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Small Cruise Ships for Sale

Used small cruise ships, boutique ships and expedition ships of 40 to 300 passengers, listed by stock number with price and location

QPS Marine Ships is an independent, licensed and bonded shipbroking firm specialising in passenger vessels. This page lists the small cruise ships we currently have for sale, from 40-passenger coastal and expedition ships to 300-passenger boutique cruise ships. Every ship is listed by stock number with its build year, length, passenger capacity, location and, where the owner allows it, the asking price. Some small ships are sold off-market; we share their details with qualified buyers after an NDA.

Small cruise ships suit a different kind of operator from the big lines: expedition and adventure companies, river and coastal operators, luxury and private-charter brands, and investors starting a new cruise product. A small ship can reach ports, fjords and islands that large ships can't, and it costs far less to buy and run.

Small cruise ships currently for sale

Under 60 passengers

80 to 160 passengers

Boutique cruise ships, 250 to 300 passengers

For larger ships, see all cruise ships for sale. For ice-class ships, see the list of pre-owned expedition ships. To charter instead of buying, see cruise ship charter.

What does a small cruise ship cost?

On our current listings, asking prices for small cruise ships run from about US$1.3 million for an older coastal ship to US$28 million for a yacht-standard ship. Most fall between US$1.3 million and US$6 million. Several owners ask for offers ("price on request"), so contact us for those figures.

What drives the price:

  • Age and condition. Hull and machinery condition, the date of the last major refit, and the class survey status matter more than the build year alone.

  • Certificates and class. A ship with current SOLAS certificates and class in good standing can trade straight away. One that has been laid up may need work before it can carry passengers again.

  • Ice class and expedition equipment. Ice strengthening, Zodiac launching and polar equipment add value for expedition operators.

  • Cabins and hotel standard. Balconies, suite count and public-room quality set the fare you can charge.

  • Flag and location. Where the ship lies affects inspection and delivery costs, and some flags limit domestic trading.

For more, read How Much Does a Cruise Ship Cost?

Buying a used small cruise ship: what to check

Almost every small cruise ship on the market is second-hand, so the inspection is where a good purchase is made. Before you commit:

  • Arrange a pre-purchase condition survey by an independent marine surveyor, including a dry-dock or underwater hull inspection.

  • Review the class records: outstanding conditions of class, survey due dates and past damage.

  • Check SOLAS and safety certificates against the trading area and passenger numbers you plan for.

  • Look at machinery hours and maintenance records for main engines, generators and stabilisers.

  • Confirm flag and registry options for your intended operation.

  • Budget for refit and re-branding: cabins, galley, public areas and any regulatory upgrades.

Our guide Pre-Purchase Inspection of a Used Cruise Ship covers each step, and How to Buy a Cruise Ship walks through the full purchase process.

How QPS helps buyers of small cruise ships

  1. You tell us the passenger capacity, trading area, budget and timing you need.

  2. We search listed and off-market ships and shortlist the ones that fit.

  3. We arrange inspections and share class records and certificates.

  4. We negotiate the price and the memorandum of agreement, and coordinate delivery with the owner and their brokers.

Capt. Ken Caine, our Managing Broker, is a USCG-licensed Master Mariner. Our Mediterranean Sea Area office is led by Jeff Garcia.

Frequently asked questions

How much does a small cruise ship cost?

On our current listings, asking prices range from about US$1.3 million to US$28 million, with most between US$1.3 million and US$6 million. Price depends mainly on age, condition, certificates, ice class and cabin standard.

What counts as a small cruise ship?

There's no fixed definition, but small cruise ships usually carry fewer than about 300 passengers. They include coastal and river-style ships, expedition ships and yacht-style boutique ships.

Can I buy a used small cruise ship and operate it straight away?

Sometimes. A ship with current class and SOLAS certificates can trade quickly. A ship that has been laid up may need repairs, surveys and certificate renewals first.

Are small expedition cruise ships for sale?

Yes. Our current listings include ice-class expedition ships of 114 and 160 passengers and several smaller expedition ships of 40 to 80 passengers.

Do you sell small cruise ships that are not on your website?

Yes. Some owners prefer to sell off-market, and we share those details with qualified buyers after an NDA. Send us your requirements and we will tell you what is available.

Next step

Send us your requirements: passenger capacity, trading area, budget, timing and whether you also consider charter. We will reply with suitable small cruise ships, including off-market options.

Capt. Ken Caine, Managing Broker – +1-516-647-5129 (mobile/WhatsApp), sales@qpsships.com
Jeff Garcia, Managing Broker, Mediterranean Sea Area – +1-954-296-9066, Jeffgarcia@qpsships.com
Office: 4000 Island Blvd, Suite 1506, Aventura, FL 33160

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