Explore 22 Countries with AE Expeditions’ 2027 Small Ship Cruises

AE Expeditions, the award-winning leader in small-ship adventure travel, is thrilled to announce the launch of its Small Ship Cruises 2027 Season, which is now officially open for sale.

With 21 extraordinary voyages across 22 countries, the season explores the sun-soaked Mediterranean and Adriatic, the vibrant Atlantic & African Coast, and the wild landscapes of Central America (Costa Rica & Panama), along with the historic treasures of Northern Europe and the UK & Ireland. These unique journeys range from 9 to 17 days aboard AE’s three purpose-built small ships – Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and the soon-to-launch Douglas Mawson – vessels designed to take travellers closer to the heart of each destination, and into harbours that larger ships simply cannot reach.

Onboard, every sailing is enriched by Master Storytellers:  acclaimed historians, genealogists, art experts and more who bring destinations to life through captivating presentations and personal insights in a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Crafted pre- and post-voyage city stays ensure effortless travel from beginning to end. Together, these elements make each voyage a seamless blend of iconic sights and untold stories.

On shore, travellers enjoy a selection of immersive “Your Choice” experiences allowing them to personalise each journey, while enrichment programs – from wine tastings to historical immersions – make every day a delight. Highlights range from UNESCO World Heritage sites and marquee ports like Bonifacio, Nice and Dubrovnik, to hidden gems such as Alberobello’s whitewashed Trulli houses, the Isle of Lewis in Scotland, or the olive groves of Istria.

“Our new season goes beyond cruising – it’s storytelling at sea,” said Katie Malone, CMO, AE Expeditions. “Whether it’s a wine tasting in Bordeaux, tracing Viking sagas in Scandinavia, standing on the battlegrounds of Culloden, or visiting Prince Albert’s private car garage in Monaco, every voyage connects travellers to history, culture and community in a way that only small ships can.”

Season Highlights

A Mediterranean Feast (Valletta to Barcelona, MAS001D)
A voyage for the senses, celebrating the Mediterranean’s rich culinary culture. From local markets to family-run vineyards and coastal kitchens, discover the flavours and stories that have shaped this region for centuries.
From £12,295pp for an Aurora Stateroom Twin Share

La Dolce Vita (Nice to Rome, FRI001D)
Trace the romance of the French and Italian Rivieras, from the cliffside villages of Cinque Terre to Tuscany’s Renaissance towns and Rome’s timeless streets – with exclusive visits such as Prince Albert’s private garage of cars in Monaco.
From £7,695pp for an Aurora Stateroom Twin Share

Treasures of the Adriatic (Valletta to Zagreb, MAC001D)
Sail from Malta through Italy, Montenegro and Croatia, uncovering Dubrovnik’s medieval walls, Alberobello’s UNESCO Trulli houses, Korčula’s traditions, and the charm of Rovinj before arriving in Zagreb.
From £12,045pp for an Aurora Stateroom Twin Share

Costa Rica & Panama: Crossing the Canal (Panama City to San Jose, PAC001S)
Discover Central America’s tropical landscapes and vibrant cultures, from cloud forests to coastal mangroves, along with transiting the legendary Panama Canal — one of the greatest engineering feats in history.
From £8,475pp for an Aurora Stateroom Twin Share

Europe’s Engineering Icons (Amsterdam to Copenhagen, HSC001D)
Journey through Europe’s greatest engineering marvels, from Amsterdam’s iconic canals and Denmark’s capital to a daytime Kiel Canal transit and Berlin’s Cold War landmarks.
From £8,105pp for an Aurora Stateroom Twin Share

Spirited Shores (Ireland to Portugal, IRP001D)
Raise a glass along Europe’s spirited shores – from Irish whiskey and Guinness to the wines of Bordeaux and the ports of Portugal. Vineyard tours, riverside tastings and coastal markets connect travellers to centuries of tradition.
From £12,345pp for an Aurora Stateroom Twin Share

For Kin and Kingdom (England & Ireland, SCU001D)
From Jacobite battlefields to Dublin’s Guinness brewery, explore royal castles, ancient stone circles and Scottish Highlands – meeting the rebels, revolutionaries and royals who shaped these lands.
From £13,980pp for an Aurora Stateroom Twin Share

What Sets Small Ship Cruises Apart

• Access Beyond the Ordinary: Ability to dock in small ports unreachable by larger vessels
• Immersive Excursions: Tailored, locally guided experiences that reveal the essence of each destination
• Master Storytellers: Acclaimed historians, genealogists, art experts and cultural hosts enriching every sailing
• A Welcoming Atmosphere: Averaging just 130 passengers per ship, creating a relaxed, social environment where travellers become friends
• Exclusive Offers: Savings of up to 25% on select voyages, plus 10 dedicated solo staterooms per sailing with no single supplement

For more information, visit www.AE-expeditions.com

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