Pam Wittmann, CAE, IOM

Small Luxury Ship & Expedition Cruise Specialist – Europe, Australia & New Zealand The travelers who find their way to me aren't looking for their first cruise. They've been on ships before. They know what they don't want: crowded pool decks, assigned dining times, ports where thousands disembark simultaneously into the same souvenir shops. What they're seeking is something fundamentally different. Immersive days ashore that feel like private discovery. Refined comfort at sea without the circus atmosphere. Itineraries designed around culture, cuisine, and authentic connection rather than check-the-box tourism. That's exactly what small luxury ships and expedition cruising deliver, and it's where I've focused my expertise for clients who value quality over quantity in every aspect of travel. What Makes Small Ship Cruising Different These aren't scaled-down versions of mega ships. They're purpose-built vessels carrying 100 to 300 passengers, designed to access ports the big ships can't reach. The Greek islands without the crowds. Norwegian fjords, where you wake to silence and staggering natural beauty. Coastal Australia and New Zealand with expedition landings that put you face to face with wildlife and landscapes most travelers only see in documentaries. The onboard experience matches the intimacy of the itineraries. No formal nights unless you want them. Exceptional food and wine programs led by culinary teams who can actually remember your preferences. Staff who learn your name by day two. And the kind of effortless luxury that comes from attention to detail rather than over-the-top excess. The Clients Who Thrive on Small Ships Most of my small ship clients are well-traveled couples or close friends in their 50s, 60s, and beyond who've reached a clear conclusion about how they want to experience the world. They're done with crowded ships and cookie-cutter itineraries. They want trips that feel curated for them, not designed for the masses. Many are celebrating something significant. A retirement after decades of building a career. A milestone birthday. The long-awaited bucket list journey they've been talking about for years. Or they've simply reached the point where they want their travel to reflect who they've become: discerning, curious, unwilling to settle for generic experiences when extraordinary ones exist. Multigenerational families also discover that small ships solve problems big ships create. Grandparents, adult children, and sometimes grandchildren traveling together without the chaos. Everyone has space. The itineraries appeal across generations. And there's no pressure to coordinate around a ship full of strangers. How I Design Your Small Ship Journey Choosing the right vessel matters as much as choosing the right itinerary. Classic luxury lines offer champagne and caviar elegance with white glove service. Discovery yachts blend upscale comfort with expedition-style access to remote coastlines. True expedition ships prioritize the destination over the décor, though modern expedition vessels have closed the luxury gap considerably. I match your travel personality with the right style of ship, then build an itinerary around what you actually want to experience. That might look like a month-long journey combining a Mediterranean cruise with land touring through Italy and Greece. A wine-focused voyage along Australia and New Zealand's coasts with private tastings at renowned estates. Or an expedition to Norway's dramatic fjords and Iceland's volcanic landscapes, where the ship becomes your floating base for daily adventures. The Part Clients Value Most I stay engaged while you travel. That's not standard in this industry, but it's essential for the complex international itineraries my clients book. I'm monitoring your flights if the weather disrupts connections. Reconfirming arrangements with ground operators. Smoothing out surprises before they become problems. You're never troubleshooting alone from halfway around the world. If This Sounds Like...