While cruising may not be on your immediate travel radar given the current COVID-19 crisis, small-ship cruising should top your list in the near future. Small cruise lines offer a wide array of activities suitable for all ages. With guest lists typically smaller than 350, there are quite a few benefits for cruisers.

First, smaller cruises mean more personalized experiences across the board. Most of the excitement comes from excursions, so plan for a lot of breathtaking experiences on and off the ship.

One of the biggest benefits of small ships: They can sail into exclusive, hard-to-reach destinations usually off-limits for ocean liners. One of the obvious choices here is the Galapagos Islands. Many small ships cruise to this remote destination, unlike larger vessels.

Small ships also offer greater chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences. The focus for these sailings is always on the adventures and off-ship excursions. You will not want for choices when considering which lines or destinations to explore. Most, if not all, regions served by traditional cruises are also served by small ships, albeit with a different focus of scale — another plus for post-COVID-19 travel.

For people who would rather focus on the intimate moments and off-ship excursions a cruise can offer, instead of the grand spectacles offered on most major cruise lines, small-ship cruising is an adventure to consider.