Bigger isn’t always better in travel. Increasingly, travellers are seeking experiences that feel more personal, more spacious and more connected – and Avalon Waterways has the data to prove it.

According to new guest research from the award-winning river cruise line, 62% of travellers say they prefer cruising on ships carrying fewer than 150 guests – a model Avalon has long embraced with Suite Ships averaging just 150 passengers, roughly 30% fewer than many river cruise vessels.

The Advantage of Small. Avalon’s intentionally smaller fleet and smaller guest count isn’t just about numbers. From the number of guests onboard to the way spaces are designed and experiences are delivered, Avalon’s intentionally smaller scale shapes every part of the journey. Fewer guests means: 

• More personal service. 
• More room throughout each ship. 
• Easier embarkation and exploration. 
• A more relaxed onboard atmosphere. 

And, importantly, it means Avalon guests don’t feel like part of a crowd. “A smaller ship changes how a journey feels,” said Hoffee. “We can focus more on the guest experience instead of managing volume.” 

More choice. Smaller groups. Deeper connection

Avalon’s small-ship philosophy extends beyond its Suite Ships and into how guests explore ashore. With as many as 28 Avalon Choice Excursions available on select cruises, guests personalize each day based on their interests and pace – naturally creating smaller, more intimate touring groups.

Guest research confirms how important that flexibility has become. Nearly all Avalon cruisers (99%) say having a variety of excursion options matters when selecting a cruise. Among guest preferences: 

• 60% favour Classic guided sightseeing 
• 20% choose Active experiences such as biking and hiking 
• 16% seek cultural Discovery experiences 
• 6% prefer exploring independently 

Smaller groups also create something less measurable but equally meaningful: connection. More time with Local Guides. More interaction with fellow travellers, turning conversations into friendships. “The difference between travelling in a group and travelling with people you’ve gotten to know is significant,” said Hoffee. “That’s one of the most meaningful benefits of a smaller ship experience.” 

This approach mirrors a broader shift toward “micro-travel” – experiences designed around intimacy, flexibility and personalization rather than scale.

Smaller ships. Bigger space

While Avalon’s ships carry fewer guests, the company emphasizes that guest accommodations and gathering spaces are intentionally generous. Avalon’s Panorama Suites, for instance, which make up two full decks of every Suite Ship, are approximately 15% larger than the industry standard and feature wall-to-wall windows that open wide, with beds facing the view. 

Public spaces are equally considered. The Panorama Lounge, Panorama Dining Room and Sky Deck are designed to comfortably accommodate all guests at once, while smaller venues such as the Observation Lounge and Club Lounge offer more intimate, quieter spaces to relax. 

A different kind of all-inclusive

Avalon’s small-ship approach supports its broader philosophy of personalized cruising: Included excursions with multiple daily choices; smaller touring groups; flexible exploration and 3:1 guest-to-crew ratio. 

Cruising designed for how people want to travel now

As interest in river cruising continues to grow, Avalon believes its longstanding small-ship philosophy positions the company well with evolving traveller expectations.

For more information, cruisers can visit avalonwaterways.ca.