Destination
USA and Canada
North America’s waterways offer an extraordinary range of cruise experiences—whether you're navigating the coastal inlets of New England, exploring Alaska’s glacier-carved fjords, cruising along the Mississippi River, or discovering the wild beauty of Canada’s Atlantic coast. A small ship cruise through the United States and Canada brings you closer to the culture, nature, and history that define this diverse and richly storied region.
At Small Ship Travel, we curate a collection of cruises aboard intimate small ships —many accommodating fewer than 200. These small ship and river journeys deliver unmatched access to scenic harbors, remote coastlines, and culturally rich towns. Whether you're looking for heritage, wildlife, or culinary depth, we help you explore the best of North America in comfort and style.
Each cruise line featured here has been carefully vetted for its destination expertise, intimate scale, and exceptional guest experience across the United States and Canada.
American Cruise Lines
American Cruise Lines offers a wide range of coastal, river, and inland cruises across the U.S.—from the Mississippi and Columbia rivers to New England, the Southeast, and Alaska. Their modern fleet emphasizes comfort, historical context, and all-American hospitality, with expert guides and flexible shore excursions.
Viking’s expansion into U.S. cruising includes their Mississippi River itineraries, which combine modern Scandinavian design, cultural enrichment, and regionally inspired cuisine. Viking delivers an elevated experience with immersive shore excursions and refined service.
Seabourn’s North American sailings offer ultra-luxury coastal cruising, particularly along the Pacific Northwest, Alaska, and Eastern Seaboard. Guests enjoy all-suite accommodations, gourmet dining, and curated cultural and natural excursions.
Silversea offers all-inclusive, ultra-luxury voyages throughout Alaska, the Pacific Coast, and Eastern Canada, with small expedition and classic ships that allow access to remote ports and scenic wilderness. Their cruises feature expert-led excursions, fine dining, and personalized service in an elegant setting.
Ponant’s fleet of sleek, eco-conscious expedition yachts offers voyages to Alaska, the St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Great Lakes, blending French-inspired hospitality, cultural immersion, and nature-focused exploration. Guests enjoy small-group excursions led by naturalists, historians, and local experts.
From historic harbor towns and lighthouses to untouched fjords and riverfront cities, North America offers tremendous diversity best explored by water. Small ship cruising provides access to less-crowded ports, inland waterways, and remote shorelines, with more time to enjoy places that larger ships overlook.
Travelers benefit from:
Sample Experiences Include:
North America offers year-round cruising opportunities, depending on the region:
At Small Ship Travel, we specialize in matching travelers with thoughtfully curated itineraries that highlight the best of each destination. Whether you're discovering hidden gems close to home or venturing into new corners of North America, our expert team ensures a seamless and enriching experience.
As a Virtuoso affiliate through Travel Experts, a member agency, we offer:
Reach out to our travel concierges today to create your perfect journey.
Get in the mood for cruising by reading our travel guides, recommendations and cruise reviews.
River cruising offers a seamless and luxurious way to experience Europe’s most historic and scenic waterways, from the fairy-tale castles of the Rhine to the imperial capitals of the Danube and the artistic treasures of the Seine. Unlike ocean cruises, these intimate voyages bring travelers directly into the heart of medieval villages, grand cities, and world-renowned wine regions, allowing for deeper cultural immersion. Along the way, passengers can explore UNESCO-listed landmarks, savor locally inspired cuisine, and enjoy exclusive excursions, from private château tours to classical concerts in Vienna.
