Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

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.

MS Victor Hugo is named after one of the most famous figures in French literature. This attractive standard ship sails on the Tisza, Sava, Elbe, Rhine and Danube, rivers with a vast history and culture.

The MS Raymonde is a spacious river barge which sails the canals and waterways of France. Her charming interior and comfortable staterooms make her an ideal river cruise ship.

La Pinta is a 48-passenger motor yacht designed to show you the best of the Galapagos. Featuring a modern nautical theme, La Pinta offers spacious cabins, floor-to-ceiling windows, and elegant yet relaxed public areas.

Built with the highest standard of comfort the Enchanté offers a stylish onboard ambiance that is perfect for enjoying a cruise through historical and beautiful regions of France. This spacious, double-decker hotel barge accommodates 8 passengers and has everything you are looking for to make your sailing adventure unforgettable.

Finesse is a luxurious hotel barge with an exclusive capacity for 8 passengers. Its modern design offers her guests a delightful and magical cruise around Southern Burgundy, one of France's most authentic destinations. Admire vineyards and charming canalside villages during your cruise.

The Scottish Highlander is an 8-passenger barge that cruises through the spectacular countryside of Scotland. Her classy interior gives her guests a traditional Scottish country house atmosphere that will immerse you in the stunning surroundings.

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.

This unique 12-passenger ship offers a completely different and much more intimate experience of Greenland compared to a larger expedition ship. M/S Balto is designed to explore the most remote fjord systems, visit isolated Inuit settlements, take you to secret anchorages and maximize each guest’s experience in the unspoiled wilderness. This is true micro cruising.

Introducing the new luxury ship from Silversea, Silver Dawn, a combination of both the classic and modern evolution of their fleet that has the best features of its sister ships Silver Muse and Silver Moon, which set the new standards of luxury.

Anouvong is a charming boutique luxury ship that expertly combines French-Colonial finesse with traditional Laotian ambiance and artwork. It is as imposing as the upper Mekong River in Laos. Travelers on this luxurious ship enjoy the most luxurious accommodations as they explore Laos' most stunning and remote regions along the meandering river.

Kir Royale, a former World War II landing craft turned luxury hotel barge, offers an elegant cruise through the scenic Champagne region. With spacious suites, a stylish saloon, sun decks, and private wine tastings, it’s the perfect way to explore Champagne’s vineyards, history, and culture.