What makes 6 star cruise line

[Keith1010]

Paul your post is exactly what I am talking about.

 

Even the agency that did the ranking of ships if they did the same for cruise lines what does that mean. It is likely based on one persons opinion and we really don't know iff they have sailed all ships let along cruise lines. However, to me ships are very important because all ships are not created equally and in some cases vary considerably and that includes many of the categories you mentioned. More on that in a second.

 

It is not very often that I even hear the word six stars mentioned for a cruise line/ship but either way what one persons ranks six versus five star another person might see it just the opposite.

 

Same goes for all products.

 

Even Consumer Reports who does a lot of testing doesn't always get it right with their rankings and what they say is number one might not be number one on my list or yours.

 

Interesting thought. I look much deeper then the cruise line and do look at the ship. Many of the ships on luxury lines are totally different. The Silver Wind is very different then the Muse in what it can offer and that includes enrichment, entertainment, food, restaurants, fitness and so forth. I would prioritize ship first when it comes to such a diverse set of ships in a fleet.

 

We all have things that are important to us when we make our decisions.

 

I will tell you that a star means nothing to me.

 

There is another saying. The devil is in the details.

 

Making a decision just based on a rating that someone else selected makes very little sense to me. I want to do a lot more research and that includes knowing what the ship has to offer.

 

As I said the only opinion that matters is our very own.

 

Keith

[English Voyager]

There smoking policy is not enforced on Europa.

 

I have not sailed on the Europa so I cannot comment on your assertion.

 

However, I have cruised several times on the Europa 2, and have never seen any of the, predominantly German, passengers flouting the smoking policy.

[wripro]

So how do experts distinguish the deference in the quality of certain product. How do the public distinguish the difference between luxury car or cruise line vs chevy or carnival cruise line. Experts test drive and cruise on ships and they determine what is luxury or 6 star. The public buy a product or take a cruise and giver their opinion. To be fair the public would have to buy every car product or cruise on every line to give their opinion if they don't they have a bias opinion of the product or cruise they where on. Bottom line it comes down to opinions. The cruise industry must have set standards for cruise line ratings. Also at some point all cruise lines fail inspections at one time or another just like restaurants.

 

 

No so called "Expert" or reviewer or critic gives anything six stars. When you see something called six stars it's usually the marketing department of said property that assigns those stars.

[zqvol]

1- Size of ship (less than 800 passengers)

2- Cabin (cabins start at suite level)

3-All inclusive (all beverages and tipping)

4-Service (impeccable-trained staff)

 

These are the basic criteria for 6 star cruise line

Regent, Seabourn, Silversea

 

5 1/2 star cruise lines

Azamara, Crystal, Oceania, SeaDream Yachts

 

Based on your criteria they are all 5 1/2 star, none make it to six star category because all of them have cabins that are not truly suites.

[zqvol]

Berlitz is not the best for cruise reviews. They take money for advertisement. They have numerous mistakes in the books about description of the ships. They are trying to sell their books. The best reviews come from cruisetruth.com They receive no money from advertisement. Completely unbiased reviews.

Europa is highly ranked cruise ship. There biggest problem is smoking on the ship. All the top 6 star cruise lines have all alcohol beverages included. And yes alcohol does play a part on all cruise ships if you drink or not.

 

You're right about no advertising, but it as to get it's funding from some place.

[paul1439]

Paul your post is exactly what I am talking about.

 

Even the agency that did the ranking of ships if they did the same for cruise lines what does that mean. It is likely based on one persons opinion and we really don't know iff they have sailed all ships let along cruise lines. However, to me ships are very important because all ships are not created equally and in some cases vary considerably and that includes many of the categories you mentioned. More on that in a second.

 

It is not very often that I even hear the word six stars mentioned for a cruise line/ship but either way what one persons ranks six versus five star another person might see it just the opposite.

 

Same goes for all products.

 

Even Consumer Reports who does a lot of testing doesn't always get it right with their rankings and what they say is number one might not be number one on my list or yours.

 

Interesting thought. I look much deeper then the cruise line and do look at the ship. Many of the ships on luxury lines are totally different. The Silver Wind is very different then the Muse in what it can offer and that includes enrichment, entertainment, food, restaurants, fitness and so forth. I would prioritize ship first when it comes to such a diverse set of ships in a fleet.

