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Penguins and cruise ship in Antarctica

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No matter where you want to go in the world, we have a small ship cruise perfect for you! If you've never taken a small ship cruise before, you might be wondering why you should consider this alternative to the big resort vacations or major cruise liners, and we think the cruises speak for themselves - with capacity for between 12 and under 200 passengers, you are guaranteed a more intimate atmosphere onboard, which makes for better service from the crew, faster boarding and de-boarding time at each destination, and a friendlier feeling between you and the other guests. Our small ship cruises visit all of our enchanting destinations, including the Galapagos Islands, AlaskaNorth America, Canadian Maritimes, the Arctic and Antarctica, the Mediterranean & Adriatic Seas, the rivers of Europe, and the rivers, seas, and islands of Asia, the South Pacific, and the Middle EastLet us know when you're ready to start planning your small ship adventure

Top 10 Small Ship Cruises for 2024-2025

Top 16 Destinations for Small Ship Cruises for 2024-2025

10 Best Antarctic Small Ship Cruises for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise$159958Dec 6, 2024Embark on this 8-day Antarctic cruise on the Magellan Explorer. Fly over the Drake Passage round-trip from Punta Arenas to King George Island where …
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Antarctica - Basecamp$990013Dec 25, 2024Take your Antarctic expedition to the next level! This 13-day Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp voyage aboard MV Plancius is packed full of adventures …
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Antarctic Small Ship Expedition$659510Mar 22, 2024Embark on this 10-day Antarctic adventure with Magellan Explorer. Sail the Beagle Channel from Ushuaia and across the Drake Passage to the western …
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Classic Antarctica Air Cruise$114958Dec 2, 2024Embark on this 8-day Antarctic adventure with Ocean Nova Air Cruises. Fly over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas to King George Island where you …
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Antarctica - Basecamp$880013Nov 1, 2024Embark on MV Hondius for an adventure of a lifetime. This 13-day expedition cruise of the Antarctic Peninsula is packed full of adventure with hiking …
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South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula$899510Feb 16, 2025Board Ocean Victory on this 10-day cruise to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Set foot on the Antarctic continent as well as …
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Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent$1119511Nov 5, 2024On this 11-day adventure to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula you'll cruise through sea ice, witness penguins building their …
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Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia$3849523Dec 16, 2024From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this …
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Spirit of Antarctica$1279512Oct 27, 2024Visit historic sites and step onto the white continent on this 12-day Antarctic cruise roundtrip Ushuaia aboard the Greg Mortimer. Explore all the …
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Antarctica Complete$3149523Jan 30, 2025Explore Antarctica along with South Georgia and the Falkland - Malvinas islands on this 23-day adventure cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. Enjoy the …
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Antarctica Small Ship Cruise Video

Top 10 Arctic Small Ship Cruises for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Svalbard Encounter Expedition Micro Cruise$111858May 12, 2025Join the 8-day summer cruise through Svalbard aboard the MV Vikingfjord and discover the breathtaking wilderness, glaciers, and natural beauty of …
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Norway's Fjords and Arctic Svalbard$2330016May 2, 2024Cruise across Norway's fjords and Arctic Svalbard on a 16-day expedition aboard the National Geographic Resolution, and explore the wilderness, …
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Svalbard Odyssey$1679512Jul 2, 2025Join a 12-day expedition aboard the Greg Mortimer roundtrip Oslo, discovering the marvels of Svalbard's perpetual daylight. Encounter polar bears and …
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Spitsbergen Photography: Domain of the Polar Bear$1259514May 10, 2024This two-week Arctic cruise aboard the brand new expedition vessel Ultramarine, equipped with 20 quick-launching Zodiacs, luxurious onboard amenities …
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North Spitsbergen, In Search of Polar Bear & Pack Ice$40008Jun 10, 2024Start your North Spitsbergen cruise with a trek around historic Longyearbyen, then join our expedition to the north of the island to take in the …
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High Arctic Explorer$999512Aug 3, 2024Explore the high Arctic on this 12-day expedition cruise aboard the ice-class Ocean Endeavour. Departing from Resolute Bay high in the Arctic Circle, …
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Spitsbergen Highlights: Expedition in Brief$49957May 15, 2024Board the Ocean Adventurer in Longyearbyen for a 7-day Arctic cruise through the pack of ice and participate in optional adventure activities like …
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A Circumnavigation of Iceland$1117210Jul 4, 2024On this active 10-day Iceland cruise aboard the National Geographic Explorer, you'll circumnavigate Iceland and witness glaciers, geysers, thundering …
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Into the Northwest Passage$1399517Aug 27, 2024Board the ice-strengthened Ocean Endeavor expedition ship on this 17-day Arctic cruise from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland through the legendary Northwest …
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Spitsbergen Explorer: Wildlife Capital of the Arctic$909512May 28, 2024Prepare for this 12-day Arctic expedition cruise aboard Ocean Adventurer in the exploration of Spitsbergen, the wildlife capital of the Arctic. Grab …
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10 Best Europe River Cruises for 2024-2025

