Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

The ship's spacious, high-ceilinged suites are a serene sanctuary, with beautiful hand-painted murals and all the comforts of a five-star hotel.

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.

American Song leads the American River Cruise Revolution with pioneering innovations. Featuring contemporary styling and modern design, this flagship vessel offers panoramic views from lounges soaring 40 feet above water. With spacious suites including private balconies, indulge in unparalleled comfort.

The American Independence, accommodating 90 guests, explores the East Coast of the U.S. Built-in 2010 by Chesapeake Shipbuilding, it features spacious lounges with panoramic views and delicious regional menu that changes daily. Staterooms are over 250 square feet, and some have private balconies. Amenities include a sun deck and a library.

Sail through the Arctic aboard M/S Balto, a Finnish-built polar yacht combining strength, safety, and comfort. Refitted in 2022, the vessel accommodates just 12 guests in seven private cabins, offering an intimate atmosphere with elegant common areas, open deck spaces, and two Zodiacs for flexible exploration.

M/S Stockholm offers an ultra-intimate expedition experience in Svalbard and Northern Norway. This classic 1953 vessel features two Zodiacs and expert guides, ensuring a personal and immersive Arctic adventure.

Cruceros Marpatag's Maria Turquesa catamaran offers comfort and stunning glacier views. The main deck hosts 180 guests with a children’s area, while the exclusive premium deck seats 16. Enjoy four exterior decks, gourmet dining options, beverages, air-conditioned interiors, and bilingual guides for an unforgettable Patagonia experience.

Sail through the Arctic aboard BYR, a Dutch-built, steel-hulled ketch designed for adventure and comfort. Accommodating up to 8 guests, the yacht features a spacious saloon with library, a heated pilothouse with panoramic views, open deck areas, and comfortable facilities including two bathrooms and a separate shower room.

The MS Fram was built in 2007 and offers numerous lounges in which to relax, a well-equipped gym, and several Jacuzzis on deck.

Discover the Columbia and Snake Rivers on the iconic paddlewheeler American Pride, where the intimate setting of just 150 guests ensures unparalleled personalized service and hospitality.

American Splendor blends nostalgic paddlewheeler travel with modern comfort. The newest paddlewheeler features serene color palettes, luxurious textiles, and elegant decor honoring the Mississippi River. Enjoy panoramic views from private balconies, lounges, or the restaurant. With only 180 guests, it’s easy to make new friends during cocktail hours or on the sun deck. Join us for an unforgettable cruise on the Lower Mississippi River, Music Cities, and Tennessee Rivers.

Step aboard the American West and enjoy a unique paddlewheeler experience on the Columbia and Snake Rivers. Relish in luxurious comfort, modern amenities, and stunning views from private balconies. Dine on regionally inspired cuisine in the elegant restaurant and unwind in spacious lounges. Enjoy nightly live music, enriching activities, and exceptional service.

American Patriot offers an intimate, luxurious cruise for 125 guests, featuring a serene design, private balcony staterooms, and coastal exploration. Enjoy the Sky Lounge, Skywalk, and elegant dining on a New England journey.

Seabourn pioneered small-ship, ultra-luxury cruising and continues to represent the pinnacle of that unique style of travel. Our fleet of intimate, all-suite ships, carrying between 458 and 600 guests each, sails to the world's most desirable destinations at their peak seasons. On board, guests are served by an award-winning crew numbering nearly as many as the guests, hand-picked and extensively trained to deliver Seabourn's signature style of thoughtful, personalized, and heartfelt hospitality. Seabourn's ships attract accomplished people who enjoy traveling well and sharing fun and adventures with other interesting people. A great many of them have found the Seabourn cruise experience to be their preferred method of travel and return regularly to sail with us again and again. We would welcome the opportunity to explore whether that might be true for you.

Gliding down Europe's great rivers, the luxury river cruise ship AmaVenita is reminiscent of a classic ocean yacht. This elegantly appointed vessel offers guests refreshing twin-balcony staterooms, exquisite locally sourced cuisine, a heated pool, and a fleet of complimentary bikes for exploring ashore.

The MV Futura Deluxe Superior Cruise Vessel was built in 2013 & refurbished in 2017. It features the latest state-of-the-art equipment and amenities.

The Rembrandt Van Rijn was built as a herring lugger early last century and has undergone extensive retrofitting making it suitable for arctic explorations. With just 33 guests, explore the polar waters aboard this sailing vessel.

The M/S Elixir is a 40.6-meter deluxe yacht-style ship, fully renovated in 2025 for cruising along the Croatian coast. It features 18 modern cabins with private bathrooms and hotel-style comforts, accommodating up to 38 guests. Its smaller size allows access to hidden bays and island ports that larger ships can't reach.