Types of Vessels
Sometimes the thrill is the vessel itself
Half the excitement of a specialty cruise is the actual type of vessel you're on. Ask anyone who has cruised on a barge, a paddle wheeler, or a mail ship. What grabs your fancy? The tranquility of a tall ship slipping into the sunset? The brisk adventure on board an ice breaker? Or what about the opulence blended with the romantic intimacy of a small-scale luxury cruise ship?
At Uncommon Cruises, we have dozens and dozens of specialty cruises on the most 'uncommon' vessels ever put into service for cruising. Want something completely different? How about a Turkish gulet? Or a Chinese junk? And, yes, even a tugboat can be found here, along with every type of river craft that has a cabin. The only thing you won't find is a big-box cruise ship.
<< Click these icons to show/hide the vessels within each category
Show All Vessel Types
Hide All Vessel Types
Open-Water Vessels
Catamaran (no sails)
A catamaran consists of two hulls joined together by a frame. The power version incorporates the best features of a motor yacht, combines it with traditional sailing characteristics and is usually devoid of any sailing apparatus. These ships offer comfortable and luxurious accommodations. Catamarans are able to visit the most remote and the less visited excursion sites.
List the 7 cruises available on Catamaran (no sails)
Expedition Vessel
Often, these vessels have seen service in a previous capacity, such as a naval vessel or a research ship. But almost all of them have undergone an extreme make-over! More likely to reflect an interior that now exudes old word charm than all of the mod con's found on big-box cruise ships, expedition vessels are best suited for those who care less about vessel amenities and more about the off-the-beaten path destinations they visit.
Mega Yacht
The sophisticated mega yachts, much larger and more luxurious than traditional motor yachts, are often the epitome of elegance. Retaining the original sense of power and luxury, mega yachts offer an intimate experience complete with ultra modern amenities and professional crews. They're often available year-round for charters or cruises, and itineraries are found for almost every unique destination.
Motor Vessel
Motor vessels are classic passenger ships propelled by an engine and propeller. They boast unparalleled space and comfort along with modern amenities without sacrificing the intimacy of a small sailing craft. Motor vessels offer an up close experience with the surrounding environment traveling to otherwise inaccessible destinations.
Motor Yacht
These sleek and nimble vessels allow for easy access to the most intricate and remote passages. More suited to coastal cruising, itineraries often permit visits to unnamed coves, unsung vistas, and passages less traveled. Many are quite elegant, but the order of the day is usually relaxed comfort.
Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)
These classic small cruise ships were once the biggest cruise vessels of their day. That's when 500 passenger-capacity was considered huge. Having undergone extensive refurbishing and updating, most of these boutique cruise ships still capture the elegance and the romance from the days when cruising was the personalized privilege of the few.
List the 315 cruises available on Small Cruise Ship (Boutique)
Small Cruise Ship (Luxury)
Often thought of as microcosmic versions of big box cruise ships, the onboard upscale ambience and opulent all-suite accommodations of many of these smaller luxury cruise ships surpass any large cruise liner. Passenger-to-crew ratios are the highest among any cruise vessel, and passenger capacity seldom exceeds 300 to 500. Service on board is attentive yet unobtrusive.
List the 140 cruises available on Small Cruise Ship (Luxury)
River Craft
Barge (American)
The river barges that plied during the early days of American commerce were large, flat-bottomed vessels. Purposely built for navigating broad rivers, they had no power, relying mainly on tugs for propulsion. Today, these barges offer a state-of-the-art hotel-like experience, often sectioned and coupled to allow for more accommodations. They offer a rare glimpse into America’s back country.
No Cruises are currently available
No Vessels are currently available
Barge (European)
Flat-bottomed, these vessels were purpose-built for navigating canals and inland waterways. Originally, these working vessels were drawn by quarter horses. Today’s European barges are all engine-powered and completely refurbished to accommodate between six and twelve passengers – with several falling into the luxury hotel category.
Barge (Indian)
Barges are found throughout Asia, and southwest India is no exception. Built without using a single nail, these vessels are made of Jack wood, reeds, and dried palm fronds, tied together with coir knots. Yet they offer a surprisingly high level of comfort for today’s passengers. Found predominantly in the backwaters, canals, and lagoons in the Indian state of Kerala, these houseboats are modeled after the traditional rice barge known as a kettuvallom.
No Cruises are currently available
No Vessels are currently available
Barge (Thai)
Thai rice barges, as their name implies, were traditionally used to transport rice and other goods along Thailand's inland life-line, the Chao Phraya River. Today’s vessels are exact replicas of the traditional ones, but with all the mod con’s added. Made almost entirely of golden teak and mahogany, these barges offer a unique perspective of life along what is known in Thailand simply as ‘the River’.
No Cruises are currently available
No Vessels are currently available
Motor Ship (Riverboat)
Motor ships (hence, the 'MS' prefix) are designed mainly for operating on inland waterways and calm water cruising. Pencil-like in shape, these riverboats have shallow drafts and are powered by twin props and diesel engines. European riverboats tend to be lower in height so they can clear the numerous bridges along the major rivers and tributaries of Western and Eastern Europe. Today’s riverboats offer onboard facilities that range from the exceptionally comfortable to the luxurious.
List the 320 cruises available on Motor Ship (Riverboat)
Narrowboat
The distinctive look of Britain’s narrowboats is unmistakable. Often painted in bold colors, they ply the very same seven-foot-wide canals that were built during the Industrial Revolution, carrying materials and finished goods between the inland factories and the coastal cities of the Midlands. Today’s vessels are powered and make for easy navigation through the locks and inland waterways. Retrofitted with comfortable cabins, they’re ideal for exploring the hard-to-reach and seldom experienced byways of Britain.
