Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tours & Trips 2020
1,225 trips to Small Ship & Expedition Cruises tours from 246 tour companies. 3,114 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.
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DEPARTURE DATES
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.
Trip Type
Trip Type
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.
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.
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.
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 / Independent 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.
Vacation / Holiday Package Similar to a self guided tour, this usually involves a home base, such as a hotel or resort, with packaged activities and day tours as a part of the stay.
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.
Itinerary Focus
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.
Price
Duration Dropdown
Countries Visited
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.
Travel Theme
Travelers Age
Rivers & Seas Visitied
Attractions & Cities Visited
Activities & Interests
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)
Flight & Transport Inclusions
Continents Visited
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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Galapagos at a Glance: Southern Islands (Grand Daphne)
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
6 days
$ 499 / day
$ 3,425
From :
$ 3,684
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.
Moderate
Lodging Level :
3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Comfort (4*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Pink flamingos, red-throated frigates and blue-footed boobies will have you craning your neck, snapping photos and contemplating a career in ornithology.
- Snorkel through the underwater wonderland of Devil’s Crown, the formerly volcanic crater that is now home to turtles, rays and sharks.
- Have an up-close encounter with the lumbering gentle giant that is the Galapagos tortoise, both captive and in the wild.
- This 6-day tour is a short and sweet introduction to the famed archipelago, the perfect addition to any South American adventure.
- An itinerary that strikes the perfect balance between active adventure on land and relaxing evening on Le Grande Daphne, our brand-new motor yacht.
Galapagos, Isla Floreana, Quito, Darwin, Ecuador
The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
8 days
$ 1,021 / day
$ 8,170
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Some walking over short or flat distances. Some trips may include cycling options. Some are wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Some cruises.
Easy
Lodging Level :
The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Luxury (5*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Venture into the ancient Viking settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows, the only widely accepted site of trans-Atlantic Viking establishment and very early Norse exploration
- See WWII harbor defenses, and visit the only North American island that remains under French control, an outpost of its era as a colonial superpower
- Discover sweeping dunes, wind- and wave-carved cliffs, and sandstone hills in a wild land
- Explore the intriguing red cliffs and strange tabletop formations at Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site
Nova Scotia, Canada
Small Ship Cruise
This trip visits a destination that is significantly affected by climate change
Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North
10 days
$ 1,160 / day
$ 11,595
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Some walking over short or flat distances. Some trips may include cycling options. Some are wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Some cruises.
Easy
Lodging Level :
The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Luxury (5*)
Highlights
Visits:
- The excitement of a southbound Drake Passage crossing
- The speed and convenience of a northbound flight over the Drake Passage
- All the Antarctic Peninsula highlights
- Lecturers and specialists deliver presentations on geology and animal life
Antarctica, Argentina, Chile
Essence of the Elbe: Berlin to Prague
13 days
$ 161 / day
$ 2,095
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Some walking over short or flat distances. Some trips may include cycling options. Some are wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Some cruises.
Easy
Lodging Level :
3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Comfort (4*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Enjoy twelve days River Cruise vacation
- Insightful and informative port tour
- Land tours and shipboard programs
Berlin, Dresden, Meissen, Potsdam, Prague, Wittenberg, Czech Republic, Germany
Small Ship Cruise
This trip visits a destination that is significantly affected by climate change
Greenland to Svalbard expedition
13 days
$ 502 / day
$ 6,531
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Some walking over short or flat distances. Some trips may include cycling options. Some are wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Some cruises.
Easy
Lodging Level :
3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Comfort (4*)
Highlights
Visits:
- See a number of large fjord systems in Greenland and on Spitsbergen
- Visit Greenland, Jan Mayen, Iceland and Spitsbergen in the same journey
- See the wildlife in the Arctic
- Enjoy an expedition under the midnight sun
Svalbard, Greenland, Iceland
Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
10 days
$ 202 / day
$ 2,017
From :
$ 2,723
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.
Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- 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.
