Berlitz have been evaluating and rating cruise ships and the onboard product professionally since 1980.
In addition, they receive regular reports from my team of five trained assessors. The ratings are conducted with total objectivity, from a set of predetermined criteria and a modus operandi designed to work globally, not just regionally, across the entire spectrum of ocean-going cruise ships today, in all segments of the marketplace.
There really is no ‘best cruise line in the world’ or ‘best cruise ship’ – only the ship and cruise that is right for you. After all, it’s the overall enjoyment of a cruise as a vacation that’s really important. Therefore, different criteria are applied to ships of different sizes, styles, and market segments throughout the world (people of different nationalities seek different things in their vacation).
This section includes oceangoing cruise ships in service (or due to enter service) and chosen by Berlitz. Almost all except the newest ships have been carefully evaluated, taking into account around 400 separate items based on personal cruises, visits and revisits to ships, as well as observations and comments from my team.
These are channeled into 20 major areas, each with a possible 100 points. The maximum possible score for any ship is therefore 2,000 points.
For the sake of clarity and user-friendliness, scores are further channeled into five main sections (Ship, Accommodation, Food, Service, and Cruise Operation).
Cruise lines, ship owners, and operators should note that the ratings may be adjusted annually as a result of increased competition, the introduction of newer ships with better facilities, and other market- or passenger-driven factors.
The ratings more reflect the standards of the cruise product delivered to passengers (the software: dining experience, and the service and hospitality aspects of the cruise), and less the physical plant (the hardware). Thus, although a ship may be the latest, most stunning vessel in the world in terms of design and decor, if the food, service, staff, and hospitality are not so good, the scores and ratings will reflect these aspects more clearly.
The stars beside the name of the ship at the top of each page relate directly to the Overall Rating. The highest number of stars awarded is five stars
( ), and the lowest is one star (). This system is universally recognized throughout the hospitality industry.
A plus ( ) indicates that a ship deserves just that little bit more than the number of stars attained. However, it is the number of points achieved rather than the number of stars attained that perhaps is more meaningful to anyone comparing ships.
Notes on the Rating Results
Cruise ship evaluations and ratings have become much more complex. Although a ship may be the newest, with all the latest high-tech facilities possible, it is the onboard food and service that often disappoints, as well as standing in lines and signing up for activities.
Cruise companies say that food quality is a trade-off against lower prices. However, this attitude only results in a downward spiral that affects food quality as well as service, quality of personnel, crew training, safety, maintenance, and other related items.
Cruise companies hope that passengers won’t notice cuts in food quality and employing cheaper crew members. However, in the final analysis, it is the little things that add to points lost on the great scorecard.
The ratings are intended to help the cruise companies evaluate their product, listen to their income-generating passengers, and return some of the items and the finesse missing in the overall cruise experience, while adjusting fares to better reflect long-term growth of this good value-for-money vacation. |
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