Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tours & Trips 2020
1,154 trips to Small Ship & Expedition Cruises tours from 246 tour companies. 3,106 reviews. 4.5/5 avg rating.
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DEPARTURE DATES
Style
Style
Small Group Tour Small groups are usually defined as between 10 and 24 travelers, often less. If you're the kind of person who enjoys more intimate experiences and personal service this is a good choice. All else being equal you will pay a premium for this style vs a larger group tour.
Private Guided Private tours give you the undivided attention of a guide, and often involve special access to sites and unique experiences not available to larger groups. This is a great option for families, couples, and small friend groups. Expect to pay a bit more for the extra service.
Self Guided Tour A travel company plans your itinerary and arranges all the logistics including lodging, local activities, and transportantion. You have the flexibility of a solo trip while still getting the convience and time savings of expert planning. Get 90% of the benefits of a tour, without a guide.
Group Tour Groups are between 25-60 people, typically ~30-40. Usually there will be many opportunities to split off and enjoy meals and excursions in smaller groups. This is the most economical way to travel, saving up to 40% versus booking the same itinerary yourself.
River Cruise These vessels are smaller than most ocean cruisers, limiting which amenties are available. Passenger counts can vary. One of the biggest advantages of a river cruise is the ability to dock at smaller ports and local villages.
Small Ship Cruise Small ship cruises usually have a max passenger count of 500. The primary purpose of these trips is to spend time off the vessel in local ports (e.g. Mediterranean) or experiencing nature (e.g Galapagos or Antarctica). Cabins can vary from budget to luxury.
Large Ship Cruise This is the "floating city" experience, with multiple ways to enjoy your vacation aboard the ship as much as on land. Ships are multiple floors, provide several activities, culinary, and shopping options. They often make fewer stops and have less time available for shore excursions.
Retreats Similar to a self guided tour but staying in one location only with activities and day outings included as a part of the stay.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Travelers Age
Lodging Level
Lodging Level
Camping Typically involves most nights sleeping in tents (sometimes permanent tented sites) or in rustic cabins and lodges.
Basic - 2 star You'll stay in no-frills, but clean and comfortable, hotels or guesthouses. A 'Basic' trip might also involve a few nights of camping.
Value - 3 star Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Premium - 4 star 3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Luxury - 5 star The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Physical Level
Physical Level
Very Easy Minimal walking - motor vehicles available for all major parts of trip.
Easy Normal generally flat walking in urban or suburban environments.
Moderate Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Strenuous All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Extreme Very challenging all day hiking and backpacking carrying significant equipment.
Theme
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
Travel Style
Travel Style
Relaxed A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full on For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Mixed You will have solid amounts of both free time and structured time with some activities and meals included.
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Solo Friendly
Solo Friendly
Good for Singles Trips that specifically cater to travelers looking to meet other singles.
No Single Supplement Trips where single supplement is usually not required for solo travelers.
Supplier (Company)
Countries Visited
Continents Visited
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Stride Gives Back Stride Gives Back This trip visits a destination impacted by climate change. When you opt in to the Travelstride Gives Back program, we will donate 10% of our net revenue to organizations that help mitigate climate change in these destinations and across the globe. Learn more
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Aegean Escape
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 344 / day
$ 2,749
From :
$ 3,711
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Regular walking or cycling over moderately long, hilly, or bumpy distances. Some public transport or utility vehicles such as safari jeeps.
2- Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Athens Sightseeing Tour (with Acropolis)
- Ancient Ephesus Through the Ages
- Medieval Tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights
Athens, Greece
Greece & Egypt: Adventure through Early Civil ...
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
12 days
$ 331 / day
$ 3,975
From :
$ 5,366
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Regular walking or cycling over moderately long, hilly, or bumpy distances. Some public transport or utility vehicles such as safari jeeps.
2- Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Athens Morning Sightseeing Tour with Acropolis (8:45am)
- Visit to the Archaeological Site of Delphi
- Visit to Meteora
- Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)
- Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
- Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)
- Cairo Sightseeing Tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)
Athens, Cairo, Egypt, Greece
Highlights of the Rhine & Main
8 days
Check price
Travel Style :
For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Full on
Physical Level :
Regular walking or cycling over moderately long, hilly, or bumpy distances. Some public transport or utility vehicles such as safari jeeps.
2- Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Visit Amsterdam
- Visit Zaanse Schans
- Visit Siegfried’s Mechanical Musical
Amsterdam, Bamberg, Koblenz, Munich, Nuremberg, Netherlands
Alaska Prospector
11 days
$ 509 / day
$ 5,599
From :
$ 7,559
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
For those looking to maximize their sight seeing time. You thrive on a packed day’s schedule from 8 am to 6pm, with some (but limited) free time. Most activities and meals included.
Full on
Physical Level :
Regular walking or cycling over moderately long, hilly, or bumpy distances. Some public transport or utility vehicles such as safari jeeps.
2- Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Scenic drive along Turnagain Arm
- Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center
- Alyeska’s Aerial Tram
- Begich Boggs Visitor Center in Portage
- Glacier & Wildlife Cruise on Prince William Sound
- Denali National Park Tundra Wilderness Tour
- The Anchorage Museum
- Alaska Native Heritage Center
Alaska, Anchorage, Chugach Mountains, Denali National Park, Valdez, United States
In Love in Paris
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
5 days
$ 341 / day
$ 1,706
From :
$ 2,303
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Full day hiking or trekking over medium to long distances. Moderate expectation of physical fitness.
3- Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Want to stay longer? You can extend this trip up to a total of 7 days!
- Private Paris Illumination Tour with Champagne
- Pure Chocolate Tour
- Skip-the-Line Guided Tour of Versailles Palace and Gardens (Half-Day Morning Tour)
Paris, France
Sail Italy: Procida to Amalfi
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4 days
$ 249 / day
$ 1,039
From :
$ 1,119
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Full day hiking or trekking over medium to long distances. Moderate expectation of physical fitness.
3- Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Among the pastel-hued houses of tranquil Procida, you’ll really feel like you’ve wandered off the beaten track
- Visit the ancient Roman town of Pompeii, which emerged from the ashes after thousands of years, and take a peak inside the steaming crater of the volcano that destroyed it
- Stroll through the flourishing countryside of the Amalfi Coast and pick olives straight from the tree
- This region is a haven for seafood, views and relaxation. With the free time that's afforded on this trip, you're able to explore the coast's famous cuisine, find the ideal picture-postcard views and float along at your own leisure
- The stunning landscape of the Sorrentine Peninsula is a picturesque blend of coastlines, volcanoes and distinctive islands
Amalfi Coast, Naples, Sorrento, Italy
Buenos Aires, Calafate & Bariloche
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
9 days
$ 570 / day
$ 5,129
From :
$ 6,924
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Regular walking or cycling over moderately long, hilly, or bumpy distances. Some public transport or utility vehicles such as safari jeeps.
2- Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Ice Rivers Navigation Tour Express (8 hours)
- Panoramic Bariloche City Tour (3.5 hours)
- Boat tour to the Victoria Island and the Arrayanes Forest (9h)
Bariloche, Buenos Aires, Los Glaciares National Park, Argentina
Aegean Escape with Santorini
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
10 days
$ 316 / day
$ 3,161
From :
$ 4,267
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Regular walking or cycling over moderately long, hilly, or bumpy distances. Some public transport or utility vehicles such as safari jeeps.
2- Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Athens Sightseeing Tour (with Acropolis)
- Ancient Ephesus Through the Ages
- Medieval Tour - Acropolis of Lindos and the Citadel of the Knights
Athens, Santorini, Greece
Explore Egypt: Cairo & Nile River Cruise
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 394 / day
$ 3,152
From :
$ 4,255
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Regular walking or cycling over moderately long, hilly, or bumpy distances. Some public transport or utility vehicles such as safari jeeps.
2- Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Cairo Sightseeing Tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)
- Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)
- Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
- Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)
Cairo, Egypt
Dubai & Egypt with Nile River Cruise
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
11 days
$ 345 / day
$ 3,794
From :
$ 5,122
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Regular walking or cycling over moderately long, hilly, or bumpy distances. Some public transport or utility vehicles such as safari jeeps.
2- Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Dubai City Tour (half day)
- Cairo Sightseeing Tour, including the Great Pyramids, Sphinx, Egyptian Museum & Khan El-Khalili Bazaar (full-day, with lunch)
- Guided tour of Karnak Temple and Temple of Luxor (half-day)
- Guided tour of the West Bank, including Valley of the Kings, Hatshepsut Temple, Colossi of Memnon
- Guided tour of The Temple of Horus (Edfu) and Kom Ombo Temple (Sobek)
Cairo, Egypt, United Arab Emirates
Cruising Hawaii's Paradise
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
11 days
$ 427 / day
$ 4,699
From :
$ 6,344
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Regular walking or cycling over moderately long, hilly, or bumpy distances. Some public transport or utility vehicles such as safari jeeps.
2- Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Visits:
United States
Cote D'Azur Sailing Adventure: Nice to Marseille
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 236 / day
$ 1,884
From :
$ 2,079
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Full day hiking or trekking over medium to long distances. Moderate expectation of physical fitness.
3- Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Live the life of a champagne jetsetter on a sparkling wine budget as you tour the islands and coastal towns of the famous Cote d’Azur, soaking up the relaxation and flexibility of life aboard a yacht
- Nice is the perfect place to kick off this French Riviera adventures – wander the Old Town and soak up the superb culture, and you’ll quickly be in holiday-mode
- Visit the Iles de Lerins and sip wine made by the monks who still call its ancient abbey home
- Swim, catch the sun and strut with the rich and famous in glitzy St-Tropez and historic Cannes. Then float back down to earth in the friendly seaside town of Bormes-les-Mimosas
- Explore the Iles d’Hyeres, often described as the jewel of the French Mediterranean. Cycle through fig orchards and ancient oak forests on Porquerolles and discover Port-Cros’ picturesque beaches and some of the best snorkelling in France
Cannes, France
Croatia Sailing Adventure: Split to Dubrovnik
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 241 / day
$ 1,926
From :
$ 2,096
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Full day hiking or trekking over medium to long distances. Moderate expectation of physical fitness.
3- Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- 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
Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Split
Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 170 / day
$ 1,646
From :
$ 1,766
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Full day hiking or trekking over medium to long distances. Moderate expectation of physical fitness.
3- Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Spend your days island-hopping in the Cyclades, swimming in the clear waters of the Aegean and sleeping aboard a yacht
- The blue and white villages of Santorini may cling to the rim of an ancient volcano, but the only fire you’ll see is in the island’s magnificent sunsets
- In the sleepy fishing villages of the Small Cyclades islands, you’re more likely to break bread with a local than a tourist
- A taste of rural life on the large island of Navos is a mix of historic neighbourhoods and Kitron liqueur
- Stylish Mykonos is a place where Europe’s chic and beautiful come to play – offering an exclusive, boutique feel to the island
Akrotiri, Mykonos, Santorini, Greece
Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
8 days
$ 241 / day
$ 1,926
From :
$ 2,096
The strike-through price reflects either the high season trip price or the average price a traveler pays for a similar itinerary when the components are booked separately.
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Full day hiking or trekking over medium to long distances. Moderate expectation of physical fitness.
3- Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- 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
- Set sail out of beautiful Dubrovnik. The World Heritage-listed walled city plays host to film crews every year
- Wander the length of car-free Lopud in the idyllic Elafiti Islands
- Discover the lush forests of Mljet, which are yet to be spoilt by mainstream tourism.
- Visit Odysseus Cave where, according to legend, the king of Ithaca once found refuge after surviving a shipwreck
- Once ruled by the Roman, Ventian and Austro-Hungarian empires, Korcula is a quiet escape full of vineyards, olive groves and tranquil coves
- Cross the water from the island of Vis to Cave Bisevo’s blue grotto in a rowing boat
Croatia, Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Split
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Top Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Experiences and Attractions
Top Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Experiences
Savoring the tropical breezes and snorkeling opportunities while on a sailing cruise through the Caribbean or South Pacific.
Stopping at a quiet bay for a lobster bake while cruising the Maine coast on an historic windjammer.
Watching whales in Alaska for hours simply because you can
Sailing to Antarctica, following the route of the first explorers
Exploring the Turkish coast on a traditional gulet, the Kenyan coast on a traditional dhow, or the Vietnamese coast on a traditional junk
Sliding in and out of hard-to-reach cruise ports, like Split, Croatia, and Kotor, Montenegro
Taking an expedition-style cruise from Norway to Greenland via Iceland.
Indulging in the personalized, friendly service of a staff that gets to know you
Spreading out in more spacious rooms and a less formal atmosphere than some mega-ships
Following the path of Charles Darwin on a small ship cruise through the Galapagos Islands or the Beagle Channel in Patagonia.
<Kayaking and sailing along the coastline right from a small cruise ship’s watersports platform
Taking advantage of small cruise ships’ shallow draft to get closer to the cruise line for wildlife viewing
Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Trip Reviews
3,106 Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tour Reviews - Summary 91% Recommend
All small ship & expedition cruises and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.5 for all Small Ship & Expedition Cruises trips.
1,154 trips from 246 tour companies with 3,106 reviews
More Small Ship & Ex... Guided Tours
