8 small cruise ships that are big on luxury, intimacy and adventure

By Don Campbell, for CNN
9 minute read
Updated 9:48 PM EDT, Fri April 14, 2017
Built in 1931, there's still a glamor and authenticity to the Sea Cloud, bringing a sense of open-sea adventure for its 64 passengers.
Sea Cloud Cruises —
Built in 1931, there's still a glamor and authenticity to the Sea Cloud, bringing a sense of open-sea adventure for its 64 passengers.
Courtesy Sea Cloud Cruises
The Sea Cloud offers two luxurious owner's cabins and several deluxe and dual-bed original cabins, many outfitted in period elegance.
Sea Cloud —
The Sea Cloud offers two luxurious owner's cabins and several deluxe and dual-bed original cabins, many outfitted in period elegance.
Courtesy Sea Cloud Cruises
This three-masted sailing vessel goes to the postcard Caribbean destinations that the big cruise ships can't get to. "You're not herded off the boat," says owner's daughter Tiffany Mitchell. "You get to know the crew, locals and fellow passengers."
The Mandalay —
This three-masted sailing vessel goes to the postcard Caribbean destinations that the big cruise ships can't get to. "You're not herded off the boat," says owner's daughter Tiffany Mitchell. "You get to know the crew, locals and fellow passengers."
Sail Windjammers
An added treat on the Mandalay is the holler for volunteer hands on deck to help raise sails.
The Mandalay —
An added treat on the Mandalay is the holler for volunteer hands on deck to help raise sails.
Sail Windjammers
The rustic La Estrella Amazonica plies the Amazon River in search of close encounters with nature under the guidance of expedition leader and naturalist Dennis Osorio.
La Estrella Amazonica —
The rustic La Estrella Amazonica plies the Amazon River in search of close encounters with nature under the guidance of expedition leader and naturalist Dennis Osorio.
Courtesy IE Travel
"If somebody wants to enjoy the wildlife, this is a very good place to go," says Estrella expedition leader Dennis Osario. "The river is vast, and there are not many companies going there. It's a personal experience, feeling the spirit of the forest. It's living a dream."
La Estrella Amazonica —
"If somebody wants to enjoy the wildlife, this is a very good place to go," says Estrella expedition leader Dennis Osario. "The river is vast, and there are not many companies going there. It's a personal experience, feeling the spirit of the forest. It's living a dream."
Courtesy IE Travel
In the past 40 years of her existence, the Eye of the Wind has achieved several honors, including the Prix d'Elegance in 1994.
Eye of the Wind —
In the past 40 years of her existence, the Eye of the Wind has achieved several honors, including the Prix d'Elegance in 1994.
Courtesy Eye of the Wind
The Eye is a certified sail training vessel. Passengers get to steer the ship, plan all sailing maneuvers and set the sails.
Eye of the Wind —
The Eye is a certified sail training vessel. Passengers get to steer the ship, plan all sailing maneuvers and set the sails.
Courtesy Eye of the Wind
The Wind Star is a 360-foot yacht that feels more like a personal pleasure craft. It spends summers in the Med and winters in the Caribbean.
Wind Star —
The Wind Star is a 360-foot yacht that feels more like a personal pleasure craft. It spends summers in the Med and winters in the Caribbean.
Windstar Cruises
The Wind Star offers a spa, a watersports platform, a casino, lounge, library and pool.
Wind Star —
The Wind Star offers a spa, a watersports platform, a casino, lounge, library and pool.
Windstar Cruises
From its home port in St. John, Grenada, the Diamant follows the Windward Islands.
Diamant —
From its home port in St. John, Grenada, the Diamant follows the Windward Islands.
Island Windjammers
The Diamant carries just 12 passengers. It's less formal than a large cruise ship, and significantly more relaxed than other tall-masted or alternative cruises.
The Diamant —
The Diamant carries just 12 passengers. It's less formal than a large cruise ship, and significantly more relaxed than other tall-masted or alternative cruises.
Island Windjammers
The Star Flyer offers island-hopping throughout the Mediterranean nearly year-round, with Asian trips out of Phuket, Thailand, February through April.
Star Flyer —
The Star Flyer offers island-hopping throughout the Mediterranean nearly year-round, with Asian trips out of Phuket, Thailand, February through April.
Courtesy Starclippers