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Best cabin cruisers: 5 of the most versatile options under 30ft

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Serial boat owner Elliott Maurice picks out 5 of the best cabin cruisers and explains what makes them stand out in this highly competitive market…

Some of the most successful cabin cruiser designs can trace their lineage back to the ‘weekender’ style boats from the likes of Chris-Craft , which originated in 1960s America with the aim of accommodating a whole family for a weekend away.

The 1960 Chris Craft Cavalier 25 offered a galley, complete with a sink and gas hob, enclosed head, a forward V berth cabin and convertible saloon with a drop-down table creating a midships berth suitable for children.

Allowing weekends away with facilities only previously available from larger purpose-built motor yachts, the cabin cruiser concept took off.

The 1980s saw some excellent boats appear from the likes of Fairline with models such as the Mirage 29 Aft Cabin and the Holiday 23. These boats brought weekend cruising comfort to the rivers, estuaries, and coastlines of Europe in huge numbers.

Now over 50 years later the choice of small family cabin cruisers is excellent, with offerings from both sides of the Atlantic providing the ideal solution, even offering extended liveaboard cruising in a trailerable sized boat.

When considering what is the best cabin cruiser boat for you, there are a few key things to consider. Where do you plan to use it? A coastal boat will require significantly more horsepower than a river boat.

How long will you spend on board? Liveaboard cabin cruisers will prioritize interior comfort over outside lounging space. Personal style and price will also be key guiding factors.

I have selected what I consider to be some of the best weekender and compact cabin cruisers available on the market today.

5 of the best cabin cruisers available right now

The Marlin version of the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 won our 2020 Motor Board Award for Best Wheelhouse or Cockpit Cruiser

Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895 Sport

Best all-round cabin cruiser

A great starting point and overall, a great boat. This nearly 29ft long cabin cruiser (including pulpit and outboard ) offers everything a small family could want for weekends away, with two light and comfortable berths in separate double cabins, an excellent helm and cockpit with a comfortable dinette seating four.

You also get full standing headroom in the ensuite, with a pullout shower, and all of this is accommodated in a sturdy and capable hull. Power options range from a single 175hp outboard up to twin 250hp engines, so the Merry Fisher can be powered to suit both inland river and coastal conditions.

Extras include bow thruster, reverse cycle heat and air air-conditioning and, as the name suggests, plenty of fishing options. The light and airy Jeanneau can be upgraded significantly to well over $160,000. However even at the starting price of $130,000 the 895 Sport makes an excellent and versatile small family cabin cruiser.

Read our full review of the Jeanneau Merry Fisher 895

Article continues below…

Best center consoles under 30 feet: Latest models combine seakeeping and performance

Best bowriders: 6 top options over 25ft for versatile open deck cruising

Ranger tug r29s.

Best liveaboard cabin cruiser

A modern American classic, the R29S is a marvel for its size. Designed more as a small ship than a normal pleasure boat, the R29 is only offered with a single 320hp Volvo D4 diesel engine. Bow and stern thrusters are fitted as standard for easy docking.

The Ranger is an expensive option starting at a lofty $350,000, however it is capable of comfortably taking a couple bluewater cruising around the Bahamas or on the 5,500-mile trip around the American Great Loop. Featuring curved glass wheelhouse windows with opening glass roof hatches, the R29S has an excellent helm with superb visibility and a robust, seaworthy hull.

Accommodation can be heated or air conditioned for cruising comfort, all the while the D4 is sipping just 2gph at 7 knots, giving a cruising range of 500 miles. But there’s enough top end to punch a tide when you need to – the top speed on the R29S is a healthy 23.4 knots.

The comprehensive standard inventory includes 12in Garmin MFD, AIS and xHD radar, while optional extras include dingy and davits, generator, solar panels, ice maker, TVs in the saloon and master, and even an aft docking station.

Although the Ranger can sleep up to six, it is built to accommodate two in long distance comfort usually only equalled by boats in the 40ft+ class.

We likened the Pilot 8 to a seagoing SUV in our 2020 review

Finnmaster Pilot 8

Best high performance cabin cruiser

Due to the tough local weather conditions, Scandinavian boats are built to a higher standard than most brands, and the Finnmaster is no exception. Exceptionally rugged, the Pilot 8 is an extremely capable and fast sea boat, with accommodation for up to six people.

The 27ft 6in Pilot 8 can reach a speed of 43.5 knots flat out, with power coming from twin 200hp outboard engines. Starting at around €150,000, the Pilot 8 is top notch in terms of its fit and finish throughout.

