I agree, I can't see them including it as a major contributary factor to the star rating on the basis that most other cruise ships wouldn't have these facilities so wouldn't be able to achieve 5 stars either.
From memory even to the end of her days the 'grill class' consistently achieved 5 stars but the caronia and Mauretania slipped to lower ratings as a result of food changes and accomodation types an layout.
Jdl
If its any interest a 3 star rating for a land hotel requires a bigger jump to go to a 4 star, than from a 4 star to a 5 star.
To go to 5 star status such things as 24 hr hot food room service, size of reception area and how many bilingual staff are all must have requirements.
Gleneagles Hotel was at one stage the only 5star AA hotel l believe in scotland. And if my last visit is anthing to go by it wasnt 5 star service. I had to pour my own tea pot during afternoon tea with the sandwiches going hard round the edges, such a thing l never experienced on QE2, and l have had more than my fair share of aternoon teas on her, maybe l missed a few days in my travels but thats about all.
For what its worth, l have always found Mauretania to be an excellent restaurent, and have never had cause to complain there about anything. The wine waiters did always seem a bit busy mindyou...then again a smile and a please always did work wonders.