5 intimate cruises for travellers seeking authenticity

Are you preparing your next vacation, looking for an intimate cruise full of authenticity, all on a human-sized boat? 

I may have the solution for you, because in this article, we're leaving aside the big cruise ships, and I'm presenting my selection of the 5 most beautiful intimate cruises, 5 dream destinations: Egypt, Norway, the Caribbean, Croatia, and Polynesia.

The wonders of the Nile during a 6-day cruise on an intimate dahabieh

An intimate boat: the Dahabieh

Imagine yourself on a traditional Egyptian boat, watching the Nile landscapes go by... Not a sound, except for the music of the current and nature. In this dahabieh, every detail is far from excess: only 5 cabins, 10 travelers maximum... Everything in this Nile cruise is designed to offer a confidential and intimate atmosphere. With its 30 meters in length, the vessel has minimalist dimensions, but never too small. White and hazelnut colored, the dahabieh inspires comfort even before you enter.

Inside, it's immersive and charming. The small oriental-style lounge corner, with its cushions directly on the floor, makes you want to settle in and have a good time, with family or friends. The colors dance, the scents of tonight's typical meal tickle your nostrils. There's even a small bar where they serve you a good fragrant tea or strong coffee, according to your desire! As for the cabins, they're the cherry on top. Comfortable and welcoming, they're designed as a true 5-star on water.

The highlights of the journey

The Temple of Karnak

Among all the religious buildings you can visit, the Temple of Karnak stands out. As the largest religious complex of ancient Egypt, Karnak concentrates extraordinary cultural and historical richness. Hieroglyphics, stones burnished by the passage of time, and majestic obelisks recall the grandeur of the Egyptian empire. Don't miss the grand avenue of a thousand sphinxes, the sacred lake of Karnak, and the Great Temple of Amun!

The village of Bassaw

Small stop in Bassaw, upstream from Kom Ombo. Disembarking in this small traditional village, you're transported to an Egypt you didn't yet know, more human, more alive. The warm welcome from the village inhabitants makes you smile, and you explore the village by walking its sandy streets, contemplating its beautiful colorful houses. Time is, for a moment, as if suspended.

The Temple of Philae

Not far from Aswan, the Temple of Philae reigns, atop the island of Agilka. This edifice has nothing ordinary, and stands at the crossroads of Egyptian, Greek, and Roman cultures. Pearl of Egypt devoted to the cult of the goddess Isis, Philae impresses with its majestic columns and its magnificent reliefs. A must-see in southern Egypt, absolutely worth seeing.

Why choose this cruise?

Here are the 3 reasons I've selected to convince you to choose this cruise:

• An intimate boat is good, an intimate and traditional boat is even better! The authentic charm of the dahabieh will enchant you.
• An appointment with history of one of the greatest civilizations, between ancient temples and colorful villages
• A budget-friendly cruise, just 5 hours by plane from metropolitan France.

Norway and the Lofoten Islands, 9 days on a small format boat 

An intimate boat: the Polarfront

A true expedition vessel, the Polarfront has a long shared history with Norway and polar territories. As the last existing meteorological ship, it knows these territories well, and has sailed their waters more than once. The boat inspires confidence, and we know it will bring us to port safely, whatever the state of the sea. Arriving at its dock, your adventurer spirit comes alive seeing the boat, as if you were about to set off on this Norway cruise to explore polar lands never trodden by human foot.

Entering inside the boat, you know from the first moments that you'll feel good here. The boat is intimate, and provides for a maximum of 16 travelers, distributed in its 11 cabins. Its wooden walls, Prussian blue carpet, and comfortable sofas give the lounge a convivial and comforting atmosphere. Upon your arrival, you're warmly welcomed and invited to help yourself from the many appetizers prepared for your curious palates. And when it's time to discover your cabin, once again, you're seduced. Charming and bright, you feel nestled there, like in a cocoon.

The highlights of the journey

Exploring Trollfjord by zodiac

Raw, pristine nature in all its beauty, quite simply. Words are rarely enough to describe the splendor of Trollfjord, this arm of the sea located between the Lofoten and the Vesterålen. Two kilometers long, this fjord is associated with many mysterious legends that attempt to explain its snowy beauty. By zodiac, it's the perfect opportunity to observe white-tailed sea eagles, sea eagles that inhabit the strait.

Encounter with orcas and whales

A magical moment of communion with Norwegian wildlife. It's in winter that humpback whales show the tip of their nose in the northern fjords, looking for something to eat. These majestic cetaceans and their graceful swimming never leave anyone indifferent. You approach them as closely as possible on your zodiac, and spend the afternoon observing these gigantic creatures.

