We've been on NCL and RCCL in the Caribbean several times. I'd like to book on a smaller ship next time, itinerary not too important although we've done Eastern / Southern Caribbean before. Which cruise lines should we be looking for?

Silverseas, Seabourn to mention two.<BR><BR>6 star deluxe cruising, (and in the UK they are selling at 50% savings on selected itineraries).Still not cheap, but a fantastic opportunity to sample the finest at a reduced fare. I have travelled with Seabourn and it is a superb cruise and travel experience.

Melanie-We just returned from an 11 day trip on the Wind Star(300 passengers).<BR>Food, ports and staff were excellent.<BR>This ship will move to Ft. lauderdale mid Jan and will do a 7 day cruise stopping @ Bimini, Key West and a couple of Cays.E-mail me if you want any further info.

Hi Melanie,<BR><BR>Regal Empress is another choice. It is not tiny at 1,100 passengers but the price is right.<BR><BR>Paul

I'll throw my hat into the ring and say Royal Olympic's, Olympia Voyager. Smaller ship (860 passengers) that is still very new (delivered in 2000). I did the Mayan Equinox on her last spring and it was a treat.

Yes Rita, there are quite a few smaller ships that sail Europe in summer and the Caribbean in winter.<BR><BR>I did sail the Royal Oylmpic Voyager in the Med last year and it was quite an experience. It is like a large speedboat. I was concerned about the food but was pleasantly surprised. The service was outstanding. The shows were rather ethnic but I imagine that should change in the Caribbean.<BR><BR>Howard was correct concerning Windstar. There is another masted ship cruise line called Windjammer that is much less money. Of course the ships are entirely different than those of a regular cruise line.<BR><BR>Silversea and Seabourn are top notch cruise lines but you pay for the experience.<BR><BR>At one time smaller cruise ships were plentiful but they were all older ships and the companies could not afford to operate them. The companies folded.<BR><BR>Paul

Paul- A quick warning about Windjammer.While in port we met some people doing a 2 week sail on one of their ships and they were hating it.<BR>Very rustic(a polite word), nowhere to sit on deck, and having to make your dinner selection right after breakfast made them quite disappointed.<BR>The ships we encountered looked like they could use a little TLC.

You're absolutely right Howard. I sailed Windjammer twice and although the price was extremely reasonable I always returned to Windstar and Star Clippers.<BR><BR>They do call their cruises Windjammer Barefoot. This should give you the clue.<BR><BR>Paul

Melanie- We did the Windsurf last May from Rome to Nice and fell in love with the ship==330 passengers=upscale casual=no coat and tie=terrific food=ideal ports-----<BR>It is doing Barcelona to Provence this spring along with Nice to Rome,Rome to Nice and also the Amalfi coast---<BR>It can't be beat for a European cruise as it goes into much smaller ports than the largers ships-- It is FABULOUS!!!