Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Designed for low-impact voyages featuring a fuel-efficient Ulstein X-Bow®, reduced air emissions and light pollution, and virtual anchoring for protection of the sea floor. The ship honors the highly accomplished marine biologist, oceanographer and explorer, Sylvia Earle. This ship will channel her marine-conservation ethos into a fully immersive on-board guest experience, not only in the Polar regions but in other destinations as the ship sails between the Arctic and the Antarctic.

With only 132 passengers on board, Greg Mortimer reimagines Arctic expedition, tropical, and European cruises for the future. Modern, comfortable, and designed with guests in mind, this ship represents a significant increase in sailing capability.

The Ultramarine is designed with an ice rating of 1A+, PC6, making it one of the most capable polar exploring vessels on the planet. Equipped with two twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers the most robust portfolio of adventure activities in the industry, the most spacious suites in its category, breathtaking public spaces, and more outdoor wildlife viewing spaces than other expedition ships its size.

The Royal Clipper is the largest full-rigged sailing ship in the world, carrying just 227 privileged guests aboard. She offers the ultimate tall ship sailing experience, balancing the grandeur, adventure, and tradition of sailing with the superb service, amenities, and accommodations of the finest modern yacht. .

Explore polar regions in style and comfort aboard the all-suite Sea Spirit. Providing spacious accommodations for a maximum of 114 passengers, the Sea Spirit also features the maneuverability and friendly atmosphere of a small ship.

The MV Hondius is designed to sail to the polar regions while impacting them as little as possible, accommodating 174 passengers cruising to Antarctica.

New in 2021, The National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation 126-passager expedition ship purpose-built for polar exploration in comfort with an extremely smooth ride even on the world's roughest, most demanding seas. National Geographic is legendary for immersive trips focusing on the ecology of the polar regions.

The polar explorer ship Le Commandant Charcot travels to remote regions of the Arctic and Antarctic. This expedition ship is unique because of its revolutionary and environmentally friendly design.

The Star Flyer is a stylish vessel designed to accommodate 170 passengers in an intimate and comfortable atmosphere. This true clipper ship reflects its proud heritage in every inch of its polished brass and gleaming brightwork. The décor of Star Flyer is reminiscent of the grand age of sail with spacious accommodations and expansive teak decks.

The 16-passenger twin-hulled Archipel I catamaran combines comfort and space onboard for the optimal experience on its naturalist and diving cruises of the Galapagos Islands. Ocean view cabins with air conditioning, private bathrooms, and hot water couple with various social areas, including the dining room, lounge, and sundeck.

Built in 1976 and reconstructed in 2008, the MV Plancius is fully equipped for polar expedition cruises to the Arctic and Antarctica, and accommodates 112 passengers in 54 comfortable cabins.

Experience a luxurious setting where the main focus is of authenticity and passion for travel. Le Bougainville is an environmentally-friendly 184-passenger ship that sails across the stunning blue waters of the Mediterranean Sea, offering her guests a subtle blend of refinement, intimacy, and comfort.

Featuring a capacity of 175 passengers, the Ocean Albatros offers a unique adventure sailing to exciting destinations such as Antarctica, the Arctic, and more. Experience shore landings, excursions, lectures, and whale safaris on every expedition.

The ice-strengthened vessel Ortelius is an excellent ship for polar expedition cruises in the Arctic and Antarctica, providing us with possibilities to adventure to remote locations such as the Ross Sea in the Antarctic and Franz Josef Land in the Arctic.

Star Clipper is a 170-passenger vessel designed to provide a unique traveling experience unlike any other cruise vacation. Step aboard and discover a new age of sailing, where the traditions of the past are happily married to the comforts and amenities of the present day.

Embark on an exhilarating adventure aboard the National Geographic Endurance, a marvel of maritime engineering designed specifically for year-round expeditions into the heart of the Antarctic's icy embrace. With an impressive PC5 Category A ice class rating, the highest ever achieved by a cruise ship accommodating just 126 guests, this vessel promises unparalleled access to some of the planet's most remote and pristine environments. The ship's revolutionary sloping X-bow cuts through the choppiest of seas with remarkable grace, significantly reducing onboard movement and ensuring a smoother, more comfortable voyage. This innovative design not only enhances the journey but also boosts fuel efficiency and reduces emissions, underscoring a commitment to preserving the delicate ecosystems it explores. Experience the thrill of navigating through towering icebergs and witness the untouched splendor of the Antarctic, all while enjoying the intimate, luxurious setting of the National Geographic Endurance. This is more than a cruise -- it's a gateway to epic landscapes and an intimate encounter with the wild.

National Geographic Venture is perfectly designed to explore Alaska's Inside Passage and beyond accommodating 100 passengers and providing a new standard of comfort and style while sailing through Alaska's remote locations.

With four decks, this cruise ship is one of the biggest boats in the Galapagos, offering plenty of amenities and features onboard, but still managing to balance that with a feeling of intimacy and proximity to the natural charms of the Islands. Guests enjoy a casual atmosphere, with only the highest standards of comfort and service.