Our Top Picks
- Top Overall Winner: Paul Gauguin Cruises (Score: 96.59). Champion of French Polynesia with an emphasis on local immersion.
- Runner Up: Windstar Cruises. Known for its romantic sailing yachts and unpretentious yet refined boutique atmosphere.
- Best for Luxury: Seabourn. The gold standard for ultra-luxury experiences, offering all-suite accommodations and intuitive service.
The 2022 World's Best Awards results are in, following thousands of votes from Travel + Leisure readers. The top-rated best small cruise lines of 2022 are Paul Gauguin Cruises, Windstar Cruises, and Seabourn, recognized for their superior cabin facilities and destination-focused itineraries. These winners manage to balance the grand scale of ocean travel with the intimacy of a private club, offering a travel experience that feels both expansive and deeply personal.
Defining the Small Ship: The 150-299 Rule
In the world of high-end cruising, size is more than just a measurement; it defines the very soul of the voyage. To understand why these specific lines captured the hearts of readers, we must look at the technical taxonomy utilized by the industry. The category of small-ship ocean cruise lines is strictly defined as vessels having between 150 to 299 cabins. This is a deliberate "sweet spot" in naval architecture. It is large enough to provide a variety of culinary offerings and spacious ocean-view suites, yet small enough to avoid the anonymous, bustling crowds found on mega-liners.
This classification stands in contrast to other tiers like intimate-ship ocean cruise lines, which feature fewer than 150 cabins. In that specific category, readers chose Quasar Expeditions as the No. 1 intimate-ship ocean cruise line for 2022, followed by Overseas Adventure Travel which was ranked No. 2.
For those seeking the best small cruise lines, the 150-299 cabin count ensures a boutique cruise line experience where the staff likely knows your name by the second day. These ships are designed to feel like floating luxury hotels rather than amusement parks. The focus remains on the horizon, the culture of the ports, and the quiet luxury of a well-appointed stateroom. When you choose small ship ocean cruises with 150 to 299 cabins, you are choosing a vessel that can navigate the narrow fjords of Montenegro or dock directly at the pier in the heart of a Mediterranean village, bypassing the industrial ports required by larger ships.
Deep Dive: The 2022 Champions
The winners of the 2022 rankings represent the pinnacle of curated travel. Each brand serves a distinct traveler profile, but they all share a commitment to excellence in service standards and itinerary variety.
Paul Gauguin Cruises: The Spirit of the South Seas
According to the 2022 Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards, Paul Gauguin Cruises was ranked as the No. 1 small-ship ocean cruise line. This recognition is well-deserved, as the line has spent decades perfecting the art of cruising in French Polynesia. The experience is sensory-rich from the moment you step aboard. Guests are greeted by Les Gauguines and Les Gauguins—Tahitian hosts who serve as dancers, storytellers, and guides throughout the journey.
The ambiance is one of barefoot elegance. While the ship offers every modern comfort, the Polynesian-inspired decor and the scent of fresh tropical blossoms remind you exactly where you are. One of the standout small ship cruise amenities is the retractable watersports platform, allowing guests to kayak or paddleboard directly from the stern of the boat into crystal-clear lagoons. The itinerary variety is specialized, focusing on private island motu excursions where you can enjoy a traditional barbecue on a secluded beach with nothing but turquoise water in every direction.
Windstar Cruises: The Romance of the Wind
Taking the second spot is Windstar Cruises, a brand that represents the ultimate dream for those who love the classic aesthetic of sailing. Their fleet includes motor-sailed yachts where the unfurling of the great white sails is treated as a daily ritual, accompanied by soaring orchestral music. This boutique cruise line is perfect for romantics who want to feel the movement of the sea and the whisper of the breeze.
Windstar is often praised for being one of the top rated small cruise ships for food and service. Their partnership with the James Beard Foundation means the culinary offerings are exceptional, focusing on fresh, local ingredients sourced from the markets of the ports they visit. Whether you are dining al fresco under the stars or in the elegant Amphora restaurant, the focus is on a sophisticated yet unpretentious atmosphere.