Europe River Cruise Travel Guide

Top 10 Small Ship Cruises of the Mediterranean for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Italy, Montenegro & Croatia$313012Aug 31, 2024Discover the stunning Adriatic landscapes of Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy on this fabulous 12-day Mediterranean sailing adventure aboard the Royal …
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Mediterranean Gems: From Dubrovnik to Naples$1860211Jun 8, 2024Beginning in the enchanting Croatian city of Dubrovnik, sail across the Adriatic on an 11-day Mediterranean small ship cruise on the alluring Sea …
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Corsica & Sardinia$1823011May 19, 2024Each 11-day roundtrip cruise of the Mediterranean from Naples aboard Sea Cloud is crafted to offer the authentic experience of sailing a true …
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Amalfi & Sicily$20808Jun 1, 2024Join the Royal Clipper on this spectacular 8-day Mediterranean tall ship sailing tour. Admire the region's old architecture and magnificent scenery …
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Jewels of the Cyclades$25008Apr 19, 2024Experience the Aegean Islands on an 8-day cruise on the Galileo from Athens. Visit famous spots like Santorini and Mykonos, as well as lesser-known …
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Italy, Montenegro & Croatia$283011Jul 6, 2024The Royal Clipper sails across the breathtaking Adriatic landscapes of Croatia, Montenegro, and Italy for an unforgettable 11-day voyage. Visit the …
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Italy, Montenegro & Croatia$313012Jul 30, 2024Explore the Eastern Mediterranean on this 12-day cruise aboard the luxury tall ship the Royal Clipper. This round-trip cruise departs from Rome, …
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Mediterranean Enchantments$111908May 11, 2024Join this 8-day Eastern Mediterranean cruise aboard Emerald Azzurra and explore the wealth of beauty that Greece has to offer. Visit Sarandë on the …
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Croatia and Montenegro$33858Jul 4, 2024Discover Mediterranean charm on this 8-day cruise aboard the MV La Belle de L'Adriatique. Start and end in the historical city of Dubrovnik. Explore …
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Dubrovnik to Split$17958May 11, 2024On this 8-day Adriatic cruise, sail from Dubrovnik to Split and discover the beauty of enchanting Croatia. The M/S Mama Marija takes you on this …
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Top 4 Small Ship Cruises of the Canadian Maritimes for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Sable Island, Cape Breton, Newfoundland, and the Magdalen Islands: Atlantic Island Odyssey$449512Jun 27, 2024Embark on this unique 12-day adventure cruise on the Ocean Endeavor. Sable Island’s storied history will fascinate you, but the untamed horses that …
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New York, NY to Quebec City$595011Aug 29, 2024On this 11-day voyage across New England, Silver Shadow sails from majestic New York to the city of Quebec. The journey includes overnight stays in …
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Greenland to Nova Scotia exploring the Canadian Arctic$2058017Sep 14, 2025Join the SH Vega for a 17-day Northern Canada Discovery cruise to learn the cultures, art, and wildlife of the magical Arctic while exploring its …
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The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland$1077010Sep 12, 2024Embark on the National Geographic Explorer on this 10-day cruise and sail into eastern Canada's breathtaking natural beauty. Discover Newfoundland's …
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10 Best Small Ship North & South America Cruises for 2024-2025

