Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

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 AmaSonata is among the most luxurious and advanced river vessels in Europe, with occupancy for up to 164 passengers in comfortable cabins, gourmet dining, a pool, and even an exercise room.

Making its debut in 2015, the AmaSerena features the most advanced designs in river cruise vessels. This 164-passenger ship boasts spacious staterooms with exclusive Twin Balconies, a choice of dining venues, heated pool and more!

Silver Muse, a luxury Silversea cruise ship launched in 2017, offers world-class comfort, dining, and service for 632 guests. Fresh from a 2025 refurbishment, it now features the immersive S.A.L.T. Kitchen and S.A.L.T. Bar, showcasing destination-inspired cuisine and cocktails, plus enhanced suites and pool deck upgrades.

Scenic Eclipse is the World's First Discovery Yacht and the first ocean cruise ship from the Scenic fleet. Launched in August 2019, Scenic Eclipse sets a new standard in luxury ocean cruising. With elegant lines, perfectly-proportioned suites, and expansive wellness zones, every element of Scenic Eclipse has been considered with your enjoyment and pleasure in mind, creating a special environment that facilitates global adventure in truly 6-star luxury.

Award-winning Silver Shadow has all the hallmarks of extreme luxury at sea. With one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea, Silver Shadow is a firm favourite in the Silversea fleet.

Discover a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel aboard this glamorous limited-capacity yacht with environmentally-friendly equipment. Le Dumont-d'Urville features elegantly designed cabins, spacious suites with windows, and lounge areas opening to the outside, offering a unique cruising experience.

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 <i>Delfin II</i> is a stately riverboat recently built for the express purpose of exploring deep into the Peruvian Amazon at the headwaters of this mighty river - and doing so in modern tropical style.

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.

The M/Y Callisto is furnished with rich fabrics, handsome woodwork, gleaming brass, rare antiques, and fine works of art for comfortable cruising. Because Callisto is a yacht, it can visit those unspoiled islets, pristine beaches, and intimate coves

The Ocean Nova (previously called Sarpik Ittuk) was built in 1992 at the Ørskov Shipyard in Frederikshavn, Denmark, to navigate the ice-choked waters off Western Greenland. The ship was upgraded in 2000 and significantly refurbished once again in 2006.