Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tours & Trips

1,441 Small Ship & Expedition Cruises trips. Tours from 272 tour companies. 3,744 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

1,441 Trips match your criteria (1 - 20 shown)

Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands
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Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Mykonos, Santorini

Highlights

  • A Santorini sunset around the caldera is a sight to behold. Walk along the volcanic rim of the island past white villages that cling to plunging cliffs and watch as day turns to night in the most stunning of ways.
  • Sail the Aegean Sea on your small group yacht and island-hop through the Cyclades, taking regular stops to swim off the side of your boat and letting the pitch and roll of the ocean help you sleep at night.
  • Feast on fresh seafood at a sleepy waterfront taverna in the Small Cyclades islands – far away from tourist crowds and deep in the local way of life. This is island living, Greek style.
  • Step back in time among the Venetian architecture of Naxos and consider learning about rural life with a daytrip to a country village – a couple of the many experiences to be had around the Cyclades.
  • No Greek island adventure is complete without a stop in Mykonos. Embrace your hedonistic side with its boutique culture and nightlife or relax on one of the many beaches dotted along the coast.

Themes

Sailing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Michelle Middleton is an asset to the customer care team. Easy and honest communication throughout!"

Trip dates & details
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Ushuaia to Antarctica Adventure & Cruise
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Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
Expert and extensive knowledge of Argentina and the region surrounding it with specialists who have first-hand experience in the destination.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Sail through the Beagle Channel and cross the Drake Passage following the footsteps of legendary explorers.
  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and experience breathtaking glaciers and icebergs.
  • Witness penguin colonies, humpback whales, leopard seals, and various bird species in their natural habitats.
  • Camp on the White Continent for one night and experience a true encounter with the Antarctic environment.
  • Enjoy zodiac excursions, kayak adventures and hikes on pristine islands.

Themes

High Adventure, Nature & Wildlife

What travelers are saying

"Just wanted to take this opportunity to thank you and your team for a fantastic holiday in Argentina! We loved the country and the people. The highlights for us was Iguazu Falls, the wine tour & the little hotel in Mendoza and the Glacier trekking. The Glacier was amazing!!! All flights were on time and your guides were always there to meet and great. Please pass on a special thank you to Carla who looked after us in BA and kept in touch all through our travels. Thanks again to Lujan, who did a fantastic job putting it all together and we will recommend you and your company to all our friends & family."

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Journey into Nature: 13-Day Deluxe Eco Tour in Vietnam
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Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Discover the hidden retreat of Pu Luong
  • Cruise overnight through emerald waters in Ha Long bay
  • Immerse in Hoi An's countryside

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Culinary & Wine, Cycling & Biking, Local Immersion & Homestays, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Trekking & Expeditions, Relaxing Retreats, Eco, Sustainable & Green Travel

What travelers are saying

"We tried many special foods, and visited many beautiful temples. The traffic was so bad, but we also did other fun things to explore Thailand and had a great time every day of our trip. Thanks to Alex and Prestigo Asia for making it all happen!"

Trip dates & details
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Custom Designed Trip
Lodging level
lodgingLevelName
Physical level
N/A

Highlights

  • Fully customized trip based on preferences
  • Matched with a local specialist
  • From $150 per person per day
Self-Guided / Independent Tour
Croatia Island Sail (Premium, Below Deck Cabin)
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Group Tour
Why we love them
Their trips create life-long memories for young people setting off to discover the world.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural, 50 Plus

Trip dates & details
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Bahamas Cruise 3D/2N (from Miami)
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Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Strenuous
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Miami

Highlights

  • Have free time to relax on pristine beaches Discover vibrant & friendly Caribbean culture Enjoy tons of included activities aboard the ship

Themes

Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We had an amazing experience in South Korea thanks to Bamba. The itinerary was well-planned, the transportation was comfortable, and the tours were unforgettable. We would definitely book with them again!"

Trip dates & details
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Generous cancellation

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Croatia Sailing Adventure: Split to Dubrovnik
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Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They're highly committed to sustainable tourism and contribute to crucial initiatives like climate action, focusing on local cultures and more.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Split

Highlights

  • What better way to see the historic towns, protected forests and stunning islands of Croatia’s Dalmatian Coast than aboard a private yacht? All aboard for a week in paradise.
  • Explore beautiful Split, where tradition, modernity and a variety of European influences come together. A visit to the Diocletian’s Palace reveals some of the Adriatic Coast’s most important surviving Roman buildings.
  • Bliss out on Brac’s world famous Zlatni Rat beach, a spit of white sand jutting out into turquoise waters.
  • Opened to the public only in 1989, the island of Vis boasts coastal scenery and a military history just waiting to be discovered. Also, the local vugava wine is rather nice.
  • Stari Grad, Hvar’s Old Town, is quite literally one of the oldest towns in Europe, and a charming one at that. It provides a great base from which to explore the island.

