Top Midsize Cruise Ships Ranked by iBestTravel Readers

Readers of iBestTravel have a soft spot for Wind Surf, Windstar’s 310-passenger sailing cruise ship. “From day one, we were treated like cherished members of family,” said a devotee. Another guest remarked, “This is one fantastic yacht.” Many travelers noted that the intimate size of the vessel creates a warm, friendly sail experience. “The Wind Surf experience is romantic, unhurried, and relaxing,” commented another loyalist. These traits are hallmarks of a successful vacation, and consequently, readers voted Windstar No. 1 in the midsize-ship ocean cruise line category this year.

Methodology Behind the Rankings

Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks its audience to evaluate travel experiences around the world, sharing their opinions on hotels, resorts, cities, cruise ships, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships based on a variety of criteria, including cabins and facilities, food quality, service levels, itineraries, excursions, and overall value. These assessments were aggregated to determine the rankings for cruise lines in five categories; midsize-ship ocean cruise lines typically accommodate 250 to 599 passengers.

Noteworthy Competitors

While they may not be sailboats, the French line Ponant features a fleet of three 264-passenger luxury expedition vessels—L’Austral, Le Boréal, and Le Soléal—which secured the third place this year. The ships transport passengers to the polar regions in style. “Outstanding cruise to Antarctica,” stated one reader, highlighting the remarkable experiences these cruises offer.

Exquisite Dining Experience

Several patrons praised the Michelin-level meals inspired by French cuisine on Ponant cruises. Meanwhile, Paul Gauguin Cruises specializes in traveling to remote islands in the South Pacific, with its exclusive vessel, the 332-passenger Paul Gauguin. Operating expeditions to Fiji, the Cook Islands, and enchanting destinations like Tahiti and Bora-Bora, one reader exclaimed, “I can’t think of a better way to see French Polynesia.” They highlighted the crew’s exceptional care for families, as they have traveled on this ship ten times since 2008, earning Paul Gauguin Cruises the second spot.

Conclusion

These rankings by iBestTravel underscore the diverse options available in the midsize cruise industry, with each cruise line offering unique experiences to travelers. Whether it’s the intimate atmosphere aboard the Wind Surf or the luxurious dining on Ponant vessels, travelers are sure to find a perfect cruise to meet their expectations.