the Galapagos Peninsula is best seen by boat. There are a number of tour operators who run their own ships, plus the cruise liners who make the Galapagos a featured destination.
Tierra del Fuego and Antarctic Cruises
There are a number of cruises offered in the area with sailing dates depending on the weather and the seas. Most of the ships are motor vessels, but there are some sailing yachts that give you an idea of what it must have been like, on a smaller, safer scale, to attempt the Straits of Magellan in a sailing ship.
The routes of these cruises takes you to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Cape Horn, Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula, plus Tierra del Fuego and the Beagle Passage.
It may be the romantic in me, but there is one cruise I'd love to take, and that is the thirty day Antarctic Peninsula Expedition with Victory Cruisesaboard one of their specially built yachts.
More choices:
Browse through these cruises for one that tickles your adventurous spirit:
Wherever your dreams take you, enjoy cruising South America!
Buen viaje!
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