This year, small ships are gaining popularity among travelers. These vessels, defined by iBestTravel as having 150 to 299 cabins, provide an ideal combination of choice and comfort. With various onboard dining options and activities, they offer a more manageable experience compared to larger ships. Consequently, this growing interest in cruising can be attributed to the introduction of new and refreshed small ships that appeal to both seasoned cruisers and those exploring travel options.
How Voting Works
Each year, for the World’s Best Awards survey, iBestTravel invites readers to share their insights on global travel experiences. This includes opinions on top hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2023, approximately 165,000 readers participated in the survey, a notable increase of nearly 25% compared to pre-pandemic levels, casting over 685,000 votes across more than 8,500 unique properties.
For the cruise category, respondents rated individual ships, and these results were compiled to generate scores for different cruise lines based on the number of cabins. The small-ship ocean cruise category focuses exclusively on vessels with 150 to 299 cabins. Some cruise lines may be represented in multiple categories depending on their fleet makeup.
Ships were specifically rated on the following criteria:
- Cabins/Facilities
- Food
- Service
- Itineraries/Destinations
- Excursions/Activities
- Value
For each characteristic, respondents chose a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor, with the final scores being averages of these responses.
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What Readers Loved
In the 2023 voting, readers praised established brands for rejuvenating their offerings. For instance, No. 2 Windstar Cruises recently invested $250 million to rebuild three of its small ships, enhancing suites, culinary options, and spa facilities. One traveler expressed, “I’m never going to be able to get on another cruise line,” following their experience aboard Star Legend.
Similarly, Paul Gauguin Cruises (No. 3) maintained a solid score of over 92 points despite a slight drop from its 2022 ranking. This is attributed to its exceptional service—most rooms come with butler service—as well as dreamy itineraries that include remote atolls in the South Pacific and access to the cruise line’s private beach on Bora Bora. One voter noted, “It’s the only way to see this part of the world.”
This year’s top small-ship line stood out with two new vessels that are unique in the industry. Continue reading to discover how Viking dominated this category and to find more on the top cruise lines.
The Winner
Viking
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Viking, typically perceived as a midsize-ship line, clinched the top award in this category for its twin expedition vessels, Viking Polaris and Viking Octantis, each featuring 189 cabins designed for adventurous excursions. Whether exploring the Great Lakes or the Southern Ocean en route to Antarctica, the experience is tailored for comfort and exploration. One voter enthusiastically remarked, “I cannot say enough about how wonderful our experience was on the Viking Octantis to Antarctica. The ship is stunning in every way.” Another added, “The excursions were all well-planned and executed, while the science and educational sessions were excellent.” Although shorter trips are available, Viking also offers a longitudinal world cruise, taking travelers from Minnesota to Ushuaia, Argentina, with enriching port excursions along the way.
The Full List
1. Viking
Reader Score: 95.35
2. Windstar Cruises
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 92.72
3. Paul Gauguin Cruises
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 92.56
4. Seabourn
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 92.51
5. Silversea
WBA Hall of Fame honoree. Reader Score: 90.56
