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.

The Explorer Yacht Aureum is a purpose-built expedition micro cruise ship offering immersive journeys to Antarctica and South Georgia. With an exceptional 1:6 guide-to-guest ratio, travelers experience profound polar exploration in ultimate comfort.

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 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.

The Origin, Theory & Evolve combines modern sophistication and a high level of comfort and service, with quality guided land excursions in small groups, gastronomical experiences, physical activities and science lectures.

The Avalon Impression, cruises along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers. Onboard amenities include an alternative dining option, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck with premium lounge chairs, whirlpool, and light al fresco lunches at the open-air bistro.

The twin-hulled Pegasos accommodates up to 44 guests in a relaxed, congenial atmosphere. On board enjoy magnificent sea views as you stroll the 2,550 square feet of open deck.

The Solaris is a spacious 114.8 feet long yacht that will take you across one of the most stunning archipelagos on Earth! the 16 passenger ship was built to fulfill your expectations of comfort, safety and service, and her guests will enjoy it.

Launched in 2008, the AmaDante is part of the newest, state-of-the-art fleet of river cruise vessels in Europe.

Launching in 2018, Ventus Australis (Southern Winds) is a new state-of-the-art ship carrying up to 210 passengers in 100 cabins. Join Ventus Australis on a journey through the narrow fjords and channels of Patagonia and step ashore at fabled Cape Horn. The ship features multiple options of well-appointed cabins, spacious decks, and a dining area.

Embark on the brand new Stella Australis, launched in 2010 for Patagonia cruising. Part of the Australis fleet, the Stella has 100 cabins each feature picture windows, private facilities & satellite phone.

Walk the lands that inspired famous artists like Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin with the 159-passenger S.S. Catherine cruising along the waterways of Saone and Rhone Rivers and enjoy a culinary-focused French cruise.