Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

Emerald Cruises brings our award-winning reputation and service to the world?s oceans and coastlines as we introduce Luxury yacht cruising on our brand new, innovative superyachts, custom-designed to allow unique access to the fascinating ports and harbors only small yachts can reach.

The Nemo II motor sail catamaran offers a cruise experience in the Galapagos Islands. Guests enjoy comfortable double cabins with private bathrooms, daily meals, and amenities such as snorkeling and kayaking equipment.

The Aqua Mare is a true luxury cruise ship on the Galapagos Islands. Exclusivity is combined with the most personalized service enabled by two naturalist guides for 16 guests, on top of the island's most exclusive one-to-one crew to guest ratio.

American Melody, the latest entrant in our American riverboat series, signifies a paradigm shift in river cruising on the Mississippi. Experience a vessel boasting a four-story glass atrium, expansive staterooms, and innovative dining experiences.

Navigate New England, the Chesapeake Bay, and the Southeast comfortably aboard the American Glory, a river ship that provides the luxury of river cruising with the excitement of expedition adventure cruising.

Navigate the European rivers, Danube, Rhine, and Main aboard the Emerald Destiny. The vessel, with a capacity for 180 guests, offers a selection of wonderful amenities and features. Combining elegance and comfort, in both the public areas and suites, you will be sure to enjoy your European river cruise aboard Emerald Destiny.

The Victory II is an elegant intimate ship for 190 guests, offering cultured North American adventures. Intimate and agile, it can easily navigate oceans and lakes, canals and locks, tranquil bays, and hidden ports where larger ships cannot go. Amenities include dining venues, lounges, an observation deck, a 24-hour gym, and a Salon and Spa. All suites and staterooms feature elegant furnishings, a full bathroom, an armoire, and a hair dryer.

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.

A new era of exploration along the New Zealand coast has begun with the addition of the Heritage Explorer to Heritage Expedition's small ship fleet. At just 18 people on board, Heritage Explorer sets a new bar for New Zealand discovery travel by providing the ultimate in comfort while still maintaining a customized experience.

Explore the American Heritage, a modern paddlewheel riverboat, offering spacious staterooms, gourmet dining, and scenic cruises along the historic Mississippi River. Unwind in lounges, enjoy onboard activities, and savor local cuisine.

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 Seaman Journey is a first class catamaran offering luxurious cruises of the Galapagos. With superior comfort, style and stability, her 16 guests will enjoy the numerous on board amenities in addition to the exploration of these islands.

Arriving in December 2020, the 120-passenger Coral Geographer will feature state-of-the-art specifications and expedition features as her sister ship, Coral Adventurer.

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.

The Victory I is an elegant small ship that welcomes up to 190 guests on sophisticated adventures across North America. With its intimate size and agility, it easily navigates oceans, lakes, canals, and hidden ports that larger ships cannot reach. Amenities include two dining venues, two lounges, an observation and sun deck, a 24-hour gym with classic fitness equipment, and a Salon and Spa. Choose from six cozy room categories. All suites and staterooms are equipped with a full bathroom with a shower, an armoire, a chest of drawers, and a hair dryer for your convenience.

5-star elegant Scandi-design boutique ship offers you an intimate setting from which you will be fully immersed in all the sights and scenery of your voyage.

Ocean Explorer, purpose-built for polar exploration, is a striking vessel accommodating 138 passengers. This modern and elegant ship boasts state-of-the-art technologies, including the innovative ULSTEIN X-BOW® for a smooth and stable ride in challenging seas. Enjoy panoramic ocean views in the two-story bow library, and experience modern Scandinavian-designed cabins with verandas for most. The ship offers a spacious gym, sauna, two outdoor Jacuzzis for relaxation, ample outdoor viewing areas, and multi-height outer decks. With 15 Zodiacs for off-ship adventures and sustainability features like fuel-efficient Rolls Royce engines, Ocean Explorer is an eco-friendly choice for polar exploration.

This brand new 120-passenger ship cruises the stunning Kimberly Coast and New Guinea with expansive teak decking, spacious dining rooms and lounges, stylish interior and exterior teak furnishings and revitalized décor.