Small Ship Cruises in Northern Europe

Accommodations Review

A barge seemed like a good way to cover a lot of ground and experience the natural beauty of the Highlands and its hidden wonders and wildness.

Meals Review

The food was equal to the best restaurants one could find. We were wined and dined to perfection! The chef is extremely creative and skilled! liked everything and the hostesses were always ready and willing to accommodate all additional requests!

Crew & Guides Review

Helen is an extremely talented and competent manager who inspres confidence at every turn. I felt very safe on all driving excursions and really grateful at all the Highland experiences she packed into our week.

Itinerary Review

The castles--Cawdor, Eileen Donan and Urquhart--were favorite places. Along with that, the wildlife and animals encountered (Highland ponies, black-faced sheep, falconer demo with owls and goshawks and eagles) afforded extraordinary experiences. The trip to the Dalwhinnie Distillery was the least interesting for me, but Highlands scotch is not to be ignored! This was an awesome trip. I wanted to see the Highlands and I can't imagine a better intro!! I would welcome even more info/talks on history of Scotland.

Traveler Advice

Don't miss it!

Accommodations Review

Comfortable cabins and amenities.

Meals Review

Refined breakfasts, with wines and food of caliber at every lunch and dinner.

Crew & Guides Review

Helen professionally managed the trip and dreamed up a series of experiences throughout the cruise.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Very thorough preparation meant little concern or risk of dissatisfaction.

Accommodations Review

The National Geographic Explorer was awesome, our cabin was spacious and comfortable and the service was exceptional. National Geographic did a great job with protocols related to COVID-19 to keep us safe and healthy.

Meals Review

The quality and variety of the food was top notch. We really enjoyed getting to try local cuisine, the portions were just right and the desserts were delicious.

Crew & Guides Review

Both Michael and Leah did a wonderful job managing the expedition. The daily recaps were informative and interesting.  The naturalists truly enhanced our daily experiences.

Itinerary Review

Every day was unique and we enjoyed every stop and excursion. Highlights were Vigur Island learning about the Eider ducks and seeing lots of birds, especially the Puffins, Grimsey because of the opportunity to be in the Artic circle and the Vatnajokull icecap which was stunning. The flexibility of being able to stop the ship when we encountered whales on 2 occasions was greatly appreciated. We were also impressed by the variety of activities offered. 

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Taylor is exceptional. We can't thank her enough for all her assistance to make this trip happen.  She kept us informed, was always quick to answer our many questions and made sure we had everything we needed for the trip. We were extremely pleased with the customer service we received from Taylor.

We had originally booked a different trip for 2020 that included Norway, Greenland and Iceland that ended up being cancelled in 2020 and again in 2021. Taylor Cranney really worked hard to move us to the Circumnavigation of Iceland trip so we could travel this year.

Traveler Advice

I would suggest walking on a regular basis prior to going on the trip to be able to maximize your experience on the trip.

Crew & Guides Review

Helen had deep knowledge of Scotland as well as a broader knowledge of underlying factors impacting the culture and environment. She has the versatility and tact to discuss the point at hand as well as how social, cultural, environmental and economic factors have led to the present and how they may direct the future.

Meals Review

Jim was a phenomenal chef. He will fit your dietary needs to the menu. If you ask, Jim will share his recipes with you.

Itinerary Review

The whole time was wonderful, we most enjoyed walking the tow path and soaking in the clean air and pristine views of water and mountains.

Fellow Passengers Review

A broad cross section of the U.S. as well as a charming Aussie. Seven of the eleven guests had careers in the computer software industry. I brought Walter Isaacson's biography "The Innovators" with me. It chronicles the origins and development of computer hardware and software (Britain and America) from the 1800s through 2014.

Traveler Advice

Purchase insect repellent and afterbite (hydrocortisone) for the "midgies." Keep your mouth closed if you are riding in an area with midgies unless you are hungry. Multiple shops in Inverness have excellent "misty" weather gear. Banks and the Marks and Spencer department store (open on Sundays) offer significantly better exchange rates than the currency exchanges at London Heathrow.

Accommodations Review

The vessel is luxurious, cabins and public areas first rate.

Meals Review

The buffet was more appealing with more choices than the restaurant which tried hard to be innovative, but missed appealing to me.

Itinerary Review

[I most enjoyed]...Seeing 13 polar bears in 6 days acting in a natural way, showing curiosity but no fear. The vastness of the sea and landscape. Riding in a dogsled. Wish we had more chances to visit land and see Arctic plants.

Traveler Advice

Be prepared to be in awe.

Crew & Guides Review

Steve Moir expedition leader had unlimited enthusiasm that was contagious. Naturalists Alize Fouchard, Alexandra Morozova, and Gordana Mrakovcic not only led walks but also gave excellent lectures. Ornithologist Manuel Marin was special, as was local guide Jaakusaaq Soerensen, who taught us about Inuit culture, religion, and language.

Fellow Passengers Review

There were more English speakers on this cruise than my previous Ponant cruise. Had good interactions with a good number of them.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Andrew Browning never misses a detail in preparing me for my trips. Can’t ask for better. I recommend AdventureSmith Explorations to friends and family frequently.

Meals Review

There were a few disappointing meals. Most were really good as well as the wines offered. Laura, hotel mgr was always check on us at most meals so she was made aware of any "disappointments". Wait staff was very good in spite of being short staffed at times.

Crew & Guides Review

The naturalists and leaders were very good on-shore & on-board. Some staffing issues in food service difficult at times. Laura, hotel manager was always on top it. On ship, all were excellent and focused on providing us the best experience possible. Local guides were just OK!

Itinerary Review

The cruise tours in Fjords and towns were very good. Off ship options provided seemed good. Bergen was a disappointment due to heavy rain and lack of organization, plus we were tired on arrival. The rest of trip met our expectations.

Transportation Review

There were Lindblad pre-trip tour failures and we did not have the experience as promised. Even transfer to the ship seemed a "struggle" for the Bergen team. Once on the ship service & experience was back to the level anticipated.

COVID Logistics

Our steward(s) were helpful and reliable about cleaning ALL areas of ship and wearing their masks. I am so glad we were able to go, stay healthy during that trip thanks to all the staff, seen and unseen.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

So helpful to us and to my cousin Pat. Thank you so much!!

Traveler Advice

DO your homework...read all the forms and you must be ready for ANYTHING traveling internationally in these times!

Meals Review

The display of the main dishes at the entrance of the dining room helped with choosing and sped up ordering at dinner. Plenty of choice at every meal.

Crew & Guides Review

Woody’s team were amazing. Such professional people, nothing was too much trouble and their enthusiasm was infectious. Abbie, our Kayak leader, kept us well informed about plans, safety and made it all fun. We did not realize that her husband had had to leave the ship for medical reasons, until she was able to tell us all was well. Her anxiety for him never showed, that was super professional.

Transportation Review

I booked flights to and from Uk no problem. Loved Oslo. I recommend everyone to take some time there especially the Fram museum prior to a trip.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

All questions answered promptly.

Traveler Advice

Don’t expect masses of wildlife, it is a huge wilderness which is an honor to visit not a tv program. Savor the quiet of the ice and glaciers and realize the respect the Arctic deserves. Mindfulness.