Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Measuring 443 feet in length and carrying just 163 passengers, the luxury vessel, Scenic Jewel marries space and intimacy with a sense of exclusivity not regularly found on Europe’s waters. Couple this with a 1:3 crew to passenger ratio and guests can expect attentive service from the minute they step aboard these illustrious river cruise liners.

Measuring 443 feet in length and carrying just 163 passengers, the luxury vessel, Scenic Jade marries space and intimacy with a sense of exclusivity not regularly found on Europe's waters. Couple this with a 1:3 crew to passenger ratio and guests can expect attentive service from the minute they step aboard these illustrious river cruise liners.

The luxurious tone of the 128-passenger River Princess and the sophisticated ambiance creates the perfect journey along with Central Europe's UNESCO sites such as the windmills of Kinderdijk and places of historic importance, including the old Walled City. View amazing architecture like Nuremberg’s mesmerizing castles on the Nuremberg Panoramic City Tour.

MS Midnatsol is named after the Midnight Sun, the phenomenon that occurs in northern Norway every summer when the sun doesn’t set for 24 hours.

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.

Travel in comfort aboard the Petrel. Offering first-class luxury cruises, the 16-passenger motorized catamaran is outfitted with spacious cabins, a comfortable lounge, and Jacuzzi, and excellent guides with intimate knowledge of the natural history and wildlife of Galapagos.

These Dahabiya Cruise ships are a type of wooden sailboat built on a steel hull and contain cabins for travelers' accommodation. It is a large and comfortable sailing boat of simple but elegant form. Relax under the sun and experience life like an Egyptian aristocrat. Pass through the green valley, villages, and off-the-beaten-path attractions.

The new 42-footer from Salona is a new brand of boat line that is a partnership between J&J Design (Seaway), based in Slovenia, and AD Boats, a shipbuilder in Croatia. This sailing boat has sharp lines, excellent design, excellent handling quality, and is a full-energy performer.

The beautiful MV Adriatic Sun was launched in 2018 with the latest state-of-the-art equipment and amenities to ensure optimal cruising comfort. A deluxe superior vessel that offers a premium cruising experience along the stunning Adriatic coastline.

The Adriatic Pearl is a deluxe vessel offering a refined and comfortable cruise experience. It features modern facilities designed for maximum passenger comfort and enjoyment.

The Majestic, a premium superior motor vessel, offers a delightful balance of comfort and charm, making it the ideal choice for exploring the Adriatic coast.