With its 18in Garmin MFD, optional joystick control, rugged forward canting windscreen and bucket helm seat, the helm of the Pilot 8 is well suited to making the most of the boat’s performance capabilities.

What’s more, a handy side door leading off the asymmetric wheelhouse to a wide side deck provides excellent access to the fore deck for docking maneuvers.

More compact and performance orientated than its French rivals, the Finnmaster is still capable of accommodating four people in comfort, with a cockpit galley that features a diesel-powered hob, microwave, sink and refrigerator.

A decent enclosed heads with pull out shower and two separate sleeping cabins bely the boat’s performance capabilities, and with options like a high-end Fusion stereo, diesel heating and HD radar, the Finnmaster offers a lot of flexibility.

Read our full review of the Finnmaster Pilot 8

Regal 28 Express

Best warm weather cabin cruiser

Better suited to warmer climes, the Regal is more of a mini-Med style cabin cruiser than its all-weather rivals. When it comes to outdoor lounging and sun worshipping, the Regal does things better than most.

Accommodation is far more open below – the air-conditioned cabin includes a double berth situated aft under the cockpit and a forward double berth created by dropping the forward table and adding an infill cushion, while the enclosed head boasts 6ft of standing headroom and a pull-out shower.

The lower galley comes equipped with an electric hob, microwave, refrigerator and sink that can easily cater for simple meals and breakfast on board.

Where the Regal offers a different approach is in its open cockpit design with multiple sunbathing spaces, seating that converts into a sun pad and an outdoor wet bar. With power up to a 380hp Volvo petrol sterndrive, the 28 Express is capable of just under 32 knots flat out.

The Regal can cope with fair weather coastal navigation between marinas, and it is ideal for lounging at a sandbar or anchored off a beach. With the optional 32in TV in the saloon and a large wraparound sofa, family weekends away are easily accommodated. And as a handy bonus, the radar arch can be lowered electrically to reduce bridge clearance when towing.

The Beneteau Antares 8 comes in Cruising and Fishing variants

Beneteau Antares 8

Best value cabin cruiser

Starting at an exceptionally low $88,000 the Antares 8 should definitely be in the mix if you’re searching for the best cabin cruiser on a budget. Although cost savings are evident compared to some of the boats mentioned above, the Antares is an excellent small weekender.

Power starts with a super quiet 200hp Mercury V6 outboard, or you can upgrade to the 250hp V8 single outboard. Options include an electric head, 12in Garmin MFD and Fusion sound system and, for fishing lovers, roof mounted rocket launcher style rod holders.

This two-cabin boat accommodates four using the convertible upper saloon as a double berth as well as the forward twin cabin, with the midships area reserved for storage.

A side door allows safe boarding for children off the dock, and at a compact 26ft 5in, this small cabin cruiser is well equipped for short family cruises.

A small but usable galley with a choice of gas or electric cooking, refrigeration, and plenty of seating for four people can be found in the convertible saloon.

The well-equipped helm with power steering, digital controls and optional bow thruster make the Antares an excellent starter boat, and with the optional lithium-ion air conditioning unit and large aft cockpit the Antares would work just as well in warmer climates as well as cooler ones.

Watch our yacht tour video of the Beneteau Antares 8

Cormate Chase 35 first look: A quality offshore performance boat

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Variety Voyager

Cruise in fine style aboard the Variety Voyager. The 223-foot, 36-cabin mega yacht was launched in May 2012. This sleek, high-tech vessel complies with the most stringent SOLAS safety regulations. 

Variety Voyager Review

AdventureSmith Explorations’ Variety Voyager review includes a detailed description of the small ship including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship experts have been aboard the Variety Voyager firsthand. Please read our Variety Voyager review below then contact our small ship cruise experts to compare the Variety Voyager with other  small cruise ships  sailing  Mediterranean small ship cruises and Greek Island small ship cruises.

Choose the Variety Voyager for a luxurious yacht, by small ship standards. She has a very modern feel with steel, glass, lighted accents on mirrored walls and stylish amenities. Even more impressive than the ship itself is the white-glove-style service and the attentive crew on board the Variety Voyager. Rooms are cleaned several times each day, empty glasses and other stray items are immediately picked up and guests are constantly pampered by an attentive and well-trained staff.

