How to Reach Kidd's Cruises & Tours

Phone - 650-349-6223

Fax - 650-578-0839

Email - kiddscruises@comcast.net

Member Cruise Lines International Association, CST#1004484-40

What’s so big about Small Ships?
The larger cruise lines spend millions of dollars in advertising and publicity each year, so it’s quite likely that your idea of a cruise is what these lines have to offer. Often the emphasis is on the ship itself, rather than the destinations that the ships visit. They advertise the endless food, entertainment and relaxing by the pool as a perfect vacation. These ships tout water slides, Vegas-style casinos, spas, glitzy shows, room service and other amenities, but rarely emphasize the ports-of-call. The ships compete with each other by being larger than the next ship or offering never-before-on-a-ship features – ice rinks, rock climbing walls, even bowling alleys. While this is all well and good, this certainly isn’t everyone’s idea of a vacation.

It’s safe to assume that small ship cruises don’t offer pool tables (and many times not even pools), onboard surfing or golf courses.

What these ships do offer however, is an authentic experience. They are able to go to places that the big ships can’t. Most of these cruises have an educational focus, catering to their curious clientele.

Instead of manmade onboard diversions, these voyages offer real life experiences.

Although you will find the accommodations are all quite comfortable with good plentiful food and friendly staff, by necessity there are few amenities in gentera.

There are no onboard spas or casinos, most of the ships do not offer round-the-clock dining or room service. Entertainment may be limited to the lecture by an onboard naturalist after dinner, a local folkloric dance troupe or a visit with a local personality.

Some ships may have in-room amenities like TV’s, while some may not.

The Ships section following will provide information on the amenities offered on each of the lines, though since change is inevitable, it’s always wise to check with the cruise line when you book your trip.

Types of Small Ships:
Coastal Cruisers - lCruise West, American Cruise Lines
Riverboats - Peter Deilman, Uniworld, Avalon Waterways
Paddlewheelers - Majestic America
Barges- Continental Waterways
Sailing Ships - Windstar Lines
Working Ships - Norwegian Coastal Voyages
Traditional Style Ocean Liners - Fred Olson Cruises, Cunard Line