It's the difference between bed-and-breakfasts and resort hotels, says Jean Mallory, manager at White Travel, a cruise-only travel agency in West Hartford.
Instead, they trade cabin stewards, glitzy gift shops, spas and other standard big-ship perks for intimate meals with fellow passengers, quiet afternoon cocktail hours, (early) evening lectures by guest speakers and an atmosphere that fosters camaraderie.
"In the past, dining times and table assignments provided a built-in opportunity to socialize with fellow passengers," says Mallory. "These days, major cruise lines offer freestyle and specialty restaurant options, so the opportunity to connect with others has been taken out of the mix. Older passengers especially miss that."
In contrast, meals on small ships are mostly single seating; tables seat six or eight and diners sit where they wish. Dress codes are casual; black-tie nights non-existent. Cabins are comfortable and well-appointed, but not luxurious.
Shore excursions are popular, since most boats put into port each day. Early morning walks draw a crowd. Onboard activities are low-key. Kite-flying from the observation deck. Trivia contests. Guest lecturers. A stop in New Bedford, Mass.., might include a local expert speaking on whaling or musicians singing sea shanties.
Richard Benfield, professor of geography at Central Connecticut State University in New Britain and an occassional guest lecturer American Cruise Line trips, says small-ship passengers are keenly interested in onboard educational offerings.
"It's not a booze cruise," says Benfield. "People want to learn about the history and the culture of the areas they're visiting."
Which means no partiers hanging out by the bar, (there aren't any bars), and no midnight buffets.
"Typically, things wind down early," says Sandy Bella, activities coordinator for American Cruise Lines. "Root beer floats are popular before bed. Everything's pretty much wrapped up by 9:30."
Many small-ship passengers are retirees in their 70s and beyond. They're also loyal customers.
"Our customers are affluent, well-educated and well-traveled," says Timothy Beebe, vice president of marketing for American Cruise Lines. "And we have one of the largest percentage of repeat customers in the industry."
Nancy Blount, president of Blount Small Ship Adventures, agrees. "Sales are up 10 to 15 percent over last year. Our traveler is someone who has 'been there, done that' and is looking for an alternative to the giant ships," says Blount. "They're mostly retired. They're destination oriented." Itineraries offered by the small-ship lines, which include popular trips along the New England coast, to the Great Lakes, Chesapeake Bay, inland passages from Baltimore to Charleston, are a big draw for this crowd. American Cruise Lines features trips along Columbia and Snake Rivers and through Alaska's inside passage. Blount offers Caribbean and South America itineraries.
Boats are in sight of land most of the time and dock at small coastal towns where passengers can stroll off the boat and explore.
"Blount's slogan is 'Go where the big ships cannot' and that's exactly what we do," says Blount, who took over the company her father, Captain Luther H. Blount, founded.
"Our signature cruise is the inland water itinerary that leaves from our home port in Warren, R.I., passes throughLong Island Sound, the Hudson River, the Erie Canal, Lake Ontario and the Saint Lawrence Seaway," says Blount.
Typical small-ship itineraries range from six to 14 days. Prices can be higher than larger cruise lines.
"You pay for the uniqueness like you would at a boutique hotel," says Beebe.
Once onboard, passengers can put away their wallets. Other than gratuities and shore excursion fees, there are no additional charges. Alcoholic beverages are either included or bring your own.
Passengers socialize on open-air decks or in the ship's lounge. Some, who have met on board, make plans to travel together again.
"On a vessel our size, you're not going to get off the ship without having had a conversation with everyone on board and by the end of your trip, you'll know many by name," says Blount. "That seems to be just the way passengers like it."
The itinerary is a unique one - roundtrip from New York and set to visit the actual Titanic site, at the time when the ship's struggle was underway, and Halifax, Nova Scotia. The unrivaled lecture series and planned events is exhaustive and will serve as a truly once in a lifetime opportunity for Titanic history buffs. The ship you'll be sailing on will quite simply amaze all of your sense and fully justify the added costs of such a select sailing and luxurious vessel. The Azamara Journey features impeccable service, fare that includes wine from an extensive list, renowned specialty restaurants Prime C and Aqualina, and an intimate, social form of cruising ideally suited for this special Titanic memorial cruise. 
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