paul1439

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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You are misinformed about suites. There is not a cruise line in the world that has any cabins starting at 275 sq ft and doesn't call this size a suite and this doesn't include a veranda. Size is everything on a ship. Amount of passengers does mean everything because the ratio to passengers is always around 2 to 1 or less and these are your 6 star cruise lines.

Ritz-Carlton ship looks like the new Scenic Eclipse but a little longer. Scenic Eclipse debuts Aug 2018.

wripro you didn't answer Travelcat2 question?

Travelcat2 I do agree with you about luxury cruise lines but Crystal in my opinion doesn't fall into this category. Crystal cabins start at outside cabins not suites and they have over 1,000 passengers. The big three largest ship carry over 500 passengers. Crystal has great reputation for having the best food and service of all cruise ships but this alone doesn't make it with the big three. I am a big advocate of the star system. I believe the star system will take the guess work on what ships are ultra luxury, luxury and premium cruise lines. But in order to determine what makes a cruise line 6, 5 or 4 star they must have certain standards for each star determination. I believe a 6 star ship must start with all suite cabins not outside cabins. The number of passengers is a major consideration less is better. The food must be gourmet type somewhat.The service must be impeccable with crew never saying no or we can't do that and the ratio crew to passenger 2 to 1 or less. I have been on 50+ cruises from 4 star to 6 star in my opinion. The bottom line there must be some type of standards to take the guess work out of choosing a cruise line for their family.

I don't agree with the big four. I agree the with big three not Crystal. Most cruise reviewers are going with the star ratings. On the big three there suites start around 250 -300 sq ft. without a balcony. Crystal starts with 206 sq ft. and Sea Dream start at 195 sq ft. This is one example the difference in 5 1/2 or 6 star cruise line. I don't understand the difference between big four vs yachting. Scenic Eclipse is coming out in Aug 2018 and it's in direct competition with the big four or three for example suite size starting with suite size 345 sq ft. with balcony.

Ricky Chan

I did book the Eclipse for Nov 16, 2018. Are the paper brochures out for the public?

wripro

Most reviewers do use star system ratings. Just like in consumer reports they use the same system circle or stars same thing.

English Voyager

Try looking looking at there ratings system? See how they come up with their percentages for each category. If you are a season cruiser you would not agree with their system.

Bodogbodog

Berlitz guide to cruising is one of most inaccurate reviewer. Go to YOU TUBE and type in Berlitz guide to cruising.

Check out this brand-new Luxury cruising article from Cruise Critic:

 

7 Things to Know About the Cheapest Luxury Cruise Cabins

I agree 100% with your article. The only problem I have you keep saying Crystal, Regent and Silversea in the same category. This is not true. Yes Crystal is a luxury cruise line (5 1/2 stars) Regent and Silversea are ultra luxury cruise lines (6 star). There is two main differences, 1st passengers and 2nd cabin size. 6 star cruise lines are under 900 passengers and cabin size start at 290 sq ft. There must be standards in the cruise industry.

Searched the boards and there's only a small handful of threads about the upcoming Scenic Eclipse for 2018.

 

My mother and I had a cruise booked on Regent Explorer this past October but had to cancel 2 days prior due to a medical emergency. None of the 2017 itineraries had the same feeling of "magic" to us as the one we'd been booked on, so we're awaiting the release of 2018 deployment.

 

For the longest time, I've only had eyes for Explorer. However, after studying up on Eclipse, I can't help but be torn. From the renderings, it does look like it will be quite incredible. And taking into account the only Eclipse itinerary we're interested in through 2019 only has one suite still available, it's making the decision difficult — go ahead and book the Eclipse? Or wait for Explorer deployment and risk losing the Eclipse sailing?

 

My gut is telling me to go with the Eclipse. But my head is reminding me how long I'd eagerly anticipated the Explorer.

 

Just curious what some opinions are here. Do you think the Eclipse will truly be the luxury cruising game changer they claim it will?

I just booked the Scenic Eclipse for Nov. 16, 2018. Having been on Regent I just wanted to compare cruise lines.

If your itinerary consist of Arctic or Antarctica it's a no brainier. Eclipse would be my choice because this mega yacht was built for the Arctic and Antarctica. This ship is built with two hulls. This ship also has on board two helicopters and a submarine along with 12 zodiacs and kayaks.

I did some research on the scenic Eclipse. This ship is the first new yacht built for cruising. There is some cruise lines that have a refurbished yachts like Crystal and Sea Dream. This yacht is so unique in design inside and out. This ship will be in competition with the six star cruise lines. The only downside is the Eclipse itineraries. Example for 8 days 1 stop or 14 days 1 stop. These are not transatlantic crossings. They have to fix their itineraries.

