Americans are falling in love with small-ship yacht adventures, and cruise lines are scrambling to launch smaller ships in the hopes of securing the loyalty of adventure seekers that want to experience the world’s finest hidden harbors on their own terms.
Three new yachts — Ponant's Le Lyrial, Windstar’s Star Legend, and Crystal Espirit — entered service this year.
Here are ten yachts to consider if you seek the ultimate in personalized service and intimate access to destinations around the globe.
SEE ALSO: A Russian billionaire is reportedly building the world's largest sailing yacht
Crystal Cruises
Yacht: 62-passenger Crystal Espirit
The stunning all-suite, all-inclusive Crystal Espirit debuts December 2015 with an emphasis on “storied waters and hidden harbors.” The yacht begins its inaugural year in the Seychelles and will then spend most of 2016 exploring the Adriatic coastline. The newcomer to Crystal’s fleet will offer impeccable service and promises Michelin star-level gourmet cuisine, which can also be found aboard Crystal’s larger ships: Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony. Where this little sister excels is in the very intimate ports of call the yacht can reach.
Insider Tip: Crystal turns the traditional yacht experience on its head by offering unusual amenities like a two-passenger submarine for undersea exploration. Reserve your excursion upon embarkation. The ship is also outfitted with two 10-passenger Zodiacs, a 12-passenger Wider 32-foot super yacht tender, water skis, wake boards, kayaks, and jet skis as well as fishing and snorkeling gear.
Plan Your Yacht Cruise: Visit Fodor’s Crystal Cruises Guide
Ponant Cultural Cruises & Expeditions
Yacht: 224-passenger Le Lyrial
Launched in 2015, Le Lyrial is a sistership to Le Boreal, L’Austral, and Le Soleal. As you’ve probably guessed from the ships’ monikers, Ponant is a French-flagged line and that means an emphasis on luxurious yet tough ship design (the ship’s hull is ice rated so it can sail Antarctica); compelling interiors featuring a crisp white, cool gray, ice blue, and turquois color palette; and gourmet cuisine and wine with a decidedly French flair. Throughout the year, Le Lyrial sails Antarctica, the Greek Islands, and the Mediterranean. Especially popular is the ship’s seven-night round trip itinerary out of Venice, which calls on the Croatia ports of Sibenik, Split, Korcula, Dubrovnik, Kotor, Hvar, Pula, and Rovinj.
Insider Tip: All suites are located on Deck 6, where you’ll also find the pool. For the most spacious accommodations, book the 581 square foot Owner’s Suite. The bedroom and bath with Jacuzzi are separated from two dressing areas, living room, dining area, and guest bath. A spacious balcony with entrances from both the bedroom and dining area afford you the ability to enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner al fresco.
Plan Your Yacht Cruise: Visit Fodor’s Ponant Guide
Seadream Yacht Club
Yacht: 112-passenger SeaDream I and SeaDream II
Personalized service. That’s a hallmark of SeaDream Yacht Club. The crew seems to know everyone’s name—and preferences for food and drink—from day one. Pampering is pulled off in a sincere way and, with so few other passengers onboard, you feel as if the yacht is truly yours for the week. While the line doesn’t offer many shore excursions, its captains are known to lead complimentary walks, hikes, and bike trips (the ships maintain a fleet of mountain bikes) to tiny beach coves and farmer’s markets. The aft watersports marina is also a true gem, allowing for swimming and snorkeling as well as wake boarding, water skiing, windsurfing, and kayaking. There’s also a sailboat, towable banana boat, and several jet skis. There’s nothing quite like anchoring off St. Barts and jumping into the Caribbean Sea from your very own yacht.
Insider Tip: Head to Reception the moment you step aboard and reserve a special night under the stars. SeaDream will prepare one of its 11 comfy on-deck Balinese beds with fine linens, fluffy duvet, and pillows so that you may sleep under the stars. A bottle of Champagne is provided so you may toast to sweet dreams. (Hint: Ask for the larger and more private Balinese bed at the forward end of the ship.) This experience takes glamping to an entirely new level.
Plan Your Yacht Cruise: Visit Fodor’s SeaDream Yacht Club Guide
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