Dinogo Readers' Top 5 Small-ship Ocean Cruise Lines for 2024
Small ships, defined by Dinogo as those featuring 150 to 299 cabins, have gained significant popularity among adventurous readers. These cozy vessels, free from the flashiness of larger ships, offer a range of choices in dining, lodging, activities (including intellectual pursuits), and experiences. There is a growing interest in cruises that deeply explore destinations, and these small ships fulfill that desire. Both newcomers and established small ships are drawing in seasoned cruisers seeking something unique, as well as travelers who are venturing into the seas for the first time.
Voting Process Explained
Each year, for our World's Best Awards survey, T+L invites readers to share their travel experiences worldwide, offering insights into the best hotels, resorts, cities, islands, cruise ships, spas, airlines, and more. In 2024, over 186,000 T+L readers participated in the survey, casting more than 700,000 votes across 8,700+ properties (including hotels, cities, cruise lines, etc.).
For the cruise category, participants rated individual ships; these ratings were aggregated to form scores for cruise lines across various categories based on cabin counts.
Ships were evaluated based on the following criteria:
- Cabins and amenities
- Culinary offerings
- Staff service
- Routes and destinations
- Excursions and activities
- Overall value
For each attribute, participants could select a rating of excellent, above average, average, below average, or poor. The final scores represent the average of these ratings.
What Captivated Readers
Hurtigruten Expeditions, recently rebranded as HX and ranked No. 2, was absent from last year's World’s Best Awards list but made a notable comeback in 2024, surpassing the consistently favored Windstar Cruises, which operates luxurious sailing and motor yachts, now in the No. 3 position.
Voters are enthusiastic about HX's focus on destination exploration. “Hurtigruten is ALWAYS thrilling!” exclaimed one reader. “This is NOT your standard cruise. If you're looking to be spoiled and enjoy Broadway shows, Hurtigruten isn't for you. HOWEVER, if you crave breathtaking views and authentic local interactions, along with thrilling expeditions, then Hurtigruten is perfect for you!”
Regarding Windstar Cruises, voters praised the cuisine, crew, and captivating destinations, which include the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and Tahiti. “I loved the intimate cruise atmosphere,” shared one reader. “Thanks to the small ship's agility in port access, we were able to explore places we might have missed otherwise.” Rounding out the top five were Paul Gauguin Cruises, focused on Tahiti (No. 4), and Silversea (No. 5).
Viking made a splash in 2022 with two new expedition ships that have quickly become so popular they lead the small-ship rankings for the second consecutive year.
The Champion
Viking
Image courtesy of VikingFor the second consecutive year, Viking's two 189-cabin expedition ships have claimed the top spot in the World’s Best Awards small-ship category. These vessels offer expedition cruising blended with the comforts typical of traditional ships. They operate in Antarctica during winter, navigate the Great Lakes in summer, and also journey through South America, Greenland, and the Northwest Passage. Additionally, they offer extensive itineraries such as longitudinal world cruises. Off-ship exploration and a focus on science have captivated readers. “The presentations by the science team were incredible,” one reader exclaimed. “I particularly enjoyed all the science-related lectures, films, and discussions on wildlife, ocean plastics, and other pertinent scientific issues,” noted another.
The Complete List
1. Viking
Reader Rating: 96.69
2. HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Reader Rating: 96.08
3. Windstar Cruises
Reader Rating: 92.99
4. Paul Gauguin Cruises
Reader Rating: 91.26
5. Silversea
Reader Rating: 88.49
1
2
3
4
5
Evaluation :
5/5