Common Areas Aboard Variety Voyager

Common areas aboard the Variety Voyager are spacious and comfortable. Every day there is a new place to relax. Guests may especially enjoy the outdoor al fresco dining area and the Oceans Lounge on the Upper Deck. Large outdoor couches, chairs and coffee tables served by a full bar with fantastic views make this a popular outdoor deck. The Sky Deck is rarely used by other guests and provides a peaceful resting area with a 360-degree view. The ship has a small workout room with a full spa and onboard spa treatments.

Located on the Main Deck, right off the reception area, the Main Lounge is gracefully designed and finished with wood panels. There is ample seating space and modern AV equipment for presentations. The mini library/internet suite, just off the Main Lounge, offers a variety of books and magazines as well as free internet. The spa & fitness suite, located on the Lower Deck, offers massage, sauna and some fitness equipment. Voyager’s spa supervisor provides hair, face and nail treatments. The Sun Deck features Balinese beds and sun loungers. Sunbathe in total comfort while enjoying drinks served from the Sun Deck Horizons bar. 

Dining Aboard Variety Voyager

Meals are an event and the food is good. Special dietary requests can be accommodated with advance notice. Breakfast and lunch are served buffet style with lots of variety and always at least one made-to-order option. Dinners are five courses and last late into the evening. The elegant glass-enclosed dining room seats all passengers at once and allows for spectacular views. It extends to the adjacent open deck, which seats 50 passengers and allows for breakfast, lunch or dinner to be taken al fresco. Food is served at the table or displayed on the hot-and-cold buffet, which also includes an “a la minute cooking” section. The Upper Deck Horizons Bar & Lounge offers stylish shaded seating and is the ideal spot for reading, relaxing or dancing under the stars until the late hours at the sound of Variety Voyager’s resident DJ/entertainer.

Activities Aboard Variety Voyager

Start the day with a swim from the comforts of Variety Voyager’s state-of-the-art stern, enabling easy access into and out of the water. Take advantage of onboard snorkeling equipment, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards and beach towels for additional water-based exploration. Back on the ship, board games help entertain between exciting activity stops.

Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Variety Voyager

The Variety Voyager accommodates up to 72 guests in 36 cabins ranging from 124 to 227 square feet. The Upper Deck features 8 cabins, the Main Deck offers 15 cabins and Lower Deck holds 13 cabins. Cabins on the Lower Deck feature two oversize portholes, and cabins at the Main and Upper Deck feature large windows; none open to the outside. There is plenty of storage and a small desk in nearly every room, but note that travelers from the USA should bring an adapter as power outlets are European round style 220 plugs. All cabins have individually controlled A/C and ventilation, minibars, flat screen TVs, CD and DVD players, mini fridge, safe deposit box and all the amenities of a luxury ship. Modern bathrooms are finished with warm marble, glass and Corian materials, and feature deluxe toiletries, bathrobes and fantastic water pressure including a soothing rain showerhead to cool off after a long day of activity. WiFi is available on board at a charge.

Located on the Lower Deck with oversize twin portholes and either two twin beds (in 4 cabins) or one double bed (in 2 cabins). The 6 Category C cabins are each approximately 130-167 square feet.

Located on the Lower Deck and Main Deck with oversized twin portholes (Lower Deck) or double windows (Main Deck) and either two twin beds or one double bed in 7 of the 11 cabins. Cabins 212 and 215 have fixed twin beds; cabins 214 and 216 have a fixed double bed. Cabin 104 can accommodate triple occupancy. Approximately 124-216 square feet each.

Located on the Main Deck with double windows and either two twins or one double bed in 9 of the 11 cabins. Cabins 210-211 have fixed twin beds. Approximately 140-184 square feet each.

Located on the Upper Deck with double windows, more luxurious fabrics, special amenities and either two twin beds or one double bed. A sofa bed is available in 4 of the 7 cabins, for triple occupancy. Approximately 184-227 square feet each.

Located on the Upper Deck, this cabin is the finest on board with two double windows, a seating area and either two twin beds or one double bed, plus a sofa bed. Approximately 260 square feet.

Get Aboard the Variety Voyager Mega Yacht

On this spectacular 8-day Classical Greece cruise, explore the beautiful Cyclades, Kea, Santorini, Mykonos, Crete, Hydra, Nafplion, Monemvassia and the UNESCO-protected archaeological isle of Delos aboard one of three yachts.

On these cruises to Malta aboard 72-guest Variety Voyager, take in history-rich peninsulas, charming cities and UNESCO cultural heritage sites. Live la dolce vita with an itinerary that blends fashion, charm, intrigue, history and natural wonders, plus filming locations for the "White Lotus" and "the Godfather."

