Top Small-Ship Ocean Cruise Lines Loved by Readers in 2025

Summary

Cruise Enthusiasm for Small Ship Adventures
World’s Best Awards Explained
Top Small Ship Cruise Lines

Cruise lovers couldn’t wait to get back out on the sea, and GoTravelDaily readers who prefer compact vessels have been delighted to find that the voyages have only gotten better. This year, GoTravelDaily adjusted the World’s Best Awards cruise categories to reflect the industry and traveler experience. The ships in the small-ship ocean cruise lines category now feature 150 to 299 cabins, while smaller ships (with fewer than 150 cabins) fit within an all-new intimate-ship category.

Every year for our World’s Best Awards survey, GoTravelDaily 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. Readers rate individual cruise ships based on various factors including cabins and facilities, food, service, itineraries and destinations, excursions and activities, and value. Consequently, these assessments help generate results for cruise lines across six distinct categories, including river cruising.

Top Small Ship Cruise Lines

In the No. 2 spot is Windstar Cruises. The line’s 148- to 342-passenger sailing ships and 312-passenger, all-suite motor yachts received praise from voters. One reader expressed: “It was great to be on such a small ship with a high ratio of staff to guests,” referring to their journey aboard the 312-passenger Star Legend.

Ultra-luxury line Seabourn is also recognized in this category for its 225-suite Seabourn Odyssey, Seabourn Quest, and Seabourn Sojourn. One reader who sailed on the Odyssey stated: “This was my first Seabourn cruise and I really loved it — the size of the suites, the attentive service, the wonderful food, and the surprisingly terrific variety of entertainment.”

However, it was Paul Gauguin Cruises, now owned by French cruise company Ponant, that emerged as the reader favorite among the best cruise lines for small ships. Below, find further insights into what sets this cruise line apart.

1. Paul Gauguin Cruises

On the Paul Gauguin, a sense of place permeates everything from the Polynesian-influenced décor and color palette to the local cuisine travelers sample onboard. Resident performers, known as Les Gauguines, share Polynesian culture through dance, music, and storytelling. Moreover, in the spa, guests can indulge in a massage based on Tahitian techniques. Passengers explore island history and enjoy watersports such as snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, including from the beaches of two private motu. As one GoTravelDaily reader noted: “Everything about this cruise was excellent — ship staff was exceptional and always made you feel at home.”

Score: 96.59

More information: pgcruises.com