Are you ready to leave crowds behind?

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My friends Jan and Dale have booked quite a few mainstream cruises since retiring a few months back.

Given the recent focus on "social distancing," they asked if I thought cruise lines would make changes to allow more space per guest, particularly in regard to dining. 

While I haven't heard anything about changes in policies once we're on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic, I would say to anyone who feels like they would like a less "crowded" experience than big ships, those alternatives already do exist.

They're smaller but have more room for you to stretch out.

If a ship provides more space per guest, you should expect to pay more.

Small ships tend to also include more amenities and to make services more anticipatory with a higher staff-to-guest ratio, which also factors into pricing.

Certainly, if you step up to Regent Seven Seas, Seabourn, Crystal, Silversea or one of the other deluxe lines, you can expect to spend significantly more for their nearly all-inclusive luxury vacations, but there are "mid-sized" alternatives that might be just what the doctor ordered.

You may recall that I raved about both Azamara and Oceania cruises that Julie and I experienced personally.   If not, ask me and I'll share a couple of "books" about our experiences on those amazing trips.

Both Azamara and Oceania have magnificent port-intensive itineraries, and the smaller size means we never overwhelmed even small ports with our numbers when we arrived.

On board, they were never crowded.  On Oceania, in fact, I often wondered where everyone was, such as when showrooms would only be half full for amazing shows.  Because the staterooms are so comfortable, I presume many of our fellow guests simply relax in their own luxurious digs, most of which have private balconies.

While these mid-sized ships cost more, the bottom line is that we also spent far less on incidental items. 

In the end, however, it isn't a list of what is included that makes the difference; it is the feeling of loving every moment, almost believing the crew must have read your mind.

Viking Ocean is another mid-sized line that leaves guests thoroughly enthralled by the experience.

I still love mainstream cruising, but if you have come to realize that life is too short to compromise on what you really want when you can afford to spend a little more, I'll be happy to help you explore the next level of luxury.

Incidentally, that next level of space and service doesn't require tuxes and evening gowns.  For the most part, country club casual is the norm on these mid-sized ships.

Are you ready to leave crowds behind?

You don't need to change the world.

Just open a different door.