Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

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.

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.

The S.S. Elisabeth is a luxurious European river cruise ship sailing from Basel to Amsterdam, Nuremberg to Frankfurt, and Basel to Cologne. Launching in 2025, she features spacious suites, elegant design, and upscale amenities for an unforgettable journey through Europe’s scenic waterways.

Sailing the Danube River from Vienna, Frankfurt, Prague, Amsterdam, the S.S. Emilie is a Super Ship inspired by Viennese artist Gustav Klimt and his muse Emilie Flöge. Debuting in 2026, she will bring elements of Klimt’s signature style to guests, with dramatic hues, Art Nouveau elements, and stunning pops of gold.

The elegant M/S Princess is a Deluxe Superior yacht-like vessel beautifully designed for unforgettable cruising along the stunning Croatian Coast. This intimate ship expertly navigates the breathtaking Adriatic Sea, exploring hidden island ports and spectacular bays that larger ships cannot reach.

The expeditionary cruise vessel Tucano has comfortable cabins with large beds and private baths and is air-conditioned throughout. With small groups, naturalist guides, and thoughtful itineraries, the Tucano offers a thrilling Amazon river experience.

American Melody, the latest entrant in our American riverboat series, signifies a paradigm shift in river cruising on the Mississippi. Experience a vessel boasting a four-story glass atrium, expansive staterooms, and innovative dining experiences.

Sailing on the brand-new MV Rhapsody is sure to provide an unforgettable cruising experience through Croatia, especially when entering smaller ports of call.

The beautiful MV Seagull, which was reconstructed in 2014, is now cruising the Croatian coastline in style and relaxation.