The best of mid-size cruise ships

Mid-size ships are cosy and intimate and go to places other vessels can’t reach.

Aimed at older cruisers or couples, mid-size ships range from about 650 to 2,500 passengers. They are suited for smaller ports and are a lot more maneuverable than the larger resort-style ships. Lines such as Azamara, Princess Cruises, Cunard, Oceania Cruises and Viking have perfected the mid-size ship. 

The advantage of these ships is that you will often find that they are much easier to navigate. There are fewer amenities and therefore it’s a lot easier to get your bearings. They also don’t tend to have activities such as water slides or rock-climbing walls, so they are not so attractive for families but much better suited for cruisers looking for a honeymoon or anniversary celebration or adults seeking a holiday away from the family. 

Viking has strict a no-children, no-casinos policy and generally you will find intellectual cruisers on board, who provide great stories for dinner conversations. 

Mid-size ships can handle rough seas well and have excellent stabilisers to make your journey smooth.

The beauty of the mid-size ship is the access to shore. Azamara, for instance, is known for its smaller boutique-style vessels. The size of the ships means that passengers can not only get access to smaller ports, but also overnight on shore and immerse themselves in the nightlife of the city. 

Like larger resort-style ships, mid-size ships have a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets. For instance, the crème de la crème of Cunard’s offerings is the Grill Class Suites, decked in crystal chandeliers, velvet banquettes and Art Deco-inspired wood panelling.

But Cunard’s fleet also has lovely and homey interior cabins designed for solo travellers or couples on a budget. Upper premium food-lovers line Oceania Cruises has a renowned Owner’s Suite designed for those who want splurge, or interior staterooms for those of more modest tastes. The Owner’s Suite features furnishings and fabrics from Ralph Lauren Home, a private living room, two walk-in closets, indoor and outdoor whirlpool spas, and a dramatic foyer and music room with a grand piano. 

But guests won’t be denied the opportunity for a great array of dining options. Princess’s relationship with Australian celebrity chef Curtis Stone has cumulated in one of the most successful restaurants on the line. SHARE by Curtis Stone focuses on seasonal fresh produce and menu items are designed to be shared by the entire table. Crown Grill, the line’s signature steakhouse, is still a favourite among regular cruiser. For surf and turf, try the Main Lobster Tail with the Filet Mignon.

On Cunard, enjoy a traditional English high tea of scones and finger sandwiches, with a cup of Darjeeling tea. In the main dining venue, the Britannia Restaurant, you’ll be ensconced under a beautiful gold gilded dome and white-gloved waiters will serve tradition British and regional menu items such as smoked salmon and spring lamb, or Indonesian chicken with papaya salad.

What you won’t find on mid-size ships is huge theatre shows and big productions. However, some lines such as Princess offer smaller-scale spectacles in partnership with Tony-award-winning producers such as Stephen Schwartz. The composer, who is the mastermind behind Wicked and Godspell, has combined his biggest hits to create Magic To Do for Princess.

Oceania Cruises, which was voted Best for Food in Cruise Passenger’s Reader’s Choice Awards, has kitchens where guests can master their chefs’ skills with the experts. In the Culinary Center, you can discover the art of fish cookery at sea. 

The spa offerings are also extensive on mid-size ships. Cunard’s Mareel Wellness and Beauty, which won Cruise Passenger’s Reader’s Choice Awards for Best for Spa, has an Aqua Therapy Centre, salon and barber services and treatments designed for couples.