Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

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. 

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.

The MV La Belle de L'Adriatique is a beautiful ship which cruises along the Croatian Islands, Montenegro, Cyprus, and Greek Islands. Built in 2007 and accommodating 198 passengers in just 99 cabins, she is a comfortable vessel upon which to enjoy your vacation.

The M/C Monique is a luxury catamaran sailing the Galapagos Islands, offering sustainable cruising with solar-powered technology and premium hospitality. Accommodating just 16 guests, Monique delivers personalized service, panoramic staterooms, and expertly guided expeditions across the archipelago.

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 recently refurbished M/Y Calipso allows you to explore the Galapagos Islands on both Naturalist and Diving itineraries. Calipso boasts a spacious lounge, dining area, fantastic new dive deck, sundeck with a Jacuzzi, and 10 comfortable cabins to accommodate up to 16 passengers.

The luxury yacht Natural Paradise was built in 2015 and customized to carry 16 adventurers in comfort and safety through the Galapagos Islands. Featuring a spacious sundeck and comfortable cabins, some with private balconies and panoramic windows, the Natural Paradise cruises smoothly into islands such as San Cristobal, Santa Cruz, and Santiago. 

With occupancy for up to 156 passengers, the AmaStella is one of Europe's newest and most innovative riverboats, featuring a variety of staterooms to choose from (including many with Twin or French Balconies), a lounge, multiple outdoor areas and panoramic sun decks, and even a heated pool with a swim-up bar.

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.

The creation of the National Geographic Orion in 2003 heralds a new breed of expedition ship: a state-of-the-art vessel which combines the latest advances in ship design and communication technology with all the style and comfort of a luxury cruise ship.

Imagine a serene time when you feel peaceful and refreshed—feeling the ocean breeze, swimming in clear water, relaxing, doing morning yoga, enjoying tasty BBQ, and experiencing local life. Your journey on the Elysium will be extraordinary, unlike any other cruise you've been on.