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Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tour & Trip Reviews
4,145 Reviews
4.6 out of 5
93% Recommend
Value
Editor’s Take
What to Look for in Small-Ship Cruising Reviews
Most trip reviews tend to focus on some or all of these 5 key areas, not all of which may be relevant to you: the tour guide, travel company, service level, country or countries traveled in, and the trip itinerary.
Remember, just because you see a 1 star review doesn’t necessarily mean that person disliked the country.
When researching your small-ship cruise destination and operator, read as many reviews as you can, but keep in mind that some of the reviews may not impact your own satisfaction. Given that small ships can access more remote destinations and offer more specific interest-driven activities, it is more important to get a good match than with the ocean-going mega-ships that can seem so similar.
Travelers who did not take the time to educate themselves fully on the small-ship trip they took may leave less favorable reviews. To make a good match and find the right small-ship cruise for you, pay attention to the number of guests, ratio of staff to guest, destinations visited, how much time is spent in each port, whether the itinerary is flexible, how you get ashore for excursions, what wildlife you can hope to see, what experts are onboard with you, what the best time of year for your destination is, etc.
If you want a professional take on small-ship cruising, see the Travelstride Small Ship Cruising Guide »
Tour Reviews
L
Lesley
Recommends
Our leader, Nico, was an excellent leader September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Our leader, Nico, was an excellent leader, he showed dare and respect for all trip participants. His knowledge of the area was very substantial. He made the trip fun and exciting. The itinerary and activities was varied and gave a good overview of the region.
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A
Amy
Recommends
Yacht was very new, clean and luxurious. September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Yacht was very new, clean and luxurious. Our guide Gianluca was amazing, very humble, kind and considerate to all members of our group, ensuring that every single persons needs were catered to. He had outstanding technical knowledge and skills when sailing the boat singlehandedly, as none of our group were much help! We were very comfortable and safe under his care and he has a true passion for sailing as well as the places on the itinerary, where he went out of his way to take us to local restaurants, organise specialist tour guides and look after injured and sick members of the group. The itinerary worked well and we got to see lots and experience new and exciting things.
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L
Lona
Recommends
Everything was perfect. The trip was well-organized. September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Everything was perfect. The trip was well-organized. The boat was clean and comfortable. Nico, our captain, knew what he was doing, and was extremely helpful to everyone the entire way. He even showed us how to sail.
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I
Isabelle
Recommends
small Group and local guide September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
small Group and local guide
R
ROMAIN
Recommends
Great trip leader, brand new boat September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Great trip leader, brand new boat
M
Marjorie
Recommends
The trip was excellent the Captain was September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
The trip was excellent the Captain was terrific the only drawback was having 9 passengers instead of 8. This prevented the Captain from havin his own space and made the boat more crowded.
C
Chelsea
Recommends
I think it's important to first note September 2015
4.0
- Value 4.0
- Guide 4.0
- Activities 4.0
- Lodging 4.0
- Transportation 4.0
- Meals 4.0
I think it's important to first note that my partner and I were on the trip as winners of the "Live Like a Local" contest (through partner Tour Radar). Normally a group trip would not be my preferred travel style (or in my budget), but we were extremely happy to have won this trip and we had a really great time! Since the majority of my friends are similar to me (preferring independent travel to group travel) I would not be as likely to recommend Intrepid, though if I knew someone who was looking for a group trip, I definitely would recommend it.
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h
hermine
Recommends
Sail trip not for everyone. September 2015
4.0
- Value 4.0
- Guide 4.0
- Activities 4.0
- Lodging 4.0
- Transportation 4.0
- Meals 4.0
Sail trip not for everyone. Not much 'sailing' due to weather. Living with others that one does not know prior to trip. Very little privacy.
L
Leah
Recommends
Very well organized trip. Was able September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Very well organized trip. Was able to see a large part of Croatia in a short amount of time in a beautiful setting. A perfect low-key vacation.
C
Craig
Recommends
Great skipper, great location, well organised. Only September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Great skipper, great location, well organised. Only 2 downsides- the cabins were unbearably hot in the evenings (a fan would be an inspired addition) and it was a bit weird having to join half way through other peoples trip. Would have been better to have known about that. Those aside, it was terrific we had a ball!
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N
Natasha
Recommends
It was an excellent trip, however I September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
It was an excellent trip, however I would only recommend it to people of a higher age group. I am 22 years old.
R
Rodney
Recommends
Could not have asked for a better September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
Could not have asked for a better skipper he would give details of the local history, the best places to eat, drink and excursions etc. A very well organised and run tour.
S
Sandra
Recommends
The skipper, Nico was extremely knowledgeable, friendly September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
The skipper, Nico was extremely knowledgeable, friendly and very helpfull to all aboard. None of us had any sail experience but we were all very relaxed and confident by the end of the trip.
m
margareta
Recommends
I was very pleased with everything.Besides it September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
I was very pleased with everything.Besides it is the 2nd time I travel with intrepid
A
Alison
Recommends
I had a fantastic time. We got September 2015
5.0
- Value 5.0
- Guide 5.0
- Activities 5.0
- Lodging 5.0
- Transportation 5.0
- Meals 5.0
I had a fantastic time. We got to see lots of the islands and the skipper took us to some amazing local restaurants. I would definitely recommend it to most people expect some people I know who may want a slightly livelier trip or I know my mum wouldn't have liked the bathrooms. But I loved it! It was the perfect mix of relaxing and adventure.
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