Comparing Ships

In order to compare cruise ships, you need to speak "ship talk." Vessels are generally described according to their passenger capacity, gross registered tonnage, passenger-to-crew ratio, and space ratio. A ship's passenger capacity is usually based on double occupancy, meaning the normal cruise complement of the vessel with two passengers in each cabin. This does not include third or fourth passengers in a cabin, which on some ships can greatly increase the total passenger count.

Voyager of The Seas, Costa Atlantica, Fantasy, Song of Norway

Gross registered tonnage is commonly used to measure a vessel's size. Technically, it is a measurement of the ship's volume, with 1 gross registered ton equal to 100 cubic ft.

Passenger-to-crew ratio indicates the number of passengers served by each crew member---the lower the ratio, the better the level of service.

Space ratio, the ship's tonnage versus its passenger capacity, allows you to compare a ship's roominess. The higher the ratio, the more spacious a vessel will feel. The roomiest ships have ratios of 40:1 or better; ships with ratios of less than 28:1 may feel cramped. Many of the new luxury ships are very spacious, with ratios of 55:1 or better.

The bigger the ship, the more stable it will be in any sea conditions. A moderate swell might send the smallest cruise ships rolling. That same swell might cause a little motion on a mid-size ship. On the big ocean liners, it wouldn't even be noticed.

But when choosing your cruise, the size of the ship isn't the only factor to consider. You also need to find out about the nature of the experience you will have---the lifestyle and activities available by day and after dark, the mealtime hours and dining-room dress codes, and how good the service is apt to be. Equally important are your itinerary, the accommodations, and the cost of the cruise.