Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

The American Independence, accommodating 90 guests, explores the East Coast of the U.S. Built-in 2010 by Chesapeake Shipbuilding, it features spacious lounges with panoramic views and delicious regional menu that changes daily. Staterooms are over 250 square feet, and some have private balconies. Amenities include a sun deck and a library.

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.

Step aboard Galaxy Diver III, our brand-new dive cruise and the latest addition to our Galapagos fleet. Designed specifically for diving enthusiasts, it offers an unparalleled way to explore the underwater wonders of the Enchanted Islands. Galaxy Diver III combines cutting-edge facilities, comfort, and personalized service, creating an exclusive liveaboard experience where every detail has been crafted to enhance your diving adventure in Galapagos.

M/S Stockholm offers an ultra-intimate expedition experience in Svalbard and Northern Norway. This classic 1953 vessel features two Zodiacs and expert guides, ensuring a personal and immersive Arctic adventure.

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.

Cruceros Marpatag's Maria Turquesa catamaran offers comfort and stunning glacier views. The main deck hosts 180 guests with a children’s area, while the exclusive premium deck seats 16. Enjoy four exterior decks, gourmet dining options, beverages, air-conditioned interiors, and bilingual guides for an unforgettable Patagonia experience.

Discover the Columbia and Snake Rivers on the iconic paddlewheeler American Pride, where the intimate setting of just 150 guests ensures unparalleled personalized service and hospitality.

American Splendor blends nostalgic paddlewheeler travel with modern comfort. The newest paddlewheeler features serene color palettes, luxurious textiles, and elegant decor honoring the Mississippi River. Enjoy panoramic views from private balconies, lounges, or the restaurant. With only 180 guests, it’s easy to make new friends during cocktail hours or on the sun deck. Join us for an unforgettable cruise on the Lower Mississippi River, Music Cities, and Tennessee Rivers.

Seabourn pioneered small-ship, ultra-luxury cruising and continues to represent the pinnacle of that unique style of travel. Our fleet of intimate, all-suite ships, carrying between 458 and 600 guests each, sails to the world's most desirable destinations at their peak seasons. On board, guests are served by an award-winning crew numbering nearly as many as the guests, hand-picked and extensively trained to deliver Seabourn's signature style of thoughtful, personalized, and heartfelt hospitality. Seabourn's ships attract accomplished people who enjoy traveling well and sharing fun and adventures with other interesting people. A great many of them have found the Seabourn cruise experience to be their preferred method of travel and return regularly to sail with us again and again. We would welcome the opportunity to explore whether that might be true for you.

MS Fram features a refreshed look, with upgraded cabins and a modern Science Center that brings you closer to remote destinations. Built for polar travel and hosting 200 guests, it carries on the legacy of Fridtjof Nansen’s historic Arctic exploration vessel.

The M/S Elixir is a 40.6-meter deluxe yacht-style ship, fully renovated in 2025 for cruising along the Croatian coast. It features 18 modern cabins with private bathrooms and hotel-style comforts, accommodating up to 38 guests. Its smaller size allows access to hidden bays and island ports that larger ships can't reach.

The Rembrandt Van Rijn was built as a herring lugger early last century and has undergone extensive retrofitting making it suitable for arctic explorations. With just 33 guests, explore the polar waters aboard this sailing vessel.