Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

The Nymphea is a 6-passanger converted Dutch barge that travels through France's enchanting Loire Valley. Nymphea's shallow draft makes her the ideal vessel for navigating the beautiful River Cher. Very few other vessels are able to cruise this magical waterway.

The M/V Santa Cruz combines comfort, design, and state-of-the-art technology to offer a unique glacier cruising experience. Welcome aboard!

Immerse yourself in the hearth of European culture on board the intimate and comfortable 96-passenger MS Loire Princesse. Discover a rich palette of colors in the magnificent landscapes around the Loire River, and enjoy the amenities offered by the ship's professional and friendly crew.

Explore the Douro River on board the MS Fernao de Magalhaes, a 4 anchors class ship that provides the amenities and comfort for a unique river cruise experience. Watch gorgeous landscapes pass by as you comfortably cruise along Portugal and Spain aboard this European ship built in 2003, with the capacity for 142 passengers.

For those who wish the comfort of a luxury ship, Amazon Clipper Cruises built the MV Premium, a vessel unique in style that offers “simply the best” small-ship cruising in the Amazon.

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 upscale Galapagos yacht Letty is a classic cruise boat option for cruising the Galapagos Islands in style and comfort. 20 guests on board visit the Islands in two small groups making the cruise options perfect for those who prefer small tour groups and a high proportion of guides to guests.

Discover the famous Bordeaux wine regions of France on the newly refurbished 124-passenger S.S. Bon Voyage, designed to immerse guests in French culture, art, wine and lovers of all things French.

The 130-passenger River Duchess is decorated in soft hues of blue and green complemented by soothing earth tones, providing a tranquil and elegant on board ambiance. You can enjoy the spectacular and ever-changing views of Europe’s most enchanting waterways in the ship’s stylish Blue Danube Lounge, Palace Restaurant, or the La Motte Sky Lounge.

The Avalon Expression, launched in 2013, is a 164-passenger ship that is almost identical to the Avalon Panorama and Avalon Vista. It offers cruises on the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers.

The Avalon Poetry II, launched in spring 2014, offers a delightfully intimate cruise setting along the Rhine, Main, and Danube Rivers.

Avalon Waterways introduced the Avalon Vista in the spring of 2012. The 166-passenger ship is almost identical to the Avalon Panorama and offers cruises on the Danube River.

Sail through Portugal and Spain aboard the MS Vasco de Gama, a 142-passenger ship built in 2002 and refurbished in 2009. Let yourself dazzle by the romantic Douro River and enjoy the best of French and European cuisine as you cruise along the most charming cities and towns.

The MS Lafayette is a sleek river cruise ship which sails Europe's beloved Rhine. Her small size (accommodating just 82 passengers) and relaxing atmosphere make for an intimate experience. Each room features a large out-facing window and en-suite facilities, and the ship's amenities include a lounge & bar, dining area, and an ample sun deck.

Sailing on the brand-new MV Paradis is sure to provide a remarkable cruising experience through Croatia, especially when entering smaller ports of call

Embark on a polar adventure aboard Le Commandant Charcot, the first luxury hybrid electric icebreaker. With 123 suites featuring private balconies, Swarovski binoculars, and Riedel crystal glasses, this ship offers unparalleled luxury. Dine at Nuna for gastronomic delights or Sila for a more relaxed atmosphere. Sustainable features include a spa with the Blue Lagoon pool heated by the ship's energy system.

The S.S. Victoria, sister ship to the S.S. Elisabeth, brings contemporary luxury to the 2024 European fleet, featuring the largest suites on Europe's rivers.

S.S São Gabriel is the newest ship on the Douro river, which is designed to embody the beautiful Douro River Valley region, offers more lavishly appointed suites than Queen Isabel, and brings the destination to life through its decor and delectable food and wine.