With adult-focused delights, these mid-size ocean cruise lines topped the list in our annual “World’s Best Awards” survey for 2024.

By Fran Golden

Midsize ships, with 300 to 799 cabins, focus on a variety of entertainment options. You’ll find activities like intellectual lectures, and carefully curated menus served in a variety of fine-dining restaurants. Personalized service and creative itineraries make these cruises extra special. Travel + Leisure readers looking to explore beyond the tried-and-true love these ships as a comfortable, and even luxurious way to see the world.

What Readers Loved 

Launched in late summer 2023, the first ship of luxury line Explora Journeys quickly caught readers’ attention and, impressively, was voted into the No. 2 spot in the midsize category in the World’s Best Awards for 2024. “Explora I surpassed all of my expectations,” said one voter. “It feels like a luxury resort at sea. They hit all of the marks for an exceptional experience!”

Shut down by a previous owner and resurrected by renowned luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent, Crystal made an impressive reentry in the No. 3 spot. Readers lauded Crystal’s cuisine and exceptional service. “What makes this ship unique specifically is the staff,” said one reader. “Onboard they make you feel like you are family and remember every detail of what makes you the person you are.”

That said, it’s hard to displace a line like Viking, noted for its consistency of overall excellence. For a third year in a row, it’s the No. 1 choice of readers in this year’s voting.

The Winner 

Viking

When you get on a Viking ship, you know what to expect. There are familiar surroundings, no kids onboard, no casinos, no nickel-and-diming, just overall excellence, say T+L readers. With 10 identical 465-cabin ships and a 11th, 499-cabin ship debuting later in 2024, Viking delivers a winning formula of all-inclusive fares that combine meals, beverages, Wifi, gratuities, and a shore excursion in every port with standout itineraries, too. Those destinations include the Caribbean, Alaska, Southeast Asia, China, South America, Australia, and Scandinavia. Service was an area that got particular raves in this year’s survey. “Experience made us feel like superstars!” said one reader.

The Full List 

 1. Viking

Reader Score: 94.09

2. Explora Journeys

Reader Score: 92.81

3. Crystal

Reader Score: 90.16

4. Regent Seven Seas Cruises

Reader Score: 89.68

5. Seabourn

Reader Score: 88.90

6. Silversea

Reader Score: 87.96

7. Oceania Cruises

Reader Score: 87.31

8. Holland America Line

Reader Score: 86.27

9. Azamara

Reader Score 86.13

10. Celestyal Cruises

Reader Score: 82.63

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