I've Cruised All 5 "Small Ship Luxury" Lines. No-One Warns You About This!

Comments · 303

• NA

  @Nambawan123 · 1 month ago (edited)

  No one on YouTube knows his subject better than Gary knows his subject.  Seriously.  This guy is "the Man" when it comes to cruises.  I am not even interested in cruises but I never miss his videos so I can see him do his thing.

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• MY

  @MyLifeAsMitch · 7 hours ago

  I think Windstar is the best for my wife and me because it's relaxed, casual and not filled with snobs. We just want to relax on a beautiful and QUIET ship and not be surrounded by hundreds if not thousands of people.

• DS

  @dsr8223 · 6 months ago

  Regarding Viking Ocean, we are not foodies and rarely drink alcohol, so the food/drink aspect of Viking was fine with us. And, some of the free excursions were definitely weak. But, the relaxing vibe on board, soothing decor, and lovely employees won us over.

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• MA

  @maxvanbalgooy · 6 months ago

  I’ve traveled on Viking Ocean twice and agree with Gary’s observations.  I like the consistency of the ship design and quiet experience, and also found that excursions can be sold out by the time they’re released to my cabin category and that many excursions are routine tours.  I’ll add that even though Viking promotes itself as the “thinking man’s cruise,” that’s a relative term.  The lectures are superficial (I had better on Cunard) although if you have a chance to talk with the lecturers, they are experts in their field. We supplemented our cruise with a couple guidebooks and went out on our own in port.  Much more satisfying.  The added bonus of Viking is that if you book your flights through them, they meet you at the airport during the layover to help you navigate large airports (like Frankfort) and if you arrive early, station someone at the hotel as a concierge.  A nice touch if you’re in unfamiliar places.

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• RE

  @reinaldoreyes5631 · 6 months ago

  Masterful reviews. Never on a cruise, but at 60 and well off, starting to consider. Watched many of your videos and subscribed. Small luxury for me when the time comes. Just wanted to compliment the excellent content you consistently put out.

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• SL

  @slowmads · 6 months ago

  After 70+ cruises, we find ourselves wanting to do fewer cruises with more luxury.  As full-time travelers, we also use cruises for transportation whenever possible (as opposed to flying!).  We’ve booked our 5th Oceania cruise and simply love the line.  We have yet to try Windstar, Explora or Azamara.  We HAVE booked our first Princess Grills on the Queen Elizabeth and have our first Viking cruise booked for later this year.  We have also enjoyed MSC Yacht Club twice.  Thanks for helping us spend the high-end dollars most wisely!

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• MA

  @marygillespie2028 · 6 months ago (edited)

  I love that Viking ships are quiet. We usually travel with another couple. While on-board, our focus is on spending time with our traveling compaions.

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• TO

  @tommita6440 · 6 months ago

  You’re right about Azamara being for folks who like the maximum time in port. That’s exactly what I love about them.

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• DA

  @danielitoforyou · 1 month ago

  honestly, after watching this video, you can totally see why Explora is truely the best of them all.

  3

• AN

  @andrewrevitt5561 · 6 months ago

  I have done multiple Azamara cruises and really recommended them. The value for money is fantastic, the food is great and better than Oceania in my experience and the crew are really welcoming and cannot do enough for you. I also sometimes cruise with Silversea and while I l do love them I would say Azamara is at least 80% as good at less than half the price.

  9

• CA

  @CaliMitra · 11 days ago

  Windstar, when I sailed in 2024, had cut back on things like - no body lotion, bad excursions and, yes, dining is quite limited though I found the food to be quite good. Unfortunately, as a solo traveler, I had pushback in the dining room where the maitre d’ didn’t want to give me my own table!

  1

• BR

  @brianingram3997 · 1 month ago

  Windstar is excellent in so many ways. Great shore stops. Minimal entertainment but instead long leasurely evening meals with interesting guests.

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