While mainstream cruise lines have made it clear that big ships are the name of the game for them over the past several years, luxury and niche lines are expanding their small-ship offerings. Viking Cruises, which this year will launch a brand-new Viking Oceans division, will debut its 928-passenger Viking Star in 2015. French luxury line Ponant will also launch Le Lyrial, its latest 264-passenger ship. Because these ships can visit smaller, less trafficked ports, you'll see a few off-the-beaten path stops on their itineraries. Le Lyrial, for example, will sail a "Best of Croatia" itinerary that visits Pula, Hvar and Sibenik.