Ched49 Loc: Pittsburgh, Pa.

If your looking for a mega-zoom bridge camera, you can't beat the Sony RX series. If you want portability, look at the Fujifilm X100.

Wingpilot Loc: Wasilla. Ak

I think the OP is not interested in an interchangeable lens camera. He stated one of his parameters is a fixed lens with reasonable zoom range, and that he's looking for small size. That would limit his choices to pocketable or nearly pocketable sized cameras. Since he only intends on making prints up to 9X12, even a camera with a small 1/2.3" sensor would seem to suffice.

That said, there are a number of cameras that would fit the bill for him, like the Panasonic Lumix ZS70 that has an EVF and zooms to 720mm, similar to the Sony HX90/99V, but the lens is a bit faster on the Panasonic. For a compact but not pocketable camera, the Canon G3X is a good camera, but needs the companion EVF. I believe it can still be had as a kit for around $899.00. Bridge cameras are great as travel cameras, but don't quite fit the bill for compactness the OP wants, but he sounds like he might be interested in the RX10 series. The RX100VI is probably a very good camera, but expensive. I think you're paying for features the Panasonic ZS100/200 don't have, as well as a faster lens and perhaps a better processing engine. In the end, the choices are many, and I always suggest that one visit a camera store and just play around with various cameras and quiz the staff there before making up ones mind. I'm envious of that 74 day cruise, too. What an opportunity.

RolandDieter

You could also consider the Sony RX10-ii. Cheaper then the RX10-iv, and it has a constant f/2.8 throughout its 24-200mm zoom range and weatherproof. I do think you will want more than 70mm for some shots such as details on buildings (i.e., gargoyles, etc). But then I do not know where your cruise is taking you.

bigguytf

+1, Great Camera, takes very good pictures.

traderjohn Loc: New York City

Cell phones have the capacity to take some great pictures. By the time you edit this and that you have a damn good picture. The same way you edit pictures from a DSLR The plus side to cell phones is they do more than just take pictures.

DrDon Loc: Hingham, Ma

I can’t believe no one asked you where you are going on such a fabulous trip

Rashid Abdu Loc: Ohio

I am going on a river cruise in a week or so. I too, have heavy Nikon Cameras and lenses, that I did not want to carry around. The Sony RX10 1V, was highly recommended, and after reviewing many reviews, I bought it! This camera is several cameras in one! The learning curve is steep! But after I bought and read Gary Friedman book on this camera, I am no longer intimidated by the "beast", and learned to love it! It is an amazing camera.
Good luck to you on your cruise. Take good pictures, but most important, have a good time!

le boecere

So very well stated. I've concluded that anyone coming into the "compact, mirrorless, travel camera" world, from traditional SLR/DSLR, needs to take a long, strong, look at the Fujifilm X-camera system. (Unless one is looking specifically for a pocket camera.)

le boecere

+ Tom Dempsey's travel camera opinions:

http://photoseek.com/

Rick-in-Tor0nto Loc: Toronto & Ft. Lauderdale

First let me say that I've owned many cameras in my 73 years and now have a heavy investment in Nikon DSLR's, lenses and other trappings.

Now, I'll say I expect to be stomped on as a heretic but here's my recommendation.

Go rogue! Get a cell phone with a terrific camera built in. You can't beat the handiness, small size and weight and many of them have remarkable quality!! I have a cousin who takes marvellous pictures with her cell phone because she has a good eye for composition. The most expensive camera in the world won't improve one's composition. For the most part, you're not going to care about shutter speeds for freezing/blurring or bokeh or other advanced-amateur tweaking. And, as an extra advantage, most cell phones are MUCH better for taking selfies with your locale in the background than awkward/heavy DSLR's can.

You want to focus on your trip not your gear. Good luck. /i Rick /i

DJphoto Loc: SF Bay Area

We took a 2 week cruise in July and I took my Canon 80D (crop sensor DSLR) with 3 lenses, and used the 18-135 for over 90% of my photos. I used the 10-18 for a few and my long zoom once (112-480 equivalent on my camera). Next time, I'll probably leave the long lens at home. My wife took her iPhone X and got some great shots too; it worked out great having both.