North America Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

North America Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

2,868 North America trips. Tours from 388 tour companies. 3,255 reviews. 4.6/5 avg rating.

118 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise
Portland, OR (Vancouver, WA) to Clarkston
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Basic - 2 star
Physical level
Very Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Portland

Highlights

  • Explore Vancouver
  • Explore the eastern entrance to mount st. Helens or the spectacular Lewis river valley
  • Discover the art that lines each dalles streets, and taste the culinary expertise at some of the town’s most popular cuisine restaurants!
  • Enjoy the scenic beauty of this stunning and unique river-town
  • Footsteps of the historic lewis and Clark journey

Themes

Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We had a wonderful cruise up the Mississippi from New Orleans to St Louis ! Great entertainment, great food , pools, hot tub and visiting interesting places."

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Discoverers Glacier Country
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Baranof Island Sitka, Glacier National Park, Icy Strait, Juneau

Highlights

  • View Alaska's massive glaciers
  • Kayak and small boat explorations
  • Visit Glacier Bay National Park
  • Enjoy whale watching in Frederick Sound and bears near Icy Strait and Chichagof Island

Themes

Cultural, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Sailing

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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Northern Passages and Glacier Bay
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4.9/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Baranof Island Sitka, Glacier National Park, Icy Strait, Sitka

Highlights

  • Visit to Glacier Bay National Park
  • Sail between Juneau and Sitka
  • View Alaska's massive glaciers
  • Areas explored include Icy Strait, Chichagof Island and Peril Strait

Themes

Birding, Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience. Accommodations Review They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night. Meals Review We liked the variety and the quality of the food. There was always something new to try. The dining room staff was very professional and personable. Crew & Guides Review Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers. Itinerary Review The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about. Transportation Review We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency. Traveler Advice Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife."

Trip dates & details
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Ultimate Adventure
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4.9/5 Excellent
39 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Juneau, Ketchikan, Wrangell

Highlights

  • Explore “wild and woolly” wilderness, glacial landscapes, old growth and rainforest
  • Kayaking, paddle boarding, and skiffing in remote scenic bays
  • Enjoy wilderness hikes, massive icebergs, and calving glaciers
  • Discover isolated coves and dramatic Misty Fjords National Monument
  • Visit Wrangell's Kiksetti Totem Park and Chief Shakes Tribal House
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Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I love your tour program. I may think of visiting other locations you offer, but I'm really invested into Ukraine for a lifestyle. I want to make additional trips to Ukraine as roles beyond tourism."

Trip dates & details
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Ultra Adventure
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4.9/5 Excellent
39 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Icy Strait, Ketchikan

Highlights

  • Two exclusive days in Glacier Bay—jewel of the US National Park system, UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
  • Enjoy Glacier Bay Park Ranger interpretation and discover the Bartlett Cove Visitor Center
  • Explore remote scenic bays via kayak, paddle board, and skiff
  • Discover isolated coves and dramatic Misty Fjords National Monument
  • Visit Wrangell's Kiksetti Totem Park and Chief Shakes Tribal House
Show more

Themes

Family Friendly, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I love your tour program. I may think of visiting other locations you offer, but I'm really invested into Ukraine for a lifestyle. I want to make additional trips to Ukraine as roles beyond tourism."

Trip dates & details
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Ameritage! Four Rivers of Wine & History
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4.9/5 Excellent
39 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Portland

Highlights

  • Experience four Pacific Northwest rivers: the Columbia, Snake, Willamette, and Palouse
  • A local wine expert joins you onboard for a week of tastings and presentations on the region's American Viticultural Areas
  • Wine and tours at nine Washington and Oregon wineries and tasting rooms, plus a craft, infused olive oil tasting
  • Enjoy a hosted lunch in Walla Walla and at Terra Blanca Estate Winery and Vineyard
  • Discover stunning Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area
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Themes

Culinary & Wine, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I love your tour program. I may think of visiting other locations you offer, but I'm really invested into Ukraine for a lifestyle. I want to make additional trips to Ukraine as roles beyond tourism."

Trip dates & details
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The Canadian Maritimes and Newfoundland
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4.7/5 Excellent
42 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Luxury - 5 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Nova Scotia

Highlights

  • Venture into the ancient Viking settlement of L’Anse aux Meadows, the only widely accepted site of trans-Atlantic Viking establishment and very early Norse exploration
  • See WWII harbor defenses, and visit the only North American island that remains under French control, an outpost of its era as a colonial superpower
  • Discover sweeping dunes, wind- and wave-carved cliffs, and sandstone hills in a wild land
  • Explore the intriguing red cliffs and strange tabletop formations at Gros Morne National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Themes

50 plus, Cultural, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"UnCruise is an amazing dream!! The crew, the sales team, the office team, all go out of their way to make sure your experience is unforgettable. We were on the August 1, 2020 cruise. Even tho things didn’t go quite the way we planned, UnCruise was unbelievable. We will be back. UnCruise was my first ever cruise. They will be the only company we ever cruise with."

