Small Ship Cruise Holidays

From the icy waters of the Arctic to the sun-kissed Marquesas Islands, our collection of small ship expedition cruises takes you pole to pole. Encounter penguins in Antarctica or humpback whales in Alaska’s Inside Passage; follow in the steps of intrepid explorers, visit First Nations villages on Canada’s Pacific coast or explore home shores on a nature cruise around the British Isles.

Small ship cruising is all about immersing yourself in your surroundings: a true exploration of remote areas, uncovering local cultures and encountering wildlife, learning as you go, and sharing the adventure with like-minded travellers in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Your ship is your base, providing tasty meals and a comfortable night’s sleep, but the main reason for choosing an expedition cruise is that exploration by boat is the best way to reach these wild places. The aim is to get off the ship as often as possible; whether that means pulling up at a deserted cove to hike through rainforest, visiting isolated inuit communities, or jumping into Zodiacs for closer encounters with whales and other marine wildlife.

Along the way you’ll have the chance to learn about the region’s natural and historic contexts, gaining a greater understanding and appreciation of some of the most special and fragile corners of our planet.

Our expedition voyages are all about unforgettable experiences. We use our firsthand expertise to help realise the dreams of ocean explorers. As leading specialists in small-ship cruises, we are constantly enhancing our programme of expedition voyages to the Arctic, Antarctica, Alaska and beyond.

We can advise you on where to go – whether it’s charting a course for the Great Barrier Reef or Greenland’s mighty fjords, island-hopping in the Galapagos, polar bear spotting in Svalbard or setting sail for Antarctica across the Drake Passage.

Timing is everything. Our Travel Specialists can help you pick the best months for anything from seeing penguin chicks to whale watching. They’ll also go the extra nautical mile to make it a once-in-a-lifetime holiday, perhaps by including a sea kayaking excursion or recommending a voyage that delves into Inuit or Polynesian culture.

They will take the time and care to help you navigate every detail – from your choice of ship, cabin and itinerary to international flights and pre- and post-cruise stopovers. It’s always important to book early to secure your place on the expedition voyage of your choice, as many fill fast and have limited availability.