National Cruise Only Brokers info@thecruiseauction.com (203) 288-1884 Hamden, CT

Cruise Ship Ratings

The explanation of standards and categories are that of NABA Cruise Consultants, a National Recognized Organization which evaluates the ships independent of the Cruise Line. Evaluation process is done during sailings with extensive interviews with passengers and staff. Each ship is evaluated objectively based upon a standard. Some ships will excel in certain areas which should qualify them for a higher rating, but other areas are lacking. Thus, the ships have been placed in the various categories based upon:

• Passengers Interviews
• Air Ticketing Schedules
• Service Levels
• Back up and Support of Office
• Attitude of Mgmt towards passengers
• Entertainment
• On Board Staff Passenger Relations

The Ratings

6 STAR

Luxury Lines

This is regarded as the Top of the Line in all categories. Overall comfort, quality of food, amenities, service levels and highest crew to passenger levels. Type of clients are more mature(age & personal preference) and willing to pay the higher price. Certain ships in this category cater to upscale 40 year old. Staterooms(not cabins) are large and well appointed. Service is exacting and highly personalized. Emphasis is on properness. Activities are low key and more social than just entertainment. Most of these type ships offer single seating for meals and many have no seating assignments. Food is elaborate and prepared to order. 24 hour in cabin full meal service available. Ship capacity varies from 125 passengers to 750. Tipping on the highest quality ships is prohibited.

Average age is 45 plus

Ships earning a 6 Star rating include:

5 STAR

Upscale

Clients are considered upper middle income, as well as first time high quality cruisers. Some of these ships have one dinner seating while some offer two seatings for dinner with food of excellent quality. Entertainment and activities are numerous with consideration placed on 'enrichment'. Considered Casual Elegance with some ships having no dress code.

Average age is 40 plus

Ships earning a 5 Star rating include:

• Cunard Queen Elizabeth II
• Hanseatic
• Marco Polo
• Paul Gaugin
• Radisson Diamond
• Seven Seas Navigator
• Song of Flower
• Mariner of the Seas ( Radisson)

4 STAR

Contemporary Cruises

These are ships that offer very good service and food quality. They cater to all age brackets, from singles in their thirties to families, to older people. Excellent entertainment, activities and programs. Choice of activities offer people from every background something to enjoy. Most of these ships have their own uniqueness and have a high repeat passenger rate. A number of these ships have year round children’s staff for families, while some only provide children’s programs during school vacations often leaving much to be desired since they are not consistent.

Average age 25 to 60

Ships earning a 4 Star rating include:

3 STAR

These ships are considered average, they cater to all age brackets where price is most important. Most of these ships have their own uniqueness These are older classic vessels. They offer good quality, good food , service and entertainment, but do not have the "glitz" or glamour of the ships built in the late 90's.

Average age 35 to 60

Ships earning a 3 Star rating include:

2 STAR

Classic, older vessels, excellent for cruisers who are seeking smaller ships. . These ships are geared to mass market. Activities and night life are abundant. Service is geared to efficiency more than exacting. Food is plentiful, but not gourmet. Price is a major factor.

Average Age over 35

Ships earning a 2 Star rating include:

• Costa Riviera
• Island Breeze
• Enchanted Capri
• Independence
• Ocean Breeze
• Rembrandt
• Seabreeze
• Starship Oceanic

1 STAR

Most of these ships are "Older" and lack the dazzle of the newer ships. The cruises are good. Ships are well kept and the crew and staff are attentive. The glitter of a cruise is there. Price is very important.

Ships earning a 1 Star rating include:

• Regal Empress

Short Cruises - less than 6 days

Excellent for a short holiday and for those who want to taste the cruise experience. Activities are packed into the short stay, so bring your running shoes. Great for those who desire to experience cruising or fro a quick "get away". Excellent value for the dollar.

Average age 30 plus

Short Cruise Ships include:

Effective January 1990. Last Revised May 1999.

LinkExchange Member

The Cruise Auction
National Cruise Only Brokers
Hamden, Connecticut
Phone: (203) 288-1884
E-Mail: info@thecruiseauction.com

© 1997-1999, The Cruise Auction, LLC - all rights reserved
Web site design by SNP Technologies, Inc.