How to Choose a Cruise

One of the last things people think about when booking a cruise is quality of the ship. But as Berlitz's Complete Guide To Cruising & Cruise Ships 2010 book points out, you may want to inspect this a little more closely. Berlitz, like Frommer, awards stars to ships based on a points system that evaluates standards of food, service and facilities. Below are examples of how each vessel category breaks down using real examples of ships you could sail on tomorrow. The 2010 edition was written by Douglas Ward, who spends more than 200 days a year at sea.

Examples of rated cruise ship descriptions:
(5 stars is the highest, one star is the lowest)

Europa *****+

Currently, the highest rated cruise ship in the world, this exclusive ship sails under the management of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises with its registry in the Bahamas. Its 280 crew passengers are on board to serve about 450 passengers staying in its 168 cabins, which all have exterior views. While there are no gaming facilities on board, there is one indoor and one outdoor pool, as well as one whirlpool. The outdoor pool, which is longer than most, is located on the main deck where outdoor movies and events are held. The guide credits Europa with including the details most other cruise lines have left behind: no plastic glasses by the pool, free in-room on-demand movies, real cloth towels in restrooms instead of paper towels, reasonably priced drinks and real flowers everywhere).
The guide does mention that while there are more luxurious ships out there, the sizes of the rooms, balconies, etc. onboard the Europa are all to scale.

Wind Spirit ***+

Looking for "relaxed but chic?" Berlitz's guide says this 74 cabin vessel is suitable for young couples and singles looking for something a little different than your typical cruise experience. There are 88 total crew serving this Windstar Cruises ship. There are slot machines, but only one "dip" pool outdoors. According to the guidebook, "Wind Spirit is long, sleek-looking craft that is part-yacht, part-cruise ship, with four giant masts that tower 170 feet about the deck." For as "pleasant" as the wait staff is, Berlitz says many of them struggle with English, but they do offer a romantic in-room dinner for two at no additional charge. Water sports equipment and a gymnasium/spa are also available.

Carnival Inspiration ***

This is a very large ship. There are over a thousand cabins, 920 crew, three swimming pools, six whirlpools and enough noise and activity to fill an ocean. Inspiration comes with a library, a discotheque (Berlitz's word, not mine), and a million dollar art collection. The dining experiences, however, are on the cheap. "Carnival meals stress quantity, not quality," says the guidebook. Similar to the Fantasy class of ships, the propulsion system allows for a virtually vibration free sailing experience. I, for one, personally forgot I was onboard a ship while staring into the vast six-deck high atrium. A casino and fitness center are also available.

National Geographic Sea Bird *+

The guide uses the word "rudimentary" quite frequently when describing this ship. Designed to give nature lovers an up-close sailing experience. A few other descriptions worth noting: "the mattresses are enclosed in wood frame with sharp corners, which you bang into constantly....there is just enough room to stow your luggage...all cabins have a private bathroom, although it is really tiny." There is no spa, no pool, no library, and no room service. However, there is a bar.

As a footnote, Ward writes: "all cruise ships built since July 1, 1986 must have either totally enclosed or partially enclosed lifeboats with diesel engines that will operate even if the lifeboat is inverted."

Once you have booked a cruise, you can always look online to learn more about the ship.