While mega cruise ships ply the seas with as many as 6,000 passengers, smaller-scale sailing and power yachts attract discerning voyagers who enjoy connecting with no more than 310 travelers on board. Comfortably elegant and sleek, these agile vessels can dock steps from city centers and disembark without a wait, even droping anchor in hidden coves. Daily stops in port mean chefs stock their galleys with fresh, local produce and the ocean's bounty. These ships are so intimate, knowledgeable staff are always close at hand, but never in the way. Windstar Cruises and Crystal Yacht Cruises have refreshed suites and devised new itineraries with exhilarating excursions that include biking, shopping, even diving into a mini-submarine sojourn.

CRYSTAL YACHT CRUISES

The 2015 launch of the 62-passenger Crystal Esprit reflects the downsized direction that appeals to cruisers seeking people and places up close and personal.   

After roaming the Indian Ocean with stops in the Seychelles earlier this year, the Esprit transitioned to the Mediterranean where spring, summer and fall will find the ship weaving its way through ports in Greece, Italy, and Croatia. Full and half day excursions are included so guests can choose to rise in a hot air balloon over Venice or share a meal with Bedouin amid Qatari sand dunes. Arranging private art, music or foodie forays are exciting options in destinations such as Corfu, Kotor and Dubrovnik.    

After rewarding shore exploration, Executive Chef Adam Jenkins has destination-inspired cocktails and dinners ready each evening. Jenkins, who left five-star hotels to sail, talked about one example of his finds: "In Split, I met with our local truffle supplier, including a visit to the farm where they have amazing black and exquisite white truffles. Can't ask for much more as a chef."   

Energetic adventurers can work off dinner by heading astern where the marina deck is stocked with jet skis, kayaks, and paddle boards. Early risers can start the day working out in the gym with the ship's personal trainer. Or they take a ride in a rare mini-submersible exploring reefs and marine life. 

In November 2017, responding to customer interest, the Esprit will sail weekly out of St. Martin's Marigot Bay in the West Indies. Crystal will offer two potentially-linked routes that include stays in the British Virgin Islands, Saint-Barthému, Anguilla, Antigua, and Nevis.  Knowing there are therapeutic massage available later, guests can dip beneath the surface snorkeling or using scuba gear.

Three more fleet ships are planned. In 2019, the Crystal Endeavor will alternate between polar regions. The purpose-built craft will offer outings on a new submersible, a helicopter, and fishing boats plus a spa space after premier discoveries. Positioned for eternal summer the Endeavor will roam the Arctic when the sun shines into the evening. Then the ship will head south to Antarctic waters following the whales’ migration. 

WINDSTAR CRUISES

Six boutique ships, evenly divided between tall-masted sailing vessels and classic all-suite motor-powered yachts, make up Windstar's flotilla. Wind Surf is the big sister ship with 310 passengers, while Wind Spirit and Wind Star welcome roughly half as many aboard. With 212 guests each, Star Pride, Star Legend, and Star Breeze doubled the company's fleet in 2014 and 2015.

Churning through waters worldwide, Windstar ships tie-up in snug harbors where Product Manager Melissa Witsoe connects passengers with soft adventures onshore and days of cultural enrichment. She's ready for private arrangements when requested. That translates into everything from touring with a local photographer in Croatia or crowning a Croatian canyon hike with a picnic lunch. Late in 2017, new Arabian stops and revamped Asian routes will offer visits to ancient sites such as Luxor in Egypt and city tours in Hanoi, Vietnam. In addition to enriching experiences, Ms. Witsoe recalls an enthusiastic guest who never missed shore experiences in Italy. Later bidding the woman good-bye, Ms. Witsoe learned, "She had been going through chemotherapy and had gone on the cruise for the two weeks off before her second round."   

Guests boarding Windstar ships leave their kitchens at home, but bring their taste buds. In addition to feasting on locally-influenced menus, passengers who sign up may go marketing with the chef. Getting a glimpse of upcoming meals, they also learn about artisan cheeses and breads.  The culinary curious are introduced to exotic fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. Sleuthing out what will soon appear on their plates, allows inquisitive passenger an insider's view.    

That's how Tom Honderich, five-time Windstar voyager, felt when a lifestyle writer he met on an earlier trip, found the chef's venison purchase was listed on an evening menu. "Gayle made sure we dined at Candles (the ship's open-air restaurant) that night. It's easy to make friends," he says, “with so many interesting people around."

Tom and his husband, Gordon Chastain chose a Costa Rican eco-itinerary this January to bird watch and enjoy a deck party as they passed through the Panama Canal.   

There are many reasons to take to the seas. Sailing on the Wind Spirit to Tahiti is the ultimate destination wedding plan. Nature lovers join romantics taking in French Polynesia's sand-surrounded shimmering lagoons. From Fakarava's designaated UNESCO Biosphere to shopping for black pearls in Papeete, each island on this journey is justifiably called a paradise. 

Steering the way to paradise is in the hands of capable staff. Each Windstar ship has an open bridge where the captain and crew welcome passengers 24/7. "It gives guests a chance to see how we navigate the yacht, ask questions and to talk to officers freely," says Captain Belinda Bennett. Named as their fleet's first woman captain, Ms. Bennett grew up on St. Helena, a remote Atlantic island. In the water before she could walk, she says "I was told I have saltwater in my veins..."  Adding she "loves and respects the ocean." Captain Bennett commands the Wind Star and enjoys this yacht's family atmosphere that includes photo ops with guests. She's happy to point passengers to her favorite pizzeria in the Grenadines. 

Tradition and connection are affirmed daily with Windstar's sunset rendition of 1492: Conquest of Paradise, from a movie soundtrack. Raising their glasses as sails rise and engines are powered up, passengers toast pleasant memories of days past and belief in those to come. 

AHOY, ALL ABOARD

Cruising with Crystal and Windstar widens knowledge, cultivates creativity, builds relationships, and can even heal body and soul. Stepping aboard a small ship is a step away from day to day life and a luxurious move to fresh, engaging adventures. Ahoy, it's time to sail away!