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A newly launched superyacht is being billed as the world's "smallest" cruise ship, offering an ultra-exclusive alternative to mega liners carrying thousands of passengers.

The 70-metre sail yacht Captain Arctic, which entered service this year, has room for just 30 to 36 guests, depending on configuration, making it one of the most intimate cruise-style experiences available at sea. Rather than buffet decks and packed pools, the vessel promises privacy, personalised service and slow sailing through some of Europe's most dramatic waters.

Built by shipyard CNOI and styled by designer Josephine Fossey, Captain Arctic combines the feel of a traditional sailing yacht with the amenities of a floating luxury hotel, Yacht Charter Fleet wrote.

Despite its relatively compact size, the yacht accommodates guests across 16 suites and carries up to 30 crew members, ensuring a high staff-to-guest ratio rarely seen outside the world's most exclusive charters.

The yacht was designed to blend adventure with comfort. Once its sails are unfurled, guests can experience true sailing while cruising at a relaxed seven knots, with a top speed of 14 knots.

Constructed with a steel hull and superstructure, the vessel is designed for stability and long-range journeys, particularly in colder northern waters.

Onboard facilities rival those of far larger ships. Guests have access to a dedicated library for quiet retreats, as well as a luxury spa complete with sauna.

A fully equipped gym allows passengers to maintain fitness routines while at sea, while air conditioning and onboard Wi-Fi ensure modern comforts are never far away.

Notably, Captain Arctic has been designed with wheelchair-friendly access throughout, making it accessible to a wider range of travellers, a feature still relatively rare in the luxury yacht world.

Adventure is also central to the experience.

The yacht carries an array of water toys, including kayaks, paddleboards, snorkelling equipment and fishing gear, allowing guests to explore remote coastlines at their own pace. A Zodiac tender is also onboard, making shore excursions and transfers quick and easy.

Unlike conventional cruise ships that hop between crowded ports, Captain Arctic is based in Northern Europe year-round, offering itineraries focused on dramatic coastlines, quiet harbours and lesser-visited destinations.

The emphasis is on immersive travel, with guests encouraged to experience local food, landscapes and culture rather than rushing between stops.

With space for only a handful of passengers, Captain Arctic is being pitched as a cruise ship reimagined, trading scale for serenity, and crowds for calm.

For travellers seeking a more personal way to explore the seas, it could represent the smallest - and most exclusive - cruise experience in the world.