Classic & Boutique style
Classic and boutique style cruising is exactly what it suggests with ships tending to be smaller, more classic and traditional in their look and delivery of service, and with unique itineraries. Itineraries are focused on an immersive destination experience. These types of cruise lines are sometimes associated with renowned organisations to provide another layer of expertise and knowledge, themed around the destination.
Swan Hellenic and Voyages of Discovery, both sister companies, are great examples of classic style cruising. They seek to serve a “soft adventure” and cultural niche experience for travellers who also love the comforts and amenities of cruising aboard traditional, classic small ships. They are renowned for their on-board guest speaker program, with a team of experts in everything from wildlife to the arts, military history to politics, and geology to culture. They help define the destination and provide another layer of learning outside of the usual tourist detail.
From 2017, both cruise lines have partnered with the British Royal Horticultural Society and The National Trust to offer itineraries which include visits to incredible heritage properties and gardens. With only one ship each, the itineraries are progressive as they follow the seasons and cruise to South America, the Caribbean, Holy Lands and Asia so many guests opt for longer voyages with no double ups.
With New Zealanders now looking beyond the American gateway cities, there is a new interest in exploring other regions of the USA. Eastern Canada has long been popular for the autumn fall foliage cruises, but with locally based cruise companies like American Cruise Lines, it is easy to explore the Mississippi – think mint julips, Huckleberry Finn and jazz and nothing could be more authentic than experiencing this lazy river and its tributaries on a luxurious paddlewheel riverboat.
The East Coast inter-coastal waterways from Jacksonville in Florida to Baltimore in Maryland is a surprise. You can traverse the entire coastline without having to go out to sea. With American Cruise Lines you can also add on a 7 night Hudson River cruise to a city stay in New York, or explore the New England islands of Nantucket and Martha’s Vineyard.
Similarly Blount Small Ship Adventures has opened up opportunities to cruise The Great Lakes of America, or to take a locks and canal cruise from New York City up the Hudson River, into the Erie Canal, across Lake Ontario, and up into the St Lawrence River to Quebec City.
Boutique style cruise operators bring the fabric of the region to life through their regional focus and commitment to showcasing a destination with not only sightseeing, but the opportunity to learn too.