Small Ship & River Cruises

Not all cruises are created equal.

If you’ve ever pictured crowded buffet lines, enormous ships, and packed pool decks, it may be time to think differently about cruising.

I specialize in small ship cruises, expedition voyages, and river cruises that put the destination at the center of the experience. These are cruises designed for travelers who value exceptional service, distinctive itineraries, great food, and the opportunity to experience a place rather than simply pass through it.

From European river cruises through historic cities and storybook villages to intimate ocean voyages in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, and beyond, I’ll help you find the cruise that fits the way you actually like to travel.

I work with a carefully selected collection of cruise lines, including small ship, expedition, luxury ocean, and river cruise brands. Each offers something different, and choosing the right one matters.

Small Ship & Expedition Cruises

Small ship cruising offers a very different way to see the world.
With fewer guests onboard, these voyages tend to offer a more relaxed atmosphere, distinctive itineraries, and access to ports and destinations that larger ships often can’t reach. Depending on the cruise line, you might explore the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, Alaska, the Arctic, or the Galápagos.
Small ship and expedition cruises are particularly well suited to travelers who want destination-focused travel, exceptional dining, interesting excursions, and a more intimate experience onboard—without the crowds and mega-ship atmosphere.

Cruise Lines I Recommend

Explora Journeys

Contemporary luxury ocean travel with spacious suites, excellent dining, and a strong emphasis on the destination.

Silversea

Intimate luxury cruising with an extensive range of global itineraries and expedition voyages.

Oceania Cruises

A destination-focused cruise experience known for its culinary program, smaller ships, and immersive itineraries.

Atlas Ocean Voyages

Small ship cruising with an emphasis on exploration, enrichment, and less-traveled destinations.

Viking

Ocean and expedition journeys designed around destination immersion, cultural exploration, and a relaxed onboard experience.

Azamara

Intimate ships and destination immersion, including longer stays and more time in port.

River Cruises

River cruising brings you directly into the heart of a destination.


Sail past vineyards, castles, historic cities, and charming villages while unpacking just once. Days are spent exploring on shore—often with included excursions and plenty of opportunities to experience local food, history, art, and culture—before returning to your floating boutique hotel.
European river cruises are particularly appealing for travelers who want to see multiple destinations without constantly changing hotels or dealing with airports, trains, and rental cars. The Rhine, Danube, Rhône, Seine, Douro, and other European waterways open the door to some of the continent’s most fascinating cities and regions.
River cruising isn’t completely one-size-fits-all, either. The experience can vary significantly depending on the ship, itinerary, included excursions, pace, and overall style of the cruise line.

River Cruise Lines I Recommend

AmaWaterways

A strong choice for travelers looking for immersive European river itineraries, excellent dining, and a welcoming onboard experience.

Tauck

Premium river journeys with highly curated experiences, excellent included excursions, and a strong emphasis on service.

Riviera Travel

European river cruises with a strong emphasis on sightseeing, included excursions, and value.

Riverside Luxury Cruises

A newer luxury option focused on spacious ships, personalized service, and an elevated river cruise experience.

Viking

Known for destination-focused river cruising through Europe and beyond, with an emphasis on cultural exploration.

Avalon Waterways

Known for its distinctive Panorama Suites, relaxed atmosphere, and extensive selection of European river itineraries.

Which Cruise Is Right for You?

The best cruise isn’t necessarily the most expensive one or the one with the longest list of amenities. It’s the one that matches how you want to travel.

Do you want a small ship with fewer guests? A luxury ocean voyage? An expedition to somewhere remote? A European river cruise where the destination is right outside your door?

That’s where I come in.

As a cruise travel advisor, I can help you compare cruise lines, ships, itineraries, cabins, excursions, and inclusions—and narrow down the options based on your travel style, interests, and budget.

Whether you’re planning your first river cruise, looking for a small ship alternative to mainstream cruising, or ready to explore Europe from the water, I’ll help you find the right fit.

Ready to find your next cruise?

Let’s talk about where you want to go—and how you want to experience it.

Let’s Chat