Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

The ship's art, decor, and colors are inspired by the northern lights, creating a unique ambiance. MS Nordlys is comfortable, and passengers can relax in the lounges after a day of activities.

Scenic Sapphire boasts all luxury amenities, as well as a handful of new and innovative features. From the vitality pool and updated wellness area to the bespoke cooking suite, guests can enjoy a raft of extravagant features when cruising along French waterways aboard Scenic Sapphire.

The newly renovated Scenic Ruby features four decks, including a Sun Deck, Diamond Deck, Sapphire Deck, and Jewel Deck, each of which is home to a number of suites and cabins and a handful of luxury public spaces and dining venues, including Crystal Dining, Riverview Terrace, Portobellos and the Panorama Lounge Bar.

Scenic Gem sails the beautiful Seine River. Enjoy private butler service, spacious suites, a wealth of dining options, including L'Amour fine dining restaurant. Attentively designed to negotiate the magical waters of the Seine, Scenic Gem has set a new precedent in luxury river travel since being built in 2014.

Introducing with pride the newest member of the Elixir family, "GEMAYA." The Gemaya is unique, expertly fusing her military background with exquisite design. The yacht configuration is perfect for socializing or retreating to privacy. Guests experience personal service, fine dining, and attention to detail while discovering the Greek islands in impeccable style and comfort.

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.

Rosa is an old Dutch "Clipper" barge, built in 1907 as a cargo on the waterways of Holland. After its full renovation in 2010, it is now an elegant hotel barge that navigates through a colorful, captivating part of southwest France.

The MV La Belle des Océans is a maritime vessel that transports passengers in comfort and style to delightful destinations all around the world, from the Mediterranean to Southeast Asia to the mighty St. Lawrence river.

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.

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

AmaLyra was launched in 2008 and is part of Europe's most modern fleet of river cruise vessels.

MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to HX Expeditions' fleet of custom-built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. The ship explores some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.