Most ratings are designed on scales - a number of stars, a 1 to 10 scale, or other ways to determine high, medium, and low values. The best ratings scales will have many levels former passengers can choose from when rating their own voyages, and by looking at an average of those ratings from a certain period of time or over several voyages, interested passengers can see which aspects of the ship may appeal most to them and which may be warning signs. Different aspects of a cruise vacation that may be rated include:
- Overall value for the cruise price General customer service of all staff members Dining options in terms of variety and quality Cabin size, furnishings, and cleanliness Entertainment options and talent Spa programs, price, and selection Children's programs and features Itinerary length, punctuality, and diversity
Naturally, not all cruise lines or ships will be rated on the same features - Windstar cruises, for example, only offer very minor children's programs and passengers who have studied the cruise line prior to sailing aboard a Windstar ship would already be aware of this. Furthermore, Windstar's reputation as a more relaxed and openly friendly atmosphere would be rated accordingly - guests aboard Windstar vessels should expect courteous service, yes, but the lack of private concierge service and immaculate butlers should not be reflected in Windstar cruise ship ratings any more than a Carnival cruise ship would be rated lower because it does not have the wind-in-the-sails atmosphere of Windstar.
Before examining cruise ship ratings, then, passengers should have a general familiarity with the cruise line. It may be that by reading even basic descriptions of the line, prospective passengers may decide it is not the right sailing option for them, or they may become even more interested in trying out the unique features lines such as Windstar Cruises can offer.