di2315

Having just read all the comments on the Voyages to Antiquity thread, I'm now reconsidering my thoughts about sailing with them on a Mediterranean cruise next European summer.

I don't wish to travel on a large ship with thousands of other passengers, so was drawn to V2A because of the size, as well as the descriptions in their beautifully presented brochure.

There is such a plethora of choices with cruise liners, so rather than troll through all that is offering, I'm hoping that some seasoned cruisers can offer me some advice as to which other shipping lines offer smaller vessels? Thanks, Di

qwovadis

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abram

We've done two Med cruises on Oceania's 684 passenger ships, which were a great size for us. Large enough to offer amenities and choices, but not so large as to feel like you're travelling with a mass of people.

az530

We cruise Crystal. They have 2 ships that range from about 900 to 1000 passengers. Crystal receives all of the highest awards for food and service. If you travel on too small a ship you are limited to activities. We never felt there were too many people on the Crystal ships. Regent would be my second choice, but a couple of their ships are too small for my tastes.

di2315

Thanks, everyone for those suggestions - you've given me plenty of options to look into. Di

jacketwatch

Also look into Regent as well. Nowadays these luxury lines are coming up with fab discounts so good luck. Princess and RCi have a few smaller ships as well and the prices will be less. Look into the RCI Azamara line and the Royal, Pacific and Ocean ships of the Princess line.

di2315

Thanks, jacketwatch - it's as well that I've made an early start on my research; there certainly is a lot to take in when I haven't ever travelled on a cruising holiday before!

So far all my experience with European holidays has been very independent and land based, so this is a whole new field for me. Di

mscarls

Tauck, which is known more for its land tours, offers some small ship cruising in conjunction with a French company. You can book directly with the French company, and some Americans do when Tauck is sold out, but Tauck will provide more TLC. The ships range in size from 60 to 300 passengers. We really enjoyed our three Tauck cruises, especially the one on Le Ponant (3-masted, motorized sailing yacht) that ended in Malta.

di2315

Thanks, mscarls - Tauck is a company I'd never heard of, so have now subscribed to their emails.

I've now narrowed my itinerary searches to Venice - Croatia - Corfu - Greece (or reverse) routes. At present Tauck aren't offering that precise route, but their motorised sailing yacht really appeals to me! Di

Louise

Be sure and check out www.traveldynamics.com and their ship the CorinthianII as suggested above by Qwovadis. I had a wonderful cruise with them last year from Portugal to Venice but they have many other offerings.

di2315

Thanks, Louise - have signed up for their email updates; it's great to have personal recommendations from long-time Fodors members! Di