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Tourists travelling in Zodiac with Hebridean Sky ship in background

Experience freedom

Board a Zodiac and explore Northern Europe

Small Ship Cruising

APT's fleet of small ships have access to some of the world’s most pristine and untouched ports. They offer the perfect balance between the spacious comfort of a large ocean liner and the boutique advantages of a smaller vessel. Sailing to destinations around the globe, step ashore right into the centre of town and enjoy more time to explore.

  • Overview
  • Featured Tours
  • Destinations
  • Special Deals

Overview

The advantages of cruising by small ship are numerous. They include small group sizes on all excursions ashore, no queuing to disembark while in port, and a relaxed atmosphere at all times. With guest numbers of a little over 100 and 75 crew members, a crew to passenger ratio means you will step aboard as a guest, and leave your journey feeling part of the APT family. To ensure you get the most out of your adventure, all cruises are led and organised by our outstanding onboard Expedition Team.

What a view

Take in splendid vistas aboard an APT small ship cruise

Fjord territory

An APT small ship cruise gets you closer to the action

Cruising perfection

APT's small ships access areas unavailable to larger ships

Magical moments

Share unforgettable sunsets aboard an APT small ship

Your space

A small ship balcony suite gives you the privacy to relax

Well read

APT's boutique small ships offer plenty of space to unwind

VIEW ALL SMALL SHIP TRIPS

Destinations

Whether you want to discover the hidden isles of Japan or navigate the sun-soaked waters of Southeast Asia, a Small Ship Cruise guarantees you a delightful ingress into the vibrant culture of Asia.       
       
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The great Torri at Miyajima (floating-torii-gate) at twiglight, Miyajima, Japan
From charming coastal ports of the Baltic to Scandinavia’s verdant archipelagos and pristine fjords, get to know Northern Europe’s most evocative landscapes up close. Venture by Zodiac and step ashore to uncover even more unforgettable experiences.       
       
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Ocean Cruise ship docked beside a fjord, Norway
With tumbling falls, fascinating reefs and gorges carved by powerful rivers, the Kimberley Coast is simply spectacular. From sublime Horizontal Falls to ancient Indigenous rock art, gain a front-row seat to the region's most amazing sights.      
       
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An aerial view of the Caledonian Sky at Naturalist Island
Fascinating wildlife, thrilling Zodiac rides, unparalleled glacial scenery – Antarctica is a breathtaking world of white and blue. Meanwhile South America is an evocative collage of colour, culture, beauty and history.      
       
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Zodiac cruising under a huge iceberg arch
Uncover Tasmania’s best guarded secrets on a small ship cruise, gaining rarely experienced insight into the mystical natural surrounds. Explore hard to reach places and traverse the pristine waters surrounding Tasmania’s southern and eastern shores.
       

Whether you’re exploring the rich history and abundant wildlife of Doubtful and Dusky sounds using the ship’s Zodiacs; watching the plume of steam continually spout from White Island’s crater; or visiting Stewart Island for a guided walk through vegetation; the access afforded to you by the MS Caledonian Sky will ensure you experience the most out of every location you visit.

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Aerial view of Akaroa coastline, New Zealand
APT’s privately chartered fleet of Luxury Mega-Yachts are the pinnacle of poise. Enjoy spacious suites, well-appointed public spaces and large outside deck areas perfect for taking in the ever-changing panoramas of the world's most exotic locales.       
       
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It has been a privilege to welcome so many guests aboard APT’s award-winning journeys, and a joy to see those guests fall in love with each new experience the world presents.

Geoff McGeary OAM – APT Company Owner -

Explore More

  • Recently awarded a ‘Star Performer – Top Ten’ rating in the 2018 Berlitz Cruising and Cruise Guide, APT’s position as leaders in small ship cruising continues.

  • APT’s privately chartered fleet of Luxury Mega-Yachts are perfect for taking in the panorama of exotic locales such as the Mediterranean and Croatian coasts.  
  • Experience centuries of epic history, esteemed legend and regal enchantment as you traverse the cultural canvas of Europe and Iceland
  • An evocative collage of colour, culture, beauty and history - South America is a land like no other
  • No matter where you decide to explore, you are guaranteed to fall in love with Australia

  • Following APT’s inaugural New Zealand by Small Ship expedition in 2018, we are proud to be returning to the Land of the Long White Cloud in 2019.