Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Cruising the Galapagos Islands is an unforgettable experience because of its unique up-close encounters with amazing wildlife. The cherry on top is to enjoy this privilege in a small more personalized cruise setting.

The AmaViola ? set to debut in 2016 ? is a sister ship to the AmaSerena and features the most advanced design of any river cruise vessel currently in operation.

The newly refurbished Delfin treats travelers to a step beyond luxury. She sits in a class of her own, featuring understated elegance, and world-class hospitality, and the promise of the trip of a lifetime.

Ocean Nova is an eco-friendly expedition ship built for Arctic waters, offering stunning sea views and seamless exploration. With a panoramic lounge, open decks, and easy Zodiac access, it’s perfect for wildlife spotting and photography. Choose from six cabin categories, all with exterior views. Facilities include a dining room with open seating, a library, a bar, an ocean-facing gym, and a medical clinic. Guests enjoy globally inspired meals, homemade desserts, and accommodations for special diets.

The Tip Top IV is a steel-hulled motor yacht, built to accommodate 16 guests in comfortable cabins. The Tip Top Iv is the flagship of the Tip Top Fleet

The newly refurbished Silver Cloud is the most spacious and comfortable ice class vessel in expedition cruising. Its large suites, destination itineraries, and unparalleled service make her truly special. A limited number of guests, just 200 in polar waters, mean that Silver Cloud has the highest space to guest and crew to guest ratios.

The Sea Cloud is a glorious and gracious luxury sailing yacht, a four-masted bark, custom built in 1931 by the business magnate E.F. Hutton for his wife the heiress, Marjorie Merriweather Post.

Wilderness Discoverer is an expedition ship capable of nimble exploration through nature's most dramatic hideaways. Offering her 76 passengers an exciting array of daily adventure excursions, explore Alaska on this unique small ship.

An intimate river yacht, the Sanctuary Sun Boat III represents the ultimate in luxury and relaxation on the Nile. Discover the essence of tranquility and elegance in 18 beautifully designed cabins and suites.

The MV Ushuaia is a steel hulled, ice-strengthened vessel built originally for oceanographic research and recently converted for passenger voyages to Antarctica. Accommodating a maximum of 88 passengers in 46 comfortable cabins & suites, Ushuaia offers a dining room, bar, library, and observation lounge and inflatable watercraft to explore the ice.

Designed to deliver a safe, comfortable and deeply immersive experience, Ocean Albatros offers an array of attractive onboard features and cabin choices – most with balconies, and even a large suite that can accommodate a family of five!

Built in Ecuador, especially for first-class cruises in these magical islands of the Galapagos, it has space for 16 guests in 8 cabins divided in two decks with private bathrooms & hot and cold water. There are also social areas such as Observation & Sun deck and more!

With a design specific for safari river cruising on the Chobe River, the 28-passenger Zambezi Queen offers a sophisticated onboard experience designed to maximize animal sightings.

The Beluga is a lovely, 110 foot, single steel-hulled motor yacht. It is fully air-conditioned and accommodates 16 passengers in double staterooms, each with private bathroom and hot water shower.

This luxurious river cruiser features panoramic views from the sundeck, a pool and swim-up bar, gourmet meals, luxurious lounges, and comfortable rooms for up to 164 passengers.

The Fragata is a spacious and comfortable motor yacht that accommodates 16 passengers in cozy double, matrimonial and single cabins, all decorated and equipped to provide guests a relaxing cruise in the Galapagos islands.

Unpack your bags just once and settle into your spacious suite featuring separate living and sleeping areas as well as your own balcony. Explore the light-filled public spaces and dining areas, where you can relax, indulge and dream, as the magical Vietnamese and Cambodian landscapes float by. Your experience will be one of unmatched luxury with enhanced protocols, for your health and wellbeing.

Experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the Galapagos Islands aboard Tribute, the latest luxury cruise. Meticulously designed for nature enthusiasts, it offers immersive experiences, luxury amenities, and knowledgeable guides. Intimately connect with the Galapagos' natural wonders, creating enduring memories. Your exploration and indulgence journey starts here.