6 of the best small ship cruises to the Seychelles

Where will I visit?

AMost Seychelles cruises run round-trip from Mahé, where the international airport is located. Some itineraries combine the Seychelles with Madagascar, Zanzibar, the Maldives or Mauritius. Others form part of longer Indian Ocean crossings between Cape Town, Singapore or Mumbai. For those wanting to extend on land, several cruise lines offer safari combinations in East Africa before or after the voyage.

Here are six of the best small ship Seychelles cruises for 2026 and 2027.

1. Ponant

Best for: expedition-style exploration

Ponant's Explorer Class yachts bring a more adventurous approach to the Seychelles. Zodiacs allow landings on remote beaches and smaller islands that other ships cannot reach. The atmosphere on board is French-influenced and relaxed, with an emphasis on destination rather than onboard entertainment.

The Essential Seychelles itinerary runs three times in January 2027, offering a focused exploration of the archipelago without additional countries. For those wanting more range, sailings combine the Seychelles with Madagascar and South Africa, while the Smithsonian Journeys partnership adds expert-led discussions and a more immersive educational experience.

Who this suits: Travellers who want active exploration, Zodiac landings and a European crew. Those who prefer destination focus over onboard formality.

2. Emerald Yacht Cruises

Best for: newer ships and flexible itinerary lengths

Emerald's yacht fleet continues to expand and the Seychelles programme will run on their newest vessels: Emerald Kaia, launching in 2026, and Emerald Raiya, launching June 2027. Both carry around 128 guests in a contemporary, yacht-like setting with infinity pool, Sky Bar and marina platform.

Itineraries vary in length to suit different schedules. The 7-night Tropical Charms of the Seychelles runs multiple departures between December and February. The 9-night Seychelles Island Hopping adds more time in the water. The 12-night Seychelles and Indian Ocean Adventure extends further, while the 19-night Discover Seychelles, Tanzania and Kenya combines the cruise with East Africa, ideal for pairing with a safari.

Who this suits: Guests who want modern ships at a competitive price point. Those looking for flexibility in duration or the option to combine with a safari.

3. Silversea

Best for: Indian Ocean crossings and cruise-and-stay combinations

Silversea's Seychelles sailings form part of broader Indian Ocean itineraries rather than dedicated island-hopping voyages. This suits travellers who want to see the Seychelles as part of a longer journey, or who want to begin or end with a few nights on land.

Options include crossings from Cape Town to Mahé, Mahé to Cape Town and Singapore to Mahé. Some itineraries include a call at Réunion, adding volcanic landscapes to the mix. A 22-night sailing in autumn 2026 offers a comprehensive Indian Ocean journey for those with time.

Who this suits: Guests who want the Seychelles as part of a bigger voyage. Those planning a cruise-and-stay trip with time on land before or after.

4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Best for: all-inclusive luxury on longer voyages

Regent's Indian Ocean itineraries pass through the Seychelles rather than focusing exclusively on the archipelago. Time in the islands is limited, but the all-inclusive fare and spacious ships make these crossings appealing for those combining multiple destinations.

The Serene Edens sailing and Discoveries of Wonder and Joy both include Seychelles calls as part of wider Indian Ocean exploration.

Who this suits: Guests who want included shore excursions and are happy with a Seychelles stop as part of a longer itinerary rather than a dedicated voyage.

5. Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

Best for: Encompassing Indian Ocean and festive sailings

Hapag-Lloyd has recently confirmed bilingual operations across their entire fleet, making them more accessible to international guests. Europa 2, which has catered to the international market since launch in 2013, visits the Seychelles in December 2026 with an Exotic Dream Destinations sailing that combines the Seychelles with Réunion, Madagascar, and East Africa. Europa follows in winter and spring 2027/28, including an island-hopping Festive Celebrations itinerary for those wanting Christmas or New Year in the Indian Ocean travelling between Mauritius and Sri Lanka

Who this suits: Guests who appreciate Hapag-Lloyd's attention to detail and high service standards. Those looking for a festive escape and an unusual Indian Ocean itinerary.

6. Aqua Expeditions

Best for: small-group expedition and private charter

For a true expedition experience, Aqua Expeditions offers the newly launched Aqua Lares, carrying just 30 guests. The intimate size allows access to remote areas including Aldabra Atoll, and the vessel operates in the Seychelles and Arctic only. With such a small capacity, Aqua Lares is also an excellent option for private charter.

View Aldabra and the Coralline Seychelles itineraries on the Mundy Adventures website.

Who this suits: Expedition-minded travellers, wildlife enthusiasts and groups considering a private charter.

When to cruise the Seychelles

The Seychelles enjoys warm weather year-round, but the main cruise season runs from December to April when conditions are calmest. January and February are particularly popular. Some cruise lines reposition through the region in autumn or spring as part of longer Indian Ocean voyages.

How to choose

For expedition-style exploration with Zodiac landings, Ponant offers the most active approach. For newer ships and flexible itinerary lengths, Emerald provides good variety. Indian Ocean crossings and cruise-and-stay options are Silversea's strength. Inclusive luxury with a choice of included shore excursions on longer voyages comes with Regent. Unusual and festive sailings make Hapag-Lloyd worth considering. And for small-group expeditions or private charter, Aqua Expeditions delivers something genuinely different.

The Seychelles rewards exploration. A small ship is the only way to see beyond the beach.