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.

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.

National Geographic Resolution is a polar expedition passenger ship (Polar Code PC5) designed for remote exploration. This 138-guest ship features a patented X-Bow® for a smoother ride, large viewing windows, and a modern Scandinavian interior ideal for polar adventures.

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.

Measuring 443 feet in length and carrying just 163 passengers, the luxury vessel, Scenic Amber marries space and intimacy with a sense of exclusivity not regularly found on Europe’s waters. Couple this with a 1:3 crew to passenger ratio and guests can expect attentive service from the minute they step aboard these illustrious river cruise liners.

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.

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.

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.

The newly refurbished expedition vessel Safari Endeavour's three decks provide ample outside viewing opportunities and relaxing public spaces for gathering with new found friends. A full-beam swim step makes launching a kayak and boarding the skiff easy.

The Magellan Explorer is one of the world's newest expedition ships, specifically intended for Antarctica. The ship provides a stylish base for its guests, combining exciting expeditions and boutique hospitality.

As Emerald's first-ever ocean superyacht, the luxurious Emerald Azzurra is designed to take up to 100 passengers sailing along the Adriatic Coast, Red Sea, and the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.

The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral links tradition and innovation, cruising to worldwide destinations in luxury.

Navigate the European rivers, Danube, Rhine, and Main aboard the Emerald Destiny. The vessel, with a capacity for 180 guests, offers a selection of wonderful amenities and features. Combining elegance and comfort, in both the public areas and suites, you will be sure to enjoy your European river cruise aboard Emerald Destiny.

Scenic Azure was specifically designed for sailing the Douro River. Enjoy an all-inclusive luxury experience with just 96 guests onboard. The intimate and relaxed atmosphere, providing safe, luxurious passage atop the glistening waters of the Douro, Scenic Azure has set a new precedent in luxury river travel since launching in 2016. 

Navigate the Rhine, Main, Danube, and Moselle rivers, this elegant river ship lets you see the highlights of the continent in complete style and comfort aboard the Emerald Luna.

Hermes Mega Catamaran defines the future of Galapagos’ luxury cruising through a perfect balance of comfort, unparalleled service, and memorable experiences aboard, on land, and in the water. It challenges the notion that you must compromise comfort on a large cruise ship for intimacy on a small vessel.

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.

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