Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tours & Travel Packages 2024/2025
883 trips to Small Ship & Expedition Cruises tours from 287 tour companies. 4,145 reviews. 4.6/5 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
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
No filters applied
Iceland Circumnavigation Cruise
By
Goway Travel
Premier
Has very high quality customer experiences and demonstrated commitment to responsible travel practices. read more
10 days
$ 367 / day
$ 3,669
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
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:
- Explore Reykjavik and Blue Lagoon
- Visit Snaefellnes Peninsula
- Explore Akureyri, Iceland's lovable second largest city
- visit fascinating Lake Myvatn region
Akureyri, Blue Lagoon, Gullfoss, Lake Myvatn, Reykjavík, Snaefellsnes Peninsula, Thingvellir National park, Iceland
Croatia & Adriatic Cruise
11 days
$ 202 / day
$ 2,219
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
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:
- Sail through Korcula is the supposed birthplace of the famed explorer Marco Polo
- Explore the ightseeing tour will take us through the historic Upper Town. See St. Mark’s Church, St. Catherine’s Church, the Cathedral
- Zadar’s historical center is a pedestrian zone, perfect to explore on foot.
- Enjoy the Walking tour of the historic inner city shows off the Roman Emperor Diocletian’s Palace, a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site.
- Cruise to Dubrovnik
Diocletian's Palace, Dubrovnik, Hvar Island, Plitvice Lakes National park, Split, Zagreb, Croatia
Sights of Scotland Tour
10 days
$ 120 / day
$ 1,199
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- See Edinburgh and tour Edinburgh Castle
- Witness the spectacular scenery of the Scottish Highlands
- Loch Ness and scenic cruise
- Included whiskey distillery tour & tasting
- Learn about the history and culture of the Scottish Clans
- Additional optional sightseeing opportunities
Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness, Loch Ness, The Isle of Skye, Scotland, United Kingdom
Jewels of the Rhine
8 days
$ 293 / day
$ 2,345
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
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:
- Explore 8 different cities, towns and villages with a guide during our included tours and shore excursions
- Visit the Black Forest region and visit the open air Vogtsbauernhof Museum which showcases life in medieval times
- Visit Mannheim one of Germany's oldest cities largely destroyed during WWII
- Explore the medieval town of Rüdesheim and take a cable car to the Germania Monument
- Cruise the majestic Rhine Gorge including the Lorelei Statue and 21 medieval castles
- Visit the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz which overlooks the Rhine Valley
- Tour of Cologne’s Old Town finishing at the Cologne Cathedral
- Take an orientation walk through Amsterdam including Dam Square and the Flower Markets
Amsterdam, Heidelberg, Zurich, France, Germany, Netherlands, Switzerland
Grand River Cruise and Tour April
26 days
$ 338 / day
$ 8,798
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Explore Highlights in seven European countries
- Glide along the scenic Rhine Valley and enjoy the views of the many castles along the way
- Visit many of the ‘must see’ cities of Europe in one trip: Munich, Berlin, Dresden, Amsterdam, Prague, Budapest, Vienna and more
- See two of the King Ludwig fairytale castles
Amsterdam, Basel, Berlin, Budapest, Heidelberg, Munich, Potsdam, Prague, Strasbourg, Vienna, Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland
Austrian Christmas Markets & MSC Seaside Maid ...
