Our Favorite Small Expedition Cruise Ships

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

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.

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.

Introducing with pride the newest member of the Elixir family, "GEMAYA." The Gemaya is unique, expertly fusing her military background with exquisite design. The yacht configuration is perfect for socializing or retreating to privacy. Guests experience personal service, fine dining, and attention to detail while discovering the Greek islands in impeccable style and comfort.

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!

The Sea Lion, sister ship of the Sea Bird, 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.

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.

The World Voyager is a modern 168-passenger expedition ship built for science and discovery. Every design element, from the deluxe, all-balcony suites—with direct views into the surrounding polar wilderness—to the presentation theater and Science Hub, embodies the spirit of discovery: the never-ending urge to explore and learn more about polar wilderness.

Walk the lands that inspired famous artists like Van Gogh, Cézanne and Gauguin with the 159-passenger S.S. Catherine cruising along the waterways of Saone and Rhone Rivers and enjoy a culinary-focused French cruise.

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.

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.

Introducing the Harmony V, a modern vessel launched in June 2009, with a sleek high-tech look very similar to the private yachts to be found in the famous ports of the world.

The Solaris is a spacious 114.8 feet long yacht that will take you across one of the most stunning archipelagos on Earth! the 16 passenger ship was built to fulfill your expectations of comfort, safety and service, and her guests will enjoy it.

The sleek & modern Variety Voyager is a state of the art mega-yacht which accommodates just 72 passengers in 36 cabins. Enjoy unobstructed views of the ocean & Cuba's charming ports, and onboard amenities including a spa, reception, bar, library, and lounge & dining areas with ample deck space. With five cabin options, the yacht guarantees comfort.