CRUISELINE CATEGORIES

Mainstream

• The ships in this category are the largest afloat. They also carry the highest number of passengers.  
• The decor runs from glitz and glitter to nautical kitsch.  
• Staterooms range from inside cabins for three- to four-people to a variety of outside cabin configurations with and without balconies. Top-notch suites may or may not come with extra amenities.  
• Entertainment tends to be high-energy Las Vegas-style production shows, lounges and discos for dancing, and piano bars for quieter pursuits.  
• Large spas with fully equipped gyms, exercise rooms, and jogging tracks are as common as the multiple swimming pools and hot tubs.  
• Dining is generally shipboard traditional with two assigned seatings in the main restaurant. However, mainstream cruise lines are experimenting with variations of open-seating dining and alternative restaurant options that allow passengers to dine when and with whom they please. Choice is the key word, and there is always something to eat, either from 24-hour room service or a variety of locations. Food is often likened to banquet-style fare.  
• Service is friendly but not necessarily polished or overwhelming.  
• Ideal for families, these cruise lines offer some of the most extensive programs for children and teens.

Premium

• Ships tend to be newer mid-size to large vessels that carry fewer passengers and are more spacious.  
• Expect a glamorous subtle decor with toned-down colors and extensive art collections.  
• Staterooms range from inside cabins for three- to four-people and outside cabins with or without balconies, to suites with numerous amenities, including butlers.  
• In addition to traditional cruise activities, on-board lectures are common. Port talks often include history and cultural topics in addition to the usual shopping advice.
• Production shows are somewhat more sophisticated, and gentlemen hosts on some sailings keep single ladies dancing the night away.
• An exercise regime is a pleasure in the fully outfitted gyms and spas.
• Dining is traditionally two seatings. Casual alternative dining options are often available, as various cruise lines offer open seating at various specialty-dining venues (some may charge extra), along with bistros. High marks are afforded the quality cuisine and presentation.  
• Service is polished and unobtrusive.  
• Programs for children and teens are well run but not as comprehensive as those found on Mainstream vessels.

Passengers: Premium lines attract families, singles, and groups. However, in general the average age ratio will be higher on sailings longer than seven to 10 days.

Cruiselines: Celebrity, Holland America, Princess

Luxury  

caviar crowd. 

• Ships range from mega-yachts to mid-size vessels. Because of the limited number of passengers per sailing, space is abundant.  
• Tasteful and elegant surroundings might include, among other special touches, authentic antiques and priceless art collections.  
• Spacious staterooms are often termed all-suite. On the newest ships, suites feature an ocean view or balcony. Look for extra touches such as fine linens and freshly cut flowers. Some lines include complimentary in-suite bar setups for all categories, and butlers for guests in the exclusive top category suites.  
• Enrichment programs with celebrity and scholarly guest speakers and culinary classes augment traditional shipboard activities. Libraries are well stocked with books and videos.  
• Evening entertainment varies by ship size, from cabaret to stylish production shows.  
• Health clubs and spas are fully equipped and staffed with professionals. After jogging or a
  serious workout, guests can wind down with a swim or savor a relaxing soak in bubbling hot tubs.  
• Open seating is the standard, and guests dine where and with whom they please during restaurant hours. Top Cordon Bleu chefs are tapped for their culinary expertise in designing menus, using the freshest ingredients. Complimentary wines accompany meals on most lines.  
• Luxury cruise lines are usually inappropriate for children and teens. However, during high travel season (school breaks,summer, holidays) some luxury lines do offer organized children's activities.

Cruiselines: Oceana, SilverSeas