Coastal Cruisers

Closely related to the riverboat is its modern-day equivalent, the coastal cruiser. Designed more for exploring than entertaining, these yachtlike ships are able to sail to remote waterways and ports. Some have forward gangways for bow landings or carry a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. Unlike larger expedition ships, they do not have ice-hardened hulls. Registering no more than 100 tons and carrying only about 100 passengers, coastal cruisers offer few onboard facilities and public spaces---perhaps just a dining room and a multipurpose lounge.