Four New Awesome Small-Ship Cruise Itineraries That You Have to Try

The new “Aleutian Islands Adventure with Dutch Harbor and Kodiak” expedition sailing with UnCruise Adventures is a one-of-a-kind trip. (Photo courtesy of UnCruise Adventures)

Cruise voyages can take you almost anywhere in the world where there is a navigable waterway.  

I’ve been on dozens and dozens of cruises, and I have my favorites places to go to over and over again, such as the Southern Caribbean, Mediterranean, Danube River and Alaska.

However, I’m also always on the lookout for intriguing new places to go on a small-ship expedition. And the more remote, the better! 

With that in mind, here are a handful of great new small-ship and expedition cruise itineraries that we are looking forward to trying out. 

1. UnCruise Adventures in the Aleutian Islands  

Sea kayaking is one of the thrilling daily activities you can enjoy when traveling with UnCruise Adventures on the new itinerary in the Aleutian Islands. (Photo courtesy of UnCruise Adventures)

UnCruise is my favorite expedition cruise line. I have had such epic experiences on the company’s ships in Alaska (three times), Hawaii, Pacific Northwest, Mexico, Panama and Costa Rica.  

UnCruise’s fleet of small ships can get to the most serene and intimate places where active travelers get out to enjoy wilderness, spotting animals and enjoying memorable hiking and kayaking experiences. The incredibly passionate crew and guides, as well as the small group of travelers, make the trips just so perfectly invigorating. 

So, I’m always excited to hear when UnCruise is offering a new itinerary, and the “Aleutian Islands Adventure with Dutch Harbor and Kodiak” is a one-of-a-kind voyage.  

Here’s the 10-night itinerary: 

You embark in Seward (flights to Anchorage), the gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park.  

Then, the route includes visits to Kenai Fjords National Park and its glaciers; Kodiak Island and Foul Bay; Katmai National Park and Kukak Bay; Ugashik National Wildlife Refuge; Aniakchak National Monument; Unga Island for an abandoned village and whale watching; Akutan Island; and Dutch Harbor.  

Expect to enjoy a diverse variety of adventurous activities, such as kayaking, hiking, skiff rides and plenty of wildlife encounters, with chances to see brown bears, orcas, whales, otters, bald eagles, salmon and sea lions. 

This new UnCruise Adventures route in Alaska immediately began selling out, as UnCruise regulars jumped at the chance for an exciting new itinerary to add to their travel experiences. The sailings scheduled for 2026 are listed as sold out on the website. You can ask to get put on a waitlist in case any cruisers cancel their bookings, though. 

UnCruise owner and CEO Dan Blanchard told me that the company is in the process of increasing capacity by adding a second ship to do this route in 2027. 

As a bonus, we also have some other new UnCruise trips in the works. 

“Costa Rica's Pure Life Adventure” starts in October 2026.  This is an exclusive route within the borders of Costa Rica, making it the only cruise operating 100 percent within the borders of Costa Rica. UnCruise will have its homeport at Flamingo Marina in the far north of the country near the Liberia Airport.  These seven-night, eight-day cruises go from Saturday to Saturday with pre-cruise land packages available.  

Costa Rica Cruises – UnCruise Adventures 

“Alaska’s Coastal Treasures” begins August 2026 and travels from Seward to Juneau for a 13-night, 14-day adventure. This epic itinerary visits lightly visited coastal areas, including Driftwood Park, historic Kayak Island, Icy Bay, Disenchantment Bay, Yakutat, Lituya Bay and Hinchinbrook Island.  

Alaska's Coastal Treasures – UnCruise Adventures 

Blanchard also let us in on some other routes UnCruise has in process right — but not yet published. So, get excited for these! 

“Latin American Coastal Treasure” from Costa Rica to La Paz, Mexico, and reverse. This is expected to be 14 nights and will start in January 2027, he said. 

The line’s popular “Hawaii” route would expand to 10 nights and go from Oahu to the Big Island — with included visits to the islands of Molokai, Lanai, Maui, Volcano National Park and the Big Island. This is planned to begin in November 2027, and the trip also offers a three-night pre-cruise land package in Kauai. 

Plus, the previously mentioned increased capacity on the Aleutian route starting in 2027, with the potential of expanding the route from Nome to Seward. 

2. AmaWaterways’ River Voyages in Colombia 

AmaWaterways has launched two exciting new ships to navigate the Magdalena River in Colombia. (Photo courtesy of AmaWaterways)

AmaWaterways is the first major river line to offer cruises on Colombia’s vibrant and historic Magdalena River. AmaWaterways has launched two ships on this waterway for seven-day cruises between Cartagena and Barranquilla. 

