Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

The luxurious ship Aqua Nera draws design inspiration from the Peruvian Amazon?s mystical blackwater lagoons and bears the hallmarks of contemporary style and generous interiors. Highlighting a cuisine by Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru?s finest chefs, known for creating refined cuisine from native Amazonian produce.

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.

Exquisitely appointed, the Safari Explorer carries 36 passengers on small ship cruising of Hawaii with luxury. She features an intimate wine library, spa area with complimentary massage, and luxurious staterooms.

On the Baranof Dream, experience warm yacht-style cruising surrounded by knowledgeable, genuinely friendly staff and accompanied by interesting people who share your passion for adventure and learning about the Alaskan wilderness. Embark on adventure cruises from the ports of Juneau, Sitka and Ketchikan through Alaska's Inside Passage.

The Harmony G is a modern vessel with a sleek high-tech look very similar to the private yachts to be found in the famous ports of the world. She was launched in January 2001 and complies with the most stringent safety regulations while its powerful engines and state of the art stabilizers allow for safe and comfortable cruising.

Anahí Catamaran Yacht offers a perfect Galapagos exploration with a 16-passenger capacity, personalized service, safety, and comfort in 8 cabins, including ocean-view suites, professional crew, jacuzzi, and scenic sunset sailing.

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.

Ocean Spray offers the best performance and comfort for a Galapagos cruise. With an elegant design, the Ocean Spray carries 16 guests on luxurious Galapagos cruises of 4, 6, 8 and 15-days.

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. 

Introducing the Douglas Mawson, Aurora Expeditions' latest small ship for global exploration. With sustainability features and luxurious amenities, it accommodates up to 154 adventurers, offering unique itineraries including East Antarctica and Subantarctic Islands explorations.

The Zafiro is a floating five-star hotel that will take you to the world of the Amazon River. Accommodating just 38 passengers, enjoy this idyllic journey through the wonders of the Amazon rainforest in comfort.

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.

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.

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.

With ample deck space, signature twin or French balconies in most staterooms, and occupancy for 164 passengers, the MS Amaprima offers a modern and comfortable way to experience the Rhine River of central Europe. Reflective of classic ocean yachts, you'll even find a fitness room, a massage & hair salon, and a unique glass elevator.

The beautiful EcoGalaxy is a new, eco-friendly Galapagos catamaran. Built in 2014, she provides leisurely excursions, optimal comfort, attentive guides, and upgraded, modern social areas. With capacity for just 16 passengers in 8 well-appointed cabins, this is an ideal vessel for your Galapagos cruise.

The World Explorer is a polar expedition cruise ship designed to accommodate 176 passengers. The ship offers an extraordinary level of service, including abundant space for guests and multiple public areas to relax based on passengers’ individual travel styles.

The Sea Bird, sister ship of the Sea Lion, can reach places inaccessible to larger ships due to its small size, yet it comfortably accommodates 62 guests in 31 outside cabins with windows, private facilities, and climate controls.