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As people become more aware of so many choices for their vacations, cruising has started to gain popularity again. There are about a million people who take on these cruise getaways each year and they have their own stories to tell. For the first-timer, the planning could be a bit confusing and the various selections, overwhelming; this is why cruise ship ratings based on customers' comments and traveling gurus' reviews prove to be very helpful.

For those who are just starting to contemplate on a cruise vacation, a lot of published information on the Internet will be great guides if they know what to look for. The intended budget may vary and that will spell what class of cruise they can get. Travel agencies may have great recommendations but sometimes we can't help but become cynical about their intentions. We just assume that they want an immediate sale from us and they're pushing us into a cruise that they "claim" to be the best.

Since one cruise has so many special things up its sleeve for the passenger, a first-timer could easily get magnetized and jump at the first offer. Cruising is considered a very special type of vacation, and its costs are sometimes really expensive. For this reason, a lot of thinking should be put into action first before throwing away the hard-earned savings.

Who to depend on for recommendations

Before deciding, it would be best if the first-timer researches first. The Internet may be a big help and it could provide one with a background on the cruising options. The information available though, would be a bit compelling. A lot of reviews from blogs and websites of cruise ship enthusiasts are online but some may be too bias or commercialized. Many such ratings are also splattered on travel agencies' online booking sites but there isn't much information on hand to support them.

A personal visit to the travel agency is a good initial step too, but the reputation of that agency as well as the actual cruising experience of the agents should be totally considered. We can't tell if they just read up or they really went to such a cruise themselves. Some of these travel agents may just be order takers of the cruise companies for all we know.

There are at least 3 or 4 leaders in the cruising industry now and they are very reliable in terms of great experience in excellent service and accommodations. Check on them over the Internet or ask around. Check with people who have real cruise adventures and get first-hand feedback or personal ratings.

Well-known travel guides who have published books on cruising will be great references too.

Why depend on ratings

Ratings refer to a specific standardization scoring of establishments that offer service in hospitality, entertainment or dining. These are scores or flags that determine the level of appreciation of individuals or groups on certain aspects of customer service and amenities.

Cruise companies are rated based on their cruise ships. These companies compete head-to-head on providing their best facilities and excellent hospitality crew.