ULTRA-DELUXE
The handful of lines who can deliver the true luxury experience. This is the preserve of the small, boutique-type ships who can deliver genuine 5-star service and style, and a few larger ships.

DELUXE
A wide-ranging category that covers some particularly well preserved liners and the most sophisticated of the large modern vessels. They all boast a 4-star touch in cuisine and service.

PREMIER
The new mass-market of cruising, a 4-star equivalent that features some of the most modern hardware and up-to-date developments.

SUPERIOR
Older ships that have been more thoughtfully maintained and up-dated to fit into this 3-star plus level, along with ships of more recent vintage that have been eclipsed by the modern breed of superliner.

STANDARD
The budget-minded entry level of modern day cruising. Equivalent to a 3-star hotel rating, the ships tend to be older, more traditional vessels that have been up-graded by various tour operators, plus classic liners still being operated by a number of lines.