Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tours & Trips 2020
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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
Flexible schedule A lot of free time, with very few inclusions. Ideal for independent and/or low-key travelers and cruisers.
Full schedule 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.
Balanced schedule 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
Best of Antarctica (Ocean Endeavour)

- Customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities on top of regular Zodiac excursions. Explore the water by kayak, sign up for a photography masterclass, rejuvenate with some onboard yoga and a massage, take a refreshing polar plunge or camp overnight like a true polar explorer.
- Whereas most polar expeditions of this kind have a crew-to-passenger ratio of ten, fifteen or twenty to one, Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an expedition crew member for every 8 passengers for a greater personal touch.
- Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages between them. They’re experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history, and they’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey during a comprehensive lecture program.
- Rest assured that footprints are all you’ll leave behind. Your Antarctica expedition is carbon offset, and we serve only sustainably sourced seafood, avoid single-use plastics and use biodegradable and phosphate-free cleaning products.
The Beautiful Blue Danube

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- Tour the major capital cities along the Danube
- Bask in the idyllic landscapes of the Wachau Valley
- EXCURSIONS INCLUDED:
- Imperial Vienna and the Schoenbrunn Palace
- Budapest, 2000 years of history
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Odyssey ...

- Travel with experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history. They’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey during a comprehensive lecture program.
- With optional adventures including ice camping and kayaking, and rare touches of five-star luxury thanks to an onboard spa and wellness centre, this is as good as Antarctic expedition travel gets.
- Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have one expedition crew member for every eight passengers for a greater personal touch.
- Rest assured that footprints are all you’ll leave behind. Your Antarctica expedition is carbon offset, serves sustainably sourced seafood and avoids single-use plastics.
The Loire Valley, a Royal legacy

CRUISE HIGHLIGHTS
- Cruise on board a paddle steamer
- EXCLUSIVE TO CROISIEUROPE the Loire from above(1)
- EXCURSIONS INCLUDED
- Full-day excursion to the castles of the Loire Valley: guided tours of the castles of Ussé, Azay-le-Rideau and the gardens of Villandry
- Wine-tasting in the cellars of the Brissac castle(3)
- Secret courtyards and covered passageways in Nantes
- The Saint-Nazaire shipyard, embodiment of French pride
- The wine route of the Muscadet through the vineyards of the Nantes region
The Danube from the Black Sea to Budapest with 2 ...

- Welcome to Bucharest
- Visit Peles Castle
- Guided tour of Brasov; guided visit of Dracula's Bran Castle
- Guided sightseeing in Bucharest; transfer to ship; onboard welcome reception
- Excursion to Danube Delta; km 0 celebration
- Guided sightseeing, visit the National History and Archaeological Museum in Constanta
- Choice of full-day excursion, visit to Tsarevet's Fortress in Veliko Târnovo and to the Ethnographic Museum and the Church of the Nativity in Arbanassi, or a guided sightseeing of Rousse, or a walk in the park with your Adventure Host
- Choice of guided sightseeing to Vidin's fortress, see the rock formations in Belogradchik or bike with your Adventure Host
- Cruise through the Iron Gates Gorge; choice of visit Lepenski Vir archaeological site or bike with your Adventure Host; visit to Golubač fortress
- Choice of guided sightseeing or walk with your Adventure Host; onboard lecture
- Choice of Novi Sad guided tour or walk with your Adventure Host; Ilok guided tour
- Choice of guided tour and organ concert in Pécs or sightseeing in Mohács, visit St. Nicolas watermill
- Sail from the Danube Delta of the Black Sea to Hungary’s capital of Budapest to experience river views like no other
- Begin your Danube River vacation your way before your cruise with an overnight stay and sightseeing in Bucharest
Sail Italy: Procida to Amalfi

- 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
Croatia Sailing Adventure: Split to Dubrovnik

- 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
Sail Greece: Santorini to Mykonos

- 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
Croatia Sailing Adventure: Dubrovnik to Split

- 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
Greece Sailing Adventure: Cyclades Islands

- 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.
Sail Italy: Amalfi to Procida

- Step back in time among the olive groves, ancient villages and medieval architecture of Amalfi. This town retains a rustic charm, and you’ll have plenty of time to explore before you set sail.
- Explore the caves of Capri’s Grotta Azzura (Blue Grotto) and swim in the clear blue waters of the Mediterranean as you while away the day on board your small yacht.
- If it was good enough to be the holiday destination of Roman emperors, the idyllic city of Capri is good enough for anyone. Let the isle’s history captivate you as you spend the day exploring with your small group.
- With its pastel buildings and tranquil marina, mooring in the town of Procida is an ideal place to relax by the sea with an apertif or explore on foot.
- What to do when you’re not sailing or exploring, you ask? Eating, of course. With delicious regional cuisine and some freshly caught seafood hauled in locally each day, you definitely won’t go hungry.
Phuket Sailing Adventure

- Leave behind the vibrant, modern pizzazz of Phuket and set sail on the beautifully calm waters of the Andaman Sea
- There are few things more relaxing than sleeping out beneath the stars, rocked by the gentle pitch of a yacht
- Slip into the indulgent beach-loving life with walks on the finest white sand, and swims and snorkels in the inviting azure waters of Thailand’s best beaches
- Feast on delicious food with no effort at all, with the on-board chef whipping up Thai favourites
- Just relax: the biggest decision of the day is whether to paddleboard or kayak
Introduction to Spitsbergen

- Uncover the incredible landscape of Spitsbergen, from the quirky northernmost city of Longyearbyen and brilliantly blue glaciers like the ‘14th July Glacier’, to stunning fjords and towering mountains and cliffs
- Experience the unique and memorable sensation of 24 hours of sunlight
- Scour sheets of ice and hopefully be rewarded with unforgettable sightings of the ruler of the Arctic – the Polar Bear
- With endless daylight there are also endless wildlife-viewing opportunities – elusive Arctic foxes, breaching whales, lounging masses of walruses, and enchanting seabirds dotted along the cliffs of Alkefjellet
- Choose to get even closer to this amazing environment with optional activities like snowshoeing, hiking, and gliding along pristine waters between icebergs in a sea kayak
Galapagos at a Glance: Southern Islands (Grand Daphne)

- 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.
Spitsbergen Highlights

- Get the best of an epic Arctic voyage in just a week, crossing the 80th parallel on a cruise around the northwest of Spitsbergen to spot polar bears, glaciers and walk the arctic tundra.
- Take advantage of 24 hours of daylight to encounter iconic arctic wildlife like polar bears, walrus and reindeer.
- Board Zodiacs to cruise up to towering glaciers and glistening icebergs and make landings on the surprisingly colourful tundra.
- Glide silently on the waters of the arctic in a kayak, surrounded by icebergs and glaciers.
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Top Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Attractions & Experiences
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
Top Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Attractions
3,554 Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tour Reviews - Summary 92% Recommend
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