Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Ombak Putih was made in 1995 by Buginese ship builders at Kalimantan. This unique heritage vessel was subject of a major interior transformation in early 2015, keeping its authentic charm but turning it into a fully equipped traditional Indonesian schooner with a capacity of 24 guests, divided into 12 luxurious cabins.

Built in 1995 using only the very best grades of ironwood, Katharina is a legendary vessel that mixes together traditional materials, shaped by highly skilled Indonesian craftsmen, with the most up-to-date technology. She accommodates up to 14 guests in six fully equipped cabins with double or twin beds.

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.

Ocean Victory is a modern expedition ship built for comfort, sustainability, and adventure, carrying just 186 guests with its innovative X-BOW design for smooth sailing in icy waters. All cabins feature ocean views—most with private balconies. With 18 Zodiacs for landings and wildlife encounters, plus amenities like two restaurants, a Nordic bar, a spa, fitness room, infinity pool, and jacuzzis, the ship blends exploration with luxury.

The Coral Discoverer is an expedition style cruise ship large enough to provide all the comforts of a larger cruise ship, yet small enough to enable access reef and island sites inaccessible to other vessels.

The latest addition to the Discovery Yacht fleet, Scenic Eclipse II, stands proudly as a sister ship to Scenic Eclipse. It boasts enhanced wellness experiences at the luxurious Senses Spa, a stunning new Sky Bar, and a refreshing Vitality pool on Deck 10. This remarkable vessel explores the captivating southern hemisphere, including the uncharted territories of East Antarctica, Australia, the South Pacific, and Asia.

Experience the incomparable pleasure of an intimate cruise, with the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic-chic ambiance with luxury service. Experience a luxurious setting where the accent is on authenticity and passion for travel.

Magellan Discoverer sails ahead with its cutting-edge hybrid diesel-electric propulsion system and active stabilizers that enable a smoother, quieter journey through the icy wonders. 

The Emerald Star offers comfortable accommodations and an unforgettable sailing experience while navigating the Rhine, Main, Danube, and the Moselle Rivers. Sail through some of Europe?s most magical stretches of water and explore many of the continent?s most enchanting cities. The vessel's capacity is an intimate 180 guests and the ship offers a selection of wonderful amenities and features. 

The Sea Cloud II is a legendary windjammer comparable to her sister ship, the Sea Cloud. Featuring her own unique character, the Sea Cloud II combines the high standards expected of a 5-star cruise ship with the unique atmosphere of a romantic tall ship.

Wilderness Adventurer is an expedition ship capable of nimble exploration through nature's most dramatic hideaways. Offering her 60 passengers an exciting array of daily adventure excursions, explore Alaska on this unique small ship.

The MS La Belle de Cadix sails on Guadiana, the Guadalquivir and along Atlantic coast. Built in 2005 and recently refurbished, the MS La Belle de Cadix is an oasis of comfort as you sail the rivers of Europe.