Themes

Sailing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Michelle Middleton is an asset to the customer care team. Easy and honest communication throughout!"

Trip dates & details
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Health Safety +

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Island Hopping: Athens, Mykonos, Naxos, Santorini
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Private Guided
Why we love them
Designing original, innovative, and out-of-the-box travel itineraries and incredible personalized service.
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Marvel the impressive Acropolis and the New Acropolis museum
  • Discover the iconic Mykonos town
  • Taste and learn about the traditional products of Naxos
  • Learn all about the unique wines of Santorini
  • Visit Akrotiri prehistoric town of Santorini

Themes

Cultural, Nature & Wildlife, Family Friendly, Education / Learning, Photography, High Adventure, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Normally, I don't feel like writing reviews, but I felt compelled to do it for Athens Insiders. I made the decision to travel to Athens in the summer of 2012 in order to avoid the commotion that was predicted to result from the Queen's jubilee. As usual, my work kept me busy right up to the last minute, so I ran out of time to do anything fun for my week-long trip. I learned about this young group of tour guides for Athens and its vicinity from a friend. I had a wonderful experience. I got in touch with Daphne, who gave me email recommendations for Athens attractions to see, inquired about my preferences for local cuisine, and then devised an itinerary for my trip. In addition to visiting the typical suspects in Athens (Acropolis, etc.), I also chose to travel to Delhi and spend a night at a campground there. And I had a great time, honestly. We visited the attractions when there were few visitors and spent the busiest times outside of Athens rather than being herded around like cattle. I was taken to incredible tiny eateries (the well-known tavernas), marketplaces, and other regional shops."

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Vietnam Tour from Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh
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Private Guided
Why we love them
They create handcrafted custom trip plans 70+ countries worldwide, giving you a personalized and unique travel experience.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

  • Take a rickshaw ride through the bustiling street of Old Hanoi
  • Cruise on the azure waters of Halong Bay
  • Explore the historic Cu Chi Tunnels in Saigon
  • Explore the rural countryside at Mekong Delta

Themes

Cultural, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Found company on the internet and we were a bit nervous. Alick Peng put a 12 day tour together for us, our dates didn't fit in with a full guided tour, and it was magnificent. We enjoyed every day, hotels, food and especially the guides, Ayumi especially. The itinerary was first class and we even managed to travel between towns on our own. Tickets, routes, and guidelines were clear and easy to follow. The only time we got lost was trying to get out of Tokyo station. Once again, thanks."

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Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
3,744  Reviews
See all Small Ship & Expedition Cruises tour reviews
Excellent
1,132
Great
449
Average
98
Disappointing
26
Terrible
8
P

Peter

Oct 2015

Written on

I picked this trip due to the

I picked this trip due to the itinerary of seeing numerous islands in a short time, and I had the freedom to be able to do that, getting to most islands by early aft...

E

Eva

Oct 2015

Written on

The trip met all expectations, was a

The trip met all expectations, was a lovely, pleasant e...

J

Janet

Oct 2015

Written on

It's a very unique trip I have

It's a very unique trip I have ever done. Small group is nice, and it's more relax.

R

ROMAIN

Sep 2015

Written on

Great trip leader, brand new boat

Great trip leader, brand new boat

m

margareta

Sep 2015

Written on

I was very pleased with everything.Besides it

I was very pleased with everything.Besides it is the 2nd time I travel with intrepid

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Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tour Selection Trips

  • Expect to meet and mingle with many or even most of your fellow passengers on small ships, which may carry anywhere from 12 to 200 passengers.
  • Think about the activities you’d most like to enjoy during your small-ship cruise. Are you looking for wildlife viewing, culture, history, walking tours?
  • Once you know what activities you’d like to accomplish during your small-ship cruise, this will narrow down your destinations.
  • Then, once you have your small-ship cruise destination picked out, research what is the best time to visit that region. For example, if you want to see whales in Alaska, look for summer cruises. Hankering for a once-in-a-lifetime cruise to Antarctica? The best time to cruise to the south pole is November to March.
  • Consider your personal comfort needs aboard your small cruise ship. Expedition cruise ships are smaller and provide ample deck space and large accommodations, while mid-size cruise ships have an ambience more akin to a small yacht, while still offering considerable deck space and large rooms.
  • If your small-ship cruise vessel is a modestly sized yacht or sailboat, expect only about 8 to 40 guests, smaller cabins, not as many public spaces and, in general, more time ashore.
  • Consider how active you want to be during your small-ship cruise and ensure that the cruise line carries enough equipment and offers enough shore excursions to fit your interest and ability. Do they offer zodiacs for off-ship wildlife viewing? Are there opportunities to snorkel or stand-up paddleboard in tropical waters? How many times a day are off-ship excursions offered, how long are the excursions and are there different levels of exertion?
  • Without the economies of scale that large cruise ships can take advantage of, many small-ship cruises are more expensive than megaships.
  • As with any cruise, find out what extras (gratuities, shore excursions, alcoholic beverages, etc.) are or are not included in the price.
  • Depending on the activities you want to do during your small-ship cruise, find out who will be onboard with you in terms of guides, workshop leaders, naturalists and destination experts. Some small-ship cruise lines offer partnerships with the national parks you are visiting, ensuring that the guides receive ample training, or even with National Geographic.
  • Think about who you are cruising with and ensure that your small ship has the appropriate accommodations styles to meet your needs.
  • If you or your travel companions are prone to seasickness -- more common on small ships than large --  come prepared with some form of medication or other preventative measures

