Size

• You can't compare giant bears to birds. The same is true of ships. Size matters, when it comes to your cruise experience because it determines ambiance and amenities and the type of passengers with whom you'll be vacationing. Big ships have more features, but smaller ships offer more personalized service. Some cruise lines specialize in a certain size ship, but a few offer a range of sizes. For example, the Princess lines operates the 3,080-passenger "Crown Princess," the 1,970-passenger "Island Princess" and the 710-passenger "Royal Princess." "Oasis of the Seas," owned by Royal Caribbean, is the largest ship operating, as of 2011, with a capacity of 5,400 passengers. Luxury lines such as Seaborne and Silver Seas have ships ranging from the larger 450-passenger "Seabourn Odyssey" to older ships for 208 to 388 passengers.
  
  

Amenities

• A ship's amenities typically refer to the features it has such as the number of restaurants, spa services and activities on board such a nightclub and casino. Most ships have these basics covered, but some ships go the extra mile with extraordinary features such as an ice skating rink and rock climbing wall. For example, Royal Caribbean's "Voyager-Class" series of ships focuses on a range of amenities, including miniature golf, ice and in-line skating, and zip-lining with a 200-foot rock climbing wall.
  
  

Cuisine

• Each cruise ship offers an abundance of food, but the quality and level of preparations can vary dramatically. If you care about quality, preparation and nutrition, compare ship cuisines before booking. Food on many ships is often prepared from frozen ingredients and reflects a mass-produced banquet rather than restaurant quality. According to Doug Stillings, a travel editor for Fodor's, some ships offer better quality food at nearly the same price as others with lesser quality. Stillings says more upscale lines, such as Holland America, are "a definite step up." He noted that the soups were made from mostly fresh ingredients and fresh berries were still being served at the end of the cruise he took.
  
  

Price and Value

• When comparing cruise ships, compare the pricing structure for food and amenities. Some offer an all-inclusive approach, while others charge separately for certain restaurants, alcoholic drinks and shore excursions. Ask questions about exactly what is included on your ship, and make sure it is clearly stated in writing.