Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

This stunning 430 ft long and 152-passenger beauty, the S.S. Beatrice offers the ultimate experience of cruising along the Danube and Main Rivers. Traveling across Germany, Austria, and Hungary creates the perfect holiday feeling, and the unforgettable memories that you will cherish for life.

The Tip Top II was built in 2008 and redesigned in 2015-2016 to offer the highest level of comfort and the best experience in the Galapagos Islands.

Aranui 5 is a new custom-built, dual-purpose passenger/freighter that sails in French Polynesia on a 14-day all-inclusive cruise. Aranui 5 accommodates approximately 254 passengers in 103 cabins.

The enchanting Jahan captivates and transports guests back in time with an aura evoking the glory of former British India. Named after the celebrated 16th-century Indian emperor and a great patron of the arts, Shah Jahan, Heritage Line designed this regal craft with fine artworks and outfitting sourced from India.

Jayavarman is a ship resembling a floating art gallery, with fine works of art exhibited all over the public decks. The ship's public spaces and rooms are decorated with a stylish Art-Deco theme and a charming French-colonial aesthetic. The warm and embracing atmosphere invites you to feel at home from the first step aboard.

The MS Leonard Da Vinci is a comfortable and friendly ship that sails on the Rhine and its tributaries. It includes pleasant facilities such as a lounge bar and dance floor, restaurant, small library, gift shop, and spacious sun deck.

Emerald Liberté offers its 136-passengers a sophisticated experience while sailing the Rhône and Saône Rivers. The suites, staterooms and public spaces are set across four beautifully-appointed decks, providing an endless scope for relaxation and enjoyment whilst cruising. Utilize the world-class facilities and amenities on board, such as the sun deck, heated pool, bar, lounge, and authentic fine dining experience.

Emerald Harmony, the newest Emerald Star-Ship launched by Emerald Cruises, was designed to take up to 84 passengers and this watercraft is designed specifically to navigate the waters of the Mekong.

ARANOA is a mixed passenger and freighter ship that sails in French Polynesia, mainly the Austral Islands. It offers 91 cabins, including suites with balconies and dormitory-style options, and can host up to 198 passengers. The ship combines reliable transport with comfortable accommodations for inter-island travel.

Explore Europe's legendary waterways on the luxurious small ship AmaDara. It boasts a capacity of 124 passengers, a wide range of facilities, and a wide range of ports of call.

The Sea Lion, sister ship of the Sea Bird, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size, yet it comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.

The stunning Galaxy Orion is a fully-equipped liveaboard yacht that gives a unique experience for diving lovers. It is totally rebuilt in 2022 and provides leisurely excursions, optimal comfort, attentive guides, and redesigned cabins and social areas. With a capacity for just 14 passengers in 8 well-appointed cabins, this is an ideal vessel for your Galapagos cruise.