Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

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.

The MV Avangard is a modern deluxe vessel, offering a luxurious cruising experience along the Croatian coast. Launched in 2017, this state-of-the-art ship is equipped with the latest technology and amenities to ensure maximum comfort.

The MV Maritimo is a spacious, modern ship, fully air-conditioned and featuring the latest state-of-the-art equipment and amenities.

Anouvong is a charming boutique luxury ship that expertly combines French-Colonial finesse with traditional Laotian ambiance and artwork. It is as imposing as the upper Mekong River in Laos. Travelers on this luxurious ship enjoy the most luxurious accommodations as they explore Laos' most stunning and remote regions along the meandering river.

The M/S Quest, formerly the Sea Endurance, accommodates 53 passengers in 26 cabins outward-facing cabins with large sea view windows, making for an immersive cruise of polar Svalbard. A lounge, library, and open bridge inside complement the spacious observation deck outside, where you can enjoy the relaxed and informal social atmosphere onboard.

With the style of a classic luxury yacht, the 54-guest Lord of the Glens cruises through the inland waterways of Northern Europe that links Scotland's most famous lochs in spectacular style.

Comfortably accommodating 96 passengers, the National Geographic Endeavor II is a classic expedition vessel ideal for Galapagos exploration. Onboard areas include a global gallery of art, a gym, library, lounge and bar, and bridge. Zodiacs, a glass-bottom boat, snorkel gear, and kayaks are also available.

The Galaxy Diver II is an exclusive yacht unveiling the wonders of the Galapagos Islands' most incredible diving sites. Dive into the hidden underwater galaxy, the expert team and cutting-edge equipment ensure a world-class experience with sharks, whales, manta rays, turtles, and more.

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.

Launched in 2025, Connect is a modern European river ship designed for immersive journeys through Germany, France, The Netherlands, and beyond. This 120-guest vessel blends innovative sustainability with elegant comfort, offering a refined, regionally connected cruising experience.

The elegant Jahan is one of the first modern boutique-style riverboats to sail the Mekong. The ship is reminiscent of colonial cruise liners and features 26 luxurious cabins with floor to ceiling windows, gourmet dining, and special on-board amenities.

Experience sophisticated design, innovative sailing technology, all-balcony staterooms and suites, and the finest expedition staff from aboard the comfortable and sophisticated 199-passenger Le Lyrial.

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.

Built with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and amenities, M/S Ambassador can surely guarantee its 40 passengers with comfort and safety while cruising along the Croatian Coast.

This boat lives up to its name, as a "tip top" way to explore the Galapagos Islands. Built in Ecuador especially for first class cruises in these magical islands, it has space for 16 guests in 10 fully carpeted cabins with private bathrooms & hot water. There's also a teak sundeck and courtesy kayaks and snorkeling equipment available.

Admire the breathtaking views of the Douro, the "river of gold", from the comfort of the MS Infante Don Henrique, a ship small enough to moor at a town or city port, but large enough to provide you every amenity. The capacity for 142 passengers allows a warm atmosphere on board, as well as the opportunity for privacy and independence.

The M/S Mama Marija ship will launch in 2018 in Split, Croatia, according to the newest European standards. With its latest state-of-the-art equipment, amenities, and its elegant 18 cabins this newly built yacht provides a comfortable cruise along the Adriatic Coast. 

Discover the charming Croatian coastline and islands aboard the brand new MS Summer, a deluxe 36-passenger yacht guaranteeing a comfortable and an intimate cruise.