Big vs. Small Yachts: Which is the Hidden Gem in the World of Cruises?

Sailing the high seas is undeniably a magical experience. The allure of waking up to a sunrise glistening across crystal clear waters or dropping anchor in an exotic port of call prompts millions of vacationers each year to set sail. As someone who became obsessed with cruising back in 2007, I initially fell for the grandeur of the biggest and newest cruise ships. However, after 13 sailings within five years, I found myself standing in St. Thomas, realizing that I had grown tired of the same ports, the same excursions, and the same food. It was at that moment that my husband Gregg voiced what I was already thinking: "All future island cruises we take need to be on a yacht."

The idea of yachting seemed luxurious, but were these smaller vessels an affordable option? In the past, chartering a 20-meter catamaran or 18-meter sailboat meant busting your travel budget. However, an online cruise finder addressed our concerns and dispelled all small yacht myths. We discovered that chartering a small yacht would actually cost less than booking two balcony cabins onboard a large cruise ship.

The following year, instead of walking down a gangplank with thousands of other cruisers, our family was greeted by the captain of a small sailboat in Italy. We decided to charter the floating villa and get an up-close view of the world's most scenic and picturesque coastline, the Amalfi Coast. 

Stretching from Sorrento to Salerno, the entire Amalfi Coast is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Southern Italy.

 As we set sail from Maiori for Positano on a sundrenched summer day, the advantages of yachting became immediately clear. Our captain pointed out hidden beaches, caves known only to the locals, and small swim platforms attached to rocky cliffs. These secret treasures would have remained hidden had we chosen a hotel or large cruise ship. Halfway to Positano, our floating home came to a full stop, giving us the opportunity to take a dip in the pristine waters.

The joy on my children's faces as they leaped off the yacht is something that no crowded pool deck could ever replicate. "This sure beats a crowded pool deck," my eldest proclaimed while doing a cannonball off of the starboard side.

After an hour of swimming and snorkeling, we dried off and pulled into Positano. Nestled between rolling hills, this Amalfi Coast gem is one of the most photographed villages in the world. Our captain told us where the locals eat lunch, and we followed his lead, bypassing the tourist eateries.

By evening, we were back on our floating villa, and the smiles on my children's and husband's faces spoke volumes. We were hooked. No more giant ships, no more fighting crowds for a lounge chair, no more long lines for food. Bigger was not better for us. The best cruises for our family centered on yachts. Imagine waking up to an elegant breakfast prepared by your private chef. This is how a typical day on a smaller vessel starts. After breakfast and a swim, your captain pulls into an exotic destination. There is no rush to return, and your private tender is always ready. While you shop or tour local sites, your crew is busy buying fresh produce, seafood, and meats for your five-star dinners. Then your floating villa moves with you, under the stars.

There are no limits to the size, budget, or style of yachting. We met many people on single cruises who preferred to share the cost of a cabin rather than renting out an entire yacht, a novel idea for anyone looking to stretch the budget even further.

Whether you are looking for intimate island cruises, single cruises, or family reunions at sea, don't think big, think small. Yachts offer outstanding advantages you won't find on super-sized ships.

Take heart that the best cruises are not always on a cruise ship.

When comparing a typical day between big cruises and small yachts, the facts speak for themselves:

Large Cruise Ships Small Chartered Yachts

• Long lines in breakfast buffet - Breakfast served by private chef
• Long waits to board tenders - Tender is at your service
• Only a few hours in each port - No rush to leave ports of call
• Ship anchored far from certain ports - Yacht anchors next to nature
• Same menu each cruise - Personal chef caters to your taste buds
• Foods not created to your tastes - You set the schedule
• Cruise Line determines schedule - You set the itinerary
• Itinerary planned out - Dives and use of equipment included in price
• Pay for dives and other activities - Taken to private islands with few crowds
• Share the beach with thousands of passengers