Trip dates & details
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Ultimate Coves & Passages
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4.9/5 Excellent
39 reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Flexible schedule

Visits

Alaska, Glacier National Park

Highlights

  • Wildlife and whale watching in Frederick Sound, Stephens Passage, Icy Strait and Peril Strait
  • South Marble Island sea lion haulout and spectacular birding
  • Explore via kayak, paddle board, and skiff
  • Two exclusive days in Glacier Bay—jewel of the US National Park system, UNESCO World Heritage Site and Biosphere Reserve
  • View stunning glaciers throughout Glacier Bay National Park and at Endicott Arm
Show more

Themes

High Adventure, National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Rafting, Kayaking, Canoeing, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"I love your tour program. I may think of visiting other locations you offer, but I'm really invested into Ukraine for a lifestyle. I want to make additional trips to Ukraine as roles beyond tourism."

Trip dates & details
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118 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
My selections:
Small Ship Cruise

North America Reviews & Ratings

4.6/5  Excellent
3,255  Reviews
See all North America tour reviews
Excellent
1,471
Great
457
Average
73
Disappointing
24
Terrible
13
I

Ida

Oct 2015

Written on

A great variety of experiences (learning about

A great variety of experiences (learning about culture, but also being in nature and doing some more physically challenging activities). Great tour leader and great ...

B

Begum

Oct 2015

Written on

I love our tour leader Edith and

I love our tour leader Edith and the support we got from her was excellent!

P

Paul

Sep 2015

Written on

I felt we covered a lot in

I felt we covered a lot in a short time and there was a flexible app...

g

geraint

Sep 2015

Written on

Great country, people, food and quality of

Great country, people, food and quality of the trip & leader

X

Xiao

Sep 2015

Written on

I thoroughly enjoyed my Intrepid tour and

I thoroughly enjoyed my Intrepid tour and all the optional activities on offer. It's great to travel with the comforts of having transport and accommodation already ...

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North America Tour Selection Trips

  • To keep your tour manageable, think regionally: the Northwestern or Southwestern U.S., the Canadian Maritimes, Canadian Rockies, etc.
  • U.S. national parks are some of the finest in the world and a good place to keep tour prices down, especially if you like camping.
  • While most of its citizens live near the U.S. border, Canada is the world’s second largest country, with vast wilderness, mountain and coastal areas awaiting exploration.
  • Greenland, one of the least visited islands in the world, is part of North America, too – and has a fascinating Arctic culture and landscape.
  • Mexico is far more diverse than you might imagine: think Mayan culture vs. modern-day Mexico City, Oaxacan marketplaces vs. Cancun party scene.

Additional details

What Countries are in North America?

North America consists of Canada, Mexico, and the United States (including the Hawaiian Islands and the U.S. Virgin Islands).

What is the best time to visit North America?

The best time to visit North America will vary based on destination. 

Travelers booking a trip to Alaska or northern Canada may want to avoid the cold, dark winters as most guided tours only operate in the warmer months and transportation may be difficult to find. If you are hoping to see the Northern Lights, the “shoulder seasons” of late fall and early spring may be your best bet; the skies will be dark enough to see the beauty of the lights, but the climate won’t be as harsh. 

The best time to visit Mexico is the dry season between December and April. Temperatures are warm enough during this time to enjoy the beach and the sun while avoiding the rainy season of late summer to early fall. Keep in mind that prices peak around the holiday season. 

The southern and eastern regions of the United States can get extremely hot and humid in the summer and freezing in the winter-- avoid weather extremes by visiting in the fall or spring. The Pacific Northwest tends to be warmest and driest during the summer and fall, but don’t be surprised if you encounter rainy skies at any time of year. 

Skiers and snowboarders will naturally want to head to the mountains during winter or early spring when there is enough snow on the peaks. Hikers can avoid snow-covered or muddy trails during winter by visiting in the late summer or fall. 

Safety tips for traveling in North America

North America is generally considered a safe place to travel, although there is crime in the big cities and in some areas of Mexico. Of course, it is important to use common sense and be aware of your surroundings when traveling to any new place. 

Safety tips for traveling in North America:

  • Watch out for pickpockets. Keep your phone, wallet, and other valuables close and out of sight.
  • Don’t carry large sums of cash.
  • Use certified taxicab companies to avoid being ripped off.
  • Ask your tour guide or hotel staff about areas to avoid. 
  • When around wildlife, never get too close. Most national and state parks provide instructions online or at visitor centers on what to do if you encounter wildlife.
  • If you will be driving a car in an unfamiliar country, get familiar with the driving laws and customs of the country to avoid accidents and traffic stops.
  • When traveling alone, give a friend or family member a copy of your itinerary and don’t mention to any strangers that you are alone.

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