This past season, I had the chance to experience two radically different styles of cruising. One was a journey through the Mediterranean aboard the 300 passenger Wind Surf, a graceful sailing yacht measuring 14,745 gt. The other was a whirlwind two-night adventure on Oasis of the Seas, one of the largest cruise ships in the world, hosting 5,566 passengers on our trip and featuring more amenities than many resort towns. Experiencing both back-to-back was like stepping between two eras of seafaring.
The Charm of Small Ship Sailing
On Wind Surf, life moved at a gentler pace. The ship itself felt intimate, and so did the experience. Within a day or two, the crew not only knew my name but also my preferences—what I liked at breakfast, the wine I enjoyed at dinner, and even where I tended to sit on deck. There was no need to plan my day around the logistics of the ship; nothing was ever more than a few steps away. If I wanted to grab a snack, change into a swimsuit, run back to my cabin for more sunscreen (because that happened more times than I’m wiling to admit), or step outside to watch the sails unfurl, it all happened seamlessly.
The small size also meant connections with fellow passengers came naturally. By mid-voyage, conversations flowed easily, and faces were familiar. It felt like the old days of sailing across oceans, when a ship was a community bound together by the sea. There were no waterslides or Broadway productions—just good company, beautiful ports, a steady flow of beverages, and the rhythm of the waves.
The Spectacle of a Mega Ship
By contrast, Oasis of the Seas was an explosion of scale. With neighborhoods spanning decks, themed bars and restaurants for every taste, and entertainment options that ranged from ice shows to live music to zip lines, the ship itself was a destination. At any given moment, there were dozens of things to do—something for everyone, whether you craved high-energy water parks or a quiet, adults-only solarium.
The sheer size of the vessel created a sense of spectacle. You could spend an entire cruise exploring different venues and still feel like you hadn’t seen it all. But intimacy wasn’t the point here—variety and excitement were. Instead of bumping into the same friendly faces, you found yourself part of a vast floating city, pulsing with activity at every hour of the day.
Two Different Journeys, One Love of the Sea
Sailing on both ships underscored just how diverse the world of cruising can be. Small ships offer connection, ease, and a throwback to traditional seafaring. Mega ships deliver choice, entertainment, and the thrill of being part of something grand. Neither is “better”—it’s simply a matter of what kind of journey you’re seeking.
If you long for simplicity, personal touches, and a sense of camaraderie, a small ship will feel like home. If you crave options, adventure, and the energy of a floating resort, the mega ships deliver in spades.
In the end, whether it’s the intimacy of sails against the wind or the spectacle of a city at sea, both styles remind you why we’re drawn to the ocean in the first place.