Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Step on board the newest and most modern ship on the Mississippi with all outside staterooms, private verandas, spacious public areas and the signature, clean Scandinavian design, reimagined for the Mississippi River.

Explore and enjoy local food, wine, history, art and culture on a river cruise on board the MS L'Europe. Discover the romantic and blue waterways of the Rhine and Danube in the comfort and intimacy of this 4 anchors class ship.

Bask in the unparalleled scenery of the Danube on an Avalon View river cruise. It?s the newest Suite Ship by Avalon Waterways, offering passengers a top-notch cruise experience with award-winning Panorama Suites and masterfully designed common areas.

This sleek, expertly designed 88-metre-long and 56-metre-high three-master is one of the most majestic yachts in the world. In an age when everything is becoming computer controlled, it shines the spotlight back on the more manual, skilful art of sailing, combined with comfort, elegance, exclusivity and sustainability.

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.

The RV Indochine II successfully combines colonial and modern styles. Built in 2016 with the finest material and start-of-the-art technology, this is an ideal ship for cruises along the waterways of Asia.

MS Roald Amundsen is a fully hybrid expedition ship specially constructed for polar waters. The ship sails to destinations including Antarctica, Greenland, the Northwest Passage, and Arctic Canada, offering a comfortable setting for exploring remote regions.

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 elegant 152-passenger AmaSofia, debuting in Spring 2026, introduces a new era of river cruising along the Rhine and Danube. This contemporary ship offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with ample space for relaxation. Enjoy panoramic views and fresh air from spacious balcony staterooms, featuring both comfort and modern design.

The Greg Mortimer is an innovative 154-guest expedition ship sailing Alaska, featuring the inverted Ulstein X-BOW for smooth cruising, expansive observation decks, Zodiac platforms, and relaxing amenities like saunas, Jacuzzis, and a top-deck dining area for unforgettable exploration experiences.

The Nemo III motor sail catamaran offers an unforgettable cruise experience in the Galapagos Islands. This first-class vessel accommodates 16 passengers in double cabins with private bathrooms. The cruise includes three daily meals, a sundeck jacuzzi, and snorkeling and kayaking equipment.

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.