Additional details

Preparing for a Long Cruise

You’re headed out on that long-awaited small-ship cruise, thankful that, in large part, all the logistics of your cruise have been planned out for you, and that you’ll only have to unpack and repack one time.

To get the most of your small-ship cruise experience, particularly a cruise in the 7- to 10-day range, we offer the following suggestions to make sure you’ll fully prepared.

1. Pack prudently. Notice we didn’t say “lightly.” No one will fault you for bringing that extra warm layer if you’re cruising to Alaska or a spare pair of sunglasses if you’re small-ship sailing in the Mediterranean.

Simply pack prudently, keeping in mind that cruise ships have rooms that are typically smaller than hotel rooms - the upside of small-ship cruising, however, is that because the guest number is lower, the room sizes are often more spacious than you’ll find on a mega-ship. Still, pack what you need to stay comfortable, stay warm, not get sunburned, etc.

2. Check the weather in your cruise destination. Further to the packing suggestion, do be sure to consider the weather where you are sailing. Is it the rainy season? Particularly windy? Be sure to bring along a rain jacket, umbrella and sunblock - no matter where your small ship is sailing.

3. Ask about your small ship’s electrical specs. If you’re headed into international waters on your cruise, there may be alternate electrical standards than what US-based ships have. You’ll want to know this before you get on board … to avoid the severe disappointment of realizing you won’t be able to charge your phone.

4. Find out what costs extra. Most small-ship cruises are all-inclusive to avoid nickel-and-diming guests for every little thing. That being said, it’s a good idea to check on the prices for anything that might be deemed “extra,” e.g., shore excursions, watersports equipment rental, guide/driver services, beverages (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic) and spa treatments. It’s always a good idea to bring a little cash along.

5. List packing essentials. That extra pair of sunglasses we mentioned above isn’t necessarily essential, but there will be items needed on your small-ship cruise that it’s best to bring from home.

Everyday items - if forgotten - can be hard to find and expensive in foreign ports, especially the smaller places accessed by small cruise ships.

Think about and list items such as over-the-counter medication, insect repellent, batteries, feminine hygiene items, toothpaste, sunblock, etc. Ask about which toiletries are included in the cabin of your small ship.

6. Ask about accessibility on board your small ship cruise. Your small-ship cruise tour operator will be able to tell you about the layout of your ship and if there are narrow stairwells, steep gangways, uneven surfaces and more. If these are physically challenging for you, you can be prepared. Ask, also, about what active excursions are available and train for them as necessary.

7. Check in with your insurance company. Small-ship adventure cruises brings with it the opportunity for activities you don’t normally participate in - think kayaking, ice trekking, diving, biking). Give your health insurance company a call and find out what they cover while traveling; if you’re not satisfied, consider travel insurance, which may include emergency evacuation.

8. Plan for emergencies. OK, so it’s not the first thing we want to think of when we’re daydreaming about our much-anticipated small-ship cruise. Just in case you’re waylaid in a remote port, it’s a good idea to write down your cruise line’s main number, some information for local hotels in your ports of call, extra medication and a supply of snacks.

Packing for a Small-Ship Cruise

It’s almost time for your small-ship cruise … which means it’s time to pack! What at first may seem like a daunting task - because, after all, you’ll be at sea the majority of the time and when ashore, will be in small, more remote areas of your destination, so it won’t be easy to just go out and buy something you forgot.

Small-ship cruise operators can provide you with suggested packing lists and you’ll find plenty of suggestions online.

