What would earn a 6 star rating ?

[trevor432990, East Sussex]

We've all heard of 4* or 5* star ratings for cruise ships as most publications use this classification to denote the perceived levels of service and facilities offered onboard but what in your opinion would a cruise ship or cruise line have to offer you in order for you to award it a 6* rating?

I've been struggling with this but here is my list of offerings which I think might earn that extra star:

1. Chauffeur driven car from my home to the port/airport/hotel and transfers
2. Fully inclusive of drinks, snacks and spa treatments
3. Broadband speed internet connection at sea and in port
4. Cinema with pre-bookable film titles
5. Sauna or steam chamber in the bathroom
6. Zeiss telescope fixed on balcony rail
7. Philips Senseo coffee machine in the cabin
8. Trouser press
9. Stopovers in port on every voyage
10. Daily activity schedule sent to your mobile phone

What would be on your list?

[jimtheoldsalt, felixstowe]

Forbid the use of mobile phones once on board.
Ship to stay at sea for the full length of the cruise.

Jim

[JVS, Cuddington]

Forbid the use of mobile phones once on board.
Ship to stay at sea for the full length of the cruise.

Jim

Are you having a bad hair day Jim?

[Wilba]

We've all heard of 4* or 5* star ratings for cruise ships as most publications use this classification to denote the perceived levels of service and facilities offered onboard but what in your opinion would a cruise ship or cruise line have to offer you in order for you to award it a 6* rating?

I've been struggling with this but here is my list of offerings which I think might earn that extra star:

1. Chauffeur driven car from my home to the port/airport/hotel and transfers
2. Fully inclusive of drinks, snacks and spa treatments
3. Broadband speed internet connection at sea and in port
4. Cinema with pre-bookable film titles
5. Sauna or steam chamber in the bathroom
6. Zeiss telescope fixed on balcony rail
7. Philips Senseo coffee machine in the cabin
8. Trouser press
9. Stopovers in port on every voyage
10. Daily activity schedule sent to your mobile phone

What would be on your list?

Apart from possibly 2 & 3, none of the above Trevor.

However,
Some foods cooked to order.
A strict dress code, be it Smart Casual, Formal or Semi Formal.
Quality Port Lectures aimed at tours and DIY alike with no reference to jewellery or carpet shops.
Interesting itineraries and ports that haven't been done to death.
Banning of Mobile Phone, Walkie Talkies and other irritating devices except when in port.
Afternoon Tea Cunard Style.
Gratuities Included.

[jimtheoldsalt, felixstowe]

Are you having a bad hair day Jim?

What hair I have got left is in very good condition ,thankyou very much

jim

[annie, Glasgow]

Trevor

Apologies for going slightly off topic, how do they classify 4 or 5 star??

One ship I sailed on was classified as 4.5 or 5 star. I would classify it as 2 or 3 star.

So could someone please explain the rating system.

Thanks

Annie

[trevor432990, East Sussex]

Trevor

Apologies for going slightly off topic, how do they classify 4 or 5 star??

One ship I sailed on was classified as 4.5 or 5 star. I would classify it as 2 or 3 star.

So could someone please explain the rating system.

Thanks

Annie

Hi Annie,

The source of reference for cruise ship rating tends to be Berlitz who produce a new guide annually. The criteria they use to decide is complex but has been described in the following article I found on this site http://www.cruise.co.uk/tailor-made-...erlitz-rating/. Hope this helps?

Trevor

[Malcolm, Essex]

Yes, as with any categorization this is always the initial problem of what criteria does one use.

I recall that Douglas Ward (Berlitz Cruise Guide) did not give MS Drutschland his top score because I think it had no jogging track, a small or no gym(?) and no balcony cabins. All other aspects of the ships were excellent.

However, owner Peter Deilmann sued Douglas Ward since he was not happy with the rating of ms Deutschland, thus Deilmann ships are no longer listed in Berlitz Cruiseguide.

I went on Marco Polo last year, paid about £50 pp, per night, and all aspects of the operation exceeded my expectations. I gave my review five stars, but she's not a 'five star' operation using the conventional criteria.

[dst87, Falkirk]

1. Philips Senseo coffee machine in the cabin

Having tried most of the market, I would say that the best capsule-based espresso system is the Nespresso system.

Either that or have an integrated fully automatic bean-to-cup machine in each room.

[Mrs M]

For the ship itself, ignoring transfers/flights etc:-


All suite ship with balconies.
Food the quality and variety of the 'off the menu' QG standard
All inclusive of really decent wines, spirits, excellent coffee and soft drinks etc
I suppose a butler would have to be a requisite
Free laundry
Free wifi
Adherence to dress code and all other little niggles like sun bed hogging etc
One meal sitting at a time to be determined by the table [I don't like free style dining] and various other venues to eat if required
Enrichment programme of quality

Some may say inclusive tours but as we don't get off the ship sometimes, I wouldn't want to pay for a tour 'not taken'.

[Malcolm, Essex]

Duncan, on a luxury cruise one is not supposed to have to make ones own coffee. The Butler (if you can afford on) on room service bring ones coffee to one.

Likewise a serving ones self in a 'self-service' buffet is not really satisfactory.

Duncan, when you are on-board the QM2 avoid 'Kings Court' (the buffet) and opt for lunch in the Britannia dining room. There you will be served by a waiter, like a man of your standing should be!

Also don't miss the afternoon tea in the Queens Room.

[annie, Glasgow]

Hi Annie,

The source of reference for cruise ship rating tends to be Berlitz who produce a new guide annually. The criteria they use to decide is complex but has been described in the following article I found on this site http://www.cruise.co.uk/tailor-made-...erlitz-rating/. Hope this helps?

Trevor

Thanks Trevor

Annie

[Mrs M]

Duncan, on a luxury cruise one is not supposed to have to make ones own coffee. The Butler (if you can afford on) on room service bring ones coffee to one.

Likewise a serving ones self in a 'self-service' buffet is not really satisfactory.

Duncan, when you are on-board the QM2 avoid 'Kings Court' (the buffet) and opt for lunch in the Britannia dining room. There you will be served by a waiter, like a man of your standing should be!

Also don't miss the afternoon tea in the Queens Room.

Now there I would have to disagree I'm afraid.

I have been to some fabulous hotels where the lunch time seafood buffet was unbelievable...and yes, one served oneself!

So my 6* cruise line would have a lunch time buffet for those who wanted it.

[History Addict, Alfreton]

A concierge service would be a nice addition arranging and advising on independent travel in ports. I saw a post recently saying Azamara had thi in each port, which is a nice touch.

[Mrs M]

A concierge service would be a nice addition arranging and advising on independent travel in ports. I saw a post recently saying Azamara had thi in each port, which is a nice touch.

I agree HA. I forgot to include a concierge service as I assumed most 5* ships already have them so I took it as read they would be part of the staff.