Small ships in Europe are the
big winners in the latest ratings
of the world’s cruising industry.
THE best value cruises will be found next
year in the Mediterranean and Northern
Europe, according to Douglas Ward, author of
the Berlitz ‘Complete Guide to Cruising &
Cruise Ships 2012’, released on the weekend.
Overcapacity in the region is certain to lead
to massive discounting, he predicts.
Ward also maintains that Hapag-Lloyds’
Europa is the best ship in the world, scoring it
higher than the 284 other vessels reviewed in
his new book.
Its 12th consecutive year in the top spot and
the only ship given a ‘5-star-plus’ award,
Europa is ranked above Seabourn Quest and
Seabourn Odyssey in the small ship category
(200-600 passengers).
In the boutique class (50-200 passengers),
Seadream II and Seadream I (two points apart)
come first and second, followed by Hapag-
Lloyd’s Hanseatic in third.
Crystal Cruises’ Crystal Serenity reigns over
the mid-size ships (600-1,600), with Crystal
Symphony and Oceania’s new Marina tied in
second position.
Vessels were assessed on service and crew,
entertainment, furnishings, restaurants and
the overall cruise experience.
Ward has more than 45 years of experience
and spends up to 200 days a year aboard
cruise ships, but he has been criticised by
some in the industry for losing relevance since
most people now cruise on large ships.
Ward groups all ships carrying over 1,600
passengers into one category and consistently
rates them lower than small ships.
The ‘Berlitz Guide is also available as an
iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch application.