The river basin offers a diverse and colorful look at the traditions and culture of Colombia. Nearly 80 percent of the country’s population lives in this region.  

AmaWaterways’s two custom-built luxury ships, AmaMagdalena (carrying up to 60 passengers) and AmaMelodia (64 passengers), allow travelers to see the country in an immersive fashion while also enjoying the comforts of their homes on the river. 

Cruisers can select from two river cruises in Colombia — “Wonders of Colombia” (from Cartagena to Barranquilla) or “Magic of Colombia” (Barranquilla to Cartagena).  

These cruises immerse travelers in Colombia’s rich culture, biodiversity and history along the “River of a Thousand Rhythms.”  

The “Wonders of Colombia” itinerary begins in Cartagena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with a tour of the Getsemaní neighborhood. Day 2 includes a bus tour to Palenque, the first free town in the Americas, and a visit to Calamar. Additional excursions allow travelers to see Santa Barbara de Pinto and Mompox, featuring a lake expedition at Cienaga de Pijino and a UNESCO-recognized heritage tour with jazz performances.  

The ship also cruises through La Mojana to El Banco for a walking tour and a special cumbia dinner. Nature is always in the mix, too, with chances for birdwatching or hiking in Magangue and a visit to Nueva Venecia’s stilt-house village.  

The cruise concludes in Barranquilla with an exclusive Carnival celebration.  

The “Magic of Colombia” program follows a similar route in reverse, ensuring diverse cultural and natural encounters. Shore excursions, included in the fare, emphasize immersive experiences.  

Cruisers can enjoy historic walking tours, live music performances (cumbia, vallenato and street jazz), birdwatching for species like the Cianeguo hummingbird and boat tours through biodiverse ecosystems. Excursions engage with communities, fostering economic benefits and cultural exchange, such as visits to Palenque’s UNESCO-recognized heritage sites and interactions with artisans in Mompox.  

The river ships AmaMagdalena and AmaMelodia feature luxurious accommodations. You can pick staterooms with spaces ranging from 237 to 516 square feet. They offer twin balconies for stunning river views.  

Amenities include a Sun Deck with a heated pool, a fitness center with three spa treatment rooms, a Main Restaurant serving Latin American cuisine and an al fresco eatery. Complimentary Wi-Fi, wine, beer and soft drinks with meals and a Sip & Sail cocktail hour enhance the experience.  

3. Australis Southern Patagonia Expeditions 

Australis offers four-night expedition cruises in Southern Patagonia. (Photo courtesy of Australis)

Australis is a line that might be off the radar for travelers, but the company’s short cruises in Patagonia are worth checking out. Australis offers five-day and four-night trips to spots throughout Tierra del Fuego where no other ships navigate.  

These trips would be great to add on to your Antarctica cruise or other travels that you have in Southern Patagonia, for example. The cruises are all-inclusive, sailing on the line’s ships Ventus Australis and Stella Australis, which carry a maximum of 200 people on the voyages. 

Australis offers two itineraries. Here’s what they look like. 

The “Fjords of Tierra Del Fuego” route travels from Punta Arenas, Chile, to Ushuaia, Argentina, with the following day-by-day schedule: 

Day 1 Embark in Punta Arenas 

Day 2 Ainsworth Bay (Tucker Islets) 

Day 3 Pia Glacier (Glacier Alley) 

Day 4 Cape Horn (Wulaia Bay) 

Day 5 Disembark in Ushuaia 

The “Patagonian Explorer” itinerary goes from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas: 

Day 1 Embark in Ushuaia 

Day 2 Cape Horn (Wulaia Bay) 

Day 3 Pia Glacier and Porter Glacier 

Day 4 Aguila Glacier and Condor Glacier 

Day 5 Magdalena Island and disembark in Punta Arenas 

Expect to savor amazing sights, such as glaciers in the fjords, Magellanic penguins and other penguin species, cormorants and sub-Antarctic forests. 

4. Atlas Ocean Voyages Canadian Arctic Adventures 

Atlas Ocean Voyages has a fleet of three yacht-style expedition ships that are fantastic for traveling in the polar regions. (Photo by John Roberts)

This expedition cruise line has been adding exciting new routes every year since the company launched with one ship, World Navigator, in 2019. I took a cruise to Antarctica with Atlas on that ship, and it was an amazing experience. Now, the line has three yacht-style expedition ships offering wonderful cuisine and stylish amenities alongside thrilling expedition adventures. 

