by Ana Figueroa
Last updated: 7:00 PM ET, Sun January 20, 2019
Cruise-selling agents know that once clients experience a cruise vacation, they're likely to be hooked for life. But they don't necessarily want to repeat the same cruise year after year. Cruisers are always looking out for the next big thing. But sometimes, that next big thing may be small.
Ocean cruisers eventually gravitate to river cruises and other smaller vessels. In fact, the small-ship segment is one of the most dynamic in the entire cruise industry. It's also the niche of Beyond Cruises by Group IST.
The company offers culturally-immersive cruise exploration aboard its fleet of 11 boutique yachts and motorized sailing vessels. Those cruises take place in highly sought-after global destinations such as Cuba, Iceland, the Adriatic Sea, Greece, Dubai, Thailand, Vietnam, the Mekong River, the Rhone River, the Marne-Rhine Canal, Bali, Costa Rica and Panama, India, Spain & Portugal, and The Eastern Mediterranean. They also offer land excursions in Southeast Asia, with programs in Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam.
Beyond Cruises' range of offerings is continually evolving. The company recently announced a new itinerary that combines a safari in Kenya at the Masai Mara National Reserve with a small ship cruise to Seychelles. The itinerary is offered year-round, with the cruise taking place aboard the M/Y Pegasos. The 44-passenger vessel features 2,550 square feet of open deck plus a Zen mini spa.
Yet another new 2019 itinerary will visit Egypt, Israel and Jordan aboard the 50-passenger Harmony V. Highlights include Luxor, Egypt and Aqaba, Jordan.
Small ships by their nature come with some built-in advantages. Passengers don't have to wait for tender rides or go through long lines to embark and disembark at each port. The Beyond Cruises fleet can access smaller, out-of-the-way ports and destinations. The result is an immersive, intimate and authentic experience not available on larger ships.
Because passengers arrive directly to the heart of each destination, they have more time to explore key sites. Each cruise features an expert cruise director plus small group shore excursions (most complimentary) led by local guides. Passengers also have ample leisure time in port, as well as several overnights.
Each Beyond Cruises vessel offers comfortable accommodations and common areas, as well as onboard experiences not possible on larger ships. Some feature onboard swimming platforms so that passengers can swim, snorkel, kayak and more. Onboard cuisine is Mediterranean fusion, with an emphasis on locally-sourced ingredients. And, the ample crew-to-passenger ratio ensures for personalized service.
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