The Top 14 Luxury Expedition Cruises​ in 2026

Discover all the wonders of Antarctica aboard the Sylvia Earle. Named after the esteemed marine biologist, oceanographer and conservationist, this exceptional vessel can accommodate up to 130 passengers. Hop into one of its 15 Zodiac boats to head out into the wilderness – you can go kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, skiing or even camping on the ice.

The ship’s Citizen Science Center allows you to contribute directly to research efforts and data collection. And in November 2026, you can join a special 20-day expedition to follow in the footsteps of legendary explorer Ernest Shackleton.

If you want to experience the magic of an Antarctica cruise but don’t have much time, the Magellan Explorer is for you. It offers ‘air-cruises’ that allow you to fly directly to and/or from Antarctica (via stopovers in Patagonia). Expeditions can last anywhere from six to twenty days.

The Magellan Explorer boasts spacious cabins and suites with private balconies, a glass-enclosed lounge and an observation deck that’s ideal for wildlife spotting. There’s also a gym, sauna, library, stylish dining room and well-stocked bar on board.

Carrying just 16 guests, the Monique catamaran offers intimate adventure cruises through the heart of the Galapágos Islands. On board, you can admire the ocean views from the whirlpool or outdoor lounge with a drink, enjoy meals showcasing local ingredients, or chat with naturalist guides about the region’s biodiversity.

You’ll have lots of opportunities to immerse yourself in the distinct landscapes and wildlife of the Galapágos during your cruise. Walk across lava at Punta Espinoza to see the archipelago’s largest gathering of marine iguanas. Climb El Barranco to watch red-footed boobies wheel overhead. And visit the Fausto Llerena Breeding Center to meet the region’s iconic giant tortoises.

The Elite is among the best small ship expedition cruises in the Galápagos. Exquisitely modern and intimate with just a handful of suites, it promises a completely immersive and comfortable journey through the islands. Relax in the hot tub or loungers on the Sky Deck, enjoy a quiet drink in the bar, or take in the view from your private balcony. You can also chat to the onboard guides about the wildlife and landscapes of the islands.

The Elite is part of our Positive Impact Collection. It works with several different local organisations to support community development, gender equality, marine conservation and the protection of endangered species in the archipelago.

The MV Freya invites intrepid travellers to navigate the northernmost reaches of the globe on a spectacular small ship expedition cruise. The ship is specially designed for the harsh conditions of the Arctic environment; it was originally used for building lighthouses before being transformed into a luxury vessel for Arctic adventure cruises.

The MV Freya welcomes a maximum of 12 guests per journey. You can choose from routes around the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard, the shores of Greenland and the fjords of Scoresbysund, with possible sightings of native wildlife like polar bears, reindeer, narwhals and Arctic foxes.

Imagine making your way deep into the world’s largest tropical rainforest, reaching places that most travellers will never see. This is the privilege afforded by taking a northern Peruvian Amazon River cruise on a sumptuous ship like the Aqua Nera.

The Aqua Nera’s three- to seven-night itineraries between Iquitos and Nauta include twice-daily excursions to immerse yourself in this destination’s dazzling biodiversity, encounter rare animal species and visit local villages. Back on board you can enjoy the ship’s farm-to-table cuisine, cosy lounges and open-air plunge pool.

The Delfin I is one of the most exclusive luxury expedition cruise ships in the Amazon, with just four suites. This makes it a wonderful choice for a private journey with a close group of friends or family. Each suite has its own terrace and two of them boast a private hot tub as well.

The Delfin I offers three- and four-night trips from Iquitos to Nauta. You can reach Iquitos via a short flight from either Lima or Cusco, making it easy to incorporate your Amazon cruise into a larger tour of Peru.

Discover the shimmering coastline of Turkey aboard the Dolce Mare: a 36-metre (118-foot) luxury yacht that boasts six cabins and a full crew. You can charter it for your own private trip around the Turkish coastline, providing a different perspective on seaside locales like Bodrum and the rest of the Turquoise Coast.

Along the way you can stop at off-the-beaten-track beaches, go canoeing, windsurfing, water skiing or snorkelling, or even hop onto the yacht’s jet ski if you’re in the mood for some thrills.

Go island hopping in style on the Aquila. You can charter this classically elegant yacht for a fully bespoke adventure through the Greek Islands, from the glitz and glamour of Mykonos to the scenic cliffs of Santorini. It comfortably sleeps up to 12 guests, as well as a six-person crew who’ll provide a truly luxury experience.

The Aquila can be chartered in winter or summer. The warmer months are busy in Greece, but you can request a 10-metre chase boat for day trips, giving you easy access to remote coves for island excursions off the beaten path.

Immerse yourself in the biodiverse marine world of the Indian Ocean with a voyage on the Aqua Lares. The expedition yacht’s small size means it can chart a course through the turquoise waters of the Seychelles that larger vessels are unable to take. You’ll visit remote atolls, drift past palm-topped islets and snorkel in lagoons teeming with wildlife.

Itineraries range between five and fourteen nights. A one-to-one crew-to-guest ratio ensures personalised service, while naturalist guides bring the islands’ intricate ecosystems to life. Cabins are elegant and spacious, and you can enjoy panoramic views from the ship’s sundeck or Jacuzzi.

Boasting five decks and space for up to thirty guests, the Aqua Blu is an icon of luxury expedition cruising in east Indonesia. Once a British naval vessel, the ship offers itineraries from one to three weeks between Bali, Flores, Raja Ampat, West Papua, the Spice Islands and beyond.

When you’re not relaxing on the sun deck, soaking in the outdoor hot tub or sampling locally inspired cuisine, you can go scuba diving, snorkelling, kayaking, paddle boarding, hiking and exploring on the islands with local guides.

Spending your nights aboard an expedition cruise ship might not be the most common way to visit Western Australia, but that’s precisely what makes it so special. True North operates various adventure cruises in the Kimberley region, connecting the remote outposts of Kununurra and Wyndham with the beautiful beach town of Broome.

Your journey can include bush walks to thundering waterfalls, snorkelling and diving at Rowley Shoals, fishing in tranquil rivers or swimming in serene billabongs. Regardless of which itinerary you choose, you’ll be amazed by the breathtaking scenery.

Sail between the majestic islands of Indonesia on the Silolona, a gorgeous ship modelled after the archipelago’s traditional sailing vessels. You can glide through Komodo National Park, the glistening waters of Raja Ampat or the historical wonders of the Banda Islands – each itinerary is flexible.

The Silolona is among our top choices for an Indonesian yacht charter thanks in large part to its exceptional crew and team of trip leaders, dive instructors and skilled chefs who will go out of their way to make your journey unforgettable.

With so many incredible places to see and things to do, it can be hard to remember the value of slowing down – and that’s exactly why Lahé River Cruises exists. Offering a variety of journeys in northeastern India, Lahé (which means ‘slow’ in the local language) invites small groups of travellers aboard its private houseboats for one-of-a-kind adventures.

Depending on the route, you might spend your days spotting tigers in Kaziranga National Park, looking for one-horned rhinos in Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, meeting monks or learning about traditional crafts from local artisans.