North & South America Small Ship Cruises Travel Guide

10 Best Central America & Mexico Cruises for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Costa Rica & Panama$16408Jan 11, 2025Embark on an 8-day cruise exploring Costa Rica and Panama's natural beauty and rich history. Land at Puerto Caldera and discover the tropical …
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Secrets of Central America$709011Feb 3, 2025Embark on an 11-day expedition cruise from Colon to Puntarenas aboard the Le Bellot. Journey around the isthmus of Panama, a biodiversity hotspot …
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Panama and Costa Rica by Sea: The Natural Wonders of Central America – with Smithsonian Journeys$60548Jan 6, 2025This magnificent 8-day voyage onboard Le Bellot explores Panama and Costa Rica's vast natural splendors. Among the highlights of this trip are …
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Costa Rica & the Panama Canal$66018Nov 23, 2024Discover Costa Rica & Panama on this wonderful 8-day expedition cruise aboard the National Geographic Quest. Venture into remote wilderness: hike …
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Baja California: A Remarkable Journey$1261015Apr 1, 2024Join a comprehensive 15-day photo expedition exploring both the Pacific side of Baja California and the islands in the Sea of Cortez. Venture into …
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Baja California and the Sea of Cortez: Among the Great Whales$70008Jan 5, 2025Enter the California gray whale birthing lagoons of Bahia Magdalena for close encounters with these gentle giants, a rare privilege in the natural …
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Costa Rica & Panama Canal Discovery$660112Apr 19, 2024Embark on a 12-day cruise exploring Costa Rica's beaches and rainforests, witnessing diverse wildlife. Sail through the Panama Canal, an engineering …
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Costa Rica & Panama Canal$1339515Apr 19, 2024Embark on a 15-day Costa Rica & Panama Canal Cruise with travel photographer Richard I'Anson. Explore Costa Rica's rainforests, and Panama's coral …
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Wild Costa Rica Escape$41906Nov 13, 2024Discover the treasures of one of Costa Rica’s richest regions, Guanacaste, on a 6-day voyage aboard National Geographic Quest. As we venture from …
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Panama and Colombia: Exploring the Caribbean Coast$62908Oct 13, 2024Discover an astonishing trove of natural and cultural treasures as you navigate the Caribbean coasts of Panama and Colombia on this 8-day cruise …
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10 Best Small Ship Cruises of the South Pacific for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Tahiti & the Society Islands$32008Apr 6, 2024On this 8-day cruise through Polynesian paradise, explore the best of the South Pacific from aboard the Paul Gauguin, with stops in the …
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Society Islands, Cook Islands, Tonga & Fiji$755016Oct 26, 2024Discover the South Pacific's most storied, beautiful, and culturally vibrant islands, towns, and cities during this 15-day cruise on the luxury ship, …
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Fiji, Tonga, Cook & Society Islands$790014Nov 10, 2024Embark on this 14-night journey across four South Seas archipelagos, this adventure offers insight into diverse cultures and landscapes. Experience …
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Crossing Melanesia: Australia To Fiji$700017Apr 15, 2025Set sail on this 17-day cruise Crossing Melanesia from Australia to Fiji, exploring remote islands and cultures. Highlights include Papua New Guinea, …
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Tahiti, Society and Tuamotu Islands$439012Mar 29, 2024Sailing round-trip from Papeete port, Tahiti, uncover the islands of French Polynesia by small ship. Visit Bora Bora, Taha'a, Moorea, Huahine, and …
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Tahiti & Pearls of French Polynesia$30908Mar 22, 2024Discover Tahiti and it's Islands. Sailing round-trip from Papeete port, Tahiti, uncover the islands of French Polynesia by small ship.
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Cape York & Arnhem Land$913012Mar 31, 2024Join Coral Discoverer on its 12-day expedition that sails across the top of Northern Australia to explore the remote islands and ancient cultures …
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Tahiti, the Society & Tuamotu Islands$409011Apr 9, 2024Join Panorama II on this expedition cruise to some of the finest islands of the South Pacific. From famed Tahiti, cruise to Bora Bora, Taha'a, …
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Outerknown Adventures on the Great Barrier Reef$36508Nov 11, 2024Explore exclusive private islands, tropical resort, and ancient rainforest trails on this 8-day Australian cruise aboard the Coral Expeditions II. …
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Coastal New Zealand: Dunedin to Auckland$2403014Nov 3, 2024Board the National Geographic Orion and set off on a 14-day expedition of New Zealand's beautiful coasts, sailing from Dunedin to Auckland. Spot …
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Top 10 Small Ship Cruises of the Caribbean for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Grenadine Islands$16608Mar 23, 2024On this 8-day expedition cruise, the Royal Clipper explores the Grenadine Islands. Enjoy blissful, laid-back beach days and appreciate the beauty of …
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Classic Yachtsman Caribbean$17008Nov 30, 2024Royal Clipper offers the ultimate sea-going experience as you travel to the beautiful beaches and landscapes of the Caribbean. This 8-day sailing …
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Enjoy Caribbean Rhythms at the Turn of the Year$1159515Dec 20, 2024Explore the best of the Caribbean on this cruise aboard the Sea Cloud. From the Dutch Colonial port town of Philipsburg, sail to the British Virgin …
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Pearls of the Caribbean$54309Nov 4, 2024Join the Le Champlain on its 9-day sailing expedition to explore the enchanting islands in the Caribbean Sea visiting Port Elizabeth, Bequia Island …
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Windward Islands$17008Dec 14, 2024Board the luxurious Royal Clipper sailing ship for this 8-day roundtrip cruise of the Caribbean, departing from Bridgetown, Barbados to St. Lucia, …
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Treasure Islands$16008Mar 23, 2024Don't miss the opportunity to relax on one of the beaches and enjoy the tropical sun's warmth. Soak up the sun in one of the world's most gorgeous …
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Pearls of the Caribbean$58309Mar 21, 2024Join Le Dumont-d'Urville on its 9-day sailing expedition roundtrip from Fort-de-France and explore the enchanting islands in the Caribbean Sea …
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Leeward Islands$16408Nov 30, 2024The Star Flyer authentic clipper hosts this 8-day cruise of the Caribbean, departing on a roundtrip from St. Maarten and sailing Dominica, Iles des …
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West Indies Island Hopping with Chef Michael Bonacini$88908Mar 30, 2024Experience the beauty of the islands of the Caribbean on this 8-day West Indies Island Hopping cruise roundtrip San Juan aboard the Emerald Sakara. …
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The Essential of the Caribbean$815013Dec 17, 2024Sail the lovely seas of the Caribbean roundtrip from Fort-de-France to discover the stunning islands of Antigua, Jost van Dyke, Gustavia, and …
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Top 10 Small Ship Cruises of Asia for 2024-2025

