small ship & expedition cruises
Go Where Big Ships Can’t. Travel Deeper. Travel Better.
We specialize in small ship and expedition cruises—carefully chosen for travelers who prefer meaningful experiences over mega-ship crowds.
From polar adventures and remote island hopping to cultural deep dives and soft adventure cruising, we work with a trusted portfolio of cruise lines that reflect your travel values: small-group exploration, sustainability, comfort, and a touch of adventure.
Vibe: Stylish, wellness-forward yacht expeditions (max 200 guests)
Destinations: Mediterranean, South America, Antarctica, Iceland, Greenland
Best For: Independent travelers, relaxed luxury
Why We Love Atlas: Silent sailing, sustainability tech, excellent value for luxury
Vibe: Eco-conscious, educational, soft adventure
Destinations: Antarctica, Australia, Patagonia, Iceland, Greenland
Best For: Long expeditions (12–24 days), sustainability-focused travelers
Why We Love Aurora: X-Bow design for smoother sailing, trekking add-ons
Vibe: Casual, comfortable, locally owned
Destinations: Australia, New Zealand, Indian Ocean
Best For: Wildlife, culture, and no “sea days”
Why We Love Coral: Daily shore excursions, small group feel & & unique itineraries
Vibe: Norwegian heritage, nature over nightlife
Destinations: Norway
Best For: Travelers seeking an authentic Norwegian experience with a relaxed pace
Why We Love Hurtigruten: Historic mail route with daily port calls, spectacular fjord views, and strong local cultural connectio
Vibe: Science-led expedition cruising with expert guides
Destinations: Antarctica, Svalbard, Greenland, Alaska, Galápagos, West Africa, Iceland
Best For: Nature lovers, adventure travelers, and citizen scientists
Why We Love HX: Strong sustainability focus, onboard lectures and research projects
Vibe: Educational, conservation-minded
Destinations: Galápagos, Antarctica, Alaska, Subantarctic Islands
Best For: Families, photographers, nature lovers
Why We Love Lindblad: National Geographic guides, zero plastic policy
Vibe: Bold, immersive, activity-packed
Destinations: Arctic, Antarctica, Greenland
Best For: Active travelers, polar first-timers
Why We Love Quark: Polar camping, kayaking, helicopter rides
Vibe: Academic luxury with elegant touches
Destinations: Arctic, Antarctic, Mediterranean
Best For: Culturally curious travelers
Why We Love Swan: New ships, strong lecture program, solo traveler perks
Vibe: Wild, casual, ultra-local
Destinations: Alaska, Hawaii, Baja, Costa Rica, Galápagos
Best For: Hiking, kayaking, wildlife encounters; off-ship adventures over fancy cabins
Why We Love Uncruise: All-inclusive, REI and National Geographic partnerships
Why Book with Trips to Walkabout
- We know how to match your travel personality to the right cruise and itinerary
- We understand what’s included, what’s worth upgrading, and what to avoid
- We can help you choose excursions and make all pre/post cruise arrangements
- We can design custom land tours to extend your cruise itinerary
Ready to Plan Your Expedition Cruise?
Let us do the hard part. You tell us your interests, activity level, and dream destinations—we’ll match you with the cruise line that fits best. Whether you want penguins or polar bears, yoga decks or zodiac rides, we’ve got you covered. Contact us today and let’s find the itinerary that fits you.