26 days
$ 154 / day
$ 3,998
Travel Style :
Array
Mixed
Physical Level :
All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Get into the Christmas spirit visiting three of Austria's most beautiful Christmas Markets
- Visit four European countries and three Caribbean Islands on this Caribbean and Mediterranean cruise combination
- Cross the Atlantic Ocean aboard the world's newest cruise ship with great onboard amenities
Barcelona, Cádiz, Miami, Salzburg, San Juan Islands, Venice, Vienna, Austria, Italy, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain
All Inclusive Colors of Cuba Cruise
10 days
$ 400 / day
$ 3,998
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- 2-nights at an all-inclusive beach resort in Montego Bay, Jamaica
- 7-night cruise visiting 4 ports in Cuba
- Visit the historical cities of Cienfuegos, Havana, and Santiago de Cuba
- Full-time People-to-People Program of on-board activities and included shore excursions
- Learn about and experience Cuba's culture, history, cuisine, nature, music, dance and the people
- Enjoy the pristine beach of Punta Frances on the "Isle of Youth"
Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba, Jamaica
Antarctica Cruise
15 days
Check price
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
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
Best of Hawaii Four Island Tour
13 days
$ 115 / day
$ 1,499
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
Easy
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Tour the USS Arizona Memorial and visitor center at Pearl Harbor
- Stroll the world-famous Waikiki Beach
- Witness the mystical Fern Grotto on a Wailua Riverboat cruise
- See natural wonders including the Black Sand Beach and Opaekaa Falls
- Visit Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park
- See Thurston's Lava Tube
Hawaii, United States
Land of The Pharaohs
9 days
$ 277 / day
$ 2,495
From :
$ 3,069
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 :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
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:
- Explore the ancient marvels in this astounding city; the pyramids, Sphinx, Cairo Museum, Citadel, Mosque and Khan el Khalili Bazaar
- Discover the fabulous Temples at Luxor and Karnak
- Explore the ruins at Kom Ombo, Edfu, including the temple dedicated to the crocodile god, Sobek
- Visit fascinating Unfinished Obelisk and High Dam
Cairo, Luxor Temple, Temple of Karnak, Valley of the Kings, Egypt
Amazon Riverboat & Rainforest Lodge
7 days
$ 507 / day
$ 3,548
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Moderate
Lodging Level :
Mid-range budget with accommodations ranging from comfortable lodges, guesthouses, and homestays to three star hotels.
Value (3*)
Highlights
Visits:
- Enjoy a close-up view of life in the canopy.
- See the plants and bright flowers attracting gorgeous birds and other creatures.
- Head out onto the Amazon River to Monkey Island
- See the Amazon River, rainforest, small villages, and narrow tributaries
- See the marsh birds green ibis and yellow-headed caracaras
- See the animal carvings, decorative blowguns, and a variety of necklaces, jewelry fashioned.
Lima, Peru
Highlights of the Rhine & Main
8 days
Check price
Travel Style :
Array
Full on
Physical Level :
Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
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
Cuba Voyage
10 days
$ 490 / day
$ 4,899
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
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:
- Visit the Guanahacabibes National Park
- Enjoy a walking tour of Cienfuegos’ city center, the historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Visit the Government Palace (City Hall), San Lorenzo School, the Bishopric, Ferrer Palace and the former lyceum
- See the limestone, boasts white-sand beaches, Mangrove and salt pans
- Enjoy the Pinar Del Rio to the famed Viñales Valley.
Miami, Cuba
Cultures of Cuba Cruise
9 days
$ 267 / day
$ 2,399
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
Walking or physical activity half to most of day - no carrying equipment.
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:
- Many People-to-People interactions, onboard and ashore, which will immerse us in the culture and history of Cuba and its people
- Authentic, home-cooked lunches at local Paladars in Cuba (family-owned, in-home restaurants), where you meet the family
- Multiple lectures and interactive discussions on the people and history of Cuba
- Meet with local farmers who grow organic plants and herbs and learn their traditional ways
- Enjoy a performance by the Cienfuegos Choir
- Spend time with locals in Cojimar to learn about Ernest Hemingway’s association with the town and his fishing exploits
Havana, Santiago de Cuba, Cuba
Best of China
13 days
$ 420 / day
$ 5,455
Travel Style :
Array
Relaxed
Physical Level :
All or most of day hiking or biking, hills included.
Moderate
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:
- Dine At The Great Wall: Be the envy of your friends with a private chef-prepared buffet lunch on a quiet stretch of the Great Wall of China
- Summer Palace Cruise: Glide across Kunming Lake aboard a traditional vessel to admire the gardens and ancient pavilions of the Summer Palace
- See The Terracotta Warriors: Descend into dark excavation pits to glimpse the life-sized clay soldiers of the ancient Terracotta Army in Xi'an
Beijing, Great Wall of China, Shanghai, Three Gorges Dam, Xian, China
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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
4,145 Small Ship & Expedition Cruises Tour Reviews - Summary 93% 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.
883 trips from 287 tour companies with 4,145 reviews
More Small Ship & Ex... Guided Tours
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