Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Experience sophisticated design, innovative sailing technology, all-balcony staterooms and suites, and the finest expedition staff from aboard the comfortable and sophisticated 199-passenger Le Lyrial.

MS Fridtjof Nansen is the latest addition to HX Expeditions' fleet of custom-built ships – and the next generation expedition ship. The ship explores some of the most spectacular corners of the globe.

The MP as she is affectionately known is Pandaw's most spacious ship with wider promenades, a larger dining hall and more public space per passenger than any known ship afloat. Seriously! In 2012 she was refitted and lower deck cabins removed in favour of a professional spa, gym, library lounge and office. She is quite justifiably the most splendid ship on the Mekong and the envy of anything that floats by.

The original Kindat was built in 1886 by Yarrows in London and sank in 1920. She was named after a small Upper Chindwin town. Following experiments with the Katha and Angkor Pandaws, in this build, Pandaw perfected this concept of a two-deck shallow draft vessel and repeated the formula again with her sister the Kalaw.

Launched in August 2016, the Danubio Azul is a tourist-class diving yacht authorized by the Galapagos National Park for both diving and naturalist cruises. This voyage offers an intimate and unforgettable way to explore one of the world's most stunning destinations, Galapagos.

Travel aboard the 152-passenger S.S. Antoinette, a rare pearl on the Rhine River, and capture the moment of seeing Germany on one side and France on the other, while enjoying the sites from the Sun Deck.

Travel aboard the luxurious 128-passenger S.S. Joie de Vivre, while cruising along the waterways of Seine River, and enjoy the ship's original artwork, antiques and design inspired by 20th-century Parisian design from the Golden Twenties.

Onboard Angkor, Pandaw passengers can truly immerse themselves in the culture and sights along the river. This extraordinary vessel was made by traditional craftsmen. It is hand finished in teak and brass, with colonial charm. Time onboard delivers a refreshing experience, as all of the staterooms open to the open-air lounge and the outside.

Experience the Galapagos Islands on the National Geographic Delfina, launching in early 2025. This luxurious catamaran offers refined and stable cruising, accommodating 16 guests in eight spacious, air-conditioned staterooms. Enjoy 360-degree views from the open-air Observation Deck, a whirlpool hot tub, and al fresco dining on the Upper Deck.

American Symphony is a 180-passenger riverboat that redefines elegance on America's rivers. Featuring the industry's largest staterooms, private balconies, Rolls-Royce stabilizers, and breathtaking views, every aspect reflects a commitment to unmatched comfort and style.

Marvel at the beauty of Danube River on an Avalon Envision cruise. An impressive addition to the Avalon Waterways Suite Ship fleet, this river cruise ship has 67 luxury accommodations for up to 164 passengers exploring Europe.

Sail away on an unforgettable Danube River cruise aboard the Avalon Passion ship, an Avalon Waterways Suite Ship making its mark with spacious suites featuring panoramic windows that transform the space into a breezy open-air balcony.