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 (61 - 80 shown)

Amalfi Coast Sailing Adventure
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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

Visits

Amalfi Coast, Naples, Pompeii

Highlights

  • Start and end your trip away from the hustle and bustle of mainstream tourism in the pastel bay of Procida Island. This hidden gem exudes relaxation and is the perfect spot to explore on foot or find a café to sit and people-watch.
  • Fresh honey, olives, rabbit stew, snails and sea urchins are just some of the local delicacies offered within Ischia (not to mention local wine and Limoncello)!
  • Calling all history buffs! Buried in ashes, you’ll visit the Roman city of Pompeii and take a peak inside the steaming crater of Mt Vesuvius – the volcano that once destroyed it.
  • Explore the serene countryside, medieval architecture and glittering waters of the famed Amalfi Coast, passing through flourishing vineyards and olive groves.
  • Explore the caves of Capri’s Grotta Azzura (the Blue Grotto) and swim daily in the glittering waters of the Mediterranean. Then, spend every night falling asleep to the gentle rock of waves on board your group’s yacht. 
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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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Charms of Southeast USA (Base)
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Group Tour
Why we love them
Their travelers enjoy 24/7 travel expertise and dedicated service throughout the trips - everything is taken care of.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Themes

Cultural, Education / Learning, Small Ship Cruise

Trip dates & details
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Greece Sailing Adventure: Corfu to Kefalonia
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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
Full schedule

Visits

Corfu

Highlights

  • Begin your sailing adventure on one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea – the island of Corfu, filled with gorgeous Venetian architecture and boasting an azure sea.
  • Spend your nights on a sailing boat and fall asleep to the relaxing undulation of the waves below. Watch sunset every night from a nearby beach and wake up early to catch sunrise on the deck.
  • Explore the finest beaches in the Greek Islands at sister islands Paxos and Antipaxos, swimming in translucent waters and walking along pure white sand.
  • Take a dip near private islands seldom seen, like Skorpios – once home to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – and Atokos – uninhabited except by a few wandering goats.
  • Explore the seaside villages, hospitable locals, glittering bays, lush verdant hills and warm tavernas of Meganisi, Kastos, Kalamos and Ithaca – all at the desired pace of your group and friendly skipper.
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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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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
Sardinia & Corsica Sailing Adventure
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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

Porto

Highlights

  • Swim in the crystal-clear waters of the Tyrrhenian Sea and take the opportunity to go snorkelling among colourful fish and marine wildlife at each destination.
  • Explore the ancient citadel of fortified Bonifacio in Corsica, as well as the many medieval houses, chic bars, historic buildings and bustling Old Town.
  • Delight in the wildlife in beautiful Caprera, like the wild goats that roam freely. Look out for the varied birdlife on the island, too – declared a natural reserve for the seabirds that live here.
  • If you choose, cycle around the lively city of Maddalena, a town in the archipelago of the same name that boasts many cafes, bars, restaurants and shops perfect for exploring on foot or wheel.
  • Watch the sunset each night from a local, white-sanded beach or rise nice and early each morning to watch the sunrise on the deck of your group’s yacht – this setting couldn’t be more perfect for some rest and relaxation.
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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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Svalbard Explorer: Best of High Arctic Norway in Depth
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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
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Very Easy

Visits

Longyearbyen, Spitsbergen, Svalbard

Highlights

  • Take a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to the Arctic aboard the Ocean Explorer and experience the unique 24-hour of sunlight of a Northern summer.
  • Discover some incredible landscapes on Spitsbergen, from the northernmost city of Longyearbyen and the brilliantly blue 14th of July Glacier to the breathtaking fjords and mountain cliffs of the sea.
  • Scour sheets of ice in search of the elusive polar bear – the ruler of the Arctic – with your expert Expedition Team by your side giving you the best tips and opportunities.
  • With endless daylight, there will be endless wildlife-viewing opportunities – elusive Arctic foxes, breaching whales, lounging masses of walruses and colonies of seabirds dot the cliffs of Alkefjellet.
  • Choose to get even closer to this amazing environment with optional activities like hiking and gliding along pristine waters between icebergs in a sea kayak.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, 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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Greece Sailing Adventure: Kefalonia to Corfu
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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

Visits

Corfu

Highlights

  • Begin your sailing adventure on the biggest and one of the most beautiful islands in the Ionian Sea – Kefalonia, famous for its delicious wine, sheer white cliff faces and world-famous beaches.    
  • Spend your nights on a sailing boat and fall asleep to the relaxing undulation of the waves below. Watch sunset every night from a nearby beach and wake up early to catch sunrise on the deck.    
  • Explore the finest beaches in the Greek Islands at sister islands Paxos and Antipaxos, swimming in translucent waters and walking along pure white sand.   
  • Take a dip near private islands seldom seen, like Skorpios – once home to Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis – and Atokos – uninhabited except by a few wandering goats.  
  • Explore the seaside villages, hospitable locals, glittering bays, lush verdant hills and warm tavernas of Meganisi, Kastos, Kalamos and Ithaca – all at the desired pace of your group and friendly skipper.
Show more

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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

More

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Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness (Ocean Endeavour)
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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
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Antarctica awakens after the harsh winter and extensive snow cloaks the continent in a pristine whiteness. Admire breathtaking scenery such as icebergs and glaciated mountains.
  • Penguin populations in the rookeries are thriving and the birds are busy nest-building and courting. Albatross, fulmars and petrels fly the Drake Passage and blue-eyed shags reappear in Antarctica.
  • This is an incredible time for photographers – the lengthening days are concluded with fantastic evening light, noctilucent clouds and beautiful rose-coloured sunsets.
  • Experience daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings, and take advantage of a range of paid adventure options during your voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
  • Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology and participate in our citizen science program, all led by our expert expedition team.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, 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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Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica: Explorers and Kings
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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
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Georgia

Highlights

  • Wander the British town of Stanley in the Falklands (Islas Malvinas) and explore the island farmsteads that teem with nesting seabirds – including many albatross and penguin species.
  • Explore the local famous sites, towering glaciers and abundant penguin colonies of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for whales!
  • Marvel at breathtaking polar scenery and witness the enormous king penguin colonies of South Georgia, where you’ll learn more about Sir Ernest Shackleton’s history and visit his grave.
  • See the magnificent surrounds a little closer on daily Zodiac excursions and personalise your trip with our wide range of paid adventures – including kayaking and day paddling.
  • Benefit from onboard educational lectures on history, geology and ecology, all by your expert onboard expedition team.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, 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
Save this trip to your favorites or other list

Health Safety +

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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

Write a Review

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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