Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

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 Aqua Lares is a 77-meter icebreaker superyacht designed for small-ship exploration. This 30-guest vessel sails on scheduled expeditions to the remote islands of East Africa and the Norwegian Arctic.

The Grand Ocean Spray is a modern power motor catamaran sailing the Galapagos Islands. Built for 16 guests, it offers panoramic balcony suites, a spa, and attentive service from 12 crew members. The ship is carbon-neutral, equipped with solar panels, and designed for sustainable cruising.

MV Freya is a classic expedition ship built with the highest 1A ice-class rating, carrying just 12 guests for an intimate Arctic experience. Once a lighthouse-building vessel, she combines rugged strength with modern comfort, offering spacious cabins, multiple viewing decks, and a welcoming onboard atmosphere. With two Zodiacs, a sauna, and an open-bridge policy, Freya delivers authentic small-ship exploration with character and charm.

ARANOA is a mixed passenger and freighter ship that sails in French Polynesia, mainly the Austral Islands. It offers 91 cabins, including suites with balconies and dormitory-style options, and can host up to 198 passengers. The ship combines reliable transport with comfortable accommodations for inter-island travel.

Ocean Nova delivers a classic Antarctic expedition experience for just 80 guests. Its small size allows access to remote bays and pristine landscapes larger ships can’t reach. With an outstanding guide-to-passenger ratio, everyone enjoys personal attention on and off the ship.

Experience ultra-luxury travel on Scenic Ikon across Europe, the Mediterranean, and Antarctica. Enjoy indulgent suites, 15 dining venues, wellness and fitness facilities, curated excursions, and exclusive helicopter and submersible experiences.

The elegant 152-passenger AmaSofia, debuting in Spring 2026, introduces a new era of river cruising along the Rhine and Danube. This contemporary ship offers a warm, inviting atmosphere with ample space for relaxation. Enjoy panoramic views and fresh air from spacious balcony staterooms, featuring both comfort and modern design.

The Greg Mortimer is an innovative 154-guest expedition ship sailing Alaska, featuring the inverted Ulstein X-BOW for smooth cruising, expansive observation decks, Zodiac platforms, and relaxing amenities like saunas, Jacuzzis, and a top-deck dining area for unforgettable exploration experiences.

Debuting in 2027, the AmaRudi is an extraordinary luxury river cruise ship purpose-built to navigate the Danube River. Twice the width of traditional vessels, this innovative ship offers unparalleled space with expansive balcony suites, a sprawling Sun Deck, and four distinct dining venues.

Gliding down Europe's great rivers, the luxury river cruise ship AmaVenita is reminiscent of a classic ocean yacht. This elegantly appointed vessel offers guests refreshing twin-balcony staterooms, exquisite locally sourced cuisine, a heated pool, and a fleet of complimentary bikes for exploring ashore.