Some of the most spectacular places in the world can only be reached by small ship, and we’re thrilled to offer you this collection of journeys aboard the finest ships with the most intriguing cruising itineraries. Small-ship travel offers major advantages for the avid traveler, from the intimate size of the vessels and the expertise of the on-board staff to the far-flung destinations themselves, which range from ice-draped polar coasts to remote Pacific atolls. These are real voyages for real travelers—perfect for Wilderness Travel’s style of adventuring.
When exploring the world by ship, smaller truly is better. Small expedition ships can travel to more remote and uncrowded ports and places that the larger ships can’t reach. You’ll spend less time queuing up on deck, and more time off the boat, savoring the places you came so far to see. We have hand-selected each and every cruise company for our collection, and while these voyages are not operated by or exclusive to Wilderness Travel, participating in these cruises counts toward your Toucan Club discounts.
Small ships range quite a bit in style, cabin size, and amenities, from a 24-guest vessel in the Amazon to a 120-guest ice-strengthened expedition ship that plies polar waters. Some are luxury cruises designed for ultimate relaxation as you navigate from one port to the next, with elegant cabins, decks for lounging, and 24-hour service from the cruise staff. Other cruises offer a casual style and operate as a comfortable base, with your choice of explorations throughout your cruise, giving you the freedom to join daily excursions based on your interests. All ships offer twin or double cabins with en suite facilities.
This was the best trip we have ever been on. Superb accommodations, wonderful food, and a super staff at all levels. The naturalists were awesome for their knowledge, congeniality, and ability to find critters.
Each cruise program varies, but most offer wonderfully active days. On our unique expedition cruises, Zodiacs zip you to shore for exciting visits to nearby villages, and you’ll enjoy guided walks on history-filled streets, one-on-one encounters with the locals, or excursions to wildlife-rich areas of natural beauty. Optional sea kayaking and snorkeling opportunities abound on some warm-water voyages, offering memorable encounters with the wonders of underwater realms. On most of these adventures, you will also enjoy the great benefit of traveling in the company of gifted educators and naturalists. They enhance your experience every day during lectures, presentations, chats on deck, and on exciting shore excursions.
Where do we start to retell our adventure and odyssey? This experience was history, adventure, picture—perfect images every moment, cuisine extraordinary, service unequaled, nature and geology breathtaking.
Cruise the Danube River and visit world-famous Christmas Markets in Budapest, Vienna, Salzburg, Passau, Regensburg, and Nuremberg.
Cruise 3 epic destinations: Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and the Antarctica Peninsula. Witness penguins, icebergs, mountains, and spectacular wildlife.
Expedition cruise to the Norwegian Arctic island of Spitsbergen in search of boundless wildlife, including the mighty polar bear.
Cruise the Mediterranean coast of Turkey in a private traditional gulet (yacht). From Ephesus to Antalya with hikes to hidden ruins and seaside villages.
Cruise through dramatic gorges, past lush vineyards, and to traditional wine farms on Portugal’s Douro River. Visit Porto, Lamego and Spain’s Salamanca.
On an expedition cruise from Bali to Komodo, swim, snorkel, and dive the waters of Indonesia’s archipelago of islands. Wildlife includes Komodo dragons.
Join us on a cruise around Southern Greenland's coast; visit Inuit settlements, explore arctic wildlife, and see icebergs, glaciers, fjords, and more.
8-day cruise aboard the 32-guest Aria exploring Peru's Amazon River. Fish for piranha, visit riverside towns, discover the rainforest, and witness unique wildlife.
Cruise from England to Ireland and Scotland with stops to explore Isles of Scilly, the Giant Causeway, Outer Hebrides, and the Orkney Islands.
This was a wonderful experience with great wildlife and spectacular scenery.
The cruise was very well organized with all operations carried out very professionally.
Our first river cruise. Excellent, capable staff, great shore itineraries and guides!
We traveled to the Galapagos for a 15-day cruise among the islands aboard the three-masted schooner Mary Anne. Everything about the trip was amazing. Wilderness Travel coordinated and arranged all details, which were flawless. They were also helpful in arranging additional stay for us prior to the group arrangements. They were always available to answer questions. Truly excellent!
