Small Ship Cruises
The traditional cruise model is way past its sell-by date. It’s time for a complete rethink. For the sake of the environment, local communities who serve them, the passengers, and the industry itself
A typical small ship catamaran of the type that is now replacing the more traditional liners that can berth in exccess of 1000 passengers
The cruise has always been a well-loved form of holiday; it’s all inclusive, it’s novel and there has always been a certain romance about it. However, as a form of travel it is not without its critics, and with good reason. Cruise ships have been responsible for devastating marine pollution; cruise companies’ employment practices have bordered on slave trade in some cases, and their concern for the local populations and economies of the locations they visit has been scant. As the UNWTO put in its report on cruise tourism in south-east Asia, the three pillars of sustainable tourism are:
Environmentally friendly practices
Support for protection of cultural and natural heritage; and
Tangible economic and social benefits to local people in host destinations
It is clear that many of the players in the industry have routinely failed on all criteria. Friends of the Earth regularly assesses the major cruise companies, compiles a summary of the findings in tabular format, and it doesn’t make for complementary reading! Furthermore, in the aftermath of the COVID pandemic, tourism will never be able to return to the status quo ante.
The whole cruise industry will have to completely rethink its entire way of operation if it is to survive. Can it do it?
It is time for a complete rethink of the entire model. And there are examples out there. Examples that get away from the ‘floating Vegas’ model and instead offer a truly memorable experience, that allows passengers to get right up close with Mother Nature in a way that doesn’t harm the environment.
Small ship cruises range from 8 – 250 (usually between 50 – 100) and have an emphasis on luxury or adventure, according to taste. For the truly adventurous there are even sailing ship options. You can go sea kayaking, swimming in the sea, or scuba diving with sea turtles; the more sedate can sunbathe on deck, G&T in hand.
Onshore experiences are co-ordinated in advance with local businesses, ensuring the local community benefits from the visit, and the passengers enjoy a truly authentic local experience they will remember for the rest of their lives!
The best thing about cruise experiences like these is that you are surrounded by like-minded passengers; they will all have done their research beforehand, filtered out the completely depersonalised behemoths that are the 1000+ berth liners.
There is a community spirit about your holiday simply not present on board a traditional large ship. This, as much as anything else, is likely to contribute to the truly unforgettable experience that a cruise ship holiday can bring. See the links for companies who offer the real deal.
The traditional, impersonal, floating casino type of cruise is well past its sell-by date. It would be best for the whole industry to recognise this, treat their passengers, the natural environment, and local businesses with the respect they deserve, and offer a truly amazing experience! These are the companies who will survive. And rightly so.
https://www.artisantravel.co.uk/interests/small-ship-cruises