I forgot to mention I just booked a suite on the new Scenic Eclipse for Nov. 16, 2018.

Crystal and Sea Dream fall into the luxury category as well. The others do not, no matter how often CC tries to pass them off as such.

They absolutely do fall into that category. When the cruise industry starts to set some standards there will always be different opinions on luxury cruise lines 51/1 stars and the ultra luxury cruise lines 6 stars.

Oceania, Viking, Azamara, Crystal, Sea Dream are luxury cruise lines but are 5 1/2 stars. While Regent, Seabourn, Siliversea are ultra luxury cruise lines that are 6 star.

My post had nothing to do with a Berlitz review.

 

Berlitz was quoting statistics re the Azamara Journey, and the Europa 2.

 

If those statistics are factually inaccurate then kindly post a link to a site that corrects them.

youtube.com then type in search Berlitz cruise guide

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)

Berlitz is one of the worst reviewers of cruise lines. Go to you tube and type in Berlitz cruise review. Berlitz rating guide on how they rate cruise ship is one of the most inaccurate rating system in the industry.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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?

In it's ranking of 'The World's Top Ten Cruise Lines', cruisetruth.com places:

 

# 1 – HAPAG LLOYD – EUROPA 1 & 2

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.

Very well said Keith.

 

Size and perks are certainly not everything.

Impeccable service and food for us on Crystal have become more important to us than our double the size suite on another line which the OP claimed to be in the same category. To us it is not!

 

Enjoy Paris.

Size and amenities are everything to upscale travelers.

In the end, it all comes down to your own opinion.

 

Interestingly enough I rarely see the words "six star" used by most reviewers/writers of cruise lines other then from the actual cruise line. That probably tells you something.

 

We all have our own opinion on what makes a cruise line or even a ship luxurious, etc.

 

And all ships that sail a cruise line are not equal nor are all aircraft of an airline, nor all hotel properties of a brand.

 

By the way, all rooms on a cruise line are not the same and that can make a difference as to the overall experience for some.

 

Do you know the training that the staff of each cruise line has in place. I would tell you that some of the cruise lines on your list for six star over the years have saved quite a bit of money by hiring people at lower salaries. I don't want to get into specifics but I have sailed some of the lines on your six star list that have staff that clearly have not had thorough training such as sommelier's in name only who pour wine but don't really know what they are serving and waiters who clearly are not comparable to many who we have had on other cruise lines or on land who provide a level of service far greater then what we experienced.

 

Your list is pretty objective and not based on a lot of facts.

 

What exactly is a suite? I have stayed in suites and all suites are not the same.

 

Ship size? Why 800 as a cutoff?

 

Inclusive beverages and tips. Why is that six star? Don't get me wrong it's nice that it is included in the cruise fare but that alone doesn't make a cruise ship/line luxury. Does pouring bottles of wine that cost $10.00 really luxurious and six star. Think about it. And yes an opinion but I have sailed on lines not on your six star list that pour wines that are quite a bit more pricey then some on your list.

 

Service. How do you define impeccable service. I'll mention another example. I have sailed one of the cruise lines on your list who feature butlers. Trust me I have had far better butlers on other cruise lines/ships and that even includes Celebrity Cruise Lines.

 

There is a saying that I quote often and that is simply the opinion that counts the most is our very own.

 

In the end, we each will define what we consider luxury using our own terms/priorities.

 

As to six star, five star, etc. to me that is all marketing. It certainly is not fact based IMHO.

 

Keith

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.

With regard to the smoking policy on the Europa 2, according to Hapag-Lloyd Cruises website it is:

 

 

,All the restaurants are non-smoking restaurants with the exception of the terrace of our Yacht Club Restaurant, where smoking and non-smoking tables are clearly labelled. The theatre, the Belvedere, the Foyer and the Jazzclub, as well as the entire SPA area are also non-smoking areas. Smoking is permitted on the outer terrace of the Sansibar, while the indoor area of the Sansibar is a non-smoking zone. Cigars, cigarillos and pipes may only be smoked in the Herrenzimmer (also during the day) and in the outside area of the Sansibar. Please note that smoking is not permitted in the suites. Smoking is permitted on the veranda. On the Pool Deck under the magrodome, smoking is only permitted in the immediate vicinity of the Pool Bar. All external decks are smoking zones. Smokers are obliged to exclusively use the ashtrays provided.'

There smoking policy is not enforced on Europa.