Here’s the new one that I’m excited about. 

Atlas Ocean Voyages is offering a new Canadian Arctic polar expedition aboard World Navigator on Sept 21, 2026.  

This trip is an action-packed 17-day voyage from Kangerlussuaq, Greenland, to St. John’s, Newfoundland, designed to spotlight the cultural depth and wildlife of the eastern Canadian Arctic and Greenland. This expedition blends remote Greenlandic settlements and iceberg landscapes with the rarely visited northern coastlines of Nunavut, Labrador and Newfoundland in the Canadian Arctic. 

Here’s a look at the itinerary: 

Day 1 Kangerlussuaq, Greenland 

Day 2 Sisimiut, Greenland 

Day 3 Eqi Glacier Disko Bay (Captain’s Choice) 

Day 4 Disko Bay (Captain’s Choice) 

Day 5 Qikiqtarjuaq, Nunavut 

Day 6 Sea Day 

Day 7 Lady Franklin Island, Nunavut (Captain’s Choice) and Monumental Island, Nunavut (Captain’s Choice) 

Day 8 Button Islands, Nunavut (Captain’s Choice) 

Day 9 Saglek Fjord, Torngat Mountains National Park (Captain’s Choice) 

Day 10 Hebron, Newfoundland and Labrador (Captain’s Choice) 

Day 11 Tikkoatokak Bay (Captain’s Choice) 

Day 12 Sea Day 

Day 13 L’Anse aux Meadows, Newfoundland 

Day 14 Red Bay, Labrador (Captain’s Choice) 

Day 15 Norris Point, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland (Captain’s Choice) and Woody Point, Gros Morne National Park, Newfoundland (Captain’s Choice) 

Day 16 Sea Day 

Day 17 Saint Pierre and Miquelon Territory 

Day 18 Disembark at St. John’s and Newfoundland 

Highlights include: 

Zodiac cruising and wildlife encounters in Disko Bay, Lady Franklin Island and the Button Islands. These are prime regions to encounter polar bears, walruses and whales. 

Immersive cultural experiences with resident artisans in Sisimiut and community outreach in Qikiqtarjuaq. 

Ethnic and cultural diversity is woven into the journey, with exposure to five distinct groups of indigenous people. 

Historic and scientific insight gathered from visiting Hebron’s Moravian mission site to Gros Morne’s UNESCO-designated geologic wonders. 

Expedition-style flexibility with several “Captain’s Choice” and Zodiac-exclusive days, ideal for storytelling and surprise moments. 

Expedition must-haves: polar bear sightings, ice cruising, Inuit culture, black bear spotting in Nachvak Fjord and scenic sailing through remote fjords and national parks. 

A taste of France in Saint Pierre and Miquelon, where travelers can stroll charming French streets and stock up on duty-free wine before the voyage concludes. 

Additionally, Atlas Ocean Voyages is enhancing the onboard program for cruisers with its new “Concierge Collection” — an upgraded experience that blends extra space, elevated in-suite touches and exclusive amenities.

Launching with expeditions beginning April 2, 2026, this enhancement reclassifies three existing stateroom categories under a new “Junior Suite” designation that includes Concierge Collection amenities.

Here’s how it works:

Horizon Deluxe Stateroom becomes the Horizon Deluxe Junior Suite (E1 category) 

Veranda Deluxe Stateroom becomes the Veranda Deluxe Junior Suite (E2 category) 

Horizon Stateroom becomes the Horizon Junior Suite (A1/A2 category) 

All Concierge Collection Junior Suites offer exclusive amenities and services, offering travelers a nice option when compared with the line’s highest suite categories — delivering luxury, space and value at a more accessible price point. 

Concierge Collection Amenities Include:

Welcome canapés upon arrival

Priority access to a behind-the-scenes galley tour with tasting

One complimentary bag of wash and fold laundry service

10 percent savings at the onboard boutique

10 percent savings on SeaSpa by L’OCCITANE services and products

10 percent savings on premium wifi packages

Enhanced in-suite amenities

Plus, cruisers still get the always-included amenities: 24-hour room service, premium wine and spirits, Nespresso coffee, Vero Water, L’OCCITANE bath amenities, robes, slippers and in-room use of binoculars.

The new Junior Suite and Concierge Collection offerings will debut aboard World Navigator on April 2, 2026; World Voyager on April 18, 2026, and World Traveller on May 9, 2026.

Exciting stuff for adventurous travelers, right? Which one of these new small-ship adventures appeals the most to you?