10 Best Africa Small Ship Cruises for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Classic Egypt Tour$21298Mar 21, 2024This extaordinary tour of Egypt visit some of the world's most legendary archaeological sites like the Pyramids of Giza, Sakkara, the Valley of the …
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Nile River Explorer$564710Mar 19, 2024Cruise the Nile aboard a luxuriously-outfitted riverboat and visit some of the world's greatest archaeological sites. The Pyramids of Giza are the …
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Treasures of Egypt$870013Apr 9, 2024Discover the world's greatest concentration of ancient treasures, including pyramids, tombs, and temples, on this 13-day cruise on the magnificent …
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Cruises in the Garden of Eden$26908Apr 20, 2024Explore the stunning Seychelles Islands on this unique 8-day cruise in the garden of Eden from aboard the small ship Pegasos. Swim in the refreshing …
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Luxor to Aswan$15695Mar 24, 2024Explore this historic region of Egypt on a 5-day Nile River cruise from Luxor to Aswan. Aboard the Sanctuary Sun Boat IV, discover the legendary …
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St. Helena to Cape Verde$245011Apr 24, 2026Set sail on an exciting 11-day cruise from St. Helena to the Cape Verde Islands aboard the MV Plancius. Discover the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, a massive …
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Cruises in the Garden of Eden$19505Apr 20, 2024Discover the Seychelles as they were meant to be seen: by small ship! Hop from island to island on this 5-day Seychelles cruise aboard Pegasus as you …
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Rivers & Rails of Africa$1499513Mar 29, 2024This 13-day tour combines a stay in Cape Town, a Chobe River cruise aboard the comfortable Zambezi Queen, a safari in Chobe National Park, and a stay …
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Cruises in the Garden of Eden$15504Mar 20, 2024Embark the Pegasus and discover Seychelles by small ship on this 4-day cruise. Explore this unspoiled paradise with frequent trips ashore to snorkel, …
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Rivers of West Africa - Dakar to Dakar$29908Jan 11, 2025Learn about Africa's vegetation, fauna and history as you sail through Senegal and Gambia's rivers. Harmony g invites you on a spectacular 8-day trip …
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Top 3 Middle Eastern Small Ship Cruises for 2024-2025

Trip NameFromDaysNext DepartureSummary
Ancient Civilizations by Sea: Israel, Egypt, Cyprus, Greece, & Turkey – with Smithsonian Journeys$1241013Apr 2, 2024Join this 13-day Ancient Civilizations of the Eastern Mediterranean cruise from Aqaba to Valletta aboard Le Champlain. Sail along the waters of the …
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Revelations of Suez, Sinai, and the Red Sea$538013Sep 27, 2025Embark on a 13-day expedition cruise on the SH Diana, departing from Limassol and arriving in Jeddah. Sail through the Suez Canal and venture into …
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Egypt, the Greek Isles, and the Suez Canal: Sailing Through Antiquity$926012Apr 17, 2024Embark on a 12-day journey aboard the National Geographic Explorer, sailing through antiquity across Egypt, the Greek Isles, and the Suez Canal. …
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