Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Explore the American Heritage, a modern paddlewheel riverboat, offering spacious staterooms, gourmet dining, and scenic cruises along the historic Mississippi River. Unwind in lounges, enjoy onboard activities, and savor local cuisine.

Delfin III is an elegant all-suite river ship sailing the Ucayali and Maranon rivers in Peru’s Upper Amazon, offering year-round voyages that explore remote tributaries and vibrant river communities while showcasing Amazonian-Peruvian cuisine and sustainable local design.

The newly renovated Scenic Pearl features four decks including a Sun Deck, Diamond Deck, Sapphire Deck, and Jewel Deck, each of which is home to a number of suites and cabins and a handful of luxury public spaces and dining venues ? including Crystal Dining, Riverview Terrace, Portobellos and the Panorama Lounge Bar.

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

Built in 2009 and began operations in Burma (Myanmar) in 2011. RV Indochina Pandaw was specifically designed to provide a superior river cruise experience and features two decks – an Observation Deck and a Promenade Deck – offering fantastic views of enchanting riverside scenery.

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.

Sea Cloud II is a captivating sailing vessel designed for scenic voyages along Italy and Croatia's shores, delving into lesser-explored archipelagos and idyllic coves. This romantic tall ship seamlessly merges modern comforts with the grace of a traditional square rigger, reminiscent of the iconic 1930s yacht, Sea Cloud.

Step aboard the Jakare, a 2016 traditional South Celebes Phinisi-style sailing ship. The 35-meter-long vessel boasts modern amenities and stylish decor crafted from teak, ironwood, and merbau. Relax in spacious common areas, perfect for families or small groups.

American Serenade, inaugurated in 2023, offers panoramic views through its four-story glass atrium. The 91 spacious staterooms, ranging from 250 to 650 square feet, feature full-size bathrooms, roomy closets, and private balconies. The ship, with a guest capacity of 180, also includes an onboard fitness center and six common areas for relaxation.

Navigate New England, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Southeast comfortably aboard the American Glory, a river ship that provides the luxury of river cruising with the excitement of expedition adventure cruising.

Discover the ultimate fusion of expedition and river cruising aboard American Liberty. Experience scenic views, explore inaccessible ports and cruise through America's waterways on a Coastal Catamaran.

Ocean Nova offers a small expedition ship experience unlike any that you can get on a larger and more conventional cruise ship. All cabins provide exterior views and en-suite facilities, a deck and chair, and storage space. Enjoy breathtaking views and a relaxed atmosphere as you cruise polar landscapes.