Small Intimate Voyages – Expedition, Explorer & Yacht Ships, 8 to 265 Cabins!

These Small & Intimate Expedition or Yacht type vessels offer a private, exclusive ambiance, along with personalized service and the advantage of being able to port almost anywhere. Passengers get a feel for the water and experience destinations in a very up-close and personal way.

Ships sizes range from very small vessels and luxury yachts whose passengers number in mere dozens. Knowing the differences is key to planning your best cruise vacation.

A beautiful example is Silversea’s 100-guest all-suite, all balcony Silver Origin, the luxury line’s first destination-specific ship.

Cover photo: Quark Expeditions Ultramarine’s Water-level Zodiac Hangar — An internal Zodiac hangar quickly and safely deploys Ultramarine’s twenty Zodiacs, allowing for more spontaneous off-ship adventures and more intimate wildlife engagement. This unique design allows guests to get off the ship in half the time of other vessels. Courtesy, Quark Expeditions

Here are small ships in the Expedition, New Generation Explorer and Expedition Yacht categories, with guest capacity from 16 to 265: