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Last Updated: 03/19/08
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 You asked for it! Indeed, Cruise Critic members have told us they'd like to see our professional ship reviews -- like those written by members and featured in our Community -- offer more ratings categories. The big plus to the expanded ratings system is that more criteria will be evaluated by writers when deciding the ultimate "overall" rating.
And so they do. Cruise Critic's ship review rating system has undergone a major overhaul and now includes 11 different categories. A key new addition is value for money which indicates that, based on the average per diem price, does a particular ship or cruise experience deliver what it promises? Separate from that rating is one for pricing. This rating simply offers an idea of a ship's typical price range and again we base that on an average per diem.
While we've broadened the categories the scoring stays the same, ranging from one to five for individual sections. The overall ratings can factor in a plus (four-plus, for instance) with the ultimate best rating being a five-plus.
Curious about what, exactly, our overall rating stands for? Do you wonder how it can help you choose the right ship for your interests, budget and lifestyle? Read on.
Five Ribbons Plus 
 Expect: A luxury cruise experience with top-notch food, service and amenities. Cabins should be larger than average and equipped with today's important contemporary amenities (DVD players, separate seating areas, elaborate bathrooms and extra-big closets). Restaurants are open seating. Most, if not all cabins should have private balconies. Spa and fitness facilities, not to mention an elegant ambience in public rooms, theaters and lounges, are comparable to those in the world's finer small hotels. Itineraries incorporate both high-profile destinations and exotic, offbeat ones. Ultimately, what distinguishes a five-plus from a five is impeccable service -- whether it's the dining room waiter, cabin attendant or cruise staff.
But note that: Typically, ships that merit a five-plus score lack elaborate children's facilities.
It's the at-sea version Of: An elegant top-notch establishment, large or small, such as the Peninsula, Mandarin Oriental, Hotel Bel-Air, Banyan Tree Resorts.
Five Ribbons 
 Expect: Very high levels of all the important elements of luxury cruising -- gourmet cuisine, terrific service, attractive onboard ambience -- along with a full range of facilities, from expansive spas to theaters and beyond. Cabins are well-equipped though not necessarily much larger than industry average. Butler or concierge service is available. Restaurants may be open seating, or passengers may be assigned dining times and tablemates. The ship will likely have an excellent (if not way-out innovative) children's program. Voyages typically -- though not always -- cling to tried-and-true ports of call.
But note that: A ship from a big-ship line may sometimes -- rarely but it happens -- perform so exceptionally that it finds itself with a five ribbon rating; excellent service, fantastic kids' facilities, and very good dining could propel them above the mass. But we'll point out that a big ship is still a big ship, and waiting in line and being part of a crowd is still a factor. Another note: Some ships -- most notably Cunard's Queen Mary 2 and Norwegian Cruise Line's Jewel-class series -- are offering luxury options within a big ship environment. In that case, and in future reviews, Cruise Critic will evaluate these options separately from the main ship.
It's the at-sea version of: An elegant, full-service hotel that targets a range of audiences, from couples on holiday to family vacations, such as Ritz-Carlton, InterContinental Hotels, Four Seasons.
Four Ribbons (and Four Plus) 
 Expect: A wide range of facilities, including excellent spa and fitness areas and innovative kids' programs. They are relatively recently introduced (post 2000). Ambience is stylish. Cabins, a good proportion of which come with verandahs, are of industry average (fairly compact) but offer all the necessities, from hair dryers to decent storage and from mini-fridges to Internet connectivity. Bathrooms are typically serviceable but not fancy. Service levels can vary from exceptional to, well, not terribly personal. Restaurants may adhere to "freestyle" or "personal choice" options, or feature a set-seating arrangement at dinner time. Most will have on-land-style restaurants, though there's likely a per-person service fee.
But note that: These ships primarily sail to well-known ports of call and offer little exposure to less trafficked places in the world.
It's the at-sea version Of: Resorts and full service hotels that cater to a variety of tastes and styles, such as Westin, Thistle Hotels, Hilton, Hyatt or Marriott.
Three Ribbons (and Three Plus) 
 Expect: Many similarities to four-ribbon-rated ships -- except these are generally older. This means fewer balconies in standard categories, smaller cabins, and fewer options for dining and lounging. Service can surprise you (in positive and less positive ways). Expect smaller gyms and kids' areas that are serviceable but less than innovative. These ships typically sail year-round or seasonal "same place, same day, different week" itineraries to better-established ports of call.
But note that: These ships can be tremendous values if you really don't care about all of the contemporary bells and whistles.
It's the at-sea version of: Full service, moderately priced hotel chains like Millennium Hotels, Holiday Inn, Radisson, Jury's and Four Points Sheraton.
Two Ribbons (and Two Plus) 
 Expect: Few bells and whistles; these ships will have the major requirements -- outdoor pool, exercise room, a variety of lounges -- but they may lack upgraded and/or refreshed staterooms and facilities. There will be few (if any) balconies. Cabins are available in varying sizes from minuscule to large. Cuisine is generally inconsistent (could be good, could be poor). So is service. These ships may, however, have interesting itineraries -- and offer the industry's best bargains.
But note that: Typically, because of their more exotic itineraries and lengthier voyages, they'll appeal to seniors with more disposable time than income; few will have kids' facilities or programs.
It's the at-sea version of: Hotels that offer a clean, basic place to stay -- where the destination (or in the case of cruising where ports of call are more important than ship amenities) and a low price are the primary draws -- such as Ramada Inn, La Quinta, Premier Inn, Travelodge, and Best Western.
One Ribbon (and One Plus) 
Expect: Services are non-existent (no enrichment programs or shore excursion department), ship is in poor condition, cuisine and service are not emphasized.
But note that: Cruise Critic features no ships with quality levels this low.
It's the at-sea version of: By-the-highway establishments that have long been mediocre.
--by Carolyn Spencer Brown, Editor in Chief
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