All condoships (regardless of size) are rated based on the following general criteria as defined by NewCondoInvestor.com:

Dining Options

All ships have at least one restaurant for sit-down dining and a deli/snack bar for lighter meals. This rating is mainly based on the variety of dining options, outside of the resident’s condo or while in port.

5 – At least 3-4 high quality restaurants offering a variety of meal types. In-room dining (room service) and other private chef/catering options are available 24/7.

4 – At least 2 fine dining restaurants offering a variety of meal types. In-room dining (room service) may be available.

3 – At least one good quality restaurant available for most meals on board. In-room dining (room service) may not be available.

2 – Only one establishment available for meals.

1 – No or very limited dining options.

Entertainment

Most residential cruise ships are more laid back than their vacation counterparts with limited shows or other entertainment options. Usually longer stays in port allow residents to partake in shore excursions, shows, etc. However, some entertainment options should be available while at sea.

5 – Regular stage shows, concerts, movie theater, casino, live music/dancing, nightclub, etc..

4 – Live music/dancing, casino, nightclub, and occasional shows.

3 – Live music/dancing on occasion, nightclub, and/or a casino.

2 – Nightclub/bar and limited casino or movie theater, etc.

1 – No entertainment options

Variety of Floor Plans

Unlike building condo’s, ship designers are somewhat limited in the floor plans that can be offered. However, the more variety available the better. Also, the range of sizes available may be important to owners.

5 – At least 10 different floor plans plus wide range of sizes (e.g., small cabins to multiple bedroom suites)

4 – 8-10+ floor plans but with a limited range of sizes (e.g., all 1-2 bedrooms)

3 – 5-8 floor plan choices with a wide range of sizes

2 – 5-8 floor plan choices with limited range of sizes

1 – Less than 5 floor plan choices

Activities

This category differs from entertainment in that ‘activities’ require some involvement, such as tennis, golf, or educational lessons, etc.

5 – Wide range of activities available that appeal to a variety of ages, skill levels (physical and mental). May include unusual items such as rock climbing wall or astronomy, etc.

4 – Some variety of activities available of the types usually expected on board a cruise ship

3 – A few activities including both physical and mental/educational.

2 – Only special or occasional activities.

1 – No organized activities on board.

Pool/Fitness Facilities

A cruise ship almost always features a pool area and workout facility.  However, the value this brings can very depending on factors such as size, amenities, location in relation to most units, etc.

5 – Top of the line: the best you could expect. Multiple pools, state of the art equipment, on site staffed spa, and all facilities are steps from elevators/entrances to residences.

4 – Very good facilities. May not have all the features but does have 1 or 2 pools, attractive décor, on site staffed spa. Most features are easily accessible from the residences.

3 – Has a pool and fitness room. May not have a spa or have facilities available at all times. Some facilities may be inconveniently located for some residences.

2 – Basic pool and fitness room. No spa. May not be in a desirable location in relation to residences.

1 – No pool or fitness room. No other amenities.

On-Site Conveniences

As a resident on living on board for long stretches of time, docking at ports of call can provide access to some conveniences and necessities for day to day living. However, such things as on on-board convenience/grocery store, laundry service, business center, concierge, etc. are all useful.

5 – Significant number of amenities on-site. Almost all daily needs can be met without leaving the ship.

4 – Many amenities on-site. Most needs can be met using on-site facilities and services, particularly for short periods of time while at sea.

3 – Some on-site conveniences are available but some important ones may not be available or require added fees (dry cleaning pick up and delivery available for an extra fee, for example).

2 – Two or three basic services available on-site (e.g., concierge, business center).

1 – No conveniences on-site.

“Cool” or “Wow” Factor

This includes a name-brand or signature of national prestige (e.g, Arnold Palmer, Donald Trump, MGM Grand) is associated with the ship. The ship can represent a prestigious designer. Ship design is new and memorable (either palatial or striking contemporary), interior public spaces are exceptional. Residents could likely be celebrities, executives, world travelers, etc.

5 – The brand new ship stands out as one of the most memorable in the world. The design is distinct and striking—possibly one of the largest of its type. Developer/manager is famous for impressive properties. High-end materials and finishes. No expense spared in terms of public spaces, exterior décor, etc. Will travel the world.

4 – The brand new ship is memorable and distinct. Well-known developer. Design is distinctive with impressive public areas and mostly high-end materials and finishes. Will travel the world.

3 – Luxurious ship with upscale materials and finishes or unique design elements. Stands out as a good value. May be a remodeled existing cruise ship. May travel the world or stay in certain global locations.

2 – Comfortable ship. May have some distinct features. Materials and finishes of quality expected in upscale accommodations. Design is efficient. May remain located in specific global locations.

1 – Nothing distinctive. Comfortable, but may not reflect most upscale design or finishes. May not travel at all or very little. Essentially a floating hotel that may have been converted from an older cruise ship and caters mostly to occasional vacationing owners.

Note: Ratings for condominium buildings are based on different criteria. Find condo building rating details here.