Small Ship Cruiser Network

05/25/2026

SSCN Featured Cruise Experience
The Rhine River

There is something timeless about a Rhine River cruise.

Gliding past hillside vineyards, medieval castles, storybook villages, and historic European cities creates a travel experience that feels very different from traditional large-ship cruising. Instead of rushing from port to port, river cruising invites travelers to slow down and truly connect with the destination.

One of the things I especially appreciate about AmaWaterways is their focus on immersive travel experiences. A Rhine River voyage combines beautiful scenery with culture, history, regional cuisine, and the relaxed atmosphere that makes small ship travel so rewarding.

For travelers who value meaningful experiences over crowds, river cruising offers an elegant and comfortable way to explore Europe. Whether it’s walking through a centuries-old town square, enjoying local wines along the river, or simply watching castles drift by from the sun deck, the journey itself becomes part of the destination.

Here is a wonderful short video from AmaWaterways’ official YouTube channel highlighting the beauty and atmosphere of Rhine River cruising. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUSEnAZPKaI

Have you ever considered taking a river cruise through Europe?

Experience the wonders of France, Germany, Hungary and beyond with AmaWaterways, the Heart of the River. Savor exquisite locally sourced cuisine, enriching i...

05/23/2026

SSCN Traveler Tips!

One of the biggest mistakes travelers make when planning a cruise?

Trying to do too much.

Especially on small ship and river cruises, part of the magic is slowing down enough to truly experience a destination.

Instead of trying to “check countries off a list,” consider:

• Spending extra time on deck
• Watching arrivals into port
• Talking with local guides
• Enjoying smaller towns and villages
• Leaving room for unexpected moments

Some of the best travel memories happen when you stop rushing.

Small ship cruising isn’t just about seeing more of the world…

sometimes it’s about experiencing it more deeply.

What’s one travel moment you still remember years later?

05/21/2026

Destination Discover: Norway’s Fjords with Hurtigruten

There are some places in the world that feel less like a vacation and more like stepping into another reality. For me, the Norwegian fjords are one of those places. Towering cliffs, waterfalls cascading into narrow waterways, colorful coastal villages, and scenery that changes by the hour create an experience that is hard to describe until you see it yourself.

One of the things I appreciate most about traveling with Hurtigruten is that the focus is not on casinos, water slides, or endless crowds. The emphasis is on the destination itself — nature, culture, exploration, and authentic experiences.

Imagine:

Sailing quietly through dramatic fjords
Watching the Midnight Sun or Northern Lights
Visiting small Norwegian communities most larger ships never see
Enjoying panoramic views from the ship while relaxing with a cup of coffee
Learning about local history and culture from onboard experts

This is the kind of travel that slows you down and reminds you why seeing the world matters.

As someone who has visited 46 countries and sailed on 45 cruises, I continue to believe that small ship and expedition-style cruising creates some of the most meaningful travel experiences available today.

Have you ever dreamed of visiting Norway or cruising through the fjords?
I’d love to hear what destination is on your travel bucket list.

Image curtesy of Ham Chitnupong.

05/19/2026

There’s a reason more experienced travelers are quietly moving away from mega ships.

It’s not always about price.

It’s not even about luxury.

Often… it’s about experience.

Small ship cruising offers something many travelers didn’t even realize they were missing:

• Smaller groups
• Less waiting
• More personalized service
• Unique ports mega ships can’t reach
• Relaxed atmospheres
• Real destination immersion

Instead of feeling like part of a crowd of 5,000 passengers…

you feel connected to the journey itself.

River cruises. Expedition ships. Coastal vessels. Yacht-style cruising.

It’s a completely different way to see the world.

At Small Ship Cruiser Network, that’s exactly what we’ll be exploring together.

05/15/2026

One of the things Cecilia and I discovered on our first river cruise was just how different the experience feels compared to larger ships.

Smaller ships…
quieter moments…
beautiful scenery right outside your window…
and the ability to visit places many larger ships simply can’t reach.

This photo was taken along the Danube while sailing on AmaWaterways’ AmaSonata — and it remains one of our favorite travel memories.

Have you ever taken a river cruise, or is it something you’ve been curious about?

04/28/2026

One thing I have noticed over the years. Many experienced travelers eventually move away from mega ships.

Not because they are bad ---
But because they start looking for something more relaxed, more immersive and less crowded.

That's where smaller ships really shine.

04/22/2026

Something New Is Coming…

Over the past couple of days, I’ve been working on something I’m really excited about—The Small Ship Cruiser Network on YouTube.

After more than 20 years in the travel industry, I’ve seen how different small ship cruising is compared to the larger, more traditional cruise experience—and how many people don’t even realize what they’re missing.

The goal of this new channel is simple:

To share insights, experiences, and practical guidance around:
• River cruising
• Expedition cruising
• Luxury small ship travel

If you’ve ever been curious about a different way to see the world, I think you’ll find it interesting.

I’ll be sharing the first videos very soon.

In the meantime, I’d love to hear from you. What is your biggest question about Expedition cruising? And enjoy this sunset from Tromso Norway.

04/22/2026

Why Small Ship Cruising Is So Different (and Why So Many People Prefer It)

One of the things I’ve learned over the years in the travel industry is that not all cruises are the same—and in many ways, small ship cruising is an entirely different experience.

Here are a few things that set it apart:

• You can visit places larger ships simply can’t reach
• The experience is more relaxed and personal
• You spend more time truly connecting with the destination

Whether it’s a river cruise through Europe or an expedition cruise to a remote part of the world, the focus shifts from “being on the ship” to “experiencing where you are.”

For many travelers, that makes all the difference.

04/22/2026

Welcome to the Small Ship Cruiser Network 🚢

If you’re passionate about discovering the world in a more meaningful, personal way—you’re in the right place.

I’m Hans Hess, and after more than 20 years in the travel industry, I’ve found that the most memorable experiences don’t come from the biggest ships… they come from the smaller ones.

Here, we focus on:
• River cruising
• Expedition cruising
• Luxury small ship experiences

I’ll be sharing insights, tips, cruise highlights, and real world perspectives to help you explore these incredible travel experiences with confidence.

If that sounds like your kind of travel, I’d love for you to follow along.

And if you’re interested, you can also check out the Small Ship Cruiser Network on YouTube for more in-depth content: https://www.youtube.com/

Looking forward to building this community together.

Welcome to the Small Ship Cruiser Network—your gateway to river, expedition, and luxury small ship cruising. I’m Hans Hess, a seasoned travel professional with over 20 years of experience, and this channel is designed for travelers who believe the journey should be just as meaningful as the dest...