No Cruises are currently available
No Vessels are currently available
Sailing Vessels (also see 'Tall Ships')
Catamaran (with sails)
All catamarans, whether or not they are wind-powered, consist of two hulls joined together by a bridged frame. The hulls are widely separated to provide a stable base to resist overturning. Some larger catamarans are like a floating resort with surprisingly opulent interiors and accommodations. With the wind in the sails, they're perfect for relaxing get-a-ways and exploring uninhabited coves.
List the 2 cruises available on Catamaran (with sails)
Gulet
A traditional Turkish broad-beamed wooden vessel with a raised bow, a broad, flat stern, a main foremast and secondary mast aft, the gulet is a sailboat of the celebrated Blue Cruise along the spectacular Turkish Riviera and Eastern Mediterranean. Their design encourages more time on deck, and also provides for spacious accommodations. They're perfect for island hopping.
No Cruises are currently available
No Vessels are currently available
Junk
A junk, the Chinese sailing vessel, is often considered one of the most efficient and successful of ship designs. The junk can be figured with one to four masts made of bamboo. The sails, unlike traditional sailing ships, can be moved inward allowing the junk to sail into the wind. Many are regarded as floating hotels complete with stunning backdrops and exclusive experiences.
No Cruises are currently available
No Vessels are currently available
Sailing Yacht (Sailboat)
Sailboats are smaller sailing vessels with a single hull. The most common feature a single mast with two sails, a normal mainsail and a foresail. These vessels can sail or cruise to uninhabited islands and off-the-beaten-path destinations and are ideal for small, intimate groups.
List the 14 cruises available on Sailing Yacht (Sailboat)
Steamboats
Sidewheeler
Side-wheelers are a type of paddle steamer. These vessels are outfitted with a paddle wheel on each side that are used for propulsion. Years ago, they worked predominantly in coastal waters and rivers of North America and Europe. They have exceptional maneuverability and they capture the character and essence of a bygone era. They bring the opportunity for today's passenger to touch the magic and splendor of marine travel of yesterday.
No Cruises are currently available
No Vessels are currently available
Steamboat
The classic steamboat is a ship in which the primary method of propulsion is steam power, typically driving a propeller or paddlewheel. Generally found working on lakes and rivers, steamboats offer the nostalgia of days past and the luxury of modern times.
Sternwheeler
One type of paddle steamer is the sternwheeler, which has a single paddle wheel at the rear. Historically used primarily as riverboats, today's replicas pay homage to these majestic vessels of the late 19th century, while providing today's passengers with all the mod con's of 21st century cruising.
Tall Ships (also see 'Sailing Vessels')
Barque (Barquentine)
A barquentine is a sailing vessel with three or more masts. The ships have a square rigged foremast and only fore- and aft-rigged sails on any other masts. The billowing white sails add a touch of romance to any excursion.
List the 56 cruises available on Barque (Barquentine)
Brig (Brigantine)
Tall vessels with two masts are called brigantines. At least one of the masts is square rigged. Brigantines can sail the trade winds to find the untouched beauty and undisturbed cultures of the more remote destinations.
No Cruises are currently available
No Vessels are currently available
Clipper
Clippers are the very fast, multiple masts sailing ships. The bows are distinctively narrow and heavily raked forward to allow the ships to clip through the waves. These magnificent sailing ships reflect a proud heritage and the comforts of today.
Schooner
Schooners are the type of sailing vessel characterized by the use of fore- and aft- sails on two or more masts. The forward mast is shorter or the same height of the rear masts. These graceful ships, propelled by wind, seem to skim across the water.
Tall Ship
Tall ship is the collective term for some kinds of sailing ships, powered by wind. They are traditionally rigged sailing vessels with square rigged masts. Great adventures, old world charm, and modern comforts await beneath the white expanse of the sails.
No Cruises are currently available
No Vessels are currently available
Working Vessels
Freighter
Freighters that do carry passengers can be amazingly comfortable and enjoyable. Don't expect all the amenities of a conventional cruise, but many will have a swimming pool, along with other amenities such as presentable dining rooms and lounges. The key is experiencing the often exotic and out-of-the-way ports of call, and the ability to see life unfolding without the affectation that tourism often brings.
Icebreaker
An icebreaker is a special purpose-built vessel, usually with a double hull, designed to move and navigate through ice-covered waters. Icebreakers use their great momentum and power to drive the bow up through the ice, breaking it under the immense weight of the ship. Icebreakers allow for incredible polar expeditions to previously unreachable destinations, especially in the Arctic.
Mail Ship
Royal Mail Ships, often abbreviated RMS, are still active, carrying not only mail to remote ports of call but also cargo and, yes, passengers, too. Before air travel gained a foothold, this was the commonplace method of moving the post, produce, people, and products! When you board, you'll be following in the wake of prior generations who have crossed the wide expanses of ocean.
Research Ship
A research vessels is a ship primarily constructed to carry out scientific research at sea, often built around an icebreaker hull. They carry out a number of roles at sea. Converted for passenger use, these ships offer discovery and expeditions to the remote and inaccessible regions of the world.
Tugboat
A tugboat is used to maneuver, by towing or pushing, other vessels in all types of waterways. Tugs are built with great strength despite their small size. Many retired tugs allow for vacationers to step back in time and discover hidden waterways or engage in fishing excursions.
Show All Vessel Types
Hide All Vessel Types
To The Pier Newsletters
First Alert Postcards
Special Reports
