The best expedition cruises deliver brag-worthy adventures without sacrificing elevated comfort on board, like well-appointed cabins, commendable food and maybe even a spa. The editorial team loves these sorts of small-ship cruises, and we’re always researching itineraries for ourselves. The following sailings are among our current favorites around the world. Rates are per person unless otherwise noted.

Patagonia

Antarctica21, known for its fly-and-sail Antarctica cruises, has added a cruise-only Patagonia adventure this year on the polar vessel Magellan Explorer, which hosts up to 96 passengers. The eight-night Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Sea Voyage will sail from Puerto Montt, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina, with two departures a season, in September and April, through spring 2027. Passing near soaring Andes mountains and some of the largest glaciers outside Antarctica, the ship will cruise through and around scenic fjords, channels and islets rich with marine animals. Zodiacs and kayaks enhance the wildlife-watching, as do the ship’s glass-enclosed observation lounge and the accessible bow ­— plus most cabins come with balconies. Cultural attractions include traditional Chilean architecture in the small village of Caleta Tortel, where wooden walkways made of Guaitecas cypress connect stilt houses lining the coast. Rates from $6,495.

Indonesia

From November to May 2026, Eyos Expeditions is offering weeklong charters in the extravagantly beautiful Raja Ampat archipelago (longer trips can be arranged). Cruise round-trip from Sorong on the Lamima, a classic wooden phinisi motor sailer that accommodates just 14 passengers in seven chic cabins, with tasteful Indonesian touches and luxurious en suites. Dive, snorkel, kayak or paddleboard in the pristine waters off Kawe Island, where colorful coral formations teem with fish. Climb one of the peaks in the Wayag Islands for jaw-dropping views of the stunning landscape, and rub elbows with locals while visiting an elementary school in the village of Tapokreng. Back on the ship, amenities include indoor and outdoor dining areas, a bar-lounge and a relaxation space for massages and other spa treatments. Rates from $27,000 per night.

Galápagos Islands

In March, National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions launched its newest expedition ship, National Geographic Gemini, formerly operated by Celebrity and recently christened after renovations. Suites and cabins come with balconies or ocean-facing windows, and the restaurant scores points with authentic regional dishes developed with Ecuadorian chefs. There’s also a lounge, spa and fitness center. Guests spend the first half of the 16-day itineraries aboard the 48-passenger, purpose-built vessel exploring Ecuador’s ecologically rich Galápagos Islands. One highlight is a hike over lava flows on pristine Fernandina Island to the archipelago’s largest colony of marine iguanas. And kayaking off the Santiago coast serves up spectacular views of the island’s dramatic basaltic landscape, where seals often lounge in seaside grottoes. The last eight days are spent on terra firma amid Peru’s awe-inspiring Inca ruins. In the Sacred Valley, visit the massive stone fortress of Ollantaytambo en route to the enigmatic ruins of Machu Picchu. Rates from $11,322.

Antarctica

Delve into the less-visited eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula with Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours. Its epic 25-day itinerary, Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast, on the 200-passenger Scenic Eclipse II, departs on December 13 from Queenstown, New Zealand, and ends in Hobart, Australia. The route mimics one taken in the early 1900s by Sir Douglas Mawson, the first explorer in the region. The sleek yacht’s helicopter and submersible assure unforgettable sightseeing both above and below the surface. In Commonwealth Bay, take a chopper flight to visit the historic Mawson’s Huts, used by the exploration team. In the waters off the Balleny Islands, take a Zodiac ride in hopes of seeing several species of whale and seal. The ship ranks among the plushest of expedition vessels, with its 100 elegant suites ranging in size from 344 to 2,099 square feet — all with butler service. It also offers multiple dining experiences and bars, a spa, a gym and outdoor vitality pools. Rates from $34,095.

Western Australia

In 2026, True North adventure cruises ventures into seldom-explored areas of Australia’s rugged Kimberley region. It will be worth the wait. The Australia-based company, no stranger to this untamed region, introduces its new 13-day Kimberley Untold cruise in June with two sailings from Kununurra to Broome aboard the 36-passenger True North and the 22-passenger True North II. Many of the stylish cabins come with large panoramic windows and dual-basin baths, and some on True North have king-size beds that can be converted to twins (True North II has queens or bunks). On both ships, 20-foot “adventure boats” (as opposed to rubber Zodiacs) make for comfortable excursions, and an onboard helicopter affords bird’s-eye views of the dramatic landscape, including soaring sandstone cliffs and river-carved gorges. Passengers can go on daring river rides to eye crocodiles and birdlife, see cascading waterfalls up close, tour a pearl farm, marvel at ancient rock art and fish for mangrove jack, fingermark bream and elusive barramundi. We say g’day to that. Rates from $14,434.

Note that the activities and excursions described above are subject to change, especially due to weather conditions. Contact our Travel Office for more information and to make a booking.