Blount Small Ship Adventures
BackFormerly operating out of Warren, Rhode Island, Blount Small Ship Adventures carved a unique niche in the cruise travel industry before permanently ceasing operations in 2020. This family-owned tour operator, founded in 1966 by the innovative Luther Blount, was built on the motto, "Go Where the Big Ships Cannot." For decades, it offered a distinct alternative to the mainstream resort-style cruise experience, focusing instead on intimate settings and destination-focused itineraries. However, a look at its history and customer feedback reveals a company that, while beloved by many for its unique approach, also faced significant operational criticisms.
The Blount Philosophy: Intimacy and Innovation
The core appeal of this cruise line was its rejection of the mega-ship model. With ships like the Grande Caribe and Grande Mariner carrying fewer than 100 passengers, the atmosphere was intentionally casual and social. Passengers often highlighted the joy of getting to know everyone on board, from fellow travelers to the crew, fostering a community spirit absent on larger vessels. Reviews frequently praise the staff as fantastic and friendly, treating guests like family rather than just another number. This approach appealed strongly to a mature demographic, primarily American and Canadian seniors, who appreciated the relaxed, unpretentious social environment.
A key differentiator for Blount was its innovative ship design, a direct result of its founder's engineering prowess. Luther Blount patented several features that gave his ships unparalleled access to unique waterways. These included:
- A Retractable Pilothouse: This ingenious design allowed the ships to duck under low bridges, making Blount the only cruise line capable of traversing the entire Erie Canal.
- A Shallow Draft: The ships could navigate in as little as seven feet of water, enabling them to explore shallow rivers and dock in small, intimate ports inaccessible to larger vessels.
- A Bow Ramp: This feature allowed passengers to walk directly from the ship onto a beach or remote shoreline, eliminating the need for tender boats and enhancing the sense of direct connection with the destination.
These innovations enabled a diverse range of vacation packages, from New England island tours and journeys through the Great Lakes to adventures along the Intracoastal Waterway and even excursions to Belize and Guatemala. The focus was always on the destination, offering authentic sightseeing tours and experiences off the beaten path.
The Passenger Experience: Highs and Lows
What Customers Loved
Positive reviews consistently celebrate the tight-knit community and personalized service. Guests felt a genuine connection, often forged over meals in the single-seating dining room. The food itself was another high point, with many describing it as delicious or even gourmet. One traveler fondly recalled an onboard baker providing fresh bread, pastries, and scones daily. Another praised the BYO (Bring Your Own) alcohol policy, which allowed guests to bring their favorite spirits for cocktail hour, adding to the comfortable, yacht-club-like atmosphere. For many, these small ship cruises were the perfect way to travel: slow-paced, destination-rich, and socially rewarding.
Significant Criticisms and Drawbacks
Despite its loyal following, Blount Small Ship Adventures was not without serious flaws. One of the most detailed and damaging reviews described the company as a "disorganized mess." This customer recounted a trip where the vessel was deemed not seaworthy enough for the weather, leading to a last-minute cancellation of the primary destination, Block Island. The subsequent contingency planning was described as exceptionally poor, resulting in a series of frustrating and questionable decisions.
The review detailed a delayed departure for an alternate port, an inconvenient docking choice that rendered local water taxis useless, and a subsequent itinerary change to a town that was easily accessible from the original point of embarkation. This experience points to a significant weakness in operational planning and crisis management. The same review heavily criticized the lack of onboard amenities, describing the ship's lounge as little more than a TV and a bowl of snacks. This stark, no-frills approach, while a selling point for some, was a major disappointment for those expecting more from their travel packages. While other reviews were more positive, this detailed account of operational failure highlights a critical risk for potential travelers.
Furthermore, the cabins were notoriously small, often described as "teeny weeny," ranging from just 74 to 96 square feet. While this was part of the trade-off for the unique itineraries, it was a comfort level not all passengers were willing to accept.
The End of an Era
After more than 50 years in operation, Blount Small Ship Adventures ceased all cruise operations permanently in 2020. The company, which had been run by Luther Blount's daughters, initially suspended sailings for the 2020 season with the hope of finding a buyer. When a sale did not materialize, the family made the difficult decision to shut down the cruise division for good, citing the immense pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic. The family chose to sell its three ships—the Grande Caribe, Grande Mariner, and Niagara Prince—and focus entirely on its core shipbuilding business, Blount Boats, which continues to operate.
A Complicated Legacy
Blount Small Ship Adventures leaves behind a legacy as a pioneer in U.S.-flagged coastal and inland cruising. It was a travel agency and operator that offered a truly distinct form of adventure travel, prized by those who valued destination and community over onboard luxury. It successfully created a loyal customer base that returned for its unique boat tours and friendly atmosphere. However, its story also serves as a cautionary tale, demonstrating that a unique concept and innovative design are not always enough to overcome significant operational shortcomings and the external pressures that can challenge even a long-standing business.