Here, a few essentials to start:

  • Sensible shoes (sturdy sandals, water shoes, hiking boots/shoes, sneakers, slippers for onboard)
  • Raincoat
  • Umbrella
  • Sunblock
  • Warm hat and sun hat
  • Outerwear appropriate for your destination
  • Passport or passport card
  • Necessary electrical chargers and/or adaptors
  • Detailed itinerary notes (and packing lists!) provided by your small-ship cruise company
  • Vital medications
  • Stainless-steel water bottle
  • Daypack
  • Flashlight
  • Hiking poles
  • Snorkeling equipment
  • Photographic equipment

Age Range on Small-Ship Cruises

Small-ship cruises hit all the right notes for the 20-something set. Newly minted in the workforce and possibly tight on vacation time, younger cruisers with an adventurous spirit can get more bang for their buck and sail in and out of tiny ports and up close to glaciers in wildlife, whether they’re sailing the Mediterranean or tackling Arctic seas.

Families with kids and parents in their 30s and 40s enjoy small-ship cruises because these expeditions are the whole package - self-contained, full of activity and rich with learning opportunities. The itineraries on small ships are often flexible and maybe even customizable and feature ports with far fewer crowds than the big ships.

It’s a lot easier to get on and off the boat, so families with young kids don’t have to wait endlessly in line to go ashore for the day’s excursion. In fact, much of the exploring from a small-ship cruise is done directly from the boat, via kayak or zodiac.

Your 40s and 50s - wild nightlife a thing of the past, let’s be honest - may also be a fantastic time to get more adventurous in your travels or try more unusual types of cruise - perhaps a masted ship in the Caribbean or a rugged icebreaker bound for Antarctica. Forego the flashy evening entertainment in favor of expert naturalist guides and historians who will enrich your cruise and the ability to sail in and out of interesting ports aboard your small ship.

Those in the 70-plus age range should research small-ship cruise companies carefully as many of the ships are, well, smaller and more unique in design, and use tenders to get cruises on and offshore for excursions. Mobility and accessibility can be an issue, so be sure to ask ahead about facilities on small-ship cruises.

Who Will Enjoy Small-Ship Cruises

Small-ship cruising might be for you if:

1. You like choices. Not only does the smaller, more nimble size of a small cruise ship make it possible to visit more remote destinations around the world, but once there, even your cruise itinerary may be flexible.

See a family of sea lions sunning on a rock in the Sea of Cortez? Ask the captain if he can pause of an hour or two while you and other guests venture out by sea kayak to take a closer look.

Follow a pod of whales off the coast of Norway? Sit for hours under the Northern Lights? Once ashore from your small ship, there are ample choices as well, for difficulty level of hikes and walks to interests, from local museums to market shopping. Fewer people on the small ship makes it that much easier to customize excursions to personal interests.

2. You want to disconnect. Small-ship sailing usually means you’re in a more remote location than on a large cruise ship … which means you may have no choice but to disconnect given spotty cell service and WiFi. Take advantage of the down time to really disconnect and step away from devices, reconnecting instead with each other and the destination or wilderness you’re seeing, likely for the first time.

3. Want to make some new friends. Love to bond with birders? Go back in time with other history buffs? Hike with mountain-lovers? Small-ship cruising means sailing, for the most part, with like-minded guests, those who have chosen this destination for the same reasons you have: wildlife sightings, wine country, culture, once-in-a-lifetime Arctic adventures and more. Shared experiences with these new friends will quickly become some of your favorite cruise memories.

4. Want to learn something new. From naturalists to historians to photographers, small-ship cruise companies employ regional and subject experts who get to know the guests intimated and can keep everyone, from kids to older travelers, engaged and educated about their destination.

Learn about conservation in the Galapagos, how to use an undersea camera when snorkeling, discover the geography of Greenland’s ice cap and follow a wildlife photographer into the jungle to glimpse rhinos in Indonesia.

Coping with Seasickness on a Small-Ship Cruise

Mal de mer, which rolls off the tongue quite eloquently, is the dreaded squeamish feeling of seasickness. And it might be the sole reason you haven’t yet embarked on a small-ship cruises. Rest assured, if you have your sights set on sailing under the Northern Lights or diving into the Galapagos, there are remedies that can help you get where you’re dreaming of going. A few favorite seasickness tips and tricks:

  • Pack common seasickness remedies. This includes ginger chews or gummies, wristbands, tablets and patches.
  • See the cruise doc. If you’ve run out of remedies from home, pay a visit to the doctor on staff on your small-ship voyage. She will usually have plenty of seasickness medication to distribute to ailing guests.
  • Stay above deck as much as possible. Try not to go below deck for any extended period of time. If you do, and want to look out at the scenery, look out a window or porthole with your gaze on the horizon.
  • Cut short your binocular time. As much as you’ll want to stare for hours at those polar bears or waddling penguins, extended binocular use can bring on seasickness.

Stay hydrated and fed. Drink plenty of water and don’t go about on an empty stomach. Pack extra snacks from home (granola bars, dried fruit, nuts) so you’ll always have something to grab.

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