Seabourn: Ultra-Luxury Reimagined
For those who prioritize luxury small ship cruises, Seabourn remains an undefeated titan. This is a line for the traveler who expects the best of everything:
- Accommodations: Every guest resides in one of their ocean-view suites, many featuring private verandas where breakfast can be served by a personal suite host.
- Personalization: With a nearly one-to-one passenger-to-crew ratio, the service is almost telepathic. Your favorite drink appears before you ask for it.
- Excursions: Their shore excursions are curated for depth, including "Shopping with the Chef" tours in local markets or exclusive after-hours access to historical sites.
Seabourn ships are designed with a sleek, contemporary elegance that feels like a private yacht. The onboard activities are elevated, ranging from mindful living programs to world-class spa facilities that rival any land-based resort.
Why Go Small? The Boutique Cruising Advantage
The shift toward smaller vessels is a growing trend among discerning travelers, and for good reason. There are several benefits of sailing on a small ship vs large cruise ship that simply cannot be replicated on a vessel carrying 5,000 passengers.
First and foremost is the passenger-to-crew ratio. In the best small cruise lines, the staffing levels are significantly higher per guest than on budget-friendly mega-ships. This allows for a level of personalized service that turns a vacation into a transformative experience. You aren't just a cabin number; you are a valued guest whose preferences are remembered and celebrated.
The second major advantage is port access and the nature of the destination-focused voyages. Larger ships are often restricted to massive, commercial ports far from the actual city center. Because boutique cruise lines utilize smaller ships, they can dock in the heart of iconic destinations like Portofino, Monte Carlo, or the hidden coves of the Greek Isles. You can walk off the gangway and immediately find yourself in a charming piazza, rather than spending an hour on a shuttle bus.
Finally, the lack of crowds fosters a quiet, serene boutique atmosphere. There are no lines for dinner, no competition for lounge chairs by the pool, and no noisy PA announcements. This silence allows the destination to take center stage. You spend less time navigating the ship and more time engaging with the culture, history, and natural beauty of the regions you are visiting. When considering small ship cruise amenities and onboard activities, the emphasis is always on quality over quantity—think intimate jazz sets, guest lectures from historians, and wine tastings led by expert sommeliers.
Pro Tip: For those planning their first voyage, a budget of approximately $600 per person per night is standard for the luxury small ship cruises tier. While the initial price may seem higher than mass-market lines, these fares are often much more inclusive, covering fine wines, gourmet dining, and even shore excursions, providing better overall value.
FAQ
What is considered a small cruise ship?
In the context of major industry awards like Travel + Leisure, a small cruise ship is typically defined as a vessel containing between 150 to 299 cabins. This distinguishes them from intimate ships, which have fewer than 150 cabins, and midsize or large ships that can have thousands.
What are the advantages of choosing a small ship cruise?
The primary advantages include a higher passenger-to-crew ratio for better service, access to smaller and more exotic ports of call, and a more intimate boutique atmosphere. These ships focus on destination-focused voyages where the itinerary and local culture are the priorities, rather than onboard "high-tech" entertainment like water slides.
How many passengers are typically on a small cruise ship?
Given the cabin count of 150 to 299, you can typically expect between 300 and 600 passengers. This lower capacity ensures there are no crowds or long waits for dining and excursions, promoting a feeling of exclusivity and relaxation.
Can small cruise ships visit ports that large ships cannot reach?
Yes, this is one of the greatest draws of these lines. Their smaller size and shallower drafts allow them to navigate narrow waterways and dock at hidden harbors, yacht marinas, and city-center piers. This often eliminates the need for "tendering" (using small boats to get to shore) and puts guests right in the heart of the action.
Is the food quality better on small cruise lines?
Generally, yes. Because the galley is preparing meals for hundreds rather than thousands, they can focus on "made-to-order" quality and higher-end ingredients. Many top rated small cruise ships for food and service partner with celebrity chefs and offer open-seating dining, meaning you can eat whenever and with whomever you choose, often at a level comparable to a Michelin-starred restaurant on land.