On these cruises to Malta aboard 72-guest Variety Voyager, take in history-rich peninsulas, charming cities, cultural heritage sites and ascend the active volcano of Etna.

Sail the enchanting waters of the Amalfi Coast aboard the luxurious Variety Voyager, only 72 guests. Your journey from Valletta, Malta to Naples, Italy unfolds with enriching stops, revealing hidden treasures and iconic landmarks.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Learn More About Variety Voyager & Her Sister Ships

What’s it like aboard the Variety Voyager? This mega-yacht is among a greater fleet of Greece-flagged ships that sail worldwide under the Variety Cruises brand. These yachts will have similar amenities, cabin categories, meals and other services. Contact us to compare them all, browse other operators and get aboard. The Variety Voyager and her sister ships are perfect options to book solo, as a couple, family, group or even as a charter. Our experts are standing by with unbiased advice, personalized to you.

Contact Us - Variety Voyager

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Onboard the Ritz-Carlton Ilma: “The Closest Cruise Experience to Luxury Private Yachting”

Even the itineraries are designed with relaxation in mind.

“Privacy, please.” My suite ambassador aboard Ilma , the Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s latest superyacht to launch, explains how to signal through lighting if I don’t want my 650-square-foot stateroom serviced. His words might just as well be a tagline for my journey from Barcelona to Monte Carlo.

At 790 feet with the capability of accommodating up to only 448 passengers, Ilma boasts one of the highest guest-to-staff and space-per-guests ratios in the industry. Its 224 spacious and light-filled suites, all with floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces, are brilliantly designed by London-based AD Associates to ensure every need, from stowing shoes to solitary sunbathing, is luxuriously met. Subtle shades of sky and sea combine with rich textures and warm lighting (by lighting designer KPA ) to infuse the suites with serenity.

The ship’s supreme comfort reflects its innovative and efficient design: an optimized hull shape and propulsion system minimize noise, vibrations, and emissions for smooth sailing in almost any conditions. Additionally, the yacht is equipped with advanced water treatment systems, an efficient heat recovery loop, LED lighting, and other features aimed at minimizing environmental impact.

Underscoring the atmosphere of ease is the ship’s journey itself: a thoughtfully crafted itinerary designed with a more leisurely pace to reduce time spent at sea, optimize energy efficiency, and maximize time in port—one of the top luxury cruising trends for 2025 .

On this inaugural journey, for example, we spent over 24 hours in port in Saint-Tropez, which allowed for multiple onshore excursions, ample time to enjoy the marina and AquaBanas (an inflatable swimming area complete with cabanas that floats at sea, commonly seen on private superyachts), and two stunning sunsets in the Cote d’Azur harbor.

The luxury of ample personal space extends to the design of Ilma’s public spaces as well. With five restaurants (including Beach House, an aptly named, indoor/outdoor cafe designed by Toronto-based Chapi Chapo Design that features delicious Pan-Latin cuisine), seven bars, a wine vault, a spacious living room and library, and 11 spa treatment rooms, and enough chaise lounges to accommodate any interested sunbather, all spread out over 10 decks.

With no buffet line or casino in sight, Ilma feels like my own private yacht—with the personalized service associated with the Ritz-Carlton brand. Oh, and I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the luxury shopping opportunities: Ilma hosts the first-ever Bulgari boutique at sea, offering jewelry, watches and bags from the brand’s most iconic collections.

But perhaps most memorable—and calming—of all is the connection to the water that permeates every aspect of Ilma’s design, overseen by Alejandra Obregon, director of architecture and design for Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. From the deep marine blue exterior, designed by Helsinki-based Aivan , to the vast art collection spanning media, centuries, and countries of origin (don’t miss the Hockney just outside the spa), the meaning of the yacht’s name, Maltese for water, is never out of sight, mind, or soul.

Steele Thomas Marcoux is the editor in chief of VERANDA, where she oversees brand strategy and content across all platforms and manages a team of editors and writers. She also writes about architecture, design, travel, jewelry, and gardening. Prior to joining VERANDA in 2018, Steele held editorial leadership roles at national design and lifestyle brands for over ten years. She has also worked as a freelance writer on articles ranging from celebrity profiles and gift guides to food and beverage trends. Steele has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Williams College (art history) and a Master of Arts degree from University of Alabama (American history). When not working, Steele can be found cooking for her family, cheering her sons on at cross country meets, soccer games, or lacrosse tournaments, playing with her dogs, planning her next design-oriented trip, or trying to find a way to squeeze in a few more minutes on a tennis court. Follow her at @steelemarcoux. 

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