Quick answer
Norway's coastal voyages, tall ships under sail, Croatian island-hopping on small ships, Fiji and the Kimberley — intimate trips that big ships can't do. Typical trips are 3–14 nights from about US$150–900 per person per night. Independent travellers, couples, active cruisers and anyone who dislikes crowds.
- Typical length
- 3–14 nights
- Price guide
- ≈ US$150–≈ US$900 pp/night
- Ship size
- 20–600 guests
- Who it suits
- Independent travellers, couples, active cruisers and anyone who dislikes crowds.
- Dress code
- Casual; deck shoes and layers.
- Usually included
- Cabin and most meals; drinks and excursions vary.
- Lines on our list
- 14
14 coastal & sailing cruise lines
Hebridean Island Cruises
A tiny, country-house-style luxury ship (around 50 guests) around Scotland's Western…
North Star Cruises (True North)
Luxury adventure ship for 36 guests with its own helicopter, specialising in the…
Sea Cloud Cruises
Windjammer luxury: the 1931 Sea Cloud and newer tall ships where sails are set by…
Zambezi Queen Collection
Luxury houseboats on the Chobe river at the edge of Botswana's Chobe National Park, famous for…
Emerald Yacht Cruises
Superyacht-style small ships of around 100 guests sailing the Adriatic, Greek islands, Red Sea and Southeast…
Indonesian phinisi yachts
Traditional wooden Bugis sailing ships rebuilt as private yachts, cruising Komodo National Park and Raja Ampat. Sold as cabins or whole-boat…
Noble Caledonia
British small-ship specialist with lecture-led cultural voyages…
Aranui Cruises
A passenger-freighter that supplies the remote Marquesas Islands, carrying guests on 12–14 day…
Blue Lagoon Cruises
Small-ship cruises through Fiji's Yasawa and Mamanuca islands with village visits and…
Captain Cook Cruises
Fiji small-ship cruises and Sydney Harbour dining…
Havila Kystruten
Coastal Norway route with new battery-hybrid ships that can sail silently for hours on battery…
Hurtigruten (Norwegian Coastal Express)
The classic Bergen–Kirkenes coastal voyage calling at 34 ports, carrying locals as well as travellers — the best way to see Norway's coast and the…
Turkish & Greek gulets
Wooden motor-sailers on 'Blue Voyage' itineraries along Turkey's Turquoise Coast and the Greek islands, usually chartered with crew and a…
Katarina Line
Croatian small-ship cruising between Split, Dubrovnik and the Dalmatian islands on 30–40 guest motor…
Popular destinations
Mediterranean
Best: May, Jun, Sep, Oct
Tahiti, Fiji & the South Pacific
Best: May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep, Oct
British Isles & Ireland
Best: Jun, Jul, Aug
Australia & New Zealand
Best: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Caribbean & Bahamas
Best: Jan, Feb, Mar, Apr, Dec
Africa & the Indian Ocean islands
Best: Jan, Feb, Mar, Nov, Dec
Sailings & fares
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Frequently asked questions
What is a coastal & sailing cruise?
Norway's coastal voyages, tall ships under sail, Croatian island-hopping on small ships, Fiji and the Kimberley — intimate trips that big ships can't do.
How much does a coastal & sailing cruise cost?
Roughly US$150–900 per person per night, depending on line, ship, cabin and season.
Which coastal & sailing cruise lines are best?
It depends on who is travelling. Popular choices include Hebridean Island Cruises, North Star Cruises (True North), Sea Cloud Cruises, Zambezi Queen Collection, Emerald Yacht Cruises. Use Cruise Match to rank them for you.
What is included?
Cabin and most meals; drinks and excursions vary.