Mykonos, Santorini, Greece
Family Galapagos
Preferred
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
10 days
$ 920 / day
$ 9,195
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Some walking over short or flat distances. Some trips may include cycling options. Some are wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Some cruises.
Easy
Lodging Level :
The highest level of comfort and service. All accomodations are in four or five star hotels, boutique lodges or high-end homestays.
Luxury (5*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Cruise for seven nights aboard 'Xperience' - an expedition vessel that blends stability, comfort and flexibility - in the Galápagos Islands
- Experience some of the most intimate and up-close wildlife encounters in the world, both on land and in the water
- Discover the Galápagos Islands on twice-daily shore excursions that include nature walks limited to 12 guests for more interaction with your naturalist guide
- Choose from kayaking or snorkeling, depending on the location, or simply relax on deck or on shore
- Observe giant tortoises up close, in their natural habitats
- A Young Explorers Guide provides child-friendly programs and activities, such as wildlife photography, scavenger hunts, Spanish lessons and art-making
- Enjoy the convenience of earlier seating and kid-friendly menus at meal times
Galapagos, Guayaquil, Santa Cruz Island, Ecuador
Costa Rica and the Panama Canal
8 days
$ 749 / day
$ 5,990
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Some walking over short or flat distances. Some trips may include cycling options. Some are wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Some cruises.
Easy
Lodging Level :
3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Comfort (4*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Venture into remote wilderness: hike among monkeys, sloths, and tropical birds, and explore far from any inhabited places
- Transit the Panama Canal—a historical marvel of engineering
- Kayak cool azure waters where the rain forest meets the sea
- Explore idyllic islands; snorkel over a vibrant coral reef and take an expedition landing craft cruise through mangroves.
Coiba National Park, Manuel Antonio National Park, Panama City, Costa Rica, Panama
Small Ship Cruise
This trip visits a destination that is significantly affected by climate change
Antarctica Cruise
15 days
Check price
Travel Style :
A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Some walking over short or flat distances. Some trips may include cycling options. Some are wheelchair friendly (check for individual trips). Some cruises.
Easy
Lodging Level :
3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Comfort (4*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Breeching whales and barking seals
- The towering, icy cliffs of Lemaire Channel
- Spectacular Paradise Bay
- Hundreds of thousands of penguins
- Stunning icebergs
- Surprising, sophisticated Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires, Livingstone, Shetland Islands, Ushuaia, Argentina
Small Ship Cruise
This trip visits a destination that is significantly affected by climate change
Arctic Express: Greenland’s Northern Lights (Fl ...
13 days
$ 615 / day
$ 7,995
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.
Moderate
Lodging Level :
3 to 4 star western hotel equivalents. While not all lodging will be 'luxury' they will be quite comfortable by western standards.
Comfort (4*)
Highlights
Visits:
- View expansive Greenland landscapes and icescapes
- Explore the world’s longest and largest fjord system
- Hike through the arctic treasure of Greenland National Park, the world’s largest
- Possible whale, musk ox, and polar bear sightings
- Cruise in a Zodiac
- Inuit community visit
- Take advantage of optional kayak adventure opportunities
Reykjavík, Greenland, Iceland
Sail Italy: Procida to Amalfi
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
4 days
$ 246 / day
$ 985
From :
$ 1,330
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.
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
Naples, Sorrento, Amalfi Coast, Italy
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
$ 225 / day
$ 1,802
From :
$ 2,433
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.
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
$ 227 / day
$ 1,816
From :
$ 2,452
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.
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
$ 194 / day
$ 1,551
From :
$ 2,094
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.
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
Mykonos, Santorini, Akrotiri, 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
$ 227 / day
$ 1,816
From :
$ 2,452
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.
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, Dubrovnik, Split, Diocletian's Palace
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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
3,114 Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tour Reviews - Summary 92% Recommend
All small ship & expedition cruises and adventure trips. Find the best guided trips and expert planned vacation and holiday packages. Average rating of 4.6 for all Small Ship & Expedition Cruises trips.
1,225 trips from 246 tour companies with 3,114 reviews
More Small Ship & Ex... Guided Tours
