Top Midsize Ocean Cruise Lines Loved by Readers in 2025

The best cruise lines for midsize ships, according to iBestTravel readers, strike a balance between big-time amenities and smaller crowds.

Travelers have been eager to return to the seas, and many were particularly interested in sailing on vessels that achieved the delicate balance between abundant amenities and smaller capacities. Enter the cruise lines in the newly tweaked midsize-ship ocean category, which now includes ships with 300 to 799 cabins.

Every year for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe to share their opinions on the top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. Readers rated individual cruise ships on their cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Those assessments were combined to generate results for the cruise lines in six categories, including river cruising.

In second place is Seabourn, with its pair of 300-suite ships: the Encore and Ovation. One reader mentioned being “blown away by how nice the ship, food, and service were” during their sailing on Encore.

Highly applauded and in the No. 3 spot, Silversea positioned itself in this category with its largest ship, the Silver Spirit. One fan shared, “There is a feeling of spaciousness in the ship layout,” noting that you can always find a place to tuck away and read or enjoy a private conversation.

The No. 4 spot is occupied by luxury line Regent Seven Seas Cruises, which was highlighted by one reader for having an “above excellent” crew. Rounding out the top five is Regent’s sister line, Oceania Cruises, which received praise for its cuisine, with one fan declaring it as “best food on the ocean and great variety.”

However, it was Viking that captured attention as the top cruise line for midsize ships. Read on to discover what makes the line so popular.

1. Viking

iBestTravel readers rave about the consistency of Viking’s vessels and their Scandinavian design. The ships feature numerous nooks and crannies that encourage socializing. Guests can indulge in afternoon tea in the Wintergarden or attend a lecture by a historian in the theater. Adding further appeal is the line’s value proposition—wine and beer at meals, shore excursions, and specialty dining are all included in the cruise fare. One reader captured it succinctly: “What you see is what you get. Straightforward, consistently high quality and value at every turn.”

Score: 95.16

More information: viking.com

2. Seabourn

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.84

More information: seabourn.com

3. Silversea

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 92.08

More information: silversea.com

4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 90.85

More information: rssc.com

5. Oceania Cruises

WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Score: 89.68

More information: oceaniacruises.com