The visit to Henningsvær

Often designated as "the little Venice of the Lofoten", Henningsvær is one of the most picturesque stops on your cruise. You discover this authentic fishing village, then stroll on the arch that connects the two faces of Henningsvær, observing the small islets in the distance. But the place is also the perfect spot for a good gourmet break, around a hot drink and a slice of brioche straight from the oven.

Why choose this cruise?

I've selected 3 reasons that will convince you that this cruise is made for you:

• An expedition vessel, for total immersion in the skin of the first explorers of polar lands
• The preserved nature of the fjords, in all its splendor 
• Winter, a departure season that's different from the ordinary

Escape to the Grenadines: 8 days aboard an all-comfort catamaran

An intimate boat: the Bali 5.4 catamaran

Ah, the catamaran... How could you imagine this Caribbean cruise on any other type of boat? Perfect timing, because it's on a magnificent Bali 5.4 that you embark. Figurehead of spacious catamarans, this model amazes you from your arrival at Le Marin port. With its generous curves, its immaculate white, and its vast benches, the boat evokes luxury without ever being cold, rhymes with space without ever bordering on excess. You have only one desire, to climb aboard.

And it's precisely on board that you understand this catamaran hasn't finished impressing you. With its maximum capacity of 12 travelers, the Bali 5.4 is a small jewel of intimacy. Each cabin is entirely designed for the comfort of its users, and has its own bathroom. The saloon is spacious, and you can already imagine the moments of meeting and conviviality you'll spend with other travelers, around a typical meal of local cuisine prepared by your chef.

The highlights of the journey

The trip to Bequia and Port Elizabeth

Largest island of the Grenadines archipelago, Bequia (pronounce Bekwé) is a must-see in the region. There, you discover a culture still very linked to its colonial past, which you notice at anchor in Admiralty Bay, or in local establishments, where the portrait of the British queen still appears. But Bequia is above all fine sandy beaches, constant animation in the streets of the capital Port Elizabeth, and a haven of peace for sea turtles.

The water sports afternoons

Throughout your cruise, you have the opportunity to reconnect with the essential element of this vacation: water. Whether you surf on top from your stand-up paddle, or dive in for snorkeling in search of colorful fish and coral, it's this turquoise water that punctuates and rhythms your navigation. And of course, don't forget your included kayak, if you wish to calmly discover the anchorages of the archipelago!

Tobago Cays, the paradise of the Grenadines

It's probably the most famous destination of the Grenadines: Tobago Cays. Located east of Mayreau, the 5 cays are a wild Eden, where turtles, rays and sharks reign. The real life there happens underwater, along these magnificent coral reefs that are among the best preserved in the Caribbean. And of course, count on the few inhabitants of the surroundings to brighten your stop, lulled by the Caribbean way of life.

Why choose this cruise?

3 points to summarize the advantages of this cruise:

• The catamaran, the vessel par excellence to truly experience the Caribbean
• The Grenadines, the flagship destination for a cruise in the Antilles
• An exotic journey at every moment, between paradisiac nature and farniente

Heading to Croatia, for 8 days of travel on a human-sized sailboat

An intimate boat: the Sun Loft 47 monohull sailboat

Who said you had to choose between comfort and performance? The monohull you embark on during this Croatia cruise, a Sun Loft 47, has all the qualities to prove otherwise. Sleek and elegant, you quickly understand that this sailboat is the ideal vessel to not just discover Dalmatia, but to live it, feel its wind blowing on your face, gliding on the water. More streamlined and maneuverable than a catamaran, you realize this boat will allow you to access the hidden corners of the region without hindrance.

And entering inside the Sun Loft 47, you realize you're not at the end of your surprises. No frills, only 5 cabins for 12 travelers maximum, for a most confidential atmosphere. But if everything is done to preserve the intimacy of its passengers, the boat never trades this intimacy for space: every detail is designed to optimize the layout of common living areas, to allow perfect cohabitation between moments of sharing with other vacationers, and personal comfort.

The highlights of the journey

Dubrovnik, the pearl of the Adriatic 

Dubrovnik is the face of Croatia in many ways. The city is a sort of open-air monument, classified by UNESCO, and concentrating numerous architectural marvels like the imposing Rector's Palace, the lively Stradun avenue, or the imposing Lovrijenac fort that will amaze Game of Thrones fans. And to finish beautifully, stroll on the fortified walls of the city, contemplating the bay.

Deer observation on Badija Island

Approaching the island of Badija, in the Korcula archipelago, you realize that the local population coming to meet you is a little different from elsewhere... because they have antlers and spotted fur. Living on the island since 1958, this colony of deer and fallow deer likes to gather on the island's beaches, and always delights young and old alike. A privileged moment, in contact with Croatian wildlife.

