Summary of the Best Midsize Cruise Lines of 2023
It’s the kind of trip Goldilocks would take: midsize ships offer the perfect blend of plentiful onboard amenities and the kind of caring, personalized service only possible at this scale. The category includes brands that have ships with 300 to 799 cabins, regardless of destination — and these sorts of vessels really do go everywhere in the world. Moreover, many travelers are embracing the convenience and comfort of sea travel again: surprisingly, more people are planning to cruise in 2023 than did in 2019, according to Cruise Lines International Association.
How Voting Works
Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — sharing their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Nearly 165,000 readers participated in the 2023 survey, an increase of nearly 25 percent over pre-pandemic voting levels. A total of more than 685,000 votes were cast across over 8,500 unique properties.
For the cruise category, respondents were asked to rate individual ships; the results were combined to generate scores for cruise lines in different categories based on the number of cabins. The midsize ocean cruise line category includes only ships with 300 to 799 cabins. Some cruise lines may appear in multiple categories depending on the fleet composition.
Ships were specifically rated on the criteria below:
- Cabins/facilities
- Food
- Service
- Itineraries/destinations
- Excursions/activities
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents could choose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores are averages of these responses.
What Readers Loved
This year’s list features the top midsize cruise operators, many of which offer luxurious service, food, and amenities across various itineraries. For instance, Seabourn (No. 2) boasts a fleet of fabulous ocean ships that traverse the Caribbean, the Mediterranean, and more remote locations like Australia and New Zealand. “They run a first-class operation,” remarked a traveler who sailed on the Seabourn Encore. Another guest praised, “The food was particularly excellent, the entertainment was engaging, and the cabin was extremely comfortable.” Furthermore, many believe it’s the friendliest cruise line on the ocean.
Regent Seven Seas Cruises climbed one position to No. 3 this year. A delighted reader shared, “It was the most beautiful, luxurious ship I’ve ever sailed on.” They further identified that the service was incredible, along with top-notch entertainment and shore excursions. Coming up next are Silversea (No. 4) and Oceania Cruises (No. 5), both noted for delivering outstanding service and unforgettable adventure experiences.
All things considered, Viking ranked as the top choice among readers for the best midsize-ship ocean cruise lines this year.
The Winner
Viking
Viking has claimed the No. 1 position in this category for the second consecutive year, owing to its consistent excellence. The brand currently operates 10 identical ocean-going ships, including the newest, Viking Saturn. The 465-cabin vessels explore popular destinations like the Caribbean and Western Mediterranean, while also venturing to Australia, South America, and Southeast Asia. Service is a core aspect of every journey, with one reader noting, “The staff and crew are joyful, and that enthusiasm is infectious.” Viking’s all-inclusive fares—which encompass meals, activities, many beverages, and Wi-Fi—are a significant advantage in readers’ evaluations. “Everything about them is first class,” noted another guest. “The accommodations, the service, the cuisine, and even the included excursions excel in quality.”
The Full List
1. Viking
Reader Score: 93.73
2. Seabourn
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 93.39
3. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 91.33
4. Silversea
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 89.65
5. Oceania Cruises
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 87.10