There’s a reason more luxury travelers are quietly abandoning the mega ships in favor of something smaller, slower, and far more immersive.

Small ship cruising has become one of the most exciting ways to experience Europe and Asia — especially for travelers who want the convenience of cruising without sacrificing authenticity, comfort, or access to incredible destinations.

For years, many travelers thought cruising fit neatly into one category. But today’s cruise world is far more diverse — and far more luxurious — than most people realize.

Whether you have been on a cruise before or don’t feel like cruises are for you, there are river cruises and ocean cruises that fit all different types of travelers. The trick is knowing someone who can help you navigate which is the better fit for your travel style. While both allow you to unpack once and experience multiple destinations, the actual experience feels completely different.

A recap of my Rhine river cruise with AmaWaterways from Amsterdam to Basel.

A recap of my first river cruise on the Avalon Poetry II.

Somehow 2025 has become the year of cruising - so excited to take my first river and ocean cruises next year!