Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Measuring 443 feet in length and carrying just 163 passengers, the luxury vessel, Scenic Opal 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.

Explore the traditional riverboat Amatista in the Peruvian Rainforest. If you want to live an authentic experience while traveling through the Amazon as it was traditionally done, the Amethyst Amazon River Boat is the cruise you are looking for.

The Victory I is an elegant small ship that welcomes up to 190 guests on sophisticated adventures across North America. With its intimate size and agility, it easily navigates oceans, lakes, canals, and hidden ports that larger ships cannot reach. Amenities include two dining venues, two lounges, an observation and sun deck, a 24-hour gym with classic fitness equipment, and a Salon and Spa. Choose from six cozy room categories. All suites and staterooms are equipped with a full bathroom with a shower, an armoire, a chest of drawers, and a hair dryer for your convenience.

Discover the rich history of Portugal and Spain as you journey through the Douro River Valley aboard the deluxe MS Amadouro, the newest ship cruising the Douro River.

The M/V Anakonda is the only luxury cruise liner in the Ecuadorian Amazon. Guests are delighted with its beautiful interior and intimate explorations of the area.

The Amakristina is the sister ship to the Amaviola and Amastella, and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation. Built in 2017, this spacious ship provides you a once-in-a-lifetime experience along the waterways of Europe.

Step aboard AmaWaterways' newly designed AmaMagdalena, a 60-passenger river cruise ship offering luxury, including a heated pool, fitness room, a restaurant, and al fresco dining. Enjoy stunning views of Colombia's Magdalena River from your amenity-filled twin-balcony stateroom.

Making its debut in 2015, the AmaSerena features the most advanced designs in river cruise vessels. This 164-passenger ship boasts spacious staterooms with exclusive Twin Balconies, a choice of dining venues, heated pool and more!

Launched in 2009, the MS Amadolce is part of the newest, state-of-the-art fleet of river cruise vessels in Europe.

Explore the best of the Douro River on the MS Amavida, a classic luxury riverboat. The 108 guests enjoy spacious accommodations in the various staterooms, featuring private marble bathrooms, WiFi and flatscreen TVs, and many that have balconies. Social spaces onboard include the sun deck, spa, main lounge & bar, fitness room, and heated pool.

The Avalon Panorama first set sail in 2011 as a brand new kind of ship for Avalon Waterways, taking inspired design to a whole new level. It was the first of its kind, a Suite Ship with two full decks of suites featuring wall-to-wall panoramic windows that transform the living space into a unique open-air balcony.

Sail in luxury along Colombia’s Magdalena River aboard the AmaMelodia, a 64-passenger ship designed for optimal views. Enjoy your spacious stateroom with twin balconies, ranging from 237 to 306 square feet. Savor Latin American and Western cuisine in the Main Restaurant or al fresco, and enjoy live music each evening in the Main Lounge.

The Victory II is an elegant intimate ship for 190 guests, offering cultured North American adventures. Intimate and agile, it can easily navigate oceans and lakes, canals and locks, tranquil bays, and hidden ports where larger ships cannot go. Amenities include dining venues, lounges, an observation deck, a 24-hour gym, and a Salon and Spa. All suites and staterooms feature elegant furnishings, a full bathroom, an armoire, and a hair dryer.

Embark on a luxurious river cruise aboard the Avalon Artistry II, an Avalon Waterways Suite Ship famed for spacious staterooms, panoramic views, and unique river tours in Europe and Asia.

Discover Silver Wind's tranquility, sophistication, and genuine elegance. This multi-million dollar refit transforms her into one of the most technologically advanced ships at sea. Admire the stunning beauty of Europe & the Polar regions aboard this 274 passenger ship.

Viking's purpose-built expedition ship is designed to explore the world's most remote destinations in comfort, immersing you in majestic, untamed regions. This 665-foot, Polar Class 6 vessel offers beautifully designed staterooms, from Nordic Balconies to spacious Explorer Suites, all reflecting Viking's understated elegance.

In 2020, the River Countess was completely redesigned and reintroduced as the S.S. La Venezia, offering guests a more luxurious experience inspired by Northern Italy. The new design showcases elegant Fortuny fabrics, Murano glass, gilded details, and intricate etched accents. These elements reflect the classic Venetian style of the early 20th century, creating a sophisticated and nostalgic atmosphere onboard.

Debuting in 2027, the AmaRudi is an extraordinary luxury river cruise ship purpose-built to navigate the Danube River. Twice the width of traditional vessels, this innovative ship offers unparalleled space with expansive balcony suites, a sprawling Sun Deck, and four distinct dining venues.