Ston, the Great Wall of Europe

Hidden on the Peljesac peninsula, the village of Ston perfectly embodies authentic Croatia, orange roofs and seafood. But the star of Ston is its 5-kilometer-long fortified wall that quietly dominates the landscape, and which served to protect its salt pans, which are among the largest in Europe. Finally, a stop in Ston is also a gastronomic expedition to discover its famous mussels.

Why choose this cruise?

And to help you decide, here are my 3 favorite points that would make me lean toward this cruise

• A monohull sailboat, between intimacy and performance
• A journey of the senses, which will impress your sight as much as it will captivate your taste buds
• An easily accessible cruise from Europe thanks to Dubrovnik airport

French Polynesia: a 5-day cruise on a luxurious catamaran

An intimate boat: the Lagoon 620 catamaran

And for this Polynesia cruise, I couldn't recommend any other type of boat than a catamaran for the destination. Stability, power, vastness, this Lagoon 620 brings together the essential qualities of a boat designed for the well-being of its users. Facing it, it's first its overall length of 19 meters that imposes itself. With such dimensions, you already know that space won't be lacking. You spot a special little sunbathing and relaxation corner, which makes you want to lie down under the Polynesian sky.

But it's only inside the Lagoon 620 that the boat reveals its true nature: a small pavilion on water. The vessel is fully equipped, with air conditioning, complete kitchen and electric toilets. The saloon is hospitable, and already lets you imagine the typical Polynesian meals you'll eat there with your loved ones. As for the cabins, there's just what you need: 6 cabins for 12 travelers maximum, enough to make some nice encounters, while always maintaining this authentic and human aspect as a guiding thread.

The highlights of the journey

Tahaa and its turquoise lagoon

Located just north of the island of Raiatea, Tahaa is your starting point for your cruise in the Pacific. There, the air smells of vanilla, and the Polynesian way of life invades every moment. You discover this small preserved paradise and its lagoon teeming with life and colors, without forgetting the charming little village of Tiva and its brightly colored church, near which you anchor during the night.

Motu Tapu, a mysterious island 

Once the property of a Polynesian queen who organized occult ceremonies there, Motu Tapu or Motu taboo long had its access forbidden. Now accessible, the islet today brings joy to tourists, with its typical papaya and coconut trees, its deserted fine sandy beaches, and the wildlife living in its surroundings, between lemon sharks and graceful rays. A stop between mystery and paradise.

Morning kayaking around Motu Taurere

What's better than a kayak session to live this Polynesian adventure 100%? Although locals prefer the outrigger canoe, Polynesians form a very strong bond with water and the sea. It's where life is born, but also where it grows and fades. Explore with paddle strokes the transparent waters of southeastern Bora Bora, and let yourself be carried away by the magic of the landscapes.

Why choose this cruise?

For this last cruise, I've gathered the 3 reasons that, in my opinion, should convince you to select it:

• A spacious and intimate catamaran, for tailor-made navigation
• An odyssey to the other side of the world, toward a tropical destination
• The discovery of a unique culture, between art of living, tattoos and traditional dances

Sources used for writing this article:

• [1] https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/egypt/6-day-nile-cruise-aboard-a-luxurious-and-intimate-dahabiya-with-private-guide-included-921
• [2] https://www.filovent.com/uk/brochures/egypt
• [3] https://www.introducingegypt.com/karnak-temple
• [4] https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/norway/winter-wonderland-in-norway-9-days-of-adventure-between-the-lofoten-islands-and-the-fjords-of-the-lyngen-alps-589
• [5] https://www.svinoya.no/en/trollfjord-short-story/
• [6] https://visitlofoten.com/en/destination/henningsvaer/
• [7] https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/martinique/8-day-catamaran-escape-dream-cruise-in-a-tropical-paradise-18
• [8] https://www.islands.com/beginners-guide-to-bequia/
• [9] https://tourism.gov.vc/tourism/index.php/national-sites-of-svg/tobago-cays
• [10] https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/croatia/sailing-the-magical-adriatic-an-exceptional-cruise-118
• [11] https://entercroatia.com/cities/dubrovnik/
• [12] https://visitston.croatia.hr/en-gb
• [13] https://www.filovent.com/uk/cruise/french-polynesia/5-day-polynesian-getaway-between-tahaa-and-bora-bora-633
• [14] https://www.tahititourisme.uk/islands/tahaahttps://www.tahititourisme.fr/iles/tahaa/
• [15] https://tahititravelservices.pf/blog-tahiti/motu-tapu-the-forbidden-isle/