Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Welcome aboard Le Champlain and discover the world in effortless luxury. Designed for intimate exploration, this elegant expedition ship hosts just 148 guests, offering a relaxed and personalized travel experience wherever you sail.

Set sail on a journey like no other aboard Le Jacques Cartier, a boutique expedition ship designed for immersive exploration in exceptional comfort. With private balconies, butler-serviced suites, and a fleet of Zodiacs, it’s ideal for exploring warm-water regions with expert guides and all-inclusive comfort.

American Jazz offers a luxurious river cruising experience with modern amenities and stunning views. Relax on your private balcony, explore the five-story glass atrium, and enjoy spacious staterooms with full-size bathrooms. Unwind in style after a day of discovery.

Designed for Nile River cruises, the Nile Adventurer features a sun deck with heated swimming pool, a lower shaded deck with bar, air-conditioning throughout, a gymnasium, internet access, gourmet meals, and an exclusive entertainment program.

Launched in 1996 and fully refurbished in 2006, Sanctuary Sun Boat IV offers a Nile River cruise experience unlike any other - with private docks in Luxor and Aswan, her own feluccas, and uniquely tailored sightseeing to help avoid the crowds.

Discover the famous Bordeaux wine regions of France on the newly refurbished 124-passenger S.S. Bon Voyage, designed to immerse guests in French culture, art, wine and lovers of all things French.

S.S São Gabriel is the newest ship on the Douro river, which is designed to embody the beautiful Douro River Valley region, offers more lavishly appointed suites than Queen Isabel, and brings the destination to life through its decor and delectable food and wine.

Avalon Waterways brings their luxury style of cruising to the Douro River. Avalon's award winning fleet offers guests the relaxation and luxury that is expected from Avalon, while still giving unforgettable experiences along the way. Featuring the famous Avalon Panorama suites with floor-to-ceiling and wall-to-wall windows with an open air balcony that gives each suite the famous 'bed with a view' design.

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.

Heritage Line’s Ylang is a cutting-edge ship sailing through the far-flung corners of the magnificent Lan Ha Bay. The vivacious charm of the ship invites visitors to set out on a journey of the senses. The interior of Ylang features a delicate floral theme inspired by local poetry. Along with the exhibited collection of artwork, the entire vessel has a vintage Indochina feel.

The ship's spacious, high-ceilinged suites are a serene sanctuary, with beautiful hand-painted murals and all the comforts of a five-star hotel.

For those who wish the comfort of a luxury ship, Amazon Clipper Cruises built the MV Premium, a vessel unique in style that offers “simply the best” small-ship cruising in the Amazon.