Adventure cruising

Introducing a new a style of travel – a premium cruise without the premium crowds. Think less on-board casinos and more island hopping along the Dalmatian Coast, a Penang port stop for a bowl of Assam laksa at a local market, or dropping anchor for a swim in some secluded Cuban archipelago. This is Peregrine’s small ship adventure cruising. Welcome aboard.

It’s all about the destination

Conventional big ship cruising is all about life on the boat. What to eat, what to do, which show to catch. Adventure cruising is more about the destination: stopping at little islands the big ships can’t reach, exploring local markets and trying fresh produce, learning a place’s history and culture from local guides who know it best.

These journeys are designed to be low impact. That means there’s fewer passengers on-board, less stress on local communities, and each trip is carbon offset through a range of renewable energy projects. And while the big boats moor out at sea and ferry passengers to land by tender, we can sail straight into port. You can hop on or hop off as you like. It’s convenience and comfort, all in one.

Sail uncharted waters

When it comes to cruising, bigger is not necessarily better. While mega liners are very restricted in their routes and itineraries, a smaller ship means we can dock in out-of-the-way ports and drop anchor wherever we feel like it.

Instead of mooring out to sea, we pull up right in the centre of town. You can stroll on and off the boat whenever you like (very handy when you forget your sunglasses). And our itineraries are flexible enough to change as the weather dictates. So if we spot some idyllic sun-soaked cove off the starboard bow, there’s nothing stopping us from dropping anchor and having a swim.

A personal touch

On a small ship adventure cruise, you’re travelling with between 30 and 50 passengers…not 3000. Our boats have a maximum of 25 suites, and the small group atmosphere means you get a more personal level of service. By the end of the trip, the waiters know how you take your coffee (and, more importantly, your favourite cocktails).

Your Cruise Director will greet you by name. You’ll get to know your fellow passengers and have a chance to make real lasting friendships. They’re little things, but they make all the difference. You’re not just another face in the crowd.

Adriatic squid prepared by locals in Croatia

Local flavours

We’re a big believer in travelling on our stomachs, and each cruise’s on-board menu is tailored to reflect the destination you’re in. Cruising in Greece? You’ll be snacking on grilled octopus and handmade dolmades. In Spain it’s fresh paella and crispy patatas bravas.

All our trips come with either half or full-board, plus an unforgettable ‘Local Night’ where your chefs will whip up a feast of regional fare (bring your dancing shoes). While onshore, your Cruise Director or local leader will take you to the best local spots, from that seafood restaurant on Santorini to a hidden wine bar in Seville.

A greener way to cruise

‘Sustainable cruising’ might seem like a contradiction in terms, given the history of the big mega liners. But it’s a side of the industry we want to change. Small ships are a greener alternative to a traditional cruise: they’re gentle on local communities and much better for the environment.

Our boats generate less waste, have a smaller footprint, and don’t overwhelm small port towns with thousands of travellers all at once (remember, you’re travelling with about 30 to 50 people). Each departure has also been carbon offset by a range of renewable energy initiatives. It’s part of our commitment to being a carbon neutral company.

Activities on-board

You won’t find casinos, bowling alleys or nightclubs on any of our small ships. In fact we don’t even have an on-board swimming pool. But who needs chlorine when you’ve got the glittering waters of the Adriatic or Cuba’s aquamarine shallows on your doorstep?

All our ships have either a platform or a ladder at the back of the boat for swimming, so you can get in and out of the water with ease. There’s also snorkel equipment and kayaks on certain departures. If swimming’s not your thing, we recommend a cocktail and a good book on the sun deck. It does wonders.

Double bed, Royal Eleganza, Croatia Cruising

Home sweet home

There’s something nice about coming back to your cabin after a full turndown service and seeing the little mint on your pillow. It almost guarantees a good night’s sleep. Small ship cabins are roomy and comfortable, usually in either a twin or double configuration, and all come with ensuites.

There’s air-conditioning if you need to cool down, turndown twice a day, and a fully equipped laundry service. It’s essentially staying in a floating 4-star hotel. Most rooms also come fitted with a key safe if you’re worried about your valuables, and each cabin can be locked for extra peace of mind.

Meet the crew

Our adventure cruises are run in partnership with Variety, the world’s premier small ship operator. That means you’re getting top class service on each and every departure. Your Cruise Director can provide tips on great places to eat, drink and explore, while our team of local guides can take you on a wide range of optional excursions (prices for these vary). Onboard you’ve also got a team of chefs, waiters and room service staff, plus a Captain and crew to handle the running of the boat. We want your crew to feel like your family. It’s one of the things that sets us apart from the big mega liners.