 

We all have things that are important to us when we make our decisions.

 

I will tell you that a star means nothing to me.

 

There is another saying. The devil is in the details.

 

Making a decision just based on a rating that someone else selected makes very little sense to me. I want to do a lot more research and that includes knowing what the ship has to offer.

 

As I said the only opinion that matters is our very own.

 

Keith

 

One final question. If you are going to the movies and where trying to decide on what movie to see and there is a 1 star or 6 star movie what movie would you see?

[Catlover54]

There must be some type of order in which cruise lines are ranked. This helps consumer make their judgment which cruise line to vacation on. There is no standards in the cruise industry. Vacation to go gives ship rankings from 3-6 star ratings. They rank the ship not the cruise line. I think this is very difficult. Consumers should judge the cruise line first then the ships within the cruise line second. Butler service is giving to the higher suites mostly on all cruise lines. Suite is a category on all ships. Suites size vary from ship to ship but most start at 290 sq. ft. Crystal is definitely luxury cruise line. Most upscale consumers want low amount of passengers and want a suite. Crystal doesn't have these amenities at their starting cabin level (outside window). Crystal is noted for their food and service. Amenities is the most concerning for upscale travelers. There concern is the amount of passengers, suites, food quality which is debatable, service (the crew know you by your name). All inclusive ships. This may be no concern to you but for upscale travelers it's everything.

 

Paul, I had to laugh when you responded to Keith with "this may be no concern to you but for upscale travelers it's everything". You are implying Keith 1010 is not an upscale traveler". You may wish to review his post history.

[Catlover54]

Berlitz is not the best for cruise reviews. They take money for advertisement. They have numerous mistakes in the books about description of the ships. They are trying to sell their books. The best reviews come from cruisetruth.com They receive no money from advertisement. Completely unbiased reviews.

Europa is highly ranked cruise ship. There biggest problem is smoking on the ship. All the top 6 star cruise lines have all alcohol beverages included. And yes alcohol does play a part on all cruise ships if you drink or not.

 

Are you saying that HL pays Berlitz money for advertising but Regent, SB do not, or paid less, and that is why Berlitz ranked HL so high? If so, do you have a citation for this?

[Catlover54]

There smoking policy is not enforced on Europa.

 

I was on Europa 14 days last fall and smoking was only allowed where smoking was designated as permissible.

 

That may still be too much exposure for very finicky people, but could you tell use when you were on her when you found it was NOT enforced in the designated area?

[Catlover54]

That's correct. If you are non smoker this is the last ship you would go on. European cruise lines are the worst for enforcing their no smoke policy. Again I say upscale travelers want all inclusive cruise lines. Hapag Lloyd doesn't offer this amenity. There is a need for basic standards for cruise reviews and there is none. Unless reviewers where on all cruise lines how do you distinguish guide lines for your review? Travelers give their opinion of the ships they where on but how do you compare your ship vs the other ships that you where not on. The cruise reviews need a standard for saying it's 3-6 star ship.

 

I am a non-smoker, and an "upscale traveler" but MS Europa and Europa 2 are my first choices for cruising. I agree that there is more potential smoke exposure on these ships ( e.g., it is allowed on balconies), but I do not agree they do not enforce their stated policies ( the exception I saw was New Years Eve at midnight under the Magradome, on the E2, there were people who lit up in a non-smoking area).

But Princess is mostly non-smoking, and has no appeal as it does not offer luxury products F&B.

I am more interested in luxury food and luxury service than I am in avoiding minute amounts of second hand smoke exposure on a ship, which is much less than I get in ports most people crave to see with great excitement but while being terrified of whiffs of outdoor smoke here and there on ships.

 

As Keith1010, a very experienced luxury traveler, has said, we all have our individual preferences and we need to decide what is right for each of us. That does not mean there are no correlations with certain features luxury travelers seek, such as large cabin size, or even inclusivity, but the r value is not 0.99.

[UUNetBill]

I've said it before and I'll say it again - it's virtually impossible to rank luxury cruise lines based on a fixed set of criteria like this. What's luxury for one person may or may not be luxury for another. There are things on the OP's list that don't really matter that much for me and other things I find important that aren't on the list.

 

To me:

Included alcohol is a definite plus. Included cheap alcohol isn't.

A nice cigar lounge is a plus. People puffing cigarettes all over the ship isn't.

A choice of 'happening' lounges or a quiet corner to read is a plus.

Friendly yet professional service - with a smile - is a plus.

 

I could go on and on. I've seen lists where people have requirements that don't make a bit of difference to me. I could care less about a casino, but it's a deal-breaker for some. I prefer high-quality spirits, my wife prefers good wine. My wife likes surf, I like turf.

 

There was a cutoff of 800 passengers, yet no mention of guest to staff ratio, or open space ratios...there really are so many intangibles as to make these types of discussions nothing more than an exercise in polite discussion.

 

I think if I come back from a cruise completely rested, five pounds heavier, mentally recharged, and constantly smiling at the memory of the cruise - it's a luxury. I don't care how many 'stars' a line receives. If I get treated with warmth and politeness for a week or two, well, I'll keep coming back.

[vistaman]

catlover , i agree with you on quite a lot of items and it is mentionned on the backside of the Berlitz book "Douglas Ward accepts no sponsorships. "

Before the ms Europa 2, the ms Europa was the best ship, and before the former Royal Viking Sun ( now Prinsendam ) and long time ago the Sagaford what was in her great days under Norwegian flag.

For me the gastronomy is rather very important and I am glad i discovered the HL ships. And it is not the amount of caviar but the constant quality ranging from fresh juices for breakfast, nice fruits , local purchased fish , nice canapes on parties and real French champagne offered on those. Smaal items make the difference.

Free drinks is maybe a factor, but not a dominant one , on my first Seabourn i noticed people drunk on a daily base before dinner ... on my first Crystal after "all in" every evening i was surrounded by people finishing more as one full bottle of wine each during dinner

The high standard of service on HL is maybe only matched by Crystal

Concerning entertainment : i am feeling sorry to say it but on at least 2 luxury companies : there are entertainers doing the same act for ages - one did even work on former Royal Viking still the same ...:o

[paul1439]

Based on your criteria they are all 5 1/2 star, none make it to six star category because all of them have cabins that are not truly suites.

 

Thats incorrect all suites start around 290 sf ft and up.

[paul1439]

Paul, I had to laugh when you responded to Keith with "this may be no concern to you but for upscale travelers it's everything". You are implying Keith 1010 is not an upscale traveler". You may wish to review his post history.

 

 

What are you talking about Keith? Upscale travelers is the term used by most Travel Companies. By the way I also have the same travel experience has Keith 1010.

[UUNetBill]

By the way I also have the same travel experience has Keith 1010.

Technically, unless you've been on every flight, cruise, hike, trip, excursion, etc. as Keith1010 has, you don't have the same travel experience. You may have travelled more or less or gone to more or fewer destinations, but everyone's travel experience is different (I've seen it with people on the same cruise - one loved it, one hated it).

 

That's another reason cruise reviews need to be taken with a grain of salt...different people want different things.

[Travelcat2]

As usual, I strongly agree with Keith and with Bill. I truly do not understand why Europa I and II keep coming up. Yes - from what I have read, they are luxury (but not inclusive and are very family oriented which the rest of the luxury cruise lines are not). If you speak German or enjoy being in an environment where most people do (and with only a small number of English speakers - aside from the crew), it may be a fit for you. We simply would not sail on a ship that is family oriented and has mostly non-English speakers. This "may" (emphasis on may) be the reason why people that read Cruise Critic aren't that excited about Europa. After all, while this site is read worldwide, most posters are from North America (followed by the U.K. and Australia).

 

In terms of Oceania - even the CEO of the parent company does not consider Oceania to be a luxury cruise line. IMO, Oceania, Azamara and Viking Ocean are a step down from a luxury cruise line but are a better value and will meet the needs of many. My personal belief is that Cruise Critic makes things more difficult for cruisers when they mix luxury and premium cruise lines. It is my understanding that the luxury cruise lines that are "recognized" by U.S. and Canadian passengers are (in alphabetical order), Crystal, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea. There is also a small yacht type ship whose name won't come to mind that is considered by many to be luxury (not Windstar).

 

In terms of Berlitz, that is so last century (I couldn't resist saying that).:evilsmile:

[UPNYGuy]

As usual, I strongly agree with Keith and with Bill. I truly do not understand why Europa I and II keep coming up. Yes - from what I have read, they are luxury (but not inclusive and are very family oriented which the rest of the luxury cruise lines are not). If you speak German or enjoy being in an environment where most people do (and with only a small number of English speakers - aside from the crew), it may be a fit for you. We simply would not sail on a ship that is family oriented and has mostly non-English speakers. This "may" (emphasis on may) be the reason why people that read Cruise Critic aren't that excited about Europa. After all, while this site is read worldwide, most posters are from North America (followed by the U.K. and Australia).

 

In terms of Oceania - even the CEO of the parent company does not consider Oceania to be a luxury cruise line. IMO, Oceania, Azamara and Viking Ocean are a step down from a luxury cruise line but are a better value and will meet the needs of many. My personal belief is that Cruise Critic makes things more difficult for cruisers when they mix luxury and premium cruise lines. It is my understanding that the luxury cruise lines that are "recognized" by U.S. and Canadian passengers are (in alphabetical order), Crystal, Regent, Seabourn and Silversea. There is also a small yacht type ship whose name won't come to mind that is considered by many to be luxury (not Windstar).

 

In terms of Berlitz, that is so last century (I couldn't resist saying that).:evilsmile:

 

 

Think you are thinking of Seadream

 

 

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[calliopecruiser]

1- Size of ship (less than 800 passengers)

 

2- Cabin (cabins start at suite level)

 

3-All inclusive (all beverages and tipping)

 

4-Service (impeccable-trained staff)

 

 

 

These are the basic criteria for 6 star cruise line

 

Regent, Seabourn, Silversea

 

 

 

5 1/2 star cruise lines

 

Azamara, Crystal, Oceania, SeaDream Yachts

 

 

I disagree with your criteria. In fact, the only one of the four I think is true is the last two. The size of the ship is not the same as number of passengers........I think density and ratio of crew to passengers is more important than specific numbers. A ship of 700 passengers with a dearth of public space would not qualify as 6* in my opinion. Even a small number of passengers can be too crowded. As for suite level cabins as the smallest.....that could mean anything. Size may be important, but calling it s "suite" is meaningless. In fact, Silversea, which you listed, may call their entry accommodation a suite, but they're really not suites. Having a "seating area" does not make for a suite.

 

 

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[English Voyager]

As usual, I strongly agree with Keith and with Bill. I truly do not understand why Europa I and II keep coming up. Yes - from what I have read, they are luxury (but not inclusive and are very family oriented which the rest of the luxury cruise lines are not). If you speak German or enjoy being in an environment where most people do (and with only a small number of English speakers - aside from the crew), it may be a fit for you. We simply would not sail on a ship that is family oriented and has mostly non-English speakers. This "may" (emphasis on may) be the reason why people that read Cruise Critic aren't that excited about Europa. After all, while this site is read worldwide, most posters are from North America (followed by the U.K. and Australia).

Having met Americans, Australians, and English on my various cruises on the Europa 2 there are native English speakers who are prepared to step outside the Regent/ Seabourn/ Silversea circle.

 

Yes the Europa 2 does cater for children, but the supervision by the staff in the Children's Club is excellent, and the children's use of the pool is confined to two set sessions per day.

 

Children dine in the back of the Yacht Club self service restaurant, and have minimal impact on other passengers.

 

For me 'all inclusive', or 'drinks inclusive' does not define a luxury cruise line.

 

If I stay in a 5* hotel, I don't expect it to be inclusive, and the fact that it is not does not detract from the luxury status.

 

For me, travelling independently through Europe, and being surrounded by locals has been a highly enjoyable part of my holidays.

 

So cruising on the Europa 2 has been no less enjoyable.

 

At the end of the day one's choice of cruise ship is determined by one's personal criteria for an enjoyable cruise.

 

The fact that the Europa, and Europa 2, may not fulfil those criteria does not detract from their luxury rating, nor warrant their exclusion from any discussion on luxury cruise Lines.

