Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Updated as recently as 2014, the 200-passenger ice class Ocean Endeavor explores the most remote areas in comfort and style. With several decks and lounges, 20 zodiacs, and even a swimming pool, sauna, and hot tub, this is the perfect ship for Arctic exploration.

The luxurious Aqua Mekong was designed to embody the aesthetic of a sophisticated five star hotel. Spacious and indulgent, yet intimate enough to feel entirely exclusive, the Aqua Mekong incorporates relaxed yet refined lounging and sailing.

The L'Austral, sister ship to the Le Boreal, is the fruit of Italian expertise and French sophistication. A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the L'Austral links tradition and innovation, cruising to worldwide destinations in luxury.

The Magellan Explorer is one of the world's newest expedition ships, specifically intended for Antarctica. The ship provides a stylish base for its guests, combining exciting expeditions and boutique hospitality.

Accommodating 174 passengers as it sails around Antarctica, the Ocean Victory offers a unique adventure. Experience shore landings, excursions, lectures, and whale safaris on every expedition.

These twin motor yachts will take you on an authentic Galapagos adventure in comfort and style. Panoramic windows, a sun deck, and a shadow deck allow you to experience the Islands in the most intimate way possible. Guests enjoy air- conditioned cabins with private bathrooms.

Seaventure features a 1-A Super ice class rating — the highest ice class awarded to passenger vessels. This means that she can explore Antarctic coves, bays, and channels that would previously have been forbidden.

Arriving in early 2023, SH Diana will be the largest ship in our fleet, providing elegant and spacious 5-star accommodation for 192 guests in 96 spacious staterooms and suites, the vast majority with large balconies. Operated by an onboard team of 140 she will provide the highest levels of personal service and take Swan Hellenic back to its roots when she launches, exploring the Mediterranean and its famous sites of antiquity. Now sit back, relax and take a moment to get to know this amazing new ship, purpose-designed for our unique cultural expedition cruises.

Introducing the Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions' latest small ship for global exploration. With sustainability features and luxurious amenities, it accommodates up to 154 adventurers, offering unique itineraries including East Antarctica and Subantarctic Islands explorations.

As Emerald's first-ever ocean superyacht, the luxurious Emerald Azzurra is designed to take up to 100 passengers sailing along the Adriatic Coast, Red Sea, and the Eastern and Western Mediterranean.

5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.

A superb mega-yacht with 132 cabins, the Le Boreal is the fruit of blending French service and sophistication with Italian engineering. Emphasizing the planet's polar regions as well as Latin America, Easter Island and Polynesia, Le Boreal gives passengers the feeling they are on a private yacht and give them access to harbors and coves that large cruise ships can't access.

Scenic Azure was specifically designed for sailing the Douro River. Enjoy an all-inclusive luxury experience with just 96 guests onboard. The intimate and relaxed atmosphere, providing safe, luxurious passage atop the glistening waters of the Douro, Scenic Azure has set a new precedent in luxury river travel since launching in 2016. 

Sail the South Pacific on the m/s Paul Gauguin. Enjoy a luxury tropical escape on this luxury cruise vessel carrying 332 passengers. Stroll white sand beaches, snorkel with colorful fish, and learn of the mystical cultures of the South Pacific.

Ocean Spray offers the best performance and comfort for a Galapagos cruise. With an elegant design, the Ocean Spray carries 16 guests on luxurious Galapagos cruises of 4, 6, 8 and 15-days.

Cruise the Galapagos Islands aboard the M/C Endemic, a glamorous catamaran that provides guests the style and comfort they need to have an adventure of a lifetime! The outer design is sleek, streamlined and attractive: the gentle curves of the hull and decks of the Endemic mimic the unique Galapagos ecosystem.

The sleek Chichagof Dream was recently renovated and makes its inaugural voyage in 2016. Accommodating up to 74 passengers in 37 cabins, the ship features expansive viewing areas, new carpets and furnishings, and a commanding hull design.

The newly refurbished expedition vessel Safari Endeavour's three decks provide ample outside viewing opportunities and relaxing public spaces for gathering with new found friends. A full-beam swim step makes launching a kayak and boarding the skiff easy.