Small Ship Adventures
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On OAT’s Small Ship Adventures, you’ll be traveling aboard vessels that have been specially designed for small group travel. Most are either owned by OAT or privately chartered exclusively for our small groups—and all are uniquely suited for navigating the rivers, waterways, and coastal regions we explore.
We’re the Leader in Small Ship Travel
As the leader in small ship travel, OAT offers a truly exceptional cruising experience. We offer several types of small ships throughout the world, each one uniquely suited for the different waterways and regions we explore. We own and exclusively manage the M/V Artemis, M/V Athena and M/V Arethusa in the Mediterranean and M/S River Hathor on the Nile River. Other ships are private charters that have been carefully selected.
With OAT, you’ll slip into the smaller ports that larger ships could never reach, for the most unique discoveries. And though you may share the cruise portion of your adventure with another OAT group, you’ll enjoy the dedicated services of your own Trip Leader. Along the way, you’ll gain insight into some of the world’s most remote and fascinating destinations. What’s more, you’ll share your experiences exclusively with other OAT travelers.
Readers of Condé Nast Traveler have named our fleet one of the Top 5 World’s Best Small-Ship Cruise Lines in the prestigious magazine’s 21st Annual Readers’ Choice Awards. This is the fifth year in a row that Condė Nast has named us among the Top 10 World's Best Small Ship Cruise Lines.
Our Adventures Are Created Exclusively for American Travelers
Whether it’s a 50-passenger ship in Croatia, a 14-passenger gulet in Turkey or a 32-passenger ship on the Nile River, you'll appreciate the relaxed camaraderie of an OAT Small Ship Adventure. We tailor our adventures specifically for American travelers to ensure that everyone on your trip will be able to communicate with ease and enjoy the camaraderie of a small group. English is the only language used for signage and announcements, and we hire only Trip Leaders who are fluent speakers. We also choose included and optional features, lectures, and cultural discussions that we think are relevant to our travelers’ perspectives as Americans. From what we hear, they’re happy with our model: more than 97% of our travelers plan to travel with us again.
We Make Dining an Intimate, Casual Experience
Just as important as where you sleep is what you'll eat while you're away. On an OAT Small Ship, most—or even all—meals are included in your low program cost. We prepare your dining plans carefully, to give you quality, variety, and the authentic flavor of your destination. And because of our intimate size, there’s no need to schedule meals in waves. Instead, you’ll have the opportunity to get to know even more of your fellow travelers. No need to pack fancy clothes—the atmosphere will be friendly, relaxed and the dress “smart casual.”
Our Onboard Staff is Caring & Attentive
On our privately owned and chartered vessels, OAT’s highly trained, English-speaking staff is there to ensure you a carefree journey. From the restaurant maitre'd to housekeeping to the ship's hotel manager, they’re available for you 24 hours a day. And they work closely with your Trip Leader so that your trip runs smoothly. Our travelers often tell us that the crew and staff aboard our ships are among the most enjoyable aspects of the their trip.
Whether you’re plying the tiny hidden coves of the Turkish coast or gliding peacefully along the timeless Nile River, our small ships are the perfect way to explore each region’s hidden corners and then tuck into an intimate port for the night—allowing you to visit the places that tourists on the large cruise ships only hear about. Step aboard and meet some of the distinctive members of the OAT fleet of small ships around the world …