Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

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.

The stunning AmaDahlia is an inviting 72-passenger ship offering 36 standard staterooms, including 16 magnificent suites with a wealth of amenities that will surprise and delight you.

Oberoi Philae is a ship of elegance and graciousness, with ideal size. It was built in 1996 and was extensively reconfigured in 2015 with just 22 cabins that can accommodate up to 42 guests. It has achieved an ideal design of a ship that could give you both adventure and relaxation.

Sailing on the brand-new MV Paradis is sure to provide a remarkable cruising experience through Croatia, especially when entering smaller ports of call

The stunning AmaLilia will be a true treasure of the Nile. Offering 41 staterooms, including 13 marvelous suites, AmaLilia will carry you through Egypt in style with the luxurious amenities and exclusive experiences only AmaWaterways provides.

American Constellation is designed to navigate the inland waterways of the Alaska and Puget Sound itineraries allowing guests to visit beautiful ports that larger ships cannot access.

Cruise through Portugal aboard the luxury river cruise ship AmaSintra, custom-built for the Douro River. This elegant vessel features 51 staterooms with stunning floor-to-ceiling views, a refreshing Sun Deck pool, and vibrant public spaces where you can savor regionally inspired cuisine and local wines.

Heritage Discoverer is a luxury expedition ship built for exploring remote regions, from the Arctic and Antarctica to tropical islands and atolls. Carrying up to 130 guests, the ship combines expedition capability with comfortable ocean-view accommodations, wellness facilities, panoramic viewing decks, personalized service, and a fleet of 14 Zodiacs.

The American Constitution is designed to expertly navigate inland coastal waterways and can accommodate up to 170 guests. With spacious staterooms and private balconies, guests enjoy scenic views. Onboard amenities include a fitness center, putting green, and a restaurant serving delicious cuisine.

The elegant Jahan is one of the first modern boutique-style riverboats to sail the Mekong. The ship is reminiscent of colonial cruise liners and features 26 luxurious cabins with floor to ceiling windows, gourmet dining, and special on-board amenities.

The M/V Santa Cruz combines comfort, design, and state-of-the-art technology to offer a unique glacier cruising experience. Welcome aboard!

Sail through Portugal and Spain aboard the MS Vasco de Gama, a 142-passenger ship built in 2002 and refurbished in 2009. Let yourself dazzle by the romantic Douro River and enjoy the best of French and European cuisine as you cruise along the most charming cities and towns.