[UPNYGuy]

Having met Americans, Australians, and English on my various cruises on the Europa 2 there are native English speakers who are prepared to step outside the Regent/ Seabourn/ Silversea circle.

 

 

 

Yes the Europa 2 does cater for children, but the supervision by the staff in the Children's Club is excellent, and the children's use of the pool is confined to two set sessions per day.

 

 

 

Children dine in the back of the Yacht Club self service restaurant, and have minimal impact on other passengers.

 

 

 

For me 'all inclusive', or 'drinks inclusive' does not define a luxury cruise line.

 

 

 

If I stay in a 5* hotel, I don't expect it to be inclusive, and the fact that it is not does not detract from the luxury status.

 

 

 

For me, travelling independently through Europe, and being surrounded by locals has been a highly enjoyable part of my holidays.

 

 

 

So cruising on the Europa 2 has been no less enjoyable.

 

 

 

At the end of the day one's choice of cruise ship is determined by one's personal criteria for an enjoyable cruise.

 

 

 

The fact that the Europa, and Europa 2, may not fulfil those criteria does not detract from their luxury rating, nor warrant their exclusion from any discussion on luxury cruise Lines.

 

 

And this is EXACTLY where one's own personal preference comes into play.

 

 

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[paul1439]

Having met Americans, Australians, and English on my various cruises on the Europa 2 there are native English speakers who are prepared to step outside the Regent/ Seabourn/ Silversea circle.

 

Yes the Europa 2 does cater for children, but the supervision by the staff in the Children's Club is excellent, and the children's use of the pool is confined to two set sessions per day.

 

Children dine in the back of the Yacht Club self service restaurant, and have minimal impact on other passengers.

 

For me 'all inclusive', or 'drinks inclusive' does not define a luxury cruise line.

 

If I stay in a 5* hotel, I don't expect it to be inclusive, and the fact that it is not does not detract from the luxury status.

 

For me, travelling independently through Europe, and being surrounded by locals has been a highly enjoyable part of my holidays.

 

So cruising on the Europa 2 has been no less enjoyable.

 

At the end of the day one's choice of cruise ship is determined by one's personal criteria for an enjoyable cruise.

 

The fact that the Europa, and Europa 2, may not fulfil those criteria does not detract from their luxury rating, nor warrant their exclusion from any discussion on luxury cruise Lines.

 

All inclusive does matter with 6 star ratings. Upscale travelers like the idea if they want a drink they can have one if they don't they have the option. There is a big difference between hotel rooms on land vs cabins on a cruise line. Every foot on a ship matters. Hotels you have many choices and cruise ships you are captive passenger.

[English Voyager]

All inclusive does matter with 6 star ratings. Upscale travelers like the idea if they want a drink they can have one if they don't they have the option. There is a big difference between hotel rooms on land vs cabins on a cruise line. Every foot on a ship matters. Hotels you have many choices and cruise ships you are captive passenger.

 

My reference to a 5* hotel made no mention of room size.

 

It was to the fact that an absence of inclusivity did not detract from an hotel's luxury rating.

 

I would suggest that the Europa 2 in offering 19,000 bottles of wine covering 450 varieties, and 250 varieties of spirits, including over 37 varieties of gin, would appeal to the most upscale of upscale travellers.

[wripro]

There is no doubt that Europa 2 is a luxury cruise line even though they do not include alcohol. Conversely, there is no doubt that Azamara is not a luxury cruise line even though it does include some alcohol. This board on CC does not seem to want toad knowledge that.

[paul1439]

There is no doubt that Europa 2 is a luxury cruise line even though they do not include alcohol. Conversely, there is no doubt that Azamara is not a luxury cruise line even though it does include some alcohol. This board on CC does not seem to want toad knowledge that.

 

Why isn't Azamara luxury cruise line?

[English Voyager]

Why isn't Azamara luxury cruise line?

 

According to the 2016 Berlitz Guide:

 

Azamara Journey (Europa 2):

 

Tonnage: 30277 (42830)

 

Total Cabins: 338 (258)

 

Entry Level Cabin: 151 (376.7)

(Sq.Ft)

 

Total Crew: 407 (370)

 

Passengers:676 (516)

 

Passenger Space Ratio: 42.7 (83.0)