As interest in small-ship expedition cruise travel continues to grow—particularly in polar and warmer weather destinations—AdventureSmith Explorations reports there are new ships, trips and experiences for travelers in 2026. From new ships with modern amenities to longer-duration itineraries and a greater focus on wellness and sustainability, there are a myriad of trip options for travelers seeking personalized, immersive experiences around the globe.
“There certainly are some exciting developments for small ships in 2026,” said Todd Smith, AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president. “Following a favorite theme that smaller is better, a couple of new ship launches—including the 120-guest Connect in Europe and the 76-guest Magellan Discoverer in Antarctica—are among the smallest options in their regions. In the Galapagos Islands, small ships are going bigger on sustainability with the launch of the hybrid electric 18-guest yacht Conservation and other new builds adding solar panels and battery systems. If small and sustainable sounds good to you, there is a lot to like in 2026.”
Six new small cruise ship builds plus an extensive superyacht renovation mean travelers will have access to modern comforts, and in some cases, luxurious accommodations, when traveling aboard small-ship expeditions in 2026 and beyond. Plus, new routes in popular cruise destinations are offering unique experiences for adventurous travelers. Here are the highlights:
Antarctica
Antarctic expeditions are more in-depth and farther afield in 2026 than ever thanks to three epic itineraries at the start of the year: The 34-day “Antarctic Odyssey” and 24- to 25-day “East Antarctica & Ross Sea” routes aboard the brand new, 154-guest Douglas Mawson; and the 31-day “Unexplored Antarctica” expedition aboard the 200-guest hybrid-electric Le Commandant Charcot, which returns to the Antarctic after a full season away.
Demand continues to increase for shorter routes via air cruise operations in Antarctica. The new Magellan Discoverer launching in December 2026 will help accommodate this fast-growing travel trend while also being in a league of its own. Hosting just 76 guests per air cruise (96 for other expeditions) and built in Chile, it will be South America’s first hybrid-electric polar cruise ship and among the smallest ships sailing in Antarctica.
In 2026, Antarctica cruises will also welcome more routes to Snow Hill and the Weddell Sea region, new Antarctica by helicopter itineraries, and an air cruise route that travels to South Georgia after a season without that option.
The Mediterranean
After the Douglas Mawson expedition ship launches in Antarctica and Australia, it spends time in Costa Rica and the British Isles, before positioning for 11 new Mediterranean cruises in 2026. These are some of the most interesting multi-country routes from a small ship in the region, and include guided days in Marrakech, the Canary Islands, Malta, Marseille and other ports. An example is the ship’s 14-day “Canary Islands to Lisbon Cruise.”
The Arctic
Explorers seeking Arctic cruises will have access to a variety of new routes and exposure to the far reaches of the polar region in 2026. Find multiple new Iceland cruises, including some with long hikes and shore cleanings, and an “Iceland Circumnavigation” cruise that incorporates helicopters to see glaciers and volcanoes. But the biggest news here for the year is all the new solar eclipse cruise routes that have been designed to position expedition ships (10 of them) in the path of the total solar eclipse on August 12.
Galapagos Islands
For 2026 Galapagos cruises, three new-build ships will debut including the only hybrid-electric ship there, the 18-guest Conservation, which will join a long-trusted operator’s fleet of historic, luxury ships. Additionally, from one of the region’s top women-owned operators come two new ships: the 16-guest Monique, designed to incorporate both elegance and sustainable features like solar panels and lithium batteries, and the 16-guest Grand Ocean Spray, a carbon-neutral yacht that blends modern luxury (each suite with a private balcony) with environmental responsibility.
Seychelles & Tanzania
The extensively renovated 30-guest superyacht Aqua Lares is among the year’s most exciting ship launches. Setting sail February 2026, the ship is East Africa’s first superyacht to offer both private charters and individual cabin bookings. Aqua Lares will take travelers to exotic locales in East Africa including the Seychelles’ Inner and Outer Islands and Tanzania’s Zanzibar archipelago on six- to 15-day routes.
Small-ship River Cruising in Holland & Belgium
Ushering in a new era of river cruising on a smaller, purpose-built ship for guided, immersive expedition-style travel, the 120-guest Connect will set sail in March 2026 for Holland and Belgium along the Rhine River. The ship’s staterooms feature smart glass and stunning floor-to-ceiling views, with a flexible design so that every room can be converted into a two-room suite. Highlights include a Jewish history tour guided by Holocaust survivors and after-hours museum tours.
Alaska
Travelers interested in a 2026 Alaska small-ship cruise have a new option with a new eight-day trip through Southeast Alaska’s ABC Islands aboard the 62-guest National Geographic Sea Lion. For those who want to explore farther afield, a new remote “Gulf of Alaska” cruise goes where few small ships sail. Plus, a handful of popular itineraries have also been reimagined for 2026, including new eight-day “Sea Wolf Southeast Alaska Adventure” routes and 14-day trips on the “Great Bear Rainforest Cruise,” now featuring four days in Alaska as compared to the previous single day.
Travel Booking Tips
- Book early for 2027 – Expedition cruise routes are already being set, and some key routes to unique destinations are already sold out for 2026, so book early for coveted sailings—especially those occurring in the first half of the year. An example is the 138-guest National Geographic Resolution sailing to Tahiti and the Pacific Islands for the first time in March 2027.
- Early-booking deals – Many early-booking deals for 2026 expire soon, so don’t wait to book. An example is the return of the 66-guest Safari Voyager to Costa Rica in October 2026, bringing a newly designed eight-day “Pure Life Adventure Cruise” route. This popular option has special inaugural pricing that expires on September 30, 2025.
- Consider charter cruises – AdventureSmith’s partnerships include the ability to book charter cruises in sought-after destinations, some for as few as four guests.
For more information, call 866-575-2875 or visit www.adventuresmithexplorations.com.
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