Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Rosa is an old Dutch "Clipper" barge, built in 1907 as a cargo on the waterways of Holland. After its full renovation in 2010, it is now an elegant hotel barge that navigates through a colorful, captivating part of southwest France.

Observe the stunning landscapes of Portugal and Spain as you comfortably cruise along the Douro River, aboard the MS Miguel Torga, a European ship built in 2015 with the capacity for 132 passengers. Her small capacity & multiple public areas create a warm & convivial atmosphere on board, as well as the opportunity for quiet privacy & independence.

The new 40m MS Invictus will feature 18 cabins across two decks with an onboard Jacuzzi and plenty of space for guests to relax during their cruise. Discover charming Croatian coastline and islands on brand new deluxe yacht that will have maiden voyage in July 2020.

Scenic Eclipse II is the sistership of Scenic Eclipse I, which is launched in 2023. Eclipse II continues to take ocean cruising to a whole new level--- marrying 6-star luxury, discovery, and safety, and giving guests the opportunity to explore above and beyond what was previously imaginable. With elegant lines, perfectly-proportioned suites, and expansive wellness zones, every element of Scenic Eclipse has been considered with your enjoyment and pleasure in mind, creating a special environment

Visit the magical places in Italy onboard La Bella Vita, a cruise ship that can accommodate 20 passengers. With a classic modern Italian interior and 10 elegant staterooms, the hotel barge sets the perfect atmosphere for relaxation. Enjoy an adventure to remember while cruising through the Venetian Lagoon, River Po and Canal Bianco between Venice and the lakeside Renaissance city of Mantua.

Cruise France’s beautiful Burgundy region aboard 12-passenger L’Impressionniste, designed for traveling on canal barges in France. Originally constructed in 1960, the luxury hotel barge now whisks guests away on a memorable cruise full of wine tasting, castle tours, and regional delicacies.

Formerly a cargo ship that carried logs, La Belle Epoque has been transformed into a deluxe hotel barge. With the capacity for 12 passengers, La Belle Epoque has been designed with both elegance and passenger comfort in mind and her welcoming features include a wood-paneled saloon/dining room with bespoke, hand-built seating and a spacious sun deck with spa pool.

Sail the magnificent waterways of Scotland aboard the elegant hotel barge, The Spirit of Scotland. Built less than 20 years ago specifically for the use as a hotel barge, this 12-passenger vessel was designed to perfection and allows guests to experience the charming Scottish ambiance.

The Magna Carta is a luxury barge that cruises the waterways of England in style. Accommodating a maximum of 8 guests, it will give you space to really relax and enjoy the highlights of this stunning region. Her Captain and crew know the river so well, that together they ensure a voyage of gentle exploration is an unforgettable experience.

Unpack your bags just once and settle into your spacious suite featuring separate living and sleeping areas as well as your own balcony. Explore the light-filled public spaces and dining areas, where you can relax, indulge and dream, as the magical Vietnamese and Cambodian landscapes float by. Your experience will be one of unmatched luxury with enhanced protocols, for your health and wellbeing.

Launched in Galápagos in 2022, the sleek National Geographic Islander II sails year-round in the islands. A best-in-class expedition ship, expertly refitted to facilitate the active exploration at the heart of the Lindblad experience, and has the spirit and soul of a private yacht.

MS Victor Hugo is named after one of the most famous figures in French literature. This attractive standard ship sails on the Tisza, Sava, Elbe, Rhine and Danube, rivers with a vast history and culture.

The MS Beethoven navigates through the Danube and Rhine rivers. Built in 2004 and refurbished in 2010, the MS Beethoven is a comfortable and intimate ship with the capacity for 180 passengers.

The M/S Captain Bota is a yacht-like ship built in the Split shipyard for summer 2015 according to the newest European standards. With its perfect size, maneuvering abilities, and its 18 elegant cabins, this newly built ship satisfies your refined expectations for a comfortable cruise along the Adriatic Coast.

The luxurious tone of the 128-passenger River Princess and the sophisticated ambiance creates the perfect journey along with Central Europe's UNESCO sites such as the windmills of Kinderdijk and places of historic importance, including the old Walled City. View amazing architecture like Nuremberg’s mesmerizing castles on the Nuremberg Panoramic City Tour.

Sail away on an unforgettable Danube River cruise aboard the Avalon Passion ship, an Avalon Waterways Suite Ship making its mark with spacious suites featuring panoramic windows that transform the space into a breezy open-air balcony.

Finesse is a luxurious hotel barge with an exclusive capacity for 8 passengers. Its modern design offers her guests a delightful and magical cruise around Southern Burgundy, one of France's most authentic destinations. Admire vineyards and charming canalside villages during your cruise.

The Renaissance is a deluxe barge with an exclusive capacity for 8 guests. Perfectly designed for a luxury cruise through France's oldest canal and through its enchanting countryside, allowing her passengers to taste some of the authentic French lifestyles!